USA > Indiana > Allen County > Fort Wayne > History of the Fort Wayne Fire Department : extracts from Fort Wayne, Indiana, newspapers > Part 8
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Page 4, Col. 3
There is a good deal of "kicking" among the firemen over the new rules for the government of the fire department.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 06/26/1879
Page 3, Col. 2.
The Alerts will turn out on the Fourth in full regalia.
993
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 06/30/1879
Page 4, Col. 3.
The telephone wire coming in contact with the fire alarm wires sent in several false alarms to- day.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 07/03/1879 Page 3, Col. 2-3.
The telephone is a source of great annoyance to the fire department.
Frank Vogel is sporting a splendid solid silver badge of his office which he has just received from New York.
Chief Vogel has received an invitation to attend the convention of chief engineers to be held at Washington on the 13th of September.
The Alert hook and ladder company will turn out in force to-morrow in the procession. They will be uniformed and will wear straw hats in place of firemen's caps, each man will sport a bouquet, and altogether they propose to make the best display they ever have made in this city.
994
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 07/05/1879 Page 5, Col. 2.
FOURTH OF JULY PARADE.
Next was the fire department headed by the City Band, who were followed by the chief engineer and his assistants on horseback. First came the old Alerts, who faithfully marched through the choking dust. There were twenty-five of them. The hook and ladder wagon was immediately in their rear being very handsomely and tastefully decorated.
The Charlie Zollinger fire engine followed the hook and ladder truck and then came the Vigilant Hose Company, eight in number; then the Vigilant hose cart and engine followed by another detachment of eight Vigilants.
The Torrent hose carriage and the Frank Randall engine came next, together with another hose cart.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 07/10/1879 Page 4, Col. 3.
FIRE THIS AFTERNOON.
This afternoon at about 2:30 an alarm of fire was turned in from box 16. The department responded as promptly as possible and found the building owned by James Woulfe and occupied by Mrs. Elizabeth Nave, at No. 30 Baker street, to be in flames. The throwing of water on the building was considerably delayed by the bursting of a section of hose. The fire had gained some headway, but by hard work it was soon under control, and shortly afterwards entirely extinguished. The roof of the building was burned off and part of the north gable end. The damage by fire and water will not exceed $150, and is fully insured. The fire is supposed to have originated from a defective flue.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Tuesday 07/15/1879
Page 3, Col. 1.
The city has not yet settled for the Charley Zollinger steamer.
995
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 07/16/1879
Page 3, Col. 2.
There was a small blaze in Fink's coffin shop last evening, which was extinguished with a bucket of water. No alarm was turned in. The fire was the result of spontaneous combustion.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 07/19/1879
Page 4, Col. 3.
Yesterday, about 10 o'clock, a couple of men, while driving along the road about one mile north of Ossian, discovered a large two-story barn on fire. They gave the alarm, but the fire had gained such headway that the barn and contents were totally destroyed. The barn contained wagons, a buggy, sleigh, and fifteen tons of hay. Loss about $2,000. The name of the owner was John Houser.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 07/19/1879
Page 4, Col. 3.
Chief Vogel is very much disgusted with the continued sending in of false alarms, arising from the operations of the telephone artists. The annoyance is very great, both to members of department and to citizens generally.
996
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 07/21/1879
Page 3, Col. 5.
BAUER'S BLAZE.
A SUNDAY FIRE IN THE WEST END.
Yesterday at about fifteen minutes past 12 o'clock an alarm was turned in from box 3-6, on the corner of Union and Pritchard streets. The department responded promptly, and found a wood shed in the rear of 124 Union street completely enveloped in flames, and before the hose could be laid the cornice of the dwelling house occupied by K. J. Bauer, was also in flames. The woodshed contained a quantity of dry wood and made a very hot blaze. The boys got to work and soon had the fire under control, not, however, before the woodshed, a small frame stable, and several smaller out buildings were destroyed. The total loss will probably not exceed $300. Mr. Bauer had an insurance of $1,500 upon the house, but none upon the out-buildings nor his furniture. The furniture was slightly injured by moving, which was done very quickly, as every piece of furniture except a kitchen stove was carried across the street before the engines arrived. The fire, as stated, originated in a woodshed at the rear, and was probably set on fire by some boys who were playing in the shed. The frame stable was owned by John Miller, whose loss is $100.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Tuesday 07/22/1879
Page 3, Col. 2.
The fire department is badly in need of new hose.
997
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 07/23/1879 Page 2, Col. 3.
