USA > Indiana > Allen County > Fort Wayne > History of the Fort Wayne Fire Department : extracts from Fort Wayne, Indiana, newspapers > Part 18
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1133 &
FORT WAYNE GAZETTE
05/11/1883
Page 6, Col. 1.
The residence of William Flutter, of St. Joseph township, burned down Wednesday.
FORT WAYNE GAZETTE 05/14/1883
Page 5, Col. 2.
The saw-mill of George Ober, in Maumee township, Allen county, which was destroyed by fire sometime ago, has been rebuilt and will soon be cutting lumber again. It was at this mill that an unfortunate man had his head sawed asunder. The evening before it was burned, Mr. Ober, it seems, had a presentiment that something evil was about to befall the property and, after shutting down, had the ground carefully wet down all around the furnace. He also inspected the establishment twice before going to bed, the last time about 9 p.m. At 10 p.m. the mill was on fire.
same paper, same day, same column.
One of the proprietors of the Perkin's wind-mill, has been at Lima, and proposes to put up a wind-mill and tank in the square, that will have a capacity of 200 barrels. Putting this tank 25 feet up from the ground it is expected that enough head will be obtained to throw water so as to be available in case of fire.
1134 1
FORT WAYNE GAZETTE
05/19/1883
Page 6, Col. 1-2.
Yesterday morning at 5 o'clock three sheds and a barn in the rear of houses on Montgomery street were destroyed by fire. Loss $200.
FORT WAYNE GAZETTE 05/23/1883
Page 5, Col. 4.
The appointment of John McGowan and Fred Becker as first and second assistant engineers of fire department, was confirmed.
The report of chief engineer of fire department was read and referred.
FORT WAYNE GAZETTE 05/29/1883 Page 5, Col. 2.
INCENDIARY FIRE.
Early Sunday morning the police discovered, just in time to prevent a serious conflagration, a desperate attempt to set fire to a row of buildings near the corner of Wallace and Hanna streets. In the rear of the barber shop was found a pile of straw and other rubbish which had been saturated with kerosene oil and set on fire. Had the flames not been at once quenched a most disastrous fire would have followed. There is no clue to the incendiary.
1135
FORT WAYNE GAZETTE
05/31/1883 Page 6, Col. 2.
.
An explosion occurred at the gas works at 4 o'clock, yesterday morning, blowing up the meter- house and injuring two of the employes, one, it is feared, mortally. The fire department was called out.
FORT WAYNE GAZETTE 05/31/1883
Page 5, Col. 1.
Yesterday morning a boy named Clark tried to catch on to the hose cart en route to the fire and fell, cutting his face severely and spraining an ankle.
FORT WAYNE GAZETTE 06/03/1883
Page 8, Col. 1.
The fire department has a new team purchased yesterday by the committee for $550. They weigh together 2,600 pounds and are splendid iron grays.
1136
FORT WAYNE GAZETTE
06/09/1883 Page 2, Col. 7.
A BURNING LAUNDRY.
Yesterday afternoon between 5 and 6 o'clock a fire originated in the drying room of the Troy steam laundry, at 50 Pearl street, and the flames spreading rapidly the frame portion of the building was considerably damaged. The fire department responded quickly, and in a short time the flames were extinguished. The loss is about $00. The building is owned by Andy Baker, and is fully insured in companies represented by Sid Lumbard and Mr. Schrader. None of the laundry work received any damage. There will, however, be a short delay completing the work now on hand, but customers, no doubt will exercise a little patience under the circumstances.
FORT WAYNE GAZETTE 06/12/1883
Page 7, Col. 7.
THE FIRE LAST NIGHT.
The alarm of fire at 10 o'clock last evening was caused by the barn and fifty foot long shed of C. L. Hill, on Superior street, taking fire and being partially consumed. It made a great light and at one time threatened a big conflagration. The fire department did excellent work. The loss was about $50, covered by $200 insurance. Mr. Joe Bramas had the barn rented, but his horse, buggy and sleighs were taken out without injury. A gentleman who was looking at the building when the flames burst out thinks he heard an explosion and saw a jet of fire start up from the hay mow.
FORT WAYNE GAZETTE 06/13/1883 Page 7, Col. 6.
The fire department committee reported relative changes and improvements in the fire alarm telegraph, and that while there might be a necessity for distributing the fire apparatus, it was not expedient. The report was concurred in.
1137
FORT WAYNE DAILY NEWS Saturday 06/16/1883 Page 1, Col. 2.
