More About Pelham Hose Company No. 2 of the Village of Pelham (Today's Pelham Heights)

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Little study seems to have been made of the history of firefighting in Pelham Heights.  I have collected some information about the early years of Pelham Heights' Bravest and have written once before about their earliest years.  See Fri., Jun. 23, 2017:  A Little of the Early History of Hose Company No. 2, the Pelham Heights Volunteer Fire Fighting Unit.  

Pelham Heights was incorporated as the "Village of Pelham" in 1896.  It had no organized firefighting unit of its own until about 1912.  Until then, the Village relied on firefighters of the First Fire District of Pelham, the headquarters of which stood in the adjacent Village of North Pelham.  

In 1912, or perhaps shortly before, Pelham Heights residents formed an auxiliary company of volunteer firefighters associated with the First Fire District of Pelham.  The company was named Hose Company No. 2 of Pelham.  (Although some accounts indicate the company was formed in 1913, the company existed at the time of, and its members participated in, the 1912 Firemen's Inspection held on September 25, 1912.)  Dr. Augustine C. McGuire, a Cliff Avenue resident, was an important organizer of Hose Company No. 2.

Today's Historic Pelham article collects some additional information about the early years of Hose Company No. 2 of Pelham.  

Originally, according to one account, the Pelham Hose Company No. 2 "was formed as an auxiliary company, answering to all alarms in Pelham Heights and second alarms in North Pelham."  Shortly after creation of the Company, however, the "interest of the members" grew to such an extent that the Company began answering "all alarms."

As an "auxiliary company" at the time of its founding, the membership of the Company was limited to twenty firefighters.  By about 1922, however, the Company established itself as a "regular company" with expanded numbers.  Indeed, that year it requested the Board of Fire Commissioners to allow it to expand membership of the company from twenty to thirty men.  Thus, it engaged in a membership drive to "interest . . . the younger men of Pelham Heights."

For a number of years -- at least a decade if not more -- Pelham Hose Company No. 2 held monthly meetings in the homes of members.  In addition to the day-to-day risky business of fighting fires, an important part of the focus of the Company was to prepare for its annual inspection, an opportunity to demonstrate competence, training, and readiness to the community the Company served.  

In those early days of local volunteer fire fighting there was a constant theme of the need to improve the professionalism of Pelham's Bravest.  At one meeting held in the home of Harry Dotts on September 11, 1922, a local Fire Captain spoke with the members of the Company and "emphasized the necessity of reporting to fires in uniform, because of the danger involved for the individual member and the need for identification and prevention of improper persons passing inside the fire lines."  In response, the Company moved to authorize "the appointment of several special policemen for duty at time of fires, such duty to apply only to Pelham Heights." 

In those years, one of the most important events of the year for local firefighters and townspeople was the annual inspection of the First Fire District of the Town of Pelham.  Hose Company No. 2, of course, took part proudly in such inspections that usually were followed by parades, with marching bands, that proceeded through North Pelham and Pelham Heights.  A vivid description of one such parade following an annual fire inspection held in 1917 during World War I appears immediately below, followed by a citation and link to its source:

"Annual Inspection.

The annual inspection of the fire department of the first fire district of the town of Pelham was held last evening at 8 o'clock at Firemen's hall, Fifth avenue.  The inspecting party consisted of the fire commissioners, fire chiefs and representatives of the town and village governments.  Following the inspection a parade with about 150 in line was held through Pelham and North Pelham.  The firemen were headed by the subway band of New York, and were escorted thru the streets of North Pelham by a squad from the North Pelham Home Defense league of that village.  The firemen in other years were escorted by the village police.  There were three companies in line, the Liberty Engine company, the Relief Hook and  Ladder company and Hose company No. 2 of Pelham Heights, with a total of five pieces of apparatus including the automobile combination hose and pump apparatus of the Liberty Engine company, the old steamer, the old hose wagon, the hook and ladder and the new automobile apparatus of Hose company No. 2.  Refreshments were served at headquarters where a social time followed the parade."

Source:  Annual Inspection, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Sep. 29, 1917, No. 8483, p. 5, col. 1.  

Hand-Drawn Hose Cart of the Type Acquired by

Hose Company No. 2 of Pelham in About 1912.

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

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The articles below, quoted in full, form part of the basis for today's Historic Pelham article.  The text of each is followed by a citation and link to its source.

"To Increase Membership Of Hose Company No. 2
-----

Hose Company No. 2 will endeavor to interest the younger men of Pelham Heights in the Fire Department, and in that end requested the Board of Fire Commissioners to allow the membership of the company to be increased from twenty members to thirty.  Gardner Hazen, secretary of the Pelham Heights company, appeared before the Board of Fire Commissioners Tuesday night and made the request.  The commissioners granted it.

Originally the Pelham Heights Company was formed as an auxiliary company, answering to all alarms in Pelham Heights and second alarms in North Pelham.  The interest of the members of this company has become such that the company answers all alarms.  Being an auxiliary company the membership was limited to twenty, but since the company has established itself as a regular company it was thought advisable to enlist the interest of the younger men of Pelham Heights."

Source:  To Increase Membership Of Hose Company No. 2, The Pelham Sun, Jun. 9, 1922, Vol. 13, No. 15, p. 6, col. 2.  

"Heights Hose Company Favors Fire Police
-----

Pelham Hose Co. No. 2 held its September meeting Monday, Sept. 11th, at the residence of Mr. Harry Dotts.  After a discussion of the approaching annual inspection, two new members were elected, Messrs. Clifford B. Howell and Wm. L. Bradley.

Capt. Ingalls in addressing the meeting emphasized the necessity of reporting to fires in uniform, because of the danger involved for the individual member and the need for identification and prevention of improper persons passing inside the fire lines.

A motion was made authorizing the appointment of several special policemen for duty at time of fires, such duty to apply only to Pelham Heights.

The membership committee took under consideration five names which will be voted upon at the next meeting.

