USA > Indiana > Allen County > Fort Wayne > History of the Fort Wayne Fire Department : extracts from Fort Wayne, Indiana, newspapers > Part 4
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An invitation to the chief engineer of the fire department to attend the annual convention of chief engineers was read and placed on fire.
RESOLUTIONS.
Councilman McCulloch, chairman of the committee on fire department presented a resolution instructing Chief Engineer Vogel to attend the convention of the chief engineers at Cleveland, and voting him an allowance of $75 for expenses. Councilman Chittenden, of the same committee, moved to lay on the table, which was done by a vote of nine to six.
A resolution to erect a fire alarm box at the northeast corner of Calhoun and Leith streets, was adopted.
927
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 09/02/1878
Page 4, Col. 4.
Philip Keintz has gone to Chicago. He will be one of the musicians in the great firemen's parade.
Leaking gas in one of the Mayer House bed rooms caught fire last night and blazed out, which produced an alarm from box 5-2. The department turned out promptly, only to find that their services were not needed.
The exposition and fireman's tournament at Chicago open to-morrow. Twenty-five members of the Alerts left at 11:30 this morning for the scene of activity. Among those who will "take in" the splurge are Mayor Zollinger, John Ryall, James M. Kane, T. B. Hedekin, C. S. Brackenridge, C. McCulloch, H. T. Stapleford and wife, L. T. Bourie, A. H. Carier, Frank Voirol, Robert Cran, Wm. Schiefer, Councilman Dreyer, John C. Eckert, P. Certia, Councilman McCulloch, A. Kalbacher and many others. Most of them left to-day; the others will go on night trains.
928
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 09/18/1878 Page 4, Col. 2 & 3.
A BLAZE AT THE GLOBE.
At half-past 7 o'clock last evening August Smith, night cook at the Globe restaurant on East Main street, went to the rear end of the lot to draw some gasoline, with a lantern in his hand, when the gasoline exploded, causing a bright blaze. An alarm was turned in and the department was promptly on hand and soon had the flames extinguished. The loss was about $300; no insurance. Mr. Smith was terribly burned about the arms and hands.
A new floor is being laid at the second ward engine house.
929
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 09/26/1878
Page 4, Col. 3 & 4.
TRINITY'S TROUBLE. THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH STRUCK BY LIGHTNING LAST EVENING.
DAMAGE BY FIRE AND WATER ABOUT $7,000.
Last evening about 7 o'clock Trinity Episcopal Church, at the corner of West Berry and Fulton streets, was struck by lightning, at the rear of the main building, on the gable. The roof at once caught fire and in a very few moments burst into flames. An alarm was turned in from box 3-1, and the fire department was promptly on hand, but worked with much difficulty, as the blaze was almost inaccessible. The Randall and Wayne steamers were taken out, but one of the flues of the former gave out at once, and the Anthony Wayne was the sole reliance until the Vigilant arrived. The last vestige of the fire was not extinguished until about 11 o'clock.
The roof at the south end of the building was partially destroyed. The interior of the beautiful church was completely saturated with water, and the organ was probably entirely ruined by the aqueous element. It cost $2,800. The auditorium is badly damaged by smoke and heat. The memorial altar, placed in the chancel by Mrs. C. D. Bond, escaped unharmed.
The entire damage is closely estimated at about $7,000. The building was insured for $10,000 in the North British of London and Edinburgh, and $10,000 in the Hartford Fire, both represented by F. P. Randall. The organ and other contents were not insured.
Trinity Church was erected in 1865. It is a beautiful stone edifice, and one of the finest church buildings in the city. The total cost was $35,000. The congregation is small, and but for the insurance, the loss of last evening would be severely felt.
Services will be held on Sunday in the Church of the Good Shepherd.
Trinity Church has been struck by lightning three times within the last eight years. This accounts for the familiar absence of Dave White, Bill Nelson, Ras Chittenden and other once pious Episcopalians who are afraid of being struck by lightning.
The Vigilant engine did splendid service last night at the fire. She, with the Randall, was sent back to the Murray shops, but it is altogether likely that the fire committee will order the Vigilant to the engine house to-day, to be kept for emergency, while the public test will take place some time next week.
930
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 10/05/1878 Page 4, Col. 4.
Another attempt will be made at the next meeting of the council to order the purchase of a new fire steamer.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday
10/09/1878 Page 4, Col. 5.
QUITE A BLAZE.
THE FIRE LAST NIGHT - LOSSES, ETC.
