© Copyright 2025 - The Library Company of Philadelphia, 1314 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. TEL (215) 546-3181 FAX (215) 546-5167
For inquiries, please contact our IT Department
- Title
- Section of the fire plug used in Philadelphia
- Description
- Three sectional views of the fire plug showing an external view and views in the open and shut position at the "Ordinary Level of Pavement." Below is an explanation of the diagram signed Frederic Graff, Superintendent of Fairmount Waterworks, dated January 15, 1854. Explanation contains instructions on how to close and open the plug and mentions handling procedures for firemen. Procedures include "The Firemen are respectfully requested to screw the plug hard shut when they have finished using it that there may be no leakage through the valve D" and if frozen, "For the purpose of freeing this the firemen are recommended to carry in their lockers during winter a strong wench with a handle two and one half feet long.", Not in Wainwright., Key to parts of the plug printed below the image: A. is the Screw handle. B." " Frost rod. C. " " Frost pipe or waste. D. " " Plug valve. E. " " Valve rod. F. " " Plug case outside. G. " " Plug nut., Philadelphia on Stone, POSP 207
- Creator
- Rease & Schell, artist
- Date
- [1854]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department **BW - Machinery [P.8970.19]
- Title
- The Philadelphia Firemen's Anniversary Parade March composed for his brass band expressly for the occasion, arranged for the piano forte and respectfully dedicated to the Fire Department by Francis Johnson Philadelphia. [graphic] / Designed & drawn on stone by J. Queen ; P.S. Duval Lith.
- Description
- Sheet music cover. Wainwright originally dated ca. 1848., Wainwright retrospective conversion project., Select link below to view a digital image., Library Company of Philadelphia: Sheet music collection 8189.F., Historical Society of Pennsylvania:
- Creator
- Queen, James Fuller, 1820 or 21-1886 artist., creator
- Date
- 1837-1842.
- Location
- http://www.lcpgraphics.org/wainwright/W392.htm, Library Company of Philadelphia Print Dept. W392 [Sheet music 8189.F]
- Title
- [Specimen sheet of volunteer fire fighting vignettes]
- Description
- Specimen sheet containing seven volunteer fire fighting vignettes numbered 998-1004. Vignettes depict a fire hydrant (998); firefighters racing a horse-drawn steam engine and hand-drawn hose carriage down a city street; the anchor emblem of the Hope Fire Company (1000); a firefighter in his uniform of helmet, long coat, and boats holding a hose with smoke in the background (1001); coat of arms of Philadelphia (1002); firefighters racing a horse-drawn ladder truck down a city street (1003); and a firefigher using a ladder to rescue a woman and baby from a smoke filled window with a hose at his side. In 1870 Philadelphia passed an ordinance establishing a paid fire department., Title supplied by cataloguer., Possibly printed by Theodore Leonhardt., Not in Wainwright., Philadelphia on Stone, POSP 226, Gift of Manuel Kean.
- Date
- [ca. 1870]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department BW - Fires & Firefighting [P.8511.1]
- Title
- Near a fire. Say! Just hold this while I fetch another section, will you. (Likely?)
- Description
- One of a series of satires mocking the ineptitude of Philadelphia volunteer firefighters. Shows a volunteer, in full uniform, offering a flowing fire hose to an unsuspecting gentleman on a street corner. The gentleman whose hands are occupied with a cigar and a cane looks aghast at the firefighter. A woman watches the scene from the window of her dwelling. Additional streetscape, including a storefront, is visible in the background, Philadelphia on Stone., POS 253b, Retrospective conversion record: original entry, edited., Harrison & Weightman was a partnership between Henry G. Harrison and William N. Weightman., Variant of P.8970.12., Free Library of Philadelphia: Philadelphiana - The Fireman (Cartoons)
- Date
- c1858
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *BW - Fires and Firefighting [P.8970.13]
- Title
- Near a fire. Say! Just hold this while I fetch another section, will you. (Likely?)
- Description
- One of a series of satires mocking the ineptitude of Philadelphia volunteer firefighters. Shows a volunteer, in full uniform, offering a flowing fire hose to an unsuspecting gentleman on a street corner. The gentleman whose hands are occupied with a cigar and a cane looks aghast at the firefighter. A woman watches the scene from the window of her dwelling. Additional streetscape, including a storefront, is visible in the background., Philadelphia on Stone., POS 253c, Retrospective conversion record: original entry, edited., Harrison & Weightman was a partnership between Henry G. Harrison and William N. Weightman., Variant of P.8970.13., Free Library of Philadelphia: Philadelphiana - The Fireman (Cartoons)
- Date
- c1858
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *BW - Fires and Firefighting [P.8970.12]
- Title
- Near a fire. An awkward attachment
- Description
- One of a series of satires mocking the ineptitude of Philadelphia volunteer firefighters. Shows the volunteer in full uniform catching a male pedestrian in the hook of his ladder as he rushes past the gentleman on the sidewalk. The man shirks backward, his hat falling off, as the hook tugs at his coat collar. Streetscape, including the storefront of a stove business, is visible in the background. Also shows a fire hose sprung with leaks laying in the street., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 253b, Retrospective conversion record: original entry, edited., Harrison & Weightman was a partnership between Henry G. Harrison and William N. Weightman., Free Library of Philadelphia: Philadelphiana - The Fireman (Cartoons)
- Date
- c1858
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *BW - Fires and Firefighting [P.8970.9]
- Title
- The Weccacoe Engine Co.'s house and the reception of the United Fire Co. of Baltimore
- Description
- View showing Weccacoe Fire Company firefighters (left) welcoming the firefighters of the United Fire Company of Baltimore (right) in front of the three-story Weccacoe engine house on the 100 block of Queen Street in Southwark. An eagle surmounts the dormer-like addition on top of the building. The captains (including General Anthony Miltenberger, chief marshall of the Union Fire Co., center right), shake hands in front of the open engine house doors, behind which the faint outline of equipment is visible. Both companies wear uniforms. The Weccacoe firefighters wear long, belted jackets under red capes adorned with "Weccacoe W.E.S", and hats marked with "Weccacoe 1800" on the front and "FA" (Fire Association of Philadelphia) on the back. The United Fire Co. firefighters are dressed in red jackets with green lapels, green and gold hats labeled "Union" on the front, and brass belt buckles., Date supplied by duplicate in the collections of the Maryland Historical Society., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 824, James Fuller Queen was a volunteer firefighter with the Weccacoe Fire Company., Wainwright retrospective conversion project, edited.