Eleven of the company were present, Capt. Ingalls, Lieutenants Howe, Davis, Eliot, Hazin, Rich, Snyder, Specht, R. P. Young, Dotts, Baker.

GARDNER HAZEN,

Sec. Hose Co. No. 2."

Source:  Heights Hose Company Favors Fire Police, The Pelham Sun, Sep. 5, 1922, p. 7, col. 2.  

"Fire Board Sets February 24th As Date Of Election
-----
Seven Candidates For Six Positions Open On Fire Board of First Fire District

Indications point to a lively contest at the election of the new Board of Fire Commissioners for the First Fire District which will take place at the Town Hall on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 2 P. M. to 9 P. M.  Six candidates have been nominated for the five Commissionerships on the Board.

Pelham Heights Hose Co. nominate Commissioner Brundage for re-election and also placed in the field L. L. Willard.  Both nominations were indorsed [sic] by Relief Hook and Ladder Co. . . . "

Source:  Fire Board Sets February 24th As Date Of Election, The Pelham Sun, Feb. 9, 1923, p. 1, col. 1.

"FOSTER BEGINS 22ND YEAR AS FIRE CO. HEAD
-----
Nimphius, Powers and Van Cott Elected Captains of Three Companies in First Fire District.
-----

Charles W. Foster, Sr., of Fourth avenue, North Pelham, the only man to hold the office of president of Relief Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1 of the First Fire District, was re-elected to that office on Monday night at the annual meeting of the company.  Mr. Foster began his 22nd year in this office.  Gordon Miller was re-elected president of Liberty Engine and Hose Co. No. 1, and all other officers of both companies were re-elected.

A. C. Nimphius was again elected captain of the Hook and Ladder Company, with Harry Pickard and Howard Berger, first and second lieutenants, respectively.  The other officers elected in this company were:  James W. Caffrey, vice-president; William L. Dollny, treasurer; Edward Broege, recording secretary; A. A. Tegetmeier, financial secretary [illegible] seargeant-at-arms.

Robert Powers is again captain of Liberty Engine Company, and Henry Zeller and John Keppel, first and second lieutenants.  Other officers are William Reilly, vice-president James Bollettieri, financial secretary; James Black, recording secretary; Frederick Head, treasurer, and Christopher Cullen, sergeant-at-arms.

At the annual departmental election held last week, Chief Robert O. Reilly, First Deputy Chief Irving J. Wallach and Second Deputy Edward Field were re-elected for the next year.

D. Merrill Van Cott was elected captain of Pelham Height Hose Co. No. 2 at the annual meeting which was held recently.  Arthur Koppel was chosen first lieutenant and Richard Smith, Jr., second lieutenant and secretary."

Source:  FOSTER BEGINS 22ND YEAR AS FIRE CO. HEAD, The Pelham Sun, Mar. 10, 1933, p. 6, col. 1.

"New Secretary for Hose Co.

Kenneth C. Downing of Clifford avenue has resigned as secretary of Pelham Heights Hose Co. No. 2 and the work has been taken up by John W. Roche of Corlies avenue."

Source:  New Secretary for Hose Co., The Pelham Sun, Dec. 11, 1942, p. 11, col. 3.

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The Pelhamwood Fire Patrol No. 1 Founded in 1922

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During the early 1920s, the little neighborhood of Pelhamwood had a one-man fire department.  His name was Jack Carroll.  

Truth be told, it was not a formal fire department.  In reality, Jack Carroll of Young Avenue was the only resident of Pelhamwood who served in the local fire department in Fire District No. 1.  He was a member of Liberty Engine & Hose Company No. 1.  His neighbors in Pelhamwood jokingly referred to him as the local one-man fire department.  The neighborhood "joke," however, seemed to mask a deep-seated concern that Pelhamwood had no formal fire-fighting organization.

Jack Carroll was proud of his fire service and his department.  In May or June of 1922, he suggested to Pelham Fire Commissioner Walter H. McIlroy (who also lived in Pelhamwood) that a specialized fire company be recruited from among Pelhamwood citizens.  The company would be known as Fire Patrol Company No. 1 and would perform fire police work to control crowds and to guard fire scenes and would perform salvage work at fire scenes.  The intent was to reduce the burdens of such activities from the backs of Pelham firefighters.  

Commissioner McIlroy embraced the idea enthusiastically.  During a meeting of the Fire Commission on the evening of Tuesday, June 6, 1922, McIlroy presented the idea to his fellow Commissioners.  He noted that the First Fire District already had successfully raised a company of fire fighters from the tiny neighborhood of Pelham Heights and proposed that a company be raised from Pelhamwood to "act as fire police and as a salvage corps."  He further proposed that preparations should be made "in the future" for the purchase of a vehicle "to carry implements of salvage work such as tarpaulin, fire lines, etc."  Most significantly, he indicated that he could "have a company formed that would be a credit to the department" before "the end of the month."

On the evening of Thursday, June 15, Commissioner McIlroy appeared before members of the Pelhamwood Association to ask for volunteers to serve in a Pelhamwood fire company.  Members of the Pelhamwood Association volunteered enthusiastically.  McIlroy arranged for seventeen volunteers.  

The next day, The Pelham Sun reported:

"One of Fire Commissioner Walter H. McIlroy's ambitions is realized.  The Pelhamwood Fire Patrol No. 1 now has a membership of seventeen members, three more are needed to fill the company.  The new company will apply to the Board of Fire Commissioners for a charter.  Commissioner McIlroy addressed the meeting of the Pelhamwood Association at the Town Hall last night, and asked for recruits.  The following will be enrolled as members of the new company:  Harold Koevhling, Leslie Hart, Thomas Stewart, W. B. Haff, A. Koppell, James Thompson, C. B. Miller, William Uhler, J. Young, R. R. Mamlock, Dr. David Jones, P. E. Bacas, William Gehron, H. S. Clark, A. E. Andon, John O. Ball and Walter H. McIlroy.  The duties of the new company will be those of a salvage corps and fire police.  At the last meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners it was stated that a piece of apparatus would be purchased for the company in the near future."