At 10:20 last night a fire broke out in the frame barn belonging to John Helmick and located on the premises, Nos. 45 and 47 West Main street. It was totally destroyed involving a loss of $100. The flames spread to the two story brick barn of Jos. A. Miller, which was nearly destroyed; Loss $1,200; Mr. Chas. Fink's two-story frame barn was damaged $50, and Mr. P. H. Kane's brick barn was damaged $200.
Mr. Brinkweder's shed, value $25, was destroyed. Mr. Kane had $3,500 insurance on his residence and barn, but with that exception none of the losses were insured. The origin of the fire is unknown. The fire department did good work, but labored under disadvantages on account of the flues of the Randall steamer leaking so badly.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday
10/10/1878
Page 4, Col. 3.
A resolution ordering the purchase of a new steamer for the fire department will be adopted by the council to-morrow night. Fourteen members have already signed it.
931
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 10/12/1878 Page 1, Col. 5.
A resolution, signed by several members, was introduced, instructing the fire committee to purchase a first-class steamer.
Mr. Graham moved to amend by instructing the fire committee to advertise for proposals to be presented at the next meeting. He was in favor of a new steamer.
Mr. Chittenden said that the fire committee had had bids in their hands for some time. He said the fire department was in very bad shape, and something must be done at once. He thought everybody that knew anything of the subject favored a piston engine.
A lively discussion ensued between Messrs. Graham, Cody, Muhler, Chittenden, Wilkinson and others, after which the resolution was amended so as to authorize the committee to purchase subject to the ratification of the council. The resolution then passed.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 10/19/1878 Page 4, Col. 3.
THE "MASHEEN."
A FEW ITEMS CONCERNING THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
One of the hose carriage horses is said to be used up, and the purchase of a new horse will be made immediately.
The Randall engine was taken out of the Murray shop to-day and the Vigilant sent back for more repairs.
It is said that 1,000 feet of new hose is needed by the fire department.
A new fire alarm box has been put up in Nebraska.
The fire committee was in session last night.
A contract for a new first-class Amoskeag fire engine will be presented to the council next Tuesday. The engine will cost $4,200 in city orders at par. A second class engine can be obtained from the same works for $3,800. A proposition has been received from the Clapp & Jones Company to furnish an engine several hundred dollars cheaper than the Amoskeag, but the fire committee will recommend the latter because they believe it to be the best and most durable. The universal sentiment is in favor of a piston steamer. Both the Amoskeag and the Clapp & Jones have piston pumps, but the preference seems to be given generally to the Amoskeag. The contract will probably be ratified by a unanimous vote, and within sixty days we will have a new engine.
As soon as the new engine arrives, the Anthony Wayne steamer will be taken apart, and some portions sent to the Silsby works at Seneca Falls, N. Y., for necessary repairs, at an estimated expense of $150.
932
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 10/23/1878 Page 1, Col. 3.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
The fire committee submitted a contract with the Manchester Locomotive Works for a first- class Amoskeag steam fire engine to cost $4,200.
Mr. Chittenden moved to concur in the report and ratify the contract.
Mr. Cody criticised the contract because it does not guarantee the engine to last more than a year, nor what tests it must undergo satisfactorily.
Messrs. Chittenden and McCulloch thought that it was sufficient that the engine should work to the satisfaction of the council.
Mr. Graham said the contract was very loosely drawn. He endorsed what Mr. Cody had said on the subject.
Mr. Hettler moved that the specifications be made a part of the contract.
Mr. Chittenden said the contract as presented was the regular printed form always used by this company.
The question was further discussed by Mr. Muhler and others, and the subject was laid over until later in the evening.
THE ENGINE QUESTION.
The steam engine contract was then called up, and after some remarks by Messrs. Chittenden, Graham, Hettler, McCulloch, Cody and others, was amended so as to provide that the engine must prove entirely satisfactory to the city, and was ratified.
The council then adjourned.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 10/23/1878 Page 4, Col. 5.
THE STEAM ENGINES.
The Frank Randall steamer was purchased on December 28th , 1860, and has been in use ever since. It was manufactured by the Silsby Company, of Seneca Falls, N. Y.
The Vigilant steamer was purchased at second hand from the city of Pittsburgh in June, 1861. It is an Amoskeag, made at Manchester, N. H.
The Mad Anthony Wayne steamer was bought in 1873, of the Silsby company.
The contract for the new steamer was signed and forwarded this morning.
The councilmen are scratching their heads over a suitable name for the new steamer.
