This photograph features a handsome uniformed fireman posing for his portrait at the Steinhaus studio in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. It is unknown whether this fireman was a member of the Sheboygan fire department or some other department. The badge on his hat displays the #2 which is likely his unit within his department. Note that his badge displays a fire hydrant, crossed axes, hose nozzles, and hook and ladder. The photographer of this image is Roland A. Steinhaus. Interestingly, research revealed where Mr. Steinhaus received his training. The Professional and Amateur Photographer (1900) has an article which announces the “arrival for January term” of a group of students for the purpose of attending the Illinois College of Photography. Steinhaus was listed as one of these students and his hometown was reported to be Sheboygan. The town of Sheboygan was founded in 1846 and by 1849 was noted for its German population. Steinhaus, judging by his last name, was part of this German population. To view other photographs of firemen, click on the category “Firemen and Policemen”.
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 
Evidently the photography business was too competitive in Sheboygan at the turn of the century. By 1912 R. A. Steinhaus was listed as a photographer in Cherokee, Iowa.