USA > Indiana > Allen County > Fort Wayne > History of the Fort Wayne Fire Department : extracts from Fort Wayne, Indiana, newspapers > Part 1
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GEN
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01815 6015
History of the Fort Wayne Fire Department extracts from Fort Wayne, Indiana newspapers compiled by Donald Allen Weber, Retired Fort Wayne Firefighter indexed by Donald Allen Weber
GENEALOGY 977.202 F77FIRL v.3
Volume Three 01/02/1878 to 12/03/1886
The newspaper articles in these volumes were extracted and typed word for word including spelling as they were by the editors of the newspapers.
Listed below are the names of some of the streets taken from the newspaper articles that have been changed since that time. The new names as we know them today are also listed.
Water Street is now - Superior Street. George Street is now - West Brackenridge Street. Hamilton Street is now - Masterson Street. Dawson Street is now - Williams Street. Holman Street is now - East Brackenridge Street. Montgomery Street is now - East Douglas Street. Griffith Street is now - Fairfield Avenue. Duryea Street is now - Poplar Street. Pritchard Street is now - Lavina Street. Erie Street is now - East Berry Street. Thomas Street is now - Bowser Avenue. Walton Avenue is now - Anthony Blvd.
Some neighborhoods in Fort Wayne, Indiana in the 1800's had names such as: Ewingtown, Frenchtown, Gooseville, Irishtown, Mechanicsburg and South Wayne.
Listed below is the location of these areas.
Ewingtown: All west of the old plat was called Ewingtown.
Frenchtown: Rural districts of the Seventh Ward. The seventh ward fire engine house was located at 436 East Wallace Street.
Gooseville: Just South of the railroad tracks, Hoagland Street on the East, Fairfield Avenue on the West and Dawson Street (Williams) on the South.
Irishtown: Reference was made to Irishtown as being in the Sixth Ward near the corner of Duryea (Poplar) and Hoagland Streets.
Mechanicsburg: Shown on a map of Fort Wayne in 1898. Bounded by Leith Street on the North, Calhoun Street on the West, Lafayette Street on the East, and Killea Street on the South.
South Wayne: Area Southwest of downtown, off Broadway. About two to three miles south of Broadway & Jefferson streets.
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.
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8th Ward in 1894.
AVE.
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4TH
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spy Run
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ST.
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PAPE AV
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REDERICK>
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AVE.
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SHERMANZ
MARION
ST.
FRANKLIN
ST. JOSEPH
9th Ward in 1894.
SIXTH : ST.
SPYRUN
N. SIDE
HARRISON
AVE.
ST. MARY'S
BARTHOLO
BOW
W LLS
GASS
N. CALHOUN
-
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House
ST
DOSAGE ST.
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AV
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ST.
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.
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: LA: SALLE
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ST
.
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ST.
BUCHANAN
ST
ST.
GREENE
EDGERTON ST.
T.
DEWALD
ST ..
ST.
IAMOND ST
E JULIA ST.
THOMASETTA
JOHN
GAY
SMITH
OLIVER
ST.
HOL TON
REED'
LAHMEYER ST.
-
T.
CAROLINE
PONTIAC
ST
ST.
..
ST.
H. 6
ST.
GERKE
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:
WINTER
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ST
.
.
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HENRY
ST
WIEBKE ST.
S.T ...
-
H
ST.
FREDERICK
ST.
.
OLIVER
THOMAS
MEYER
ST.
-... WALTON
ERCER ST.
JENYSON ST.
FISHER
LILLIE
EUCLID
ITOINETTE ST
MAUD ST.
PURM.AN
E. CREIGHTON
1.
1
THOMAS
HURO
ST.
LAFAYETTE
WARSAW
· HANN
FORCE
ST
un
ST.
ST
AV
ST
HORACE
TAM ST.
ALLIGER
WALLACE
ST.
RI
ARSIMARTINS ST.
.
-
MILAN ST.
ST.
EMILY
ST
BOLTZ ST
MEEHA I ST.
SCHAPER ST
10th Ward in 1894.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL 01/02/1878 Page 3, col. 2.
TWO ALARMS OF FIRE.
The alarm from Box 3-5, on Monday night, was turned in doubtless for the purpose of breaking up the Torrent Ball. It was a failure from that point of view. The alarm was a false one.
About 6 o'clock yesterday morning an alarm was sounded from Box 5-2, caused by the burning of the fence and out houses connected with George F. Schott's Drug Store at the corner of Barr and Washington Streets. The blaze was extinguished with merely nominal loss.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 01/02/1878 Page 4, Col. 3.
