Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 17

Author: Sanderson, Thomas W
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: Chicago, Ill., Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 993

USA > Ohio > Mahoning County > Youngstown > Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens > Part 17

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subject to sudden and considerable variation in flow with corresponding variation in the character of the water.

The sewage from several towns above Youngstown, which is discharged into the river, together with the drainage from several large steel mills in Youngstown above the pumping station, rendered the river unsatis- factory as a source of supply, unless the water from it was filtered. In attempting to secure a more satisfactory supply, several projects were first considered for developing reservoir sites on creeks in the vicinity which are tribu- taries of the river and bringing the water by gravity from these reservoirs to the pumping station. The adoption of any of these sources, however, would have required the erection of a filter plant to insure a sanitary supply, so it was decided to adhere to the river as a source of such supply, and build a filter plant near the old pumping station; then, if necessary, de- velop a further supply on one of the creeks.

The pumping station on the north bank of the river is in a very closely built-up section, with little room to expand and no feasible site for a filter plant. A tract of vacant ground of several acres, bordering on the south bank of the river, and immediately across from the pumping station, was acquired and the filter plant erected on it near the river and about 500 feet up stream from the station.

The filter plant embraces an intake in the river, a main filter building and a clear water well.

Quicksand was encountered in making the excavation for the clear water well and some difficulty was experienced in completing the excavation and laying the concrete.

The contract for the intake and boiler house, filter building, clear water well and all filtering appliances was awarded to Messrs. Thomas Lightbody & Son, of Youngstown, for $100.000. The machinery equipment was furnished by the William Tod Co. of Youngs- town, at a cost of $9,400. The boiler-house contains two 125-horse-power water turbine boilers, built by the Sterling Boiler Company at a cost of $4.200. The total cost of the plant, exclusive of heating and lighting and the 36-

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Y SL C. A BUILDING. YOUNGSTOWN

STAND PIPE, YOUNGSTOWN

CINTRAL. CHRISTIAN CHURCH. YOU NGSTOWN

RAYEN HIGH SCHOOL YOUNGSTOWN

PARMELEE PUBLIC SCHOOL. YOUNGSTOWN

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inch river crossing, was $123,000. The valves in the entire plant were made by C. W. Thomas, of Detroit ; the cast iron pipe by the Massillon Iron & Steel Company. The plant as constructed was designed by Mr. F. M. Lillie, city engineer of Youngstown, assisted by Messrs. H. M. Reel and S. A. King, assist- ant engineers, and with the advice of W. S. Hamilton, superintendent of the water works. Mr. George W. Fuller, of New York, was con- sulting engineer. The plant was built under the direction of the Board of Public Service, David Heinselman, president, with Messrs. Hagan and Vetter as the other members. The committee of the City Council, which had much to do with the adoption of the plans for the plant, and their execution, consisted of Messrs. Middleton and Parrock.

FIRE DEPARTMENT.

One of the notable incidents in the history of Youngstown was the organization of the Youngstown Fire Department. As with all cities the first was a volunteer department, and for years the organization maintained a name for itself by the efficient work which it per- formed.

The patron of the organization was Gov- ernor David Tod, and after him the engine which marked the start of the department was rinmed. The venerable machine is still in existence, after having gone through years of service, and stands in the annex to Central fire department station, as a monument to the organization which "whooped 'er up" so many times in making the runs to the many fires which they extinguished during the existence of the department.

With it came the reel hose wagon yet re- membered by all, and later came the hook and ladder wagon, and the department was a real- ity. The organization of the department was coincident with the blossoming of the village into a city, and was demanded by considera- tions of public safety.

On March 2, 1868, while Youngstown was yet a village. the council passed an ordinance authorizing the issuance of $10,000 worth of

bonds for the purpose of purchasing a fire engine. It became evident before the village became a city that such an amount would be inadequate for the purchase of a fire engine, and the ordinance was repealed.

The city organized as such after the first city election on April 6, 1868, and on April 14, the new city officers took charge. One of the first acts of the new city government was to authorize the issue of $20,000 worth of bonds for the purchase of the fire engine. In the meanwhile the citizens were preparing an organization to, take hold as soon as the city was ready for them, which was perfected April 20, 1868. Governor Tod had worked inces- santly on the organization of the department, and the city showed its appreciation of his labors when they finally bore fruit, by naming the engine after hint.