The subsequent history of The Pelhamwood Fire Patrol No. 1 is hazy.  More than two and one-half months later in early September, the company still had not been formally organized.  Thus, on the evening of Tuesday, September 5, 1922, Fire Commissioner McIlroy appeared before the Pelhamwood Association again and "reported that the Pelhamwood Fire Patrol would soon be organized and granted a charter by the Board of Fire Commissioners."

Yet, the proposed annual budget for the First Fire District in 1923 included a line item of $1,000 to purchase an "Apparatus for salvage corps."  The Pelham Sun reported that "The proposed budget carries a figure of $1,000.00 for the purchase and outfitting of a Dodge chassis for the newly formed Pelhamwood Fire Patrol, the salvage corps of the department." 

Though it would appear that the Pelhamwood Fire Patrol company was formed, research has not yet revealed its subsequent history.  

Page 2 of 1909 Pelhamwood Advertising Pamphlet.  Source:

Clifford B. Harmon & Co., Inc., PELHAMWOOD, p. 2 (NY: Clifford

B. Harmon & Co., Inc., 1909).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

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"McIlroy To Organize Pelhamwood Fire Patrol
-----
Fire Commissioner Enthusiastic About Enlisting Residents of Pelhamwood As Firemen
-----

The Pelhamwood Fire Department is no longer to be a subject for the wit of the wags of Pelham.  At present the man-power of the department numbers one, but Fire Commissioner Walter H. McIlroy, who lives in Pelhamwood, will place plans before the Pelhamwood Association for the forming of Pelhamwood Fire Patrol No. 1, which will have a membership of twenty or more.

At present the only Pelhamwood member of the Fire Department of the First Fire District is Louis Sivitello [sic], the Pelhamwood street man.  For some time Sivitello [sic] has been known as the Pelhamwood Fire Department.

At the meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners Tuesday night the subject of a company for Pelhamwood along the lines of that of Pelham Heights was discussed, and it was decided that the Pelhamwood company could act as fire police and as a salvage corps.  Preparations will be made in the future for the purchase of a piece of apparatus on which to carry implements of salvage work such as tarpaulin, fire lines, etc.

Commissioner McIlroy was very enthusiastic about the Pelhamwood company and stated that he would push the matter through before the Pelhamwood Association, and by the end of the month would have a company formed that would be a credit to the department."

Source:  McIlroy To Organize Pelhamwood Fire Patrol -- Fire Commissioner Enthusiastic About Enlisting Residents of Pelhamwood As Firemen, The Pelham Sun, Jun. 9, 1922, p. 2, col. 4.

"To Have Fire Patrol

The Pelhamwood section is to have a fire company; that is, there will be a company known as Fire Patrol Company No. 1 which will do salvage work and guard places.  Fire Commissioner Walter H. McIlroy brought the matter to the attention of the fire board at its last meeting and stated that Jack Carroll of Liberty Engine Company, who resides on Young Avenue, Pelhamwood, has been known as the 'Pelhamwood Fire Department' and as he is the only fireman in the section, he suggested the formation of a separate company to be known as the Fire Patrol.  Commissioner McIlroy stated that there were many men in Pelhamwood who would be more than pleased to serve in such a company."

Source:  To Have Fire Patrol, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Jun. 13, 1922, p. 7, col. 4.  

"Pelhamwood Fire Patrol Has Seventeen Members
-----
Fire Commissioner Walter H. McIlroy Interests Members of Pelhamwood Association
-----

One of Fire Commissioner Walter H. McIlroy's ambitions is realized.  The Pelhamwood Fire Patrol No. 1 now has a membership of seventeen members, three more are needed to fill the company.  The new company will apply to the Board of Fire Commissioners for a charter.

Commissioner McIlroy addressed the meeting of the Pelhamwood Association at the Town Hall last night, and asked for recruits.  The following will be enrolled as members of the new company:  Harold Koevhling, Leslie Hart, Thomas Stewart, W. B. Haff, A. Koppell, James Thompson, C. B. Miller, William Uhler, J. Young, R. R. Mamlock, Dr. David Jones, P. E. Bacas, William Gehron, H. S. Clark, A. E. Andon, John O. Ball and Walter H. McIlroy.  

The duties of the new company will be those of a salvage corps and fire police.  At the last meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners it was stated that a piece of apparatus would be purchased for the company in the near future."

Source:  Pelhamwood Fire Patrol Has Seventeen Members -- Fire Commissioner Walter H. McIlroy Interests Members of Pelhamwood Association, The Pelham Sun, Jun. 16, 1922, p. 9, col. 5.  

"Routine Matters Before Pelhamwood Association
-----
Committee Appointed to Await On Village Board In Regards to Pelhamwood Sewer Question
-----

The Pelhamwood Association met for its first fall meeting, at the Town Hall, Tuesday night.  There were about forty members present.  President Brainerd opened the meeting at 8.30 o'clock.

A committee was appointed to await on the Village Board at its next meeting and request that some action be taken on the matter of sewers of the New Rochelle portion of Pelhamwood, draining into those of North Pelham.  The committee is composed of R. H. Shaw, Wm. M. Uhler, M. M. Schwartzschild, Walter H. McIlroy and Charles DeFreest.

Fire Commissioner, W. H. McIlroy, reported that the Pelhamwood Fire Patrol would soon be organized and granted a charter by the Board of Fire Commissioners.

President Brainerd reported that the New Haven railroad company will investigate the matter of deeding the portion of Highbrook avenue from the center of the arch to the Washington avenue pavement, to the Village of North Pelham, in order that the concrete pavement can be carried through the arch.

The association resolved to request the Village Board to replace the street sign at Washington avenue and Fraser street, and to place a street sign at Clifford and Harmon avenues.  The matter of painting the street names on the pillars along Washington was also discussed.

