© 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
- Henry Hill, Philadelphia agent, William Penn Hotel, 38th and Market Sts The Lewis hand fire extinguisher endorsed by the most eminent fire authorities. Extensively introduced in New York, Chicago, and throughout the eastern states
- Description
- Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
- Date
- [1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department trade card - Lewis [P.2006.20.33]
- Title
- Fire Mark of the Fire Association of Philadelphia
- Description
- Removed from 204-206 South Juniper Street in 1949., The Fire Association of Philadelphia was organized in 1817 by volunteer fire companies and incorporated as an insurance company in 1820. It became a joint stock company in 1871., Insurance policy holders were required to affix fire marks outside of their building to inform fire brigades that the building was insured and by which company., Fire Association of Philadelphia fire marks include a fire-plug with a section of hose attached to it, with the letters F.A. on each side of the plug.
- Creator
- Fire Association of Philadelphia
- Location
- OBJ 241
- Title
- Engine Co. #9, Germantown
- Description
- Exterior view of side of Germantown fire station facing Carpenter's Lane, showing three fire fighters sitting on a bench., Sheet number: 100B03., Real photo. Divided back. Post marked 1913., Digitized with funding from a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Creator
- Brightbill, George M., collector.
- Date
- ca. 1913
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Brightbill postcards [Germantown - Buildings - 100]
- Title
- Engine Co. #9, Germantown
- Description
- Exterior view of side of Germantown fire station facing Carpenter's Lane, showing three fire fighters sitting on a bench., Sheet number: 100B03., Real photo. Divided back. Post marked 1913., Digitized with funding from a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Creator
- Brightbill, George M., collector
- Date
- ca. 1913
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Brightbill postcards [Germantown - Buildings - 100]
- Title
- Diligent Fire Engine. Instituted July 4, 1791. Incorporated April 1, 1831 Heights reached by the streams of the engine at a trial of power over Dr. D. Jayne's Building May 22, 1852. Single stream to height of 196 feet 6 in. thro. in nozzle. 2 side stream to height of 155 feet thro 3/4 inch nozzle. 4 streams 2 side and 2 gallery 134 feet, thro 1/2 nozzle. Built by Patrick Lyon, 1820. Rebuilt by Jno. Agnew, 1836. Committee appointed by the co. to decide. P.C. Ellmaker, Phonix House Co. S. A. Battiers Empire. H. & L. E. Stratton, Harmony Fire Co
- Description
- View of the hand-powered Philadelphia-style fire engine that performed a pumping demonstration at the Jayne office building at Chestnut Street below Third Street. Contains double decker end-stroke hand pumpers. A trumpet hangs from one of the pumper levers. Also adorned with a panel decorated with an allegorical figure representing "Diligence.", Not in Wainwright., Philadelphia on Stone, POSP 52, Historical Society of Pennsylvania: Bb 832 D 576, Inscribed on verso: From Mrs. H. L. Carson, May 20, 1891.
- Creator
- Heiss, George G., artist
- Date
- [ca. 1852]
- Location
- Historical Society of Pennsylvania HSP Bb 832 D 576
- Title
- The Weccacoe Engine Co's house and the reception of the United Fire Co of Baltimore. [graphic] / Drawn by J. Queen.
- Description
- Wainwright retrospective conversion project., Select link below to view a digital image.
- Creator
- Queen, James Fuller, 1820 or 21-1886 artist., creator
- Date
- n.d.
- Location
- http://www.lcpgraphics.org/wainwright/W398.htm, Library Company of Philadelphia Print Dept. **W398 [6621.F]
- Title
- Franklin Fire Co. of the city of Philadelphia [membership certificate]
- Description
- Fire company certificate containing vignettes depicting fire fighters racing down a street on a horse-drawn steam fire engine during the day; firefighters, two with trumpets, drawing a hand-pump fire engine out of the station during the night; and an exterior view of the Franklin Fire station. Fire fighting equipment including a trumpet, ax, and belt are drawn bundled together to form a decorative element below the vignettes. Images are bordered by hoses, including two squirting water into the air, and two entwined around the company number "12." Also contains a vignette showing a firefighter shielding a family from flames as a fellow volunteer is at the ready with an ax. Vignette captioned with the company motto "Assist the Needy.", Name of artist supplied by Wainwright., Signed by Thomas H. Clarke, president., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 275, Atwater Kent Museum: 44.91.2
- Creator
- Queen, James Fuller, 1820 or 21-1886, artist
- Date
- [ca. 1865]
- Location
- Atwater Kent Museum | Print Department AKM AKM 44.91.2
- Title
- [Firehouse scene in Philadelphia showing firemen from the Weccacoe Engine Company pulling a hand-drawn fire engine as other firemen scramble to readiness]
- Description
- Drawing, possibly an artist's study, by James Queen, a Weccacoe volunteer. Nightime view showing Weccacoe volunteers pull the engine from their Southwark station at 119 Queen Street, put on gear, and gather equipment from storage closets within the garage., Philadelphia on Stone, POSP 78, Library of Congress: DRWG/US - Queen (J.F.), no. 3 (C size) [P&P] Firehouse
- Creator
- Queen, James, 1824-ca. 1877, artist
- Date
- [ca. 1857]
- Location
- Library of Congress | Prints and Photographs Division LOC DRWG/US - Queen (J.F.), no. 3 (C size) [P&P] Firehouse
- Title
- [Washington Fire Engine Company steam engine in front of the company fire station at Lombard Street below Eleventh Street, Philadelphia]
- Description
- View includes a section of a hose laying on the ground. Company founded January 3, 1796., Attributed to Robert Newell., Title supplied by cataloguer., Yellow mount with square corners., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook., Paper backing pasted on verso., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Creator
- Newell, Robert, 1822-1897, photographer
- Date
- ca. 1865
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department stereo - Newell - Fires & fire fighting [P.2004.2]
- Title
- The darktown fire brigade - saved!