- Creator
- Queen, James Fuller, 1820 or 21-1886, artist
- Date
- [ca. 1851]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department **W398 [6621.F]
- Title
- Good Will Fire Company of Philadelphia
- Description
- Fire company certificate containing vignettes depicting fire fighters extinguishing a blaze at the Union League of Philadelphia (burned September 7, 1866); the Good Will fire station; and a horse-drawn fire engine. Fire fighting equipment including a fire hat, a ladder, an axe, and other tools are drawn bundled together to form decorative elements on both sides. Pictorial elements are divided by a twisting fire hose. A company ambulance resting upon two intertwining American flags appears above the text., Not in Wainwright., Issued to William H. Urian on October 12, 1868. Signed by Lewis B. Heins, president, and John M'Cullough, secretary., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 319, Gift of Maxwell Whiteman., Free Library of Philadelphia: Philadelphiana - Fire Companies. FLP copy tinted with two stones.
- Creator
- Queen, James Fuller, 1820 or 21-1886, artist
- Date
- ca. 1867
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *Philadelphia certificates - Fires and fire fighting [6526.F]
- Title
- Mechanic Fire Engine Company
- Description
- Fire company certificate containing five vignettes: "The Old Engine House"; "View of Steamer" illustrating a steam-powered fire engine; "Race By Moonlight" depicting two groups of fire fighters pulling fire equipment racing down a city street; the new fire house located on Brown Street, east of 15th Street; and "Burning of Maguire's Mill" depicting fire fighters extinguishing a blaze at Maguire's planing mill on Ridge Road (burned October 12, 1870). Additional decorative elements include an eagle grasping a bundle of fire fighting equipment including a fire hose, ladders, and an axe; and two company fire hats., Not in Wainwright., Issued to John A. Supplee on April 6, 1871. Signed by Daniel R. Erdmann, president, and Edwin J. Cress, secretary., Duval and Hunter was a partnership between Stephen Orr Duval (P.S. Duval's son) and Thomas Hunter that lasted from P.S. Duval's retirement in 1869 until 1874., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 464
- Date
- ca. 1871
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department **Philadelphia Certificates - Fires and fire fighting [P.9303.12]
- Title
- Columbia Hose Co. of Philadelphia [membership certificate]
- Description
- Fire company honorary membership certificate containing vignettes depicting fire fighters racing a steam engine and hose carriage past Independence Hall; an exterior view of the Columbia Hose Co. station at Cherry Street above Seventh Street; and volunteers fighting a blaze with hoses, a steam engine, and ladder at the French & Richards drugstore at the N.W. corner of 10th and Market streets (October 3, 1865). Station view also shows the station dog, hose carriage, and pedestrian traffic, including a couple looking at a storefront display window of a neighboring building. Fire fighting equipment including a trumpet, ax, ladder, hose and belt are drawn bundled together to form side borders and decorative elements above the vignettes. Also contains, above the images, the company institution date "1806," American eagle and shield, the Roman numeral for 8, i.e., VIII; and the company motto "The Public Benefit Is Our Desire.", Issued to Charles Flowers "admitted to membership" March 4th, 1850 and "honor conferred" December 5th, 1866. Signed G.W. Taylor, President; William R. Fraley, Secretary., Company seal pasted on recto., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 146, Retrospective conversion record: original entry, edited., Free Library of Philadelphia: Philadelphiana - Fire Companies
- Creator
- Queen, James Fuller, 1820 or 21-1886, artist
- Date
- [ca. 1865]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *W46 [6531.F]
- Title
- Hope Hose and Steam Fire Engine Company [certificate]
- Description
- Fire company certificate containing six vignettes: views of the company's three fire stations (dating 1805, 1848, and 1865) including fire fighting vehicles and fire fighters in uniform; fire fighters pulling fire hoses on a sled; "Hope" depicted as a woman holding an anchor; and the sailing ship "Ariel." Architectural elements including columns and arches frame the scenes. Company was founded on August 17, 1805., Not in Wainwright., Issued to Robt. T. Gill on January 1, 1871., Contains seal of the company (blue) pasted on recto., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 358/359, Duval and Hunter was a partnership between Stephen C. Duval (P.S. Duval's son) and Thomas Hunter that lasted from P.S. Duval's retirement in 1869 until 1874., Gift of Maxwell Whiteman.