The first organization had sixty members, and the following were the officers elected :

President-J. M. Silliman,

Vice-president-A. W. Jones.

Secretary-J. H. Thompson.

Treasurer-Edward Miller.

Foreman -- James A. Hamman.

First Assistant-D. H. Arnokl.

Second Assistant-L. R. Roberts.

Engineers-W. S. Hamilton. N. L. Pollock and W. B. Wilson.

Hose Directors-Owen Evans, L. P. Gil- man. James Van Fleet, C. Miller, T. J. Lewis, and John Davis.

Fireman-Henry Morris. Assistant Fireman-A. W. Jones.

The company got along with the hose wagon and engine for three years, and in the meanwhile the first engine-house was built. A temporary house for the fire engine was erected, but on November 2d, H. Hamilton and Mayor McKee were appointed a commit- tee for the erection of a permanent house on the present site of the Central department sta- tion. September 14, 1871, a hook and ladder company was organized with fifty members. After the organization of the engine company the first appearance of its members in uniform was at the funeral of Governor Tod in No- vember. 1868. Surviving members well re-

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member that day, when the uniforms, which had arrived the day before, were donned for the first time to pay tribute to one of the strongest friends the volunteers ever had. The companies were governed simply by foremen until May 6, 1873, when the office of chief engineer was created, and J. W. Ross was ap- pointed to fill it. Fourteen fire police were also appointed.

On April 20, 1875, the volunteers re- .elected J. M. Ross chief, and he was confirmed by the council, together with the following officers of the department : J. W. Metz, as- sistant chief; W. S. Hamilton, fire engineer ; Albert Probst , hose cart driver; Chauncey Hamilton, hook and ladder marshal.

On February 29, 1876, the City Council fixed the salary of the chief of the fire depart- ment at $65 per month. On April 11, 1876, the following nominations of the volunteer as- sociation were confirmed by the council : John W. Metz, chief; Philip McGonnell, assistant chief: W. S. Hamilton, fire engineer, and A. M. Probst, hose cart driver. The following year the salary of the chief was made $600 per year.

Charles W. McNab was nominated chief and confirmed by council on April 9. 1878. together with the following officers nominated by the volunteers: Joseph C. Cook, assistant .chief; W. S. Hamilton, fire engineer; D. H. Evans, hose cart driver.

May 13. 1879, McNab was again ap- pointed chief of the department with the same ·sub-officers. April 27, 1880, Richard Morgan was confirmed by the council as chief. and served one year. The following year William Horner was chosen chief. and served through until the next year. W. S. Hamilton in that year resigned as fire engineer, and F. E. Jones succeeded him.

The following spring there arose differ- ences between the council and the volunteer organization over the purchase of supplies. Council refused to confirm the officers selected by the volunteer organization in 1882, and the organization immediately retaliated with a notice that it would disband. The following notice was served on the council :

"At a special meeting of the Youngstown Fire Department held April 29, the following resolutions were adopted :

"Whereas, We have been a volunteer fire department for fourteen years for the said city ; and whereas at our regular meeting held Thursday, April 6, 1882, we elected our officers for the ensuing year according to the rules and laws of said company, and

"Whereas, Said nominations were sent to council for confirmation of the same, and

"Whereas, said council refused to recog- nize and confirm said nominations; therefore, be it

"Resolved, That we cease to exist as a volunteer fire department for said city from Monday, May 8, 1882, at 9 o'clock p. m.

"Signed WILLIAM HORNER, "JAMES W. METZ, "EDWARD F. JONES, "Committee."

The volunteers immediately made prepara- tions for leaving and took their possessions from the fire department building. D. H. Evans, as driver, on May 4, 1882, resigned, and it seemed that for a short time the city would be without a fire department.

A number of the members of the old de- partment came to the rescue. however, and offered their services to the city as "experi- enced and trained firemen." Their offer was at once accepted, and the nomination of Charles W. McNab as chief, John Lung as hose cart driver, and Albert Probst as hook and ladder driver, were confirmed on April 28. A move was made in the same year for a new building.

