Costume and Textiles Fireman's HatMade in United States, North
and Central America Artist/maker unknown, American Currently not
on view 1940-16-735Bequest of R. Wistar Harvey, 1940 LabelIn the
early nineteenth century the disciplined and heroic volunteers
at Philadelphia's several dozen fire companies wore special hats
to identify themselves. Modeled on fashionable stovepipe hats
but made in leather to withstand heat and water, these hats were
also proudly worn at pumping contests and when marching in
parades. Fire companies carefully selected their names and
painted symbols; these included Ben Franklin, founder of the
first fire company in 1736, evocations of the power of water,
and the nobility of the American Indian.