- Description
- Comic print using racist imagery to satirize African American men firefighters. Shows a brigade of eight African American firefighters during a rescue of an African American family from a burning wooden house. Flames and smoke extend from the right side of the roof of a two-story residence. In the center foreground, two firefighters, one not wearing a helmet, hold open a striped blanket. A woman attired in a white nightgown and holding her gown down with one hand and a fan with the other is midair and about to drop, feet first, into it. In the left, another firefighter runs out of the doorway of the building and with a woman over his shoulder. She wears a white cap and night gown. In the right, a fourth firefighter sprays water from a hose into the body of a man in a white nightshirt stuck in a hole in the roof. His head and chest poke through the hole and his legs project out through an upper floor window. The firefighter uses a hose that extends from a fire engine marked "Niagara."It is being pumped by four other firefighters in the right background. The firefighters stand on barrels and push the lever of the water pump on the engine. In the far right distance, another firefighter attends to a donkey. The firefighters are attired in red shirts, blue pants, and black boots. Four men wear helmets, one man wears a top hat, and two men are bare-headed. The men and women figures are portrayed with wide eyes and lips, and large feet. The rescued family members are bare foot. The Darktown series of over 100 prints was originally issued mid 1870s-1890s. Thomas Worth was the artist of several of the prints in the reported popular and profitable series. Joseph Koehler reissued the prints in the early 1900s., Title from item., Reprint of number from "Darktown" comics series originally published in 1884. Joseph Koehler purchased over 200 lithographic stones, including the "Darktown" series, from the Currier & Ives firm following its dissolution in 1907., Contains copyright statement: Copyright 1884, By Currier & Ives, N. Y.
- Creator
- Currier & Ives
- Date
- [ca. 1907]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *GC - Genre - Darktown [P.2019.55.4]
- Title
- Fair Mount Fire Company. Instituted Febr. 22th, 1823. Incorporated April 19th, 1850
- Description
- View of the hand-powered Philadelphia-style fire engine of the company that operated from Ridge Avenue above Wood Street in Spring Garden. A firefighter, in uniform, and holding a hose nozzle stands next to the engine. Engine contains double decker end-stroke hand pumpers and is adorned with ornamental details shaped as swans, and a panel decorated with a female figure and the maker plate "John Agnew, Philadelpa." A trumpet hangs from one of the pump levers. Also contains a border with geometric details. Fairmount Company was organized after the dissolution of the Whale Fire Company and butchers comprised much of the early membership., Not in Wainwright., Publication date written on stone lower left corner., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 224, Historical Society of Pennsylvania: Bc 832 F 165, Removed from Stauffer Collection, vol. 22, p. 1679.
- Creator
- Heiss, George G.
- Date
- 1855
- Location
- Historical Society of Pennsylvania HSP Bc 832 F 165
- Title
- View of the United States Hose house & apparatus, Philadelphia. [graphic] : 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
- Location: York Avenue, from Tammany Street., LCP exhibit catalogue: Made in America #75., Wainwright retrospective conversion project., Select link below to view a digital image.
- Date
- ca. 1855.
- Location
- http://www.lcpgraphics.org/wainwright/W436.htm, Library Company of Philadelphia Print Dept. *W436 [P.2237]
- Title
- In commemoration of the great parade of the Philadelphia Fire Department October 16th 1865 [graphic] : Dedicated to the Philadelphia firemen and their visiting brethren / on stone by Jas. Queen; designd. by Schell; P.S. Duval & Son lith. Philada.
- Description
- Copyrighted by Barclay & Co., Commemorative print containing a portrait of Chief Engineer David M. Lyle; three vignettes including a view of the Citizens Volunteer Hospital, a horse drawn steam engine, and fire fighters battling a blaze; and a list of fire companies who participated in the parade.
- Creator
- Queen, James Fuller, 1820 or 21-1886, artist. P.S. Duval & Son, lithographer., creator
- Date
- c1865.
