Cultures & Communities

Furniture, cooking wares, clothing, works of art, and many other kinds of artifacts are part of what knit people into communities and cultures. The Museum’s collections feature artifacts from European Americans, Latinos, Arab Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, African Americans, Gypsies, Jews, and Christians, both Catholics and Protestants. The objects range from ceramic face jugs made by enslaved African Americans in South Carolina to graduation robes and wedding gowns. The holdings also include artifacts associated with education, such as teaching equipment, textbooks, and two complete schoolrooms. Uniforms, insignia, and other objects represent a wide variety of civic and voluntary organizations, including youth and fraternal groups, scouting, police forces, and firefighters.

As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations.
Description (Brief)
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations. Engineers and officers would use “speaking trumpets” to amplify their voices over the noise and commotion of a fire scene to direct the company in effectively fighting the blaze. Two trumpet variants are reflected in the collection: plain and functional “working” trumpets that were actively used at fires, and highly decorated “presentation” trumpets. Presentation trumpets were awarded to firefighters in honor of their service, or between fire companies during visits, competitions, and musters.
This speaking trumpet was presented by the Philadelphia Engine Company No. 18 of Boston to Philadelphia’s Washington Engine Company in 1832. The trumpet is made of brass, with a tin mouthpiece and an upper half sheathed in leather. A purple cord with tassels is attached near the mouthpiece, though it is of a later date than the trumpet itself. The brass trumpet is missing its bell, but the shaft is engraved with the inscription “Presented by the Philadelphia Engine Co. No. 18 of Boston to the Washington Engine Co. of Philadelphia, 1832." The Philadelphia Engine Company was founded in 1825 on Beacon Street, near Boston Common. Soon after this trumpet was made, the company changed its name to Lafayette and eventually disbanded in 1851. The Washington Engine Company was founded in Philadelphia in 1796 and would remain active until the city changed over to a municipal fire department in 1872.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1832
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0821
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0821
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations.
Description (Brief)
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations. Engineers and officers would use “speaking trumpets” to amplify their voices over the noise and commotion of a fire scene to direct the company in effectively fighting the blaze. Two trumpet variants are reflected in the collection: plain and functional “working” trumpets that were actively used at fires, and highly decorated “presentation” trumpets. Presentation trumpets were awarded to firefighters in honor of their service, or between fire companies during visits, competitions, and musters.
This trumpet was presented to John M. Nesbitt of the Hibernia Fire Company by the Insurance Company of North America. The trumpet has decorative bands around the bell’s rim and the upper and lower portion of the trumpet. The bell also features a decorative band with a floral motif. The middle portion of the trumpet has an oval inset featuring high relief of a helmed Greek figure shown in profile view. There is a winged horse on the figure’s helmet and the oval inset is surrounded by decorative floral engravings. The other side of the trumpet has a diamond-shaped silver inlay with an inscription that reads “Presented by the Insurance Company of North America to John M. Nesbitt Esqr. of Hibernia Fire Company, Philadelphia.” A brown braided cord is attached to the trumpet by rings that are held by eagles’ beaks. John Maxwell Nesbitt was the first President of the board of directors for the Insurance Company of North America in 1792, as well as a member of the Hibernia Fire Company.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1800
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0826
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0826
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations.
Description (Brief)
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations. Engineers and officers would use “speaking trumpets” to amplify their voices over the noise and commotion of a fire scene to direct the company in effectively fighting the blaze. Two trumpet variants are reflected in the collection: plain and functional “working” trumpets that were actively used at fires, and highly decorated “presentation” trumpets. Presentation trumpets were awarded to firefighters in honor of their service, or between fire companies during visits, competitions, and musters.
This metal speaking trumpet was in use in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1838. The trumpet has two rounded bands on the upper and lower portion of the shaft. Two rings protrude from the rounded bands that would have been strung with a cord to create a handle or strap. There is an inscription in the center of the trumpet that reads “United States Hose Co. / 14 / Chief Director.” The United States Hose Company Number 14 was located on 423 Buttonwood Street in Philadelphia. The company was organized in 1826 and operated until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1838
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0897
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0897
In the nineteenth century, volunteer fire companies often commissioned paintings to decorate their hand-pumped fire engines for parades, competitions, and community events.
