 DuPont presents the Cavalcade of America. Certain of the letters received by DuPont, sponsors of the Cavalcade of America, have special qualities of interest which will appeal to other radio listeners. Such a letter is this one, received recently, and written by a member of that famous organization of actors, dramatists and composers, the Lambs in New York City. I'd like to thank you for the campaign program. They are delightful. Last night's program brought tears to my eyes, cappings to my heart and gratitude to you. I've spent my life in mathematical fashion, on the stage, in pictures and in radio. I'm 70 years of age, and recently my hearing has become impaired. But I can hear the radio, and I want to tell you how much I enjoy your program. Thank you again. Such a tribute repays every member of our cast for the effort put into this entertainment. It is appreciated to by the DuPont company, who sponsor these programs to spread wider knowledge of their service and their pledge. Better things for better living through chemistry. The DuPont Cavalcade Orchestra plays an overture based on some of the original themes used during the broadcast of the Cavalcade of America, composed and arranged by our musical director, Harold Levy. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound in December 1733, Benjamin Franklin, creator of Poor Richard, published an article on fires and how to extinguish them. He declared the fact that the city had no fire company. True, Philadelphia had ten free hand pumping engines placed about the city, with nearly 300 leather buckets and a score of hooks for tearing down burning buildings. But there was no trained or organized group of men. The state of unpreparedness against fire continues until the year 1736. A street in Philadelphia. What's the matter? What are they ringing the church bells for? Well, I don't know. Perhaps it's... Fire, look! It's smoke down the river. Oh, Lord, protect us. I wonder whose place it is. Here comes a boy on the run. I'll ask him. Hey, boy! Boy! There'll be some buckets near the bucket. I'll go there first. Somebody, pull down that house. Well, you can't do that. It hasn't got yet. You've got to wait and see if it burns. You want to see the whole town burning? Get some hooks there. Where are the hooks? We've got more buckets. We can't keep water in the bucket. Here's someone coming with buckets now. Here's some buckets I brought from the courthouse. Well, thanks, Mr. Franklin. There's more there. Here you boys. Run back and get the rest. Make one line from here to the river. You women and boys make another line. The men pass the buckets full of water to the pumping engines. Women pass the empties back to the river. You men there, tear down that next house. But, Mr. Franklin, it isn't burning yet. Well, if you don't tear it down, it'll pass by any minute and so will the whole city. Tear it down. There's authority in the interest of the city. Here, boys. Get all your things to form another line to the river. One more bucket of the gate and we'll give this fire a good fight. This narrow escape opens the eyes of the people to the danger of their unsurparable. And when soon afterward, Franklin began to organize the Union Fire Company for mutual assistance in case of fire, stores of men were eager to join. But not satisfied with this recording, Franklin took the next step and organized what is today the oldest fire insurance company in America. In April, 1752, a group of distinguished and public-spirited citizens lead in the courthouse in Philadelphia to sign articles of association. Franklin is provided. Governor Hamilton is as representative of the proprietors of the province. Your name should be first on this list. Very well, Mr. Franklin. If you'll put yours immediately under it. Gladly, sir. May I trouble you for the time, Mr. Tink? We want no blot on our records. Here you are, Mr. Franklin. Thank you. Will you sign next? Certainly. Step up in turn, gentlemen. If the quail breaks, you will find a penknife in the drawer. Thank you, Mr. Franklin. The Philadelphia Contribution Ship for the Insurance of Houses from Lost by Fire. That's a pretty long title. We've already shortened it. We call it the Hand in Hand. The Hand in Hand? Yes, from the emblem. Here is the drawing of it. That's in Lady London. We can seize the next man's wrist. That's the strongest grip possible. It's almost unbreakable. One of these emblems will be put in full view on every house we ensure. And then in case of fire, everyone will know it's under our protection. How about we don't lost it? We'll employ a watchman and a pro. That'll discourage looting houses in the excitement of fire. And our volunteer firefighters will know we contributed to that company. Mr. Franklin, you have the most stupid head in the colony. Pray let me have one of these emblems for my house. We'll send you