FirefightersDID YOU KNOW? Firefighting in American can be traced all the way back to Jamestown, VA., the first permanent English settlement in the new world. Tossing water from a bucket was the method used to fight fires. In 1648, the New Amsterdam (later New York) Governor stood on his peg leg and appointed four men to act as fire wardens. The city later appointed eight men to the "Rattle Watch Patrol." These men patroled the streets at night carrying large wooden rattles. If a fire was seen, the men spun the rattles (first fire alarm), and people were supposed to come running to participate in a bucket brigade. This is generally recognized as the first steps in organizing firefighting in America. Boston was the first city to use a fire engine, which was shipped from England. It consisted of a wooden tub-like box with carrying handles and a pump that was connected to a small hose. The wooden tub was kept filled with water by a bucket brigade. Most notable among the famous Americans who helped shape the volunteer firefighters was Benjamin Frankin. Two important tools used by early firemen were the bed key and salvage bags. Arriving firemen often had to forget about the fire and salvage what they could. The bed key was a tool that allowed fast disassembly of the wooden frame of a bed, quite often the most valuable item in the house and remove it to safety. Other household goods of any value were snatched up, placed in a salvage bag and carried to safety. One and one-fourth inch moulding is used to frame this picture which is 17 x 19 1/2 inches. The picture consists of firefighting artwork, an exclusive fireman patch, fireman emblem and a First Day Cover associated with one of three stamps issued by the post office to honor firefighters. There is a 20 cent fire pumper stamp, a 20.5 cent fire engine stamp, and a 3 cent volunteer fireman stamp, which is a 52 year old official postage stamp (October 4, 1948). First Day Covers used may vary according to availability. CUSTOMIZE THIS PICTURE BY SUPPLYING YOUR OWN FIRE DEPARTMENT PATCH.Our Price: $56.00
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