Description
In the nineteenth century, volunteer fire companies often commissioned paintings to decorate their hand-pumped fire engines for parades, competitions, and community events. Sometimes framed with elaborate carvings, they adorned the tall air chamber located at the middle or rear of a pumper. The paintings would often feature patriotic, heroic, or allegorical images to associate the volunteer companies with these lofty ideals.
This engine panel painting is attributed to the Washington Fire Company No.14 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that was founded in 1796. Originally organized as a hand engine company, it acquired a steam fire engine in 1858 and operated as a steam fire engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. John A. Woodside completed this oil painting in 1853, copying it from “George Washington Before the Battle of Trenton,” painted by John Trumbull in 1792. The painting depicts Washington surveying the battleground, with Continental troops in the background. The volunteer fire company named itself after Washington and commissioned the painting to link itself with Washington’s prestige America’s foremost Founding Father.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1853
referenced
Trumbull, John
Washington, George
maker
Woodside, John Archibald
ID Number
2005.0233.0309
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0309
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1982.0568.379
catalog number
1982.0568.379
accession number
1982.0568
Color print of a large number of horse-drawn carriages on the road in front of a two-story brick road house (Turner"s Hotel).
Description (Brief)
Color print of a large number of horse-drawn carriages on the road in front of a two-story brick road house (Turner"s Hotel). Eighteen of the horses are numbered and indentified in a key below the image.
Description
A color print of a crowded road in front of a large roadhouse (Turner Hotel, Rape Ferry Rd.) filled with carriages and spirited horses. All of the carriages are occupied by fashionably dressed men. The buggies are without tops – they have flat floors and straight footboards. The roadhouse is in the colonial style. A two story structure stands with a large ring in the rear, three dormer windows above, and a veranda across the front. Here guests stand and watch. Stable boys wait outside the barn in the background. The grounds are well-kept with trees, shrubbery, and picket fences.
Point Breeze Park in Philadelphia was founded in 1855 and raced thoroughbreds for the first time in 1860. It was eventually converted into an automobile race course in the 1900s after trotting faded as a popular sport.
Pharazyn was a Philadelphia lithographer and colorist. He was born 1822 and died in 1902. He had offices at 103 South Street in 1856 and at 1725 Lombard Street in 1870. Made prints for different magazines, as well as fine prints for patrons. Created a large colored folio “Trotting Cracks of Philadelphia Returning from the Race at Point Breeze Park” in 1870. The horses are all named as usual in the subtitle, but the artists name isn’t given; this was normal as the horses were more important than the actual artists.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1870
maker
Pharazyn, H.
ID Number
DL.60.3557
catalog number
60.3557
This patriotic lithograph poster of Centennial Exposition, Philadelphia, 1876 was supposedly commissioned by the United States Congress for the official celebration of the US Centennial.
Description
This patriotic lithograph poster of Centennial Exposition, Philadelphia, 1876 was supposedly commissioned by the United States Congress for the official celebration of the US Centennial. Depicted is a classically dressed female Liberty/Columbia figure in center, full length seated holding wreath of laurel leaves and wearing a phygian cap, surrounded by flags and stars, and at her feet is a large eagle holding a shield in its claws. The figure is surrounded by border of 18 oval bust portraits of presidents of the United States from Washington to Grant. Below the eagle in the center bottom of the image are oval bust portraits of the following six Revolutionary War heroes: Israel Putnam, Philip Schuyler, Horatio Gates, Nathaniel Greene, Benjamin Lincoln, and John Sullivan Above is birds-eye view of the exposition grounds and small oval vigettes of Independence Hall, Philadelphia (top left) , Bunker Hill Monument, Boston (top center) and Faneuil Hall, Boston (top right) . Below the center image is text and in the lower left below the date 1776, is a scene of a Revolutionary War battle labeled "The Struggle For Liberty." Below the 1876 date in the lower right is are side by side farm and city scenes labeled "Peace And Prosperity."
The Black and gray-green tint on tan-white lithograph was produced by George Stinson & Co. Publishers from Portland, Maine. The print was also issued in color.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1876
depicted (sitter)
Adams, John
Jefferson, Thomas
Madison, James
Monroe, James
Adams, John Quincy
Jackson, Andrew
Van Buren, Martin
Harrison, William Henry
Tyler, John
Polk, James K.
