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Author: 
 
 Fire Association of 
 Philadelphia 
 
 Title: 
 
 The Fire Association of 
 Philadelphia 
 
 piOQQ' 
 
 [Philadelphia] 
 
 Date: 
 
 [1917] 
 
MASTER NEGATIVE # 
 
 COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES 
 PRESERVATION DIVISION 
 
 BIBLIOGRAPHIC MICROFORM TARGET 
 
 ORIGINAL MATERIAL AS FILMED - EXISTING BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD 
 
 ^ft^ 
 
 Businjsss 
 D986' " 
 F516 
 
 Fire association of Philadelphia. 
 
 The Fii'o association of Philadelphia; a short account 
 of the origin and development of fire insurance in Phil- 
 adelphia. [Philadelphia, Priv. print, for the Fire asso- 
 ciation of Philadelphia, ^^lOlTj 
 
 vii, ill, 39 p. incl. front., illus., facsims. 23i"". 
 
 "Compiled, designed, and printed by direction of Walton advertising 
 & printing co., Boston, Mass." 
 
 1. Insurance, Fire — Philadelphia.- 
 
 Library of Congress 
 
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 18-2887 
 
 HG9779.PSFS 
 
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 Tf^TfTTTTTf. 
 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION BUILDING 
 Comer of Fourth and Walnut Streets 
 
 D 
 
 
 mfm}m}}})}fff}wy»»»» 
 
 THE 
 
 FIRE ASSOCIATION 
 
 OF 
 
 PHILADELPHIA 
 
 
 •y 
 
 A SHORT ACCOUNT 
 
 OF THE ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT 
 
 OF FIRE INSURANCE 
 
 IN 
 
 PHILADELPHIA 
 
 < > 
 
MM 
 
 ^"Stcs. 
 
 Privately Printed for 
 AND Copyrighted 1917 by 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 The pictures on pages 
 
 V and 22 are from rare old 
 
 prints; the head-band on page i 
 
 is a reproduction of Peter Cooper's 
 
 painting of EhiUd^lpJ?i%, iji t^e collection 
 
 of the Libiiiy iC(?nipJni of fPhila^et^i^ the 
 
 picture* on* page' 1*8 Is TroM -'tKft* coifec- 
 
 tioi\ of ' ,-jSaTp8ptj»r*! •¥^^^'' ^^ ^ 
 
 otherf pfcjttireV ^re:frpm ithe: • : 
 
 collection of 'the Fire * • • - 
 
 •. • .Association,*. . 
 
 
 Compiled, designed, and printed by direction of 
 
 Walton Advertising &• Printing Co. 
 
 Boston, Mass. 
 
 INTRODUCTION 
 
 THE ORIGIN OF FIRE INSURANCE AS A BUSINESS 
 
 HIS little book is oflPered by the Fire Association of Phila- 
 delphia in the hope that its readers may. glean from it many 
 facts relative to the history of the Association, as well as 
 some information concerning the development of under- 
 
 writing in both the Old and the New World. Philadelphia has taken 
 no small part in the events which have helped to make this history, 
 for the city has seen the beginning of underwriting in America, and 
 its growth from small to great proportions. Marine insurance was 
 first undertaken, and to this were added fire and eventually life risks, 
 while the present century has seen the entire insurance world advanc- 
 ing to meet practically every demand made by the public. This same 
 public, appreciating the benefits of insurance, is fully awake to the 
 fact that its history is an interesting subject of study. The constant 
 application at the public libraries of the large cities for the history of 
 insurance itself and the story of the origin and development of the 
 great insurance companies is a proof of this. 
 
 "Have you heard the story of the disagreements which arose between Quarrel 
 the Philadelphia Contributionship, familiarly known as the Hand in bettiren the 
 Hand, and the Mutual Assurance Company, known as the Green ^^^^ *^^^ 
 Tree?" is not an unusual question asked of the stranger in Philadel- ^^^ Creen 
 phia. And, if the stranger has not heard this story, it is well worth y^^^^ 
 his while to listen to it, for it concerns a chapter of early underwriting 
 history in America. The old Hand in Hand refused to insure houses 
 which had trees planted near them; and this decision caused consider- 
 able complaint among householders, who were loath to cut down the 
 trees and yet wished their property protected against loss by fire. 
 The fire-mark of the Hand in Hand is a familiar one to Philadelphians; 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 Lombards 
 in London 
 first noted 
 under- 
 writers 
 
 Beginning 
 of fire in- 
 surance, 
 Nicholas 
 Barbon, 
 other early 
 agents, and 
 Lloyd^s 
 famous 
 Coffee-house 
 
 Author of 
 *' Robinson 
 Crusoe'''' 
 plans in- 
 surance 
 companies 
 
 and, when the company popularly called the Green Tree came into 
 existence, its fire-mark bore the emblem signified by its name, and it 
 agreed to insure houses about which trees were planted. A rivalry 
 arose between the two companies, and the disagreements which 
 ensued may have been kept up until the famous tree clause was taken 
 from the charter of the pioneer company. 
 
 These early American insurance companies had as their models 
 the London organizations of the day, and the London companies 
 in their turn benefited by the experience which their predecessors 
 had gained from the time of the Hebrew statutes. Much credit is 
 due to the Lombards, noted money-lenders of Europe, who in the 
 thirteenth century went exclusively into underwriting not only in 
 London, but throughout Europe. Though the business of marine 
 insurance was carried on extensively in England, it was some 
 years before it was made a subject of legislation in Parliament; 
 and the preamble to the law passed by Parliament in 1601 contains 
 the interesting statement that insurance had been a custom "tyme 
 out of mynde." 
 
 Fire insurance as a business had its beginning in 1667, after the 
 Great Fire of London, and was carried on in response to the needs of 
 those who had suffered from losses in the conflagration. Nicholas 
 Barbon carried on the business, and confined his activities to the in- 
 surance of buildings, risks on merchandise not being taken until 1706, 
 when Charles Povey entered this field. Shortly before Povey's 
 venture the Friendly Society— the first joint-stock insurance organi- 
 zation—was founded. The term " underwriting " originated in London 
 at Lloyd's famous Coffee-house, the rendezvous of ship-owners and 
 trading merchants, where it was the custom to record the value of 
 cargoes and for a consideration to guarantee the owners protection 
 from the perils of the deep. Such men wrote their names and the 
 amounts assumed under the records of the cargo they insured, and 
 "underwriting" came to be synonymous with insurance. Lloyd's is 
 now known as Underwriters at Lloyd's. 
 
 Daniel Defoe, best known as the author of *' Robinson Crusoe," 
 may have been responsible for the establishment of many of the early 
 insurance companies in London. In his "Essay on Projects," pub- 
 lished in 1696, Defoe sets forth a plan for the promotion of societies 
 "formed by mutual assurance for the relief of the members in seasons 
 of distress"; and he proposes one for "the support of destitute 
 widows," and another "for the assistance of seamen." Defoe's idea 
 was extensively carried out, and many institutions with varied benefi- 
 cent ideas were established. It was not, however, until nearly a 
 century later (in 1793) that the Friendly Societies received the sanction 
 of Parliament. More than fifty years before the English Parliament 
 took this action, the American insurance companies were flourishing. 
 Speaking of their later progress, Cornelius Walford, of London, one 
 of the most eminent writers on insurance, said: "Our American 
 cousins are already wresting the palm of progress from our grasp. 
 They have gone ahead with it in a manner far outstripping all former 
 experience." 
 
 
 INTRODUCTION 
 
 Not least among these old companies was the Fire Association of The Fire 
 Philadelphia, organized and carried on by the early volunteer fire Association 
 companies, which continued their interest in it up to the time of the 0/ Phila- 
 establishment of a paid fire department. With the publication of this delphia 
 little book the Fire Association passes its century mark. The Associa- 
 tion desires to acknowledge the many courtesies that have been ex- 
 tended in the preparation of its history. Officers and employees of 
 the company have taken a most cordial interest in the matter, and 
 have placed at the disposal of the historian the minute-books of the 
 company, various early records, manuscripts, and other data of 
 interest in the preparation of this book. The Fire Association is in- 
 debted to Mr. Joseph H. Mercer, who located the houses of Samuel 
 Bleight and Caleb Carmalt, and to Mr. George Maurice Abbott for 
 the privilege of reproducing Peter Cooper's picture of Philadelphia in 
 1720. 
 
 
 
 
 VI 
 
 Vll 
 
THE 
 
 FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 PHILADELPHIA, THE PIONEER OF AMERICAN 
 
 INSURANCE 
 
 INSURANCE in America was instituted two hundred years ago. 
 The scene of its origin was High Street, Philadelphia, and 
 John Copson was the underwriter. Less than a decade later — 
 1736 is the exact date — proceedings arose which eventually led 
 to the formation of the Fire Association. A century (less one year) 
 after John Copson wrote his first policy the Fire Association was 
 incorporated. 
 
 Philadelphia occupies a unique place in the history of American 
 insurance. Here, in response to the needs of those having marine 
 interests, underwriting was not only carried on, but the first book in 
 this country in which insurance is mentioned was written by Francis 
 Rawle, published by S. Keimer, and printed by Benjamin Franklin. 
 This "Ways and Means for the Inhabitants of Delaware to become 
 Rich" was the first book printed by Franklin, who later became 
 identified with the early insurance interests of the city. The first 
 insurance magazine published in America was printed in Philadelphia 
 by Captain Harvey G. Tuckett, and was called Tucketfs Monthly 
 Journal, Health and Friendly Societies' Monitor. The oldest fire in- 
 surance company in America, the Philadelphia Contributionship, is 
 located in Philadelphia; and here also is the first joint-stock fire 
 insurance company in America, the Insurance Company of North 
 America, the latter organized in the midst of some of the most stirring 
 scenes this country has ever known and cradled in Independence Hall. 
 The Quaker City has witnessed the earliest efforts to establish not 
 only marine and fire insurance, but life insurance as well. In Phila- 
 delphia was organized the first life insurance company in the United 
 States. This company, still in existence, was organized and char- 
 tered by King George II, Jan. 11, 1759, and is the Presbyterian Min- 
 isters' Fund for Life Insurance. Impetus has also been given here to 
 the earliest publications on underwriting. 
 
 The Fire Association of Philadelphia is the first organization in 
 America that grew out of the volunteer fire department of any city. 
 Begun with no other capital than what credit it could secure, and 
 re-enforced by the sterling worth of the men who put energy into its 
 organization, it rapidly outgrew the front room of Caleb Carmalt's 
 
 Phila- 
 delphia's 
 prominence 
 in early 
 American 
 insurance 
 
 Origin of 
 the Fire 
 Association 
 0/ Phila- 
 delphia 
 
THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 ^55^^/ />'yy^/^ >^^ A? v/r^^^ 
 
 y : 
 
 
 ' /-' 
 
 
 ,^' /^J 
 
 ^■:'^M:,Y^*'yf^f9/(/y^<ry^',^/'/^y^/y^^^ 
 
 
 
 
 C'««4<?^ C^e*-****^^ ^gl^/D 
 
 A PAGE OF THE EARLY MINUTES OF THE FIRE ASSOCIATION 
 
 % 
 
 house on Third and Tammany (now Buttonwood) Streets, and took 
 quarters in four other buildings, which it has occupied during the 
 hundred years of its activity as an insurance company. In Carpenters' 
 Hall the Trustees of the Fire Association held their meetings in the 
 twenties. To-day the Association occupies its new building on the 
 corner of Fourth and Walnut Streets. 
 
 The Fire Association began underwriting at an interesting period in 
 American history. James Monroe was President of the United States 
 at the time of the first activities of the Association as an insurance 
 company (in 1817). Philadelphia at this period was by the fastest 
 coaches a two days' journey from New York. The population of 
 Philadelphia in that year was 114,410 persons. No telephone or 
 telegraph wires spanned the country. Weaving was done by hand. 
 Books were scarce. On the front page of PoulsorCs American Daily 
 Advertiser, dated Wednesday morning, February 5, 18 17, containing 
 an announcement of a meeting of the presidents of the different 
 engine companies of Philadelphia to consider the formation of the 
 Fire Association, one Christian Stauffer offered a reward of fifty 
 dollars for the return of "a Mulatto Boy named Harry, supposed to 
 be about five feet two inches high, slender made, sharp face and nose, 
 large feet, straight hair, pleasant countenance, and smiles when spoken 
 to. Had on, when he went away, an old grey coat considerably patched, 
 a waistcoat and pantaloons of grey lindsey, a home made flannel under 
 roundabout and a red cape, a high crown'd wool hat nearly new, black 
 woolen stockings and coarse patent shoes — in his roundabout or waist- 
 coat, not recollected which, there is an inside pocket." 
 
 The anti-slavery movement had just begun. Abraham Lincoln 
 was eight years old. Through the length and breadth of America 
 the time was called "the era of good feeling," and during this era the 
 Fire Association of Philadelphia issued its first policy. 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA A HUNDRED 
 YEARS AGO 
 
 Eleven engine and five hose companies joined the Fire Association 
 when it was organized in 181 7. As early as 1736 a movement was 
 started by some of the volunteer companies to form a similar organi- 
 zation, and from that year until 1799 conventions were held by dele- 
 gates from these companies. Though these meetings planted valuable 
 seeds in the minds of those who attended them, no fruit of any in- 
 dividual or united efforts was borne until 1799, when the Resolution 
 Fire Company suggested that a Fire Association be formed, and that 
 the duties of this organization be to regulate the proceedings at fires. 
 Up to 1803 the new association devoted itself to taking care of furni- 
 ture and goods at fires, and two regulators sent by it located pumps 
 and formed lines to convey buckets to the engines. It also assigned 
 the fire-engines places where they might operate most advantageously. 
 Serious differences arose between the firemen and hosemen, and after 
 the formation of the Philadelphia Hose Company the Fire Association 
 was practically abandoned, and a new organization formed in 1804, 
 
 ('.(I n 
 
 ', t 
 
 ,;• 
 
 ./ss'icujtion 
 
 
 U ■' I - 
 
 .hiti- 
 
 slazrry 
 ynhvemrnt 
 
 Offi^un 
 
 L^- 
 
 
 *-. 
 
 I 
 
INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 house on Third and Tammany (now Buttonwood) Streets, and took 
 quarters in four other buildings, which it has occupied during the 
 hundred years of its activity as an insurance company. In Carpenters' 
 Hall the Trustees of the Fire Association held their meetings in the 
 twenties. To-day the Association occupies its new building on the 
 corner of Fourth and Walnut Streets. 
 
 The Fire Association began underwriting at an interesting period in 
 American history. James Monroe was President of the United States 
 at the time of the first activities of the Association as an insurance 
 company (in 1817). Philadelphia at this period was by the fastest 
 coaches a two days' journey from New York. The population of 
 Philadelphia in that year was 114,410 persons. No telephone or 
 telegraph wires spanned the country. Weaving was done by hand. 
 Books were scarce. On the front page of PoulsorCs American Daily 
 Advertiser, dated Wednesday morning, February 5, 18 17, containing 
 an announcement of a meeting of the presidents of the different 
 engine companies of Philadelphia to consider the formation of the 
 Fire Association, one Christian StauflFer offered a reward of fifty 
 dollars for the return of "a Mulatto Boy named Harry, supposed to 
 be about five feet two inches high, slender made, sharp face and nose, 
 large feet, straight hair, pleasant countenance, and smiles when spoken 
 to. Had on, when he went away, an old grey coat considerably patched, 
 a waistcoat and pantaloons of grey lindsey, a home made flannel under 
 roundabout and a red cape, a high crown'd wool hat nearly new, black 
 woolen stockings and coarse patent shoes — in his roundabout or waist- 
 coat, not recollected which, there is an inside pocket." 
 
