In the early part of the 20th century, Iowa City’s Fire Department had its own celebrity fire horse duo: Snowball and Highball. They were housed at the Alert Hose Company No. 2 (current location of Oasis Falafel) until their retirement in 1925.
In the case:
Each object in the cases is marked with a corresponding number unless otherwise noted.
Reproduced on panel:
On Dirt Road next to House Fire, Rochester Avenue, October 1925
State Historical Society of Iowa – Iowa City
Sanborn Fire Insurance map of Iowa City, 1899
Library of Congress
Originals available at the University of Iowa Libraries, Special Collections
Courtesy of the State Historical Society of Iowa – Iowa City.
Trotting away from Alert Hose Company, 206 N. Linn Street, ca. 1926
Reproduction
Frederick W. Kent Collection, State Historical Society of Iowa – Iowa City
In the case:
14. “Snowball and Highball” folklore, August 12, 1936
Photograph with Alert Hose Company firemen
Federal Writers’ Project Papers, Mae Christensen, University of Iowa Libraries, Special Collections
15. At Johnson County Fairgounds, ca. 1920 (Current location of City High School)
Reproduction
Frederick W. Kent Collection, State Historical Society of Iowa – Iowa City
16. In front of Alert Hose Company, 206 N. Linn Street, ca. 1920
Reproduction
State Historical Society of Iowa – Iowa City
17. Being hitched inside stable
Reproduction
Frederick W. Kent Collection, State Historical Society of Iowa – Iowa City