Quiz: Match fire departments to locations
Can you identify city fire departments as they show off American flags in various U.S. locations over many decades? All you have to do is spot the clues in old photos and drawings to figure out where the images were made. Have fun guessing, and then challenge your friends.
Image #1. This photo shows firemen parading in the early 1900s in a major city. Where do you think they are? Perhaps the buildings give it away.
Image #2. This is a difficult one because it’s not in a major city. But it’s also difficult to exclude the photo because of the elaborate display of bunting. The 1907 photograph was taken in Pennsylvania in a small town with a two-word name. (Wacky clue: Think of actors Glenn Ford and Rock Hudson.)
Image #3. This 100-year-old picture shows an elderly firefighter holding an American flag rescued from flames. But where? Hint: He might be a Mormon.
Image #4. Here’s a breather for you. This fire truck, decorated with 9/11 images, a fireman and flags, replaced one that was destroyed on that horrible day. You know where the truck is from.
Image #5. This beautiful firefighter’s shoulder patch requires only a Google search to determine where it was worn. But which state is Nederland in? Be careful; there’s more than one town with that name. The state flag on the patch gives you the correct location.
Image #6. If you know the city, can you name the state? This is a 1912 image of a volunteer fire department parading with a flag-draped car. The unit was founded just five years earlier in Turlock. What’s the state?
Image #7. By looking closely, you can easily determine where these firetrucks are from. Ten years after 9/11, they toured every state to honor their fallen New York City comrades by displaying a gigantic American flag. The name of the city is on the door of the truck on the left. Sharp eyes (or a computer zoom) will solve the mystery.
Image #8. In 1899, these New England firefighters marched through a Vermont town with flags flying above them and also hanging on houses they passed. The town’s name begins with a B.
Image #9. Using a ladder meant to reach burning storeys above ground, this fireman worked in 1955 to raise a starry flag in a starry town. Oscar would know the place.
Image #10. Now an art gallery, this impressive tower, with flags waving nearby, provided water for 19th-century firefighters in a cub- and bear-infested city.
ANSWERS: 1. New York City. 2. Glen Rock. 3. Salt Lake City. 4. New York City again. 5. Texas. 6. California. 7. Cleveland. 8. Bennington. 9. North Hollywood, California. 10. Chicago.
How did you do?