933
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Friday 10/25/1878 Page 4, Col. 4.
James Fox yesterday bought the horse "Doc" from the fire department.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 10/28/1878 Page 4, Col. 3.
F. B. Vogel left this afternoon for Kendallville to purchase a new horse for the fire department.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Tuesday 10/29/1878 Page 4, Col. 3.
Yesterday afternoon the horse Doc, purchased by James Fox from the fire department, ran away, but was stopped by a man employed at McKinnie's eating house, who displayed considerable nerve and bravery.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 10/30/1878 Page 4, Col. 4.
McCullough, the fire alarm telegraph man, of Richmond, arrived to-day with a new fire alarm box, which is to be put up on South Calhoun street.
934
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 10/31/1878
Page 4, Col. 3.
The Frank Randall steamer was removed from the Murray shop this morning, and is ready for duty again.
The new alarm box to be put up on South Calhoun street is an improvement over the old style. Its cost is the same, $150.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 11/02/1878
Page 4, Col. 3.
Pat Conover was all over Nebraska this morning looking for a fire which was said to have occurred in that delectable locality at a late hour last night. Somebody had been giving him "taffy."
A new coal box has been placed in front of the station house. It is furnished with a good lock, and the offices in the vicinity were all cold this morning for the first time since the stoves were put up.
935
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 11/04/1878
Page 1, Col. 4.
FIRES.
The alarm turned in from box 3-5, about 10 o'clock Saturday night, was false. The alarm at 5:30 this morning from box 1-4 was caused by a blaze in a smoke house on the premises at No. 70 Douglas avenue, owned by Hiram Simonton and occupied by John C. Eckert. Loss, $10. On Friday night the large barn belonging to Elisha Smith, eight miles north of the city on the Goshen road, was consumed by fire. Loss, $1,500; no insurance. It is believed that the barn was set on fire in hopes that the residence would also fall a prey to the flames,
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Tuesday 11/05/1878
Page 1, Col. 4.
The frequency of late false fire alarms has become an unmitigated nuisance and should be stopped in some way or other. Aside from the expense attending the firing of the engines, the inconvenience and alarm unnecessarily given the people is sufficient reason for the prompt squelching of this annoying practice. If the chief engineer of the fire department occasionally orders these fraudulent alarms to test the watchfulness of his subordinates; whether the committee on fire department do so to ascertain the vigilance of the chief, or mischief-makers do so out of pure cussedness, the practice is equally reprehensible, and should be stopped by the council, the mayor, or the proper powers that be. On last Saturday evening nearly a thousand people were gathered in the Academy of Music, when the bell tolled out the dread alarm. Of course the majority were apprehensive, and not a few left the hall, creating confusion and nearly interrupting the performance, only to find the signal the work of outlaws who had forged false keys. In many instances, however, the holders of genuine keys send in unfounded alarms. The thing has become too frequent and monotonous, and should be tolerated no longer.
936
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Tuesday 11/05/1878
Page 4, Col. 4.
Andrew Carroll, of Ridgeville, Randolph county, was in the city last evening, in conference with the committee on fire department. He is sent by the village authorities to negotiate for the purchase of a hand engine, hose cart and 500 feet of rubber hose. As the city has much of this kind of second-hand stuff in stock now would be a good time to dipose of it.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 11/06/1878 Page 4, Col. 4.
An ordinance to reorganize the fire department of indianapolis was lost by a vote of 14 to 10, on Monday night last. The new ordinance provided for "Minute Men." It was resolved, however, to retire engine No. 6 and one hose reel, thus effecting a saving of six or seven thousand dollars in the running expenses of the department.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 11/09/1878
Page 4, Col. 3.
Nicholas Scar's smoke house, at Monroeville, burned down Thursday.
937
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 11/11/1878 Page 4, Col. 4.
Somebody was tampering with the fire alarm wires Saturday night, and caused the bell to tap several times. The mayor will probably offer a reward for the discovery of the party, who will be punished to the extent of the law.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 11/23/1878 Page 4, Col. 5.
CHARLEY ZOLLINGER
THE NAME BY WHICH THE NEW STEAMER IS TO BE BAPTIZED.
