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Catalog Data

Maker:
unknown  Search this
Physical Description:
maroon (overall color)
green (underbrim color)
gold (decoration; trim color)
red (lettering color)
painted (overall production method/technique)
pressed felt (overall material)
paint (overall material)
Measurements:
overall: 6 in x 11 3/4 in x 13 1/8 in; 15.24 cm x 29.845 cm x 33.3375 cm
Object Name:
hat, fire
Place Made:
United States
Date made:
1820-1860
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 belonged to a member of the Diligent Hose Company No. 13 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1820, the hose company operated until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. The Diligent Hose Company chose a beehive as their primary icon. It has been a symbol of industry, hard work, and cooperation used by many different groups. The beehive, along with their name of Diligent, implies that the members persistently worked together to serve the community in their role as firemen. Although the beehive and five-pointed star are also Masonic symbols, that does not necessarily link company members to the society. Many Masonic emblems were well known and used by other organizations in the Early Republic.
Location:
Currently not on view
Subject:
Beehives  Search this
Fire Fighting  Search this
Fraternal Associations  Search this
Depicted:
Stars  Search this
Related Publication:
McCosker, M.J.. The Historical Collection of the Insurance Company of North America
Credit Line:
Gift of CIGNA Museum and Art Collection
ID Number:
2005.0233.0032
Catalog number:
2005.0233.0032
Accession number:
2005.0233
See more items in:
Home and Community Life: Fire Fighting and Law Enforcement
Cultures & Communities
Clothing & Accessories
Family & Social Life
Work
Art
Artifact Walls exhibit
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ac-09e7-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_1318662