Last evening an exhibition run was made by the Fort Wayne Fire Department, for the benefit of the visiting editors. At seven o'clock sharp, an alarm was turned in from box 3-5, at the corner of Van Buren and Wayne Streets, a distance of three-quarters of a mile from the engine house. The Department reached the spot and were throwing water through two nozzles in exactly four and a quarter minutes. The editors expressed great surprise at the performance.
FORT WAYNE GAZETTE
06/22/1883
Page 7, Col. 2.
OUR GALLANT FIRE BOYS.
The very efficient fire department of Fort Wayne, says the Pierceton Independent, made a public display of the actual workings of the department on Friday evening last, for the especial gratification of the Press association, at that time convened in that city. The alarm was turned in by previous arrangement from box 35, at the corner of Wayne and Jefferson street, one mile from the engine house, which threw open her doors and loosened the hitch snapp of eight spirited horses, trained to rush, like mad, to their respective places at the tongue, and almost in an instant the four apparatus, two hose carriages, a steamer and a hook and ladder truck were flying like the wind down Wayne street to the scene of the alarm. The hose carriages ran across Jefferson street and around the next block west, and started two streams of water in the remarkable short space of time of 4 1/4 minutes. The distance is said to be fully one mile. The firemen in the department are as fine looking body of men as you will find anywhere. The appliances are all first class. And the horses are a noble lot of animals, and with the exception of a very fine heavy team, which have only been in the department about ten days, understand their business apparently as well as the men. It is a department of which the city may well be proud.
1138
FORT WAYNE GAZETTE 06/22/1883
Page 7, Col. 2.
During the exhibition of the fire department of Fort Wayne, it was the fortune of the writer to form the acquaintance of the only Republican councilman in Fort Wayne, who piloted us about the city. Unfortunately, for the life of us, we can not now recall his name, but he is a whole host within himself, and although all alone in that August body of city dads, he holds down his end of the plank with becoming grace, and occasionally "stirs up the boys" in a charming manner. The Republicans of Fort Wayne should inscribe that councilman's name on a tablet and place it where it will always be known. We hope to meet him hereafter .- Huntington Herald.
FORT WAYNE GAZETTE 07/16/1883
Page 7, Col. 1-2.
The barn of John Grider, in Pleasant township, together with contents, was destroyed by fire Thursday. A mare valued at $225 perished in the flames, and a threshing machine, a quantity of corn, wheat, oats, hay, etc., valued at $1,600, was also burned. Insurance, $600.
PAPER UNKNOWN
09/03/1883
* Fleming Road Scraper plant on High Street, opposite Peters Box Factory was destroyed by fire.
11 39 1
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Tuesday 09/11/1883
Page 3, Col. 4.
A BAD BLAZE.
This morning, about 3 o'clock, fire was discovered in the small frame building at 223 East Jefferson street owned by A. H. Carrier and occupied by a man named Philip Steletsky, with a stock of groceries. The fire department was on hand in a short time after the alarm was turned in but the flames had gained such headway that it was found impossible to save the building or contents and the property vanished in smoke. Streletsky was "all broke up" over his loss and pranced about his bonfire in an ecstacy of grief, wringing his hands and howling piteously. As his stock was insured for nearly $1,000 and it would not invoice within $200 of that sum, it would seem that Mr. Streletsky's vociferous sorrow was entirely uncalled for. A building owned by J. G. Ketner was also damaged by the destroying element, though the amount of the loss could not be precisely determined. It is fully covered by insurance, however, and Mr. Ketner is not worrying. The fire is supposed to have originated from a defective flue.
page 4, col. 2.
A tramp was arrested in the eastern part of this township, on Monday, for setting fire to the barn of a farmer named Kisphenstein. There was not enough evidence to warrant his being held, and he was discharged.
The barn of Elijah Jacobs, who resides one mile south of Zanesville, together with all its contents, including three horses, was totally destroyed by fire on Saturday night. The fire is supposed to have originated from the careless use of matches by boys, who were playing about the building. The loss will foot up $5,000. It is not known whether there is any insurance.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 09/17/1883 Page 3, Col. 2.
Chief Hilbrecht has purchased a new team for the fire department.
1140
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 09/20/1883 Page 2, Col. 3.
CITY COUNCIL.
Gentlemen -- With the aid of the fire department, 500,000 gallons of water per day can be pumped from the St. Joe river to Spy Run at a total cost of about $10 daily. Respectfully, C. McCulloch, T. B. Hedekin, John F. W. Meyer, Water Works Trustees.
