Engraved Aluminum Hardhat "Thinning the Trees"

We are thrilled to exhibit this Artifact of the Month poll winner, selected by our museum visitors! This aluminum hard hat began as a purely utilitarian object, but folk artist and former Plumas County timber faller Robert “Bob” Saari transformed it into a work of art. Through meticulous engraving, he created an intricate scene of loggers at work, thus creating a work of art he titled “Thinning the Trees”, a reference to the task depicted in the image.  

The hard hat was donated to the Museum in 2015 by Edward Ehlers, who received it as a retirement gift after 20 years as the Executive Director of the Associated California Loggers. Over the course of his career, Ehlers was deeply involved in forestry, serving as the Deputy Director of the Department of Navigation and Ocean Resources, where he oversaw the Division of Forestry, and as past President of the National Council of Forestry Association Executives.

While engraved hard hats may seem unusual to some, they are a longstanding tradition among builders, engineers, city employees, construction workers, and those in the timber industry. This personalized keepsake symbolizes achievement, safety, and pride in one’s work.

Visit the Museum during the month of April to see this remarkable artifact in person. The craftsmanship and detail of the engraving truly deserve a closer look – and don’t forget to cast your vote for the next Artifact of the Month!