19th Century Fourth of July Celebrations in the Town of 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."

Happy Independence Day Pelham!  Like most small towns in America, the Town of Pelham has a long and honorable tradition of celebrating the Fourth of July in grand style.  Indeed, this evening much of Pelham gathers in Shore Park to continue this tradition as they witness the spectacle of an awe-inspiring fireworks display above the New York Athletic Club facility on Travers Island.  

The 19th century citizens of Pelham were no different in their national pride and their desire to celebrate Independence Day.  Indeed, they celebrated the holiday in ways that were surprisingly similar to our own celebrations of the holiday today.  This article collects three examples of 19th century Independence Day celebrations in the Town of Pelham.

July 3, 1894:  Pelham's Fourth of July Parade in 1894 -- The Last One Held on City Island Before Its Annexation by New York City

The citizens of City Island celebrated their last Independence Day as part of the Town of Pelham in 1894.  The celebration actually was held on Fourth of July Eve.  It began at 8:45 p.m. and included a grand parade and fireworks.

The parade included the new Minneford Engine Company and the newer Hook and Ladder Company.  The firemen towed the new steam engine and marched from the City Island bridge to the foot of City Island and back to the Minneford Engine Company firehouse.  The firemen were accompanied by the Judson Kilpatrick Drum Corps of New York in the lead.  According to one account, "the route of the procession was lined with spectators in whose faces the enthusiasm of the occasion was visible."

The marchers "burned" red lights "to exhibit more clearly the lines of the engine and ladder."  As they passed the center of the settlement on City Island, they were greeted with a fireworks display and flags.  

The entire parade lasted a little more than one hour.  According to the local newspaper, "by ten o'clock all was quiet again."

*     *     *     *     *

Below is the text of a newspaper article describing the parade, followed by a citation and link to its source.

"THE PARADE!

The greatest excitement that has been of public interest in our midst for some time occurred on the eve of the 'Fourth', when the firemen turned out in a body and hauled their egnine the length of the village twice.

This was done in order to greet the new Hook and Ladder Company which was recently formed and to exhibit to the people concerned, the apparatus we have in our midst for fighting fires.

The line of march started from the bridge at quarter to nine, with the Judson Kilpatric Drum Corps of New York in the lead.  The Minneford Engine Co. fell in after them twenty strong, with their engine in tow.  Then came the Hook and Ladder Co., the heroes of the evening, with their new apparatus.  Red lights were burned to exhibit more clearly the lines of the engine and ladder.  As the procession came near the center of the village fireworks and flags greeted it, and was continued for some time.  The route of the procession was lined with spectators in whose faces the enthusiasm of the occasion was visible.  The length of the island was traversed, and returning the firemen stationed themselves near the engine house and cheered the new company as they passed.  Here, wet and dusty, the crowd disbanded and by ten o'clock all was quiet again."

Source:  THE PARADE!, City Island Drift, Jul. 7, 1894, p. 6, cols. 1-2.  

July 4, 1887:  Grand Flag Raising in Pelhamville

In 1887, the tiny little settlement of Pelhamville in the Town of Pelham planned a grand celebration of Independence Day. Local leaders arranged for the erection of a massive 61-foot flagpole at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Fourth Street (today's Lincoln Avenue).  The planned program for the day involved a "grand flag raising" at the new flagpole at 6:00 a.m.  The newly-established Pelhamville Brass Band that later became a Pelhamville institution at such celebrations, planned to "play for the first time in public."  There were, of course, addresses by local civic leaders and "singing of national airs."

Although the massive flagpole was donated by Mr. S. Bernstein of Chester Hill in Mount Vernon, a group of Pelhamville residents raised subscriptions to fund the program.  A local newspaper reported that after the celebration "The flag and pole will be given to the proper authorities in Pelhamville." 

*     *     *     *     *

Below is the text of a brief article regarding the planned program.  It is followed by a citation and link to its source.

"PELHAMVILLE.