 The anti-slavery movement had just begun. Abraham Lincoln 
 was eight years old. Through the length and breadth of America 
 the time was called "the era of good feeling," and during this era the 
 Fire Association of Philadelphia issued its first policy. 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA A HUNDRED 
 YEARS AGO 
 
 Eleven engine and five hose companies joined the Fire Association 
 when it was organized in 181 7. As early as 1736 a movement was 
 started by some of the volunteer companies to form a similar organi- 
 zation, and from that year until 1799 conventions were held by dele- 
 gates from these companies. Though these meetings planted valuable 
 seeds in the minds of those who attended them, no fruit of any in- 
 dividual or united efforts was borne until 1799, when the Resolution 
 Fire Company suggested that a Fire Association be formed, and that 
 the duties of this organization be to regulate the proceedings at fires. 
 Up to 1803 the new association devoted itself to taking care of furni- 
 ture and goods at fires, and two regulators sent by it located pumps 
 and formed lines to convey buckets to the engines. It also assigned 
 the fire-engines places where they might operate most advantageously. 
 Serious differences arose between the firemen and hosemen, and after 
 the formation of the Philadelphia Hose Company the Fire Association 
 was practically abandoned, and a new organization formed in 1804, 
 
 Conditions 
 when the 
 Fire 
 
 Association 
 began busi- 
 ness 
 
 Anti- 
 slavery 
 movement 
 begun 
 

 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 called the "Fire Hose Association." This organization, through 
 many and varied vicissitudes, managed to struggle along until 1817, 
 when the Fire Association of Philadelphia was formed. The capacity 
 in which the new association was to serve differed radically from that 
 of its predecessors, though it must be admitted that the former fire 
 associations contributed much to the new. They made a path for 
 their successor to tread, and placed useful danger signals along the 
 way. The Fire Association began with no capital, though the property 
 of the associated fire companies was pledged for the acts of thirteen 
 trustees "for loss in excess of the capital stock of the association made 
 the subject of special exemption." A provision was made that no 
 dividends be paid to the associated companies until the capital stock 
 amounted to $15,000. Members of the Association had the privilege 
 of having their property insured at 5 per cent, less than any one else. 
 
 The first meeting of the Association was held on Monday, September Ftrsi 
 17 18 1 7 at the house of Caleb Carmalt, on the corner of Third and mj^ting oj 
 Tammany Streets. The house still stands, though the location is 'j^^^^;^^ -^^ 
 now known as Third and Buttonwood Streets. At this first meet- ^'' 
 ing were represented the Delaware, United States, Hand in Hand, 
 Diligent, and Relief Fire Companies. Michael Fox, president of the 
 Diligent Engine Company, was elected chairman; Caleb Carmalt, 
 secretary; and John Ogden, surveyor. There may have been out- 
 lined at this meeting some of the objects of the Fire Association, and 
 one of these objects proved to be the creating of a good-fellowship 
 between the fire companies, composed entirely of volunteer firemen. 
 Later, when the insurance idea was presented to the thirteen trustees, 
 it was voted that, since these volunteer fire companies were not paid, 
 whatever profits might arise from the underwriting of fire risks should 
 belong to them. A fire-mark was adopted, representing a fire-plug 
 with a section of hose attached to it, and with the letters F. A. on 
 each side of the plug. Let the seeker after the quaint walk through 
 any part of old Philadelphia to-day, and he will see this ancient 
 fire-mark on many of the old buildings. ^ 
 
 The first policy was issued upon a three-story brick store belonging to I^irst policy 
 Samuel Bleight. Mr. Bleight, having been granted "the privilege %l^'f]Y 
 of weaving in the cellar," paid a deposit of 3^ per cent. This building 'Association 
 still standing, is located at Frankford and Point Road, now Frankford 
 Avenue and Richmond Street. The following is quoted from this 
 first policy issued by the Fire Association: — 
 
 BY THE TRUSTEES OF THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF 
 
 PHILADELPHIA . _ ^ , 
 
 No. I. Perpetual 
 
 This Policy Witnesseth that Samuel Bleight of the city of Philadelphia has 
 deposited with the Treasurer of the said Association the sum of sixty-five dollars 
 as a part of the Capital Stock agreeably to the said charter for the Insurance 
 from loss or damage by Fire of Two Thousand dollars on a three story brick 
 store situated at the corner oj Point and Frankford Road being 26 feet front by 40 
 feet deep narrowing to 10 feet 6 inches on the back line as per survey No. i, in 
 consideration whereof the capital stock of the said Association shall be and 
 remain forever subject, and liable to pay, make good and satisfy unto the said 
 
 I 
 
-^ 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 1 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 insured, his heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, all such damage or 
 loss, as may at any time happen by means of fire to the building hereinbefore 
 described, not exceeding the said sum of Two Thousand dollars, unless the 
 said Association shall within thirty days after proof of such damage, if the loss 
 be not total, give directions for putting the said building into as good a state 
 of repair as the same were before injured by fire; and proceed therein with 
 reasonable diligence; or shall within sixty days after such proof pay for such 
 damage, according to an estimate thereof to be made by the arbitrators mu- 
 tually chosen. 
 
 It is agreed and hereby declared, that the Trustees of the said Association 
 shall not be made personally liable for damages arising from this insurance, 
 in case the said damages, together with those arising from other insurances, 
 effected, or to be effected by the said Trustees, shall amount to more than the 
 whole capital stock of the said Association, nor in any case whatever; and such 
 personal liability is hereby expressly relinquished by the said Samuel Bleight 
 who hereby consents and binds himself to look to the said capital stock, and 
 to that alone for his indemnity against any and every loss which may happen 
 under this Policy; and acknowledges and admits that at the time of effecting 
 this insurance there is exhibited to him a semi-annual statement of the actual 
 capital of the said Association, in pursuance of and compliance with the pro- 
 visions of the said charter. Provided that if any loss occasioned by one fire 
 (or more than one happening before the extinguishment of the first) shall 
 amount to more than the whole stock of the Association, in such cases the 
 several sufferers insured shall receive a just and proportional dividend of the 
 said whole stock, according to the sums by them respectively insured, and the 
 loss by them sustained. And Further, that no distribution shall take place, 
 of the said capital stock, otherwise than is provided in the said Charter; but 
 in case the said Samuel Bleight shall at any time wish to withdraw his insurance 
 from the capital stock, he shall be permitted to do so, first paying to the 
 Association a discount thereon, proportioned to any partial loss the said 
 Association may have sustained, and allowing a deduction of five per cent, on 
 his deposit money, if the losses then incurred by the Association be not equal 
 to the whole capital stock. • And in case the said premises shall be sold and 
 conveyed by the insured, and this policy not transferred, the said insured, his 
 heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns, may demand and receive the said 
 deposit money, the discount and deduction aforesaid, being first made thereon, 
 if applied for within ninety days after such sale and conveyance; otherwise 
 the said deposit money shall be sunk for the benefit of the capital stock, and 
 a similar permission in like cases shall be inserted in every Policy executed by 
 the said Association. And if in the case of a total loss on this Policy, the said 
 Association shall rebuild the said building or pay the money insured thereon, 
 or a dividend of the whole stock, where it shall fall short of losses incurred, — 
 and in either of these cases, the deposit money shall be retained by the Associa- 
 tion, and this Policy shall be cancelled. 
 
 Provided Also, that if the premises hereby insured are at this time, or shall 
 hereafter be insured elsewhere, this insurance shall not take effect, nor be 
 binding unless the said other insurance be allowed of, and specified on the 
 back of this Policy; and in such case of such other insurance, without allowance 
 aforesaid, the deposit money shall be deemed as sunk for the benefit of the 
 capital stock. And if trees are planted before the said building, after the 
 date hereof, and not reported to the said Trustees, and such additional de- 
 posit paid therefor as the said Trustees shall require for the increase of the risk, 
 within one year after they are planted, this Policy shall henceforth be void, and 
 the deposit money sunk as aforesaid. 
 
 The survey taken at the time of this insurance, and signed by the insured, 
 shall be the only evidence of the state of such building — and if any alteration 
 
 be made therein, or connected therewith, aflFecting the risk, the insured shall 
 forthwith give notice thereof to the said Association, and make such additional 
 deposit, as the Trustees may demand therefor: in failure thereof this Policy 
 
 shall be void. 
 
 This Policy shall be void if any hazardous business as that of Oil and 
 Colourmen, Apothecaries, Ship-Chandlers, Tallow-Chandlers, Stable-keepers, 
 Inn-keepers, Coopers, Cabinet-makers, House-Carpenters, Distillers, retail 
 Grocers, Brewers, Bakers, or Malt-men, shall be carried on in the said premises, 
 unless the same is done by permission of the Trustees, and specified on this 
 Policy in writing, and a proportional deposit paid; nor shall the Association 
 be held liable or responsible for any damages which may happen to the said 
 premises from the storing of hemp, flax, tallow, pitch, tar, turpentine, rosin, 
 salt-petre, sulphur, spirits of turpentine, distilled spirits, hay, straw, or fodder 
 of any kind, unthrashed corn, gun-powder, or from the breaming of ships, the 
 invasion of a foreign enemy, or any civil commotion without an additional 
 deposit paid therefor. 
 
 In case of a Sale of the premises insured, this Policy may be assigned to the 
 purchaser, on application to and with the consent of the Trustees, within 
 twenty days thereafter, and not otherwise. And in default of making such 
 application, this Policy shall be void. 
 
 In Witness Whereof, the said Corporation have caused their Corporate Seal 
 to be hereunto aflixed, this 23rd day of September, a.d. one thousand eight 
 hundred and eighteen. 
 
 (l-s.) Attest Caleb Carmalt, Treas, 
 
 The Fire Association extended its business of underwriting, and Fire 
 served as a mediator between the engine and hose companies belonging Association 
 to it. These companies in turn met, and chose two delegates from acts as 
 each company. At a meeting of these delegates the thirteen trustees ^[ "^^ 
 of the Fire Association were chosen. The year after the Association ^^^^^'^j^/ 
 issued its first policy, the Southwark Engine Company instructed 
 their members to take measures to suppress the numerous hose and 
 bucket companies that were at that time being formed in Philadel- 
 phia. The Southwark brought this matter before the Association. 
 This company was one of the most vigorous defenders of the new 
 association, which may be proved by example. The Fire Association 
 appealed to the legislature for a charter, and the Southwark was 
 interested in securing this. The petition, however, did not meet 
 with favor, possibly because the representative from Philadelphia 
 said that "the petitioners were men unworthy of public confidence, 
 and destitute alike of public spirit and mental worth." If a good- 
 sized tornado had suddenly descended upon the city, it would have 
 caused no more commotion than did this statement made by the 
 representative from Philadelphia. Great excitement pervaded the 
 meeting of the fire companies held in the court-house, and a resolu- 
 tion to oppose the re-election of the "obnoxious candidate" was 
 passed, and also steps were taken toward the formation of a "firemen's 
 ticket." The companies were divided in opinion, and the Southwark 
 was reported to have been represented at an opposition meeting. 
 The oflftcers and members vigorously resented this report, said it was 
 wholly false, and at once pledged themselves to the support of the 
 Fire Association. Stephen G. Fotherall drafted a series of resolutions, 
 
 "1 
 
\ 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 f , 
 
 »^- I ^ 
 
 of 
 
 t(> ll. ' 
 rl.an 
 thf I ire 
 .1} ^'•riaiion 
 
 asserting that, since the obnoxious candidate had "vilified the fire- 
 men of the city of Philadelphia," the Southwark would oppose his 
 re-election and support the firemen's ticket. The company further 
 resolved that it would have been "a confession that the firemen of 
 the city are unworthy of public confidence and destitute of public 
 spirit and mental worth if they silently brooked the insult, much 
 more if they joined in the support of the persons who had indecently 
 abused them." At the succeeding election the firemen's ticket was 
 victorious, and shortly afterward the Southwark Engine Company — 
 conscious, possibly, of its good efforts — ornamented its hose-carriage 
 by placing a lamp in front of it. 
 
 The contemporary insurance companies may have feared the Fire O 
 Association's influence on their own business, though they gave as 
 their real cause of opposition, both before and after the charter was 
 granted, the fact that the new organization was without cash capital. 
 The charter, at first refused, continued to be fought for by the fire 
 companies belonging to the Association; and the result was that it 
 was finally signed by the Governor of Pennsylvania on March 27, 
 1820, under the corporate name of "The Trustees of the Fire Associa- 
 tion of Philadelphia." The new corporation, among other powers, 
 had that of appointing oflftcers who were to give their services free of 
 charge, insuring houses from loss or damage by fire, providing capital 
 stock, and granting the admission of other companies into membership. 
 The legislature reserved the right to annul the charter of the new asso- 
 ciation. Although there was no prohibition in the original charter, the 
 business was confined to the city and county of Philadelphia. 
 
 The Fire Association had its office but a short time in Caleb Carmalt's Cro-.vth or 
 house. As the number of policies increased and Mr. Carmalt's duties 
 as treasurer became more exacting, the Association moved its office 
 to Arch Street, east of Fifth Street. Though the new association 
 had no funds, so good was the credit of the men who lent their names 
 to it that ten risks were taken the first year. In 1819 this number 
 was increased to seventeen, and in 1820 — the year the charter was 
 obtained — the Association wrote twenty-nine policies. This was 
 done in the midst of a reaction from war stimulus, — a time unfavor- 
 able to the progress of fire insurance. For the next twelve or thirteen 
 years the progress of the Association in underwriting was as follows: 
 1821,53; 1822,77; 1823,321; 1824,252; 1825,345; 1826,338; 1827, 
 473; 1828, 439; 1829, 501; 1830,481; 1831,502; 1832,583. 
 
 The total risks taken up to 1832 were 4,387, and the total amount Riyks taken 
 of losses paid by the Association since its organization — up to 1832 — "/> f^ '<^'.?-? 
 amounted to $5,888.15. From year to year new engine and hose 
 companies were admitted to membership. The first companies ad- 
 mitted to the Association paid no entrance fee. Subsequently a fee 
 was imposed, and increased as the assets of the Association increased, 
 until the amount reached $7,500. In one case $10,000 was offered 
 for admission, but this was refused by the Board of Delegates. 
 
 "I send you," wrote a correspondent of the Daily Chronicle to the Listonhejirf 
 Register of Pennsylvania, October 31, 1829, "for publication a correct c^-mpanies 
 list of the forty-four Fire Companies in the City and adjoining dis- '" ^'^^^■' 
 
 the Fire 
 Association 
 
INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE 
 
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 IT 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 asserting that, since the obnoxious candidate had "vilified the fire- 
 men of the city of Philadelphia," the Southwark would oppose his 
 re-election and support the firemen's ticket. The company further 
 resolved that it would have been "a confession that the firemen of 
 the city are unworthy of public confidence and destitute of public 
 spirit and mental worth if they silently brooked the insult, much 
 more if they joined in the support of the persons who had indecently 
 abused them." At the succeeding election the fireman's ticket was 
 victorious, and shortly afterward the Southwark Engine Company — 
 conscious, possibly, of its good efforts — ornamented its hose-carriage 
 by placing a lamp in front of it. 
 
 The contemporary insurance companies may have feared the Fire 
 Association's influence on their own business, though they gave as 
 their real cause of opposition, both before and after the charter was 
 granted, the fact that the new organization was without cash capital. 
 The charter, at first refused, continued to be fought for by the fire 
 companies belonging to the Association; and the result was that it 
 was finally signed by the Governor of Pennsylvania on March 27, 
 1820, under the corporate name of "The Trustees of the Fire Associa- 
 tion of Philadelphia." The new corporation, among other powers, 
 had that of appointing ofllicers who were to give their services free of 
 charge, insuring houses from loss or damage by fire, providing capital 
 stock, and granting the admission of other companies into membership. 
 The legislature reserved the right to annul the charter of the new asso- 
 ciation. Although there was no prohibition in the original charter, the 
 business was confined to the city and county of Philadelphia. 
 
