The Cause of the Great Chicago Fire Oct. 9th. 1871.

PrinterPrinted by Kellogg & Bulkeley American, 1867 - 1990

PublisherPublished by Kellogg & Bulkeley American, 1867 - 1990

Date1871-1880

MediumLithography; printer's ink and watercolor on wove paper

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 8 3/8 x 13 1/2in. (21.3 x 34.3cm)
Sheet (height x width): 9 x 13 1/2in. (22.9 x 34.3cm)

ClassificationsGraphics

Credit LineConnecticut Museum of Culture and History collection

DescriptionIn the interior of a barn, a cow kicks over a lighted kerosene lamp, starting a fire in what appear to be bundles of hay or cornstalks at the left. A rope attached to the cow's horn is tied to a ring in the barn wall at the right. A woman carrying a milk bucket raises her right hand in alarm. She wears a kerchief on her head, a blouse with the sleeves rolled up, a skirt, and an apron. A three-legged stool lies on its side in the right foreground. The background is dark, and it appears to be night.

Object number2003.272.0

InscribedOn recto, lithographed title beneath image, "THE CAUSE OF THE GREAT CHICAGO FIRE OCT. 9TH. 1871. / A WARNING TO ALL WHO USE KEROSENE LAMPS."

On verso, upper left, "The Kellogg & Bulkeley Co. Hartford Conn. / The Cause of the Great Chicago Fire Oct 9th 1871 A Warning to all / who use Kerosene Lamps [all in capitals]". Lower right, in pencil, accession number "Dwr 39" "CPC consv 1987".

Subject Terms