- Creator
- Bosch, A. H., lithographer
- Date
- ca. 1871
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *Philadelphia certificates - Fires and fire fighting [6528.F]
- Title
- Northern Liberty Fire Company. No. 1. Instituted May 1st 1756. Incorporated March 18th 1833
- Description
- View of the hand-powered Philadelphia-style fire engine of the fire company that operated from Front Street below Green Street. Engine contains double decker end-stroke hand pumpers. The compressor contains ornate detailing and is adorned with a plate depicting the figure of Liberty standing beside a pedestal adorned with the portrait of Washington. A trumpet hangs from the harness of the engine. Also contains a border with geometric details., Not in Wainwright., Philadelphia on Stone, POSP 154
- Creator
- Heiss, George G.
- Date
- [ca. 1855]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *BW - Fires and Firefighting [P.9943]
- Title
- United States Fire Co. of Philadelphia, Instituted 1811
- Description
- View of the hand-powered Philadelphia-style fire engine of the United States Fire Company that operated from Wood Street above Fourth. A firefighter, in uniform, and holding a trumpet stands with his back to the viewer next to the engine. His cape is labeled "United States." Engine contains double decker end-stroke hand pumpers and is adorned with an eagle ornament and a decorated compressor. Compressor contains plate depicting an American eagle with shield and is marked John Agnew Philadelphia No. 372. Print also contains a border with geometric details., Retrospective conversion record: original entry, edited., Philadelphia on Stone, POSP 260
- Creator
- Heiss, George G.
- Date
- [ca. 1860]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *BW - Fires and Firefighting [P.8970.36]
- Title
- Hope Hose Company. Instituted 1805
- Description
- View of the ornately decorated hose carriage of the company, also known as the Hope Hose and Steam Fire Engine Company, founded on August 17, 1805 by male residents living near Second and Pine streets. Ornamentations include silver plated bells; swan figurines; and a painted scene showing heavenly figures. Image surrounded by oval frame decorated with floral elements., Not in Wainwright., Philadelphia on Stone, POSP 112
- Creator
- Heiss, George G.
- Date
- [ca. 1855]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *BW - Fires and Firefighting [P.9942]
- Title
- Hope Hose & Steam Fire Engine Co. no. 2
- Description
- View of the fire engine built by Reaney, Neafie & Co. in 1858 for the hose and engine company founded on August 17, 1805 by male residents living near Second and Pine streets. Plates reading "Adopted Jan. 2nd, 1858, completed June 24th, 1858," and "Reaney, Neaey [sic] & Co.," and "Hope" adorn the unhitched engine., Not in Wainwright., Philadelphia on Stone, POSP 113, Gift of David Doret.
- Creator
- Heiss, George G., artist
- Date
- [ca. 1858]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *BW - Fires and firefighting [P.2008.35.5]
- Title
- At a fire. What boys may expect when they get in firemen's way
- Description
- One of a series of satires mocking the ineptitude of Philadelphia volunteer firefighters. Shows a volunteer, in full uniform, spraying a boy bystander in the face, instead of a crumbling, burning building, with a fire hose. Fire house is attached to a hand-pumper visible in the background. Also shows fire debris, a hose attached to a hydrant, other fire fighters attending the fire engine, and the storefront of "F. Adams.", Philadelphia on Stone, POS 253d, Harrison & Weightman was a partnership between Henry G. Harrison and William N. Weightman., Variant of P.8970.11., Free Library of Philadelphia: Philadelphiana - The Fireman (Cartoons)
- Date
- c1858
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *BW - Fires and Firefighting [P.8970.14]
- Title
- Good Intent Hose, Hook & Ladder Company of Philadelphia
- Description
- Fire company certificate containing a large central vignette of fire fighters with fire fighting vehicles in front of the State House in Philadelphia surrounded by six smaller vignettes depicting the company's three fire stations (dating 1804, 1848, and 1860); fire fighters battling blazes at T. Morris Perot's drug store (located on 600 block of Market Street, burned December 3, 1868) and at a block of rowhouses; and fire engines. Different era company firemen in uniform stand to either side of the central scene. At the top an eagle holds an empty oval frame and a bundle of fire fighting equipment including ladders, axes, and a bullhorn., Issued to Thaddeus L.Butcher [who] was duly elected a member...April 5th, 1859. Signed by W.B.R. Selly, president, and Frank Gallen, secretary., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 318/319, Duval and Hunter was a partnership between Stephen C. Duval (P.S. Duval's son) and Thomas Hunter that lasted from P.S. Duval's retirement in 1869 until 1874., Gift of Maxwell Whiteman., Free Library of Philadelphia: Philadelphiana - Fire Companies. FLP copy contains portrait photograph.