 The Fire Association had its office but a short time in Caleb Carmalt's 
 house. As the number of policies increased and Mr. Carmalt's duties 
 as treasurer became more exacting, the Association moved its office 
 to Arch Street, east of Fifth Street. Though the new association 
 had no funds, so good was the credit of the men who lent their names 
 to it that ten risks were taken the first year. In 18 19 this number 
 was increased to seventeen, and in 1820 — the year the charter was 
 obtained — the Association wrote twenty-nine policies. This was 
 done in the midst of a reaction from war stimulus, — a time unfavor- 
 able to the progress of fire insurance. For the next twelve or thirteen 
 years the progress of the Association in underwriting was as follows: 
 1821,53; 1822,77; 1823,321; 1824,252; 1825,345; 1826,338; 1827, 
 473; 1828, 439; 1829, 501; 1830,481; 1831,502; 1832,583. 
 
 The total risks taken up to 1832 were 4,387, and the total amount 
 of losses paid by the Association since its organization — up to 1832 — 
 amounted to $5,888.15. From year to year new engine and hose 
 companies were admitted to membership. The first companies ad- 
 mitted to the Association paid no entrance fee. Subsequently a fee 
 was imposed, and increased as the assets of the Association increased, 
 until the amount reached $7,500. In one case $10,000 was offered 
 for admission, but this was refused by the Board of Delegates. 
 
 "I send you," wrote a correspondent of the Daily Chronicle to the 
 Register of Pennsylvania^ October 31, 1829, "for publication a correct 
 list of the forty-four Fire Companies in the City and adjoining dis- 
 
 Opposition 
 to the 
 charter of 
 the Fire 
 Association 
 
 Growth or 
 the Fire 
 Association 
 
 Risks taken 
 up to 1832 
 
 Listof the fire 
 companies 
 in 1S2Q 
 
.'3lT?E?ftr^ 'T^^T/^' 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 -4 
 
 tricts. Twenty-eight Companies are located in the city and limits, 
 all of them, with the exception of one Engine and three Hose Com- 
 panies, are Members of the fire Association. Two Companies in 
 Frankford are also Members of the Association, making forty-two 
 Companies at present composing that flourishing Institution: Engine 
 
 Companies: Assistance, Columbia, Delaware, Diligent, Fairmount, 
 Federal, Franklin, Friendship, Globe, Good Intent, Good Will, Hand- 
 in-Hand, Harmony, Hibernia, Hope, Humane, Northern Liberty, 
 Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Reliance, Relief, Resolution, Southwar'k, 
 United States, Vigilant, Washington, and Weccacoe. Hose Companies: 
 America, Columbia, Diligent, Fame, Good Intent, Hope, Humane, 
 Neptune, Niagara, Northern Liberty, Perseverance, Philadelphia, 
 Phoenix, Resolution, Southwark, United States and Washington." 
 
 Though the actual history of the Fire Association has been traced first 
 farther than the limits of this heading permit, there are a few more mrr tings in 
 details which may appropriately be mentioned here. By the first of Carp/nters' 
 the year 1823 the Trustees of the Association held their meetings in l^^ll- 
 historic Carpenters' Hall, and for some time thereafter the meetings 
 were held in this building. 
 
 An entry in the minute-books of the Perseverance Hose Company Eari- f:re 
 in 1 821 is to this effect: "Court House, Cor. 5th and Chestnut Streets records 
 — fire in the loft, set fire to the roof. Extinguished before doing much 
 damage." It will be remembered that the court-house a year before 
 had been the scene of the agitation on the part of the Fire Associa- 
 tion when its charter was refused by the legislature. Mr. Marshall 
 Garrigues, the present secretary of the Fire Association, recently said 
 that, when work (done within a year) on the roof of the old court- 
 house was being carried on, a charred timber was uncovered; and 
 it is Mr. Garrigues's opinion that this timber was burned in the fire 
 of 1821 mentioned in the minutes of the Perseverance Hose Company. 
 
 The first loss sustained by the Fire Association was on the houses of / ;- ui 
 
 J. Ridgeway, Eleventh Street, near Vine Street. A committee was th- 
 appointed to report on this loss, and $1,220 was drawn as a "full -^^^ 
 compensation for damage done on the buildings by fire." 
 
 A BRIEF STORY OF THE ENGINE AND HOSE COMPANIES 
 THAT FORMED THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILA- 
 DELPHIA 
 
 The members of these early volunteer fire companies were men of high // , 
 standing, many of them scholars, all of them influential in community 
 affairs; and among their number were lawyers, doctors, and clergymen. 
 In not one case, but in scores of cases the literary merit of the minutes 
 kept by the various companies is evident; and in the reports are frequent 
 insertions of Latin, Greek, Italian, and English quotations. In many 
 instances the accounts of various proceedings are written with a beautiful 
 preciseness at some length, in rhymed or epic verse. Page after page of 
 flowery accounts of the meetings of these early firemen still exists. The 
 minutes of the Humane Hose Company of 1807 are in the handwriting 
 of Daniel H. Miller, who afterward became a member of Congress. 
 
 In spite of the fact that these men of high standing and finished 
 education belonged to the volunteer fire companies, petty differences 
 arose between rival organizations. For a century perhaps — up to the 
 disbanding of the Volunteer Fire Department — men fought to uphold 
 the prestige of their own engine or hose company. The disagreements 
 
 ' r-* 
 
 10 
 
 II 
 
INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 tricts. Twenty-eight Companies are located in the city and limits, 
 all of them, with the exception of one Engine and three Hose Com- 
 panies, are Members of the Fire Association. Two Companies in 
 Frankford are also Members of the Association, making forty-two 
 Companies at present composing that flourishing Institution: Engine 
 
 lO 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 Companies: Assistance, Columbia, Delaware, Diligent, Fairmount, 
 Federal, Franklin, Friendship, Globe, Good Intent, Good Will, Hand- 
 in-Hand, Harmony, Hibernia, Hope, Humane, Northern Liberty, 
 Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Reliance, Relief, Resolution, Southwark, 
 United States, Vigilant, Washington, and Weccacoe. Hose Companies: 
 America, Columbia, Diligent, Fame, Good Intent, Hope, Humane, 
 Neptune, Niagara, Northern Liberty, Perseverance, Philadelphia, 
 Phoenix, Resolution, Southwark, United States and Washington." 
 
 Though the actual history of the Fire Association has been traced 
 farther than the limits of this heading permit, there are a few more 
 details which may appropriately be mentioned here. By the first of 
 the year 1823 ^^e Trustees of the Association held their meetings in 
 historic Carpenters* Hall, and for some time thereafter the meetings 
 were held in this building. 
 
 An entry in the minute-books of the Perseverance Hose Company 
 in 1 821 is to this effect: "Court House, Cor. 5th and Chestnut Streets 
 — fire in the loft, set fire to the roof. Extinguished before doing much 
 damage." It will be remembered that the court-house a year before 
 had been the scene of the agitation on the part of the Fire Associa- 
 tion when its charter was refused by the legislature. Mr. Marshall 
 Garrigues, the present secretary of the Fire Association, recently said 
 that, when work (done within a year) on the roof of the old court- 
 house was being carried on, a charred timber was uncovered; and 
 it is Mr. Garrigues's opinion that this timber was burned in the fire 
 of 1 821 mentioned in the minutes of the Perseverance Hose Company. 
 
 The first loss sustained by the Fire Association was on the houses of 
 J. Ridgeway, Eleventh Street, near Vine Street. A committee was 
 appointed to report on this loss, and $1,220 was drawn as a "full 
 compensation for damage done on the buildings by fire." 
 
 A BRIEF STORY OF THE ENGINE AND HOSE COMPANIES 
 THAT FORMED THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILA- 
 DELPHIA 
 
 The members of these early volunteer fire companies were men of high 
 standing, many of them "scholars, all of them influential in community 
 affairs; and among their number were lawyers, doctors, and clergymen. 
 In not one case, but in scores of cases the literary merit of the minutes 
 kept by the various companies is evident; and in the reports are frequent 
 insertions of Latin, Greek, Italian, and English quotations. In many 
 instances the accountsof various proceedings are written with a beautiful 
 preciseness at some length, in rhymed or epic verse. Page after page of 
 flowery accounts of the meetings of these early firemen still exists. The 
 minutes of the Humane Hose Company of 1807 are in the handwriting 
 of Daniel H. Miller, who afterward became a member of Congress. 
 
 In spite of the fact that these men of high standing and finished 
 education belonged to the volunteer fire companies, petty differences 
 arose between rival organizations. For a century perhaps — up to the 
 disbanding of the Volunteer Fire Department — men fought to uphold 
 the prestige of tl^eir own engine or hose company. The disagreements 
 
 II 
 
 First 
 
 meetings in 
 Carpenters* 
 Hall 
 
 Early fire 
 records 
 
 First loss of 
 the Fire 
 Association 
 
 High 
 
 sta7iding of 
 
 volunteer 
 
 firemen 
 
 Differences 
 
 bet-ween 
 
 rival 
 
 companies 
 
i^tf 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 Good Intent 
 Hose Com- 
 pany and 
 Philadelphia 
 Hose Com- 
 pany quarrel 
 over right 
 to hells 
 
 More about 
 
 the trouble 
 
 over bells 
 
 of the Montagues and Capulets were mild, compared with those of the 
 Volunteer Fire Department of Philadelphia. It was no unusual per- 
 formance, we are told, — and this within the actual memory of men 
 who recall similar occasions, — for two companies to start for the same 
 fire, and, having differences of their own to settle on the way, to let 
 the fire look out for itself while they argued concerning the color of 
 their coats or the decorations of their hose-carts or the right that 
 either might have to carry a bell on its engine. 
 
 In the early part of the last century the Good Intent Hose Company 
 and the Philadelphia Hose Company had a serious reckoning in regard 
 to bells. The Philadelphia was the first hose company organized in 
 the city, while the Good Intent, composed largely of Quaker members, 
 was the second. Taking its predecessor as a model, the Good Intent 
 practically duplicated the Philadelphia's hose-carriage. At once the 
 rival company passed a resolution to this effect: ^''Resolved, As the 
 Good Intent Hose Carriage so nearly resembles our own, that a bell 
 of a convenient size be procured, and affixed to the carriage in such a 
 manner that the discovery of the vehicle be facilitated by those mem- 
 bers who happen to arrive at the house after the hose is removed." 
 There was some difficulty and no doubt a good degree of pride in pro- 
 curing this bell, and setting it up at a cost of $i8.8i. Immediately 
 the Neptune Hose Company, then recently formed, ordered a bell. 
 In vain the Philadelphias remonstrated, and the Fire Association 
 interfered in their behalf, thinking that great injury had been done 
 them. The Neptune Hose Company proceeded to buy its bell. The 
 Philadelphia Company was furious, and at once appropriated thirty 
 dollars toward patenting its bell; and in 1809 this patent was issued 
 "for the attachment of an alarm bell to a fire engine or hose carriage 
 or other vehicle for the conveyance of fire apparatus." The Neptune 
 Hose Company took the bell from its hose-carriage. 
 
 Again offenders arose in the Quaker members of the Good Intent. 
 They had long coveted the bell idea which originated with the Phila- 
 delphia Hose Company. In 181 1 they placed two bells on their hose- 
 carriage, as "the most eligible method of collecting the members 
 during fire." The Philadelphia Company looked upon this as a viola- 
 tion of its own particular mark of distinction, as well as an infringe- 
 ment of its patent, and at once ordered the Good Intent to remove the 
 bells. The Fire Association, when appealed to, upheld the stand 
 taken by the Philadelphia Company. The Quaker organization 
 proved excellent adversaries, and they continued not only to use their 
 bells, but to ring them with uncommon- vigor. Their expulsion from 
 the Fire Association followed, and the rival company commenced suit 
 against them. The case was tried in the United States Circuit Court 
 before Judges Washington and Peters. The charge of the court was 
 with the plaintiffs; but the jury, after retiring for ten minutes, re- 
 turned with a verdict favoring the defendants. The victors not only 
 continued to use two bells, but they had pictures of them painted on 
 their fire-hats. The Good Intent was once more admitted to the Fire 
 Association, and the Philadelphia paid its counsel fifty dollars more 
 than agreed, so pleased was it with the management of the case. 
 
 n 
 
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 II 
 
 rrfTfrrrrrmrrrrrrrm 
 
 
INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE " 
 
 // 
 
 /'' 
 
 // 
 
 :hi' :r' u 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILAD ELPHIA 
 
 of the Montagues and Capulets were mild, compared with those of the 
 Volunteer Fire Department of Philadelphia. It was no unusual per- 
 formance, we are told,— and this within the actual memory of men 
 who recall similar occasions,— for two companies to start for the same 
 fire and, having differences of their own to settle on the way, to let 
 the' fire look out for itself while they argued concernmg the color ot 
 their coats or the decorations of their hose-carts or the right that 
 either might have to carry a bell on its engine. 
 
 In the earlv part of the last century the Good Intent Hose Company 
 and the Philadelphia Hose Company had a serious reckonmg m regard 
 to bells The Philadelphia was the first hose company organized in 
 the city, while the Good Intent, composed largely of Quaker members, 
 was the second. Taking its predecessor as a model, the Good Intent 
 practically duplicated the Philadelphia's hose-carnage. At once the 
 rival companv passed a resolution to this effect: ''Resolved, As the 
 Good Intent Hose Carriage so nearly resembles our own, that a bell 
 of a convenient size be procured, and affixed to the carriage in such a 
 manner that the discovery of the vehicle be facilitated by those mem^- 
 bers who happen to arrive at the house after the hose is removed. 
 There was some difiiculty and no doubt a good degree of pride in pro- 
 curing this bell, and setting it up at a cost of $i8.8i. Immediate y 
 the Neptune Hose Company, then recently formed, ordered a bell. 
 In vain the Philadelphias remonstrated, and the Fire Association 
 interfered in their behalf, thinking that great injury had been done 
 them. The Neptune Hose Company proceeded to buy its bell. 1 he 
 Philadelphia Company was furious, and at once appropriated thirty 
 dollars toward patenting its bell; and in 1809 this patent was issued 
 "for the attachment of an alarm bell to a fire engine or hose carriage 
 or other vehicle for the conveyance of fire apparatus." The Neptune 
 Hose Companv took the bell from its hose-carnage. 
 
 Again offenders arose in the Quaker members of the Good Intent. 
 Thev had long coveted the bell idea which originated with the Phila- 
 delphia Hose Company. In 181 1 they placed two bells on their hose- 
 carriage, as "the most eligible method of collecting the members 
 during fire." The Philadelphia Company looked upon this as a viola- 
 tion of its own particular mark of distinction, as well as an infnnge- 
 ment of its patent, and at once ordered the Good Intent to remove the 
 bells The Fire Association, when appealed to, upheld the stand 
 taken by the Philadelphia Company. The Quaker organization 
 proved excellent adversaries, and they continued not only to use then- 
 bells, but to ring them with uncommon vigor. Their expulsion trom 
 the Fire Association followed, and the rival company commenced suit 
 aeainst them. The case was tried in the United States Circuit Court 
 before Judges Washington and Peters. The charge of the court was 
 with the plaintiffs; but the jury, after retiring for ten minutes, re- 
 turned with a verdict favoring the defendants. The victors not only 
 continued to use two bells, but they had pictures of them painted on 
 their fire-hats. The Good Intent was once more admitted to the 1^ ire 
 Association, and the Philadelphia paid its counsel fifty dollars more 
 than agreed, so pleased was it with the management of the case. 
 