The new fire steamer has been christened "Charley Zollinger," in honor of our popular mayor, as will be seen from the following letter:
To the Hon. C. A. Zollinger, Mayor, Fort Wayne, Ind .- Dear Sir: The manufacturers of the new engine have written to your committee, advising us that the machine is nearing completion, and suggesting the immediate forwarding of a name. The undersigned, in view of your distinguished services, more especially the consummate skill and ability shown in the prosecution of the recent Droegemeyer case, saving to the city over $17,000, together with other marked characteristics of your popular administration, constrains us to ask the use of your name to distinguish the new steamer, and we trust your proper appreciation of our motives will induce you to accord us this favor. Very respectfully,
Nov. 18, 1878.
F. H. McCulloch, J. W. Vordermark, E. L. Chittenden, Com. On Fire Dep't.
The mayor returned his verbal assent to the proposition, and the name "Charley Zollinger" was immediately forwarded.
938
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 11/25/1878
Page 4, Col. 3.
WELL DONE.
TWO SMALL BLAZES, AND THREE HORSES BURNED TO DEATH.
This morning, at four o'clock, an alarm was turned in from box 1-6, caused by a blaze in the frame stable at the premises on the south west corner of Calhoun and Baker streets, belonging to Morris Cody, esq. It was entirely destroyed, together with a quantity of hay, the loss being $100. Three horses were burned to death, two of which belonged to Jacob Pilser, who valued them at $50, and one to Isaac Klinger, valued at $35. There was no insurance on the barn or contents.
At 5 o'clock another alarm was turned in from the same box. A frame shed at 28 Wallace street, belonging to Michael Cushing, was found in flames. It was destroyed with its sole contents- an old carpet- the total loss being $75. No insurance. The barn of Mr. Silas Tam, across the alley, was damaged to the extent of $25. Insured for $700 in the Phoenix, of Hartford. Both fires were the work of incendiaries.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Friday 11/29/1878 Page 4, Col. 2.
Messrs. Vogel and Hilbrecht, of the fire department, are engaged in constructing a steam heater of their own design.
Am alarm of fire from box 51 yesterday forenoon brought the department to Douglass avenue, where a flue in the house of Mr. John Eckert was discovered to be on fire. The damage done was trifling.
939
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 11/30/1878 Page 4, Col. 3.
On Wednesday evening last the Odd Fellows' building in Maysville caught fire from a defective flue. The flames were extinguished after a loss of about $150. Fully insured.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Friday 12/06/1878 Page 4, Col. 4.
To-night the council committees on fire department and on rules, regulations and ordinances will meet for the purpose of preparing joint rules for the government of the fire department. The present paid department is still working- or attempting to work, under the rules which were in vogue when it was a voluntary department.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 12/09/1878
Page 4, Col. 4.
The committees on fire department and on rules; regulations and ordinances held a meeting yesterday (Sunday) afternoon, and agreed upon a list of rules for the government of the fire department, which will be presented to the council for ratification to-morrow evening.
940
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday
12/11/1878 Page 4, Col. 3-4.
The arrangement of the stalls at the engine house is being changed so as to facilitate the exit of the horses when an alarm is given.
The fire alarm this morning was caused by the burning out of a chimney on the frame house at the corner of Barr and Berry streets, owned by Mr. Culbertson, of Toledo.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 12/14/1878 Page 4, Col. 3.
The new steamer "Charley Zollinger" will be shipped from the Amoskeag works, at Manchester, N. H., Tuesday. The manufacturers say it is a "daisy."
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Tuesday
12/17/1878
Page 4, Col. 4.
This morning fire alarm box No. 13, on High street, was found to be badly battered up. There is too much tampering with these boxes, and Mayor Zollinger has very sensibly offered a reward for the apprehension of the rascals who do the dirty work.
941
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 12/21/1878
Page 4, Col. 3.
The fire committee met last night and audited several bills. It was decided to report against a new fire cistern in the ninth ward and also against the location of a fire alarm box at the corner of Taylor street and Broadway.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 12/23/1878 Page 4, Col. 4.
Last night, at the fire, an unknown individual under the influence of poor whisky made himself entirely "too numerous," and was therefore placed in the cooler, from which he emerged at a late hour a sadder and soberer man.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday
12/23/1878 Page 1, Col. 2.
FIRE LAST EVENING.
Last evening about 6:30 the St. John's German Reformed church, at the corner of Webster and Washington streets, had a narrow escape from destruction by fire. The fire caught from the furnace, but an alarm was promptly turned in from box 7, and the fire department responded promptly and soon had the blaze extinguished. A large part of the floor was burned, the total loss not exceeding $100. The church is insured for $10,000 in the Home.
942
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 12/28/1878 Page 4, Col. 5.
