Keepsake print containing a rollicking view of members of the volunteer hose company racing their hose carriage around the corner from their firehouse at Tamany (i.e., Buttonwood) Street below York Avenue. Firefighters, most in gear, pull the carriage, run from behind the vehicle, and suit up in the entry to their firehouse. The house contains an iron-work verandah, and a tower from which a volunteer directs the company. Adjacent to the station house at the corner stands "Tamany Hall," an oyster house adorned in signage, including the name of proprietor "Jas. Griffiths" and street signs. The proprietor stands at his doorway, a server watches from outside, and a patron rushes out a rear entry. At the opposite corner, the grocery store of "Tunis O. Bancroft" stands. A female clerk stands in the doorway and merchandise displays, including brooms and buckets, line the storefront. The store owner, attired in an apron and top hat, stands out front, under an awning, and watches the commotion. Another hose carriage, ornately decorated, rests nearby in the street. A small toolbox, bucket, and sponge lie in the street next to the apparatus. View also shows the neighboring residential buildings on the block and around the corner. United States Hose Company was instituted on July 4, 1826 and incorporated on March 13, 1833. Baltimore held a Fireman's Celebration in cooperation with Washington D.C. in November 1851 that was attended by the United States Hose Company. The United States Hose Company hosted the Independent Fire Company of Baltimore during the 1852 Firemen's Parade in Philadelphia., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 808, LCP exhibit catalogue: Made in America #75., Wainwright retrospective conversion project, edited., Artist possibly James Queen., Trimmed. Lower edge containing title reattached., Firemen's Celebration
Date
[ca. 1851]
Location
Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *W436 [P.2237]
