Cultures & Communities

Cleveland Many Peoples One Language Poster

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.

Topic: Fire Fighting

"Marquis de Lafayette" Engine Panel Painting

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.
The painted cartouche is attributed to the Lafayette Hose Company No. 22 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that was active from 1833-1871. The fact that the painting is small and circular indicates that it may not have been a fire engine panel, and could have been used for a funeral procession honoring Lafayette after his death. Lafayette was highly respected due to his military service in the Continental Army and the role France played in winning the Revolutionary War. He was greeted with parades and celebrations on his return to the United States in 1824, and many fire companies participated in funeral processions upon his death to honor his contribution to the founding of the nation.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1830-1849
artist attribution
Sully, Thomas
Woodside, John Archibald
ID Number
2005.0233.0315
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0315

Mutual Assurance Company Fire Mark

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.
This fire mark was issued by the Mutual Assurance Company of the City of New York. The fire mark has an oval upper portion that bears the text “MUTUAL ASSURANCE” painted in gold. The lower portion is rectangular and bears the policy number “3617” painted in gold. The border of the upper oval and lower rectangle has a golden trim. The Mutual Assurance Company originally operated as a mutual insurer from 1787 to 1809 when it became a stock insurance company. It operated until 1846, when its name was changed to the Knickerbocker Fire Insurance Company.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1787-1809
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0542
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0542

Friendship Fire Company Fire Hat

Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes.
Description
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
This fire hat was used in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted black overall, with the text “Friendship/1796” painted in gold across the front. The owner’s initials “J.L.B.” are painted in white on the crown of the hat. The initials “F.A.” are painted in gold on the back of the hat. The Fire Association of Philadelphia was an insurance company founded by a group of eleven volunteer engine companies and five volunteer hose companies in 1817, of which Friendship was a member. The Friendship Fire Engine Company No. 15 was founded on August 18th, 1796, in the Northern Liberties area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and operated as a hand fire engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1810-1860
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0044
catalog number
2005.0233.0044
accession number
2005.0233

Morris Hose Fire Hat

Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes.
Description
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
This hat dates to the middle of the 19th century. The hat is painted black overall, with the text “MORRIS/HOSE” painted in gold with red shadowing over a painting of a rising sun and clouds. The date “1831” is painted in gold on the back of the hat, and the name “J Lee” is painted in gold on the crown of the hat. The Robert Morris Fire Hose Company No. 19 was founded on March 14, 1831 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and operated until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. A successful Philadelphia merchant and Revolutionary leader, Robert Morris signed the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and played a major role in financing the American Revolutionary War.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1830-1860
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0114
catalog number
2005.0233.0114
accession number
2005.0233

Mutual Assurance Company Fire Mark

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 cast iron flat back fire mark around 1806. This Mutual fire mark is made of cast iron, featuring a raised image of a tree in the center of an oval. The mark has been painted an off-white, and a policy number can be faintly seen by the trunk 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
ca 1806
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0427
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0427

Fairmount Fire Hat

Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes.
Description
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
This fire hat dates to the first half of the 19th century. Though soiled and discolored, the hat is painted red overall and bears a central image of William Rush’s “Nymph and Bittern” statue painted in an oval frame that is flanked by aqua-colored banners with the text “Fair Mount” painted in gold on the banner. Rush’s “Nymph and Bittern” statue was part of a fountain made to commemorate the completion of the Centre Square Water Works in the early 1820s, providing Philadelphia with public waters which was an aid to the city’s fire fighters. The crown of the fire hat bears the faded initials “P.S.” The Fairmount Fire Engine Company No.32 was established in Philadelphia in February 22, 1823 as a hand engine company. It acquired a steam fire engine in 1860 and operated as a steam fire engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1820s
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0101
catalog number
2005.0233.0101
accession number
2005.0233

Milwaukee Mechanics' Mutual Insurance Company Fire Mark

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 Milwaukee Mechanics’ Mutual Insurance Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin issued this cast iron fire mark around 1853. The oval fire mark has raised text in the center that reads “Milwaukee Mechanics.” The Milwaukee Mechanics’ Mutual Insurance Company operated from 1852 until 1885, when it was reorganized as a stock company called the Milwaukee Mechanics’ Insurance Company.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1853
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0545
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0545

