USA > Pennsylvania > Lehigh County > Catasauqua > A history of Catasauqua in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania > Part 3
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When the opportunity eame, the Borough Council promptly passed an ordinance, dated May 11, 1891, giving permission to the Allentown Passenger Railway Company to operate its railway within the limits of the Borough of Catasauqua, by electricity, and for that purpose to erect its poles, string its wires, ete.
The ordinance stipulates that on improved streets the Company shall pave between the rails and two feet on the outer sides of the rails of their tracks in a manner as is directed by the Street Committee.
It also restriets the Company to use the railway tracks within the Borough limits for no other purpose than to carry passengers. On account of the inability of the old wooden bridge to carry the weight of tracks and trolley cars, the line was built from Allentown via Second, Chapel and Front Streets at Fullerton, to the west end of the bridge.
So as to maintain charter-rights, tracks were laid from the canal bridge on Race Street to the Horse Shoe works on Front Street, and a little bounding horse car of the most ancient type constituted the equipment.
When the iron bridge was completed, during 1893, the trolley cars ran through the town via Race and Front, Arch and Third Streets on a line dividing at the Hokendauqua bridge. One arm reaches out into Siegfried, Pa., and the other to Egypt, Pa. Forty cars on their regular schedule run through the Bor- ough to Siegfried, and thirty-nine to Egypt. Besides these an extra service of seven cars daily between Allentown and Catasauqua during rush hours is main- tained.
The (Allentown Passenger Railway Company metamorphosed into the Allentown and Lehigh Valley Traction Company, and, after another lapse of time, into the Lehigh Valley Transit Company. The trackage of the complete system is 154 miles.
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OF CATASAUQUA
On the 22nd day of December, 1903, the Borough Council passed an ordi- nance granting permission to the Hanover Central Electric Railway Company to lay and operate a double track trolley system, south on Howertown Avenue to Walnut, thenee east on Walnut to American, south on American Street to Kurtz's Lane and east on Kurtz's Lane, now Wood Street, to the Borough limits. The Hanover Electric was supposed to run via Schoenersville to Bethlehem-but there was no ".Juice."
WATER.
The first water works consisted of a well sunk by the Crane Company oppo- site the furnaces on Front Street, and a "Municipal pump," whence the whole community drew water. The pump was made of a log-bored stock, octagonal in shape. and about fourteen inches in diameter, and a leather valve suction bucket. worked by an iron rod and a long iron handle balanced with a knob on the end.
Around the old pump many an impromptu colloquy occurred by the chance meeting of friends and foes, men and maidens, the bearers of life's burdens and the carefree lovers of youth.
The Lehigh Crane Tron Company more than fulfilled the conditions laid down in the proffers of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company and thus the water rights from the Hokendauqua to the Allentown dams were ceded to the former.
In those days the crystal purity of the Lehigh River was not contaminated by sewer systems of various descriptions and, therefore, a pump was attached to the water wheel that drove the hot-blast for the furnaces, in order to draw water from the river for the town's use.
David Thomas directed his son Samuel, who was then a student at Nazareth Hall, to stop off at Bethlehem and take measurements of the pump used there in order that he might have a model and some data to go by in the ereetion of Catasauqua's first water works. The gentleman who generously supplied Mr. Thomas with desired data was Richard W. Leibert, who still resides in Bethlehem.
The work of construction was begun before the charter grant was completed. A four-inch main was laid from the pump to Wood Street, to Second, up Second
20
THE HISTORY
to Church, and up Church Street to a point above Limestone Street, where a basin or reservoir was built. Water seeping through the walls of the basin softened the underlying strata of limestone and caused a number of caverns which were dangerous. A large wooden tank was built beside the basin to serve its purpose.
During 1854, a four-inch main was laid on Front Street to Bridge. During 1856, a three-inch main was attached at Front and Bridge Streets, and con- tinued up Bridge and Second Streets to the new residence of David Thomas,, located at Second and Pine Streets. The main on Front Street was extended to "Puddler's Row," above Chapel Street.
During 1872, the Company expended over $25,000 on extensive improve- ments. On some streets larger, and on others, new mains were laid.
A new pumping station, twenty-three by twenty-five feet in dimensions, was built below furnace No. 6. It was equipped with a steam pump in addition to the old water power system. Its capacity was 185,000 gallons per day. To equalize the pressure on the mains and water pipes, a large stand pipe was ereeted in front of the pumping station.
