![]() It was considered an honor to be a fireman back in the 1930's. Below are the three statues at Washington square in north beach, a few blocks from Coit Tower. It is a sculptured block representing a life-sized group of three firemen, one of them carrying a woman in his arms. The second memorial to her was unveiled in Washington Square(San Francisco), December 3, 1933. The cylindrical tower which stands atop Telegraph Hill captured the individuality that made her as outstanding an example of contrast to her days as is this unusual form of memorial shaft. The executors of her will at last determined to erect a memorial tower in honor of this colorful woman and a second memorial tribute to San Francisco's firemen.īoth monuments were completed at the same time. (1874-1957) an American architect based in San Francisco who had stated on many occasions that his tower was not designed to resemble a fire hose nozzle.įor several years after her death, there was question as to the most fitting interpretation of the "appropriate manner" in which to make the memorial. The 210 foot tower was designed by Arthur Brown, Jr. In her unconventionality, her lack of concern as to what others would think of her, she was far in advance of her times.Ī disputed fact is that Coit Tower was designed as a fire nozzle to honor Lillie Coit and the San Francisco firefighters. Coit was constantly doing things that no other woman of her time would have dared to, her escapades were always innocent and she was never touched by the breath of scandal - everything was always open and above board. She did assist with a proper burial of the firemen of her company if their families could not afford it. She did visit sick members of the company, even well after the company was disbanded. She did help with the social events of her company. On her own she helped pull the engine of her company to the fire as a young girl. Lillie's helmet and her 1863 honorary membership certificate are now on display at the SFFD Museum. ![]() With the esteemed position of honorary membership, she was allowed to wear the parade uniform of the company a fireman's red shirt, a black skirt (instead of pants), a parade helmet with her initials, and a formal parade belt from the Veteran Firemen's Association of San Francisco. She was expected to go to all fires that occurred during the day.Īt night, if her light was not burning until her engine was housed she was fined. Hitchcock was voted and awarded an honorary membership of Kinckerbocker 5, and was given the following rules by the company. Some publications say she was a volunteer firefighter and some say she was just an avid follower of the Knickerbocker fire fighters.Īt age 15 (1858) Knickerbocker 5 adopted Lillie as their mascot and in every parade she was given the honor of riding atop the engine's wash box amid wreaths, garlands and bouquets of colorful flowers, like some ballroom belle. We'll give you the facts and you can decide how to interprate the details. The history becomes a little more subjective when details are examined. ![]() goes back to her early years when she was a young girl.Īll sources agree that she had a close relationship with the fire department, particularly Knickerbocker Engine Co. The association between Lillie Hitchcock Coit and the fire fighters of Knickerbocker Engine Co. ![]()
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