USA > Indiana > Allen County > Fort Wayne > History of the Fort Wayne Fire Department : extracts from Fort Wayne, Indiana, newspapers > Part 13
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A reporter called to see the youth last evening. The boy is about sixteen years old, and is a type of the Chicago street arab. He is evidently a very sharp little rascal, and although he contradicts himself frequently, he means to be shrewd, and is at times. He says he has been working at Wilding's coal yard, but left there Thursday. He furthermore stated that he has been in the city ten days, and has a mother living on Harrison street, Chicago. The "kid" is very proficient in the latest thieves' slang, and is undoubtedly a very tough youth - a child of the streets as it were. John A. Rice, a young lawyer just settled here, has taken charge of the boy's interests, and will endeavor to prove an alibi. Bowers' companion, a Pittsburgh brakeman, will be called to vouch for the boy's whereabouts at the time of the fire. The preliminary examination will be held this morning before some justice of the peace.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Friday 06/10/1881 Page 5, Col. 2.
Mrs. John Downey and James K. Robinson, a rural looking individual, were arrested last night at the residence of Mrs. Downey, on Barr street, by Officers Wenninghoff and Troutman. The pair who were evidently in amorous dalliance, furnished bail and were released. Mrs. Downey, who is the wife of a fireman, has not lived with her husband for some time. She has been pulled in before on the same complaint.
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FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Saturday 06/11/1881
Page 5, Col. 2.
A false alarm from Box 31, at 12 o'clock last night, caused the department a run to the corner of Main and Griffith streets.
Policeman Schwartz night before last discovered the braces of the Gay street railroad bridge to be on fire. With his cane the officer poked out the fire which would have certainly spread and destroyed the bridge had it not been for Schwartz' timely discovery.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Sunday 06/12/1881 Page 5, Col. 1.
Gus Strodel was fined by the fire committee for insubordination to the chief of the department, F. B. Vogel.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Wednesday 06/15/1881
Page 5, Col. 4 & 6.
Chief Vogel has chosen for his first and second assistants, Geo. Strodel and John McGowan. These selections are excellent.
The chief of the fire department reported that he had appointed Geo. Strodel as first assistant chief, and Jno. McGowan as second assistant; concurred in unanimously.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Tuesday 06/21/1881 Page 5, Col. 3.
Last night, as John Downey, the fireman, strolled along Water street, he confronted Mrs. Downey, his wife, and a female friend. Mrs. D. alleges that John slapped her thrice, and was not choice in his use of language toward her. The parties do not live together, and Mrs. Downey has been arrested on the charge of being a prostitute. She claims that she will this morning file an affidavit before the mayor against Downey charging assault and battery.
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FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Friday 06/24/1881
Page 5, Col. 2.
It was Mike Connors, of the fire department, who sprang forward at the risk of life and limb and directed the course of Mr. Henry Olds' team in the direction of the calaboose, thereby halting them. Franks, the driver, was unable to control the animals. Mr. Olds bestowed a $10 bill upon Mr. Connors last evening as a slight mark of appreciation of that gentleman's services.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Saturday 06/25/1881
Page 5, Col. 2.
A serious conflagration was averted yesterday by the presence of mind of Etta Perrin, a young miss, who discovered flames bursting from the floor of the kitchen of E. H. Bookwalter's residence on Water street. With much presence of mind she secured water and extinguished the blaze. The fire originated from a spark which flew from a stove.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Sunday 06/26/1881 Page 5, Col. 1.
The coal cart boys of the fire department will appear in uniform in the parade the Fourth. Joe Manier will be captain.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Friday 07/01/1881
Page 5, Col. 3.
Under the direction of Chief Vogel, the fire department had a test display last night of the water works on Main street. The streams thrown were illuminated by colored lights. In order to call his men together, the chief turned in the fire alarm from box 52, centrally located, and the sidewalks was obstructed by a large crowd, who assembled, thinking there was a fire. The authority of the chief or anybody else to tamper with the alarm is to be questioned.
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FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Thursday 07/07/1881 Page 5, Col. 3.
THE FIRE YESTERDAY.
OPPENHEIMER'S STORE AND THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE IN RUINS
THE ENTIRE BLOCK THREATENED.