- Date
- ca. 1870
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *Certificates - Fires and fire fighting [6532.F]
- Title
- Washington Hose Company of Philadelphia [certificate]
- Description
- Fire company certificate containing vignettes depicting fire fighters arriving at a fire at J.F. [i.e. J.E.] Caldwell & Company's store at 902 Chestnut Street (burned January 14, 1869); the company fire station on Lombard Street, east of 11th Street; and fire fighters pulling a fire engine past University of Pennsylvania buildings on 9th Street. Fire fighting equipment including a fire hose, a ladder, an axe, a bullhorn and other tools are drawn bundled together to form decorative elements on both sides. A small oval photographic portrait of a fireman is pasted above the text., Not in Wainwright., Issued to William H. Taylor on January 6, 1871. Signed by David B. Baker, president, and Joseph J. Ryan, secretary., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 820/821, Duval and Hunter was a partnership between Stephen Orr Duval (P.S. Duval's son) and Thomas Hunter that lasted from P.S. Duval's retirement in 1869 until 1874., Gift of Maxwell Whiteman.
- Creator
- Bosch, A. H., lithographer
- Date
- ca. 1870
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *Philadelpia certificates - Fires and fire fighting [6530.F]
- Title
- Washington Hose Company of Philadelphia
- Description
- Fire company certificate containing vignettes depicting fire fighters arriving at a fire at J.F. [i.e. J.E.] Caldwell & Company's store at 902 Chestnut Street (burned January 14, 1869); the company fire station on Lombard Street, east of 11th Street; and fire fighters pulling a fire engine past University of Pennsylvania buildings on 9th Street. Fire fighting equipment including a fire hose, a ladder, an axe, a bullhorn and other tools are drawn bundled together to form decorative elements on both sides. A small oval portrait of George Washington adorns the top., Not in Wainwright., Issued to William G. Myers on April 6, 1871. Signed by David B. Baker, president, and [Joseph J. Ryan], secretary., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 820/821, Duval and Hunter was a partnership between Stephen Orr Duval (P.S. Duval's son) and Thomas Hunter that lasted from P.S. Duval's retirement in 1869 until 1874.
- Creator
- Bosch, A. H., lithographer
- Date
- ca. 1870
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *Certificates - Fires and fire fighting [P.9303.11]
- Title
- At a fire. What boys may expect when they get in firemen's way
- Description
- One of a series of satires mocking the ineptitude of Philadelphia volunteer firefighters. Shows a volunteer, in full uniform, spraying a boy bystander in the face, instead of a crumbling, burning building, with a fire hose. The fire hose is attached to a hand-pumper visible in the background. Also shows fire debris, a hose attached to a hydrant, other fire fighters attending the fire engine, and the storefront of "F. Adams.", Philadelphia on Stone, POS 253d, Retrospective conversion record: original entry, edited., Harrison & Weightman was a partnership between Henry G. Harrison and William N. Weightman., Variant of P.8970.14., Free Library of Philadelphia: Philadelphiana - The Fireman (Cartoons)
- Date
- c1858
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *BW - Fires and Firefighting [P.8970.11]
- Title
- Hope Hose and Steam Fire Engine Company
- Description
- Fire company certificate containing six vignettes: views of the three company fire stations (dating 1805, 1848, and 1865) including fire fighting vehicles and fire fighters in uniform; fire fighters pulling fire hoses on a sled; "Hope" depicted as a woman holding an anchor; and the sailing ship "Ariel." Architectural elements including columns and arches frame the scenes. Company was was founded on August 17, 1805., Not in Wainwright., Contains seal of the company (red) pasted on recto., Issued to Ben. Franklin, Jr. on March 15, 1871., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 358/359, Duval and Hunter was a partnership between Stephen C. Duval (P.S. Duval's son) and Thomas Hunter that lasted from P.S. Duval's retirement in 1869 until 1874., Free Library of Philadelphia: Philadelphiana - Fire Companies. FLP copy in poor condition.
- Creator
- Bosch, A. H., lithographer
- Date
- ca. 1871
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department **Philadelphia certificates - Fires and fire fighting [P.9289]
- Title
- The old Phila. fire department. Period of 1850. The great engine contest on Sunday evening July 7th 1850 at 5th & Market sts
- Description
- Arousing scene after the memory of Spieler showing the city's volunteer fire companies battling the July 7, 1850 fire at Peter Wright & Sons glass store on the north side of the 500 block of Market Street. Shows firefighters, in full uniforms, congesting the street around the market houses and in front of the burning building. Members, including an African American firefighter, from the United States, Vigilant, Diligent, Southwark, Pennsylvania, Weccaco, Liberty, and several other companies battle the blaze using hand pump engines and hose carriages. The men run and connect hoses, transport the vehicles, and spray streams of water at the smoking building that also contains the businesses of Hieskell, Hoskins & Co., dry goods and James Smith & Co., booksellers and publishers. Other firefighters pump the engines, blow trumpets, and stand on the roof of the storefronts. Several lines of hoses, several weighed down and or leaking water, criss cross in the street in the foreground. Clusters of spectators, including men, women, and children gather near the firefighters and under the market sheds. Also shows the neighboring buildings on the block, including Pennington's Merchants Dining saloon, which sounded the first alarm bell., Not in Wainwright., Copyrighted by Chas. H. Spieler., Philadelphia on Stone, POSP 250, Historical Society of Pennsylvania: Bc 814 S 753. HSP copy contains handbill describing the provenance of the scene. Transcription of handbill included with LCP copy of print., Free Library of Philadelphia: Oversize - Philadelphiana - Fire Companies
- Creator
- Sched, H., artist
- Date
- c1882
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department **BW - Events [P.9504.5]
- Title
- View of the United States Hose house & apparatus, Philadelphia To the Independent Fire Co. of Baltimore & the Franklin Fire Co. of Washington, this print is respectfully dedicated, (as a slight token of appreciation of their generous hospitality) by the United States Hose Co. of Philadelphia
- Description
- 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]
- Title
- Hibernia Engine House
- Description
- Front elevation of the proposed marble fronted fire station for the Hibernia Engine Company. Building adorned with lettering "Hibernia" above the frieze and date marker "1752" (i.e., the founding date of the volunteer company)., Not in Wainwright., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 352, Originally part of Charles A. Poulson's scrapbook of illustrations of Philadelphia., Hoxie & Button was a partnership between two Philadelphia architects, Joseph C. Hoxie and his brother-in-law Stephen Decatur Button that lasted 1848-1852. They also designed the Hope Engine Company building in Moyamensing in 1851.