Mechanic Engine Company Fire Hat

Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes.
Description
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
This fire hat dates to the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted light purple overall, with a central painting of a blacksmith at a forge with the text “MECHANIC / ENGINE Co.” in gold in arching banners above. The image is inspired by John Neagle’s painting “Pat Lyon at the Forge.” Lyon was a successful blacksmith who manufactured early fire engines for volunteer companies in Philadelphia. The back of the hat has a five-pointed golden star with the number “26” in the center. The owner’s initials “G.W.F.” are painted in gold on the crown of the hat. The Mechanic Fire Engine Company No. 26 was founded on August 4, 1839 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as a hand engine company until it acquired a steam fire engine in 1859. It operated as a steam fire engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. Note: See companion piece 2005.0233.0170. The number on the helmet is 37 instead of 26.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1810-1860
associated
Mechanic Engine Company
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0116
catalog number
2005.0233.0116
accession number
2005.0233

Hibernia Fire Company Fire Hat

Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes.
Description
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
This fire hat was used in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted dark green overall, and the front bears a painted image of a spread-winged eagle, grasping an olive branch in one talon and three arrows in the other, with a golden harp hanging from a chain in its beak. There is a red banner on top of the image with the text “HIBERNIA” in gold. The image is reminiscent of the bald eagle on the seal of the United States, but the harp as a symbol of Ireland replaces the U.S. shield. The imagery points to the Hibernia Fire Company blending its Irish heritage with American patriotic ideals. The back of the hat has the date “1752” painted in gold. An encircled number one painted in gold is located on the crown of the hat. The Hibernia Fire Engine Company No. 1 was founded in 1752 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1810-1860
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0063
catalog number
2005.0233.0063
accession number
2005.0233

Decatur Fire Engine Company Fire Hat

This hat was used in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the first half of the 19th century. The hat has been painted red with a portrait of Commodore Stephen Decatur framed in gold. American flags and black banners with gold trim surround the portrait.
Description
This hat was used in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the first half of the 19th century. The hat has been painted red with a portrait of Commodore Stephen Decatur framed in gold. American flags and black banners with gold trim surround the portrait. The banners bear the gold text “DECATUR/F.E. CO.” The back of the hat features a gold painted image of an early fire hydrant with gushing hose attached, flanked by the letters “FA”. This was the logo of the Fire Association of Philadelphia, an insurance company founded by a group of eleven volunteer engine companies and five volunteer hose companies in 1817. The top of the hat bears the owner’s initials “N.C.” painted in gold. The Decatur Fire Engine Company No. 21 was founded in 1803 in the Frankford neighborhood of Philadelphia as a hand engine company. It acquired a steam fire engine in 1859 and operated as a steam fire engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. Originally known as Good Will Frankford Fire Company No. 2, the company renamed itself in 1842 after Stephen Decatur, the famous naval officer and hero of the War of 1812, whose father had resided in Frankford.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1810-1860
depicted
Decatur, Stephen
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0031
catalog number
2005.0233.0031
accession number
2005.0233

Harmony Fire Company Fire Hat

Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes.
Description
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
This pressed felt fire hat was used in the eastern United States during the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted black overall with the text “HARMONY/FIRE CO.” painted in gold with red shadowing on the front. The date “1849” is painted in gold with red shadowing on the back of the hat. The Harmony Fire Company of Trenton, New Jersey was formed on May 9th 1849.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1850-1860
associated
Harmony Fire Company
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0054
catalog number
2005.0233.0054
accession number
2005.0233

Fire Association of Philadelphia Fire Mark

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 issued this cast iron fire mark during the 1860s. 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. 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
1860-1869
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0398
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0398

Associated Firemen's Insurance Company Fire Mark

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 Associated Firemen’s Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania issued this fire mark in 1851. The mark is a cut-out image of a fireman wearing a hat and cape. The fireman is next to a fire hydrant, using a speaking trumpet, with a wrench in his hand to open the hydrant. The fireman is standing on a crescent shaped base that has raised text that reads “FIRE COMPANY.” The mark has trace amounts of gold paint. The Associated Firemen’s Insurance Company operated from 1850 to around 1857.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1851
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0502
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0502

Fire Engine Plate, "Independence"

At the core of any fire company is the apparatus used to fight fires and protect lives. This was particularly true of for the volunteer fire fighters in 19th century America.
Description (Brief)
At the core of any fire company is the apparatus used to fight fires and protect lives. This was particularly true of for the volunteer fire fighters in 19th century America. Often purchased with their own funds, their fire engines were the focus of their pride and affection, as well as their identities as fire fighters. Engine plates, often made of brass, would be prominently affixed to engines and inscribed with the company name, number, and founding date. Engine plates could pass from old engine to new, or be kept in the firehouse as a memorial to a departed apparatus.
This rectangular zinc engine plate has a raised silver border with raised silver text in large block letters that reads “INDEPENDENCE.” Independence was a common name for 19th century volunteer engine companies, which makes it difficult to identify the exact company that used this plate.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century-early 20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0931
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0931

