Collections

Philemon Putnam Fire Bucket

Danvers sea captain and merchant Philemon Putnam’s fire bucket is emblazoned with an image of the Roman god Mercury. Mercury represents the concept of speed, a critical trait for those who raced to neighbor’s homes with their own buckets when fire threatened a property.

Fire buckets were a common item in most homes from the 17th through the 19th centuries prior to the existence of organized fire prevention companies.

Philemon Putnam was born October 12, 1789 to Col. Jethro and Polly.