 12 
 
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 A..^Li...^r'■ 
 
THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 Philadelphia 
 Hose Com- 
 pany buys 
 the 
 Hydraulion 
 
 Costumes 
 
 of engine 
 
 and hose 
 
 companies 
 
 Jealousy 
 
 over 
 
 emblems 
 
 Burning 
 of the 
 
 Orphans'' 
 Asylum 
 in 1822 
 
 An amusing 
 record 
 
 The Philadelphia Hose Company, after a four years' debate, bought 
 for $1,400 an apparatus which has come down in history as the 
 "Hydraulion." It was a novelty for the three years it was used, 
 though something of a monstrosity; and, to the satisfaction of all 
 concerned, it was sold about 1817 for the use of the Insane Asylum. 
 One of the most remarkable attachments of this apparatus was a gong. 
 The old desire to eclipse its rivals had possessed the Philadelphia Hose 
 Company; and it imported from China this gong appliance, round 
 in shape, made of copper, and some eighteen inches in diameter. A 
 person was paid to go with the hydraulion and beat the gong. 
 Owing to the incessant efforts of the fellow who performed this office 
 to live up to his job, the internal mechanism of the contrivance was 
 literally crushed and its sonorous voice was lost forever. 
 
 Changes in styles of dress among the various engine and hose com- 
 panies were frequent, and their parti-colored costumes rivalled Jo- 
 seph's coat of many colors. Early in the thirties the Washington 
 Fire Company decided that the color of its capes should be "blue 
 instead of yellow as heretofore." Its hats and badges were also changed 
 from yellow to blue. The Columbia Fire Company passed a vote 
 at about this time to the effect that its badge should have a light 
 blue ground, that the cape should have a border of vermilion red a 
 quarter of an inch wide, the back of it to have a cloud of fire and 
 smoke and the word "Columbia" in large gold letters inserted therein, 
 and the letter C in gold in each corner of the cape. Details of this 
 costume evidently not pleasing, in 1834 it was decreed that the coat, 
 hat, and cape should be black instead of blue, and the edges of the 
 
 cape gold. t -i r i_i j 
 
 Jealousy on every hand was shown in the details of emblems and 
 badges. In the early days of the Fire Association these emblems were 
 matters of great pride. The Resolution Fire Company in 18 10 pro- 
 tested against the admission of the Columbia Hose Company to the 
 Fire Hose Association because the latter "had adopted as a badge 
 the device of an eagle with outspread wings." The representative of 
 the Resolution went on to say that, if the infringer of their emblem 
 was admitted to the Association, they— the Resolution— would resign. 
 These early companies, however, served their city well, often endur- 
 ing hardship and encountering danger when fighting fire. When the 
 Orphans' Asylum was burned on a bitter morning in January, 1822, 
 every fireman faithfully performed his duty. On account of the dis- 
 tance of the asylum from town— at Schuylkill, Fifth, and Cherry 
 g^-j-eets- it was some time before the engine companies succeeded in 
 reaching the place; and, when they did arrive, they worked under 
 great difficulties, their fire apparatus being absolutely useless on ac- 
 count of the cold, their hose frozen, and everything clogged with ice. 
 The building and all within its walls burned. Twenty-three children 
 perished in the flames. The firemen worked for many hours in the 
 bitter cold, caring for the half-frozen children they had rescued from 
 
 the asylum. . ^ urj- 
 
 An amusing record concerning an early fire is thus reported: lues, 
 night, about 10 o'clock, June 7th, 1814. A fire broke out in an empty 
 
 14 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 house in Currin Alley, which destroyed three houses. The *Hope 
 was the first on the ground and the last that left it. She sho^yed, as 
 usual, that wherever she is, the surrounding buildings are animated 
 at her appearance." 1 1 i- 
 
 The Good Will Fire Company won no small fame during the aboli- 
 tion riots of 1838, when a mob attacked the Shelter for Colored 
 Orphans at Thirteenth Street, above Callowhill Street, and set fire to 
 the building. The Good Will Fire Company extinguished the confla- 
 gration, and was largely responsible for dispersing the mob. 
 
 The great fire on Dock Street is spoken of in the minutes of one of 
 the fire companies: "Friday evening, May 9, 1806. A fire broke out 
 in Dock Street between Second and Third Streets, which destroyed 
 and injured thirty buildings. 'Hope' engine attended the fire from 
 8 until I o'clock. Cornelius Stevenson was fined 25 cents for leaving 
 the engine at the fire. Fine remitted." Far be it from the writer 
 to suggest that Mr. Stevenson may have left his engine to partake of 
 the "wee drap o' gin" customarily allowed members of the fire com- 
 panies. They say, when questioned concerning the appropriations 
 for gin, in the early minute-books that this beverage was served 
 at fires to prevent the firemen from taking cold. The custom of 
 drinking during business meetings seems to have been banned by the 
 Hope Engine Company when they voted that "smoking and drinking 
 (water excepted) during the time of business should not be allowed." 
 
 Further disagreements among the fire companies are recorded in 
 the minutes of the Fire Association of July 3, 1845; and a number of 
 fines were levied for various offences, which included assault, taking 
 forcible possession of fire-plugs, damage to hose-carriages, destruction 
 of engines, disorderly conduct, and beating members of rival companies. 
 
 In spite of their petty differences these early firemen knew what 
 good fellowship meant. They frequently joined in toasting their 
 rivals, and the parades given at stated intervals were eagerly antici- 
 pated and a good-natured rivalry was exhibited in the preparation 
 for these events. Banquets frequently followed the parades, and in 
 many cases they were memorable occasions. One of them must have 
 been more far-reaching in its influence than any one dreamed, for it 
 bridged the years up to the Civil War when a Northern soldier was 
 brought to Libby Prison. Pinned on the lapel of his blue coat was 
 a faded badge of one of the early fire companies of Philadelphia. 
 
 "Where did you get that badge?" asked the Southern guard. 
 
 "From my fire company in Philadelphia," was the answer. 
 
 "Once I belonged to a fire company there," admitted the man in 
 gray, "a rival company." Then he suddenly added: "I'll tell you 
 what I'll do,— for old time's sake, I'll get you out of this living hell. 
 I'll help you to escape — because — well, because you're a Philadelphia 
 
 fireman." 
 
 He was as good as his word. He gave the Northern man food and 
 clothing, and aided him to a place of safety. This brief illustration 
 shows that among these members of the old Volunteer Fire Depart- 
 ment were some of the best men in Philadelphia, and that in spite of 
 the petty differences concerning the color of a badge or a coat, when 
 
 I 
 
 15 
 
 Good Will 
 Fire 
 
 Company 
 disperses a 
 mob 
 
 Great fire 
 of 1S06, and 
 drinking 
 
 More dis- 
 agreements 
 
 Good fellow- 
 ship and 
 Libby 
 Prison 
 adventure 
 
 Old fireman 
 aids another 
 to escape 
 
 ^ f 
 
THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 Old fire 
 
 companies 
 
 help 
 
 wounded 
 
 Announce- 
 ment in 
 Paulson's 
 American 
 Daily 
 Adtertiser 
 
 a great emergency arose, there appeared the man to meet it, and 
 brave deeds were done by those who gave their allegiance to the 
 "City of Brotherly Love." 
 
 The great service which the old fire companies rendered to the 
 wounded during the Civil War is also a phase of their activity about 
 which little is known. Many of the fire companies during the Civil 
 War had ambulances with which they met the wounded from the 
 battlefields when they arrived at Philadelphia and transported them 
 to the hospitals. In some instances alarms were rung by the fire 
 companies upon the arrival of a train with wounded soldiers. Many 
 a Grand Army veteran owed his life to the promptness and the loving 
 care with which these old volunteer firemen handled him on the 
 way from the depots to the hospitals. ^ r t^, -i j i u- 
 
 The influences that made the Fire Association of Philadelphia 
 have been traced from 1736 to that eventful meeting in which the 
 engine and hose companies further cemented their interests, an- 
 nounced in Poulson's American Daily Advertiser of Wednesday morn- 
 ing, February 5, 18 17. 
 
 CELEBRATION OF THE THIRTEENTH ANNIVERSARY OF 
 
 THE INCORPORATION OF THE FIRE ASSOCIATION 
 
 OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 The thirteenth anniversary of the Fire Association of Philadelphia 
 was marked by two events, the reincorporation of the Fire Association 
 and a grand parade, followed by a ball in the Hall of the Musical Society. 
 The parade idea had been carried out the year before, in 1832, when 
 the first general parade of firemen took place on the centennial of the 
 birth of Washington. A preamble to an Act of the Assembly, ap- 
 proved April 3, 1833, contained a statement to the effect that the 
 fire-engine and hose companies named, "in order to promote harmony 
 and friendly intercourse among them, to establish those just relations 
 that ought to exist among institutions whose views are similar and to 
 enable them more effectively to perform those philanthropic duties, 
 had formed themselves into the Fire Association of Philadelphia, and 
 had chosen delegates from each company, who in their turn had se- 
 lected trustees, and these trustees and their successors were constituted 
 a body corporate by the name of the Trustees of the Fire Association of 
 Philadelphia, to have perpetual succession. These trustees elected oflR- 
 cers at such salaries as they deemed expedient. No trustee, however, 
 could be appointed to any office to which a compensation was attached. 
 It was the duty of this board to furnish a semi-annual statement of 
 the funds of the Association to the Board of Delegates, and from time 
 to time, as the delegates desired, such information concerning the 
 affairs of the Association as they might consider necessary. It was 
 also provided that the property and funds then in the hands of the 
 trustees, together with the sums thereafter accumulating, should be 
 the Association's capital stock, and that no distribution of this stock 
 should take place, except in payment of losses, until the interest on 
 loans, premiums for insurance, and other profits amounted to $100,000. 
 
 16 
 
 I 
 
 J. I -^ 
 
 K^^^^ t ^^v^wwl^^v^^wv^vwv^^^^^^^v^w^^^w^^^^^^^^ 
 
 
 ^pwri^ 
 
 •^H^tmmmmmlr^m 
 
 ■' * M il f\' 4\\ j m ' \ } t 
 
 KOTKjB. 
 
 ALL persona Indebtecl to the ettatc ^Jkn^K 
 ^ViL^'AMs, lutieeflh^Korijiem Liberties 
 Comb^malicr, ciec< ased, are iH^qtiestgd to t^uike 
 pay me at of tli^ sutiic— -aiul all [Krspitft having 
 finy dcinamU aj^uinst tlie estate will pro(i(!c# 
 their accounts properly attested t<> 
 
 A^ministratbr d^ bom:i non^ 
 feb5 wam3t 
 
 ■■III* « 
 
 ■ < _ ii »| < i ^ iii I l ii iii V <\ V , 
 
 m\ 111 
 
 Fire Assbciatioii, 
 
 Atthe reqm*stof a Humber «fthc Tire Com- 
 panil^^ df tliis City, the Presidenta uf the d'lftlW 
 ent BngiiVe Companies, are invited fo incct at 
 I, J the BooiiT' of the Vig'ilaot Fire Ct m|>raiy, m 
 Kaee^reet ))ctween Frtjut ainj Second sOectai, 
 < n Xbursday fveniD^liexi, tiie 6lh iDi<fai^f, atT 
 o'clo45k, ih^nlef toxoiiiuder thi? px-opriet^v of 
 forming' a Pire Association. eo3f 
 
 <i*—rfi^fc4iA* n i» < i , « ii< i n f ill >« II I k I f'mm . _ ■ mi w ■» i r 
 
 
 ' 'i 
 
 >■»»•■»— M»—*——> !■ n m 
 
 "t^m 
 
 Piiiladelphia, l-Ttb a«ir. 18ir. 
 *;^ t£T1*EUS^for the - Eritlaih l^acket 
 
 For Fatjtiojl^^.dit jc t,, wlU j^ 
 
 lUTT^iii otU Fehjuaiy nejtt^ «t ball' jpw^ t^*^v4 
 P. M. ' * 
 
 b^paid,' ' ■ "^' 
 
 pgiB^y-' 
 
 ADVERTISEMENT FROM "POULSON'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER," Feb. 5, 1817 
 
 m 
 
 -» t 
 
INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE 
 
 Hi., At-. 
 
 ^iii 
 
 
 I !■. <fc«i 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 a great emergency arose, there appeared the man to meet it, and 
 brave deeds were' done by those who gave their allegiance to the 
 "City of Brotherly Love." 
 O'd fire The great service which the old fire companies rendered to the 
 companu-^ wounded during the Civil War is also a phase of their activity about 
 help which little is known. Many of the fire companies during the Civil 
 rvoundr-rl War had ambulances with which they met the wounded from the 
 battlefields when they arrived at Philadelphia and transported them 
 to the hospitals. In some instances alarms were rung by the fire 
 companies upon the arrival of a train with wounded soldiers. Many 
 a Grand Army veteran owed his life to the promptness and the loving 
 care with which these old volunteer firemen handled him on the 
 way from the depots to the hospitals. . t^, -i , , , • 
 
 The influences that made the Fire Association of Philadelphia 
 have been traced from 1736 to that eventful meeting in which the 
 
 , ,„., , engine and hose companies further cemented their interests, an- 
 
 Jmrncnn nounced in Poulson's American Daily Advertiser of Wednesday morn- 
 Daily ing, February 5, 18 17. 
 
 Announce' 
 ment in 
 
 Poulsfin\' 
 
 Jdterti^er 
 
 CELEBRATION OF THE THIRTEENTH ANNIVERSARY OF 
 THE INCORPORATION OF THE FIRE ASSOCIATION 
 OF PHILADELPHIA 
 The thirteenth anniversary of the Fire Association of Philadelphia 
 was marked by two events, the reincorporation of the Fire Association 
 and a grand parade, followed by a ball in the Hall of the Musical Society. 
 The parade idea had been carried out the year before, in 1832, when 
 the first general parade of firemen took place on the centennial of the 
 birth of Washington. A preamble to an Act of the Assembly, ap- 
 proved April 3, 1833, contained a statement to the effect that the 
 fire-engine and hose companies named, "in order to promote harmony 
 and friendly intercourse among them, to establish those just relations 
 that ought to exist among institutions whose views are similar and to 
 enable them more effectively to perform those philanthropic duties," 
 had formed themselves into the Fire Association of Philadelphia, and 
 had chosen delegates from each company, who in their turn had se- 
 lected trustees, and these trustees and their successors were constituted 
 a body corporate by the name of the Trustees of the Fire Association of 
 Philadelphia, to have perpetual succession. These trustees elected oflR- 
 cers at such salaries as they deemed expedient. No trustee, however, 
 could be appointed to any ofl[ice to which a compensation was attached. 
 It was the duty of this board to furnish a semi-annual statement of 
 the funds of the Association to the Board of Delegates, and from time 
 to time, as the delegates desired, such information concerning the 
 affairs of the Association as they might consider necessary. It was 
 also provided that the property and funds then in the hands of the 
 trustees, together with the sums thereafter accumulating, should be 
 the Association's capital stock, and that no distribution of this stock 
 should take place, except in payment of losses, until the interest on 
 loans, premiums for insurance, and other profits amounted to $100,000. 
 
 16 
 
 f 
 
 [ 
 
 ^tlf^\\\\\\K\\yKKKy\y^^^^ 
 
 I'; 
 
 irawn 
 Vvly.e 
 
 ii;iii past (1 (>-niock, fin especiaJ i)us'iJWw, 
 
 feb 
 
 ♦■ 
 
 ist 
 
 ALL person.^ Jndebtetl to the estate of Jkxkh 
 WiLv* ^>f^. J-it'K ©f Ui^ Nonhem Liberties 
 Comb*makcr, ckcMibed, un^ requested to make 
 payment of the samc—aiul all •)f;rsojjs having 
 any demands against the estate wtli produce 
 their accounts propt Hy attesited to 
 
 Tkaddeiis IVUliamSy 
 
 A^lrainistratorde bonis non,- 
 ieb 5 M Wian5t " 
 
 mmbim 
 
 ^ 
 
 ,|| ; «|.^ 
 
 eo3t 
 
 PO:^ OFFICE. 
 
 . Philadelphia, Crth Jan. I8ir. 
 LtTTEUfi^fortheBriliih Packet 
 
 Xiao--"*' ^'^^ Fulmoj^.fe.dir jct,, wrU b^ re- 
 
 ^^'^^SScaWiid ki \.hi^A)\^^Y^ vmtit Wedne** 
 
 tU>' liiir oXh Fcbru&rv nextj a^ halt pa^t twelvft 
 
 y }i. Tl^e i/^landlri03ta£4t4^NX^ YyiiUftMl 
 be paid, 
 
 Fire Association. 
 
