Historic Pelham: Important Early Images of the Pelham Fire Department

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A series of important early images of various companies of the Fire Department of the First Fire District of the Town of Pelham have appeared on eBay from an unidentified owner in Lynbrook, Long Island, New York. The images include important views of the North Pelham firehouse that was razed in early 1928. They also include various early items of firefighting equipment including, in one instance, Jim Reilly's Boiler. (See Fri., May 22, 2015: History of Pelham's Beloved "Nott Steamer" Known as "Jim Reilly's Boiler.")

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog includes details from several of the photographs offered on eBay. Each is followed by comments regarding their significance.

1895 Photograph of Members of Liberty Hose Co. No. 1,

North Pelham, New York. NOTE: Click Image to Enlarge.

At the time the photograph above was taken, the First Fire District of the Town of Pelham was barely two years old. The tiny little firehouse behind the firemen was brand new. ItWithin a very short time, the tiny little firehouse was moved to the rear of the lot and eventually formed the engine room and drivers' room of the small, shingled firehouse that replaced it. In the photograph above, the men of the company likely are gathered for their annual inspection with what likely are the Fire Commissioners standing behind them. The photograph is notable not only because it shows the early uniforms of the Liberty Hose Co. No. 1, but also because it shows a very early view of the new firehouse behind the men. Note how little of the area in the distance has been developed by the time of this photograph.

1895 Photograph of Members of Relief Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1,

North Pelham, New York. NOTE: Click Image to Enlarge.

The image immediately above is, essentially, a companion photograph to the first image above. It depicts the members of the other fire company: Relief Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1, likely at the time of the annual inspection in 1895. The horse-drawn hook and ladder truck is in the background. The firemen are standing in their distinctive uniforms which include a stylized insignia consisting of an "R" and the numeral "1" on their chests. This photograph, like the first one, includes a wonderful view of the original firehouse that was demolished in 1928.

1907 Photograph of Members of Liberty Hose & Engine Co. No. 1,

North Pelham, New York. NOTE: Click Image to Enlarge.

The photograph immediately above is important for several reasons. First, it depicts the expanded fire house that stood until early 1928 when it was razed to make room for the firehouse that still stands on Fifth Avenue. Second, in the background, "Jim Reilly's Boiler" may be seen, with horses harnessed and ready to pull it. The Nott Steamer became a famous piece of equipment beloved by firemen and Pelham citizens alike. (See Fri., May 22, 2015: History of Pelham's Beloved "Nott Steamer" Known as "Jim Reilly's Boiler.") Additionally, the image is notable for the larger number of members of the company. As the department grew, so did the facilities required to house it.