File:SFD annual charity ball ticket, November 25, 1908 (MOHAI 11889).jpg

The Seattle Fire Department (SFD) was organized as an all-volunteer organization in 1876. The City Charter was amended in 1883 to fund equipment, but a paid, professional unit was not organized until after the great fire in 1889. Two years later the Seattle Fire Department Relief Association was founded as a result of the tragic death of Herman Larsen, the first Seattle firefighter killed in the line of duty. Donations were raised to provide Mr. Larsen's family with funds to pay for his funeral expenses, and the firefighters decided to create an organization administered by firefighters to benefit firefighters and their families in the event of death, illness or injury. As of 2018 the organization continues to provide medical and death benefits and for its members. The image seen here is of a ticket to the annual fund raising ball held by the Seattle Fire Department Relief Association. This particular year the ball was held at the Dreamland Hall on the corner of Seventh Avenue and Union Street in downtown Seattle.

Caption information source: http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv15130

• Subjects (LCTGM): Assistance--Washington (State)--Seattle; Fund raising--Washington (State)--Seattle; Tickets