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: Firefighting Collection

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 fire mark has suffered corrosion and deterioration. 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
1806
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0428
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0428

Philadelphia Contributionship 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 Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses from Loss by Fire issued this fire mark around 1760. The faded number at the bottom of the shield is possibly 1316. Policy 1316 was issued on August 7, 1769 to John Bissell, who owned a house situated on the east side of 3rd Street in Philadelphia. The fire mark consists of the company’s symbol cast in lead showing four hands clasped at the wrist attached to a shield-shaped wooden backing. The Philadelphia Contributionship was established in 1752, becoming the first successful fire insurance company in America. Benjamin Franklin was one of its founding members. The Contributionship began as a mutual insurance company and this concept is represented by its “Hand in Hand” fire mark. The Philadelphia Contributionship is still in operation.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1760
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0351
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0351

Laclede Mutual Fire and Marine 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 Laclede Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this tinned sheet iron fire mark in 1859. The oval mark has a raised image of two hands shaking in the center of the mark, with the raised text “LACLEDE/MUTUAL” around the rim. The Laclede Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1859 until 1903.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1859
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0522
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0522

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, Pennsylvania issued this cast iron fire mark in 1867. The fire mark is painted brown, with the policy number “42772” painted in gold at the bottom. 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
1867
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0404
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0404

United 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 United Firemen’s Insurance Company issued this fire mark around 1877. The oval cast iron mark features a central image of a steam-powered fire engine in relief, flanked by the initials “UF.” 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.
date made
ca 1877
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0446
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0446

Fire Engine Plate, "H.P. Macintosh"

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 silver-plated shield-shaped engine plate reads "H.P. MACINTOSH / 1" engraved in center with the name curving over the "1” in an arch. One hole at top and one hole at bottom for attaching to the plate. There are some brass highlights on the rim and around the engravings. H. P. Macintosh Engine No. 1 was based in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Hiram P. Macintosh (1830-1907) was a noted photographer in Newburyport and served as Chief Engineer of the fire department in the early 1870s. The steam fire engine H. P. Macintosh Engine No. 1 was in service at least during the 1870s and 1880s.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0960
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0960

St. Louis Mutual Fire and Marine 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 St. Louis Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company issued this zinc fire mark in 1851. The fire mark is in the shape of a banner, and features the raised text “ST. LOUIS/MUTUAL.” There are tabs on either side of the fire mark that are used to hang the mark. The St. Louis Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1851 until 1901.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1851
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0521
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0521

Charleston 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 Charleston Fire Insurance Company of Charleston, South Carolina issued this fire mark in the early 19th century. The oval mark is made of iron, and consists of an inner image of intact buildings on the left, and buildings engulfed in flames on the right. A figure of Athena guards the intact buildings from the fire, and has a shield by her feet emblazoned with a Palmetto tree. There is a text above the intact building that reads, “RESTORED.” The outer rim bears the text “CHARLESTON FIRE INSURANCE COMPy.” The Charleston Fire Insurance Company operated from 1811 until 1896.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0470
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0470

"Fire Cross" Engine Emblem

This cross-shaped emblem has a central hole with a rim surrounded by a hose. Various fire fighting instruments are depicted around the hole including a hook and ladder, axe, speaking trumpet, and fire hat.
Description (Brief)
This cross-shaped emblem has a central hole with a rim surrounded by a hose. Various fire fighting instruments are depicted around the hole including a hook and ladder, axe, speaking trumpet, and fire hat. This was not an engine plate, but rather could have been part of a memorial or commemorative display with a photograph in the center hole.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900-1930
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0958
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0958

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 1855. 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 text and parts of the engine have been painted gold, which has chipped at points. 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
1855
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0494
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0494

Fire Engine Plate, "Stephen Thayer"

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 brass engine plate was attached to a fire engine made by Stephen Thayer from Boston, Massachusetts. Thayer operated his business from 1811 to 1861 producing a variety of fire engines and other machine parts. The brass plate is engraved with the text “Stephen Thayer/Maker/Boston, Mass./1838.” The plate has been mounted on a rectangular wooden board with four screws in the plate’s scalloped corners.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1838
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0957
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0957

"Lafayette Hook & Ladder Company No. 1" Carved Panel

This shield is modeled after the United States shield, with 13 red and white stripes and blue field with gold stars.
Description (Brief)
This shield is modeled after the United States shield, with 13 red and white stripes and blue field with gold stars. The center of the shield bears a crossed torch and axe behind the number “1,” and reads “Lafayette H&L Co, Organized July 21, 1845.” Behind the shield is a crossed ladder and hook. A hook and ladder company would often work in conjunction with hose and engine companies to fight fires.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1845
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0321
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0321

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, Pennsylvania issued this cast iron fire mark in 1867. 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
1867
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0409
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0409