-- There will be a grand flag raising July 4th, at 6 A.M., on the corner of Fourth street [today's Lincoln Avenue] and Fifth avenue.  The pole is sixty-one feet long.  The Pelhamville Brass Band, Prof. H. J. Hunt instructor, play for the first time in public, and there will be addresses and if possible, singing of national airs.  Messrs. Brotherton, and the old Mexican hero, Justice Paterson and John Godfrey, are raising subscriptions and preparing the programme.  The flag and pole will be given to the proper authorities in Pelhamville.  The pole is donated by Mr. S. Bernstein, of Chester Hill, Mt. Vernon. -- Record." 

Source:  PELHAMVILLE, New Rochelle Pioneer, Jun. 25, 1887, Vol. XXVIII, No. 13, p. 3, col. 5.  

July 4, 1856:  Steamboat Excursions from New York City to Pelham 

On the Fourth of July, 1856, Americans celebrated the eightieth anniversary of American Independence.  Many New Yorkers decided to celebrate that holiday with a "GRAND EXCURSION" on the steamer IOLAS to Pelham Bridge in the Town of Pelham.  

By 1856, the Pelham Bridge, Pelham Neck, and City Island region of the Town of Pelham already had become a popular destination for excursionists seeking to escape the city for a day of picnics, swimming, boating, fishing, and the like.  An advertisement for the IOLAS excursion on July 4, 1856 promised that the excursion to City Island and Pelham Bridge would offer "Fine fishing and swimming at City Island" and "Fine groves at Pelham Bridge!"  At the end of the day, the steamer positioned itself to permit viewing of a grand fireworks display to mark the occasion.  Immediately below is an advertisement for the excursion which cost 25 cents per person.

Advertisement for the "GRAND EXCURSION" to Pelham

Bridge on the Steamer IOLAS with Captain Dolton on

July 4, 1856.  NOTE:  Click Image to Enlarge.

"EXCURSIONS.
-----

GRAND EXCURSIONS--On FOURTH JULY, 1856 -- The favorite steamer IOLAS, Capt Dolton, will make a trip to City Island, Pelham Bridge Westchester County.  Fine fishing and swimming at City Island.  Capt. McClelland will make all at home at his fine hotel.  Fine groves at Pelham Bridge!  This boat will not be crowded, I pledge myself.

Fare for the trip, 50 cents.  The boat will land at Fort Schuyer and Stratonport [sp?].  Leaves foot of 30th st., N. R., at 7 o'clock; Amos st. 7 1/2; Spring st., 7 1/2; Pier 3, 7 3/4; Catherine Ferry 8 o'clock; Broome st., 8 1/2; South 3d st., Williamsburg 8 3/4; 10th st. at 9 o'clock.  Refreshments on board.  The boat will make all the landings.

The boat will return to witness the Fireworks -- fare 25 cents.  This will be the best place to see the Fireworks.  A fine Band will accompany the boat.

CAPT. D. DOLTON."

Source:  GRAND EXCURSION -- On FOURTH JULY, 1856, New-York Daily Times, Jul. 3, 1856, p. 5, col. 3 (access via available link requires paid subscription).

Cover of the Program for the July 4, 1907 Celebration.  Source:

Original Held in Private Collection, But Image Provided to The

Office of The Historian of The Town of Pelham.  NOTE:  Click

on Image to Enlarge.

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."

Organized Volunteer Fire Fighting in Pelhamville Began as Early as 1885

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 history of organized firefighting, of course, is an important part of the local history of any community, Pelham being no exception.  I long have sought to document the origins of organized firefighting in the various settlements that once comprised the Town of Pelham.  

Although the Village of Pelham Manor Fire Department has claimed over the years to be able to trace its origins to 1876, frankly I have been entirely unable to document any such origins.  Indeed, the earliest evidence of organized firefighting I can document with certainty in Pelham Manor occurred in early January, 1890.  Even though the Village of Pelham Manor had not yet been incorporated, owners of fifty of the fifty-three homes located in the area agreed to pay an "assessment" of $30 per home to fund the purchase of firefighting equipment, among other things.  (Owners of two residences failed to reply and the owner of one residence refused to participate.)  Among the first equipment the collective acquired were fourteen dozen hand grenade extinguishers for $84 and fifty-six racks for the hand grenade extinguishers.  See Mon., Dec. 14, 2015:  Early History of the Village of Pelham Manor Fire Department.

