Fire Bag
Date1798
OriginAmerica
MediumLinen or Hemp, Ink
DimensionsSelvage Width: 25.5 inches
Width: 25.5 inches
Length: 49.75 inches
Credit LineGift of Robert F. Grossman
Object number2019-99
DescriptionA linen or hemp fire bag dated 1798 made for John Rice. The bag is a full selvage width of fabric with the fold on the bottom. The opening of the bag is turned down and hemmed once inch. This opening was then worked with 12 eyelets around the top edge. The side seams were stacked and folded over, then sewn through all four layers, probably to help reinforce the seam. The entire bag was sewn with a doubled linen thread. The original hemp cord runs through the eyelets.Label TextFire bags were commonly found in the homes of 18th and 19th century Americans. Often placed in fire buckets for quick use in case of fire, these bags were employed to stuff with precious items in a household. In 1785, the Amicable Fire Society in Boston published the requirements for each of their members stating "Each member shall keep constantly in good order, hanging in some convenient place in his dwelling house, two leather buckets, two bags, and an iron bed-key. The bags to be one yard and a half in length and three quarters of a yard in breadth, with strings at their mouths. The buckets and bags to be marked with the owner's name, under the penalty of five shillings for neglect in each particular."
InscribedNo 1
John Rice
1798
