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.

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Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.

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

The First Annual Inspection of Pelhamville Fire Fighting Units in 1894

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Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

On the evening of Tuesday, October 16, 1894, two volunteer fire companies that served the little settlement of Pelhamville held their first annual inspection.  Liberty Hose Company No. 1, of Pelhamville, hosted the inspection of its members as well as the members of Ladder Company No. 1, also of Pelhamville.

Such inspections at the time were grand social events and celebrations where the members of the fire companies paraded in their finest uniforms along with grand processions of their spit and polished equipment.  The men and their families gathered for celebrations and dancing as part of the grand spectacle.

Much of Pelhamville helped prepare for the companies' first "annual inspection."  The Liberty Hose Company No. 1 arranged a grand parade that included a variety of local fire units from surrounding communities including:  Protection Engine Company No. 2 of Mount Vernon; Minneford Fire Engine Company No. 1 of City Island; Minneford Hose Company of City Island; Island City Hook and Ladder Company No. 2, also of City Island; Citizens Hose Company of New Rochelle; and, of course, Ladder Company No. 1 of Pelhamville.  Pelhamville homeowners along the parade route illuminated their homes and decorated them "prettily."  

The parade began from Fifth Avenue in front of the little structure used as the firehouse near the location of today's firehouse at 219 Fifth Avenue.  The marchers proceeded south on Fifth Avenue to Third Street where they turned east and marched along Third Street until they reached Seventh Avenue.  There they turned north onto Seventh Avenue and marched to Fourth Street (today's Lincoln Avenue) where they turned west onto Fourth Street (Lincoln Avenue) and marched to Third Avenue.  They turned north on Third Avenue passing the schoolhouse where today's Hutchinson Elementary School stands and continued past Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Streets to "Eighth Street" (a street that does not exist today, but likely was in the area of today's Willow Avenue at the edge of Chester Park.  There the parade turned west and marched along Eighth Street to First Avenue where they turned south on First Avenue and marched back to Fourth Street (Lincoln Avenue).  At Fourth Street they turned east and marched back to Fourth Avenue where they turned south and marched down that avenue until they reached Second Street.  There they turned east, marched a block along Second Street, then turned left on Fifth Avenue heading north back toward the firehouse.  The parade marched up Fifth Avenue past the firehouse and continued beyond Fourth Street (Lincoln Avenue) where the marchers turned around and "countermarched" by marching south again on Fifth Avenue back to the firehouse.  

The detail below from a map of Pelhamville published the year before in 1893, shows the route of the parade on October 16, 1894.  The green "X" marks roughly where the parade began, proceeding from that green "X" southward down Fifth Avenue to begin.

Detail from Inset Map of Pelhamville Published in 1893,

Marked to Show Route of First Annual Pelhamville

Fire Inspection Parade on October 16, 1894.  Source:

Bien, Julius R., Inset from "Towns of Westchester and Pelham

[with] Villages of Westchester and Unionport [with]

Village of Pelhamville" in Atlas of Westchester County, New

York, Prepared Under the Direction of Joseph R. Bien, E.M.,

Civil and Topographical Engineer from Original Surveys and

Official Records, p. 3 (NY, NY: Julius Bien & Co., 1893).

NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.  

At the close of the grand parade, the members of the various fire companies proceeded to the little wooden court house that once stood where today's Town Hall stands on Fifth Avenue for a fine meal hosted by The Liberty Hose Company No. 1 of Pelhamville.  Following dinner, the members of the fire companies and their dates held a grand dance that lasted "well into the midnight hour."

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

North Pelham, New York.  Most, If Not All of These Men

Likely Participated in the First Annual Inspection on October

16, 1894.  NOTE: Click Image to Enlarge.

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

North Pelham, New York.  Most, If Not ll of These Men Likely

Participated in the First Annual Inspection on October 16, 1894.

NOTE: Click Image to Enlarge.

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Below is the text of a newspaper article published on October 18, 1894 that described the first annual inspection held on Tuesday, October 16, 1894.  The text is followed by a citation and link to its source.

"OUR NEARBY NEIGHBORS.
-----
Pelhamville.

The Chronicle may be obtained in Pelhamville and vicinity from Master Fred L. Anderson who will deliver it at residence.

Mr. Charles H. Merritt began his duties as postmaster last Monday.

On Wednesday of last week the floor of a barn situated on the Wartburg Farm fell in, almost instantly killing two cows in the stable below, and seriously injuring some others.  About three hundred barrels of potatoes had been placed on the floor and they apparently proved too great a strain on it.  

Last Thursday was 'harvest day' at the Warburg and many of the friends of the institution came out to celebrate it.  The crops raised this year are certainly excellent.

About two weeks ago it was stated that the Union Railway Company promised to place a waiting car at the Pelhamville terminus.  This has not yet been fulfilled but it is to be hoped that it will soon be, as the convenience will be greatly appreciated in stormy or inclement weather.

Last Monday night was the time fixed for the adjourned trial of John Morrelley vs. John Costello, which took place at the Pelhamville court house.  The defendant was charged by the plaintiff with assault in the third degree.  W. J. Marshall was counselor for the former and S.J. Stillwell for the latter.  The trial was by jury.  After the jurors had convened for about ten minutes they rendered a verdict of not guilty.  The following were the jurors:  Mr. J. Heiser, foreman; Messrs. John F. Fairchild, James Caffery, John Rohrs, P. Farrell, and M. Mulligan.