The earliest evidence of organized firefighting I can document with certainty on City Island seems to have involved the formation of the Minneford Steam Engine Company in 1890 shortly before the company used its new steam engine in a competition against the Huguenot Engine Company of New Rochelle on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1890.  See Tue., Jun. 07, 2016:  When Did Pelham's Minneford Engine Company Acquire its First Fire-Fighting Steam Engine?

The origins of organized firefighting in the tiny settlement of Pelhamville have been somewhat unclear -- until now.

I have run across a brief reference indicating that on January 16, 1885, the citizens of Pelhamville were organizing a fire bucket company to fight fires in the settlement.  More precisely, the reference reads:  "A movement has been inaugurated in Pelhamville looking to the organization of a fire bucket company, as a precaution in case of fire.  Very timely indeed."

Pelhamville, it seems may have been in the vanguard of our Town in its efforts to develop organized firefighting as early as January 16, 1885 -- five years before the evidence we currently have regarding early organized firefighting efforts on City Island and in Pelham Manor.

*          *          *          *          *

Transcribed below is the text of a brief article that contains the reference quoted above.  It is followed by a citation and link to its source.

"PELHAMVILLE.

A movement has been inaugurated in Pelhamville looking to the organization of a fire bucket company, as a precaution in case of fire.  Very timely indeed.

Under the direction of Mrs. I. C. Hill, the organist of the Episcopal Church, that society expect to see a great improvement in the class of church music soon.  Mrs. Hill will have sole charge of it.

The new residence of Mr. I. C. Hill is completed and now occupied by that gentleman and his family.  Mr. Lyons new house has just been finished and he will move in early next spring.

Since no headway appears to be made in the matter of cutting down the road at Pelhamville depot so that vehicles can pass under instead of over the railroad track, the residents have prevailed upon the railroad company to have gated placed at the crossing."

Source:  PELHAMVILLE, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Jan. 16, 1885, Vol. XVI, No. 800, p. 3, col. 2.

Fire Bucket Like Those Used in Fire Bucket Brigades in

Small Communities in 1885.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

*          *          *          *          *

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.

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 First Annual Inspection of Pelhamville Fire Fighting Units in 1894

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."

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.

*          *          *          *          *

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.  

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."

When Did Pelham's Minneford Engine Company Acquire its First Fire-Fighting Steam Engine?

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 history of the earliest years of organized fire fighting in the Town of Pelham is particularly fascinating.  One important development in this regard was the organization of Pelham's Minneford Engine Company, a volunteer fire company that served City Island for more than a decade.  I have written about the Minneford Engine Company before.  See:  

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

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

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

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

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

So far research has not revealed with certainty when the Minneford Engine Company was first organized or when it first acquired its steam engine.  As I wrote recently, "[r]esearch has not yet revealed the origins of the Minneford Engine Company, but it seems clear that it existed prior to February 20, 1891 since, according to one news report published on February 28, 1891, it was 're-organized as an independent company' as of that date."

Additional research now reveals that the steam engine was acquired in about November, 1890 suggesting that the Minneford Engine Company likely was organized earlier in that year rather than in 1891.  A very brief reference in The World published in New York City on November 28, 1890 detailing Thanksgiving Day celebrations in the New York region on November 27 stated:

"EVERYBODY HAD TURKEY. . .

There was a celebration at City Island by the firemen in honor of the introduction of the first steam fire engine on City Island, by the members of Minneford Engine Company.  A parade through the principal streets was followed by a friendly contest between the Huguenot Engine of New Rochelle and Minneford Engine, the latter being declared the winner.  In the evening the firemen held a ball in Leveugh's Hall [sic; likely Leviness Hall]."

Source:  EVERYBODY HAD TURKEY, The World [NY, NY], Nov. 28, 1890, p. 7, col. 7 (NOTE:  Paid subscription required to access via this link.)

