Western Fire Hat

unknown · 1840s

This fire hat dates to the middle of the 19th century. The hat is painted red overall, with the front of the hat bearing the text “WESTERN / 1840” in gold. The back of the hat has the large initials “WEC” painted in gold. The owner’s initials “D.S.” are painted in gold on the crown of the hat. The Western Fire Engine Company No. 37 was founded on April 7th, 1840 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on the corner of 8th Street and Callowhill Street. The Western operated as a hand engine company and acquired a steam fire engine in 1865. It served as a steam fire engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established.