 At the request of a Hunther of the Tire Com- 
 panii'S of tills City, the Presidents of the diftor^ 
 ent Eng^ine Companies, are invited <o meet at 
 ! the Room of the Vigilant Fire Ct nipiuiy, m 
 Race street between Front and Second sU cetai, 
 en Tbin'sdaV evening; ncKt, liie 6ih insfant, at 7 
 o'clock, in order to /consider th^ propriety of; 
 forminpf n Fire Association!. o- 
 
 ADVERTISEMENT FROM "POULSON'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, " Feb. 5, 1817 
 
 » 
 
 i*iVI 
 
 ;f9rm-. ^; rf - 
 
THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 i wtwmuaw^M>mu^m»mu>»miuwMUHiii i iuw"Mtiuu» wsm 
 
 ,„„„,, I.. yfnn}i»)i'">>f»>>ff'^f'^f*>ff*f^'^'"'"""*""""'"" ' P 
 
 AN OLD VIEW OF CARPENTERS' HALL, PHILADELPHIA 
 
 Original 
 
 scope of 
 
 the Fire 
 
 Association 
 
 Number ij 
 
 in history 
 
 of the Fire 
 
 Association 
 
 It was enacted that no company belonging to the Association should 
 receive a dividend which did not, in the opinion of the Board ot 
 Delegates, possess a competent apparatus for the extinguishment of 
 fires or which should not have been a member of the Association for 
 at least one year before such a dividend was declared; any and 
 everv other fire-engine and hose company might be admitted to 
 membership; and, finally, the Association's Charter Act of March 27, 
 
 1820, was repealed. . . u- r u* ♦ 
 
 The amendment was passed without opposition. Its chief object 
 was to release the trustees from any individual liability and another 
 obiect was to prevent the payment of any dividend to the companies 
 forming the Association until "the moneys arising from annual premi- 
 ums, interest on loans, and profits shall amount to the sum of $100,000. 
 This amended charter also restricted the Association to the insurance 
 of houses and buildings in the city and county of Philadelphia. (Ihis 
 restriction was removed by a legislative supplement, approved Apri 
 n 1 8-? 8 which gave the Association the authority to do a general 
 insurance business.) In 1833 forty-five companies were members of 
 the Association. Later this number was increased to forty-eight. 
 
 The number thirteen has played an interesting part in the history 
 of the Fire Association of Philadelphia. Not only was the thirteenth 
 anniversary the first observed by the Association but this auspicious 
 and, in this chronicle, lucky number has still other. points of signifi- 
 cance. Thirteen trustees— now called directors— have always held 
 
 18 
 
 i 
 
 i 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOC IATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 office in the Association. The first meeting held by the trustees in 
 Carpenters' Hall was held on February 13, 1825. There was a reso- . 
 lution passed by the trustees on November 13, 1828, striking out the 
 famous and much contested "tree" clause, which refused insurance 
 to any one in front of whose house there were trees. Mr. Elihu C. 
 Irvin, the president of the Fire Association, lives in a house of thirteen 
 rooms on North Thirteenth Street. From the constant repetition of 
 the number thirteen in the annals of the Fire Association, it is small 
 wonder that this number is neither taboo nor unlucky, since the evi- 
 dence has always been to the contrary. 
 
 On March 27, 1833, in honor of the sixteenth mile-post passed, the Parade 
 engine and hose companies composing the Fire Association paraded of 1S33 
 with their apparatus through the principal streets of Philadelphia. 
 At this time the Fire Association had on their books more than forty- 
 five hundred insurances. "This is a most laudable institution," says 
 a contemporary publication, "which should receive the countenance 
 and support of every individual in the community— that it is ex- 
 tremely popular is no more than just." In describing the parade, 
 the same writer adds that it "afforded an excellent opportunity to 
 appreciate the strength and importance of this noble institution. At 
 present the Corporations of the City and Liberties pay annually to 
 the Fire Companies about nine thousand dollars, for the purpose of 
 keeping their apparatus in repair. This tax on the public, which they 
 pay cheerfully, it is the design of the Fire Association to obviate, bo 
 soon as a sufficient permanent fund is accumulated from the profits 
 of insurance, this tax will be removed, and the interests and profits 
 are to be appropriated to paying their own expenses." 
 
 Three trumpeters and three buglers, tripping along at a good pace Companies 
 and playing a merry tune, preceded the parade. Two pioneers fol- which 
 lowed, and after them marched the Hibernia, entitled to this place P^'f^^^: 
 because it was the oldest fire company in the city. Hazard s Register ^^^£^^^ 
 of Pennsylvania lists the companies and describes their equipment as ^ 
 follows : — 
 
 1. Hibernia. Drawn by four horses, and driven by a man in buff clothes. 
 The equipments consisted of a fire hat, cape, and drab fire coat— the former 
 painted green, with an eagle and gilt harp (the emblem of the company) 
 and the word "Hibernia" in gold letters, on a scarlet scroll, in front— on the 
 back "H. F. C." On the capes the initials of the Fire Association. Ihe 
 Hibernia was instituted Jan. 20, 1752. On the present occasion, 25 members 
 walked in procession, having hold of the ropes. , , , , , t., tt 
 
 2. Philadelphia Hose. Drawn by four superb black horses. The Hose 
 Carriage is particularly elegant, and though light, strong and effective. On 
 the front is painted, in superb style, the story of Nestor and Tydides, with a 
 great number of distinct figures. In the rear, a huge River God, and a view 
 of Fair Mount Water Works. Motto, "Non sibi sed omnibus. Instituted 
 December 15, 1803. Twenty members turned out in honor of the anniversary. 
 They wore black dresses, black capes and hats, trimmed with gold and devices 
 in gilt. The banner was black. , , , j 
 
 3. Northern Liberty Engine, No. i. May i, 1756. A standard bearer and 
 his aids carried a broad blue banner, highly decorated. The dress of the mem- 
 bers was black hats edged with red, black capes, with devices in red. Ihe 
 
 19 
 
 ^ It 
 
THE FIRE A SSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 ,„<,ine was followed by a neat and handsome tender and hose, and this was 
 drfwn by four bays They made a fine appearance. Forty-five members 
 
 "T CooTLni Has. March 8, .804. Preceded by axemen and a rich 
 black banner, borne and supported by -embers of the company had fo an 
 inscription "Washington our guide and monitor Ihe dresses w«;e oiac 
 ranes and hats edged with gold, with motto and devices in gilt. The hose 
 wa"^ drawn by f^urhandsome'gra'y horses, and the driver was dressed in white 
 wUh a turban and appropriate costume. Twenty-eight members were present 
 r yTiU,Tt Eminf Preceded by the axemen; carriage drawn by four 
 sorrel torsef and^ornamented with emblematical flags, with driver and post- 
 wrinfanc'v dress the gallery otherwise decorated; in the rear the bucket 
 fn^Dlace-rL engine is one of the first class, and most approved model. 
 Tns?^uted Ian 2 fX. Fifty members present. The dress of this company 
 was gl?een capes and green hats, with gilt letters and devices, drab coats and 
 
 '1.T::)Xi/o.. April,., .804. Three marsha^ on ho^eback. ^ 
 banner bore a device of a globe on a fire plug supporting the American eagle. 
 Dresses white edged and trimmed with red; cape and hat white, with red , 
 ban printed behind Twenty-eight members drew their own carnage. Motto: 
 
 l°'^r:lr''r;«:' March .., .76.. prawn by four spanking ba 
 riders in mariner's dress, and preceded by flags and banners On the front 
 
 :nh^:trpaty tfcrib^ti? i^ t^ F4 °"SH a!^: 
 xn^rwrh1hS^%X^";um^^^^^ 
 
 black cape and black hats, edged with gold, with devices in gold. Twenty-five 
 
 Thirtv-two members were m the procession. . ^^oarUnns 
 
 iimty Lww Drawn bv two gray horses, m rich caparisons. 
 
 Ba'n°„efHurrh'a Sre^nfarof'l^avers'^^^^^^^^^ 
 
 severaiu. Preceded by a marshal fully equipped, and three 
 
 ax mef foTS^^^^^^ tender. Carriage drawn by two grays, mounted by 
 wT'n white turbans and Turkish costumes. Instituted August i8, 1784. 
 Forty-nine members present^ fellow-citizens, we hazard our- 
 
 selves ^Th^ c^any mad; J^^c^llm appearance, and showed con^^^^^^^ 
 
 'nr^'^L' to led the carriages drawn by four bay 
 
 hor estX biaX in white Turkish dress, and ^^lack driver. Th^^^^^^ 
 bers were dressed in red, with capes covered with red and gold. They earned 
 a splendid blue flag. Instituted May 10, 1786. 
 
 14. Hop. Hose. Preceded by an effective band SjjJ^^f ^^,^/^^^^^^^^ 
 member of which belonged to the hose company. The hats were elegantly 
 
 20 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 ' 
 
 painted, representing the figure of Hope on a blue ground, resting her left arm 
 on an anchor, her right arm extended to heaven. The carriage is a fine speci- 
 men of the best modern improvements, combining elegance and strength. 
 Seventy-two members paraded, dressed in their imposing costumes of drab 
 and blue. Instituted August 17, 1805. 
 
 15. Assistance Engine. Preceded by a small model engine, borne aloft, 
 and two axemen. Motto: "Our hearts are towards our citizens." In- 
 corporated 1789. Thirty-five members present. The original emblem of 
 this company is a heart with gilt wings spread out, with the German word 
 "Bercit" in the centre, signifying, "We will be ready with all our hearts to 
 fly when our assistance is wanted." The company originally consisted 
 principally of respectable German gentlemen. Instituted December 28, 1789. 
 
 16. Columbia Hose. May i, 1806. The carriage was beautifully decorated 
 with flowers, and in front was borne the model of a hose carriage. The members 
 were dressed in blue capes, the customary firemen's frock coats, and blue hats 
 with gilt and colored letters and devices. Seventy-three members were in line. 
 
 17. America Engine. April 10, 1780. Drawn by four black horses, driven 
 by a man in foreman's dress. Two banners were carried: one of them blue, 
 with the word "America" in a glory, and the other displayed the American 
 eagle with the words, "Washington and Liberty." The company wore blue 
 capes and hats, and twenty-two members marched. 
 
 18. Southwark Hose. The members wore blue hats, bearing the rising sun 
 and the coat of arms of the District of Southwark. Their capes were red, 
 and had the same devices as were on the hats. Under the Southwark banner, 
 fifty-four members marched. Company instituted May 6, 1806. 
 
 19. Diligent Engine. July 4, 1791. Drawn by horses and decorated with a 
 banner richly trimmed with a complete likeness of the late Patrick Lyon, the 
 celebrated engine-maker. The firemen wore yellow frock coats, blue panta- 
 loons and yellow hats. Fifty-eight members marched. 
 
 20. Washington Hose. With a magnificent banner surmounted with a 
 rich and variegated nosegay of fresh flowers "presented by the young ladies 
 of the western part of the city," encircling a portrait of Washington. In 
 front of the carriage a very handsome view of Washington crossing the Dela- 
 ware; in the rear, "Instituted February 22, 1811." On the sides, portrait of 
 Washington with the motto, "Pater Patriae." The whole carriage was 
 dressed with ribbons and flowers. The bells ringing as in time of fire. Thirty- 
 seven members were at the ropes, and there were three buglers. Motto: 
 "All private duties are subordinate to those which we owe to the public." 
 
 21. Franklin Engine. Jan. 6, 1792. Drawn by four black horses, ridden 
 by four men in Turkish costume. The banner bore a likeness of Franklin. 
 Members dressed in firemen's frocks, black capes and hats with gilt trimmings. 
 Thirty members out. 
 
 22. Fame Hose. July I, 1818. Preceded by four trumpeters. Banner, 
 white ground, bearing the figure of Fame, surmounted by an eagle, with the 
 motto, "Fama Extenditur Factis." Members wore firemen's frocks, blue 
 capes with initials of members' names, and a figure of Fame, blue hats with 
 figure of Fame. Forty-two members marched. 
 
 2-^. Humane Engine. March i, 1794. Drawn by four bay horses. Banner 
 and axemen. A second banner on the carriage bore the inscription — "The 
 first hose used in Philadelphia, introduced (by the Humane Fire Company) 
 1795." Motto of the Humane, "Spectamus Agendo." The company claim 
 to be the first Engine Company in Philadelphia to introduce, as a part 
 of their apparatus, the hose; the piece exhibited in the procession being a part 
 of the original hose woven in Philadelphia, under the direction of the company, 
 the year named on their banner — eight years before the establishment of the 
 
 21 
 
i^fy,......miiiiinilllll»]|»j|jjiwl 
 
 i 
 
 i^l^ 
 
 ^1 
 
 i> | | >>UIIH><» l l ll l'HIHI I I" 1 ^ 
 
 niii l il i i il "n" iii ' ii K rii "» i i iii' ii))iij 
 
 , I" III iimnun - UK . im MiMM.u.niTTT.ummum> 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 first Hose Company. The first hose used in Philadelphia was of leather, 
 sewed, not riveted, as now (1833) in use. 
 
 24. Diligent Hose. With blue banners, dress red and drab, with F. A. 
 (Fire Association) conspicuous on the front. Motto: "Our impulse to 
 action is the danger of our citizens." The banners of blue silk, fringed, and 
 in the centre a gilt star. Forty-eight members turned out. 
 
 25. Washington Engine. Jan. 3, 1796. Drawn by members. The banner 
 bore a likeness of Washington with the inscription: "Washington the Father 
 of our Country." The engine was surmounted by a splendid arch of evergreen 
 and flowers under which sat, much at his ease, a little boy about four years of 
 age, dressed as a fireman, holding a trumpet and occasionally giving orders. 
 The members were dressed in drab coats, blue pantaloons, blue capes and hats 
 with gilt inscriptions. Forty-two members marched. 
 
 26. United States Hose. May 7, 1828. With banners, and two American 
 flags. Dressed in drab with capes covered with a gilt eagle. Thirty-nine 
 members present. 
 
 27. Friendship Engine. August i, 1796. Drawn by two gray horses, 
 ridden by boys in fancy dress. These were followed by a tender, drawn by 
 one gray horse. Members in citizen's dress, with badges on their hats. Two 
 Turks in the procession in full dress. A banner with a figure of a man extend- 
 ing the right hand of friendship to all, and the motto, "Friendship, 1796." 
 
 28. Niagara Hose, March 28, 1827. A rich blue carriage and uniform. 
 The procession of forty-seven members followed by the tender. On the 
 carriage was a fine view of Niagara Falls supported on one side by the God 
 of the Ocean, and on the other by the God of the Rivers, with the name of 
 the company over the falls, and the motto, "Paratus et Fidelis." The mem- 
 bers were dressed in blue capes, blue hats and pantaloons with gilt decorations. 
 
 29. Columbia Engine. Drawn by two horses, led by blacks, and mounted 
 by two boys in Turkish dress, with green turbans. Date of institution, 
 Sept. 16, 1796. Twenty-two members marched. The banners bore an eagle 
 and the American standard. Members were dressed in firemen's frocks, blue 
 capes and hats, with gilt decorations. 
 
 30. Northern Liberty Hose. May 7, 1828. Two buglers were followed by 
 two pioneers with axes. The first banner represented the Genius of Liberty 
 holding the portrait of Washington, and leaning against a fire plug, surmounted 
 by the American eagle. The second banner had a white ground with a gilt 
 shield surrounded by a wreath, with the name of the company, marshal and 
 assistant marshals. The members were dressed in drab coats, blue capes, 
 with gilt eagles, blue hats, having in front a representation of Liberty and on 
 the back a shield. The carriage bore on its panel a splendid representation 
 by Woodside of the Treaty of Ghent. The bells were ringing as when the 
 company proceeds to duty, and the ropes were manned by sixty-three members. 
 Motto: "When duty calls, 'tis ours to obey." 
 
