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 by a member of the Neptune Hose Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted brown overall, with painted golden text on the front that reads “NEPTUNE / HOSE.” The back of the hat has the date “1805” painted in gold, and the owner’s initials “J.D.C.” in gold on the crown of the hat. The Neptune Hose Company was founded on August 6th, 1805 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and operated until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established.
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 brown overall with golden bands around the top and base. The front of the hat has the golden painted text that reads “KENSINGTON/1791.” There is an encircled number “1” on the back of the hat in gold paint. The crown of the hat bears the owner’s initials “J.F.” painted in gold. The Kensington Fire Company was founded in August of 1791 to serve the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The company operated until 1855, when it refused to join the newly organized Philadelphia Fire Department, which, although volunteer, was under the administrative and financial control of the city.
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. It is painted black overall, with golden decorative scrolls surrounding the text “GOOD INTENT” painted in gold over a golden sunburst. The back of the hat has the initials “F.A” painted in gold. The initials stand for 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 owner’s initials “W.H.F.” are painted in gold on the crown. The Good Intent Fire Company was formed in 1819 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and operated as a hand engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established.
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 Lancaster, Pennsylvania during the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted black overall, with the text “FRIENDSHIP/HOSE” painted in gold across the front. The date “1763” is painted in gold on the back of the hat, and the owner’s initials “L.S.” are painted in gold on the crown of the hat. The Friendship Hose Company in Lancaster, Pennsylvania was founded in 1763.
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 first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted brown overall, with an image of a spread-winged bald eagle similar to the one depicted on the Great Seal of the United States. In the bird's right claw is an olive branch and in its left are a group of thirteen arrows, and the shield of the United States is on its chest. A red banner above the eagle reads “MARION.” The back of the hat has the date “1833” painted in gold. The crown of the hat has the owner’s initials “J.H.H.” painted in gold. The Marion Hose Company No. 23 was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 19, 1833, and operated until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established.
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 first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted black overall, with the text “NORTHERN/No. 1/LIBERTY” painted in gold on the front of the hat. The crown of the hat bears the date “1756” in gold paint. The back of the hat features a faded image of fire hydrant in gold flanked by the initials “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 Northern Liberty Fire Company was founded on May 1st 1756, in the Northern Liberties area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a separate municipality until 1854.
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 front of the hat has a black circle with the date “1773” painted in gold in a black cartouche on a golden cloud, framed by a scrolling banner that reads “RAINBOW FIRE COMPANY”. The back of the hat has a golden number “1” framed in a gold octagon with black shadowing. The Rainbow Fire Company was founded March 17, 1773 in Reading, Pennsylvania and is one of the oldest volunteer companies still in existence.
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.
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, with a portrait of William Penn in a wooded setting, a body of water behind him, set inside a golden oval. The portrait is flanked by blue banners with gold text that reads “WILm PENN / HOSE COMP.” The back of the hat has an image of a wooden fire hydrant with protruding hose painted in gold, 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 William Penn Hose Company No. 18 was founded on February 3rd, 1830 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, adopting the name of the state’s proprietor. It operated as a hose company until 1864, when it acquired a steam fire engine. William Penn served as a hose and steam fire engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established.
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 Norristown, Pennsylvania during the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted brown overall, with golden triangles coming down from the top. The front of the hat reads “NORRISTOWN HOSE” in gold paint. The back of the hat has the date “1847” painted in gold, and the owner’s initials “J.B.T.” in gold script on the crown of the hat. The Norristown Hose Company was organized in 1847 in Norristown, Pennsylvania and operated until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established.
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 brown overall, with the image of a rising sun and the word “HOWARD” painted in gold arching over the sunburst on the front of the hat. The back of the hat has the number “15” in large gold numbers with the motto “WE CONQUER TO SAVE” in gold arching above the number. A Howard Fire Company No. 15 operated in Baltimore, Maryland from 1830 until 1858 when the municipal department took over and the Number 1 Engine Company occupied the company’s fire house located on North Paca Street.
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 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania during the first half of the 19th century. The front of the hat bears an image of a spread-winged eagle grasping an anchor in its talons below a red banner that reads “HOPE FIRE COMP” in yellow. The back of the hat bears a large number “2.” The crown of the hat has an image of a beehive surrounded by the text “HIVERS/E.S.” The nickname “Hivers” likely reflected a common theme among volunteer fire companies – hard communal labor in support of the public good. The front of the hat displays the patriotic imagery of the bald eagle, as well as the anchor representing hope. The Hope Fire Company No. 2 operated in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania from 1814 until 1868.