the first one. The Hand in Hand emblem was cast in the same factory where, a few months later, they recast the Liberty Bell. Until 1783, the Contribution Ship was alone in its field. But in that year, a fire was carried from one house to another by means of a burning tree. And several directors decided they would have to ask an extra premium for any house with a tree growing near it. Some other directors did not agree with this principle. It is discussed at a meeting of the directors. Oh, the whole thing's clencher mannered. It is perfectly evident that the tree close to a house is an added fire hazard. Therefore, we ought in fairness put an additional premium on all such policies. It's also perfectly evident, sir, that our streets align with fine shade trees. That many of our best houses stand in beautiful groves of trees. I see no reason why we should penalize properties that adorn our fair city. It is not a matter of penalty, but of risk. Let us put it to a vote. All in favor of a new policy. Aye! Contrary-minded? No. The majority stands with me in this business. Then, sir, some of us shall withdraw and make it our business to insure houses with trees around them. This minority formed the Mutual Assurance Company for the insurance of houses from lost by fire and adopted for their emblem a green tree. It is called the green tree to this day. For the next 100 years, very little progress was made in protecting property against lost from fire. Hydrants were placed along the street and hand-pumping engines were used by the volunteers. But these volunteers were not the efficient firefighters that are found in many of our towns today. Here is an example of firefighting in 1852 in a small eastern city before the volunteers had become organized as they are now. Where is your fire bucket? Well, I'll get mine. It's in the hall where it belongs. You tell the volunteers where to go. Hurry! I will. Fire! There's a fire, mister. There's smoke coming out. Go get your bucket. I don't live around here. Well, there's no use trying to use that barrel. Nobody could lift that full of water. I don't want anyone to lift it. We'll then put it down and come and help you with a bucket. Now, you go get your own bucket. I'll stay here with this barrel. I got a use for it. This way, boys! In the house! We're right with the first engine here. I guess nobody gets ahead of the hibernian, boys. Where's the water hydrant? That's better, boys. Look for the hybrids. Here comes the friendship buddies with their linen holes. Hey, mister, have you seen the water hydrant on their own here? Can't see one. No more on you, can't. Well, don't sit there gaping. We've got to have water. Get off that barrel. Help us look for it. Can't. I've got a bad leg. There must be water somewhere around here. If we don't find it ahead of those friendship boys, they'll hook into one first. Come on, boys! You'll take that back friendship as soon as we find the water. Why, where's your eyes? There's plenty of water right here. All right, laddies. Bring the cars this way. Here's the hydrant. Where's the hydrant? I don't see none. All right, Jack, you can take that barrel off the hydrant now. Friendship boys are all here. The hydrant, laddies. We got here first. We're putting the fire out. What with? We got a hitch up to it first. We win. Come on! They won't stop now to one side way. Then suddenly came one of those milestones that marked the progress of the onward march of the Cavalcade of America. On New Year's Day in 1853, a crowd of people have gathered in front of the shops of John H. McGowan in Sonati, Ohio, where for months they have been building the first practical steam fire engine for inventor Alexander B. Ladder. Well, there she is, Mr. Ladder. And she's a beauty. Yeah, she's done a good job, McGowan. If it passes the test, we'll try it as soon as we get up more steam. I'm letting my little boy through. He can't see over your head. Thank you. Thank you. Here's the money. Thank you very much. There we are, son. Isn't it? And shiny. And that's Mr. Ladder, the man who made it. I want to ask him about it. No, Johnny, come here. Are you Mr. Ladder? Why, yes, son. Did you make that engine all by yourself? Well, not exactly. It took my friend McGowan here and his whole shop about nine months. All I really did was plant it. Oh, no, son, no. That fire box there is just to get up steam pressure. Then it pumps water fire in a steady stream. Six streams, almost two inches thick. And water puts out fire, you know. Steam's up now, Mr. Ladder. We're ready for the test. That's fine. Has Mr. Greenwood here yet? Right here, Ladder. The best monster of yours isn't just another hose. I hope not, sir. There isn't much pressure in the city water pipe here, you know. All the better. We've marked off the streets so you can see how far the engine will throw the water from the hose. I