The following membership committee was appointed:  For Highbrook avenue, A. D. Koppel; Young avenue, E. J. Dillon; Harmon avenue south, H. G. Weltmer, Harmon avenue north, R. R. Mamlock; Clifford avenue, A. E. Andon; Washington avenue, Frederick Worrall; Fraser street, J. O. Ball; Benedict place, N. F. Vought.

A resolution of thanks was ordered sent to the Rev. Dr. W. M. Hess, of the Congregational Church, for deeding the land at the corner of Washington and Highbrook avenues to the village, in order that the corner could be rounded.  The association will request the Church of the Redeemer to deed a portion of the corner of Fifth avenue and Harmon avenue, in order that a better approach to that street can be obtained, by rounding the corner.

The meeting adjourned at 10 o'clock."

Source:  Routine Matters Before Pelhamwood Association -- Committee Appointed to Await On Village Board In Regards to Pelhamwood Sewer Question, The Pelham Sun, Sep. 8, 1922, p. 6, cols. 4-5.

"Pelhamwood Fire Patrol.

The Pelhamwood Fire Patrol is being organized and will be the latest addition to the fire department of the first district.  Fire Commissioner Walter H. McIlroy, who is a resident of Pelhamwood, announced that the company is formed and will receive a charter from the board of fire commissioners.  This is something the department has sadly lacked in the past and will relieve some of the men from fire police duty to handling the hose and other equipment at fires."

Source:  Pelhamwood Fire Patrol, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Sep. 20, 1922, p. 14, cols. 1-2.  

"Budget Of First Fire District Shows Decrease
-----
Board of Fire Commissioners Are Ready To Submit Budget To Town Board
-----
Little Difference in Major Portion of Items Of Expense For Ensuing Year
-----

It will cost $21,440.00 to run the affairs of the First Fire District through the ensuing year, according to the estimated budget of the Board of Fire Commissioners.  Of this amount the taxpayers will have to raise $18,200.59, as there is about $3,239.41 left over from the budget of last year.  The budget was to have been submitted to the Town Board for approval Monday night, but owing to the fact that a quorum could not be present the matter was laid over to a future meeting.

The budget is approximately $4,000 lower than that of last year.  The decrease is explained by the fact that last year's budget carried an appropriation of that amount for the installation of 17 new fire alarm boxes.  

The proposed budget carries a figure of $1,000.00 for the purchase and outfitting of a Dodge chassis for the newly formed Pelhamwood Fire Patrol, the salvage corps of the department.  The item of light, heat and power shows an increase of $50.  Each of the three drivers have received a salary increase of $5 per month, so the item of drivers' salaries is increased from $4,860.00 to $5,046.00.  Provision for equipment shows an increase from $300 to $800.  Repairs to building have increased from $500 to $1000.  Maintenance of autos shows a drop from $1,000 to $500.  The item of salary for the clerk to the board is double that of last year.  The budget follows.

Principal on bond due July 1, 1923...............$1,550.00
Interest on outstanding bonds for one year..........600.00
Interest on outstanding bond of $1,550.00 for one year..............46.50
Hydrant rental or water supply for North Pelham...................4,950.00
Hydrant rental or water supply for Pelham....................2,000.00
Light, heat and power.....................756.00
3 janitors and chauffeurs at $1680 each...............5,040.00
Equipment..............800.00
Hose..................550.00
Repairs to building............................1,000.00
Insurance (automobile).....................130.00
Insurance (compensation)................284.00
Maintenance of autos.................500.00
Inspection and parade...............150.00
Contingent Fund.......................1,000.00
Clerk to board............................240.00
Legal expense...........................700.00
Apparatus for salvage corps....................1,000.00
Tarpaulins......................150.00
______________________________________
                                            $21,440.00
Left from 1922 budget.........   3,239.41

Total 1923 budget...............$18,200.59"

Source:  Budget Of First Fire District Shows Decrease -- Board of Fire Commissioners Are Ready To Submit Budget To Town Board -- Little Difference in Major Portion of Items Of Expense For Ensuing Year, The Pelham Sun, Jan. 19, 1923, Vol. 13, No. 47, p. 1, col. 5.

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1910 Article on the History of Pelham's First District Fire Department

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On April 23, 1910, the new local newspaper The Pelham Sun published its third issue in its first year of publication.  On the front page of that issue was a glowing article touting the success and professionalism of the volunteer firefighters of Pelham's First District Fire Department founded in the early 1890s before incorporation of the Villages of North Pelham and Pelham (today's Pelham Heights).  

Due to deteriorated tape placed long ago on the only extant copy of this issue of the newspaper, the text of the story is exceedingly difficult to discern in many places.  Today's Historic Pelham article attempts to decipher the article and presents it as part of efforts to document the history of firefighting units within the Town of Pelham.  The text appears immediately below, with a citation and link to an image of the original.

 

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"FIRST DISTRICT 
Fire Dep't.
----- 
A FIRST-CLASS ORGANIZATION OF TRAINED FIRE FIGHTERS -- NEW APPARATUS AND TEAM OF HORSES PURCHASED -- FORMER JUDGE KNEELAND S. DURHAM NOW CHIEF
-----

The Pelham Fire Department of the First District of the Town of Pelham embraces the villages of North Pelham and Pelham [i.e., Pelham Heights].  The present commissioners are E. E. Huber (president), Frank Chaloux (secretary), Jacob Heiser (treasurer), M. J. Woods, Philip Godfrey and Georg Boldin.

The organization of the department was deemed necessary some nineteen years ago after the village of North Pelham had experienced a number of fires.  When a fire totally destroyed the old Case homstead on Fifth avenue, the residents at that time few in number, decided to act.  

Two companies were formed:  Relief Hose and Ladder, No. 1, and Liberty Hose No. 1.  A small truck and [illegible] were then purchased, besides a hose [illegible].

With this new equipment, the two companies comprised thirty-five men each and avoided vice and saved much property.  About two years ago the district found itself in need of obtaining [illegible] and fire fighting machines, and the department was furnished with a steamer, a large hook and ladder truck, a hose or supply wagon and all other appliances necessary for an up-to-date equipment, thereby greatly increasing the efficiency of the deparment.  

