Description Worn softball belonging to Robert Francis Wallace. The softball has a screaming face drawn on the side with red and black markers.
Historical Notes Raised in Midwood in Brooklyn, Robert Wallace lived in Woodhaven, Queens, with his wife, Nancy. They had four children, ages 12 to 21. In the summer, Robert took the family fishing and horseback riding in upstate New York, where he spoke of moving and working as a sheriff after retiring from FDNY Engine Company 205. On September 11, Lieutenant Wallace responded to the towers. He was 43 years old.
Curator's Comment FDNY Lieutenant Robert Wallace’s preferred off-duty "uniform" was a well-worn pair of cutoff jeans, a favorite T-shirt, and a denim jacket. After more than 20 years of marriage, his wife, Nancy, could still remember being surprised at what Bob wore on one of their first dates. A softball glove was often part of his fashion statement. On the baseball diamond, Bob, known as the Hawk, played outfield for his firehouse. He enjoyed backyard games of catch with his friends and children, sometimes amusing them by tossing a softball on which he had sketched funny faces. HIDE