Need help identifying uniform

[Inix]

Does anybody know what uniform these men are wearing? I am quite sure the picture was taken in Traverse City, Michigan. Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Mackaydon]

Yes, Tom Shane did own a livery stable in Traverse City in the early 1900s.
https://books.google.com/books?id=a... and Sale Stable" Traverse City Shane&f=false
Don......

 

[Plug N Play]

Maybe a funeral for a fireman ?

 

[Mackaydon]

Richard Fidler, the local Traverse City historian can probably answer your question. You might be able to contact him through this resource:
https://www.record-eagle.com/archiv...cle_5cdbdb9a-9223-530d-8b17-686b43b16298.html
Don......

 

[Joe-Dirt]

Fire fighter

 

[Reanm8er]

I don't see any black arm bands so I don't think funeral but definitely a fire company. The second wagon has something
on it with a large flywheel. A fire engine? Early fire services were not subsidized by the local governments. They were
private enterprises, hence the name fire company. They sold fire insurance or subscriptions that guaranteed that if your
house caught on fire they'd show up. Subscribers had medallions on their porch posts that indicated they were covered
and by which company. No medallion no services!
In this case the company was probably founded by the livery stable. A likely source for horses and heavy wagons.

Best wishes and thanks for posting!

 

[Inix]

Hey Phil. You mentioned the medallions. Years ago I came across a couple of them. I forgot all about them until I read your comment. Thanks

 

[Reanm8er]

Yeah Inix they're pretty cool finds, congrats!

 

[Reanm8er]

In Winchester Va they had Zane's fire company. The Zanes also owned a whopping big Iron Works. Nice investment, Huh?

 

[Anduril]

I would agree: Traverse City, MI.
Here's another photo of the first building in your photo. Circa 1905-1912. (?)

Link: Grand Traverse Area Historic Photographs and Ephemera