doubt if it throws all six of them very far at one time. It ought to throw them over 200 feet. If it does, I'll see that the city adopts your engine even if we have to have a fire-exelection to do it. The hose is all connected, Mr. Ladder. Will you turn on the hydrant? I'll go down the street and check the distance. Will you turn on the water, Mr. Greenwood? Oh, no. That under must be yours as the inventor. Thank you, sir. Everyone out of the way, please. Step to one side. Stand by, men. All right. Better get two on each nozzle and brace yourselves. You're optimistic, Ladder. Well, so no. There we are. All right. Orange Ladder, that's a sight. Congratulations. I can't see how far the stream's carrying. It's all of 200 feet. The typical steam fire engine. And exactly three months later, all those with a far-sighted civic effort of Miles Greenwood, Cincinnati had the first department in America whose members were paid regular salaries. A cavalcade of America presented by DuPont moves on. American cities grew in size, but not in safety. Fire buckets were common equipment in public buildings and homes. Until in 1905, a great invention based on chemistry brought safety a step nearer. It is evening, and the father comes home to his wife and children. Daddy? Hello, son. What have you got there, Dad? I'll show you in a minute. Where's your mother? In the kitchen. Hey, Mary, come here. I'm coming over here. Oh, just a moment. Come on out. Hey, Dad, what is it? It's a funny-looking thing. It's sort of like a tank. What are you looking for, John? What? The baby's in the kitchen. I've got a kettle of deep fat on the stove. I don't like to leave it. Well, look, I brought home a new piece of furniture. Furniture? That thing? What on earth is it? It's something for the front hall. A copper tank in my front hall? Well, I should say not. Well, anywhere. Just along to this handy. What for? Oh, come on back to the kitchen, John. I don't like to leave the baby. John, I smell smoke. Come on, Dad. Oh, wait. Hey, Mary. Mary, come back here. You can't go through that fire. Hey, baby. This thing here. Come back and tell you. The baby's all right for a minute or two. When I turn this tank upside down. Look out for the nose. Stand back, son. This will take care of the fire. Look. Look out. Now, wait a minute. It's going to be all right. Don't go in yet, Mary. John. All right. All right. All right. Now. There. Now you can go to her. Is she hurt? No. No, she's just frightened. Don't hurt her, darling. It's all wrong. Oh, the fire's going away. Hey, Dad. What is that thing you brought home? Son, that's the fire extinguisher. And by golly it does. The chemical fire extinguisher was based on a simple chemical principle. When the cylinder was turned upside down, two chemicals mixed, generated pressure and forced the liquid to a short hold. On contact with the fire, the liquid turned to gas that was heavier than air and so the fire was smothered. Today, we take for granted the elaborate and complex organization of a modern city which makes equipment and coordination the first factors in safety. Let us trace a great New York City fire in the year 1936. During the evening, a fire starts in a warehouse on the riverfront. For a while, it burns unnoticed by anyone because at this hour, 12th Avenue is almost deserted. Then two men pass by. Say, Joe. Eh? I smell smoke. Well, what of it? Funnels of the ships around here always smoking some. No, no, no. This smoke smells sort of bitter and sour like. You notice it? Eh. I never smelled smoke like this before. Say, I wonder if it... Well, look. Eh? Where? Over at that warehouse. Ain't that smoke coming out over the tops of the window shutters? Why? Looks like. Sure. And all along the whole side there. Just say the way it pushes out for those thin cracks. Looks like it was coming right to the wall. Up there near the roof. Yeah. Gee, it must be like a furnace somewhere in there. Better give them a long click. There's a fire box over on the corner. I'll pull the box. You go look for a car. The instant a fire box is pulled, the alarm goes directly to the telegraph bureau in Central Park. From that central point, the alarm is relayed simultaneously to all fire stations in Manhattan. Within two minutes after an alarm sounds anywhere in Manhattan, under any circumstance, at least one company will be at the scene of the fire. At this fire, the following units have responded to the first alarm. Two ladders, six pumpers, in this case one of them is a fire boat, one insurance patrol, one police car, two chiefs of battalion. All right. I'll take over, Captain. Okay, Chief. Looks like we'll have to fight it from the outside. You've been inside yet? Yeah. Got an axe on that door now. It's locked. Where's the watchman? None in sight. We'll have a look in there. Peter. Right here, Chief. Give it a good blow near the