Toward the elose of the nineteenth century, the Clear Springs Water Com- pany was chartered and secured water rights on both sides of the river from Cementon to Allentown. The Crane Company. through its receiver, returned the water rights in its name to the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company, who, in turn. ceded the rights of the Catasauqua Water Works to the Clear Springs Water Company.
Under date of August 28, 1903, an agreement was entered into by the Clear Springs Water Company and the Borough of Catasauqua, that the former supply the town according to the following schedule of net rates :
One family, first spigot
6.00
Bath tub
$ 3.00
Wash stand, first $ 3.00
Closet, first
$ 3.00
Pave wash, each $ 1.50
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OF CATASAUQUA
Stationary wash tub, first 1.50
Steam or water heater 1.50
Hotel
$50.00 to $100.00
Hydrants on streets $ 12.00
Beer pumps
15.00
Fountains $ 7.50
A discount of twenty-five per cent. was allowed on all bills that were paid within twenty days from the first day of the month on which they were issued. The above contract terminated December 31, 1907.
Although the Clear Springs Water Company did all they could to furnish water desired by the consumer, there was constant complaint against the condition of the water furnished; and when the rates to consumers were announced in January, 1908, many discontinued the use of the water.
The Fire and Water Committee was directed to inquire into conditions and ascertain the approximate cost of a municipal water plant.
They inspected various plants, and invited engineers of experience to view the location selected for wells by a geologist sent by the State Board of Health.
A citizens' meeting was called in the Town Hall, Thursday, July 23. 1908. when it was proposed to ask the tax payers to agree to a loan of $80,000, to sink wells and proceed with the erection of a municipal plant. The Council resolved unanimously to submit the matter to the tax-payers at the November election. There were 776 votes in favor of a municipal plant, and 74 opposed to it.
Two wells, ten inches in diameter, were sunk two hundred and forty feet into the earth at Walnut and St. John Streets, and were seenred with a steel casement almost to their full depth. Both wells were tested by air lifts for seven successive days and nights and proved to contain an inexhaustible supply. The State Board certified to the absolute purity of the water.
Drill-engineers were set to their task in March. 1910, and by October the pumps were in operation. The men who deserve credit for this successful enter- prise are : Dr. C. J. Keim, Burgess, and his eouneilmen, Henry W. Stolz, Alfred J. Leh, Martin Graver, Thomas Jones, William MeCandless, and Oscar Shugar.
22
THE HISTORY
PUMPING STATION.
THE PUMPING STATION.
The pumping sta- tion is a one-story, fire-proof, brick build- ing, large enough to double the capacity of its present equipment whenever needed. There are two 125 horse power high pressure tubular boil- ers, two one million gallon pumps, and two air compressors
in operation.
The dimensions of the reservoir and aerator are seventy-two feet in diameter by fourteen feet, six inches in depth, and afford a capacity of 364,000 gallons. It is constructed of steel and concrete, and bears a roof of cement tiling, and screened ventilators ,assuring protection against all impurities.
The Water Tower (stand-pipe) is located on Catasauqua's highest elevation, a spot near Sixth Street and half a block north of Walnut Street. It is of steel construction, fifteen feet in diameter and eighty feet high, with a capacity of 125 .- 000 gallons.
The system of water mains consists of pipes, ranging from sixteen to six inches in diameter and totals an extension of seven miles. This system is divided into sixty-three districts, any and all of which may be closed off at will. Thus only the people of the square in which repairs are made need be inconvenienced for the time being. There are 790 taps from mains to houses and 75 hydrants.
Thirty-five Matthews-type hydrants with six-ineh base connections, two two and one-half ineh nozzles for hose, and one four-ineh nozzle for steamer have been located at prominent street corners.
The average quantity of water pumped per week is 3,500,000 gallons, and
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OF CATASAUQUA
the average consumption of coal is twenty tons weekly. The total receipts aver- age $8,500 per annum.
DRINKING FOUNTAINS.
Public spirited citizens attended a meeting in the fall of 1912 for the pur- pose of considering ways and means for the erection of drinking fountains for man and beast throughout the town. A committee charged with the matter was appointed : Captain Joseph Matchette, Chairman, Edmund Randall, H. H. Riegel, M. D., William Weisley and Chester Frantz. The solicitors appointed by the committee were : John Moat, George T. Boyer, Frank C. Beek, Alvin A. Houser, George O. Houser, Reuben Weaver, and Cooper Weaver.
Four fountains (for man and beast ), one for each Ward, and an extra one, on Front Street, were purchased for $380.00 from the JJ. L. Mott Iron Works, New York, through the kind offices of Charles E. Frederick.
