Fireman, USA, 1850's

[Mudslinger]

Re: Fireman, USA, 1850's

Great idea Thad! Harper's Ferryisn't that far from us, and would be easy to research that site also. Gary, if you find any other info please post it. I'm getting some detailed pics from some buddies at the museum on the equipment to send to a couple of vendors, and of course, I'll post them here as well.

[Shantyman]

Re: Fireman, USA, 1850's

I found a somewhat curiouse Image on Ebay, The photo captation says Firefighter and Equipment. Its a nice image of what appears to be a horese drawn hand pumper. Im curious whether the soldier is just an infantryman posing by the Pumper or did the federal army actualy have firefighters serving as such for the army? I guess the latter is possible, I know durring WWII the Luftwaffe had their own Engine Companys.

Ive also found a painted canvas "Army Style" FD cap, But a cant get a definate date one it or where exactly it was issued. Interesting tho, it was made by Ames Sword Co. Nathan Ames started military contracts in 1832 so perhaps somewhere around there. Anyone ever heard of this style FD cap before or heard of this style being anywhere else other than New England?

P.S. I really like the Harpers Ferry Idia.

[Duvall Leatherwork]

Re: Fireman, USA, 1850's

Man Guys...Fire Buckets!!!! Leather water hose!!! Wow! I can honestly say I haven't made any leather fire hose, but....If you got the money, I've got the time!

You know where I'm at when your ready for buckets and fire hose... :)

Nick Duvall
Duvall Leatherwork
314 Wyoming Ave
Kingston, PA 18704
(570)283-9297
duvall_leatherwork@hotmail.com

https://www.duvallleatherwork.com

[FranklinGuardsNYSM]

Re: Fireman, USA, 1850's

Steven -

That's an image of Richmond Engine Co. 3 in the later part of the war, evidently mis-identified on fleabay. High-res versions available on the LoC, a sample of which is here: http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/cwpb/02700/02760v.jpg

[FranklinGuardsNYSM]

Re: Fireman, USA, 1850's

Photos of the helmet and bucket in question. I have each, but would only really recommend them for photo-and-film/TV work, as shown.

[KarinTimour]

Re: Fireman, USA, 1850's

Gentlemen:

Harper's Ferry has either a pumper or a ladder truck, I think the latter, that is, I think, from the period. I was there one year for Harper's Ferry election and they got it out and guys marched with it.

Might be really useful to get in touch with them to explore the possibilities. They might have some of the equipment you're thinking about as well.

I don't know, I just remember being really impressed when the firetruck/ladder/pumper went by in the militia muster parade. It didn't seem to have horse drawn capabilities, no traces or anything like that.

On another note, here in NYC we didn't have a municipal fire department, but rather volunteer companies who were prone to shaking people down to get their houses on fire addressed, fighting with rival companies who tried to put out a fire first, and general brawling. And don't get me started on the 1850s police force troubles. Was this type of behavior common in other cities in the time period? When did municipal fire departments start? Was it all post war?

Sincerely,
Karin Timour
Period Knitting -- Socks, Sleeping Hats, Balaclavas
Atlantic Guard Soldiers' Aid Society
Email: Ktimour@aol.com

[jasonw]

Re: Fireman, USA, 1850's

This is a rough list of when some of the first paid departments were created. Cincinnati, OH is usually thought of as having the first paid dept, however I have heard rumours (telephone, tell a friend, tell a firefighter!) of others having paid or partially paid departments as early as the late 1600's. I am still looking for any documentation of this.

Cincinnati, OH 4/1/1853
St. Louis, MO 9/14/1857
Louisville, KY 6/1/1858
Chicago, IL 8/2/1858
Richmond, VA 10/25/1858
Boston, MA 1859
Memphis, TN 1859
Indianapolis, IN 10/1859
Baltimore, MD 12/1859
Detroit, MI 1860
Nashville, TN 7/24/1860
Dayton, OH 1864
District of Columbia 5/19/1864
Covington, KY 7/7/1864
FDNY 6/24/1865
San Francisco, CA 4/3/1866
Philadelphia, PA 12/1870

[Igor73]

Re: Fireman, USA, 1850's

another equipment for firemen?




"This historical belt was copied from originals found by Cpl. David Plass, 5th NY Duryea Zouaves, in the Hudson Firemen's Museum in Hudson NY. "

http://www.dellsleatherworks.com/073...remanbelts.htm

[JKfifer119]

Re: Fireman, USA, 1850's

Hey Karin

the FDNY (paid version) claims a start date of 1865. I recollect marching in the 125 anniversary parade way back in 1990, quite a ta do as I recall

Joe Korber

[mdparthum]

Re: Fireman, USA, 1850's

That first image reminds me of the marker at Gettysburg in honor of the FDNY firefighters that fought there. I think it is in the Wheat Field. Someone please correct my on that.

[jasonw]

Re: Fireman, USA, 1850's

Here are a few from the Fire Museum of Maryland.

[jasonw]

Re: Fireman, USA, 1850's

And here are a few from the Fire Museum of New York.

[Igor73]

Re: Fireman, USA, 1850's

[508preach]

Re: Fireman, USA, 1850's

Here in Beaufort I did a little research and between 1865 and the turn of the century they had four independent fire companies in Beaufort there was the Washington Steam Fire Engine Company, the Palmetto Fire Steam Engine Company, the all colored Pioneer Hose Company, and the one that baffles me on the name choice is The New York Hook and Ladder Company.

What I am curious is how there was a company in Beaufort SOUTH CAROLINA named The New York Hook and Ladder Company....the only thing I can think of was after the civil war the city of New York bought a brand new fire engine for the city of Charleston South Carolina and that this company could have been named in honor of the gift.

Thoughts?

[Igor73]

Re: Fireman, USA, 1850's