The first annual inspection of the two local fire companies occurred last Tuesday evening.  They made a very fine appearance.  After the inspection a large parade took place in which the following organizations participated as guests of Liberty Hose Co. No. 1:  Protection Engine Co. No. 2 of Mount Vernon, Minneford Fire Engine Co. No. 1, Minneford Hose Company and Island City Hook and Ladder Co. No. 2 all of City Island, Citizens Hose Co. of New Rochelle and Ladder Co. No. 1 of Pelhamville.  The following was the line of march on which all of the residences were very prettily decorated and illuminated; From Fifth avenue to Third street, to Seventh avenue, to Fourth street, to Third avenue, to Eighth street, to First avenue, to Fourth street, then to Second avenue, to First street, to Third avenue, to Fourth street, to Fourth avenue, to Second street, to Fifth avenue past Fourth street, then countermarch to Fire House.

At the conclusion of the parade all the companies repaired to the Court house where a fine collation had been prepared.

After doing full justice to the good things that were served, dancing was entered into with zeal and the merriment lasted well into the midnight hour.

Liberty Hose Co. deserves praise for the grand success of the event."

Source:  OUR NEARBY NEIGHBORS -- Pelhamville, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Oct. 18, 1894, p. 4, col. 1.  

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Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.

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Important Early Images of the Pelham Fire Department

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."

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.

1925 Photograph of Members of Liberty Hose & Engine Co. No. 1,

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



The image immediately above depicts what are believed to be the members of Liberty Hose & Engine Company No. 1 in 1925 with an automotive fire engine behind them.  The picture is also interesting because it shows the shingled fire house near the end of its useful life about three years before it was demolished and replaced with today's firehouse. 

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

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

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., 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.

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

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.

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

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

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."

Pelhamville's First Attempt to Create a Fire Department in 1893 Failed Due to a Legal Technicality

 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 early history of Pelhamville's first fire-fighting units has long been known.  Recently, however, research revealed an interesting odd twist to the creation of those units.  It seems that in 1893, the tiny settlement of Pelhamville voted to authorize the creation of a fire fighting unit and the appropriation of $4,000.00 to fund the purchase of a hose carriage, a horse-drawn hook and ladder "truck," and a "house" to store the equipment.

On February 7, 1893, however, the Town Board of the Town of Pelham met and declared the earlier vote "null and void" on the ground that "electors did not secure the necessary names of property owners signed to their petition to dded a lot for their use as a fire house" as required by law.  

Pelhamville was required to start from scratch.  Next, however, it took a different tack.  Pelhamville representatives obtained a Special Act of the Legislature and subsequently, in March, two fire companies were organized:  the Relief Hook and Ladder Company and the Liberty Hose Company.  Both companies were authorized to assemble thirty men and a small hook and ladder truck and a hose wagon were purchased.  The truck and hose wagon were kept in separate locations until a small fire house was built next to the present site of today's fire house to store the equipment.  

Below is a brief article published in February, 1893 in The Daily Argus of Mount Vernon, New York describing the failed initial effort to create the fire fighting units in Pelhamville.  It is followed by a citation to its source and a list of links to earlier Historic Pelham Blog postings regarding the history of fire fighting in Pelham.

Men of the Liberty Hose Company No. 1 Standing in

Front of the Original Pelhamville Fire House in 1895.

Presumably the Three Men in Suits Behind Them Are

Several of the Fire Commissioners.  NOTE:  Click to Enlarge Image.

Source:  Image Enhanced from Image Offered for Auction Via eBay.

Men of the Relief Hook and Ladder Company No. 1

Standing in Front of the Original Pelhamville Fire 

House in 1895.  NOTE:  Click to Enlarge Image.

Source:  Image Rendered Grayscale and Enhanced

from Image Offered for Auction via eBay.

"CITY ISLAND.
-----
Ex-Judge Henry D. Carey, has been elected a member of the General Committee of Tammany Hall from the 13th Assembly District.  Mr. Carey is also a prominent member of the Piquod Club, and he can be seen every evening talking politics with Police Commissioner John C. Sheehan and others.

Mr. Alexander Bants, Sr., is talked of as a candidate for Excise Commissioner this spring.  This is a good selection.

At a meeting of the Town Board held on Tuesday evening, February 7th, at the Court House, Supervisor Sherman T. Pell in the chair, all the Board was present with the exception of Judges Karbach and Whann.  The recent election and appropriation of four thousand dollars, held at Pelhamville, to secure a hose carriage, hook and ladder and a house for those fire apparatus, was declared null and void on the ground that the electors did not secure the necessary names of property owners signed to their petition to deed a lot for their use as a fire house, which the law requires.  They will hold another election soon and will comply with the law."

Source:  CITY ISLAND, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Feb. 20, 1893, Vol. 1, No. , p. 3, col. 2.  

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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Liberty Hose Company Election in 1898

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I have worked for many years to document the earliest histories of the various fire fighting units that operated in Pelham during the late 1800s.  Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog provides information about the election of officers in the Liberty Hose Company in 1898.  The text of the article is transcribed below followed by a citation to its source.

"Liberty Hose Company Officers.

Liberty Hose Company held an election of officers on Monday evening, the following being chosen:  foreman, James W. Penny; assistant foreman, H. Prindle; secretary, Thomas R. Scott; treasurer, Alexander Kennedy.  Upon the request of the members of the company who have recently received exempt certificates, they were released from active membership and their names were ordered placed on the honorary list."

Source:  Liberty Hose Company Officers, The Chronicle, Mar. 11, 1898, p. 3, col. 3.

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