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 is painted orange/red overall, with a central portrait of Thomas Jefferson set inside a golden circular frame. The portrait is flanked by two dark blue banners that read “INDEPENDENCE/FIRE COMPANY” in gold paint. The date “1847” is painted in gold on the back of the hat between two gold lines. The owner’s initials “W.A.Mc.A.” are painted in gold on the crown of the hat. This hat was likely used by a member of the Independence Fire Engine Company, located in the Callowhill area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Independence Fire Engine Company No. 39 was founded in 1847 as a hand engine company. It acquired a steam fire engine in 1863 and operated as a steam fire engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established.
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 early-to-mid 19th century. The hat is painted black overall, with the image of a single eye framed by a cloud with rays of light behind it. This is the Eye of Providence, or the All-Seeing Eye, which represents an omnipresent gaze, a suitable icon for a company that called itself Vigilant. The word “VIGILANT” is painted in gold above the eye. The back of the hat has a large “V” painted in gold. The owner’s initials “J.W.H." are painted in a fancy script on the hat’s crown. The Vigilant Fire Company was founded in Philadelphia in 1760.
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 the eastern United States, possibly in Philadelphia, during the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted black overall, with the text “FRIENDSHIP/1830” painted in white with red shadowing on the front of the hat. The back of the hat has the letters “F.A” framed in white. 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.
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 likely used in Pennsylvania during the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted brown overall with the number “1” painted in gold with a crossed hook and ladder behind the number. The word “Keystone” is painted in gold on a gold-lined banner above the number “1.” The owner’s initials “H.S.G.” can be faintly seen on the back of the hat. “Keystone” was a popular name for fire companies throughout Pennsylvania, including the Keystone Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 of Reading, where this hat may have been used.
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 in the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted black overall, with a painting at its center featuring a female figure clothed in a white robe with an anchor at her side and stormy sea behind her. The painting is flanked by red banners with gold trim that read “HOPE / HOSE COMPY” in gold lettering. The back of the hat features the word “HOPE” in large golden letters, with two golden lines above and below. The female figure with anchor is a classical allegorical representation of Hope. Hope Hose Company No. 7 was founded in 1805 in Philadelphia. It was the second Philadelphia fire company to acquire a steam fire engine in 1858, and it changed its name to the Hope Steam Fire Engine Company No. 2.
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 black overall with a painted portrait of Samuel Ringgold in the center framed in gold. Red banners with gold trim flow around the portrait that read “RINGGOLD/HOSE Co.” in gold paint. The company’s initials “RHC” are painted in gold script on the back of the hat. The owner’s initials “H.M.” are inside an outline of a shield on the crown of the hat. This hat was likely used by a member of the Ringgold Hose Company No. 33 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded in 1847 and operated until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. While many firefighting companies chose past heroes of the Revolution and Early Republic as their namesakes, others selected contemporary military and political figures. Samuel Ringgold was a hero of the Mexican-American War best known for his innovations in artillery deployment. He was mortally wounded at the Battle of Palo Alto in 1846.
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 second half of the 19th century. The hat is painted black overall, with a central painting of Pennsylvania’s coat of arms. Within the central shield are images of a ship, a plow, and three sheaves of wheat, representing commerce, labor and the importance of agriculture respectively. The shield is flanked by two horses, with a red banner outlined in gold with the text "Virtue, Liberty & Independence" written in gold. The back of the hat has the number “12” painted in gold, with a gold outline of a keystone. Something has been peeled off of the crown of the hat, leaving a distressed mark. The hat is similar in style to object number 2005.0233.0077, but it belonged to a member of the Pennsylvania Engine Company No. 12 of San Francisco, California. The company was founded in the burgeoning Western city in 1852 by veteran firefighters from Philadelphia who chose to wear the traditional uniforms of their home city.
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 “GLOBE/1820” painted in gold on the front of the hat. The letter “G” is painted in gold on the back of the hat. The crown of the hat has an illustration of an eagle perched on a globe, with a banner in its beak that reads “W.R.” (likely the owner’s initials). The Globe Fire Engine Company No. 30, located in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was founded on May 22, 1820 and incorporated March 9, 1847. The company took its name from the nearby Globe Mills, a factory where some of its members were employed. Founded as a hand engine company, it acquired a steam fire engine in 1863 and operated as steam fire engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established.