 31. Weccacoe Engine. May i, 1800. This company and the William Penn 
 excited unusual attention from the crowd. About a dozen Indians in blanket 
 costume, from papooses to full-grown warriors, preceded the members with 
 tomahawks and battle axes, tiara of feathers, and ear-rings. The carriage 
 was drawn by two grays and surmounted by flags and banners. Thirty-eight 
 members besides the warriors, who also probably belonged, but took this 
 occasion to show the style of dress of the original inhabitants of Weccacoe in 
 Southwark. On the engine was a banner representing an Indian. This was 
 supported by two lads dressed as Indians. The members were dressed in 
 frock coats, red capes and red hats with gold trimmings. 
 
 32. William Penn Hose. June, 1829. The banner bore a likeness of 
 William Penn. The company had in advance a member dressed like an 
 
 23 
 
THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 Indian of the Delaware tribe, at the left of whom was a member dressed in the 
 l^d p°ain garb of William Penn, half ^^^^ed hat buckled w,g and drab 
 ?^t and smlU-clothes. At Penn's left was another Friend, and next to them 
 were two o'hlrs in Friend's dress. These. were foUowed by «n rnen^n com; 
 plete Indian costume, and four seamen with merchandise for The Treaty 
 On f hp carriaee were two squaws wrapped in their blankets. 1 he mempers 
 were dressed fn drab frock coats, blue capes and blue hats with g-^t devices 
 Tnd letter ng. The bells of the carriage ringing. "Like Penn we will be usefu 
 to our counfry." "Instituted Feb., 1820." On the carriage was a picture of 
 
 ^'ircr^W Itlil"' M'a'rch ^y, .80.. Drawn by four large horses with 
 heids Whly decorated. The dress of this company was very suitable: a cape 
 descentog fror^ the low crowned hat to the cape of the coat so that the 
 water wHl run off immediately. The color of the dress, blue and drab. The 
 :„gine "of the compan/displayed early in ^he morning numerous fla^ 
 and devices stretched across Race Street below Broad. Fifty-two members 
 
 ^"itfndependence Hose. July 4, i83i- ^^ Wh ''Li? hTnof been ?c- 
 seven feet high, dressed in a sheepskin from which the tail had not been ac 
 cura?ely cu^ The first banner bore a figure and the motto, L'ght and 
 nber^v " The second banner, the American eagle, and the motto. Every 
 Ihing prospers under thy wings." The third banner, "July 4, '776^^" 
 country's glory." Beautiful emblems were on the carriage, which was 
 dressed in ffins. Forty members were at the ropes On the carriage was 
 ?he motto: '^ur count^ is our glory." The members wore blue coats, 
 
 T/ l/t'rsr.^ &tnr.9. .8„. Drawn by two' white .horses 
 wi?h a tender drawn by a white horse. The members were dressed in drab 
 Trock coats, green cape^and green hats, with gilt decorations. Thirty mem- 
 
 ^'TPennilvania Hose. August 4, 1831- The banner of this company 
 
 was blue, and the motto: 
 
 " Fire, our watch word. 
 To extinguish it our aim; 
 To be useful our motto, 
 And Pennsylvania our name." 
 
 The members were dressed in frock coats, blue capes and dark hats bearing 
 
 W twn Knvs in extremely rich costumes of white and red with turbans to 
 m^LtcI These dresses wJre much admired. Thirty-three members were on 
 ^.rlde The banner had a beautiful drawing of the "Good Samaritan 
 ^he member^ were dressed in firemen's coats, black capes and black hats with 
 rich gilt ornaments. Preceded by a banner with a likeness 
 
 oft pteC ""Xtto^-Lke l^a^WeUe'te will .assist in time of need." 
 TVl,;nnpr was carried by three boys dressed with numerous nbbons- 
 Jmblems" variou drvicel on the c'lrriage. Twenty-one members were 
 nresenT They were dressed in firemen's frock coats, tri-colored capes and 
 hits with a likeness of La Fayette. The carriage was ornamented with the 
 
 ^"rAV 11': ISn'^Drt^n V two grays, decorated with blue ribbons. 
 The^'equipment was new and neat. Nineteen members were on parade. 
 
 24 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 
 *4 
 
 i. 
 
 xli 
 
 They were dressed in drab frock coats, red capes and blue hats with gilt fire 
 plugs ornamenting same. 
 
 40. Southwark Engine. Preceded by two trumpeters. Carriage, drawn 
 by four white horses on which were mounted two boys in red spencers, gold 
 lace, white turbans and ostrich plumes. On the gears of the horses was the 
 motto: "Southwark always ready." The members of the company were 
 dressed in deep yellow with pantaloons of the same. Sixty-eight members 
 were present. 
 
 At least sixteen hundred men were on parade in celebration of the 
 thirteenth anniversary of the Fire Association. The procession, more 
 than a mile in length, is said to have been impressive, the members 
 marching more than ten miles. In the afternoon the companies were 
 dismissed, after which they made preparations for the ball to be given 
 that evening. "The large room," said a local reporter, "of Musical 
 Fund Hall was cleared for dancing, and by nine o'clock about four 
 hundred ladies and a proportionate number of gentlemen had 
 assembled, when the dancing was commenced. We have never seen 
 the saloon look as imposing. The managers had provided three large 
 chandeliers, in addition to those usually lighted, and with other addi- 
 tions, and the attractions of the wit and beauty of our city, and an 
 excellent band, the whole scene was one of enchantment. 
 
 "The banners and flags used in the procession, having been left by 
 the companies for the use of the ball, were very tastefully displayed 
 round the room, and added materially to the interest of the scene. 
 The reflection naturally arose, as the mind embraced the coup cTcsil, 
 that it was unaccompanied with any memorials that could cause a 
 single regret. The banners told of no blood-stained battlefield; they 
 recalled the feelings naturally engendered by the peaceful nature of 
 the celebration, and we are very sure that, though many must have 
 gone home greatly fatigued, few pressed their pillows without feeling 
 gratification and pleasure from the events of the day." 
 
 Probably had any fireman on this anniversary been asked to drink 
 the toast proposed by the Resolution Fire Company at the time of 
 the incorporation of the Fire Association, he would have put every 
 vestige of ill feeling and jealousy aside and would have raised his glass 
 to the old toast, which follows: — 
 
 "The Fire Companies of Philadelphia: Philadelphia, in search 
 of public good, like the Phcenix rising from the ashes, with a noble 
 Resolution to give Relief and Assistance to any Humane and Charitable 
 citizens, with the Amicable view of Harmony, Fellowship and Good 
 Will to see all around; whilst Union and Friendship claim a Reliance 
 upon the Vigilant, from the Northern Liberties to Southwark, the 
 Sons of Columbia cheered by the Sons of Hibernia look with pleasing 
 Hope to see the name of Venerable Franklin rise once more; and as 
 old Neptune rolls its billows upon the Delaware with Good Intent^ 
 supplying us with streams superior to the Niagara, Fame sounds our 
 name like that of Washington through the United States and Pennsyl- 
 vania marks us for her own." 
 
 25 
 
 Celebration 
 of the 
 thirteenth 
 anniversary 
 
 Display at 
 the ball 
 
 Toast of the 
 Resolution 
 Fire 
 Company 
 
prosperity 
 
 of the Fire 
 
 Association 
 
 in 1 8 so 
 
 Report of 
 
 Board of 
 
 Trustees 
 
 Association 
 
 creates 
 
 contingent 
 
 fund 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATI ON OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 THE GREAT FIRE OF 1850. THE FIRE ASSOCIATION PAYS 
 OUT IN LOSSES ITS ENTIRE SURPLUS FUND 
 
 Records show that the Fire Association prospered, though up to 
 1850 its surplus fund had reached only the $100,000 mark. Fire 
 losses had not been large. Of the $240,000 loss sustained by Phila- 
 delphia in 1839, the Association paid $3,000, and that on Policy No. 
 1 138, issued on the fire-proof store of Henry White on the east side of 
 South Water Street. "On motion the President and Secretary were 
 directed to inform Mr. White that the destruction of his building was 
 considered a total loss, and that the full amount of the insurance 
 thereon would be paid in a short time." At the same meeting of the 
 Trustees of the Fire Association it was resolved that " the President 
 and Treasurer be authorized and empowered to raise upon the credit 
 of the Association the sum of three thousand dollars in such way and 
 manner as they may deem expedient." ^ 
 
 On the 14th of January, 1850, the affairs of the Fire Association 
 were reported to be in a favorable condition, as the following report 
 will show. It will be noted likewise that the volunteer fire companies 
 were still at odds with one another. The following preamble was 
 offered by Mr. Hamilton, and a copy of it was despatched to the 
 Board of Delegates: "The Board of Trustees are gratified in pre- 
 senting to the Board of Delegates so favorable a report of operations 
 during the past year, and this they trust is a harbinger of future 
 success. The steady increase in the business of the Association is 
 evidence that it continues to gain in public confidence, which, all 
 circumstances considered, it has enjoyed to an extraordinary extent. 
 Prosperous, however, as is the Association, it would be yet more so, 
 were it not for the unhappy dissensions which have and still continue 
 to exist between many of the Fire Companies, which result not only in 
 consequences disastrous to the character of those concerned, as well 
 as to the support of many citizens, who in the absence of these dis- 
 reputable proceedings would have manifested an interest in its welfare. 
 "The Board of Trustees have no disposition to interfere in matters 
 which are exclusively under the control of the Board of Delegates, 
 namely the government of the companies composing the Association, 
 but they conceive it to be their duty to apprise the Board of Delegates 
 of these facts, bearing as they believe they do upon the best interests 
 of the Association. . 
 
 "The Association commands the respect of the community, and 
 has assumed an importance as an insurance company which should 
 induce all the companies connected with it to prize and regard its 
 reputation, and so to act as to commend the institution to public 
 favor, and thus aid those to whom the Board of Delegates may en- 
 trust 'its management to conduct its affairs to a successful issue. 
 
 By an Act of March 22, 1845, the Association had been authorized 
 to create a contingent fund, not to exceed $10,000, and by another of 
 January 26, 1849, they were authorized to deduct arrears of interest, 
 also fines and penalties from the dividends to any of the companies 
 owing the same. 
 
 26 
 
 \m^ 
 
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INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE 5 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 THE GRKXV 1-lRK OF 18^0. riw: F!RK ASSOCLVFIOX PAYS 
 Oir IX LOSSES nS I^N^1RF SURPLUS FUND 
 
 Records show that the Fire Association prospered, though up to 
 1850 its surplus fund had reached only the $100,000 mark. Fire 
 losses had not been large. Of the $240,000 loss sustained by Phila- 
 delphia in 1839, the Association paid $3,000, and that on Policy No. 
 1 138, issued on the fire-proof store of Henry White on the east side of 
 South Water Street. "On motion the President and Secretary were 
 directed to inform Mr. White that the destruction of his building was 
 considered a total loss, and that the full amount of the insurance 
 thereon would be paid in a short time." At the same meeting of the 
 Trustees of the Fire Association it was resolved that " the President 
 and Treasurer be authorized and empowered to raise^ upon the credit 
 of the Association the sum of three thousand dollars in such way and 
 manner as they may deem expedient." ^ 
 
 On the 14th of January, 1850, the affairs of the Fire Association 
 were reported to be in a favorable condition, as the following report 
 will show. It will be noted likewise that the volunteer fire companies 
 were still at odds with one another. The following preamble was 
 offered by Mr. Hamilton, and a copy of it was despatched to the 
 Board of Delegates: "The Board of Trustees are gratified in pre- 
 senting to the Board of Delegates so favorable a report of operations 
 during the past year, and this they trust is a harbinger of future 
 success. The steady increase in the business of the Association is 
 evidence that it continues to gain in public confidence, which, all 
 circumstances considered, it has enjoyed to an extraordinary extent. 
 Prosperous, however, as is the Association, it would be yet more so, 
 were it not for the unhappy dissensions which have and still continue 
 to exist between many of the Fire Companies, which result not only in 
 consequences disastrous to the character of those concerned, as well 
 as to the support of many citizens, who in the absence of these dis- 
 reputable proceedings would have manifested an interest in its welfare. 
 
 "The Board of Trustees have no disposition to interfere in matters 
 which are exclusively under the control of the Board of Delegates, 
 namely the government of the companies composing the Association, 
 but they conceive it to be their duty to apprise the Board of E)elegates 
 of these facts, bearing as they believe they do upon the best interests 
 
 of the Association. . 
 
 "The Association commands the respect of the community, and 
 has assumed an importance as an insurance company which should 
 induce all the companies connected with it to prize and regard its 
 reputation, and so to act as to commend the institution to public 
 favor, and thus aid those to whom the Board of Delegates may en- 
 trust 'its management to conduct its affairs to a successful issue." 
 
 By an Act of March 22, 1845, the Association had been authorized 
 
 to create a contingent fund, not to exceed $10,000, and by another of 
 
 January 26, 1849, they were authorized to deduct arrears of interest, 
 
 / also fines and penalties from the dividends to any of the companies 
 
 owing the same. 
 
 26 
 
 m4 
 
 I A 
 
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 ^ 
 
THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 Great fire 
 of 1850 
 
 Prompt 
 payment 
 of losses 
 
 Bali more 
 
 and San 
 
 Francisco 
 
 losses 
 
 promptly 
 paid 
 
 The affairs of the Fire Association at the beginning of this eventful 
 1850 had been reported prosperous, yet less than six months were to 
 elapse when the Board of Trustees was to gather and plan how it 
 might meet the great drain that was to exhaust its resources. The 
 "great fire" broke out at 4.30 p.m., July 9, 1850, in the store of Gordon 
 & Berger, at 139 on the east side of Water Street, a few doors below 
 Vine Street. The firemen fought the flames until an explosion of 
 saltpetre in the warehouse of John Brock, the owner of the building 
 in which the fire started, burst its walls and hurled fragments to some 
 distance. The explosion caused the death of many persons, including 
 a number of firemen; and men and women, who in their excitement 
 jumped into the river, were injured. The flames spread rapidly, 
 and, when night fell, the glow illumined the country for many miles, 
 and was plainly visible as far away as Trenton, New Jersey. The 
 shock of the explosion had been felt in Wilmington, Delaware. The 
 progress of the fire was checked at 3 a.m., July 10, and the area de- 
 stroyed extended from the Delaware River on the east to Second 
 Street on the west, and from Callowhill Street on the north to New 
 Street on the south. This was the largest flame-swept area up to 1850 
 that Philadelphia had seen. Three hundred and sixty-seven buildings 
 with their contents were destroyed, and the loss of life was estimated 
 at from seventeen to thirty-three persons, with upward of one hun- 
 dred wounded, and a total property loss of $1,500,000. 
 
 The Fire Association at its special meeting held July 10— the day 
 following the fire — found that its accumulations of a third of a century's 
 existence had been swept away. The Trustees of the Association 
 did a notable thing at that meeting, and the result of their action was 
 that, before the debris of the fire had been removed, Trustees George 
 W. Tryon, Warner, Esler, Keyser, Reith, Hamilton, Tomkins, Ogden, 
 Souder, Forepaugh, and Taylor met and issued a joint note made, 
 payable to the order of their treasurer, and upon this personal liability 
 obtained from the Western Bank money to meet their losses promptly. 
 In the mean time they converted into cash the assets of the Association. 
 The losses paid amounted approximately to $100,000. So promptly 
 were the losses covered that the interest and sympathy of the public 
 were aroused, and what seemed to the members of the Association an 
 overwhelming catastrophe turned out to be an advantage; for the 
 entire amount and more of these accumulations of a third of a 
 century were made up through the increase in business of the Asso- 
 ciation in the next four years. The Fire Association has participated 
 in the payment of losses in all the great fires since 187 1, when it began 
 to do business outside of Philadelphia. 
 