- Location
- http://www.lcpgraphics.org/wainwright/W181.htm, Library Company of Philadelphia Print Dept. *W181 [P.2272]
- Title
- [Cohocksink Hose Company steam engine and fire fighters in front of the company fire station on Germantown Avenue above Fifth Street, Philadelphia]
- Description
- View includes a dog laying in front of a large section of hose on the ground. Company founded September 25, 1856., Title supplied by cataloguer., Manuscript note on accompanying label: Cohocsink Steam Fire Engine Philada., Yellow mount with square corners., Attributed to Robert Newell., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook., Duplicate of (8)1322.F.5f, Paper backing pasted on verso., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Creator
- Newell, Robert, 1822-1897, photographer
- Date
- 1865
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department stereo - Newell - Fires & fire fighting [(8)1322.F.5g-1]
- Title
- [Goodwill Fire Company's horse-drawn ambulance in front of the company fire station on Race Street below Broad Street, Philadelphia]
- Description
- View showing an ambulance probably used to transport woundeded Civl War soldiers. Also shows a group of children in the background, including a young girl holding a baby. Company founded March 27, 1802., Attributed to Robert Newell., Title supplied by cataloguer., Yellow mount with square corners., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook., Duplicate of (8)1322.F.6b., Paper backing pasted on verso., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Creator
- Newell, Robert, 1822-1897, photographer
- Date
- 1865
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department stereo - Newell - Fires & fire fighting [(8)1322.F.5b-1]
- Title
- [William Penn Hose Company steam engine and fire fighters in front of the company fire station on Frankford Road near Franklin Avenue, Philadelphia]
- Description
- View includes a small crowd of boy spectators in the background and a dog sitting on the engine. Company founded February 3, 1830., Attributed to Robert Newell., Title supplied by cataloguer., Yellow mount with square corners., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook., Paper backing pasted on verso., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Creator
- Newell, Robert, 1822-1897, photographer
- Date
- 1865
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department stereo - Newell - Fires & fire fighting [(8)1322.F.5j]
- Title
- Weccacoe Fire Compy. Instituted 1800, incorporated 1833
- Description
- View of the hand-powered Philadelphia-style fire engine of the fire company that operated from the 100 block of Queen Street in Southwark. A firefighter, attired in his uniform, rests his hand on the harness of the horse-drawn engine. His hat is marked "Weccacoe 1800" and he wears a cape adorned with an "F" and an "A." Engine contains double decker end-stroke hand pumpers and the compressor, with ornate detailing, is adorned with a plate depicting a mermaid kissing a barely-clad man. A trumpet hangs from the harness of the engine. Also contains a border with geometric details and a vignette below the image depicting a Native American figure., Not in Wainwright., Date of publication written on stone lower left corner., Philadelphia on Stone, POSP 272, Historical Society of Pennsylvania: Bc 832 W 41, Removed from Stauffer Collection, vol. 22, p. 1686.
- Creator
- Heiss, George G.
- Date
- 1855
- Location
- Historical Society of Pennsylvania HSP Bc 832 W 41
- 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 "Hope" and "Reaney, Neafie & Co. Builders" adorn the unhitched engine on which a volunteer firefighter attired in his uniform sits., Date from Poulson inscription., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Familton & Chemin, the partnership between Philadelphia printers J. B. Familton and Louis F. Chemin (b. 1840) was active from the 1850s until the start of the Civil War. Chemin was known as a pioneer in the use of color inks in printing.
- Creator
- Byram, Joseph H, engraver
- Date
- October 1859
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Books & Other Texts | Rare Poulson scrapbooks - vol. 1 [(1)2526.F.70 1/2]
- Title
- Eine wahre Geschichte, oder eine probirte Kunst in Feuers-Gefahr wie auch in Pestilenz-Zeiten zu gebrauchen Ist von einem christlichen Singmeister, König aus Egypten, erfunden worden. Es wurden im Jahre 1714, den 10 Tag Juni, im Königreich Preuszen 6 Zigeuner oder Heiden genannt, mit dem Strang gerichtet, der siebente aber, ein Mann von 80 Jahre alt, sollte am 16 Tage gleich darauf mit dem Schwerdte hingerichtet werden
- Description
- The gypsy's fire charm, a magical incantation for preventing fire or pestilence., Printed area, including ornamental border, measures 25.1 x 13.0 cm., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Date
- [between 1850 and 1870?]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Books & Other Texts | Rare sm # Am 1850 Wahre 14308.Q (Roughwood)
- Title
- Eine wahre Geschichte, oder eine probirte Kunst in Feuers-Gefahr wie auch in Pestilenz-Zeiten zu gebrauchen Ist von einem christlichen Singmeister, König aus Egypten, erfunden worden. Es wurden im Jahre 1714, den 10 Tag Juni, im Königreich Preuszen 6 Zigeuner oder Heiden genannt, mit dem Strang gerichtet, der siebente aber, ein Mann von 80 Jahre alt, sollte am 16 Tage gleich darauf mit dem Schwerdte hingerichtet werden
- Description
- The gypsy's fire charm, a magical incantation for preventing fire or pestilence., Printed area, including ornamental border, measures 25.1 x 13.0 cm., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Date
- [between 1850 and 1870?]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Books & Other Texts | Rare sm # Am 1850 Wahre 14308.Q (Roughwood)
- Title
- Hibernia Fire Engine company, No. 1, of Philadelphia Instituted 1752. Assembling for parade, October 5th 1857
- Description
- View showing members of the volunteer fire company gathering by their hand-powered Philadelphia-style fire engine (built 1843 by John Agnew) in front of their firehouse (built 1852) on Evelina Street between Second, Third, Walnut and Chestnut streets. The members, including company president Colonel James Page, wear their full regalia of hats, capes, and belts. Many of the men also carry horns and a hatchet. A few spectators informally watch the gathering. Women and couples peer from the windows of a neighboring building and boys sit on the brick wall of the courtyard attached to the fire house. The four-story firehouse is painted with a large "1" on the side and friezes are marked with the institution and incorporation dates, 1752 and 1840, respectively of the company. Also shows the company hose truck on the sidewalk and the station dog lying beside the ornately decorated engine. The engine contains painted details including eagles, angels, harps, and the figure of Liberty. On October 5, 1857, over one hundred regional volunteer fire companies participated in the Firemen's Parade that processed through Philadelphia with John F. Gibson as chief marshal. The parade honored the volunteers through the presentation of tokens of appreciation from their constituents, such as banners and horns, and a venue to celebrate the improved apparatus of the various companies., Manuscript note on recto: To Hist Soc from H.W. Smith., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 353, Historical Society of Pennsylvania: Bc 834 H 624, Parade described in The Press (October 7, 1857), p. 1.