The companies were increased to fifty men each.  

A short time ago a pair of horses were purchased y the Fire Commissoners to be used for the men.  Henry Straehle supplies a horse for the hose wagon and Dominick Smith of Smith Brothers, always sends a team of horses for the propelling of the large truck.  The Smith Brothers were both members of the Truck Company for years, and they have not charged a cent for the use of their horses.  This is showing pubic spirit.

The department is at present in fine working order, and the compliments bestowed upon it for its good work at the Town Hall fire were well deserved.

Many members of the companies wear ten years' service emblems, some even fifteen years, hence experience is here combined with affection for the department.

Kneeland S. Durham is now the Chief; Louis Epple is Deputy Chief of Relief Hose and Ladder Company.  John Rohrs, Jr. is Foreman and Albert Munroe, Assistant Foreman.  Daniel O'Leary is Foreman of Liberty Hose Company, and John Myers is Assistant Foreman."

Source:   FIRST DISTRICT Fire Dep't. --  A FIRST-CLASS ORGANIZATION OF TRAINED FIRE FIGHTERS -- NEW APPARATUS AND TEAM OF HORSES PURCHASED -- FORMER JUDGE KNEELAND S. DURHAM NOW CHIEF, The Pelham Sun, Apr. 23, 1910, Vol. 1, No. 3, p. 1, col. 6. 

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Below is a list of prior Historic Pelham Blog postings that touch on firefighting and the history of firefighting units within the Town of Pelham.

Fri., Nov. 17, 2017:  Pelham Voters Authorized the Purchase of a "Suitable Fire Engine and Apparatus" in Town in 1891.

Tue., Nov. 14, 2017:  The Town of Pelham Had to Save Pelham Firefighters From the Wrath of Taxpayers in the Early 20th Century.

Wed., Nov. 01, 2017:  Pelham Manor Firemen Helped Their San Francisco Brethren After the Great Earthquake in 1906.

Tue., Sep. 12, 2017:  Sale of Antiquated Fire Equipment in 1922 Reminded All of the History of North Pelham Fire Fighting.

Fri., Jul. 21, 2017:  Pelham Firemen Turned Their Hoses on Trolley Construction Crew in 1898.

Fri., Jun. 23, 2017:  A Little of the Early History of Hose Company No. 2, the Pelham Heights Volunteer Fire Fighting Unit.

Fri., Jan. 20, 2017:  A Proud Pelham Fire Department Took Possession of a New American La France Fire Engine in 1914.

Thu., Jan. 19, 2017:  Revenge is a Dish Best Served Cold:  Don't Mess With a Pelham Fireman.

Thu., Jan. 12, 2017:  Six of Pelham's Earliest Firefighters Marched in the 36th Annual Fire Inspection Parade in 1930.

Tue., Dec. 06, 2016:  An Account of the Tragic Vaughan Livery Stable Fire in Pelhamville in 1907.

Wed., Nov. 16, 2016:  More on the 1889 Fire that Destroyed the Hunter House on Travers Island.

Tue., Oct. 04, 2016:  Harry R. King, Fire Chief of the First Fire District From 1911 to 1913.

Wed., Jun. 15, 2016:  Organized Volunteer Fire Fighting in Pelhamville Began as Early as 1885.

Tue., Jun. 14, 2016:  The First Annual Inspection of Pelhamville Fire Fighting Units in 1894.

Tue., Jun. 07, 2016:  When Did Pelham's Minneford Engine Company Acquire its First Fire-Fighting Steam Engine?

Mon., May 16, 2016:  Fatal Fire in 1902 at One Fifth Avenue Burned Down the Post Office and Pharmacy.

Fri., Apr. 29, 2016:  Famous Meyers Mansion in Pelham Manor Burned Down in 1897.

Thu., Apr. 28, 2016:  Pelham Manor Dutifully Extinguished a Fire That Nearly Burned Down its Hated Wooden Train Station in 1896.

Mon., Jan. 04, 2016:  Pelham Manor Voters Voted to Disband the Pelham Manor Fire Department in 1928.  

Mon., Dec. 14, 2015:  Early History of the Village of Pelham Manor Fire Department.

Fri., Dec. 11, 2015:  Evidence of An Early Independent Firefighting Unit in Pelham Named "Indians."

Thu., Dec. 10, 2015:  Grand Fire-Fighting Competition and Parade Held in the Town of Pelham in 1891.

Wed., Dec. 09, 2015:  Pelham's Minneford Engine Company Built a New Fire House on City Island in 1894.

Mon., Dec. 07, 2015:  The Code Used on the City Island Fire Bell in the Late 19th Century Used for Fire Alarms.

Mon., Nov. 30, 2015:  Another Detailed Account of the 1901 Fire that Destroyed the Clubhouse of the New York Athletic Club on Travers Island.

Fri., Nov. 20, 2015:  Account of 1894 Fire in One of Pelham's Earliest Newspapers.

Wed., Sep. 30, 2015:  Was it Arson that Destroyed the Prospect Hill School at Jackson and Plymouth Avenues in 1917?

Thu., Sep. 17, 2015:  An Account of the February 28, 1925 Fire at Pelhamdale, A Home on the National Register of Historic Places.

Fri., Jun. 12, 2015:  The Tumultuous Reign of Pelham Manor Fire Chief J. Louis Cunningham in the Early 1900s.

Tue., Jun. 09, 2015:  Reminiscences of Firemen Who Served From 1893 Until 1923 in North Pelham.

Wed., Jun. 03, 2015:  The Bell in Firemen's Memorial Park at First Street and Wolfs Lane.

Tue., Jun. 02, 2015:  Important Early Images of the Pelham Fire Department.

Fri., May 22, 2015:  History of Pelham's Beloved "Nott Steamer" Known as "Jim Reilly's Boiler."

Thu., Mar. 26, 2015:  Fire Destroyed the Old Pelham Manor Post Office in 1945.