lock. All right. Thanks, sir. All right. Come on. It blows. Yeah. There must be a lot of fire in there. Turn in the second alarm. Okay, Chief. Looks like it's taken all the floors down the river side. Yeah. We'll have to fight it from the outside. All right. We open much, much here. Be a craft. There's an oil tanker tied up to the dock back there. She catches them. There's the word for the fire boat to get the tanker out in the stream. We'll never hold this with two alarms. Send in the third. Okay, Chief. For the second and third alarms, ten more engines, another fire boat, a rescue company with gas masks, two trucks or hook and ladders, a water tower, a fuel wagon, and a battalion chief arrive on the scene. As it is night, a special call is sent for the searchlight. On the third alarm, calls are also sent for local gas companies, officials of the fire department, the fire commissioner, and the department ambulance. In a few minutes, over 30 elements are converging on one place through heavy traffic. Meanwhile, on the fire boat... Make fast to that oil tanker. The one of you men got the houses that tied to the dock. We've got to get her out in the river before she catches fire. Hold it, Captain. Those sparks are falling like rain on our deck structure. That's how three streams are. We've got to get her in the middle of the river and see if she blows up. If she does, we'll go with her. That's the chance we've got to take. All right. Pull your hands. You got it? The water won't help if that oil catches. Firemen on water and shore struggle with no thought to safeguard life and property. What a contrast to Bud's Fire in Philadelphia 200 years ago in 1736. Today, in towns and cities, to perfect preparation and coordination of men and material, combining almost lightning speed, the most modern instruments of science and engineering, with the intellect of men trained to act promptly on quick judgment, the lives and property are saved daily as a matter of routine. All honor to these fearless guardians of our safety. The brave riders in the Cavalcade of America. In the evening's program, pay tribute to those whose job is to uphold the rule of safety first. But they can't do that work alone. You and I must do our part to safety first, more than just the slogan. A large number of products are available to help everyone to do things the safe way, and many of them have been contributed by chemistry. On the stage of this theater from which we broadcast, there's a good reminder of how chemistry aids safety first. Sage scenery is treated with a chemical to make it fire resistant. An important development of DuPont laboratories is a fire resistant motion picture screen made of a coated textile for which DuPont's trademark is fabricoid. This same safety principle, chemical treatment to defeat flames, has recently been made available for home. Mattresses have frequently been the starting point of fires, but DuPont's chemical products are now used by manufacturers to make mattresses fire resistant. This chemical treatment likewise repels vermin, thus safeguarding health. It is also a comfort to know that when you visit a doctor's office or hospital to have an x-ray picture made, that safety x-ray film is now used exclusively for such work. DuPont's chemists pioneered in the making of this fire resistant product, but there are other things besides fire to think of in connection with safety. For example, the skidding rug is a dangerous menace in every home. If you ever see anyone slide on a rug and crash on the floor, don't laugh. A good many legs, hips and arms are broken that way, and you might be the next to make a pancake landing. DuPont chemists have minimized that hazard by developing a cushion underlay sold to the trademark rug anchor. This product, when placed under a rug, tends to anchor the rug to the floor, thus preventing the danger of skids or slips. Rug anchor also lengthens the life of the rug because of its cushioning effect. If you would like to have a sample of rug anchor so you can test its non-slip properties for yourself, just write to DuPont, Wilmington, Delaware. We'll be glad to send you free, a piece five inches square, large enough to put under a base or some other object about the house to prevent skidding. Nearly right to DuPont, D-U-P-O-M-T, Wilmington, Delaware, and ask for your free sample of DuPont non-skid underlay rug anchor. All the safety first products that I have mentioned show how DuPont chemists make good their pledge. Better things or better living through chemistry. In many communities, daylight saving goes into effect next Sunday morning, so self-reliance, the story of courageous American women, will be heard next week at 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Saving Time when DuPont again presents the Cavalcade of America. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.