This brief reference makes clear that by November 27, 1890, the Minneford Steam Engine Company already existed and had taken delivery of its new steam engine.  

Members of the Minneford Engine Company with Their Steamer

Nicknamed "Minneford."  Photograph Taken in About 1900 After City

Island Was Annexed by New York City and Not Long Before the

Volunteer Fire Fighting Unit Was Disbanded.  Photograph Courtesy

of the Digital Collections of the Office of The Historian of The

Town of Pelham. NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

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."  

Grand Fire-Fighting Competition and Parade Held in the Town of Pelham in 1891

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."

During the early 1890s, firefighting units throughout our region were still in their infancy.  Several, including units in the Town of Pelham on City Island, in Mount Vernon, and in New Rochelle, had purchased steam boiler pumping engines to throw streams of water on fires.  These were some of the earliest fire engines in the region.

Settlements such as City Island in the Town of Pelham were growing.  To house their populations, there was a mini-building boom to erect mostly wooden structures (at least on City Island).  Thus, it was in the interest of the local citizenry to encourage the establishment and progress of local volunteer firefighting units such as the Minneford Engine Company of City Island.  One such effort was undertaken by William Belden of City Island during the summer of 1891.

At the time, Belden was the proprietor of Belden Point on the southern tip of City Island.  Belden Point was a summer resort marketed in the local Mount Vernon newspaper as "The Coolest and Most Delightful of Summer Resorts" that was only "Six miles from Mount Vernon" with "Ample provision for horses and carriages."  Music was provided from 11:00 a.m. until late into the evening each day by "Liebold's famous Military Band and Orchestra."  There was a giant organ played by Frank Taft, a carousel, amusements, and six bowling alleys.  Each day a "Genuine Rhode Island Clam Bake" was offered.  In addition there was a French restaurant as well as boating, swimming, and fishing facilities.  Admission to the grounds of the amusement resort was ten cents.  See, e.g., BELDEN POINT! [Advertisement], The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Jul. 24, 1891, Vol. XXII, No. 1,422, p. 4, col. 6.  

William Belden decided in 1891 to encourage a little competition among local fire engine companies by offering a prize to the engine company whose steam pump engine could throw a stream of water the greatest distance using a hose one thousand feet long.  The prize he offered was a pair of silver trumpets and a cup.  The competition was a master stroke by Belden.  Not only did it encourage the local engine companies that might have to collaborate to fight major fires in the region (including any at Belden Point) to optimize their steam engine technologies for fighting such fires, but it also offered a grand spectacle to attract even more visitors -- at ten cents a head -- to his amusement resort at Belden Point.

Belden originally scheduled the competition to take place on the dock of his resort on Monday, August 3, 1891.  For an as yet unknown reason, the competition subsequently was advanced to Thursday, July 30, 1891 at 3:00 p.m.  Belden invited Mount Vernon Steamer No. 1, the Minneford Engine Company of City Island, and the Relief Steamer of New Rochelle to compete.  

At noon on the day of the competition, Mount Vernon Steamer No. 1 was hitched to four grand horses and departed for Belden Point.  The volunteers of the company boarded stagecoaches and departed at 12:30 p.m.

In contrast, the Relief Steamer Company of New Rochelle was forced to withdraw from the competition.  Its engine broke down.  This meant that the competition would be a head-to-head competition between the Mount Vernon and City Island engine companies.

Upon the arrival of the Mount Vernon engine and the stagecoaches carrying the volunteers of the company, a grand parade began through the streets of City Island.  In addition to the City Islanders who turned out for the festivities, about 500 residents of Mount Vernon were present as well.  At the completion of the festive parade, the members of the Minneford Engine Company hosted a luncheon for their Mount Vernon counterparts.  

The competition was simple.  Each engine would be pulled onto the dock of the amusement resort, one at a time.  One thousand feet of hose would be attached to the engine and the steam boiler would be fired up to raise the pumping pressure.  Once ready, the firemen would have fifteen minutes to throw their stream of water from the one thousand foot hose.  Officials would measure the greatest distance that a "steady" stream of water was thrown from the hose with the company throwing a steady stream the greatest distance declared the winner.  

