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 red overall, and the two black banners have the gold text “WESTERN / COMPANY” surrounded by a fancy script that reads “HOSE.” The back of the hat has the date “1836” in gold script with a golden sunburst above and below the date. The owner’s initials “M.W.” are painted in a gold script on the crown of the hat. The Western Hose Company was established on February 11th, 1836 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, located on the south side of Filbert Street west of 10th street. It operated as a hose company until 1863, when it acquired a steam fire engine. In 1867, the City Council dispensed with their services and they sold their house and steam fire engine to the Fame Hose Company No. 12.
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