On May 7. 1883. the volunteers nominated William H. Moore as chief, John Lung as hose cart driver, and Al Probst as hook and ladder driver. On June 30, 1884. Moore was re- elected chief, and his salary fixed at $500 per year. Five men were ordered hired at $60 per month, and later the council passed a reso- Intion to pay the minute men fifty cents per hour.

On May 11. 188%, W. H. Moore was re- elected chief, and again on May 24. 1886. At that time Al Probst was made hose cart driver.

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and Sim Dyer, hook and ladder driver. George Battieger, Ambrose Perkins, and Charles Vaughn were appointed as stationary men at the fire station.

On June 13. 1887. Chief Moore was re- nominated for chief, but was not confirmed. On June 27 John P. Mercer was chosen by council as chief. In August of the same year M. Quinn and William Knox were added to the department. Battieger resigning. Febru- ary 6, 1888, the fire station at the corner of Oak and Fruit streets was finished and War- ren McCready, John McAleer and W. H. Lol- ler were appointed as additional men, Loller taking the place of Ambrose Perkins. The next year M. Sullivan was appointed in place -of James Probst. The Sixth Ward station was completed in 1889. John B. Reynolds, Dyer and McCready were assigued there.

John P. Mercer was continued as chief of the fire department until the city commission- ers took hold in 1891, and the volunteer de- partment became a thing of the past. The volunteer department did great work in its day with the growing city, and had a number of big fires to combat. It had its start just after the great fire of 1867, which destroyed the residence of the late Governor Tod, when it was proven that the old bucket brigade was .entirely inadequate to the needs of the city. It was owing to Governor Tod, through his ready and energetic assistance in the organiza- tion of the department, that it soon became recognized as one of the most efficient in the country.

One of the notable events of the old or- ganization was the holding of the State con- vention of volunteer fire departments here in 1873. The event brought together a large number of notable fire fighters of the State, and the move was started then which resulted in the next year, when the convention was held at Springfield. in a law being passed by the legislature which relieved volunteer firemen from jury duty.

In 1878. a delegation of eighteen from the Youngstown department went to Chicago to attend the national tournament of volunteer 'fireman there and carried off the honors for the

country. Generals Hayes and Grant re- viewed the procession at that time. The dele- gates were entertained while in Chicago by Joseph Brown.

Mixed with hard work which the depart- ment had to do, the boys found time for a great deal of pleasure. The weekly meetings of the department were events, and once a year came the annual ball: in the summer time the annual excursion. Great fires occurred in those days and were combatted as successfully . as the apparatus would allow. One of the first fires was that which destroyed the Jewell block, and two or three surrounding buildings. This was almost immediately after the depart- ment had been organized, and, according to all accounts, it was one of the fiercest fires the young town ever knew. The burning of the Porter block in the early seventies, and that of the Ritter block, which preceded it, were both bad fires, and gave the department hard work. as did also, in the eighties, the Pollock barn on East Front street, and, about the same time, the destruction of Young's cooperage shop on South Champion street. Later came the destruction of the mower and reaper works, and that of the nut and bolt works, and the fire which wiped out almost the entire square from the Howell's block to the Wick National Bank block on West Fed- eral strect. At all these fires, the department, at first wholly volunteer, and afterwards part paid, conducted themselves with great credit.

An outcome of the old volunteer depart- ment was the veteran Volunteer Fireman's Association, which was formed December 21, 1895, with the following officers: President, J. M. Ross; vice-president, J. B. Housteau ; secretary, J. F. McGowan, and treasurer, David Heinselman.

When the present law governing the city went into effect the fire department consisted of three companies, Central No. 1 and No. 2. John P. Mercer was chief, having been ap- pointed to the position by council about three years previous. The department under the control of the council was a part paid, part volunteer organization. In addition to the chief there were four drivers and seven hosemen

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who were paid for their services and were on duty at all times, and a large number of volun- teers, or minute men, who responded to fire alarms when their occupation permitted. The minute men received no stated salary, but were paid fifty cents per hour for all active service rendered.

THE DEPARTMENT REORGANIZED.