Just as our forms were being sent to press yesterday morning the alarm of fire resounded and we had but time to briefly mention the result in our issue of yesterday. The fire originated in the building owned by A. M. Tower and occupied by A. Oppenheimer, dealer in hides, wool, Etc. The flames were first discovered bursting forth by the Sweiters brothers, bakers, who notified the department, who arrived when the building was in full possession of the fiery element. Seeing that nothing could be done to save the Tower building, Chief Vogel directed his efforts to the protection of the adjoining buildings which were seriously threatened. He directed eleven streams upon the Grand opera house and adjoining building occupied by Becker & Wile and for a time it was thought the flames were held in check. The chief endeavored to find some one with a key to the Grand opera house main door, but nobody possessing it showed up, and an entrance had to be forced with the aid of an axe. The smoke poured forth in such dense volume that the firemen were driven back and the streams had to be directed for a time from the top of adjoining buildings and through the windows. Soon fiery tongues of flame shot forth from the roof, and then it was apparent that the building could not be saved, and by Mr. Vogel's orders the firemen set to work to save the adjoining buildings from ignition. There is an unprotected opening on the third floor of the Oppenheimer building communicating with the opera house, and through this the flames shot and instantaneously licked up the inflammable scenery, curtains, etc., and gutted the auditorium. The roof, a light truss one succumbed speedily and the interior now presents a extremely desolate appearance.
The Tower building is gutted and the walls are seared with deep fissures which will necessitate the razing of the entire structure. The stock of Becker and Wile, dealers in hides, adjoining the opera house on the east is damaged by water, and much of M. N. Jacobs & Co's stock, No. 55 Columbia Street, is also rendered valueless by water. The loss of John A Scott, flour and feed, will not reach $25. Becker & Wile and Jacobs & Co., are fully insured upon their considerable loss. The loss on Oppenheimer's stock will be about $5,000, which is mostly covered by insurance in the agencies of S. C. Lumbard and A. H. Carier.
Capt. White, owner of the opera house, at first estimated his loss at $5,000, though examination has proved that in reality $10,000 will cover all damage. There is $8,700 insurance on building, furniture and fixtures, much of which loss will be paid by Lumbard's agency. Capt. White will rebuild as soon as the losses are adjusted but he does not seem inclined to devote the new structure to theatrical purposes, and it is safe to conclude that the Grand opera house will be known no more but that the building will be completed in the shape of store-rooms.
A number of persons who think they knew all about the management either of a fire or anything else, complained because Chief Vogel did not immediately direct several streams into the interior of the opera-house. To these wise individuals it only need be said that Mr. Vogel saved the entire block from destruction, and exercised the best possible judgement in the
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disposition of his force.
The firemen were utterly exhausted when morning came and could hardly muster energy enough to reel their hose. The chief with kindly thoughtfulness provided several gallons of hot coffee for the boys which he realized was far better for them in their condition than alcoholic stimulants.
The fire of yesterday was one of the largest for a long time and might have easily proven the most destructive known in the history of the city.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Wednesday 07/13/1881
Page 5, Col. 1 & 4.
The fire chief claims that there is insufficient hose for the proper working of his department. The council will advertise for 2,000 feet more.
The chief of the fire department reported that the Opera house fire demonstrated that the city had but 2,100 feet of serviceable hose and asked for a further supply; referred to the committee on fire department.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Tuesday 07/19/1881
Page 5, Col. 2.
John Downey was yesterday granted a divorce from Eliza Downey in the superior court. Patrolmen Humbrecht and Troutman testified to having arrested the woman in alleyways and elsewhere while associating with other male prostitutes.
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FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Wednesday 07/27/1881
Page 5, Col. 2 & 4.
There is more trouble in the fire department. It seems that Chief Vogel previous to the contemplated 4th of July celebration, insisted upon the minute men appearing in new uniforms, and as they allege without their consent, docked them four dollars apiece for that purpose and drew that amount on his own warrant from the city treasurer. The council last evening passed a resolution providing for the return of the amount named to the men, and that the same be deducted from Mr. Vogel's salary.
COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.
Councilman Hettler submitted the following resolution:
Whereas, The chief of the fire department has without any authority deducted and drawn the sum of four dollars from each fireman without any advice or knowledge of this council.
Therefore be it resolved, that the city clerk be and is hereby instructed to issue city orders in full to each fireman for their claim and that the clerk deduct the amount so drawn as above stated from the salary of the chief engineer. Adopted by a vote of nine to three Fox, Mohr and Wessel voting in the negative.