Taylor, Zachary
Fillmore, Millard
Pierce, Franklin
Buchanan, James
Lincoln, Abraham
Johnson, Andrew
Grant, Ulysses S.
Washington, George
Putnam, Israel
Gates, Horatio
Greene, Nathanael
Lincoln, Benjamin
publisher
George Stinson & Co.
ID Number
DL.65.1264
catalog number
65.1264
accession number
259581
William P. Uhlinger from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 3297 was issued on December 22, 1868.This desk is attached to the back of the seat, and the desktop does not lift up.
Description
William P. Uhlinger from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 3297 was issued on December 22, 1868.
This desk is attached to the back of the seat, and the desktop does not lift up. There is ironwork on the side of the desk, as well as a shelf underneath the desk for storage. There is also a place for an inkwell. The backrest and seat are flat and have no curves. The metal work is green with metal hinges.
William P. Uhlinger joined with George W. Harris to form W. P. Uhlinger in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The company manufactured and sold school furniture and desks.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1868
patent date
1868-12-22
patentee
Uhlinger, William P.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Uhlinger, William P.
ID Number
CL.65.0364
accession number
249602
catalog number
65.0364
patent number
73297
Isaac Newton Peirce from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, received a U.S. patent for an improved walnut and brass school desk. Patent no. 121543 was issued on December 5, 1871.This desk features a shelf for books.
Description
Isaac Newton Peirce from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, received a U.S. patent for an improved walnut and brass school desk. Patent no. 121543 was issued on December 5, 1871.
This desk features a shelf for books. The patent suggested there be a pocket or small shelf in front of the bookshelf for holding pens and pencils. The desk can be raised or lowered. It has a pair of cast brass "A" shape pieces which are used to support a writing flap. The bench is smooth with a curved backrest. There are also springs underneath the desktop.
We are not aware of any additional information about the inventor/patentee.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1891
patent date
1891-12-05
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
patentee
Peirce, Isaac Newton
inventor
Peirce, Isaac Newton
ID Number
CL.65.0383
catalog number
65.0383
accession number
249602
patent number
121,543
Isaac Newton Peirce from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 53474 was issued on March 27, 1866.This desk has a simple metal support system for both the chair and desk. The legs flare out.
Description
Isaac Newton Peirce from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 53474 was issued on March 27, 1866.
This desk has a simple metal support system for both the chair and desk. The legs flare out. The chair is wooden with a metal curved back, but most of the back is exposed so there is only upper back support. The chair is attached to a metal pole that connects from under the seat and extends to the side. The desk sits on a wooden base foundation.
We are not aware of any additional information about the inventor/patentee.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1866
patent date
1866-03-27
patentee
Peirce, Isaac Newton
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Peirce, Isaac Newton
ID Number
CL.65.0493
accession number
249602
catalog number
65.0493
patent number
53,474
This is a carved plaque section of a Torah ark, made in the late 19th or early 20th century, that was dismantled from a former Philadelphia synagogue.Religious affiliation or connection to a religious group was an important social, economic, and ideological component of ethnic id
Description
This is a carved plaque section of a Torah ark, made in the late 19th or early 20th century, that was dismantled from a former Philadelphia synagogue.
Religious affiliation or connection to a religious group was an important social, economic, and ideological component of ethnic identity, especially for turn of the century America. Religious affiliation helped immigrants by welcoming them into the communities, assisting with their transition socially and economically.
Those practicing Judaism sought to create a balance between European traditions within a new American setting. By 1900 there was a large population of both reform and Orthodox Judaism. Decorative Torah arks such as this were found in synagogues around the country and are most likely a link to the elaborately carved decorations of their former synagogues in Europe.
Date made
ca 1880 - 1920
ID Number
CL.315408.01
catalog number
315408.01
accession number
315408
Aaron W. Hempleman from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 177835 was issued on May 23, 1876.This model has metal legs and feet and a desk that consists of both light and dark wooden slats.
Description
Aaron W. Hempleman from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 177835 was issued on May 23, 1876.