OTHER SOCIAL NOTES.
The Torrent ball at Armory Hall on Monday evening was a pleasant and successful affair in every respect. The attendance was very large and the Torrents netted over $200 from the affair. They are the boys who know how to manage a ball in first class style.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 01/03/1878 Page 4, Col. 4.
The alarm of fire at 6:20 this morning was caused by the burning of a chimney at No. 139 Francis street. Value of property involved, $1,000.000; loss, 10 cents; no insurance.
881
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL 01/08/1878 Page 3, col. 4.
AN ORDINANCE. Introduced by C. Hettler.
Declaring it unlawful for any other persons than firemen to ride or hang upon any fire apparatus going or returning from any fire, and declaring an emergency.
Section 1. Be it ordained by the common council of the city of Fort Wayne, that it shall be unlawful for any other persons than members of the fire department of said city, to ride upon or hang on any engine, hook and ladder truck, hose carriage or other fire apparatus while going to or returning from any fire , or fire alarm.
Sec. 2. Any person violating any provision of this ordinance shall upon conviction forfeit and pay a fine to the said city of Fort Wayne of not less than one dollar or more than ten dollars. Sec. 3. Whereas an emergency exist for the immediate taking effect of this ordinance the same shall be in force from and after its passage.
Done at the council chamber in the city of Fort Wayne, this 13th day of November, 1877.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL 01/08/1878 Page 4, col. 4.
BLAZING BARNS A BRILLIANT MIDNIGHT ILLUMINATION, LOSS $2000.00.
Last night at 12:15 an alarm was turned in from Box 1-5, caused by the discovery of a fire in the barn of Dr. C. S. Smith at No. 38 Douglas Ave. The fire had acquired some headway when the alarm was sounded, and the church spires and steeples reflected the light from the brilliant illumination. The department hastened to the scene and did very effective service. The flames spread rapidly and soon four or five frame buildings were being consumed. The fire originated in Dr. Smith's two story frame barn, which was entirely destroyed together with three vehicles and other contents. Loss $700.00. The next building to succumb was the two-story frame barn of James Ryan, No. 164 Harrison Street, which with the contents was valued at $1000.00. Mr. Ryan's loss is $500.00. A two-story frame building at 41 Lewis Street, belonging to John Baumann, was consumed, together with a pile of wood. Loss, $200.00. At 48 Lewis Street a shed containing wood, the property of Henry Waltermuth was destroyed. His loss is $100.00. Dr. T.P. Mccullough's frame barn at No. 36 Douglas Avenue containing, hay and grain, was also taken by the flames. His loss is $600.00. The total loss was about $2,100. None of the losers had insurance except Dr. Mccullough, who had a $300.00 policy in the Watertown Co., on his barn. The origin of the fire is unknown but it is ascribed to incendiarism.
The next day's paper read: Three fire cisterns were emptied by the department at the blaze last night.
882
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 01/09/1878
Page 2, Col. 1.
The gentlemen who favor the purchase of a new steamer have made a great mistake in getting the News to urge that measure. The support of the News would kill almost anything. If that paper had opposed the scheme it would probably have been carried- at least it would doubtless have received more than six votes.
The city council exhibited wisdom, common sense and prudence in not allowing itself to be bulldozed into the purchase of a new steamer. A petition was presented, signed by a number of leading business firms and heavy tax payers, asking the council to purchase a new engine. The signers doubtless labor under the impression that the fire department cannot be rendered efficient unless another engine is bought. But whether such a purchase is made or not, the old steamers should be repaired. It will take no longer to repair them than to obtain a new one. Mr. Kerr Murray, a citizen of responsibility and character, says that he can render these old steamers just as good as new, and gives a good bond for $2,000 to do so. If, after they are rebuilt, there shall seem to be a necessity for a new steamer, there will be no opposition to its purchase. But we are glad to see that twelve councilmen refuse to be "bulldozed," as it were, into voting for the expenditure of $5,000 or $6,000 when there is no present necessity for doing so.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL 01/10/1878
Page 4, col. 3 and 4.
The alarm of fire from box 3-5 at 2:30 this afternoon was caused by the burning out of a chimney at the residence of A. J. Lang, No. 236 West Wayne Street. No damage done.
883
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL 01/10/1878 Page 4, col. 3 and 4.
The alarm of fire from box 6-2 at 5:45 last evening was caused by a blaze in the house occupied by Justice Ryan, No. 63 East Jefferson Street. The fire originated from the furnace and did about $50.00 damage. Fully insured.