- Creator
- Hoxie & Button, artist
- Date
- [ca. 1850]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department BW - Fires and fire fighting [(2)1525.F.12h]
- Title
- In commemoration of the great parade of the Philadelphia Fire Department October 16th 1865 Dedicated to the Philadelphia firemen and their visiting brethren
- Description
- Commemorative print containing a portrait of Chief Engineer David M. Lyle in uniform and three vignettes. Vignettes show an injured soldier being transported from an ambulance at the Citizens Volunteer Hospital; a horse drawn steam engine; and fire fighters battling a blaze with a steam engine. Also contains a list of over 100 regional fire companies who participated in the parade surrounded by a border designed as fire hoses extending from a fire hydrant. The 1865 parade was the greatest one in the history of the fire companies with near twenty thousand fireman processing nearly 20 miles from Broad Street. The men marched with decorated steam engines, hand pumpers, and ambulances., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 369, Free Library of Philadelphia: Philadelphiana - Firemen's Parades. FLP holds 2 copies, one is half-sheet., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook., Reaccesioned P.2272., Advertisement soliciting "Agents for Every Fire Co." to sell the print published in The Philadelphia Inquirer (October 13, 1865), p. 8.
- Creator
- Queen, James Fuller, 1820 or 21-1886, artist
- Date
- c1865
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *W181 [P.2272]
- Title
- Runn ing to a fire. A colision [sic]
- Description
- One of a series of satires mocking the ineptitude of Philadelphia volunteer firefighters. Shows the rushing volunteer jostling the stand of a female fruit peddler at a street corner. She looks in annoyance over her tipped fruit baskets and spilt bottle of refreshment as the firefighter rushes past, blowing the rallying trumpet call. Storefronts, including a drugstore, and a street lamp are visible in the background., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 253a, Retrospective conversion record: original entry, edited., Harrison & Weightman was a partnership between Henry G. Harrison and William N. Weightman., Free Library of Philadelphia: Philadelphiana - The Fireman (Cartoons)
- Date
- c1858
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *BW - Fires and Fire Fighting [P.8970.10]
- Title
- The Vigilant. Instituted Jany 2, 1760
- Description
- View of the hand-powered Philadelphia-style fire engine of the Vigilant Engine Company that operated from Race Street below Second Street. A firefighter, in uniform, and holding a trumpet stands next to the engine. His hat is adorned with the all-seeing eye and he wears a belt buckle labeled "Vigilant." Engine contains double decker end-stroke hand pumpers and is adorned with all-seeing eyes, ornamental details, and an ornate compressor. Print also contains a border with geometric details., Not in Wainwright., Philadelphia on Stone, POSP 265, Historical Society of Pennsylvania: Bc 832 V 683
- Creator
- Heiss, George G.
- Date
- [ca. 1855]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *BW - Fires and Firefighting [P.9944]
- Title
- Broad Street Independant [sic] Church, Philadelphia
- Description
- Exterior view of the First Independent Church, later renamed Chambers Presbyterian Church, built 1831 at the northeast corner of Broad and Sansom streets. Also shows a partial view of an adjacent building and pedestrian traffic. Pedestrians include a couple with a child and two men greeting one another. Also contains amateur ink-drawn and hand-colored modifications. Retouches show fire hoses in front of the buildings leading to firefighters using a hand-pumper to fight a blaze in the background. Some pedestrian figures also altered with firefigher hats and capes. The church, altered in 1853 to include a front portico, housed the independent congregation of Rev. John Chambers. Congregation admitted to the Presbytery in 1873., Inscribed on recto: S.A. Jackson; see p. 81., Title annotated with a slash through the "a" in "Independant.", Not in Wainwright., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 64, Originally part of a series of eleven scrapbooks compiled by Philadelphia antiquarian Charles A. Poulson in the late 1850s entitled "Illustrations of Philadelphia" volume 4, page 85. The scrapbooks contained photographs of 18th-century public, commercial, and residential buildings in the city of Philadelphia collected by Poulson to document the vanishing architectural landscape.
- Creator
- Town, E.
