Description Canvas bolt bag, heavily soiled and distressed. The text on its face reads "Klein Tools Est. 1857 5416."
Historical Notes Local 40 ironworker Robert Dennis wore this on his tool belt and used it to carry bolts.
Curator's Comment Robert Dennis spent 34 years with New York City’s Local 40 Ironworkers’ Union. On September 11, 2001, Dennis was on the Triborough Bridge working on renovations to its Bronx span when he saw the low-flying jet that subsequently crashed into the World Trade Center. He was dismissed from his job that day and told to go home. Like many other members of his trade, Dennis responded to the disaster scene, bringing his expertise in cutting and moving heavy pieces of steel.
Dennis worked at Ground Zero for six nights. Because work at Ground Zero involved demolition rather than building, he found little practical use for his tools, most of which are used for erecting structural steel.
In addition to using his ironworking skills, Dennis helped members of the New York City Police Department identify credentialed ironworkers among the many volunteers who had converged at Ground Zero wanting to help; many of them however, lacked the necessary skills and expertise for the hazardous site. HIDE