The well known plumbing firm of Beck and Frey connected up the fountains at a cost of $120.00. Mrs. Kate Fuller generously paid for the fountain in the Fourth Ward.
FIRE PROTECTION.
At the suggestion of David Thomas, a meeting of the villagers was called, November 4, 1845, for the purpose of organizing a fire company. Thirty-seven men were in attendance.
Owen Rice John Lees
David Thomas
John Kane Noah Phillips
William J. Anll
Edward Clark Cochrane MeLaughlin
John MeIntyre
Henry E. Kildare
Charles Dempsey
John Hunter
Isaac Miller
William Neligh
James Hunter
Thomas Dempsey
William Pollock
Alex. MeCurdy
Alexander Miller
Jacob Smith
James Dempsey
Robert Campbell
Morgan Emanuel
Mark Dempsey
Richard Davis
Neil Mckeever
Patrick Dempsey
George Jenkins
Thomas Miller James MeAllister
Arthur McQuade
Wm. MeClelland
John Clark
John Thomas
William Boyle
Samuel Thomas
William Davis
24
THE HISTORY
They adopted the name, "The Humane Fire Company." The charter of incorpora- tion was granted March 14, 1846. A hand force pump, at- tached to a large tank mounted on four wheels, was purchas- ed from a Philadel- FIRST FIRE ENGINE. phia Fire Company. The pump was operated by a pair of handles extending over the truck at either end. To give it full foree the strength of twenty men was taxed. Under full pressure a strong stream could be thrown over the highest building in town. A bucket brigade from some neighboring well supplied the water in the tank.
The engine was housed in a frame building on Second Street, near Church Street, now the site of the Crane stables. There was also a hose carriage fully equipped to convey water from the plugs of the new water works to the engine tank, on streets where mains had been laid.
The destruction, by fire, of the machine shop of the Crane Company, in 1865, demonstrated the inefficiency of this primitive apparatus. Engine (hand- pump) and hose carriage were stripped of their brass mountings and taken to the ominous shades of an ancient tree near the round-house of the Catasauqua and Fogelsville Railroad, where their existence wasted like fadeth the aged couple that watcheth the last glimmer of light slowly dying away beyond the terraced heights of Fairview cemetery. It is a pity the old guard has not been sheltered and preserved for proud participation in the pageantry of Old Home Week.
THE PHOENIX FIRE COMPANY.
The Phoenix Steam Fire Company No. 1 was so named after a friendly eom- pany of this name in Easton, Pa., and was organized April 23, 1866, in the old Temperance Hall on Second Street, where the Crane stables now are.
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OF CATASAUQUA
The Crane Company had long since built the brick fire hall on Front Street, close by the old pump, for the Humane Company, which had disbanded prior to the organization of the Phoenix.
The first official board consisted of William Williams, president; W. H. Horn, secretary; David Davis treasurer. The charter membership consisted of thirty men.
-
THE PHOENIX FIRE COMPANY.
From April to October, 1866, one hose carriage was the only apparatus the company had. This was purchased from a Philadelphia party by Thomas Jones and William MeMonigal. There were also a few hand chemical fire extinguish- ers. The company was also granted the use of the old pump-engines still stored in the Fire House.
26
THE HISTORY
A steam engine was purchased from the Button Fire Engine Company, Waterford, N. Y., and was delivered at Catasauqua. November, 1866. During the eighties another hose carriage, a gig and hook and ladder truck were pur- chased.
When the Unicorn Silk Mill was destroyed by fire, the engine was so badly damaged that it was condemned. At this fire two prominent members of the Phoenix Company perished : John A. Good and Charles Frick.
A new and larger fire engine was purchased from the Button Fire Engine Company, November, 1890. This engine is still in use. The present outfit of the Phoenix Company consists of the engine, two hose carriages, one gig, one hook and ladder truck and twelve hundred feet of hose.
Prior to the erection of the Town Hall, 1868, the Company was quartered in the Fire Engine House on Front Street. In the Town Hall the members enjoy the comforts of a large parlor, and an assembly room containing pool tables and other devices for entertainment.
The present officials are : President, Robert P. Richter; Vice-President, Nor- man Steinhilber; Treasurer, Oliver Griffith; Secretary, Franeis H. Sheckler. The Company had an enrollment of two hundred and one members.
THE SOUTHWARK HOSE COMPANY NO. 9.
The Crane Iron Company purchased from the Southwark Hose Company No. 9, located at Third and Lombard Streets, Philadelphia, Pa., their steamer "A." This was a first class engine with a rotary style pump. The Philadelphia Company requested that the name Southwark and the No. 9 be continued with the engine.
