BAQ: First Baltimore Fire Company

I’d be remiss if I didn’t address the obvious fire engine blocks found in more than one Baltimore Album Quilt. I’d been hopeful I would be able to tie the blocks specifically to a Fire Company. I’ve not been able to find an ad selling blocks for a fundraiser for the engine etc. So far, I’ve only been able to tie the block circumstantially to the First Baltimore Fire Company.

In 1842, J. Share & Sons created a new suction fire engine. The theory was that it could shoot a stream of water higher and farther than other traditionally built engines. According to the newspaper, one demonstration proved it sent a stream of water 171 feet and “could bend an arch over the roofs of any ordinary building.” By 1843 the creators provided another demonstration using only 7 men, throwing the stream of water 185 feet and announcing that the new suction was the first engine built on springs.

The newspaper felt it was appropriate for the first fire apparatus constructed in the city to go to the First Baltimore Fire Company. Construction took some time, with special carving by Mr. Vanhorn and painted details added by Mr. Curlett. The new fire engine caused such a stir, besides being available for viewing at the Share & Sons establishment, it was later on display in Monument Square in June of 1844.