- Creator
- Queen, James Fuller, 1820 or 21-1886, artist
- Date
- 1857
- Location
- Historical Society of Pennsylvania HSP Bc 834 H 624
- Title
- America Fire Engine Co. of the city of Philadelphia
- Description
- Fire company membership certificate containing two side panel views, vignettes, and firefighting iconography. The left panel shows firefighters running from the fire house on Buttonwood Street, below Third Street. Two men stand lookout on the tower above the house, as others pull the fire engine from the garage. The right panel shows the fire company attempting to extinguish the January 14, 1869 fire caused by an explosion of a steam boiler at the southeast corner of Ninth and Chestnut Streets. Flames shoot from the top of three adjacent businesses on land formerly occupied by the Burd Mansion including, Howell & Brothers, paper hanging (900 Chestnut Street); J.M. Hafleigh, dry goods (902 Chestnut Street); and J.F. & E.B. Orne, carpets & oil cloths (904 Chestnut Street). The center vignette, below the membership text, depicts a man standing in front of the two horses that are hitched to a carriage pulling the fire company's engine. At the top of the certificate, American and Pennsylvania flags flank the image of lady liberty sitting on the wing of an eagle. With a lightning bolt in her left hand, she floats above a banner that reads "Allways [sic] ready and willing to assist". Fire fighting equipment, including a helmet, engine, and bugles, are drawn as decorative elements interspersed with the side panel views. Also contains the company's number "No. 9" and institution date, April 10th 1790. Incorporated on April 13, 1844., Not in Wainwright., Signed by Thomas F. Moore, president, and Frank Jacoby, secretary., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 16, Historical Society of Pennsylvania: Certificates - Fire Companies - American Fire Engine
- Date
- [ca. 1870]
- Location
- Historical Society of Pennsylvania HSP Certificates - Fire Companies - American Fire Engine
- Title
- A Plan of London as in Q. Elizabeths days
- Description
- Signed at foot: Thos. Bowles sculp., John Bowles was at this address from 1740? to 1775, from 1754 to about 1764 as John Bowles & Son., Printed area measures 36.6 x 55.9 cm., Includes also: The south prospect of London as it appear'd when it lay in ruins after that dreadfull fire in 1666., Library Company copy is tipped in Peter Collinson's copy of William Maitland's The history of London (London: Samuel Richardson, 1739).
- Date
- [between 1740 and 1754?]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Books & Other Texts | Rare *U Eng Maitland (bw) 12049.F.3
- Title
- [Hand-in-Hand Fire Company fire fighters and steam engine in front of the company fire station at Ninth Street above Poplar Street, Philadelphia]
- Description
- Depicts fire fighters, including an African American man, posed near a pump engine in front of the station adorned with the signage "1741 Hand In Hand 1741." A rooster stands on the pump. Hand-in-Hand Fire Company, one of the city's first volunteer fire companies, was organized on March 1, 1741 or 1742., Title supplied by cataloger., Date based on content and attire of the people., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook. McAllister Collection, gift, 1886., Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Creator
- Newell, Robert, 1822-1897, photographer
- Date
- [ca. 1865]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department stereo - Newell - Fire [(8)1322.F.5e-1]
- Title
- The United States Polka
- Description
- Sheet music cover containing two views related to the United States Fire Company, the volunteer fire company instituted in 1811. Upper view shows the company fire station at Wood Street above Fourth. Two men stand in front of the firehouse and neighboring buildings are visible. Lower view shows volunteer firefighters, most in uniform, including an African American man, standing around their Philadelphia-style hand-pumper engine. The men wear capelets and hats. Two hold horns and another two rest their hands on the harness of the engine. Also contains a border containing ivy, ribbon, and fire fighting iconography including ladders, hydrants, hoses, and bells., Not in Wainwright., pdcp00020, Philadelphia on Stone, Free Library of Philadelphia: Philadelphiana - Fire Companies
- Date
- [ca. 1865]
- Location
- Free Library of Philadelphia. | Print and Photograph Collection. FLP Philadelphiana - Fire Companies
- Title
- Fairmount Fire Engine Co. No. 32, of Philadelphia [membership certificate]
- Description
- Honorary membership certificate containing firefighting vignettes, scenes, and pictorial elements. Shows the company horse-drawn steam engine, manned by two volunteers, racing down a street; several firefighters drawing the hose carriage while a man runs in the street beside them; and an exterior view of the station house at Ridge Avenue above Wood Street in Spring Garden. The company engine is parked in front. Also contains, at the top of the certificate, a bust portrait of the “Chief Engineer D.M.L” attired in his fire fighter’s hat and coat. Pictorial elements depict bundles of fire fighting equipment, including hats, horns, ladders, and a rope designed as side borders; eagles holding the American flag in their beaks, and swans gliding on water. Fairmount Company, organized in 1823 and incorporated in 1850, was established after the dissolution of the Whale Fire Company. Butchers comprised much of the early membership., pdcp00030, Not in Wainwright., Manuscript note on recto: Presented by Joseph W. Montgomery 529 York Ave., Issued to William McCormick on March 29, 1852. Signed Joseph S. Baker, President and Henry F. Dibbs, Secretary., Philadelphia on Stone, Free Library of Philadelphia: Philadelphiana - Fire Companies
- Creator
- Kurtz, Henry, ca. 1822, artist
- Date
- [ca. 1850]
- Location
- Free Library of Philadelphia. | Print and Photograph Collection. FLP Philadelphiana - Fire Companies
- Title
- Good Will Hose and Steam Fire Engine Company of Philadelphia [membership certificate]
- Description
- Fire company certificate containing five vignettes bordered by patriotic and firefighting iconography. Vignettes depict the Fairmount Waterworks, including boys fishing on the canal lock; a circular industrial building, possibly the Spring Garden Water Works; company volunteers rushing hand pumps through Fairmount past Reservoir Hill; the station dog sleeping near the company steam engine in front of the firehouse on the 2200 block of Wood Street; and volunteers, surrounded by a crowd of spectators, fighting the fire at a large city building. Iconography includes helmets with the company number "25," fire hoses, trumpets, and belts as well as the American eagle holding the U.S. shield and flanked by flags over the company motto "Our Motto is Our Name, Always Ready for Public Good." Also contains the company institution and incorporation dates (1834 and 1851, respectively)., Signed Quintin Todd, Secy., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 320, Historical Society of Pennsylvania: Certificates - Fire Companies - Good Will Hose and Steam, P.S. Duval & Son was a core partnership between Peter S. Duval and his son Stephen that operated under various names and incarnations between 1857-1869. The firm name P.S. Duval, Son & Co. was cited in city directories 1868-1869.