Fri., Mar. 20, 2015:  Fire in 1932 Devastated the Bolton Priory in Pelham Manor.

Tue., Feb. 17, 2015:  More on the Early History of Organized Firefighting in the Settlement of Pelhamville.

Mon., Feb. 16, 2015: The Great Furniture Fight of 1896: Company of Pelhamville Firemen Resigned En Masse.

Thu., Feb. 12, 2015: Rare 19th Century Image of Pelhamville Firemen Who Served in Relief Hook and Ladder Company No. 1.

Fri., Dec. 12, 2014: Parade and Housewarming Hosted by Pelhamville Fire Department in 1894.

Thu., Dec. 11, 2014:  Pelhamville's First Attempt to Create a Fire Department in 1893 Failed Due to a Legal Technicality.

Thu., Jul. 24, 2014: Dedication of the New Fire Headquarters in the Village of Pelham on December 29, 1927.

Wed., Jul. 02, 2014: Election Shenanigans Involving Fire Commissioner Election in 1898.


Thu., Apr. 24, 2014: Information About the History of Fire Departments in the Town of Pelham Published in 1927.

Thu., Jan. 30, 2014:  The Night Pelham's Town Hall Burned.

Fri., Jan. 24, 2014: Early Days of Organized Fire Fighting in Today's Village of Pelham.

Thu., Jan. 23, 2014:  Another Account of the Devastating Fire that Destroyed the Travers Island Clubhouse of New York Athletic Club in 1901.

Wed., May 12, 2010:  Fire Partly Destroyed Pelham Town Hall in 1908.

Fri., Jan. 15, 2010: Photograph of Augustine C. McGuire, President of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the First District Fire Department in 1913.

Thu., Jan. 14, 2010: 1913 Report of the Firemen's Benevolent Association in Pelham.

Thu., Dec. 10, 2009: More 19th Century Baseball and Firefighting References.

Tue., Dec. 08, 2009: The Darling Triplets: Three Brothers Among Pelham's Earliest Firefighters.

Thu., Oct. 08, 2009: Firefighting Units on City Island in Pelham During the Early 1890's.

Fri., Sep. 04, 2009:  1901 Newspaper Article About Fire that Burned New York Athletic Club Clubhouse on Travers Island.

Mon., Aug. 31, 2009: Contest in 1891 To Determine Which Steam Fire Engine Company Could Throw a Stream the Greater Distance.

Fri., Aug. 28, 2009: Reorganization of the Minneford Engine Company on City Island in February, 1891.

Thu., Aug. 06, 2009: Brief History of the Fire Department in the Village of North Pelham Published in 1913.

Wed., Aug. 05, 2009: Pelham Manor Fire Chief Pleads for Taxpayers to Authorize Purchase of Village's First Fire Engine.

Wed., July 15, 2009: Liberty Hose Company Election in 1898.

Thu., Feb. 19, 2009:  The Old Hunter House Burns to the Ground in an Arson Incident on Travers Island on April 4, 1889.

Thu., Jan. 19, 2006: Pelham Manor's Earliest Fire Fighting Equipment.

Wed., Jan. 18, 2006:  Newspaper Report of the Infamous Vaughan's Livery Stable Fire in North Pelham in 1907.

Mon., Oct. 17, 2005:  The Firemen's Memorial of the Pelham Fire Department.

Mon., Aug. 01, 2005: An 1896 Inspection and Drill of the Fire Department in Pelham.

Tue., May 31, 2005:  The June 6, 1940 Fire That Destroyed the George M. Reynolds Mansion (Part I of II).

Wed., Jun. 01, 2005:  The June 6, 1940 Fire That Destroyed the George M. Reynolds Mansion (Part II of II).

Fri., May 06, 2005:  The Great Furniture Battle at Pelhamville's Relief Hook and Ladder Company in 1896.

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.

Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

The Town of Pelham Had to Save Pelham Firefighters From the Wrath of Taxpayers in the Early 20th Century

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
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The early history of today's Village of Pelham Fire Department is complex but fascinating.  Pelhamville residents banded together before incorporation of the Village of Pelham (today's Pelham Heights) and the Village of North Pelham to form the "First Fire District."  The First Fire District served residents and businesses of the Town of Pelham located north of today's Colonial Avenue.  After incorporation of the Villages of Pelham and North Pelham, the First Fire District continued to handle fire protection north of Colonial Avenue.  It raised money by taxing local residents.  It submitted its annual budgets to voters residing in the district for approval.

By the first decade of the Twentieth Century, however, the First Fire District was in trouble.  A massive fire in 1907 revealed the First Fire District's lack of resources.  Known as the Pelham Livery Stable Fire and the Vaughn Livery Stable Fire, the disaster took four lives (though some reports claim three died).  See:

Tue., Dec. 06, 2016:  An Account of the Tragic Vaughan Livery Stable Fire in Pelhamville in 1907.

Wed., Jan. 18, 2006: Newspaper Report of the Infamous Vaughan's Livery Stable Fire in North Pelham in 1907.

Shortly after the Pelham Livery Stable Fire, the First Fire District proposed a massive increase to its annual budget.  The fire commissioners concluded it was time to install a modern fire alarm signal system and to "improve the equipment of the firemen who were rendering excellent service under discouraging conditions."  Thus, the fire commissioners sought an annual budget of $2,000 and submitted the proposal to voters.  The voters voted down the increased budget.  The First Fire District responded with a second proposal seeking approval of a $200 annual budget to cover its operating expenses.  To the surprise of all, voters rejected that proposed budget as well.

Things reportedly became difficult for the First Fire District.  According to one account, things became so bad that the volunteer firefighters paid the expenses necessary to run the operations:

"The two companies were paying for the coal and electric light bills to say nothing of locks, keys and badges which were supposed to be supplied by the commissioners.  Had it not been for the loyalty of the firemen, the department would have ceased to exist.  Liberty Hose company even loaned the fire board $50 to help meet expenses."

Residents of the Villages of Pelham and North Pelham simply ceased to support the local Fire District they had created through payment of taxes to supply the revenue the district so desperately needed.  Town government decided to step into the breach to get the job done.