WATER WORKS.
THE RIGHT SORT OF TALK FROM SOME HEAVY TAX PAYERS.
To the Editor of the Sentinel:
The property of our firm in Fort Wayne, is appraised for taxation at about $60,000. It is all located in the block where is kept the entire fire apparatus of the city. It has the protection of two fire cisterns, and the canal is near at hand. For fear that possibly the proposition to erect water works might not carry at the approaching election, we have provided, in the erection of our new building, for the construction of a large tank in the upper story, from which to supply our block with water. So far, therefore, as we are personally concerned, we need water works comparatively little. But we are not blind to the fact that our interests are bound up with those of Fort Wayne. As business men and property holders we cannot afford to run the risk of seeing such establishments as that of Olds & Sons burn down and then go elsewhere to rebuild, where adequate fire protection can be had. We realize the fact that were the Pittsburgh or Wabash shops destroyed by fire, there would be but very little probability of their ever being rebuilt in Fort Wayne. The work of one windy night might easily convert our city, now full of business activity, into a third-rate inland town, with more grass than business in our streets. Therefore, we are not only willing but anxious to take upon ourselves the slight increase of taxation for a few years which will result from the construction of a thorough system of water works. The sooner they are erected the sooner they will be self supporting. Every vote in our establishment will be freely cast in favor of this greatly needed improvement.
Foster Brothers.
998
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday
07/23/1879 Page 3, Col. 3.
THE MUNICIPALITY.
NEW HOSE TO BE PURCHASED FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The special committee on fire engine reported correspondence with Sillisby company, in which they claim the rating of the Charlie Zollinger engine as second class was an error. The committee asked for further time.
RESOLUTIONS.
That the fire committee receive bids for $2,000 feet of hose.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 07/24/1879
Page 3, Col. 3.
A fire alarm box has been put up at the corner of Calhoun and Lieth streets.
999
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Friday 07/25/1879
Page 4, Col. 2.
A party of the fire boys and a few outsiders took a bath last night at the Spy Run aqueduct. Gus Strodel was in the party, but didn't bathe. He was afraid it would raise the water in the basin and cause an overflow.
There was not a false alarm yesterday. The telephone men are neglecting business.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 08/06/1879
Page 4, Col. 3.
The Anthony Wayne steamer arrived to-day from Seneca Falls, N. Y., via the Wabash. The engine is now the finest looking one in the engine house, and is undoubtedly in the finest possible trim. It has been repaired and almost all the iron and the boiler has been nickle plated. It received a new ash box and an entire new set of flues and a new flue sheet, and was otherwise repaired, making practically a new engine. The cost of the repairs was $750, the freight each way being $100, making a total of $950.
1000
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 08/07/1879
Page 3, Col. 1- 2.
Pat Bulger will drive the Anthony Wayne steamer.
The city has not yet settled for the Zollinger steamer.
The Anthony Wayne steamer in her new dress is a beauty.
A. H. Carier has been secretary of the Alerts nearly a quarter of a century.
The Alert Hook & Ladder Co. will shortly exeurt to Niagara Falls. The committee of arrangements consists of Mayor Zollinger, T. B. Hedekin and A. H. Carier.
The telephone made amends last evening for all neglect of duty before. It sent in an alarm and kept it up for about ten minutes. That's the kind of a telephone to have.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday
08/07/1879 Page 4, Col 4.
The Anthony Wayne steamer was taken out to the old Stapleford warehouse, this morning and fired up; not as a final test, but merely to see whether she was tight in the joints, etc. The test that far was satisfactory, and she threw a stream of water to a distance of 204 feet with sixty pounds of steam. A final test will be made about Saturday. John Schroeder will run her.
1001
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Friday 08/08/1879 Page 3, Col. 2-3.
Chief Vogel will attend the approaching national chief engineers' convention at Washington.
The total cost of the Anthony Wayne repairs, including freight, was $750 instead of $950, as stated in the Sentinel.
Chief Feeley, of the Delphos fire department, visited our fire department yesterday, and was greatly pleased with its workings.
08/08/1879 Friday Page 4, Col. 2.
This morning about 6:30 an alarm of fire was sounded from box 3-6. The department responded immediately. The fire was discovered to be at No. 51 Wilt street. The house is owned by the Swinney heirs and is occupied by Wm. Deihart. The fire had its origin in a clothes closet, but was discovered before any serious damage was done. The loss is about $50.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Monday 08/11/1879 Page 4, Col. 3.