- Date
- [ca. 1850]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *BW - Churches and meetinghouses [(4)2526.F.85]
- Title
- Two of the killers
- Description
- View showing two outlandishly-attired members of the Philadelphia gang known as the "Killers" carousing on the street. One sits on a fire hydrant and the other leans against a lamp pole (posted with a "Sale" notice") at a street tenanted by a "Grocery" and adorned with broadsides. The men wear patterned pants, jackets with tails, oversized neck ties, and top hats. One also wears a pin adorned "K." They each have their hands in their pockets and smoke cigarettes. The grocery displays a barrel of brooms in addition to signs reading "Coffee Sugar Tea" and "Teas Coffee 5." The broadsides adorning the opposite building advertise "Auction this Evening" and "Circus The Old Man of the Mountain..... Dan Rice Clown." The playbill is illustrated with a scene of an equestrian trick. The "Killers," organized circa 1846, were a band of young men who menaced the Moyamensing neighborhood and were associated with the Moyamensing Hose Company and the Democratic Keystone Club., Date from Poulson inscription on recto: 1848., Wainwright suggests date of circa 1855., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 761, Wainwright retrospective conversion project, edited., Reproduced in Edwin Wolf's Philadelphia: Portrait of American city (Published by Camino Books in cooperation the Library Company of Philadelphia, 1990), page 199.
- Date
- [1848]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *W408 [P.2219]
- Title
- The Bergner & Engel Brewing Company, Philadelphia, Pa. [fire insurance survey]
- Description
- Site plan and perspective drawing of the brewery complex at 32nd and Thompson Streets detailing fire insurance characteristics. Includes ale and porter brewery; refrigerating houses; bottling establishment; shipping house; barrel shed; office building; and stables and carriage houses. Site plan includes adjoining businesses J & P Baltz Brewing Co.; H. Rothacker & Sons' Lager Beer Brewery; Henzler & Flach's Brewery; and F.A. Poth's Malt House., Survey no. 2247-2248., Philadelphia on Stone, POSP 16, Gift of Manuel Kean.
- Creator
- E. Hexamer & Son
- Date
- c1889
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department ***BW - Industries [P.8737]
- Title
- Philadelphia Hose Cos. steam engine Class no. 1. Throws 1 stream through 1 1/4 in. nozzle 210 feet_ or 2 streams, 7/8 in. nozzles, 175 feet each, wt 7,000 [lbs]. [Class] No. 2. Throws 1 stream through 1 1/8 in. nozzle 200 ft_ or 3 streams, 3/4 in. nozzles, 160 feet each, wt. 6,000 [lbs]. [Class] No. 3. Throws single stream through 1 in. nozzle, 200 feet, weight 5,000 [lbs]
- Description
- View of the "Pioneer" steam engine, the first steam engine commissioned by a Philadelphia fire company, completed in 1857 by Reaney, Neafie & Co. Engine is adorned with the makers plate dated 1856 and the name plate "Philadelphia No. 1". It is attached to a hose and a fire hydrant. Print also contains a simple border with geometric details. Philadelphia Hose Company was organized in 1803 and was also the first organization to utilize hoses of several hundred feet. By the mid-nineteenth century, the fire house was located at the southeast corner of Seventh and Filbert streets., Not in Wainwright., Date from Poulson inscription on recto., Philadelphia on Stone, POSP 181, Historical Society of Pennsylvania: Bc 832 P 544
- Creator
- Heiss, George G.
- Date
- [April 1858]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department **BW - Fires and Firefighting [P.8970.26]
- Title
- Destruction by fire of Pennsylvania Hall. On the night of the 17th May, 1838
- Description
- Exterior view of Pennsylvania Hall engulfed in flames. A large crowd looks on. Fire fighters spray water on an adjoining building. Pennsylvania Hall was constructed 1837-1838 at Sixth and Haines Streets in Philadelphia as a meeting place for local abolitionist groups. Dedication ceremonies began on May 14, 1838 and continued over several days in a climate of growing hostility. On the night of May 17, 1838, a mob stormed the Hall and set it on fire. Fire companies refused to fight the blaze, and the building was completely destroyed. Bowen issued this print commemorating the event within a few days of the fire., Title from item., Artist and publication information supplied by Wainwright., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 179, Gift of Mrs. S. Marguerite Brenner, 1984., Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021.
