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.
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]
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]
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
View includes a small crowd of spectators in the background. Company founded November 22, 1796., Attributed to Robert Newell., Title supplied by cataloguer., 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]
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
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
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]
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]
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]
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
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
Shows ambulance, 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]
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]
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]
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]
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
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)
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)
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
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
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
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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
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]
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., 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]
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]