The Southwark Hose Company No. 9 was therefore organized February 4, 1873, in Foy's Hall with John Williams as chairman and David T. Williams as secretary pro tem. All the charter members of the Southwark were employees of the Crane Iron Company.
The initial officials were: President, Charles W. Chapman; Vice-President, Joseph Hunt ; Secretary, David T. Williams; Treasurer, Robert E. Williams.
The Southwark Hose Company No. 9 of Philadelphia, Pa., presented its
27
OF CATASAUQUA
namesake at Catasauqua with all the books, seal, charter hats ,and belts owned by them. The books show that the Southwark of Philadelphia was organized May 6, 1806.
Having overhauled the engine, the Crane Company presented it to the South- wark people, with the proviso that they be granted the use of it whenever desired.
The original house of the company was the Crane pattern house on Front and Wood Streets. It not being desirable 10 continue housing this company in their pat- tern house, the Crane Company built the two-story fire engine house for the South- wark Company on the SOUTHWARK ENGINE HOUSE. corner of Second and Church Streets. The building is well equipped for the comfort and pleasure of its members. Steam heat is carried to it by pipes ex- tending from the furnaces to the hall. In recent years a hose-tower has also been erected. The members of the Phoenix Fire Company have been noble minded and fraternal toward their new neighbors.
The first parade of the Southwark Hose Company No. 9 followed an invita- tion by the Phoenix, April 19, 1873; and on Thanksgiving Day of the same year, the former were ushered from the pattern shop to their new home by the latter. Joshua Hunt made the presentation speech for the Crane. and R. Clay Hem- mersley responded for the Fire Department.
For a number of years the Crane Company aided the Southwark Hose Com- pany No. 9 to the amount of ten dollars per month, until April 15, 1895, when the latter became a part of the Catasauqua Fire Department.
28
THE HISTORY
The Southwark people purchased from the Silsby Fire Engine Company, June 6, 1890, the engine still in use.
While in active service at the Unicorn Silk Mill fire, April 24, 1890, John Graffin was caught under a tottering wall and was so seriously injured, that death soon followed. The present officials are :
President, John MeCandless : Vice-President, Wilson Seott ; Secretary, C. E. Sheckler. Jr. ; Treasurer, Edwin O. Oldt.
THE CHAROTIN HOSE CO. NO. I.
The incorporation of North Catasauqua as a borough was effected during 1908. The growing sentiment for adequate fire protection found full expression at a citizens' meeting held November 15, 1909. Thomas Quinn, Justice of the Peace, presided.
29
OF CATASAUQUA
"C'harotin" is based on a tradition which says that the Indian Chief Char- otin granted to white settlers the tract of land now comprehended in North Cata- sauqua. From this tradition springs the name, "The Charotin Hose Company No.1."
Burgess Fred W. Hunter and Conneil prevailed upon the Clear Springs Water Company to lay additional water mains and install fire hydrants. The same Council purchased a desirable plot of ground from the Lackawanna Land Company and began a movement favoring the erection of a municipal building and Fire Engine House.
By a special ballot of the citizens in July, 1910. it was deereed that the building should be erected. Building operations began in April; and by October 14, 1911. its dedication took place. The new building is located on the corner of Sixth and Arch Streets. It contains a large assembly room on the second floor, an apparatus and lounging room on the main floor and a banquet hall in the basement.
Its equipment consists of a combination Chemical Hose and Ladder Truck. purchased by popular subscription, and one thousand feet of rubber composition hose, provided by Couneil. The company consists of one hundred sixty-three members, and has an enviable record for successful combats with devouring flames. They belong to the State and Four County Firemen's Association with a standing of a high order, and therefore merit implicit confidence and liberal support. Its present officers are: President, William Thomas: Secretary. Clar- ence Kriebel ; Treasurer, Clifford (. Young.
THE EAST END INDEPENDENT HOSE AND CHEMICAL COMPANY NO. I.
Individual opinions and desires of leading citizens of the new Third Ward gradually moulded men's minds into favoring the organization of a Fire Com- pany. An initial citizens' meeting was held at the Fairmount Hotel. June 7. 1911, at which prominent citizens of the Borough addressed their fellowmen. On June 21st, another meeting was called. a company organized. and officers elected.
The title adopted was, "The East End Chemical and Hose Company No. 3." When the Borough Council could not see its way clear to grant recognition to this newly organized Fire Company, as was reported by their committee, July
30
THE HISTORY
8, 1911, it was resolved to change the name to "The East End Independent Hose and Chemical Company No. 1."