This model has metal legs and feet and a desk that consists of both light and dark wooden slats. The metal sides feature a tree like design, adding visual interest to the desk. The desk is attached to the backrest, and although the seat and backrest are curved, there is no lower back support. There is a storage shelf underneath the desktop that remains stationary. There is an extra bracket attached to the side of the desk.
Aaron W. Hempleman joined the firm originated by John P. Allen and George H. Grant. In 1876, he and Grant formed Grant & Hempleman to manufacture church and school furniture. It was not unusual during the 19th Century for school furniture companies to also produce pews and pulpits for churches, and fold up seating for theaters.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1876
patent date
1876-05-23
patentee
Hempleman, Aaron W.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Hempleman, Aaron W.
ID Number
CL.65.0399
catalog number
65.0399
accession number
249602
patent number
177,835
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1904 - 1909
maker
Dentzel, Gustav A.
ID Number
CL.66.255
accession number
261195
catalog number
66.255
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1904 - 1909
maker
Dentzel, Gustav A.
ID Number
CL.66.251
accession number
261195
catalog number
66.251
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
ID Number
CL.65.1076
accession number
256396
catalog number
65.1076
An intriguing note came with this framed medallion quilt when it was donated: “The Quaker Quilt. Phil.
Description
An intriguing note came with this framed medallion quilt when it was donated: “The Quaker Quilt. Phil. ca 1840 made for wedding of bride of early Philadelphia Quaker Abolitionist of pieces from the gowns of her trousseau.” Unfortunately there is no indication of the quilt maker or ownership.
The focus of the 41-inch central square, “Star of Bethlehem,” is set off by a 5-inch octagonal border. Additional pieced and plain borders frame this variation of a medallion-style quilt. The beige, tan, brown, rust, and light grey silks and satins utilized for the pattern would be typical of the Quaker esthetic and period. The quilt is lined with roller printed cottons and filled with wool. It is quilted with a variety of geometric patterns (grid, diagonal, chevron, and parallel lines), feathered and flowering vines in the borders, and a spray of flowers in the corner squares. This quilt is a precisely designed example of Quaker quilts in the mid-19th century.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1835-1845
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.E388880
accession number
182022
catalog number
E388880
This engraved woodblock of an “Indian mask from the northwest coast of America” was prepared by Henry Hobart Nichols (1838-1887) and the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the print was published in 1884 as Plate XIII.20 (p.171) in an article by William Healey Dall (
Description
This engraved woodblock of an “Indian mask from the northwest coast of America” was prepared by Henry Hobart Nichols (1838-1887) and the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the print was published in 1884 as Plate XIII.20 (p.171) in an article by William Healey Dall (1845-1927) entitled “On Masks, Labrets, and Certain Aboriginal Customs with an Inquiry into the Bearing of Their Geographical Distribution” in the Third Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian, 1881-82.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1884
publisher
Bureau of American Ethnology
printer
Government Printing Office
author
Dall, William H.
graphic artist
Nichols, H. H.
block maker
N. J. Wemmer
ID Number
1980.0219.0165
catalog number
1980.0219.0165
accession number
1980.0219
This engraved woodblock of “Signal for ‘buffalo discovered’” was prepared by Henry Hobart Nichols (1838-1887) and the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the image was published as Figure 337 on page 532 in an article by Garrick Mallery (1831-1894) entitled “Sign Lang
Description
This engraved woodblock of “Signal for ‘buffalo discovered’” was prepared by Henry Hobart Nichols (1838-1887) and the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the image was published as Figure 337 on page 532 in an article by Garrick Mallery (1831-1894) entitled “Sign Language Among the North American Indians” in the First Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian, 1879-80.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1881
publisher
Bureau of American Ethnology
printer
Government Printing Office
maker
Nichols, H. H.
author
Mallery, Garrick
ID Number
1980.0219.1523
accession number
1980.0219
catalog number
1980.0219.1523
This engraved woodblock of a “Canoe Burial” was prepared by Henry Hobart Nichols (1838-1887) and the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the image was published as Figure 23 on page 171 in an article by H.C.
Description
This engraved woodblock of a “Canoe Burial” was prepared by Henry Hobart Nichols (1838-1887) and the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the image was published as Figure 23 on page 171 in an article by H.C. Yarrow (1871-1876) entitled “Mortuary Customs of North American Indians” in the First Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian, 1879-80.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1881
publisher
Bureau of American Ethnology
printer
Government Printing Office
graphic artist
Nichols, H. H.
author
Yarrow, Harry Crecy
block maker
Grottenthaler, V.