On May 16, 1891, the city commissioners reorganized the fire department by appointing William H. Moore chief, William L. Knox assistant chief, and the following firemen, eight of whom, including the assistant chief, had served under council : Albert Probst, Sim Dyer, Warren McCready, Charles Vaughn, Michael Quinn, William H. Loller, Christ Weick, Charles Daley, Thomas Reilly, Wil- liam Evans, David Stambaugh, Samuel Mc- Kenzie, Patrick Dooley, William Smedley, and John Haid. Ten of these men were lo- cated at Central, three at No. 2, Oak street, and three at No. 3, Thomas street. The ap- paratus at Central. station consisted of a hose wagon and a dilapidated and almost useless hook and ladder truck, notwithstanding the fact that a few months previously the city had purchased a modern chemical engine and an aerial ladder truck. Central headquarters were located in a rickety old frame building in which there was not sufficient room for the men, horses or apparatus, and public tele- phones afforded the only means of notifying the fire department when a fire occurred.

Recognizing the necessity of providing a new building and a modern electric fire alarm system. the commissioners and city council, in 1894. obtained legislative authority to issue bonds in the sum of $25,000, thus enabling them to build and equip a new engine house and install a fire alarm system by which citi- zens can instantly communicate with the fire department.

- After the erection of the new central head- quarters the city officials were confronted with the problem of affording necessary fire pro- tection to the property in Haselton, Brier Hill, I

and the South Side, three rapidly growing suburbs of the city. Realizing that there was only one solution of the problem-the erection of three new stations and the organization of three additional companies-a proposition to issue the necessary bonds, which was sub- mitted to the citizens at the November elec- tion, in 1895, carried by an overwhelm- ing majority; in the following year three handsome and well-appointed fire stations were erected.

Station No. 4, located on Falls avenue, was opened December 17, 1896. Station No. 5, at the corner of Superior street and Oak- land avenue, was opened January 9, 1897, and Station No. 6, Wilson avenue, on December 19, 1896.

The public generally has little or no idea of the daily routine of a fireman's life, or of the system by which men, horses, and appar- atus are kept ever ready to respond to calls for the protection of life and property. A visit to Central station is a revelation to any one unacquainted with fire department meth- ods. Visitors are always welcome and may rest assured of finding a set of obliging men who will take pleasure in escorting them through the building and making intelligent explanation of every feature.

The first object to attract attention is the combination chemical engine and hose wagon. This truck is fitted with two tanks, each con- taining sixty gallons of chemical fluid. one gallon of which will extinguish as much fire as forty gallons of water. This fluid is espe- cially effective on fires that are confined to the interior of buildings. Situated above the tanks is a bed or box in which is carried 800 feet of 21/2-inch hose for attachment when a fire is too large to be extinguished by the chemical. This truck has rubber tires three inches wide, weighs nearly four tons, and is drawn by three horses.

In the center of the room stands the aerial truck, which is run to all fires in the business part of the city. This truck is so built that its ladder can be extended to a height of seventy feet and placed at any angle desired.

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In addition to a full complement of ladders this truck carries chemical extinguishers, forks, door openers, life lines and life net, and electric wire cutters with insulated handles.

Standing next the aerial truck is a truck of lighter pattern, designed purposely for long suburban runs. Standing in a row in the rear of the trucks are the magnificent and well- trained horses, whose almost human intelli- gence never fails to attract the admiration of visitors. Standing always with their heads toward the stall doors, only a shake of the gong is required to bring them galloping to their places under the suspended harness.

On the second story of the station are the sleeping rooms of the firemen-everything clean and home-like. Handsome carpets on the floor, pictures adorning the walls, and a neat and well arranged bed inviting repose. When the fireman retires at night he removes his clothes like the ordinary citizen, but before he lays down he places a pair of rubber boots into which his pants have been tucked beside his bed. If a fire disturbs his slumbers he bounds out of bed, jerks on his pants and boots by the same operation, grabs the sliding pole, and quicker than you can read this para- graph he is in front of the truck on which he rides hitching a horse. His coat and hat are donned while the horses are madly galloping to the fire.

FIREMAN'S DAILY ROUTINE.

The routine of the fireman's life is ordin- arily as follows: In the morning he must make up his own bed and arrange his room. The trucks must be cleaned, every bit of brass about the engine house polished, the floor swept and mopped, horses groomed, harness cleaned, hose taken care of, and innumerable details attended to of which the public has no conception. Every member of the department is on duty day and night, except every tenth day, when he has leave of absence of twenty- four hours. So the fireman has very little time to discharge social or other obligations aside from his regular duty.