A special law was framed and passed by the New York State Legislature thereafter to permit the five fire Commissioners of the First Fire District to prepare the district's annual budget and then submit it to the Town Board for approval rather than have the proposal voted on by residents of the district.  The law gave the Town Board the power to approve, increase, reduce, or even reject the budget entirely.

Eventually, the process was returned to the First Fire District.  For a time throughout the teens and early twenties, however, the First Fire District was able to avoid the wrath of local taxpayers who believed their taxes were too high to fund a more modern fire-fighting force by turning to the Town Board of the Town of Pelham to approve its annual budgets.



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"North Pelham
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A local taxpayer asks:  'Will you kindly explain the fire commissioner-town board combination.  I have been a resident of this fire district for nine years, and have always been puzzled when I read how the two boards meet to fix the budget for the coming year.  What has the town board  got to do with the first fire district?  Two of their members come from Pelham Manor, outside the district, yet the budget, it seems must have their approval.  Has the town board any jurisdiction over the expenditures of the fire board?  I am sure there are many like myself [who] would welcome a little light on the subject.'  Ans.  The town board meets the board of fire commissioners each year in January to approve or amend their estimate or budget for the ensuing year.  At the time the First Fire district was incorporated, the territory taken in was all that part of the Town of Pelham situated north of Boston Post road, (now Colonial avenue).  The village of Pelham was not incorporated at that time, and the territory north of the railroad track was known as Pelhamville.  The villages of North Pelham and Pelham were incorporated after the fire district had been established, thus two villages were created within its limits.  The apparatus in use was found to be [obsolete] after the disastrous Pelham building fire in 1900 [sic; the fire was in 1907] which caused the loss of three lives.  The commissioners, five, who had been elected for five years, decided it was time to install a fire alarm signal system and otherwise improve the equipment of the firemen who were rendering excellent service under discouraging conditions.  A budget of $2,000 was submitted to the taxpayers of the district and voted down.  The budget was reduced to $200 to meet the running expenses of the companies, and this too was defeated.  The two companies were paying for the coal and electric light bills to say nothing of locks, keys and badges which were supposed to be supplied by the commissioners.  Had it not been for the loyalty of the firemen, the department would have ceased to exist.  Liberty Hose company even loaned the fire board $50 to help meet expenses.  It was at this time some level headed taxpayers suggested the option be taken away from the taxpayers and the power vested in the town board.  While the town board has the power to approve, increase, diminish or even reject the budget, they have absolutely no jurisdiction over the expenditures after the budget had left their hands.  A special law was framed and passed the state legislature authorizing the present method.  While there seems to be no question that the law at the time it was created, was necessary for the proper fire protection of the residents of the districts, many now believe the district is able to pass upon its own budget without having to submit it to a board consisting of, in part members who have no real interest in the district.  It is a far cry from the estimate of $200 to run the department twenty years ago and the budget [of] $12,237.70 for the present year.  The taxpayers rejected the former but, to use the homely expression of an old resident, 'Now they shove it down our throats.'  Be that as it may, if the medicine will do the patient good, the method of administering it must be alright.  At the joint meeting, there was included in the estimate budget appropriation to purchase a Ford runabout for the chief and to be used as a 'chemical' for minor alarms.  This was disallowed.  Whether it is cheaper to take out the big engine for minor alarms than to purchase a Ford, may be subjected to dispute; Judge Crawford striking the keynote by saying, 'I am in favor of giving the firemen anything they ask for; in fact they should not ask for anything; they should demand it."

Source:  North Pelham, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Feb. 3, 1920, p. 8, cols. 5-6.

Hand-Drawn Hose Cart of the Type Still Used by One of the

Companies of the First Fire District as Late as 1912.  This is

the Sort of Equipment That the First Fire District Needed to

Modernize After the Vaughan Livery Stable Fire of 1907.

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

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Below is a list of prior Historic Pelham Blog postings that touch on firefighting and the history of firefighting units within the Town of Pelham.

Wed., Nov. 01, 2017:  Pelham Manor Firemen Helped Their San Francisco Brethren After the Great Earthquake in 1906.

Tue., Sep. 12, 2017:  Sale of Antiquated Fire Equipment in 1922 Reminded All of the History of North Pelham Fire Fighting.

Fri., Jul. 21, 2017:  Pelham Firemen Turned Their Hoses on Trolley Construction Crew in 1898.

Fri., Jun. 23, 2017:  A Little of the Early History of Hose Company No. 2, the Pelham Heights Volunteer Fire Fighting Unit.

Fri., Jan. 20, 2017:  A Proud Pelham Fire Department Took Possession of a New American La France Fire Engine in 1914.

Thu., Jan. 19, 2017:  Revenge is a Dish Best Served Cold:  Don't Mess With a Pelham Fireman.

Thu., Jan. 12, 2017:  Six of Pelham's Earliest Firefighters Marched in the 36th Annual Fire Inspection Parade in 1930.

Tue., Dec. 06, 2016:  An Account of the Tragic Vaughan Livery Stable Fire in Pelhamville in 1907.

Wed., Nov. 16, 2016:  More on the 1889 Fire that Destroyed the Hunter House on Travers Island.

Tue., Oct. 04, 2016:  Harry R. King, Fire Chief of the First Fire District From 1911 to 1913.

Wed., Jun. 15, 2016:  Organized Volunteer Fire Fighting in Pelhamville Began as Early as 1885.

Tue., Jun. 14, 2016:  The First Annual Inspection of Pelhamville Fire Fighting Units in 1894.

Tue., Jun. 07, 2016:  When Did Pelham's Minneford Engine Company Acquire its First Fire-Fighting Steam Engine?

Mon., May 16, 2016:  Fatal Fire in 1902 at One Fifth Avenue Burned Down the Post Office and Pharmacy.

Fri., Apr. 29, 2016:  Famous Meyers Mansion in Pelham Manor Burned Down in 1897.