Philadelphia Contributionship 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 Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses from Loss by Fire issued this fire mark to a house on 327 Vine Street around 1811. The Philadelphia Contributionship has records of two policies for clients who lived on Vine Street, Sophia Ludiwck (No. 3075) issued February 9, 1811 and Robert Hancock (No. 4209) issued October 7, 1823. The fire mark consists of the company’s symbol cast in lead showing four hands clasped at the wrist attached to a shield-shaped wooden backing. The Philadelphia Contributionship was established in 1752, becoming the first successful fire insurance company in America. Benjamin Franklin was one of its founding members. The Contributionship began as a mutual insurance company and this concept is represented by its “Hand in Hand” fire mark. The Philadelphia Contributionship is still in operation.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1817
ca 1811
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0366
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0366

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 fire hat was used in Trenton, New Jersey 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 of the hat. 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 the owner’s initials “W.D.L.” in gold. 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
1835-1845
associated
Eagle Fire Company
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0035
catalog number
2005.0233.0035
accession number
2005.0233

Philadelphia Contributionship 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 Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses from Loss by Fire issued this fire mark around 1829. The fire mark consists of the company’s symbol cast in lead showing four hands clasped at the wrist attached to a shield-shaped wooden backing. The hands and board on this fire mark have been painted black. The Philadelphia Contributionship was established in 1752, becoming the first successful fire insurance company in America. Benjamin Franklin was one of its founding members. The Contributionship began as a mutual insurance company and this concept is represented by its “Hand in Hand” fire mark. The Philadelphia Contributionship is still in operation.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1829
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0369
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0369

Clay Fire and Marine 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 Clay Fire and Marine Insurance Company of Newport, Kentucky issued this fire mark in 1856. The mark is an unusually shaped scalloped cast iron piece, with a raised text that reads “CLAY/FIRE AND MARINE/INSURANCE CO/OF NEWPORT KY.” The Clay Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1856 to 1879.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1856
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0499
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0499

Union 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 red overall, with a black underbrim. There is a circular frame painted in gold at the center of the hat with an image of a sailor (sometimes called a “Jack Tar”) waving his cap next to an American flag, and a sailing vessel in water in the background. The portrait is flanked by a blue banner with gold trim that reads “UNION FIRE Co.” in gold paint. The hat has the date “1819” painted in gold on the back, and the owner’s initials “G.W.” painted on the crown in white. The Union Fire Company No. 29 was established on March 10, 1819 in the Rising Sun area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and operated until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1820s
associated
Union Fire Company
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0087
catalog number
2005.0233.0087
accession number
2005.0233

Philadelphia Contributionship 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 Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses from Loss by Fire issued this fire mark around 1819. The fire mark consists of the company’s symbol cast in lead showing four hands clasped at the wrist attached to a shield-shaped wooden backing. A note on the back of the mark claims that it was taken from Orianna Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Contributionship was established in 1752, becoming the first successful fire insurance company in America. Benjamin Franklin was one of its founding members. The Contributionship began as a mutual insurance company and this concept is represented by its “Hand in Hand” fire mark. The Philadelphia Contributionship is still in operation.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1819
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0371
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0371

Presentation Trumpet "James McQuire"

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 silver plated speaking trumpet was presented to James McQuire, Jr. around 1872. There are two crossed ladders engraved at the top of the shaft, and below this is an oval cartouche formed by a fire hose with an image of a fireman with a speaking trumpet at the center. The inscription reads “Presented to James McQuire, Jr. by the Members of Blackstone Hose Company No. 1, October 5, 1872” and is flanked by two small classical figures in short tunics with trumpets. At each side is a ladder rising from the bell to the shaft, and at the back are two rings for attaching a cord, each in the shape of a fire helmet. The trumpet’s bell is engraved with an image of a hose carriage, which is surrounded by a floral motif. The Blackstone Hose Company was founded in Norwich, Connecticut in 1868 and named for a prominent local businessman and politician, Lorenzo Blackstone.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1872
described
McQuire, Jr., James
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0012
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0012

Philadelphia Contributionship 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 Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses from Loss by Fire issued this fire mark around 1819. The fire mark consists of the company’s symbol cast in lead showing four hands clasped at the wrist attached to a shield-shaped wooden backing. The Philadelphia Contributionship was established in 1752, becoming the first successful fire insurance company in America. Benjamin Franklin was one of its founding members. The Contributionship began as a mutual insurance company and this concept is represented by its “Hand in Hand” fire mark. The Philadelphia Contributionship is still in operation.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1819
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0373
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0373

Niagara District Mutual Fire 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 Niagara District Mutual Fire Insurance Company of St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada issued this cast iron fire mark in 1836. The oval fire mark has a raised image in the center of two clasped hands shaking, with the founding date of 1836 below. There is raised text inside the scalloped edge that reads “NIAGARA • DISt. • MUTUAL • FIRE • INSURANCE • Co.” The Niagara District Mutual Fire Insurance Company operated from 1836 until 1878.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1836
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0546
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0546

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, Pennsylvania issued this cast iron fire mark in 1872. 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 fireplug, hose, and letters are painted gold, and the policy number “60855” is painted in gold at 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
1872
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0415
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0415

Fire Engine Plate, "20"

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 curved metal engine plate has "20" engraved in the center of the obverse and "Diligent" engraved on reverse. The plate has holes in the four corners that allowed it to be attached to the engine.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0921
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0921

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