A CARD OF THANKS
To the editor of the Sentinel:
The fire department of Fort Wayne will please accept thanks for their promptness and carefulness at the fire at my residence last evening, and also the neighbors for their valuable assistance.
D. Ryan January 10, 1878.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 01/19/1878 Page 4, Col. 4- 5.
THE FIRE LAST NIGHT.
The alarm of fire from box 5-2, at 12 o'clock last night, was caused by a blaze in Swinney's block on East Main street. The fire appeared to have originated in the partition wall between the office of the Citizen's Street Railway Company and the hall on the second floor, and ascended to the office of the Fort Wayne Conservatory of Music on the third floor. Water was soon obtained and the fire extinguished. As it is, the loss is trifling; but, if the flames had obtained a little more headway, the entire block would doubtless have been destroyed. The losses are estimated a follows: Citizens' Street Railway Company, $75, no insurance; C. F. W. Meyer, $50, insured for $2,000 in Isaac d'Isay's agency; J. C. Marks & Co., $75, insured for $2,000 in the Etna, Fisher & Tons; Swinney estate on building, $100, insured for $15,000 in the Hartford, F. P. Randall agent. Chief Vogel ascribes the fire to incendiaries.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL 01/22/1878 Page 4, col. 4 (city chat)
Peter Barbier, an old citizen, died today. He had been a member of the ALERTS for many years.
884
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday
01/23/1878 Page 3, Col. 1.
The special committee appointed to report on the necessity of purchasing a new steamer made the following report:
To the Honorable Mayor and Common Council;
Gentlemen- The undersigned committee, to whom was referred the resolution of Councilman Bash, in relation to the purchase of a new steam fire engine, respectfully report that we have had a consultation with the chief engineer, from whom we have received valuable information in relation to the engines now owned by the city. And, after a careful consideration of the question, in view of the fact that the steamer Frank Randall is now being repaired and the further fact that it is reported that bu a recent decision of the supreme court of the state of Indiana, the amount of taxes as assessed upon the duplicate, for the present year, will be reduced the sum of five thousand dollars or more, we therefore, ask for further time, until we are more fully advised in relation to such decrease of taxes and said steamer Randall is repaired and tested, before making a final report.
Jas. E. Graham,
Emanuel Zarbaugh,
H. N. Putnam,
D. B. Strope,
S. Bash,
Committee.
The report was concurred in by the council.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL 01/24/1878 Page 4, col. 3.
The funeral of the late Charles Degitz took place this afternoon and was largely attended. He died Tuesday morning at 6 o'clock. He lived at corner of Webster and Brackenridge Streets. 71 Brackenridge Street.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL 01/24/1878 Page 4, col. 4.
Fred Feiler, the new foreman of the TORRENTS, was the recipient of a surprise party at his residence on Tuesday night. The brave TORRENTS were out in force with their ladies and a grand time was enjoyed by all present.
885
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Tuesday 01/29/1878 Page 4, Col. 4.
The second ward engine house cistern was filled to-day.
The Vigilant steamer played out at the fire this morning.
page 4, col. 2.
FIRE BUGS.
ANOTHER ATTEMPT TO BURN DOWN THE SWINNEY BLOCK.
On the night of the 18th inst. A well-nigh successful attempt was made to set fire to the Swinney Block, on East Main street, opposite the court house. The blaze had assumed large proportions before it was discovered, and was only extinguished by the most strenuous exertions of the fire department. Evidences were abundant that the fire was the work of incendiaries.
This morning at 5:10 an alarm was sounded from box 5-2, caused by the discovery of a fire in the same block. The hall on the second floor was found to be in flames, which had evidently started directly opposite the place of their origin on the former occasion, in the street railway office. The blaze had acquired some headway, but the discovery was timely and though the good work of the firemen the fire was soon extinguished. The only damage was to the building, and is estimated at about $75. Fully insured.
A quantity of waste and candle wick saturated with oil, and some matches, were found in a small hole in the hallway, giving conclusive proof that the fire was the work of incendiaries. The block of buildings is owned by the Swinney heirs and is very valuable. The first floor is occupied by Adolph Geismar as a restaurant, Entemann Brothers, saloon, and Marks & Co., jewelers. The second floor contains the office of the Citizen's Street Railway Company, the lodgings of A. Geismar and family, and one or two private offices. The entire third floor is used by the Fort Wayne Conservatory of Music. Whoever has started these fires evidently has a spite either against the owners of the building or some of the occupants. It is thought that the guilty parties are known, and they will probably be arrested shortly.