THE DEPARTMENT AS NOW ORGANIZED.

On May 1, 1900, Chief Moore and Assist- ant Chief Knox were retired on a pension, and! William H. Loller was promoted to the posi -. tion of chief, Thomas C. Reilly being selected! as his assistant. Promotion came to both men as a reward for the faithful and intelligent manner in which they had discharged every. duty devolving upon them while in subordin -. ate positions, and subsequent events have jus- tified their selection.

Chief Loller is an active, energetic man who has well settled progressive ideas as to how a metropolitan fire department should be conducted. In carrying out whatever poli- cies he establishes, the chief enjoys the confi- dence, and has the hearty co-operation of all his subordinates, which guarantees that har- mony so essential to the success of the depart- ment. Without being a martinet he stands for discipline, and with a full appreciation of the necessarily confining nature of their duties he believes the men under his charge should enjoy the fullest liberty consistent with proper order and discipline.

One of the first orders issued by the new chief was that the aerial truck, which had be- come rusty from ill-use, should be placed in service, and that the firemen, not only from the Central station, but of the entire depart- ment, should familiarize themselves with the operation of the truck. This was followed by other reforms, including daily drills with the life net, coupling and uncoupling of hose, prac- tical hitches, and the establishment of a watch service which guarantees a prompt response to all calls. A careful and itemized account is kept of all supplies, and not even a box of matches leaves the store room until it has been charged to the company for which it is in- tended.

Believing that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure Chief Loller has estab- lished a system of building inspection that has no doubt resulted in the prevention of many fires. The chief, assistant chief, and captains make periodical inspections of all the

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buiklings in the down town district. This system not only causes compliance by owners and tenants with the laws designed to prevent fires, but it also serves to keep the officers familiar with the location of all stairways, hatches, elevators, fire escapes, etc.

Assistant Chief Reilly, who has been a member of the department for years, is well fitted for the position of assistant chief. His ability as a fireman has been shown on in- numerable occasions previons to his appoint- ment as assistant chief. U'pon him devolves the execution of all the orders of the chief. whom he represents at fires.

From the chief to the latest man added to the force the department is composed of an in- telligent and fearless laxly of men whose con- ·duct in the past is proof that danger will never deter them from doing their duty individually and collectively, and justifies all the confidence reposed in the department by the citizens. 'Some among them have fallen victims in the performance of their duty.

Nov. 1. 1901, at the Stambaugh fire on Belmont avenue. Captain Smedley, Mike Mc- Donough, and J. Smith Cowden were injured. McDonough died at the hospital on the fol- lowing day, and Cowden lingered until March 22, when he died as the result of his injuries.

Captain AI Probst of Station No. 6, the oldest man then in service, was killed at the Consolidated Gas and Electric Light Com- pany fire, June 23. 1904.

In addition to the above casualties, there have been numerous lesser injuries received at different times by other members of the de- partment while at work in extinguishing fires.

STATIONS AND COMPANIES.

"Station 1, or Central," northeast corner of Boardman and Hazel streets. Chief. W. H. Loller : first assistant chief. T. C. Reilly : second assistant chief. 11. S. Dyer : electrician. Ambrose Perkins; Hose Company No. 1 ; En- gine Company No. 1: Ladder Company A: Ladder Company B; W. A. McCready. mar- shal. Twenty-four men, not counting the chief

officers first mentioned. This station had in- stalled in April. 1903. a Nott engine. No. 1 size.

Station No. 2. corner Oak and Fruit streets. Have Company No. 2 : five men ; M. T. Quinn, marshal.

Station No. 3. corner Thomas and Foster streets. Hose Company, Engine Company No. 3: seven men: Edward Sweeney. marshal. This station has a Nott No. 2 size engine.

Station No. 4. south side. Falls avenue, near Oak Hill avenne. Huse Company No. 4: five men : Charles Daley. marshal.

Station No. 5. corner Oakland avenne and Superior street. Hose Company No. 5: five men: John Haid, marshal.

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Twentieth Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 17

Author: Sanderson, Thomas W Publication date: 1907 Publisher: Chicago, Ill., Biographical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 993

Author: Sanderson, Thomas W
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: Chicago, Ill., Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 993