The same gentleman introduced the following:
Resolved, That hereafter all pay rolls of the chief engineer of the fire department and city assessor shall be paid after the same shall have been approved by the finance committee and attested by the mayor. Unanimously adopted.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Thursday 07/28/1881
Page 5, Col. 2.
Chief Vogel says in reference to the action of the council in deducting from his salary the money expended to equip the firemen with hats, shirts, &c., that the fire committee ordered the arrangement and it is unjust to make him pay the amount. Mr. Vogel seems to be afflicted with two or three "kickers" in his department of whom he should get rid as soon as possible.
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FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Tuesday 08/02/1881
Page 5, Col. 1 & 2.
A couple of firemen came to blows last night. The row originated in Gus Strodel's saloon, and the rest of the matter transpired at the engine house. No arrests.
Mrs. Murray Hartnett yesterday brought suit against F. B. Vogel, chief engineer of the fire department, for $150 damages sustained by being wet with a hose in the hands of firemen. At the trial of the case before Justice Harding yesterday, it was brought out in evidence that Mr. Hartnett went to the chief and in reply to his polite expostulations, was answered with an oath and advised to seek satisfaction of the city. Justice Harding took the case under advisement.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Thursday 08/04/1881
Page 5, Col. 3.
Last evening, a pile of sawdust back of Hoffman's saw mill on West Main street was discovered to be on fire and a still alarm was sent in to the engine house by telephone. A hose cart went to the scene and after an hour and a half's hard work succeeded in extinguishing the fire. The burning sawdust was in close proximity to two frame houses and might have resulted in a disastrous conflagration. The fire was supposed to have originated by the recklessness of small boys who amuse themselves along the river bank by making small bonfires.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Saturday
08/06/1881
Page 5, Col. 2.
A frame shed belonging to Conductor Dan Stonecifer, of the Muncie, and located in the rear of No. 36 Second street, was destroyed by flames yesterday. In the shed were two children who were fortunately rescued. The fire department were on hand.
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FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Wednesday 08/17/1881
Page 5, Col. 2 & 3.
A wagon belonging to the fire department and loaded with telegraph poles, broke down on Calhoun street yesterday. The wagon is about used up, and should be retired.
Councilman Boltz and Wolf had not settled the matter of purchasing hose for the fire department. 1,000 feet will be purchased, one sample a carbonized hose selling at 94 cents a foot, while for a cotton hose manufactured at Cleveland and pronounced by competent judges the very best obtainable, but 90 cents is wanted
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Saturday 08/20/1881 Page 5, Col. 4 & 5.
John Downey, of the fire department, had his lower jaw broken yesterday while unloading telegraph poles at the market house. A spike flew from the wagon and struck Downey in the face. The sufferer is at the St. Joseph hospital under the treatment of Drs. Dinnen and Sweringen.
THAT HOSE.
There seems to be some dissatisfaction with the contract made by Councilmen Boltz and Wolf in behalf of the council with the New York Gutta Percha and rubber company for the purchase of 1,000 feet of carbolized hose manufactured by this concern at 94 cents per foot. In the first place experts inform us that the carbolized hose is inferior to the cotton hose manufactured by the Cleveland Hose company, and moreover costs four cents per foot more than the article manufactured by the New York company. The fire department, the opinion of whose employes is certainly entitled to some consideration, are pretty unanimous in stating that the carbolized hose as now in use by the department has not given entire satisfaction or proved as serviceable as guaranteed. Three sections of the carbolized hose which was warranted for forty- two months at a pressure of 400 pounds to the square inch burst after two year's use and was sent back to New York via the Empire line with the request that it be replaced according to contract. The company have not up to the present time fullfilled their contract and replaced the hose. The cotton hose is guaranteed forty-eight months at a pressure of 450 pounds and sells for 90. It is pronounced a better hose by the experts of the city but inasmuch as the opinion of the chief engineer and assistants is alleged to have been disregarded in making the selection of hose, it is perhaps to be presumed that the councilmen are better posted.
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FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Sunday 08/21/1881 Page 5, Col. 5.
MALCONTENT FIREMEN.