- Creator
- Bosch, A. H., artist
- Date
- [ca. 1868]
- Location
- Historical Society of Pennsylvania HSP Certificates - Fire Companies - Good Will Hose and Steam
- Title
- Washington Fire Company of Frankford
- Description
- Fire company certificate containing vignettes depicting fire fighters surrounded by spectators, battling the July 12, 1866 fire at the "Tackawana" (i.e., Tacony) Print Works in Frankford; a steam engine parked in the company fire station on Frankford Avenue between Sellers and Oxford streets; and fire fighters rushing a horse-drawn steam engine past a church. Fire fighting equipment including a fire hose, a ladder, an axe, a trumpet and other tools are drawn bundled together to form decorative elements on both sides. A small oval portrait of George Washington adorns an arch at the top. An American eagle rests on top of the portrait and clutches an American flag that is intertwined over the arch that is printed "First in War. First in Peace. First in the Hearts of His Country Men." Also contains the company institution date - 1793. Company was incorporated in 1846 (date visible on the station house)., Not in Wainwright., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 819, Historical Society of Pennsylvania: Certificates - Fire Companies - Washington, 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., artist
- Date
- [ca. 1870]
- Location
- Historical Society of Pennsylvania HSP Certificates - Fire Companies - Washington
- Title
- Certificate of Honorary Membership of the Weccacoe Fire Company. Philadelphia
- Description
- Honorary membership certificate containing vignettes of Weccacoe Fire Company engine houses and firefighting equipment between 1840 and 1860 within a decorative border adorned with filigree, bugles, and axes. American flags, laurel wreaths, and an eagle with a shield surmounts the text in the central portion of the certificate, below which is an 1860 view of the fire company’s engine house on the 100 block of Queen Street in Southwark. Fire fighters and wagons loaded with equipment congest the street in the foreground. A large American flag flies atop the roof of the engine house. Left and right panels contain smaller views of the 1840 firehouse and its hand-pumper fire engine and the three-story, enlarged engine house and a steam fire engine from 1850. All scenes include fire fighters dressed in the red and blue Weccacoe uniform., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 98, Library of Congress: PGA - Duval - - Certificate of honorary membership (C size), Atwater Kent Museum: 88.98.685. AKM copy issued to William Schlag. Signed by the [illegible] president and Wm. B. Landon, Secretary.
- Creator
- Queen, James Fuller, 1820 or 21-1886, artist
- Date
- [ca. 1860]
- Location
- Library of Congress | Prints and Photographs Division PGA - Duval - - Certificate of honorary membership (C size)
- Title
- Reliance Steam Fire Engine Company of Philadelphia
- Description
- Fire company certificate containing five vignettes showing the company firehouse and engines, and firefighting scenes bordering text framed as a badge. Vignettes depict firefighters gathered around a hand-pump, and a steam engine, at their stations near New and Second streets; firefighters racing an engine past the Public Ledger Building (built 1866-1867) and Independence Hall en route to a fire; and firefighters using a steam engine to battle a fire aboard a sailing vessel, and a hand pump to battle a fire at buildings opposite piers at the Delaware River. Also contains above the vignettes two American flags draped over a pole; a panoramic view of cityscape; an empty framed oval, probably to be used for a photographic portrait of the fire fighter member; two oval frames surrounding the company's institution and incorporation date, 1786 and 1848 respectively; and the company motto "We Persevere to Conquer." Company originally established by Quakers., Not in Wainwright., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 636, Historical Society of Pennsylvania: Bc 834 R 279, 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., Mifflin fund, November 12, 1959.
