[EARLY PHOTOGRAPHY] -- [FIREFIGHTING]. A group of 2 photographs featuring firefighters, incl. sixth plate tintype of identified New York firefighter.

Half-length studio portrait of identified firefighter, J.W. Kilborn. Troy, New York: Schoonmakers, n.d.

Sixth plate hand-tinted tintype. (A few scratches and fleabites.) Housed in a full geometric thermoplastic case [Berg 3-91] (chipping to lower edge, hinges loose). Photographer's imprint to velvet mat. Subject is identified by pencil inscription written on case behind plate.

The proud young identified firefighter (J.W. Kilborn) is shown in full uniform, belt, and fire hat, which identifies his unit as Triton 2. The artist has tinted the subject’s cheeks and colorized his red uniform. The tintype shows some aging but has very good detail and contrast.

[With:] Outdoor group portrait of a firefighting company, believed to be Steamer Company No. 1. Freehold, NJ: Scott, ca 1890s.

9 1/2 x 7 in. albumen photograph on 12 x 10 in. cardstock mount (a few light marks, minor toning; chips to mount, toned). Photographer's imprint to recto.

A group portrait of over forty firemen along with their steam pumper including a ladder and bell (far left). It appears that the company had their own drummers, one being a bass and the other holding a snare drum. A few of the firemen have the number 1 on their belt buckles as identification of their unit.

At that time, there were five volunteer firefighting companies in Freehold, listed below with the year established: Goodwill Hook & Ladder (1872), Steamer Company No. 1 (1874), C. F. Richardson Steamer Co. No. 2 (1887), Monmouth Hose Company (1887), and John W. Hulse Hose Company (1891). In the early 1930s, Steamer Company No. 1 and the Hulse Hose Company merged to form the Engine & Hose Company No. 1. Today, these four volunteer firefighting organizations are still active in keeping Freehold safe.