ID Number
1980.0219.1510
catalog number
1980.0219.1510
accession number
1980.0219
This engraved woodblock shows hand signs for the letters "S" through "Y." The illustration was used in a publication relating to the gesture-signs and signals of the North American Indians by Garrick Mallery; it was prepared and printed by the Government Printing Office in Washin
Description
This engraved woodblock shows hand signs for the letters "S" through "Y." The illustration was used in a publication relating to the gesture-signs and signals of the North American Indians by Garrick Mallery; it was prepared and printed by the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C. for the Bureau of American Ethnology in about 1880.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
publisher
Bureau of American Ethnology
printer
Government Printing Office
author
Mallery, Garrick
block maker
Grottenthaler, V.
ID Number
1980.0219.1368
catalog number
1980.0219.1368
accession number
1980.0219
This type chest, measuring roughly 1’H x 2.5’W x 1.5’D, was purchased from L. Johnson & Company for the Printing Department of the Union Army of the Potomac. At least five other type chests were made for that unit.
Description
This type chest, measuring roughly 1’H x 2.5’W x 1.5’D, was purchased from L. Johnson & Company for the Printing Department of the Union Army of the Potomac. At least five other type chests were made for that unit. The top of the chest reads Headquarters Army of Potomac, Printing Department, No. 6. A virtually identical chest markedNo. 5 is displayed at Appomattox Court House, Virginia.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1863
maker
L. Johnson & Company
issuing authority
Army of the Potomac
ID Number
1982.0203.2739
accession number
1982.0203
catalog number
1982.0203.2739
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The United Firemen’s Insurance Company issued this fire mark in 1878. The oval cast iron mark features a central image of a steam-powered fire engine in relief, with a raised header text that reads “UNITED FIREMEN’S INS. CO.” It appears as if the engine and text were originally painted gold, which has subsequently worn off. The policy number “10659” is painted in gold at the bottom of the mark. The United Firemen's Insurance Company was incorporated in 1860 by a group of 28 engine and hose companies that were not part of the Fire Association of Philadelphia. Since the Fire Association did not pay dividends to companies that were not members, these twenty-eight companies formed the new United Firemen's Insurance Company of Philadelphia to profit from the insurance business. Steam fire engines were a new technology in 1860, and the UFI's use of a steamer on its fire mark shows a desire to be associated with the latest innovations in firefighting and prevention.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1878
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0453
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0453
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The Mutual Assurance Company for Insuring Houses from Loss by Fire of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, issued this fire mark in 1799. This Mutual fire mark consists of a leaden image of a tree nailed to an oval-shaped wooden board. The policy number 936 can be faintly seen at the base of the tree. The Mutual was founded in 1784 by former policyholders of the Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses from Loss by Fire. The Philadelphia Contributionship decided that buildings with trees in front of them posed a fire hazard and would no longer be insured. Since trees were abundant in early Philadelphia, this decision created a rift in the Contributionship. The Mutual was founded to provide insurance to those members whose buildings had trees. The adoption of the “Green Tree” as the company’s fire mark was a nod to the dispute that led to the Mutual’s founding.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1799
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0420
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0420
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The Fire Association of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania issued this cast iron fire mark in 1869. The Fire Association’s fire mark consisted of a raised image of an early fire hydrant with hose attached, flanked by the letters F.A. in the center of an oval. This mark shows some faded green paint on the grass, and the policy number “47847” is painted in gold on the bottom. The F.A. adopted a fireplug as their symbol to celebrate the contribution of Philadelphia's innovative public water system to their mission of fighting fire. The Fire Association of Philadelphia was an insurance company founded in 1817 by a group of eleven volunteer engine companies and five volunteer hose companies. A percentage of the Fire Association’s insurance company’s profits were distributed to the volunteer companies. The F.A. fire mark was extremely popular, and an estimated 40,000 fire marks were issued during the company’s history. The Fire Association operated until 1958, when it merged with the Reliance Insurance Company of Philadelphia.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1869
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0411
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0411

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