Last evening two false alarms of fire were turned in, calling out the department and alarming our citizens. These false alarms are getting to be of frequent appearance. They involve serious wear and tear of the apparatus and are a nuisance in every way. Last evening the boxes were found locked and no clue was obtained to the scamps who had been tampering with the wires. If these alarms are to continue, the telegraph might as well be done away with and a return made to the old system.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 12/30/1878 Page 4, Col. 4.
"Dave," the engine house dog, is over thirteen years of age and is becoming very infirm, being very deaf and almost blind. He was born in the engine house and is so much of a fixture that the boys look forward to his approaching inevitable dissolution with much sadness.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 12/30/1878 Page 4, Col. 3.
The alarm of fire yesterday morning was caused by the burning of a chimney in a brick building on East Columbia street. No damage. The alarm in the evening was a false one.
The new steamer has not yet arrived. It was shipped from Manchester, N. H., on the 14th, and has therefore been sixteen days on the road. It is believed to be snowed in between Cleveland and Buffalo.
943
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Tuesday 12/31/1878
Page 4, Col. 5.
THE "CHARLEY ZOLLINGER."
ARRIVAL OF THE NEW STEAMER - HAPPY FIRE LADDIES.
The new fire steamer, "Charley Zollinger," which has so long been on the way arrived last evening over the Saginaw road, and this morning was taken to the engine house by the firemen. Pat Bulger handled the reins and looked unusually proud as he sat on top of the new "masheen." The engine was manufactured by the Amoskeag works, and was shipped on the 16" inst., having been snowed up for some time between Cleveland and Buffalo. It is first class in size, and indeed in every other respect, and is believed to be the equal of any engine ever manufactured. It has piston pumps, the rotary pumps having been tried in Fort Wayne so fully that no more of them are wanted.
The engine looked somewhat demoralized by reason of the accumulations of snow and dirt, but when scoured up and burnished it will be as "pretty as a picture." The boys were aching to get at it, and were soon busily engaged in working a wonderful transformation in its appearance. The name "Charley Zollinger" appears at the front and rear of the engine, on the center globe and on all of the lanterns. There is a deep center seat for the driver, which is safer and more comfortable than the side seats.
A telegram announcing the arrival of the steamer was at once forwarded to the manufacturers at Manchester, N. H., and an expert will reach here in a day or two to conduct the test in the presence of the city officers and council.
The department now has four steamers: the "Frank Randall," purchased in 1860; the "Vigilant," purchased in 1863; the "Anthony Wayne," purchased in 1872, and the "Charley Zollinger," just arrived. Of these steamers, the Vigilant and the Charley Zollinger were made at the Amoskeag works, Manchester, N. H., and the Frank Randall and Anthony Wayne at the works of the Silsby Company, Seneca Falls, N. Y.
944
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Friday 01/03/1879 Page 4, Col. 3.
A representative from the Amoskeag works is expected here to-morrow to superintend the test of the new steamer, which will take place as soon as the weather moderates.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 01/06/1879 Page 4, Col. 4.
DRUG STORE UP.
A $1000 BLAZE WARMS THINGS UP, SUNDAY NIGHT.
Last evening, about 6:30, a fire broke out in the rear of E. H. Nill & Co.'s drug store, No. 80 Calhoun street, and in a short time the building was in flames. An alarm was sounded from box 5-2, and the fire was soon extinguished. The building was damaged by fire to the extent of $300. The stock and the contents of the sleeping room occupied by the Nill brothers were damaged $700. The insurance was a follows: on building, $2,500, divided equally between the Shawnut, of Boston, the Traders, of Chicago, the Commonwealth, of Philadelphia, and the Royal Canadian of Montreal; on stock, $1,500 in the Commonwealth.
The books, etc., in Dr. Purman's room were badly injured by water.
The office of the Masonic Temple Association is in this building, and there was a hurried removal of all of the contents to Mr. Reiter's store. Everything was saved, but the papers, numbers, etc., were thrown into so much confusion that another postponement of the drawing was renderer necessary.
SPARKS.
Saturday evening at 7:30 an alarm was turned in from 1-6, caused by a blaze in the building No. 274 Calhoun street, owned by Ed. Driscoll. The fire resulted from a defective flue. Loss, $10.00.
A fire caught in the basement of Trinity Church, yesterday, from the furnace. Damage, $25.00.
945
PAPER UNKNOWN
01/06/1879
* Engineer Bean, of the Amoskeag company, is in the city. He made a trial of the Charles Zollinger at the east end of Columbia Street, it worked splendidly.
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