Mechanic Engine Company Fire Hat

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. Description: This fire hat dates to the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted light purple overall, with a central painting of a blacksmith at a forge with the text “MECHANIC / ENGINE Co.” in gold in arching banners above. The image is inspired by John Neagle’s painting “Pat Lyon at the Forge.” Lyon was a successful blacksmith who manufactured early fire engines for volunteer companies in Philadelphia. The back of the hat has a five-pointed golden star with the number “26” in the center. The owner’s initials “G.W.F.” are painted in gold on the crown of the hat. The Mechanic Fire Engine Company No. 26 was founded on August 4, 1839 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as a hand engine company until it acquired a steam fire engine in 1859. It operated as a steam fire engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. Note: See companion piece 2005.0233.0170. The num