886
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 02/02/1878 Page 3, Col. 1.
The firemen and policemen were paid off yesterday.
The alarm of fire from box 3-2, last evening, was caused by a blaze in the shoe shop of George A. Hermsdorfer, No. 133 Broadway. Loss, $200; insured for $400. The fire was caused by a lamp explosion.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 02/06/1878 Page 4, Col. 4.
This morning the roof of the Wabash carpenter shop caught fire and threatened a disastrous conflagration. The blaze was soon extinguished, however, causing only slight damage. No alarm was turned in.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Friday 02/08/1878 Page 4, Col. 4.
The Frank Randall steamer, which is being rebuilt at the Kerr Murray shops, will be ready for service in about two weeks.
PAPER UNKNOWN 02/08/1878
* School house near Chris Miller's sawmill in Wayne township burned to the ground. Carelessness of pupils in building fire in the stove is believed to have been the cause of the conflagration.
887
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wed. 02/13/1878 Page 3, col. 1- 2.
The Vigilant engine company asked the council to allow them $1,000 a year for services as firemen. Referred to the fire committee.
The chief engineer reported that the boiler of the steamer Vigilant is leaking badly, and that it has to be taken out of service at once for repairs, leaving the city with only one engine in service. Mr. Hettler said the council should either put the department in good condition or else abolish it entirely. He thought the majority of the council had now got the department in just such condition as they desired to have it. He said that the only engine yet in service (the Mad Anthony) was the poorest one the city ever had. He concluded by saying that unless the council should do something he would move to abolish the fire department.
Mr. Graham said he would not be surprised to hear Mr. Hettler make any motion, however foolish. He (Hettler) was a man of such caliber that he was liable to make any motion. He said the Randall steamer would be out of the shop before the next council meeting, and before a new steamer could be obtained. The old steamers should have been rebuilt long ago, but a well laid plan had been made to drive the council to the purchase of a steamer.
Mr. Strope said that the boiler leaking was not a serious matter. Boilers often leak, and they can generally be repaired in one or two hours by a boiler maker caulking the flues.
Mr. Withers thought the discussion had taken too wide a range, and that the implied reflections of certain speakers upon Mr. Kerr Murray, who is repairing the engines were entirely uncalled for. Mr. Graham had spoken of something being in the wind-
Mr. Hettler- I can't help it if he sees something in the wind.
Mr. Graham- We don't see anything but wind from you.
Mr. Withers, resuming, said the attack of the gentleman from the second ward, on Mr. Murray was unwarranted, and-
Mr. Hettler- I raise to a point of order. I made no attack upon Mr. Murray.
The chairman- Mr. Withers has the floor.
Mr. Hettler- Well, let Withers blow his horn.
After Mr. Withers concluded, Mr. Chittenden said the emergency was a sudden one, and he thought the chief engineer should make a statement.
Mr. Vogel said he had made his report in good faith, in order to get instructions from the council. He said two engines were needed at almost every fire, and that according to the contract Mr. Murray could not have both engines in his shop at the same time. He could not say how long it would take to repair the Vigilant. The trouble was with the flues. He could not say whether new flues were needed or not.
The chief's report was concurred in, and the fire committee and the chief were instructed to have necessary repairs made as soon as possible.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL 02/20/1878 Page 4, col. 4.
The Rescue Engine Company No. 6, located in the seventh ward, have tendered their resignation to the Chief Engineer of the fire department.
888
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 02/25/1878 Page 4, col. 3.
DESTRUCTIVE FIRE.
ESMOND'S MILLS REDUCED TO ASHES SATURDAY EVENING.
LOSS ABOUT $20,000 -- INSURANCE $10,00 THE MILLS TO BE REBUILT. Saturday evening, about 8 o'clock, two strangers on horseback dashed through the toll gate on the Bluffton road, near the county asylum, without stopping to leave the requisite amount of fractional currency. The toll-keeper gazed pensively after them for a moment and then, turning his optics in the direction of Beaver's Mill, discovered that venerable structure to be in flames. The connection between these apparently isolated incidents may be inferred by the reader. In a very short time the fire department was called out by an alarm from box 3-6, but the engines proceeded no farther than the Broadway railroad crossing, as the fire was evidently beyond their reach. Meanwhile the southern sky had become brilliantly illuminated, indicating the existence of a large conflagration. In a remarkably short time both banks of the St. Mary's river were covered with crowds of people, looking intently upon the destruction of Beaver's mill- one of the old landmarks of Fort Wayne.
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