The Alert Hook and Ladder Company celebrated their twenty-third anniversary yesterday. They were organized on the 10th of August, 1856, and have remained an institution of the city ever since. L. T. Bourie is the father of the company, and numbers now with his companions some "solidest" men of the city, including Chas. McCulloch, Mayor Zollinger, A. H. Carier, Fred Boltz and many others. Long live the Alerts.
10 02
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Tuesday 08/12/1879 Page 4, Col. 5.
SHE'S A DAISY.
WHICH REFERS TO THE ANTHONY WAYNE STEAMER.
A SATISFACTORY TEST YESTERDAY AFTERNOON.
Yesterday afternoon the official test of the Anthony Wayne steamer was made at the foot of Columbia street. A number of the city officers witnessed the test, and it provided highly satisfactory to all present. The Anthony Wayne has just been repaired by the Silsby Company of Seneca Falls, at a cost of $750, and is now virtually a new engine and undoubtedly the finest ever brought into the city. Fire was put into the furnace at 2 o'clock. In five minutes steam was made from cold water and in eight minutes water was thrown. In a few minutes more the gauge showed 80 pounds of steam pressure and 170 pounds of water pressure, and, with 500 feet of hose and an 1 1/4 - inch nozzle, water was thrown 198 feet. The pressure was increased to 90 pounds of steam, when water was thrown to a distance of 230 feet. The engine is up to the specifications and will probably be accepted to-night.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 08/09/1879 Page 5, Col. 2.
The trial of the Anthony Wayne steamer will take place on Monday at 2 p. m. at the east end of Columbia street.
10 03
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 08/13/1879
Page 3, Col. 2-3.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING.
Petitions
For exemption from taxes by the minute men of the fire department, by John McGown. For increase of salary of the wheelman of the hook and ladder truck, by Gus Strodel.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
The fire committee reported that a heater had been placed on one of the engines without orders, but the same was necessary, and recommended that the bill be concurred in. Also reported that the chief had used the city's wire for private purposes, for which he refuses to pay; that he refuses to put an alarm box on the corner of Calhoun and Leith street as ordered by the council; also that he did not keep the boxes repaired as usual, etc.
Hettler said the best thing to do would be to get a man to repair the lines, and deduct the expense from the chief's salary.
The report was referred back to the fire committee and city attorney, to report at the next meeting.
They also reported in favor of the acceptance of the Anthony Wayne engine and for the purchase of 2,000 feet of hose. The report was concurred in and the engine accepted.
The following resolutions were referred: To draw an order on the treasurer for $750 in favor of the Silsby Company in payment of the Anthony Wayne repairs.
Proposals
Were received to furnish 2,000 feet of hose for the fire department from the Akron Rubber Company, the New York Belting and Packing Company, and the Guttapercha and Rubber Manufacturer. The proposals were referred to the committee on fire department and the city clerk, to report contract.
1004
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 08/13/1879
Page 3, Col. 5-6.
This is wash day at the engine house. The boys say they feel better with clean socks on.
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The fire department of Fort Wayne, of which the city can justly feel proud, was first organized on the 30th of August, 1839, almost forty years ago and composed then as now some of the best men of the city, comprising Francis Comparet, J. B. Dubois, W. L. Moon, S. S. Morss, J. L. Williams, J. Shenman, John Spencer, M. Hededin, Thos. F. Case, M. W. Hubbell, R. Brackenridge, H. Roberts, John Embrey, R. J. Dawson, H. McCulloch, Edward Stapleford, R. Dykes, Lewis Embrey, Geo. W. Wood, Thos. Johnson, P.G. Jones, Thomas Hamilton, Amos Compston, T. K. Brackenridge, E. V. Doneman, J. W. Denine and Thos. Stapleford.
10 05 1
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Thursday 08/14/1879 Page 4, Col. 3-4.
Chief Vogel and a force of men were engaged until half-past 1 o'clock this morning filling the fire cistern at the intersection of East Jefferson and Lafayette streets, which holds 1,000 barrels. The water was taken from the Pittsburgh works.
ALERTS GRAND EXCURSION
TO NIAGARA FALLS, TORONTO, CAN., AND PUT-IN BAY.
The boss pleasure trip of the season, leaving Fort Wayne via the Wabash Railroad, on Tuesday, August 19th , at 7:40 p. m.
Splendid boat ride on Lake Ontario from the Falls to Toronto, on Thursday, and on returning another boat ride on Lake Erie from near Detroit to Put-in Bay and Toledo.
