1922 Illinois Highway Patrol Uniform

World War I surplus puttees, breeches, belts, caps, and a few pilot’s helmets were used by Illinois Highway Patrolmen under the leadership of the 1st director John Stack. The Museum has a pair of the boots worn during that time period.

A puttee is a long strip of cloth wound spirally around the leg from ankle to knee for protection and support. They provided protection while riding motorcycles. Breeches are pants, knickers, or shorts worn from the waist to just below the knee.