Fire Bucket, "W. Forbes"

This hand-sewn leather bucket from 1832 is marked with the owner’s name, W. Forbes, and “Independent,” most likely the name of his fire company or fire society. The public service of firefighting was closely connected with republican ideals of citizenship. The formation of associations was considered uniquely American, and volunteers generally chose names for their organizations that would demonstrate their patriotism and sense of civic duty: “Independent,” “Union,” and “Liberty” were all common names for fire companies. Fire threatened to destroy society, and by protecting the cities in which they lived from physical destruction, firefighters were seen as preserving democratic values, values at the core of American society. Companies chose names that would emphasize their commitment to the young nation and its political principles.