- Creator
- Bosch, A. H., artist
- Date
- [ca. 1870]
- Location
- Historical Society of Pennsylvania HSP Bc 834 R 279
- Title
- [Hope Steam Fire Engine Company steam engine and fire fighters in front of the company fire station on Sixth Street below Bainbridge Street, Philadelphia]
- Description
- View includes a small crowd of spectators in the background. Hope Hose and Steam Fire Engine Company founded in 1805., Attributed to Robert Newell., Title supplied by cataloguer from manuscript note on mount., Manuscript note on mount: Hope Steam Fire Engine Phila., Yellow mount with square corners., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook., Paper backing pasted on verso., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Creator
- Newell, Robert, 1822-1897, photographer
- Date
- 1865
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department stereo - Newell - Fires & fire fighting [(8)1322.F.5c-1]
- Title
- Hand in Hand Fire Company, first grand citizens dress ball
- Description
- Invitation containing vignette scenes and pictorial and ornate border details. Vignettes scenes depict the figure of liberty with the American eagle and shield; a sailor and farmer in conversation, and couples dancing in a ballroom. Details include a hand pump fire engine; clasped hands; and filigree. Hand-in-Hand Fire Company, one of the city’s first volunteer fire companies, was organized on March 1, 1741 or 1742., Date from Poulson inscription., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., POSP 280
- Date
- 1847
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Books & Other Texts | Rare Poulson scrapbooks - vol.5 [(5)2526.F.8]
- Title
- F[ire] and P[olice] Dept. Record. [certificate]
- Description
- Blank membership certificate for members of fire and police departments that contains eleven views, some montages, documenting the activities of life as a police officer and fireman. Views include call boxes in use by concerned citizens; scenes of rescue, including victims pulled from fires and the restraining of run-away horses and of crowd control, including police assistance during a fire alarm; police in a horse-drawn wagon in a shoot out with a mob throwing bricks; police manning and marching in a parade; racing fire engines and trucks; and a courtroom scene. Also includes a vignette showing a policeman and fireman shaking hands in front of a call box; pictorial details of a billy club, an ax, and flags of different nations; and a border containing cornices depicted as police and firemen helmets. Imagery surrounds a blank entry for genealogical, professional, and death information., Gift of David Doret., Vickroy, a prominent Indiana fine arts publisher, specialized in genealogical and fraternal order certificates.
- Creator
- J. M. Vickroy Co.
- Date
- c1902
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department **GC - Certificates - Fire [P.2009.6.3]
- Title
- [Goodwill Hose Company steam engine in front of the company fire station at Wood Street near Twenty-Third Street, Philadelphia]
- Description
- View includes a section of hose laying on the street near the engine., Attributed to Robert Newell., Title supplied by cataloguer., Yellow mount with square corners., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook., Paper backing pasted on verso., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Creator
- Newell, Robert, 1822-1897, photographer
- Date
- 1865
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department stereo - Newell - Fires & fire fighting [(8)1322.F.6f]
- Title
- [Philadelphia Hose Company steam engine in front of the company fire station at Seventh above Market Street, Philadelphia]
- Description
- View includes a section of hose inscribed "Philadelphia Hose of Pioneer" laying on the street near the engine and a dog lying on a bin in the background. Company organized in 1803., Attributed to Robert Newell., Title supplied by cataloguer., Yellow paper mount with square corners., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook of views of Philadelphia., Paper backing pasted on verso., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Creator
- Newell, Robert, 1822-1897, photographer
- Date
- 1865
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department stereo - Newell - Fires & fire fighting [(8)1322.F.5a-2]
- Title
- Philadelphia Fire Department Relief Association. [membership certificate]
- Description
- Certificate containing four vignettes depicting a variety of horse-drawn fire engines and fire fighting vehicles. Vignettes include a steam engine, hook and ladder truck, and ambulance. Bundles of firefighting equipment, including a hose, ladder, fire hydrant, hooks, and ax, flank each side of the text. The seal of the city of Philadelphia bordered by fire helmets and lanterns and the seal of the Fire Department appears at the top and bottom, respectively. A twisting fire hose divides pictorial elements. Each lower corner contains a fire fighter at work. Lower left figure rescues a bare-chested person and the lower right figure uses a hose. The association was established on June 14, 1873., Not in Wainwright., Contains seal of association pasted on recto., Issued to Thomas Colton on April 7, 1884. Signed Daniel Bennet, Secy. and Sam[ue]l Collins, Prest., Philadelphia on Stone, POSP 180, Historical Society of Pennsylvania: Certificates - Philadelphia Fire, Poor condition. Torn in half.