- Creator
- Wild, J. C. (John Caspar), approximately 1804-1846, artist
- Date
- [1838]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *W94 [P.9057.27]
- Title
- The White Turtle & the Red Crab of Philadelphia
- Description
- Showing the Northern Liberties Hose Company (White Turtle) and the Lafayette Hose Company (Red Crab) racing to a bonfire near Eastern State Penitentiary on July 25, 1852 during a weekend of fires throughout the city. Men from each company run side-by-side and pull the ropes hooked to their companies' hose carriages. One man from each company stands at the front of their crew and plays a bugle or yells at the team to push forward. Dogs and pigs run beside the companies, flee the scene, and get caught under the wheel of the hose carriage. Includes a view of the buildings along the street, showing people running in the distance and a sign reading "coal." The "winning" Northern Liberties Hose Company (White Turtle) had a fire house at New Market Street above Coates Street, just a few blocks from the "losing" Lafayette Hose Company (Red Crab) at Fourth Street above Brown Street. The hose companies often fought each other including at this "race" where a Northern Liberties member was stabbed., Title from item., Date inferred from content., Not in Wainwright., "Jonas" and "Priff" are pseudonyms., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 836
- Date
- [ca. 1852]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *BW – Fires & Firefighting [P.2008.34.17]
- Title
- The terrible conflagration at Ninth and Washington Streets, Philadelphia On the morning of Wednesday February 8th 1865
- Description
- Disaster print showing the scene at the "disastrous conflagration commenced in the storage yard [of Blackburn & Co.] at Ninth & Washington Street" in the early morning hours of February 8, 1865. In the foreground, displaced and panicked residents of all ages attired in their night clothes, many holding their few possessions, run down and gather on the snowy streets. Amongst the commotion, police officers assist residents with their possessions (trunks, bedding, and cookware) and direct firefighters toward the blaze and burnt ruins of and surrounding the coal yard. The firefighters transport a ladder, hoses, and hose carriage toward the burning buildings as other volunteers rush to smother a man on fire and comfort a fleeing girl. Others depicted at the scene include two men laying an unconscious man attired in a nightshirt on the ground; a man and woman clutching their children to their chests; and a woman falling and dropping her baby in her flight as a dog runs past them. In the background, a small number of survivors and firefighters carrying victims, run down the 1100 block of Ninth Street that is lined with burning and destroyed buildings. Across from the coal yard, presumably the proprietor, James McManus, holds a bundle, and prepares to exit the doorway of the "Lager Beer Saloon" on the northeast corner of Washington Avenue and Ninth Street. Furniture covers the sidewalk in front of his establishment, the upper floors visibly on fire., Also contains several lines of text explicating the economic and human cost of the fire, including "loss of property" at "$400, 000," the "property destroyed" at about "one hundred structures," and the "List of Dead and Missing - Mrs. Barbara Ware, aged 43 years. Miss Annie Ware, 23 years._Emma Ware, 20 year._Helen Ware, 13 years._Isabella Ware, 4 years._Rebecca Ware._Albert Ware, 17 years._Clayton Ware, 10 years._The Scott Family is missing._Samuel McMenamin Fleetwood". A barrel of coal oil ignited through arson stored at Blackburn & Co. started the blaze shortly after 2 A.M. The fire destroyed the coal yard, which then caused a stream of burning oil to flow down Washington Avenue and Ninth Street that spread the fire to neighboring blocks of Federal and Ellsworth streets., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 746, Wainwright retrospective conversion project, edited., Reaccessioned as P.2215., Historical Society of Pennsylvania:, Fire described in the Philadelphia Inquirer, February 9, 1865, p. 8.
- Date
- 1865
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *W397 [6549.F]
- Title
- Abbott & Lawrence. Liberty Stove Works, Brown Street above Fourth St. Philada James J. Abbott. Archilus Lawrence
- Description
- Advertisement showing the stove works founded in 1851 on the 400 block of Brown Street in Northern Liberties. Works include a four-story building containing the "office" and adorned with a cupola, a large work yard, and a rear "Foundry." At the multi-story building, a laborer loads stoves that are lined on the sidewalk into a horse-drawn wagon under the eye of a man at the doorway. On the roof, two other men stand in the cupola that is adorned with a statue of Liberty. In the adjacent work yard, laborers shovel and pick at mounds of coal and bricks, and load and transport hand- and horse-drawn carts on the grounds and up a ramp leading to an opening in the foundry. Near the workers, a group of men, one leaning on a shovel convenes and two boys chase each other over a mound. On the sidewalk, men, women, and children pedestrians stroll past a street lamp, watch the workers, and converse near a dog sniffing a fire hydrant. In the street, drivers guide horse-drawn carts, a drayman travels, and a pedestrian crosses in the path of an "Abbott & Lawrence Liberty stove Works" wagon and speeding carriage occupied by a family of three. Street activity also includes a man on horse back, two dogs in a greeting stance, and two gentlemen engaged in conversation. The firm was reestablished as Abbott & Noble in 1858, and operated until 1915 under various proprietors., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 7, Wainwright retrospective conversion project, edited.
- Creator
- Kollner, Augustus, b. 1813
- Date
- [ca. 1852]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department **W11 [P.2002]
- Title
- [Hartley & Knight's bedding warehouse, 148 South Second Street, Philadelphia]
- Description
- Advertisement showing the cluttered-looking three-story storefront of the bedding warehouse on the 200 block of South Second Street. A clerk, possibly one of the proprietors, stands at the main entrance to his store and points to a disheveled display of mattresses, one of many. Behind him, a couple enters the wareroom in which two women work in a backroom. The couple walks under a framed figure of a goose hanging above the doorway. Shelves of mattresses line the walls and rolled mattresses fill the large open display windows. In the upper floor windows, mattresses and bedding are propped out of windows and piles of feathers are visible. In front of the store, a mattress on a bed frame, a bed frame, and bedding on a cot is on display; a clerk loads bedding onto a horse-drawn cart; and a gentleman walks past a fire hydrant on the sidewalk. Also shows partial views of adjacent buildings. Partners Joseph Hartley and Reeve L. Knight relocated to this address circa 1842 and remained in a partnership until 1854., Title supplied by cataloguer., Date from Poulson inscription on recto: South Second street. Augt. 1846, Philadelphia on Stone, POS 345, Wainwright retrospective conversion project, edited., LCP copy trimmed and lacking imprint.