Lumbermen's Insurance Company Fire Mark

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 Lumbermen’s Insurance Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania issued this cast iron fire mark in 1873. The fire mark consists of an overlapping monogram of the company’s initials, “LI Co” embossed upon an iron square. The mark is framed with four logs that overlap at the corners. The Lumbermen’s was the last newly organized insurance company in Philadelphia to issue a cast iron fire mark.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1873
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0437
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0437

Eagle Fire Company Fire Hat

Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes.
Description
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
This pressed felt fire hat was used in the eastern United States during the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted black overall, with the text “Eagle Fire/Co.” in gold paint with red shadowing on the front. The back of the hat features a yellow image of a wooden fire hydrant flanked by the date “1821.” The crown of the hat has a shield with red and white stripes and the initials “A.C.” This hat likely belonged to a member of the Eagle Fire Company of Trenton, New Jersey that was founded in 1821.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1820-1860
associated
Eagle Fire Company
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0033
catalog number
2005.0233.0033
accession number
2005.0233

Firemen's Insurance Company Fire Mark

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 Firemen's Insurance Company of Baltimore, Maryland issued this fire mark in 1835. The circular cast iron mark has a raised image of a Philadelphia-style double-deck end stroke engine in the center, with a raised text below that reads “F.I. CO.” The Firemen's Insurance Company was founded in 1825, but folded in 1904 due to the losses suffered in the Great Fire of Baltimore.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1835
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0490
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0490

Fire Marker "Franklin Fire Company"

This marker was used by the Franklin Fire Company of Chester, Pennsylvania. The company was founded on November 20, 1867 and incorporated February 22, 1869. Franklin was Chester's first fire company, located on Mary St. and Concord Ave.
Description (Brief)
This marker was used by the Franklin Fire Company of Chester, Pennsylvania. The company was founded on November 20, 1867 and incorporated February 22, 1869. Franklin was Chester's first fire company, located on Mary St. and Concord Ave. The marker consists of a round central portion whose rim is made of a hose, a crossed hook and ladder in the middle and a fire helmet flanked by a firefighter’s speaking trumpet and axe. A banner in the center bears the text “F CO 1.” The top arc reads “FRANKLIN” and the bottom arc “CHESTER PA.” The lack of holes for attachment to an engine points to this marker not being an engine plate, but rather a grave marker or flag holder.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0923
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0923

Mutual Assurance Company Fire Mark

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 cast iron flat back fire mark in 1805. This Mutual fire mark is made of cast iron, featuring a raised image of a tree with leaves painted green in the center of an oval. 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
1805
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0425
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0425

United Life, Fire, and Marine Insurance Company

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 Life, Fire and Marine Insurance Company of Covington, Kentucky issued this tinned sheet iron fire mark between 1865 and 1871. The rectangular fire mark bears raised text that reads “UNITED/KY/INS.Co.” The United Life, Fire, and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1865 until around 1871.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1865-1871
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0541
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0541

City Mutual Fire Insurance Company Fire Mark

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 City Mutual Fire Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this zinc fire mark around 1861. The oval mark features raised text that reads “CITY/MUTUAL.” The City Mutual Fire Insurance Company operated in St. Louis from 1861 until 1878.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1861
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0510
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0510

Insurance Company of North America Star Fire Mark

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 Insurance Company of North America issued a wavy six-pointed star as its fire mark from 1794 to 1797. Director’s minutes from an INA meeting show that 100 star fire marks were ordered from Philadelphia artist Robert Haydock, who was paid $133 for his work. These marks were then sold to policy holders for $1.33. A group of influential citizens in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania founded the Insurance Company of North America in 1792. The INA was the first joint stock insurance company in the United States, and focused its business on marine and fire insurance. The Insurance Company of North America and related companies merged with the Connecticut General Life Insurance Company in 1982 to become the CIGNA Corporation. A later sale made INA a part of ACE Holdings, where it still operates today.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1794
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0382
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0382

Junior Fire Company Fire Hat

Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes.
Description
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
This fire hat was used in Reading, Pennsylvania during the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted red overall, with the “JUNIOR/1813” painted in gold on the front of the hat, and a golden number “2” painted on the back of the hat. The crown of the hat has the word “CAMEL.” painted in gold surrounded by two geometric sunburst patterns. This hat was likely used by a member of the Junior Fire Company that was founded on December 2, 1813 in Reading, Pennsylvania.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1813-1860
associated
Junior Fire Company
ID Number
2005.0233.0065
catalog number
2005.0233.0065
accession number
2005.0233

Fire Association of Philadelphia Fire Mark

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 issued this cast iron fire mark around 1820. The Fire Association’s fire mark consisted of a raised image of an early fire hydrant with gushing hose attached, flanked by the letters F.A. in the center of an oval. 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
ca 1820
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0392
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0392

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.