- Date
- [ca. 1873]
- Location
- Historical Society of Pennsylvania | Print Department | HSP at LCP HSP Certificates - Philadelphia Fire
- Title
- Marion Hose Company of Philadelphia
- Description
- Fire company certificate containing a central view, vignettes, and firefighting iconography. Central view shows the company's fire station at Queen Street below Sixth Street. Two men and a dog sit in front of a fenced lot adjacent to the station. Vignettes show volunteers drawing a hand pump past the station in "1857" and a church in "1864"; firefighters battling the "Burning of the Ironsides" at League Island on December 16, 1866; and fighting the blaze from a boiler explosion at "Merrick's Foundry" on April 7, 1864. Fire fighting equipment including a fire hose, helmets, and axes are drawn layered together to form decorative elements in the upper corners. A small oval framed scene of "Marion and the British," semi-draped with an American flag, adorns an arch at the top. The scene shows Continental Army Lieut. Col. Francis Marion's slave Oscar Marion preparing a meal that the officer invited the British to share. Also contains the company institution date, 1833, and incorporation date, 1834., Not in Wainwright., Company seal pasted on recto., Issued to Geo. Jeffries on May 9, 1871. Signed by William Byrnes, Pres. and Alfred A. Mullen, Sec., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 456, Historical Society of Pennsylvania: Certificates - Marion Hose, 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., artist
- Date
- [ca. 1870]
- Location
- Historical Society of Pennsylvania HSP Certificates - Marion Hose
- Title
- Cut outs of firefighting scenes from The Fire Insurance Company of the County of Philadelphia advertisement
- Description
- First cutout is captioned "1800" and is within a border containing a banner reading "Incorporated 1832 Charter Perpetual." Shows several volunteers, attired in long coats and top hats, operating a hand-pumper engine near a pond of water and water pump during the day. Other men operate the water pump and use buckets to collect water from the pond as flames shoot from two windows of a building in the background. Two volunteer firefighters, including Joseph Tipler of the United States Engine Company, in uniform flank the scene. The second firefighter's shirt and hat is adorned with "1." Second cutout is captioned "1866" and is surrounded by a border of filigree. Shows several volunteers, during the evening, using steam engines to battle the blaze of two multi-story buildings. Men run and operate hoses from the ground and by ladder, pull equipment, and direct their fellow firefighters. Some volunteers hold an ax or a horn. United States Engine Company was incorporated in 1832., Title supplied by cataloguer., Attributed to Breuker & Kessler from duplicate print in auction catalog., Not in Wainwright., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 169, Historical Society of Pennsylvania: Firefighting Album Am 3989 Cutouts
- Date
- [ca. 1866]
- Location
- Historical Society of Pennsylvania HSP Firefighting Album Am 3989 Cutout 1, Historical Society of Pennsylvania HSP Firefighting Album Am 3989 Cutout 2
- Title
- Cut outs of firefighting scenes from The Fire Insurance Company of the County of Philadelphia advertisement
- Description
- First cutout is captioned "1800" and is within a border containing a banner reading "Incorporated 1832 Charter Perpetual." Shows several volunteers, attired in long coats and top hats, operating a hand-pumper engine near a pond of water and water pump during the day. Other men operate the water pump and use buckets to collect water from the pond as flames shoot from two windows of a building in the background. Two volunteer firefighters, including Joseph Tipler of the United States Engine Company, in uniform flank the scene. The second firefighter's shirt and hat is adorned with "1." Second cutout is captioned "1866" and is surrounded by a border of filigree. Shows several volunteers, during the evening, using steam engines to battle the blaze of two multi-story buildings. Men run and operate hoses from the ground and by ladder, pull equipment, and direct their fellow firefighters. Some volunteers hold an ax or a horn. United States Engine Company was incorporated in 1832., Title supplied by cataloguer., Attributed to Breuker & Kessler from duplicate print in auction catalog., Not in Wainwright., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 169, Historical Society of Pennsylvania: Firefighting Album Am 3989 Cutouts
- Date
- [ca. 1866]
- Location
- Historical Society of Pennsylvania HSP Firefighting Album Am 3989 Cutout 1, Historical Society of Pennsylvania HSP Firefighting Album Am 3989 Cutout 2
- Title
- [Hope Hose Company horse-drawn ambulance in front of the company fire station on Sixth Street below Bainbridge Street, Philadelphia]
- Description
- Shows the ambulance of the Hope Hose and Steam Fire Engine Company also known as Hope Hose Company, probably used to transport wounded, Civil War soldiers, adorned with patriot images and slogans, including an eagle, flags, and "Union For Ever." Three boys stand near the ambulance. Company founded November 22, 1796., Attributed to Robert Newell., Title supplied by cataloguer., Manuscript note on mount: Hope Ambulance Phila., Yellow mount with square corners., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook., Paper baking pasted on verso., Digitization funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Creator
- Newell, Robert, 1822-1897, photographer
- Date
- 1865
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department stereo - Newell - Fires & fire fighting [(8)1322.F.5d-1]
- Title
- [Hope Hose Company steam fire engine and fire fighters in front of the company fire station, Second and Union streets, Philadelphia]
- Description
- Includes spectators and a partial view of an "Oyster Depot" in the background. Fire station was former mansion of gentlewoman Mary Gurney. Hope Hose Company, also known as Hope Hose and Steam Fire Engine Company, was founded on August 17, 1805., Title supplied by cataloguer., Date from manuscript note on verso: Hope steam fire engine and the Gurney Mansion, s.e. corner Front & Union streets. July 18, 1858., Retrospective conversion record: original entry, edited., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook., McClees, an early prominent Philadelphia photographer and daguerreotypist, produced some of the earliest paper photographic views of Philadelphia between 1853 and 1859.
- Creator
- M'Clees, Jas. E. (James E.), photographer
- Date
- July 18, 1858
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *photo - McClees [(6)1322.F.120]
- Title
- A Fireman.
- Description
- The fireman blows a fire trumpet and wears parade dress. His hand is in a bucket from which a hose extends. The valentine mocks his rowdy behavior., Text: A fuller fledged rowdy, sure, never was seen, / Than you as you dash along with "der masheen;" / You hoot, and you howl, you shout, and you bellow / I'm sure I never saw so horrid a fellow., Provenance: McAllister, John A. (John Allister), 1822-1896, collector.
- Date
- [between 1840 and 1880?]
- Title
- A Rowdy Fireman.
- Description
- A fireman holds up a fire trumpet and stands next to a bucket. His mouth is opened to shout., Text: The fireman's duty is a noble cause, / Gains heaven's good-will and honest men's applause; / But soon it will be brough to much discredit / If they allow such men as you to head it., Provenance: McAllister, John A. (John Allister), 1822-1896, collector.
- Date
- [between 1840 and 1880?]
