Lot 260
Northern Liberties Fire Co. No. 1 Meeting Book, Philadelphia, PA, 1853-1909. A massive, handwritten meeting book covering over 150 years of meetings of the fire company which was founded May 1, 1756. The book measures 17 x 11 inches, almost 3 inches thick and over 600 pages, plus a large hand-penned index in the back; it weighs 9 pounds. Original decorated board covers; front cover is detached and spine titles missing; internally clean except for some edge spotting.
The front section contains the company members' names and addresses with their individual signatures from 1853 to 1866; also, their constitution and bylaws dated June 21, 1853, as well as department affairs, memberships, and the repair and purchase of fire engines. An April 1865 entry records the sending of delegates to the funeral of President Lincoln. A 3-page record on April 8, 1865 describes the celebration after General Sheridan took Richmond: "Independence Hall and all the house bells rung in joyous peels…when such a bellowing of steam whistles and ringing of bells, and such a spontaneous gathering of firemen was never heard or witnessed before…On Sunday night inst. news came that General Lee had surrendered his entire rebel force to General Grant…Our engine was taken to the front of the State House [Independence Hall], steam got up and the whistle blown for several hours…." On Saturday, the 15th "it was announced that the great and god-like President…Abraham Lincoln was foully assassinated…." The book records numerous records of transporting the sick and wounded to hospitals from Jan. 22, 1864 to June 3, 1865; also, taking "colored" soldiers to different hospitals. There are also large sections recounting festive annual "Great Parades" of the various fire companies. An 1881 entry memorializes James Garfield and in 1906, a full page celebrates the company's 150th anniversary. An outstanding and rare manuscript record of one of the first fire companies in the United States and covering the dramatic days of the Civil War.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000.
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