- Date
- [August 1846]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *W170 [P.2064]
- Title
- [T. Sharpless & Sons, wholesale ware room, clothes, cassimeres, merinoes, silks and vestings and Pekin Tea Company, South Second Street and Trotter's Alley, Philadelphia]
- Description
- Advertisement showing the four-story double storefronts adorned with signage at 30-32 South Second Street, below Market Street. Massive merchandise displays adorn the windows and front facades of the businesses. At the wareroom, reams of different cloths hang within open windows from rods behind tables covered in swatches and bolts of cloth. A number of patrons, including women and a couple, admire the displays, and enter the open entry through which shadowy figures of female clerks are visible. More merchandise, including bolts of cloth and cloth-covered hat boxes, are visible in showcase spaces on the second floor. At the tea store, couples exit and enter the business in which several boxes of tea are piled between Chinese figurines displayed in the window. A clerk stands within the store. Potted plants adorn the third floor windows between which a large model of a box of tea hangs. In front of the store, boxes of tea are piled under a frame for an awning that displays a sign advertising "Fresh Teas." Manhole covers and a fire hydrant adorn the sidewalk as well. Around the corner of the building, a woman and girl walk past a horse-drawn dray travelling down a side alley to Strawberry Street partially visible in the background. Also shows partial views of adjacent buildings. Pekin Tea Company relocated to Sixth and Callowhill streets in 1847. The textile firm established by Townsend Sharpless in 1815 located to the address in 1841 under the name T. Sharpless & Son. Firm was renamed T. Sharpless & Sons in 1842., Title supplied by cataloger., Date from Poulson inscriptions on recto: Strawberry. So. Second St. & Trotter's Alley. Sept. 1846. "Strawberry" written in image to identify street., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 736, Wainwright retrospective conversion project, edited., See related advertisement print, *W278 [P.2168]
- Creator
- Reynolds, Robert F., artist
- Date
- [September 1846]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *W358 [P.2198]
- Title
- Wood & Perot's ornamental iron works. Philadelphia
- Description
- Advertisement of two views with heavy street and pedestrian traffic showing the neighboring "Ridge Avenue" factory and the "Twelfth Street" foundry of the iron works. Ridge Avenue view shows the massive "Wood and Perot Ornamental and Iron Railing Factory Iron Works" at 1136 Ridge Avenue. Signs adorn the building advertising "Wood & Perot," Manufacturers of Decorative Iron Work" and "Iron Railings, Verandahs, Balconies, Stairs, Counters &c." On the roof, a large statue of Henry Clay stands, and an American flag flies from a tower. Workers load three horse-drawn wagons stationed in front of the works as pedestrians mill past. Iron railings lean against the building, animal statuary is displayed on the sidewalk, and employees and patrons stand in doorways. In the street, a carriage travels in the direction of a stopped, packed "Ridge Avenue" omnibus receiving and discharging passengers. Across the street, near a tree, ladies in heavy capes and holding parasols promenade past a man pointing out the Clay statue to his male companion., Twelfth Street view shows the new iron foundry completed circa 1858 to the rear of the Ridge Avenue works on the 400 block of Twelfth Street. Two laborers steady a horse-drawn cart near the entry to the factory that is adorned with a tower flying a "Wood & Perot" flag. In the street, a "Fairmount via Chestnut St./Twelfth & Green St." omnibus travels followed by a volunteer riding one of a two-horse team drawing a steam fire engine. Three boys follow and direct the engine. Across the street, a man, potentially a constable, prepares to open the call box attached to a telegraph pole as a family of five promenades down the block. Also shows the tops of the spires of the Church of Assumption (1133 Spring Garden Street) in the background. Wood & Perot, a partnership between Robert Wood and Elliston Perot, was active between 1857 and 1865., Lettering in color., LCP copy in two pieces housed separately., Date from Poulson inscription on rectos: Dec. 28, 1848., Philadelphia on Stone, POs 864.1, Wainwright retrospective conversion project, edited., Historical Society of Pennsylvania: Bc35 W873.
- Date
- [December 28, 1858]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *W469.1 [P.2251 and P.2250]
- Title
- American Hotel. Henry A. Charter. Chestnut Street, opposite the State House Philadelphia
- Description
- Advertisement showing the five-story hotel built by John L. Ridgway in 1844 at 181-183 (i.e., 517-519) Chestnut Street. Male and female guests sit under an awning on the front porch, enter the building, and stroll on the second floor balcony. Other patrons are visible, through the open windows and entrance, in the saloon and at the front desk. Curtains adorn several of the upper windows and rolled carpets are showcased in the display windows of the tenanting business of "J. & B. Orne." A couple approach the entrance of the adjacent storefront of "J. Sill & Co. Gloves. Hosiery. Cravats. Shirts. etc." at 185 (i.e., 521) Chestnut Street. Hosiery and bolts of fabric adorn the display windows of the building that also contains columns and a balcony. Also shows a dog behind the couple, a fire hydrant, and a partial view of a parked carriage and neighboring building. Charter, originally with partner C. James McClellan, served as the proprietor 1845-1848., Date from Poulson inscription on recto., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 17, Wainwright retrospective conversion project, edited., Opening of hotel described in the Philadelphia Inquirer, January 20, 1844.
- Creator
- Rease, W. H., artist
- Date
- [1848]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department **W16 [P.2012]