There was a stormy meeting of the minute men at the engine house last night. It appears that Chief Vogel has ordered the uniforms which consist of a hat and cap, and deducted the amount from the pay of the men without deigning to consult them. This angered the men and they held a meeting. It was decided by the majority that the uniforms would be taken by the men, though a petition will be prepared and presented to the council, asking that honorable body to pay for the hats and caps. Out of a salary of $10 per month the boys feel that it is not just to make them pay for this perhaps necessary frippery. Councilmen Boltz and Wolf, of the fire committee, were present and signified their approval of the petition, and promised to vote for the payment by the council. The meeting was a secret affair and is said to have been at times stormy, several minute men leaving in disgust before the close of the meeting.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Wednesday 08/24/1881 Page 5, Col. 4. COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.
The minute men of the fire department asked the city to pay for their recently purchased uniforms, and after some discussion by Messrs. Hamilton, Hettler, Wolf, and others the petition was referred to the mayor and committee on finance to endeavor to secure the payment of the uniforms out of the Fourth of July fund.
Report of Committees.
The committee on fire department ask further time for the purchase of hose; second, they report that the chief of the fire department refused to allow the fire department to take part in the firemen's tournament during the Northern Indiana fair. After discussion as to whether the council had the power to order the department out on that occasion, further time was granted for the purchase of hose, and the second section filed. The same committee reported in favor of the water works illumination and on motion this portion of the report was concurred in.
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FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Saturday 09/03/1881
Page 5, Col. 2.
A fire was discovered last night at 12 o'clock on the third floor of Fred Eckert's packing house. The floor was burned somewhat but otherwise the damage will be nominal. The fire was first noticed by Lou H. Smith, of Newcomer's Branch, who notified Officer O'Connell who turned in the alarm. Fully insured.
On Wednesday evening last, some maliciously disposed person poured some coal oil under the front doorstep of Muller Bros' jewelery store, at Leo, and ignited it. Fortunately the only damage done was the burning of a hole in the floor, but the loss would have been serious had the flames progressed as the firm is composed of young men just starting in business and the stock was moreover not insured.
Last night at 6 o'clock the fire department were called to Drier Bros' drug store, corner Calhoun and Columbia streets. One of Robert Ogden's plumbers in making connection with the gas pipe in the cellar forgot to unite a section connecting with the generator, and the gas rushed out and filled the cellar. In lighting the gas in the right hand show window, an explosion took place which did no further damage than to knock out a pane of glass and scatter the goods piled up, in various directions. A lad employed in the store started to go down cellar just before the explosion took place and may thank his lucky stars that he didn't descend.
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FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Saturday 09/03/1881 Page 5, Col. 4.
MINGLED ELEMENTS.
FIRE AND WATER DEVASTATE THE PREMISES NOS. 16 AND 18 WEST COLUMBIA STREET - NATHAN BROS. & STRAUS, AND A. STRAUS & CO'S. STOCK OF CIGARS RENDERED WORTHLESS - THE DAMAGE DONE.
Columbia street came very near enjoying another large conflagration last night. As it was, the damage occasioned by fire and water, principally the latter, was considerable. About 7 o'clock, as Mr. Wm. Donnell was going to his home, he noticed smoke issuing from the third story windows opening on the alley of the building occupied by Nathan Bro's. Y Straus, wholesale liquors; A. Straus & Bro., wholesale cigars; A. S. Allen house and sign painter; August Smith, taxidermist, and a number of roomers. Donnell promptly let loose his lungs and yelled "fire" loudly. An alarm was turned in which brought the department to the scene with their usual promptness. Soon a ladder was placed at one of the third story windows, opening on the alley, a hose unreeled and placed in position. Just as the flames burst forth from the rear window of the third story, and as dense volumes of smoke poured from the paint room of Albert S. Allen, the several streams were directed and in an hour's time the last spark was extinguished. The fire was almost entirely confined to the third story, and the water streamed down upon thousands of cigars owned by A. Straus & Bro., utterly ruining them. This and the loss to Mr. Allen's stock of paints, oils, &c., in the third story was the principal damage done. The office fixtures were thoroughly drenched but not damaged to any extent.
The building is one of the oldest in the city and was erected thirty-five years ago by T. P. Anderson and the late John Hamilton. It is now owned by Marx Graff. The third floor being filled with the inflammable materials used by Allen, the painter, it is a wonder that the building was saved. The chief of the fire department here at least acquitted himself with credit and he may be thanked that the building was not gutted.
