Image of a certificate from the Columbia Hose Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with handwritten text certifying Hiram Sweet was conferred as an honorary member on October 6, 1830, and decorated with ornate borders and firefighting equipment including hoses, ladders, speaking trumpets, an American shield and eagle, and vignettes of eye-level views of firefighters pulling a steam fire engine and hose carriage towards Independence Hall; the exterior of the three-story Columbia Hose Company firehouse with a flag on the station roof, and pedestrians and dog on the sidewalk in front; and firefighters fighting a fire at the 4-story “French & Richards” paint and drugstore; the certificate has a green embossed seal of the fire company. Single-color print; date approximated by cataloger based on event depicted in image; the French, Richards, & Co. building was destroyed by fire on the night of October 3, 1865. "J. Queen Del."--text, bottom left margin. P.S. Duval & Son Lith. Philada."--text, bottom right margin. "1806 [space] VIII The Public Benefit Is Our Desire: VIII [space] 1806 This is to Certify That Hiram Sweet is an Honorary Member of the Columbia Hose co. of Philadelphia In witness whereof we have affixed our names and the Seal of our company Elected August 7th 1823 Honor conferred October 6th. 1830 H. Sweet President. [William R. Fraley] Secretary"--text of certificate, printed and handwritten.
Type
image
Extent
1 lithograph : uncolored ; overall 45.24 x 55.88 cm (17 13/16 x 22 in.)
Independence Hall (Philadelphia, Pa.)--Pictorial works Philadelphia (Pa.)--Buildings, structures, etc.--Pictorial works Fire fighters--Pictorial works Fire departments Fire engines--Pictorial works Fire extinction--Equipment and supplies--Pictorial works Fire stations--Pictorial works Fires--Pictorial works Columbia Hose Company of Philadelphia Lithographs--1850-1875. (gmgpc) Certificates. (gmgpc)
Place
Philadelphia (Pa.)
Source
Jay T. Last Collection Firefighting Large Size The Jay T. Last Collection of Graphic Arts and Social History, Huntington Digital Library
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