Round trip to the Falls, $5.
Round trip to the Falls and Toronto, $6.
Round trip to the Falls, Toronto and Put-in Bay, $7.
Sleeping coach attached to the train.
For further particulars apply to C. A. Zollinger, T. B. Hedekin, A. H. Carier, Committee.
8,14,4
page 4, col. 4: The loss at the fire on Madison street yesterday is estimated at about $250, upon which there was no insurance. The loss is nearly equally divided between A. S. Johns and Henry Roembke. The fire is supposed to have been caused by the irrepressible small boy and a box of matches. The engines did good work but the Anthony Wayne was delayed considerably from the fact that she was obliged to make steam from cold water. But when she did come she came "awhooping" A section of hose was bursted.
10 06 1
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Friday 08/15/1879
Page 4, Col. 3.
The firemen washed their hose this morning- the fire hose.
All the steamers at the engine house are now in good condition.
The fire department will receive 2000 feet of new hose shortly.
The Anthony Wayne steamer had a heater attached this morning.
1007 ١٠٠
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Friday 08/22/1879 Page 4, Col. 3.
BURNED TO DEATH.
TERRIBLE FATE OF AN ALLEN COUNTY WOMAN AT LOCUST GROVE.
NOTHING LEFT BUT A FEW CINDERS AND FRAGMENTS OF CHARRED BONES.
The Sentinel of the 16th inst. Contained the following associated press telegram:
New York, Aug. 16 .- Four dead bodies were found this morning in the ruins of the hotel burned last night at Locust Grove. They were those of Joseph Pierce, W. Schuchard, Kate Rafter, a chambermaid, and Louise Cook.
Locust Grove Hotel was burned up between 8 and 9 o'clock on Friday evening the 15th inst., and on the following day the bodies of the above named persons were found in the ruins. Three bodies were BURNED TO A CRISP while that of Catharine Rafter, the old chambermaid, was consumed to cinders, nothing remaining whereby the body could be traced but a portion of the vertebral column and a few small fragments of charred bones. The remains were deposited in a bucket and were thus exhibited at the inquest. The only possible way that the body of Louise Cook could be distinguished from that of Miss. Rafter was by steel corset bands found on the former.
Catharine Rafter was about 60 years old, and had been employed in the hotel a number of years where she was known as "BIG KATE".
The day of the fire was pay day. Kate Rafter, when paid, put the money into the bosom of her dress and had a bank book there covering a considerable deposit in the Bleeker street savings bank in New York.
The unfortunate woman was from Jefferson township, in this county, where her brother and two sisters live. Night before last her remains arrived here on No. 7 Pittsburgh road unattended, but accompanied by a letter of instructions, giving the name of the deceased and requesting that the corpse be taken to Maples, Ind., which was done yesterday.
10 08
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Friday 08/22/1879
Page 4, Col. 3.
At 11 o'clock last night, J. S. Tyler's grocery, No. 106 Broadway, caught fire from some unknown cause. The stock was damaged about $500; insured for $300. The building was damaged $600; insured for $800; owned by Remmel brothers.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 08/23/1879
Page 6, Col. 2.
All the employes of the fire department are married men, but one and he will -
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday
08/23/1879
Page 5, Col. 2.
Yesterday afternoon a house at No. 124 Creighton avenue, caught fire. The blaze was noticed by a street car driver and promptly extinguished. No alarm was turned in and no damage done.
All the employes of the fire department are married men, but one and he will-
10 09
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Tuesday 08/26/1879
Page 4, Col. 2.
The fire committee met last evening to let a contract for new hose for the fire department.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 08/27/1879 Page 4, Col 3-4.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
The committee of fire department reported that an alarm box had been placed on the corner of Leith and Calhoun streets, and ask for further time on other matters referred to them. Concurred in.
REPORTS OF OFFICERS.
The chief engineer of the fire department reported that a national convention of chief engineers would be held in Washington on the 9th of September, and asked an appropriation of $75 to defray expenses for attending said convention; referred to the fire committee.
CONTRACTS.
The fire committee reported a contract with the New York Gutta Percha and Rubber Company for 2, 000 feet of carbolized rubber hose at 9 1/2 cents per foot, with a warrentee for 42 months, payable on December 1st . The report of this contract evoked a great deal of discussion on the part of a number of councilmen, Mckean stating that the hose bought of this company in 1874 was worthless. Insinuations of bulldozing were freely made, and the mayor was finally obliged to call them to order. The contract was finally amended to provide for the retaining of $300 as a warrentee, and to pay the same in city orders at par, which contract, as amended, was referred to a special committee consisting of the fire committee and Councilmen Bash and Muhler, to make further investigations as to the quality of the different hose.