Councilman Wolf introduced the following resolution, which was adopted:
Resolved, That the fire committee be and they are hereby instructed to see that the fire department is placed into service, if necessary, for the transfer of water from the St. Joe river to the water works basin during the present emergency.
Councilman Wolf then introduced the following resolution, which was referred to the committee on finance to carry out the sense of it:
Resolved, That the committee on fire department be instructed to at once place the fire engine "Frank Randall" in proper condition for service.
On motion, the council then adjourned.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Friday 09/21/1883
Page 1, Col. 1 & 2.
The "Frank Randall" fire steamer was sent to the Olds Foundry this morning for repairs.
Yesterday afternoon the fire engine began pumping water from the St. Joe river into the filter basin at the pumping house. During the day the water fell about an inch in the filter basis. The engine is at work again to-day. At the next meeting the council will have to decide on a water supply, or all the fire steamers in the city will be ruined.
1141
1
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 09/24/1883
Page 3, Col. 6.
The fire department horses received Saturday afternoon are beauties. The pair weigh 2,700 pounds, are seventeen hands high and in color are a mahogany bay. They are both as gentle as kittens and very intelligent. George Thieme, the very efficient driver, will have them in charge and expects by the latter part of this week to have them ready for active service.
FORT WAYNE DAILY NEWS 09/24/1883 Page 4, Col. 2.
On Sunday morning at 2 o'clock, the fire department was called to the corner of Jefferson and Griffith streets by an alarm turned in by some malicious person from box 3-2. When the chief examined the box he found that the lock had been destroyed by the person who rang in the alarm. A new lock was placed on the box yesterday, and efforts are being made to effect the arrest of the man who used the false key.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 09/27/1883 Page 3, Col. 5.
HOW FIRES ORIGINATE.
As the cold weather approaches fires become more numerous, owing to the stupidity and carelessness of people, and from the many instances noticed in the past it is a wonder that we do not have more fires and serious ones at that. Cellars of many stores are filled with trash of all kinds, accompanied with boxes, in fact consisting of a small lumber yard, with no passages between or entrances direct from the outside. Boys are often allowed to go in such places with a candle instead of a lantern. Stove pipes are allowed to run through closets for a flue and through partitions without any metal to protect the wood from the hot pipe. Then there is the careless storage of petroleum and its products; ashes in wooden boxes or barrels, set upon wooden floors or adjoining inflammable outhouses; open hatchways and many other defects. One man could be kept busy finding the defects and compelling the people to remedy the evil, but he must have some power from the common council before he can be of any use.
11 42 1
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Friday 09/28/1883
Page 3, Col. 3 & 4.
The alarm of fire yesterday afternoon from box 13, was occasioned by the burning of an old shed, valued at about $10. The department responded promptly, but was not needed, the flames having been extinguished before the engines reached the scene.
The old steamer "Frank Randall," which has been in dry dock for a long time, was this morning dragged out into the yard at the fire department headquarters, and is now being repaired preparatory to placing her on the bank of the St. Jos river to pump water into the basin, for city consumption.
PAPER UNKNOWN
10/09/1883
* Samuel McDonald, the condemned man of the brutal murder of Louis Laurent is hung. The jail yard had more than 200 persons and a crowd estimated at over 15,000 mulled outside the jail yard. The entire police and fire department were there to keep the crowd in order and a fire engine and hose were on hand for use in case of need to preserve peace.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday
10/10/1883 Page 3, Col. 5.
A BARN BURNED.
Yesterday evening the barn belonging to Charles Fairfield, located on his farm four miles southwest of the city, was totally destroyed by fire, including a quantity of hay, oats, a buggy, wagon, agricultural implements of various kinds and a fine family horse and an animal belonging to L. B. Johns, of this city. The origin of the fire is unknown, but it is supposed that the hay became ignited from a coal dropped from a pipe. The loss is in the vicinity of $2,000 and the insurance will not exceed $500. Mr. Fairfield is not in a condition to bear this blow to his resources, and it falls upon him with crushing weight.
11 43
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Wednesday 10/10/1883
Page 6, Col. 4.
CITY COUNCIL.
The fire committee reported that the wires of the fire alarm system are in bad condition, and asked that 2,000 pounds of wire and 50 new battery cells be purchased. The report was referred.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 10/22/1883
Page 3, Col. 2.
The fire department was called out last night at 9 o'clock, by an alarm from box 12, in Bloomingdale. A burning chimney on High street was the cause. No damage.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Wednesday
10/24/1883
Page 7, Col. 2.