Thu., Apr. 28, 2016:  Pelham Manor Dutifully Extinguished a Fire That Nearly Burned Down its Hated Wooden Train Station in 1896.

Mon., Jan. 04, 2016:  Pelham Manor Voters Voted to Disband the Pelham Manor Fire Department in 1928.  

Mon., Dec. 14, 2015:  Early History of the Village of Pelham Manor Fire Department.

Fri., Dec. 11, 2015:  Evidence of An Early Independent Firefighting Unit in Pelham Named "Indians."

Thu., Dec. 10, 2015:  Grand Fire-Fighting Competition and Parade Held in the Town of Pelham in 1891.

Wed., Dec. 09, 2015:  Pelham's Minneford Engine Company Built a New Fire House on City Island in 1894.

Mon., Dec. 07, 2015:  The Code Used on the City Island Fire Bell in the Late 19th Century Used for Fire Alarms.

Mon., Nov. 30, 2015:  Another Detailed Account of the 1901 Fire that Destroyed the Clubhouse of the New York Athletic Club on Travers Island.

Fri., Nov. 20, 2015:  Account of 1894 Fire in One of Pelham's Earliest Newspapers.

Wed., Sep. 30, 2015:  Was it Arson that Destroyed the Prospect Hill School at Jackson and Plymouth Avenues in 1917?

Thu., Sep. 17, 2015:  An Account of the February 28, 1925 Fire at Pelhamdale, A Home on the National Register of Historic Places.

Fri., Jun. 12, 2015:  The Tumultuous Reign of Pelham Manor Fire Chief J. Louis Cunningham in the Early 1900s.

Tue., Jun. 09, 2015:  Reminiscences of Firemen Who Served From 1893 Until 1923 in North Pelham.

Wed., Jun. 03, 2015:  The Bell in Firemen's Memorial Park at First Street and Wolfs Lane.

Tue., Jun. 02, 2015:  Important Early Images of the Pelham Fire Department.

Fri., May 22, 2015:  History of Pelham's Beloved "Nott Steamer" Known as "Jim Reilly's Boiler."

Thu., Mar. 26, 2015:  Fire Destroyed the Old Pelham Manor Post Office in 1945.

Fri., Mar. 20, 2015:  Fire in 1932 Devastated the Bolton Priory in Pelham Manor.

Tue., Feb. 17, 2015:  More on the Early History of Organized Firefighting in the Settlement of Pelhamville.

Mon., Feb. 16, 2015: The Great Furniture Fight of 1896: Company of Pelhamville Firemen Resigned En Masse.

Thu., Feb. 12, 2015: Rare 19th Century Image of Pelhamville Firemen Who Served in Relief Hook and Ladder Company No. 1.

Fri., Dec. 12, 2014: Parade and Housewarming Hosted by Pelhamville Fire Department in 1894.

Thu., Dec. 11, 2014:  Pelhamville's First Attempt to Create a Fire Department in 1893 Failed Due to a Legal Technicality.

Thu., Jul. 24, 2014: Dedication of the New Fire Headquarters in the Village of Pelham on December 29, 1927.

Wed., Jul. 02, 2014: Election Shenanigans Involving Fire Commissioner Election in 1898.


Thu., Apr. 24, 2014: Information About the History of Fire Departments in the Town of Pelham Published in 1927.

Thu., Jan. 30, 2014:  The Night Pelham's Town Hall Burned.

Fri., Jan. 24, 2014: Early Days of Organized Fire Fighting in Today's Village of Pelham.

Thu., Jan. 23, 2014:  Another Account of the Devastating Fire that Destroyed the Travers Island Clubhouse of New York Athletic Club in 1901.

Wed., May 12, 2010:  Fire Partly Destroyed Pelham Town Hall in 1908.

Fri., Jan. 15, 2010: Photograph of Augustine C. McGuire, President of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the First District Fire Department in 1913.

Thu., Jan. 14, 2010: 1913 Report of the Firemen's Benevolent Association in Pelham.

Thu., Dec. 10, 2009: More 19th Century Baseball and Firefighting References.

Tue., Dec. 08, 2009: The Darling Triplets: Three Brothers Among Pelham's Earliest Firefighters.

Thu., Oct. 08, 2009: Firefighting Units on City Island in Pelham During the Early 1890's.

Fri., Sep. 04, 2009:  1901 Newspaper Article About Fire that Burned New York Athletic Club Clubhouse on Travers Island.

Mon., Aug. 31, 2009: Contest in 1891 To Determine Which Steam Fire Engine Company Could Throw a Stream the Greater Distance.

Fri., Aug. 28, 2009: Reorganization of the Minneford Engine Company on City Island in February, 1891.

Thu., Aug. 06, 2009: Brief History of the Fire Department in the Village of North Pelham Published in 1913.

Wed., Aug. 05, 2009: Pelham Manor Fire Chief Pleads for Taxpayers to Authorize Purchase of Village's First Fire Engine.

Wed., July 15, 2009: Liberty Hose Company Election in 1898.

Thu., Feb. 19, 2009:  The Old Hunter House Burns to the Ground in an Arson Incident on Travers Island on April 4, 1889.

Thu., Jan. 19, 2006: Pelham Manor's Earliest Fire Fighting Equipment.

Wed., Jan. 18, 2006:  Newspaper Report of the Infamous Vaughan's Livery Stable Fire in North Pelham in 1907.

Mon., Oct. 17, 2005:  The Firemen's Memorial of the Pelham Fire Department.

Mon., Aug. 01, 2005: An 1896 Inspection and Drill of the Fire Department in Pelham.

Tue., May 31, 2005:  The June 6, 1940 Fire That Destroyed the George M. Reynolds Mansion (Part I of II).

Wed., Jun. 01, 2005:  The June 6, 1940 Fire That Destroyed the George M. Reynolds Mansion (Part II of II).

Fri., May 06, 2005:  The Great Furniture Battle at Pelhamville's Relief Hook and Ladder Company in 1896.

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.

Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."