1010 1
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 08/27/1879
Page 4, Col. 2.
The fight at the council last night was on the hose question. Chief Vogel was in favor of Akron hose and the fire committee wanted a New York hose. The council stood a tie, and the mayor decided in favor of the Vogel side.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Saturday 08/30/1879 Page 6, Col. 2-3.
Mike Conners, of the engine house, took an involuntary bath in the canal last evening.
This morning at about 4:30 the azure vault of heaven was rent by a discord of diabolical screeches from the whistles of at least twenty locomotives, and almost at the same time an alarm was sent in from box 34, to which the department responded with neatness and despatch and found the residence of J. D. Murphy, 25 Taylor street, in flames. The fire was soon subdued. The building was valued at about $600 and insured for $500. The loss by fire and water is probably $75. It is supposed to be the work of an incendiary.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Tuesday 09/02/1879 Page 4, Col. 3.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING.
The council then took a recess of five minutes to prepare resolutions.
The committee on fire department reported rules and regulation, which were read by sections and some changes and alterations made after which they were adopted.
1011 1
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday
09/03/1879 Page 4, Col. 2.
AN UGLY WHISPER.
IS ANY BODY TRYING TO BUY A FORT WAYNE COUNCILMAN?
IF SO, LET HIM BE PROMPTLY EXPOSED.
As the readers of the Sentinel are aware there is a spirited contest in progress in this city over the question of hose. Some time since the council
ADVERTISED FOR BIDS
for furnishing the city with 2,000 feet of hose for the fire department. The following bids were received: New York Belting and Packing Company, R. H. Mead, agent- 90 cents, couplings extra.
New York Gutta Percha and Rubber Company, C. G. Carleton, agent- 2 1/2 -inch, 4-ply, with 5- ply ends, fitted with couplings, 94 cents.
B. F. Goodrich & Co., Akron, O .- Anchor hose, test 450 pounds, 96 cents.
The fire committee reported in favor of the bid of the New York Gutta Percha and Rubber Co., and submitted a contract. Strong opposition was awakened in the council, and it was charged by Messrs. McKean and Hettler that this company, in a former transaction, had swindled the city. Chief Vogel was very strongly in favor of the Akron hose, and fought the fire committee on their report. The council being a tie it was finally decided to refer the matter back to a special committee consisting of the fire committee, with Messrs. Bash and Muhler added. The matter is now in the hands of these gentlemen, who will report at the next regular meeting.
In the meantime hard work is being done in the interest of both hose companies, and it has been intimated to the Sentinel that at least one of the agents is endeavoring to carry his point by crooked work. It has been hinted rather loudly, in the presence of a reporter of this paper, by persons who ought to know, that certain councilmen have been advanced in an improper manner in the interests of one of the hose companies. Our reporter attempted to get at the facts by interviews, but the intended victim was very reticent and would say nothing except that "it would all come out." The Sentinel is well satisfied that there is not a single member of the council who could be influenced by a corrupt proposition. But if a councilman has been approached in this matter, it is his duty to make the fact known in open council and expose the whole scheme. Men who imagine that they can buy Fort Wayne councilmen should not only find out their mistake, but also be taught such a lesson that they will not bring any more of their goods to this market.
1012 ,
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Friday 09/05/1879 Page 4, Col. 3.
To-day noon George Swain and Gust Strodel hitched up the hook and ladder team in just sixteen seconds. This is remarkably good time considering the fact that when the bell struck the horses were in their stalls with the doors closed and in just sixteen seconds after the bell struck the horses had run a distance of seventy feet, were hitched up, the driver was in his seat and everything was in readiness to move out.
FORT WAYNE DAILY SENTINEL Wednesday 09/10/1879 Page 4, Col 1-2-3-4.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
The committee on fire department reported the petition of Chief Vogel for an allowance, back to the council; adverse to the petition of Gus A. Strodel for an increase of pay as tillerman, and also that all of the city's telegraph poles had been returned. Received and filed.
The special committee appointed to investigate the carbolized hose reported in favor of the purchase of the hose as recommended by the fire committee; that the bad hose referred to by several members of the council were the Atlas hose and not the carbolized hose at present in question.
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