Yesterday an incipient fire in the apartments of Lottie Smallhouse, in the Hough block, was extinguished by Fireman Charles Sheldon. The lady was preparing a meal over a gasoline stove, and the woodwork was ignited from the close proximity of the blaze from the gasoline.
1144
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 11/05/1883
Page 3, Col. 4.
The fire alarm electric apparatus in the engine house are broken. The heavy weight that regulates it gave way and tore the mechanism badly. The apparatus at the engine house does not work, and it will require $500 or $1,000 to repair it. The manufacturers of the machine have been telegraphed to send on a man.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Monday 11/05/1883
Page 7, Col. 4.
Frederick Becker, the pioneer fireman, born and raised in the Second ward, celebrated his thirty-third birthday yesterday. A large circle of friends gathered and extended their best wishes, and were pleasantly entertained. Mr. Becker is a model young man, is yet single, and the young ladies of his ward all sigh for him.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Friday 11/09/1883
Page 3, Col. 4.
The city has been offered $75 for the old Seventh ward engine house. It may be sold and refitted as a grocery store. If allowed to stand unoccupied much longer it will be taken to pieces by mischievous boys.
1145
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Tuesday 11/13/1883
Page 1, Col. 6.
This morning when starting for the fire the team of horses driven by Fireman George Thieme became frightened and broke the tongue of the steamer.
page 1, col. 4.
This morning at 11 o'clock an alarm of fire was sounded from box 36. The occasion of the alarm was a slight blaze at the residence of a Mrs. Epply, corner of Jackson and Wilt streets, where a defective flue had caused the roof to ignite. The fire department was promptly on hand, but the fire was extinguished before the hose carts reached the scene.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Tuesday 11/13/1883 Page 7, Col. 2.
Bob Cran, the popular foreman of the Bass foundry, laid off yesterday to purchase a cradle and fooled Captain Hettler, George Strodel and some other gentlemen. It took Bob all day to complete his purchase, and the baby is about a year old. When Bob was a fireman, he exhibited more decision in acting in a matter of this sort.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 11/14/1883 Page 1, Col. 6.
The saw mill of Bryson Bros., at Roanoke, burned last night. The loss is about $2,500, and the insurance is very light. The fire is supposed to have been the work of an incendiary. Particulars of the blaze were unobtainable to-day.
1146
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Saturday 11/17/1883 Page 6, Col. 2.
Yesterday the firemen made a satisfactory test of the old hand fire engine which works splendidly, throwing a strong and large stream on the roof of the court house. Parties from Paulding, Ohio, will be here next week to negotiate for the engine's purchase.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Wednesday 11/21/1883 Page 6, Col. 6.
FIRE ON THE WABASH.
THE TICKET OFFICE HERE CATCHES IT FOR $200.
BAGGAGEMASTER BROOKS EXTINGUISHES THE BLAZE.
Last night about 10 o'clock Ticket Agent McConnell, of the Wabash, went home to the bosom of his family. When he left everything was properly arranged, but a drop gas light fell after Mac had gone and created some havoc. The drop light set fire to the desk and burned $35 in cash, some valuable papers and tickets, and furniture. The bright blaze was seen by Mr. Milo Brooks, the vigilant baggagemaster of the road, who broke open the office and extinguished the fire. As it was, the loss will reach $200, mostly to furniture.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 11/21/1883 Page 3, Col. 6.
A BAD BLAZE.
A serious blaze occurred last night between 10 and 11 o'clock at the ticket office of the Wabash road in this city. Mr. McConnell, the paste board manipulator, left the office for a short time after the arrival of No. 3, and in some manner which cannot be explained, the flames of a gas jet extended to a few sheets of paper hanging on an adjacent hook and in an instant it flashed up. Before persons outside could gain an entrance $35 in money, a number of valuable papers and portion of the wood work of the office had been consumed. The total loss is about $200.
To-day workmen are engaged in repairing the damage done to the interior of the office.
1147
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 11/26/1883
Page 3, Col. 6.
BIG BLAZE AT WARSAW.
Yesterday morning at 4 o'clock fire was discovered in the third story of G. B. Lesh & Co.'s plow handle and bending factory at Warsaw. The alarm was given at once, but the building was burned to the ground. The loss will reach $75,000, with $26,500 insurance.
The yard was full of dry lumber, and it is almost a miracle that it was not burned, as it was piled within fifteen feet of the building. The building, machinery, lumber and stock on hand at the invoice in July was valued at $130,000, but at least $40,000 was on the yard and adjoining buildings not burned. John H. Lesh, of Goshen, Ind., is one of the firm. The building throws about thirty married men out of work, besides a number of single men. The capacity of the works was 150 men. There is no doubt the building will be rebuilt at once.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Friday 11/30/1883
Page 3, Col. 3.
