Artobject Detail – Willa Cather Foundation Collections

Main Street of Red Cloud

Object Date: July 4th, 1888

Full Collection: Willa Cather Pioneer Memorial Collection

Object Type: Photographs

Credit Line: PHO-4-W689-342. Willa Cather Pioneer Memorial Collection. Willa Cather Foundation Collections and Archives at the National Willa Cather Center in Red Cloud, Nebraska.

Context:

Unknown maker. The Holland Hose Company on Webster Street during the 1888 Fourth of July celebration.

Red Cloud has a long history of volunteer firefighting. The Holland Hose Company was one of two hose companies in Red Cloud. In 1889, Red Cloud hosted fire companies from Grand Island, Kearney, York, and Beatrice for a firefighting tournament, which included events such as hook-and-ladder races and hose races. Grand Island’s Pompier Corps gave a rescue demonstration at the Farmer’s & Merchant’s Bank, scaling the building with ladders before rescuing another man from the top floor and rappelling from the four-story building on a 200 foot cable.

Inscriptions: WCPM, Mrs. Huff, Cotting Drug Store, WCPM