Smithsonian Celebrates American Ideals with 19th-Century Fire Pumper at the National Museum of American History
Targeted News Service |
To recognize bravery and public service in America, the Smithsonian's
"This magnificent piece of American history was originally inscribed with the words, 'Non Sibi Sed Omnibus,' which is Latin for 'not for self, but for all,'" said
The public will see the inscription, "United We Stand, Divided We Fall," which was added to the fire pumper when it was sold for the second time and transported from
This artifact is part of a larger collection of 2,500 objects--one of the oldest of American firefighter objects in the museum--donated by
"American history is not only about patriotic figures and battles, equally important to our nation's identity are the unsung heroes, such as the early volunteer firefighters who pulled these fire pumpers on a moment's notice in the service of their communities," said
Before the 1850s, firefighting in urban America was performed by volunteer fire companies, who purchased their own uniforms and equipment without municipal funding. A fire pumper was often the company's biggest investment and became a source of pride and identity. These early fire engines were lavishly decorated with brass fixtures, elaborate carvings and painted panels that could be fitted for parades and ceremonies. The fire pumper on display is outfitted with decorated panels depicting firefighters of that period, which relate to the display of early American fire hats in the adjacent Artifact Walls.
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