Yesterday the fire department was called to the butcher shop of Kabrisch, on Fairfield avenue. A fire started in the shop but was extinguished before any considerable damage was done.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday
12/05/1883
Page 3, Col. 3.
Last night, about 9 o'clock, an alarm of fire from box 16 called the fire department to the Kerr Murray foundry, where sparks from a chimney had set fire to the roof of a small shed. It blazed up alarmingly for a short time, but the prompt application of water extinguished the flames before the department arrived.
11 48
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 12/13/1883
Page 4, Col. 2.
The fire alarm box at the corner of Van Buren and Wayne streets will to-morrow be removed to the corner of Van Buren and Washington.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Monday 12/17/1883 Page 6, Col. 1.
A lamp exploded in Charley Rosenberg's saloon at 2 o'clock. Officer Lapp was at hand, and but for his discovery there would have been a conflagration.
Yesterday afternoon the fire department had a run to the residence of John Hartman, corner of Washington and Harmer streets. A chimney burned out only, and we are cheated out of a first-class item.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 12/17/1883
Page 3, Col. 4.
The fire department was called to Maumee avenue yesterday, to smother a fire in a house belonging to G. Burlager, the drayman. This morning the department was called to the feed store of John A. Scott, on Columbia street, to put out an incipient blaze. No damage.
11 49
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Tuesday 12/18/1883
Page 6, Col. 2.
Last evening there was an alarm of fire. Box 17 was rung in, and the department made a run only to find a chimney burning out at 62 Williams street.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Tuesday 12/18/1883
Page 3, Col. 3.
The burning of a chimney on a Williams street house called the fire department out last night. Four horses pulled the steamer.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday
12/19/1883
Page 3, Col. 2.
The Anthony Wayne steamer has been overhauled, and was tested by Chief Hilbrecht yesterday. The steamer will be held in reserve.
1150
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Sunday 12/23/1883 Page 6, Col. 6.
THE FIRE ENGINE.
ACCOUNT OF THE INVENTION OF THE FIRST STEAM FIRE ENGINE. THE WORK OF MOSES LATTA, A STUNTED BEING WITH A WONDROUS HEAD.
INCIDENTS OF ITS FIRST APPEARANCE.
(Chicago Herald)
Along in 1864, an errand led the writer into Greenwood's foundry at Cincinnati, and having to wait awhile to see Mr. Greenwood, I was allowed the privilege, then seldom granted, to go into the work-room where the inventor of the steam fire engine was at work. It was a long, high room, the walls on the east side being hung with drawings of the engine. Beneath the drawing ran a long work bench, and at this stood a very diminutive specimen of a man, short and spare, stoop-shouldered even to deformity. He had a square white paper cap on his head, and was busy measuring something, while I looked at him. I saw that his head redeemed his poor body, for it was massive, and the eyes had in them the light of genius. In a moment he turned to me and asked; "Did Mr. Greenwood give you permission to come in here?"
"He, did, sir; he told me to come and see how the steam fire engine was getting on, so I could report its progress to Mr. Probasco" (of the great hardware house of Tyler Davidson & Co.).
"Ah, very well, " said the inventor, "very well. My name is Latta, Moses Latta, and Mr. Probasco knows me well, and, as you come from him, you shall see what few see. Can you in any way, or to any extent, understand drawing on the wall?" I confessed that I could not. "Well, it is very simple. Let me explain. The engine is intended to throw at any time eight streams of water - four from each side - and whenever the water can be obtained in sufficient quantity for the eight streams there will be no trouble in supplying them to the eight lines of hose. It is intended of course, to take the engine to the scene of the fire with horses - four horses. As the engine starts out the furnace is fired up, and ordinarily by the time we shall arrive at the fire steam will be up and the engine ready for service. Eight of these large streams forced out on to a fire with the pressure we shall be able to command will drown any fire - even four of them, well directed , will be of wonderful value. But," added Mr. Latta, "the trouble is that there is no certainty that there is no certainty that this or any other steam fire engine will ever run to a fire. You are not aware probably how bitter the feeling of the volunteer firemen is against this engine. They say it shall never throw a stream on a fire in this city. The recent riots here show what a mob can do in our city, and I fear sometimes that I shall never live to see this grand idea brought into the service of the world. My steps are dogged; spies are continually on my track; I am worried with all sorts of anonymous communications, threatening me with all sorts of ills and evils unless I drop work on this engine and pronounce myself a failure."
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