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!
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.