- Title
- H. Thompson, plumber & gas fitter, no. 1110 Germantown Road & Second St., Philadelphia Pumps, vitriol and chemical apparatus, hydrants, baths, bath boilers, lead & copper, pipe of best quality. Stores, dwellings, churches and factories fitted up for gas & water in the best manner, and the most reasonable terms
- Description
- Trade card containing vignettes depicting a hydrant and gas lamp chandelier. Also includes a border designed with ornate cornices., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
- Date
- [ca. 1865]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department albums - Specimens Album [P.9349.139i]
- Title
- To the Hose Companies of Philadelphia this plan of the city is inscribed
- Description
- Plan of the city of Philadelphia east of Broad Street showing the location of fire stations for nine volunteer hose companies founded between 1803 and 1806 including Philadelphia, Good Intent, Resolution, Humane, Neptune, Perserverance, Hope, Columbia, and Southwark. Contains a vignette of the Centre Square Waterworks, and a key providing the names of many small courts and alleys., Gift of Maxwell Whiteman.
- Creator
- Strickland, William, 1787-1854, delineator
- Date
- ca. 1809
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *Philadelphia Maps - 1809 [6521.F]
- Title
- [Philadelphia residence -- unidentified location]
- Description
- View of house facade. Next door, three children play on the stoop of building with store on first floor and fire escapes extending from top floor., Photographer's manuscript note on verso: A quaint old house - downtown Phila. Tell about youngster knocking camera over. Find out location of this house and its history., Gift of Margaret Odewalt Sweeney., Retrospective conversion record: original entry, edited.
- Creator
- Wilson, G. Mark (George Mark), 1879-1925, photographer
- Date
- ca. 1923
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Wilson 219 [P.8513.219], http://www.lcpimages.org/wilson/wilson219.htm
- Title
- Decatur Fire Company of Frankford
- Description
- Fire company certificate containing vignettes depicting fire fighters rushing a steam engine marked with the company motto down a city street past the Odd Fellows Hall, Frankford; a steam engine parked at the company fire station on Church Street; and fire fighters surrounded by spectators battling a fire of the Frogmore Mills cotton factory, Frankford. Fire fighting equipment including a fire hose, a ladder, an axe, a trumpet and other tools are drawn bundled together to form decorative elements on both sides. A small oval portrait of Commodore Stephen Decatur in a laurel wreath frame above intertwined American flags and the company motto "Ever Prompt to a Call" adorns the top. Also contains eagles, the company number "21," and the institution and incorporation dates (1803 and 1842, respectively). Company named after the Naval hero Decatur whose father purportedly resided in Frankford., Not in Wainwright., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 177, Historical Society of Pennsylvania: Certificates - Fire Companies - Decatur, 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., artist
- Date
- [ca. 1870]
- Location
- Historical Society of Pennsylvania HSP Certificates - Fire Companies - Decatur
- Title
- Decatur Steam Fire Co. membership certificate
- Description
- Membership certificate containing a vignette of a steam engine in a rural setting, presumably Frankford. Also contains filigree and cornice details, including American eagles holding shields, and the letter "D" ornamented with anchor details. The fire company stationed in Frankford was instituted in 1803 and incorporated in 1842. The company was named after the Naval hero Stephen Decatur whose father purportedly resided in Frankford., Not in Wainwright., Issued to Edward Deal on February 19, 1867. Signed George Burns, Presidentand Rufus T. Corson, Secretary., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 178, Historical Society of Pennsylvania: Firefighting Album Am 3989 Decatur
- Date
- [ca. 1860]
- Location
- Historical Society of Pennsylvania HSP Firefighting Album Am 3989 Decatur
- Title
- No. 1 The Empire Hook & Ladder polka
- Description
- Sheet music cover showing two fire fighters with the company hook and ladder truck in front of the Empire Fire House at Franklin Street above Wood Street in Kensington. The volunteers, attired in uniforms, stand near the rear of the vehicle on which at the harness end of the truck two trumpets hang. The volunteer fire company was instituted February 6, 1851., Copyrighted by A. Fiot., Not in Wainwright., pdcp00021, Manuscript note on recto: Philada Franklin above Wood, Price printed on recto: 37 1/2 Cts net., Dedication: Dedicated with esteem to Wm F. Smith esq. President. By his friend Ozeas H. Ramborger., Philadelphia on Stone, Free Library of Philadelphia: Philadelphiana - Fire Companies
- Date
- c1852
- Location
- Free Library of Philadelphia. | Print and Photograph Collection. FLP Philadelphiana - Fire Companies
- Title
- United Firemen's Insurance Company, Philadelphia. Office no. 723 Arch Street Insure buildings household furniture & merchandise generally from loss by fire. C.B. Andress prest. W.A. Rolin tresr. W.H. Fagen secy
- Description
- Advertisement containing a firefighting scene to promote the insurance company chartered April 2, 1860 by members of old volunteer fire departments. Shows several volunteer companies of firefighters racing past Independence Hall to a fire on the south side of Chestnut Street. In the foreground, a police officer waves to volunteers commandeering a hose carriage and horse-drawn steam engine that is chased by a dog. The hose truck is attached to a fire hydrant. In the distance, spectators run toward the fire where other firefighters use a steam engine to battle the flames., Not in Wainwright., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 773, Historical Society of Pennsylvania: Society Collection - Posters & Broadsides - Advertisements - Miscellaneous Folder 2 - United
- Creator
- Boell, William
- Date
- [ca. 1866]
- Location
- Historical Society of Pennsylvania HSP Society Collection - Posters & Broadsides - Advertisements - Miscellaneous Folder 2 - United