The loss on building will not amount to over $1,500, fully insured. Messrs. Nathan Bros. & Straus' loss on their stock of liquors which are on the first floor will be slight, say $500. The insurance on stock carried by this firm is $10,000, carried principally in the agencies of J. E. Graham and D. L. Harding. The policies are as follows: $1,000 each in Aetna, Phoenix of Brooklyn, Phoenix of Hartford, Howard of New York, Insurance Co., of North America, Pennsylvania Fire; $2,000 each in German American and underwriters.
A. Straus & Bros' insurance is but $2,000 all in the Howard of New York. Their loss will considerably exceed the amount of insurance.
A. S. Allen the painter had a policy of $300 in one of D. L. Harding's companies. He thinks his loss will exceed $500. A couple of new signs being painted for J. Leichner were licked up by the flames. Fortunately a lot of varnish ordered by Mr. Allen had not arrived and he can at least reckon on that.
The loss of August Smith, taxidermist, is $50. No insurance.
During the progress of the fire Fred Michaels, of the Fire Department, was severely bruised and narrowly escaped a worse fate. He made a misstep and fell from the stone sidewalk on his face and was hurt probably internally. He was assisted home. Two of the firemen,
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"Scotty" and Wm. Swier, jumped from a second story window to escape suffocation by smoke. Another fireman succumbed to the smoke and would, perhaps, have croaked, had not his companions dragged him to a window.
Marshal Falker and a reporter in their explorations in the rear of the building found a jug of excellent whiskey, but being strict temperance adherents looked not upon the tempter.
Crowds of people lined the sidewalks and as usual offered free advice to the firemen as to the management of the fire, the instructions, strange to say, being quite ignored.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Sunday 09/04/1881 Page 5, Col. 3.
A lot of paper and rags in the basement beneath A. Mergentheim's store caught fire yesterday about noon probably from a lighted stump of a cigar or a match thrown carelessly in the pile through a register hole cut in the floor above. Mr. Harry Hammill extinguished the fire with a common hose. He was chided for his prompt action by Chief Vogel, who perhaps wanted the glory, and sharply rejoined.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Friday 09/09/1881
Page 5, Col. 2.
The barn of Jacob Fry of Madison township was ignited by a spark from the stack of a passing engine day before yesterday and entirely consumed. The loss is considerable and there is no insurance.
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FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Thursday 09/15/1881 Page 5, Col. 5.
A $40,000 BLAZE.
THE STAVE FACTORY OF H. F. SCHNELKER & CO., AT NEW HAVEN, DESTROYED BY FIRE.
Yesterday afternoon, at 3:30 o'clock, the large stave factory of H. F. Schnelker & Co., at New Haven, was discovered to be on fire. The fire department of the village, as may be supposed, is very inefficient, having but little facilities to cope with an extensive conflagration. Their efforts to extinguish the flames proved utterly futile and in the space of half an hour a mass of blackened ruins marked the spot where the factory and sheds had stood. During the fire, a man named Wilson was struck by a falling timber and seriously hurt.
The loss will be about $40,000. Insurance $7,000. Inasmuch as the loss to the proprietors will be very heavy, they require time for consideration before determining to rebuild. From Chief Vogel, who returned last evening from the scene of the fire, we learned that the stock and machinery was still burning. The office being on the other side of the Wabash track was saved. The fire originated from a spark from the furnace falling on a pile of shavings. The factory people had failed to "wet down: as is their custom, and everything was as dry as tinder and an easy prey to the flames. The danger to the village of a holacaust was at one time imminent and had the wind changed to the south, not a building in the place would have escaped. Owing to the long drouth, there is absolutely no water facilities in New Haven in case of fire. Mr. Schnelker who is a young and enterprising gentleman is deeply to be pitied. He was prospering finely, having cleared over $18,000 last year.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Sunday 09/18/1881
Page 5, Col. 2.
A barn and contents belonging to M. Axt, the lamplighter, in the rear of 175 Francis street burned to the ground yesterday morning. The loss is about $150. Not insured.
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FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Friday 09/30/1881
Page 5, Col. 2.
John Downey, of the fire department, whose jaw was fractured while on duty, unloading hoop poles, wants the council to pay the doctor's bill and himself for losing time occasioned by the accident.
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