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 board fire hat was in use during the middle of the 19th century. The shield of the hat is painted red with gold painted text that reads “1/PIONEER/2” with a white banner that reads “DIRECTOR.” The crown of the hat has a red shield painted with a stylized golden decoration, framed in golden scrolling with a blue outline. The back brim of the hat has “BIDDEFORD.” written in gold framed by gold lines. This hat deviated from the popular “stovepipe” style fire hats of the period, and takes the shape of current fire helmets. Pioneer 2 operated in Biddeford, Maine from 1848-1855.
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 during the 18th century. The hat’s shield bears the number “5” with the text “COLUMBIA” above it. The text “New Bedford” is painted on the back of the brim. This hat deviates in style from many of the “stovepipe” style fire hats seen in the collection, and is closer to the current style of protective fire hats.
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 hat was in use during the latter part of the 19th century. The hat is painted brown with a yellow varnish, and the shield bears the text “VENI VIDI VICI” in gold on a black banner. Underneath the banner are the initials “L.H.” and the text “RAPID/2.” The back brim of the hat features the text “SALEM” written on a stylized banner. This hat deviates in style from many of the “stovepipe” style fire hats seen in the collection, and is closer to the current style of fire hats. There is damage on the rear of the 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. 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 hat was in use during the latter part of the 19th century. The hat has been painted brown with a yellow varnish, and the shield bears the text “VENI VIDI VICI” in gold on a black banner. Underneath the banner is the text “RAPID/2.” The "EX" positioned above “VENI VIDI VICI” possibly refers to either the firemen's exemption from active military duty or that the owner is no longer an active member of the company. Retired firefighters referred to themselves as veterans and often indicated this on their equipment. The back brim of the hat features the text “SALEM” written on a stylized banner. This hat deviates in style from many of the “stovepipe” style fire hats seen in the collection, and is closer to the current style of fire hats. There is damage on the rear of the hat that might suggest this hat may have been used in action, and not just in parades.
Color print depicting mounted troops being reviewd by mounted officiers on an open grassy area (Boston Common). Row houses, a church steeple and a large domed public building are visible in the background.
Black and white print of an ornate storefront. Numerous advertising signs are displayed in the shop windows. The building is marked "Ackerman/ Signs & Ornamental Painting". Two men emerge from the shop carrying a signboard which reads "Sarony & Major."
