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 This
building was erected in 1836 as home to The Contributionship, which
previously operated out of various houses and taverns. Today, the
building is used as their headquarters and contains a small but compelling
museum presenting a fascinating collection of memorabilia. There are
fire marks, firemen's hats, miniature engines, lanterns, and other
accouterments. A silver "speaking trumpet" once used to tantara
orders at confused fire sites is among the more interesting artifacts
because of its rarity. A fiery eagle clutching a hand-in-hand fire
mark and an American flag carved by Collins West catches the visitor's
eye. Fascinating, too, is a survey of Carpenters' Hall made in
1773. You will also find surveys for the homes of John Penn (William
Penn's son) and Benjamin Franklin.
The second floor, which is open to the public by appointment only (see below), is spectacularly elegant. A colossal and beautiful walnut table designed by Gottlieb Vollmer dominates the boardroom. A seating plan on the wall names the holders of the twelve Directors' seats since The Contributionship's inception. Similarly stunning is the adjoining dining room that holds a table designed in 1892 by William Russell and is surrounded by chairs crafted from bird's eye maple by William Sanderson. Screens on latches graced the backs of the chairs nearest the room's marble fireplace - they were designed to channel hot air around the circular table so all Directors would be warm, but those closest to the fire would not become rump roast. Today, only the latches remain. Superb crystal chandeliers adorn each room. Across the hall is a room which might be called a double parlor in which the company holds its meetings. The grand table designed by William Russell in 1892 is noteworthy. This space formerly housed the treasurer's family's two bedrooms. Note the especially fine marble fireplaces and gilt mirrors. Crystal candelabra and cachepots enhance the scene. Fine portraits of past Directors stare back at us. Their conservative countenances joined with the timeless strength of the room evince a strong company nearly 250 years old, confident in its future. While on the second floor the visitor can play a "Where's Waldo" game looking for the hand-in-hand fire marks instead of Waldo. They are to be seen everywhere, from fireplaces to sideboard -- there are at least a dozen. The sideboard was designed by Michael Deginther.
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KEY EVENTS IN THE HISTORY OF THE CONTRIBUTIONSHIP THE MUSEUM |
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