 After the great fire of Baltimore, in 1904, the Association paid 
 promptly and to the satisfaction of the holders of its policies 
 $309,000; and in the San Francisco fire of 1906 the losses covered 
 amounted to $1,835,930. The payment of these losses, great ^s 
 they were, was as promptly and satisfactorily made by the Fire 
 Association. J, 
 
 < 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 THE LAST FIREMEN'S PARADE AND THE DISBANDING 
 OF THE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT 
 
 "The last firemen's parade!" said George W. Fox, grandson of 
 Michael Fox, the first president of the Fire Association. "I remem- 
 ber it as if it were yesterday. At the time when preparations were 
 being made for it, I was in the northwestern part of Pennsylvania at 
 work, and I gave up my work there and came back to parade with my 
 company, — the Lincoln Hose Company. This company was originally 
 the United States Hose, organized June 5, 1855; but on Lincoln's 
 death, the members of this organization being Republicans, the name 
 of the Hose Company was changed from the United States to Lincoln. 
 Yes, I was a fireman. My father, Joseph L. Fox, was a fireman, and 
 my grandfather, Michael Fox, was a fireman. I remember father's 
 saying that Michael and his brother Samuel didn't agree on the Fire 
 Association question. Michael was a brickmaker, and one of his 
 yards was at Seventeenth and Federal Streets. He was a member 
 of the Diligent Engine Company and a crony of Stephen Girard's. 
 Samuel Fox had considerable to say about his brother putting money 
 into the Fire Association. He was a rich man for his time, was 
 Michael, and he was worth probably $200,000." 
 
 The last firemen's parade took place on October 17, 1865. The one Description 
 hundred and twenty companies that were to participate in the parade of the last 
 .were several weeks making elaborate preparations for the day. Steam- firemen's 
 ers and hose-carriages, trucks, ladders, and ambulances were over- parade 
 hauled, painted, and redecorated. The Saturday and Sunday preced- ^w ^865 
 ing the parade brought throngs to Philadelphia. A man from Balti- 
 more asserted that half of his city had come to see the firemen of 
 Philadelphia march. At ten minutes after ten o'clock the procession, 
 seven miles in length, set out. Seven mounted policemen led the 
 line, and they were followed by Chief Marshal Henry B. Bobb, his 
 aides, Chief Engineer Lyle, and the assistant engineers. The Hibernia 
 Engine Company was the first in line. Among the companies which 
 attracted particular attention was the Phoenix Hose, led by Marshall 
 Garrigues. The carriage of this company had been painted a Paris 
 green, striped with gold; and the iron-work was highly polished. The 
 Pennsylvania Hose Company was marshalled by William A. Sherman. 
 The carriage attracted much attention, its running gear being of yel- 
 low polished hickory, full carved, and the bell gallows ornamented 
 with a gorgeous colored lamp. In the morning a handsome flag and 
 several wreaths had been presented to this company. George W. 
 Hays was marshal of the Fairmount Fire Company, and a large force 
 of pioneers, torchmen, and pipemen followed him. The apparatus — 
 red, striped with gold and white — was loaded with flowers and wreaths. 
 An unusual display of silver fire-horns was carried by the members; 
 and one of these horns was of solid silver, — the gift of the ladies of the 
 Grant House. Several large silk flags and a wreath five feet in diam- 
 eter with a star in the centre added to the display. The United States 
 Fire Company, led by James Baine, Jr., paraded with steamer, hose- 
 carriage, and ambulance. Both the ambulance and steamer were 
 
 28 
 
 29 
 
Epochal 
 dates in the 
 history of the 
 Volunteer 
 Fire Depart- 
 ment 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 City Council 
 
 establishes 
 
 a paid fire 
 
 department 
 
 The fine type reads as follows: Heights reached by the streams of the Engine at a trial of power over Dr. 
 D. Jayne's Building May 22, 1852. Single stream to height of 196 feet 6 in. thro. in. nozzle. 2 side stream 
 to height of 15s feet thro. K inch nozzle. 4 streams 2 side and 2 gallery 134 feet, thro. K nozzle. Built by 
 Patrick Lyon, 1820. Rebuilt by Jno. Agnew, 18 — . Committee appointed by the Co. to decide: P . C . Elltnaker 
 Phanix Hose Co. S. A. Balliers, Empire H. & L. E. Sratton, Harmony Fire Co. ' 
 
 drawn by four bay horses. The hose-carriage, decorated with French 
 green, striped with gold and white, was much admired. Joseph 
 Tripler, then the oldest fireman in Philadelphia and for many years 
 as great a celebrity as Grimes of lyric fame, marched with the United 
 States. A white cat with a ring tail, marked with black letters U.S., 
 excited much interest. This cat maintained its perch on the hose- 
 carriage. 
 
 That evening at seven o'clock the last of the one hundred and 
 twenty companies in line passed Third and Chestnut Streets. There 
 have been two significant dates in the history of the Volunteer Fire 
 Department of Philadelphia. The first, already recorded, was 1832, 
 when the first general parade of firemen took place in honor of the 
 centennial anniversary of the birth of Washington. The second was 
 October 17, 1865, when the last parade of the Volunteer Fire Depart- 
 ment passed through the streets they had so many times traversed in 
 response to the alarm of fire. 
 
 Less than six years after the last firemen's parade the Volunteer 
 Fire Department was disbanded by order of the City Council, and 
 a paid fire department installed. Thus was added another chapter of 
 exceeding interest to the history of the Fire Association. The action 
 
 30 
 
 
 >l 4 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILA DELPHIA 
 
 of the City Council was taken up by the Trustees of the Fire Associa- 
 tion and the following report submitted : — 
 
 The committee appointed at the last meeting to confer with the committee 
 ot the board of Delegates m reference to the changes necessary to be made in 
 the attairs of the Fire Association in consequence of the creation of a Paid 
 ^ ire Department would respectfully report: That they met the committee from 
 the board of Delegates on Thursday evening, December 15, 1870, when the 
 joint committee organized by the appointment of Andrew J. Baker, Esq., 
 as chairman and James S. Hallowell, Esq., as secretary. After a general 
 discussion of the subject it was unanimously decided to continue the Associa- 
 tion as a Stock Company. Mr. Andrew J. Baker, chairman of the committee 
 ot the Board of Delegates, and George S. Young, Esq., chairman of the com- 
 mittee of the Board of Trustees, with Mr. W. H. Hamilton, president of the 
 Board of Trustees, were appointed a sub-committee to prepare a suitable 
 charter for the Association, and after submitting it to our solicitor, Charles E. 
 Lex, Esq. to report to the general committee. The charter was submitted 
 on December 29, 1870, to the general committee, and after mutual deliberation 
 by them was unanimously approved. The Charter is herewith submitted 
 for your consideration, and we have no hesitation in commending it for your 
 approval. Yours respectfully, 
 
 George S. Young 1 ^ 
 Mahon H. Dickinson I Committee. 
 January 6, 1871. ' 
 
 The Fire Association, after it had recovered from the losses of 1850 
 had assets amounting to $537,589, and, even with the annual fire 
 losses throughout the United States increasing at a tremendous rate, 
 was realizing a good profit on underwriting and investments. Accord- 
 ingly, a restriction was placed on the dividends paid by the Associa- 
 tion to the fire companies, limiting the dividends to 30 per cent, "of 
 n i?*Tm-^^ ^"^ income until the permanent capital stock (surplus over 
 all liabilities) shall have reached $200,000." The assets of the Asso- 
 ciation at the close of the year i860 had accumulated to $700,400.26. 
 The following January the Board of Trustees declared a dividend of 
 $640 to each of the forty-seven fire companies belonging to the Asso- 
 ciation. These dividends were in accordance with the 30 per cent, 
 profit division provided for in the Supplementary Act of April 22, 
 1856. About $150,000 of the permanent capital stock of $200,000 
 had been gathered. In 1867 the capital had amounted to more than 
 $1,000,000, and that year a dividend of $400 each to the fire companies 
 belonging to the Association was declared. 
 
 The Fire Association, on the disbandment of the Volunteer Fire 
 Department, voted to deliver to each of these companies its share in 
 the assets of the Association. A charter was obtained from the 
 legislature and approved May 5, 1871, converting the Fire Associa- 
 tion into a joint-stock company with a capital of $500,000, divided 
 into 10,000 shares, the par value of each share being $50. To each 
 fire company belonging to the Association 208 shares were given, and 
 these shares were distributed pro rata among the members. The 
 remaining sixteen shares were purchased by the Association. It is 
 an interesting and possibly a regretted fact that many of the mem- 
 
 31 
 
 Recovery 
 from the 
 losses of 
 1850 
 
 Fire 
 
 Association 
 becomes 
 joint stock 
 company 
 
 t m^ 
 
i INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE 
 
 
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 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
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 The fine type reads as follows: Heights reached by the streams of the Engine at a trial of power over Dr. 
 D. Jayne's Building May 22, 1852. Single stream to height of iq6 feet 6 in. thro. in. nozzle. 2 side stream 
 to height of 15$ feet thro. H inch nozzle. 4 streams 2 side and 2 gallery 134 feet, thro. K nozzle. Built by 
 Patrick Lyon, 1820. Rebuilt by Jno. Agnew, 18 — . Committee appointed by the Co. to decide: P. C. Ellmaker, 
 Phccnix Hose Co. S. A . Balliers, Empire II. &• L. E. Sratton, Harmony Fire Co. 
 
 drawn by four bay horses. The hose-carriage, decorated with French 
 green, striped with gold and white, was much admired. Joseph 
 Tripler, then the oldest fireman in Philadelphia and for many years 
 as great a celebrity as Grimes of lyric fame, marched with the United 
 States. A white cat with a ring tail, marked with black letters U.S., 
 excited much interest. This cat maintained its perch on the hose- 
 carriage. 
 I.!' chill That evening at seven o'clock the last of the one hundred and 
 twenty companies in line passed Third and Chestnut Streets. There 
 have been two significant dates in the history of the Volunteer Fire 
 Department of Philadelphia. The first, already recorded, was 1832, 
 when the first general parade of firemen took place in honor of the 
 centennial anniversary of the birth of Washington. The second was 
 October 17, 1865, when the last parade of the Volunteer Fire Depart- 
 ment passed through the streets they had so many times traversed in 
 response to the alarm of fire. 
 
 Less than six years after the last firemen's parade the Volunteer 
 Fire Department was disbanded by order of the City Council, and 
 a paid fire department installed. Thus was added another chapter of 
 exceeding interest to the history of the Fire Association. The action 
 
 30 
 
 !)■■ 
 
 Ic'cT 
 
 ^art- 
 meiit 
 
 '''f 
 
 •'< 
 
 i k 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 of the City Council was taken up by the Trustees of the Fire Associa- 
 tion and the following report submitted : — 
 
 The committee appointed at the last meeting to confer with the committee 
 of the Board of Delegates in reference to the changes necessary to be made in 
 the affairs of the Fire Association in consequence of the creation of a Paid 
 Fire Department would respectfully report: That they met the committee from 
 the Board of Delegates on Thursday evening, December 15, 1870, when the 
 joint committee organized by the appointment of Andrew J. Baker, Esq., 
 as chairman and James S. Hallowell, Esq., as secretary. After a general 
 discussion of the subject it was unanimously decided to continue the Associa- 
 tion as a Stock Company. Mr. Andrew J. Baker, chairman of the committee 
 of the Board of Delegates, and George S. Young, Esq., chairman of the com- 
 mittee of the Board of Trustees, with Mr. W. H. Hamilton, president of the 
 Board of Trustees, were appointed a sub-committee to prepare a suitable 
 charter for the Association, and after submitting it to our solicitor, Charles E. 
 Lex, Esq., to report to the general committee. The charter was submitted 
 on December 29, 1870, to the general committee, and after mutual deliberation 
 by them was unanimously approved. The Charter is herewith submitted 
 for your consideration, and we have no hesitation in commending it for your 
 approval. Yours respectfully, 
 
 January 6, 1871. 
 
 George S. Young 
 Mahon H. Dickinson 
 
 Committee. 
 
 The Fire Association, after it had recovered from the losses of 1850, 
 had assets amounting to $537,589, and, even with the annual fire 
 losses throughout the United States increasing at a tremendous rate, 
 was realizing a good profit on underwriting and investments. Accord- 
 ingly, a restriction was placed on the dividends paid by the Associa- 
 tion to the fire companies, limiting the dividends to 30 per cent, "of 
 the profits and income until the permanent capital stock (surplus over 
 all liabilities) shall have reached $200,000." The assets of the Asso- 
 ciation at the close of the year i860 had accumulated to $700,400.26. 
 The following January the Board of Trustees declared a dividend of 
 $640 to each of the forty-seven fire companies belonging to the Asso- 
 ciation. ^ These dividends were in accordance with the 30 per cent, 
 profit division provided for in the Supplementary Act of April 22, 
 1856. About $150,000 of the permanent capital stock of $200,000 
 had been gathered. In 1867 the capital had amounted to more than 
 $1,000,000, and that year a dividend of $400 each to the fire companies 
 belonging to the Association was declared. 
 
 The Fire Association, on the disbandment of the Volunteer Fire 
 Department, voted to deliver to each of these companies its share in 
 the assets of the Association. A charter was obtained from the 
 legislature and approved May 5, 1871, converting the Fire Associa- 
 tion into a joint-stock company with a capital of $500,000, divided 
 into 10,000 shares, the par value of each share being $50. To each 
 fire company belonging to the Association 208 shares were given, and 
 these shares were distributed pro rata among the members. The 
 remaining sixteen shares were purchased by the Association. It is 
 an interesting and possibly a regretted fact that many of the mem- 
 
 31 
 
 Re 
 
 *'r(, 
 
 Co: 
 
 ■cry 
 
 ^^\'^o 
 
 r 
 
 i>\ 
 
 wmm 
 
 ^■■mi 
 
Assets and 
 
 officers of 
 
 the Fire 
 
 Association 
 
 when it 
 
 became a 
 
 stock 
 
 company 
 
 Supplement 
 
 to the 
 
 charter^ 
 
 and increase 
 
 in capital 
 
 stock 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 bers of the fire companies hastened to dispose of their shares of stock. 
 Some sold them for $35, others for $30, and an instance occurred where 
 a share of stock was disposed of for $25, the disposer claiming that 
 that sum was all a share in the Fire Association was worth. On the 
 other hand, many of the shares to-day are held by members or the 
 descendants of members of the old Volunteer Fire Department, who 
 draw a dividend on shares of stock that have increased almost fifteen 
 times the lowest figure a share was sold for four decades ago. 
 
 The assets of the Fire Association at the time it became a stock 
 company were ^1,705,309.07. At the first election under the new 
 organization four of the old trustees and nine stockholders, previously 
 having no connection with the Fire Association, were elected directors. 
 William T. Butler, for many years the secretary, was made president; 
 Robert Shoemaker, vice-president; and Jacob H. Lex, secretary. 
 The great Chicago fire of 1872 gave the Fire Association a fresh field 
 in which to work, and an agency system was started. The half- 
 century policy of the Fire Association was thus changed, and the field 
 of general insurance in all parts of the United States was entered upon 
 with favorable and well-merited results. 
 
 A supplement was procured to the charter of 1833, and this supple- 
 ment was approved May 5, 1871. From July, 1871, to July, 1873, 
 each stockholder received five dollars a share semi-annually. From 
 January to July, 1874, six dollars a share was received. From Jan- 
 uary, 1876, and afterward, ten dollars a share has been received; and 
 this sum, as previously, has been paid semi-annually. 
 
