Jun 282012
North Beach
Washington Square
Firemen Memorial by Haig Patigian
*
To Commemorate theVolunteer Fire Department
of San Francisco
1819-1866
Erected 1933
By Bequest of
Lillie Hitchcock Coit.
This sculpture by Haig Patigian was erected with funds left by Lillie Hitchcock Coit, an honorary member of Knickerbocker Volunteer Fire Company No. 5, and was originally meant for Coit Tower. The geodetic survey marker, dating from 1869, was placed there by Dr. George Davidson, for whom Mount Davison was named. In 1937, the latitude and longitude of Washington Square were carved onto the monument.
Three firemen grouped on a circular base, are standing, dressed in uniform. Two have hats on. One firefighter carries a woman in his arms; another holds what appears to be a bullhorn, and the third (behind the other two) holds a firehouse.
This statue was paid for by a portion of the monies left behind by Lillie Hitchcock Coit.
There seem to be so many memorial sculptures in your city. Another good one!
I was surprised by the date. The style seems more like the 19th century period the statue is commemorating. You can tell by gesture alone that the subject is heroism. Is it possible the bullhorn is a bugle?
A more than deserved memorial!
I love this memorial. These brave men and women deserve to be remembered.