The Wasp — 1896 — page 708: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is not a political cartoon but rather a **historical feature article** about San Francisco's early fire protection system. The page discusses how, around 1850, approximately 1,250 residents organized volunteer fire companies because the wooden city lacked municipal fire protection. The two photographs show **historical fire equipment**: the top image displays an early fire engine, while the bottom shows a steam-powered fire engine pulled by three white horses with uniformed operators. The text emphasizes these volunteers' unpaid service and social prominence—they were prominent businessmen motivated by civic duty rather than compensation. Notable members mentioned include George Bohen, Charles M. Chase, and others who held civic positions. This appears to be nostalgic documentation rather than satire, celebrating San Francisco's volunteer firefighting heritage.