 In 1906 the Fire Association increased its capital stock from $500,000 
 to $750,000. 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF TO-DAY 
 
 The Fire Association issues a policy, on an average, every minute, 
 counting six hours to the working-day. The receipts average $13,000 
 a day, and the Association does a business of $4,000,000 a year. A 
 surplus of more than $3,000,000 is available. At a meeting of the 
 stockholders on March 12, 191 7, the capital stock was increased from 
 $750,000 to $1,000,000. The various meetings held by the stock- 
 holders to consider the increase of capital during the century of the 
 Association's existence as an insurance company are interesting 
 occasions; and it has been fortunate for the organization that these 
 men, who have taken upon their shoulders the responsibilities assigned 
 them, have been men of keen foresight and intelligence. 
 Causes oj In 1856 — six years after the great fire — the affairs of the Association 
 grozvth of were reviewed by one of its members. "Coming into existence," 
 the Fire j^g said, "as an insurance company without the advantages of real 
 capital, the Association claimed the support of the community only 
 by their ability in the use of apparatus to prevent losses by fire, and 
 by the assurance that the institution would be directly managed, an 
 assurance justified in the appointment of trusty and capable citizens 
 as Trustees to whom was committed the administration of the affairs 
 of the corporation. 
 
 32 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 Association 
 
 t 
 
 The Board of Delegates by whom the original charter was framed, Wise 
 havmg m view the establishment of the institution upon a permanent precaution 
 basis, and desirous to offer to its friends a substantial security for the oi the 
 formation of what was then deemed a sufficient capital amounting to ^oard of 
 $50,000, but which was subsequently increased to $100,000, wisely J^^^^ates 
 postponed the distribution of the funds of the Association until its 
 full capital was attained. The efforts of the Delegates to place the 
 institution in a position of security did not rest here, as will be seen 
 from the fact, that so anxious were they for the future welfare of the 
 Association, so well were they convinced that in order to [insure] its 
 safety it was indispensably necessary that its means should increase 
 in correspondence to its liabilities, that they made provision that the 
 interest only on the entire capital should be divided amongst the 
 companies composing the Association, leaving the whole proceeds from 
 annual insurances to go to strengthen the real capital. To this wise 
 precaution of the Board of Delegates, to the unity of sentiment that pre- 
 vailed between the Delegates and Trustees in their joint determination 
 to make every other consideration bend to that which looked to the 
 future of the Association, we no doubt owe its existence at the present 
 moment. We cannot omit here to record and commend the actions of 
 those who in the early stages of our history as an institution sternly 
 and steadily resisted every movement having for its object immediate 
 gain at the hazard of periling the future existence of the Association. 
 
 33 
 
Payment 
 
 of first 
 dividends 
 
 Auspicious 
 prospects 
 
 Different 
 
 offices of 
 
 the Fire 
 
 Association 
 
 Historic 
 surround- 
 ings of the 
 Fire 
 Association s 
 offices 
 
 Presidents 
 
 of the Fire 
 
 Association 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 "It was in this commendable spirit that the Delegates and companies 
 they represented united patiently for many years until the attain- 
 ment of the entire capital, which being at length secured, enabled the 
 Trustees in the year 1845 to make the first dividends, each company 
 receiving during that period $150 annually. 
 
 "The year 1850 opened with prospects quite as auspicious for the 
 Association as any that preceded it, and so continued until the dis- 
 astrous 9th of July, a day ever to be remembered as a day of fire, 
 which in a few hours swept away nearly nine-tenths of the capital, 
 the earnings of almost a life-time of the Association." 
 
 Shortly after its incorporation the Fire Association moved from 
 Caleb Carmalt's house, on Third and Tammany Streets, to Arch, east 
 of Fifth Street. Later the building at the south-west corner of Fifth 
 and North Streets was purchased. The fourth office was at 407 and 
 409 Walnut Street, which is still owned by the Association, and was 
 occupied until the present building was erected at the north-west 
 corner of Fourth and Walnut Streets. 
 
 It is an interesting fact that the business of the Fire Association 
 has been carried on — as has underwriting generally in Philadelphia — 
 within a short distance of where John Copson, America's first under- 
 writer, began the work of insurance. The five buildings which the 
 Fire Association has occupied are within a few squares of one another. 
 Old Philadelphia, in the strictest sense of the word, surrounds them. 
 From the upper stories of the present building of the Association may 
 be seen the Delaware River and the traffic that plies hither and 
 thither on this great waterway. Nearby is the Betsy Ross house, 
 where the first American flag was made. Around the corner are 
 Independence Square and historic Independence Hall. Carpenters' 
 Hall, where met the First Continental Congress and where the Trustees 
 of the Fire Association once held their meetings, is less than a square 
 away. Christ Church, where George Washington worshipped and 
 where his pew still awaits other worshippers, is in this vicinity; 
 and Benjamin Franklin's grave is in a nearby churchyard, close 
 to a busy street. Old Blue Anchor Tavern, the first tavern built 
 in the Quaker City, is near, — in the heart of the insurance district of 
 Philadelphia. 
 
 Elihu C. Irvin is the present chief executive of the Fire Association. 
 His predecessors have been Michael Fox, elected president March 26, 
 1824; William Wagner, January 5, 1832; George W. Tryon, January 
 5, 1837; William H. Hamilton, June 7, 1867; William T. Butler, 
 January 19, 1872; A. L. Snowden, March 17, 1879; and Jesse Light- 
 foot, March 9, 1883. Mr. Irvin was elected president of the Fire 
 Association, February 6, 1891. He had previously served as vice- 
 president. One of the finest tributes to Mr. Irvin's ability as an 
 executive is the tablet placed on the first floor of the building of the 
 Fire Association: — 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 J 
 
 i 
 
 ^ I i 
 
 THIS BUILDING 
 
 ERECTED DURING THE PRESIDENCY 
 
 OF 
 
 ELIHU C. IRVIN 
 
 is a tribute to 
 
 his ability and untiring devotion 
 
 to the interests of the 
 
 Fire Association 
 
 OF Philadelphia 
 
 1817 1912 
 
 (Seal) 
 
 President 
 Elihu C. Irvin 
 
 Vice-President 
 Theodore H. Conderman 
 
 Second Vice-President 
 John B. Morton 
 
 Secretary and Treasurer 
 Marshall G. Garrigues 
 
 Assistant Secretary 
 Richard N. Kelly, Jr. 
 
 Directors 
 Elihu C. Irvin 
 Theodore H. Conderman 
 James Butterworth 
 John McKinney 
 William L. Boswell 
 Joseph Nevil, Jr. 
 
 David C. Nimlet 
 Robert Whitaker 
 Charles B. Adamson 
 William T. Tilden 
 Horace T. Potts 
 Richard Campion 
 
 34 
 
 Dimner Beeber 
 
 Chairman of the Building Committee 
 William T. Tilden 
 
 Architect 
 Edgar V. Seeler 
 
 "For many years," said Mr. Irvin, "I planned to return to Dun- President 
 cannon where I was born, and spend there the last decade of my life. Elihu C. 
 Long ago that dream left me, and I find that my work, as time goes Irvin 
 swiftly on, is here in the world of business, and not over there among 
 the sheltered hills." At the time when Mr. Irvin was ready for college, 
 reverses in his father's business necessitated the son becoming a 
 wage-earner. He became a school teacher and later was connected 
 with the Duncannon Iron Company. In 1870 he removed to Harris- 
 burg, Pa., and secured a position as special agent in Pennsylvania for 
 the Germania Fire Insurance Company of New York. He left 
 Harrisburg after five years' experience as an underwriter, and in 
 1874 he came to Philadelphia and took the general agency of the 
 Phoenix Fire Insurance Company, of Hartford. His territory ex- 
 tended from Pennsylvania to the Gulf of Mexico. Mr. Irvin became 
 
 35 
 
■»< 
 
 1^' 
 
 His interest 
 in the Fire 
 Association 
 
 Present 
 officers of 
 the Fire 
 Association 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHI LADELPHIA 
 
 a permanent resident of Philadelphia, and in 1884 he accepted the 
 vice-presidency of the Fire Association. Seven years later he was 
 
 SafB^itd-^f ^^Ll:Zrr '"' '"° '-- ^-^''^^"^ °^ ^^« 
 
 The interests of the Fire Association since the time of Mr. Irvin's 
 connection with the organization have been his interests. Year bv 
 year he has worked, and carefully watched the increasing fruits of 
 his labor From less pretentious offices he has seen the Association 
 move to larger ones. The present magnificent building was completed 
 m 1^12, and appropriately the tablet already mentioned was placed 
 
 Tc^rZ '\^'- ''^'" t"\^""" ^^^ -^^P'^^' ^^°=k increased from 
 »SOO,ooo to $1,000,000. In his various undertakings for the Fire 
 Association not a detail has escaped him, not an employee has there 
 ^hTwi'^^^?!?' ^^ ^-f "°\had a personal interest. "^In response to 
 nifl n .h?!f tK^ president, there has been recently formed the Centen- 
 nial Uub of the Fire Association for the promotion of the social welfare 
 of the employees, and the officers of this club will have the direction 
 ot various social features during the centennial week 
 
 JrCi "^""Pf'^^^ '^ u °f °ffi<^"s ^ei-ve the Fire Association with Mr. 
 Irvin. Theodore H. Conderman, an able financier, was elected 
 
 waTe'^e^tl/" n- V^' Association, April 15, .891. Mr. Conderman 
 was elected a D rector January I2, 1878. He is also Vice-President of 
 the Union National Bank of Philadelphia and holds high rank °n 
 financial circles. He is the oldest in the service of the Directors of 
 the Fire Association. John B. Morton was made second vice- 
 president, January 9, 1909. Mr. Morton has been connected with 
 th^. °^'^*'°"i T "'°'^ \^.^", ^°"y-five years; first as Examiner and 
 of th. A •^?- ^^•^"'- n^^ ^^' ^''"Se of the indirect Departments 
 the Association, is well known over the entire country, and always 
 watchful for the interests of the Association has given valuable aid 
 to the president. Marshall G. Garrigues was chosen assistant secre- 
 tary, September 5, 1884, and secretary, July 3, 1902. Mr Garrieues 
 IS also treasurer. Richard N Kelly, yr."! wl/'ele'cted a^i^tant Tre- 
 tary, July 3 1902 Mr. Kelly has been connected with the Associa- 
 tion since 1890. He has had the management of the Underwritine 
 Department of the Philadelphia Office, and the fine class of bus nesf 
 and low loss record testify to his ability. It is an interesting fact 
 
 with ?h"^.U v1 ""'^ °i-^''^ °^^"' "=°""^"= the Fire Association 
 with the old Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Garrigues' father and 
 grandfather were members of that department. Shortly after the 
 
 PhT^IlT-^'^^" ,^"""f'/^""8"^' ^^' appointed by the city of . 
 Philadelphia at a salary of £25 to see that the fire-books of the citv 
 were kept in proper condition. Many of the anecdotes in these pages 
 have been told by Mr. Garrigues, who has been connected with the 
 Association for forty-eight years, and has filled nearly all the posi- 
 tions in the office up to that of Secretary. He is respected by every- 
 body with whom he comes in touch in a business way, and is an 
 efficient Secretary. 
 
 F]7hl^ r'T""^ ^^u'^A^ Directors of the Fire Association consists of Directors 
 thhu C. Irvin, Theodore H. Conderman, James Butterworth, John 
 
 37 
 
THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 ^ 
 
 w^^ 
 
 
 y\\\ \ \\\\\\\ ^^^\ nnn>fffffffff>*tnn*>nrf*ffffff*>ff*rn*}fnf'»n»»f»**t*»>»**i 
 
 THE DIRECTORS' ROOM OF THE FIRE ASSOCIATION 
 
 McKinney, Robert Whitaker, Charles B. Adamson, Horace T. Potts, 
 Richard Campion, Dimner Beeber, George W. Nevil, William A. 
 Law, Edward J. Moore, and John Gribbel. 
 Depart- Departments at Home Office : New England ^ New York Depart- 
 ments ments in charge of William H. Hellyar, General Agent, 401 Walnut 
 Street, Philadelphia. States: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, 
 Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York. Middle 
 Department in charge of J. Woods Brown, General Agent, 401 Walnut 
 Street, Philadelphia. States: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, 
 Maryland, District of Columbia, and West Virginia. Managers 
 Departments: Southern Department: in charge of William E. 
 Chapin, Manager, Equitable Building, Atlanta, Georgia. Established, 
 1900. States: Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, 
 Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Tennessee, and City of 
 New Orleans, La. Western Department: in charge of J. W. Cochran, 
 Manager, Insurance Exchange Building, Chicago, Illinois. Estab- 
 lished, 1872. States: Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, 
 Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, 
 South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Southwestern Department: 
 in charge of Trezevant & Cochran, General Agents, Dallas, Texas. 
 Established, 1876. States: Arkansas, Louisiana (except New Orleans), 
 New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas. Pacific Department: in charge of 
 Frank M. Avery, Manager, 242-244 Sansome Street, San Francisco, 
 California. Established, 1882. States: Arizona, California, Nevada, 
 
 38 
 
 
 --« 
 
 
 X 
 
 THE FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILAD ELPHIA 
 
 Oregon, Utah, Washington, Alberta, British Columbia, Alaska, 
 liawan. * 
 
 All of the Managers of these departments have been officially 
 connected with the Association for many years. 
 
 The financial history of the Fire Association since 1881 may be Financial 
 briefly traced m the followmg tabulation:— History 
 
 gg * ^J/^"// Reserves Net Surplus 
 
 VZ] ^4,339,231 $2,622,469 ^22,037 
 
 ?^ |'°67,852 3,269,480 910,384 
 
 ^ ^'3^5,2x6 4,888,870 550,133 
 
 ^,6 8,989,220 5,349,375 2,505,362 
 
 '9^^ 10,109,526 7,528,644 2,580,882 
 
 Since Dec. 31, 1916, the capital and surplus have been increased 
 
 ^i,250,ocx), and the condition of the Association on June ^o 1017 
 
 was approximately as follows: j ^ y /y 
 
 Assets 
 
 Real Estate $668,000.00 
 
 Mortgage Loans 2,298,958.66 
 
 • S°"''"'"^/oans S7MO.OO 
 
 Bonds and Stocks 5,420 842 co 
 
 Cash on Hand and in Bank, Agents' Balances . *. iic2i'7C2 ;q 
 
 Interest Due and Accrued . .- I42!322.i9 
 
 ^°^^' $10,109,525.94 
 
 . Liabilities 
 Capital Stock rf-^n nc^ r^ 
 
 TT-JT ^750,000.00 
 
 Unpaid Losses j. .- jg_ ^ 
 
 Reinsurance Reserve .' 6 ilfi 87(1^ 
 
 Other Liabilities tAllA 
 
 NetSurplus \ '. \\. . [ 2,58o;l82 :33 
 
 c 7°^f ^ ■ v ; ■, , $10,109,525.94 
 
 Surplus to policy holders, 
 $3,330,882.33 
 
 After the issue of new capital the gross assets July i, 1917, aeRreeate 
 over $11,100000; the net surplus, over $3,580,000; and the surplus 
 to policy holders, over $4,580,000. 
 
 A large increase over the resources in previous years was shown Increase in 
 at the close of 1916. The activities of the Fire Association were resources 
 extended when provisions were made in the charter for transacting 
 inland and ocean marine and automobile insurance. The dividend 
 requirements are amply met by the Association, its investments are 
 well selected, and the competency of the management is shown both 
 in business details and in the larger transactions of the Fire Association 
 as American underwriters. Western, Southern, Southwestern, and 
 l^acihc Coast Departments are maintained by the Fire Association. 
 
 In cone usion the Historian wishes to say that in all intercourse 
 with the clerical force they were always courteous, and not only will- 
 ing, but anxious to give their best efforts for the advancement of the 
 interests of the Fire Association. 
 
 39 
 
0041432452 
 
 Date Due 
 
 m€ 
 
 (|) 
 
 D986 
 
 F516 
 
 D986 p5]^g 
 
 Fire association of Philadelphia. 
 
 The Fire association of Phila- 
 delphia. 
 
 flf)$H Ob'Sl^ 
 
 .^EH 
 
 ^Hl'i 
 
 1995 
 
 JAN 1 4 .1955 
 
 t 
 
 MR V5 1911 
 
""¥■ 
 
END OF 
 TITLE