Meetings were held, by the courtesy of the School Board, in the vacated school house on North Fourteenth Street in the Third Ward. By popular sub- scriptions, festivals, etc., sufficient funds were accumulated to warrant the pur- chase of three hundred feet of hose, a hose eart, and a plot of ground on Race Street as a first step toward the erection of a Fire Hall.
A resolution to pro- ceed with building op- erations was adopted May 1, 1913. The building is a one- story brick structure, twenty by sixty feet in dimensions, and equipped with the lat- est conveniences and appliances. The char- ter membership con- EAST END FIRE COMPANY. sisted of eighty-five men, and the present enrollment is one hundred fifty. The present officers are : President. Harvey W. Snyder: Vice-President, Wayne Frantz; Secretary, Clar- enee C. Kurtz; Treasurer, F. R. A. Goldsmith.
LIGHT, HEAT AND POWER.
The first street lighting in the Borough and vicinity was by open flame gas burners on lamp posts. When, during very cold weather, the service leading to the lamps would freeze, the system became practically useless.
The Catasauqua Gas Company was chartered during 1856, and was one of the oldest gas companies in the Lehigh Valley.
Production by coal cost the consumer four dollars fifty cents per thousand feet. Water-gas, or the manufacture of gas from oil, was a later product. Al-
31
OF CATASAUQUA
though the generating set for this production of gas is still intact, it is not in operation.
In 1900, the Catasauqua Gas Company was consolidated with the Con- sumers' and the People's Gas Companies into the Northampton Gas and Electric Company. In November, 1907, a Bondholders' Committee reorganized the Le- high-Northampton Gas and Electric Company into the Lehigh-Northampton Light, Heat and Power Company, which through a Bondholders' Committee dis- posed of the gas portion to the Allentown-Bethlehem Gas Company. Lessee, De- cember 23, 1913.
The production of gas for the year 1913 was 19.000.000 feet, which was consumed by 1153 patrons in Catasauqua, North Catasauqua, Coplay, Northamp- ton, Hokendanqna, and West Catasauqua.
The approximate length of gas-mains is fifteen miles, and the value of the property is about one hundred fifty thousand dollars.
The Allentown-Bethlehem Gas Company proposes to enlarge mains and service pipes, and to extend lines on streets not now supplied.
The Catasauqua Electric Light and Power Company was organized in 1890. and on April 7th of the same year, Town Council granted the new company the right to occupy the streets of the Borough with poles and wires as was necessary for the conduct of its business.
The generating system was of the old Edison, three wire direct current style. which is now practically obsolete in the Lehigh Valley. In 1900, the Catasauqua Electric Light and Power Company, the Northampton Electric Company and the Lehigh County Electric Company were consolidated with the gas companies mentioned above, into the Lehigh-Northampton Gas and Electric Company.
In November, 1907, a Bondholders' Committee reorganized the Lehigh- Northampton Gas and Electric Company into the Lehigh-Northampton Light. Heat and Power Company, which, through a Bondholders' Committee disposed of the electrie portion to the Lehigh Valley Light and Power Company.
From the beginning, progress was not very rapid until about 1900. when alternating current was distributed to what is now termed the Borough of
32
THE HISTORY
Northampton on the east, and the Borough of Coplay on the west side of the river.
During 1890. the gas street-lighting was discontinued and the ordinary thirty-two candle power lamps substituted, which was the system of street- lighting in the Borough of Catasauqua until 1900, at which time a contraet was made with the Borough to furnish are lamps to aid deficient service.
LEHIGH-NORTHAMPTON POWER HOUSE.
At present, a new style system, termed series street-lighting, is used in con- neetion with the arc lamps. This is a great improvement over the old style system used in 1890.
During the past few years, electricity for motive power has been introduced and is rapidly supplanting the smaller isolated installation; and, with the cost of manufacturing current being reduced yearly, it will become a matter of
.
33
OF CATASAUQUA
economy for some larger manufacturers to substitute electric current for motive power.
The territory being served with electricity consists of the Boroughs of Catasauqua, North Catasauqua, Coplay, Northampton, and Fullerton and Egypt. The number of consumers is one thousand, and the value of the plant is estimated at two hundred thousand dollars.
COMMUNICATION.
Two telephone lines place Catasauqua in communication with the rest of the world; and the fact that two exchange stations are located here shows that this is a centre of the language commerce of the earth.
Town Council passed an ordinance, April 7, 1890, granting the Bell Tele- phone Company of Pennsylvania the right to occupy highways and streets with poles and wires for the proper conduct of its business and satisfactory service of its patrons.
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