Detail from 1893 Map of City Island Showing Belden Point Where

Steam Fire Engine Competition Was Held on July 30, 1891.  

Source: Bien, Joseph Rudolph, "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.

The contest did not begin until nearly 4:30 p.m.  Mount Vernon Steamer No. 1 began.  As the stream began, it only stretched ten feet from the nozzle of the hose, causing "jubilation" among the City Islanders.  As the boiler engineer worked with the engine, however, the stream grew steadily longer.  Once it reached about one hundred feet, the stream stopped abruptly -- a coupling had burst, stopping the stream.  

The Mount Vernon firemen scrambled to correct the problem and got the stream started again.  Once again the stream grew steadily longer until the fifteen minutes expired.  The judges determined that the engine had achieved a steady stream of 134.6 feet.

It was next the turn of the Minneford Engine Company.  The Mount Vernon engine was backed off the dock and was replaced with the Minneford.  The engineer was able to get the steam pressure of the engine up to 125 pounds and the firemen threw a magnificent steady stream of water into the air.  When time expired, however, measurements established that the steady stream had achieved only a distance of 114.2 feet, some 20.4 feet shorter than the steady stream achieved by the Mount Vernon Steamer No. 1.  The Mount Vernon spectators cheered in jubilation as the news was announced.

Once the results were announced, the two fire companies assembled behind a band -- likely "Liebold's famous Military Band and Orchestra" that played daily at the amusement resort -- and marched around Belden Point.  The firemen then were treated to a "shore dinner" by William Belden.  After dinner, the firemen formed in line and each company marched to its own machine to leave for home.  

The Mount Vernon firemen, however, were not finished with the celebration of their victory.  Their steam engine was sent ahead of them to the Village of Mount Vernon and awaited their arrival on Third Street.  When they arrived "a grand reception awaited them."  Fourth avenue "was all ablaze with colored lights and numerous fireworks were set off" as the firemen and their engine paraded down Fourth avenue at the end of a grand day on City Island in the Town of Pelham.

Members of the Minneford Engine Company with Their

Steamer Nicknamed "Minneford." Photograph Taken in

About 1900 After City Island Was Annexed by New York

City and Not Long Before the Volunteer Fire Fighting Unit

Was Disbanded. Photograph Courtesy of the Digital

Collections of the Office of The Historian of The Town

of Pelham. NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

*          *          *          *          *

"LOCAL MATTERS OF INTEREST
-----
WHAT IS GOING ON IN OUR VILLAGE.
-----
*     *     *

COMPETITION. -- Steamer Company, No. 1, of this village, has been invited to participate in a contest for two silver trumpets and a cup.  The contest takes place on Monday, August 3rd.  Mr. William Belden is the donor of the prizes.

LATER. -- The Steamer Company have received full particulars in regard to the contest.  A meeting will be held on Monday evening next, when the invitation to compete with the Relief Fire Engine Company of New Rochelle, and the Minneford Engine Company of City Island, will no doubt be accepted."

Source:  LOCAL MATTERS OF INTEREST -- WHAT IS GOING ON IN OUR VILLAGE, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Jul. 24, 1891, Vol. XXII, No. 1,422, p. 3, col. 1.  


"VICTORY!!
-----
THE TWO SILVER TRUMPETS AND THE CUP COME TO MOUNT VERNON!
-----
THE POWERS OF THE STEAMER ARTFULLY DISPLAYED.
-----
THE STEAMER COMPANY BEATS THE MINNEFORD BY OVER 20 FEET.
-----
134.6 FEET THROUGH 1,000 FEET OF HOSE.
-----

The great contest has taken place, and the trophies of victory have been brought to Mount Vernon.  

Yesterday at noon the Mount Vernon Steamer, drawn by four horses, was taken to City Island to participate in a contest for two silver trumpets and a cup, the donor beeing Mr. William Belden, the proprietor of Belden Point.  The members of the company left at 12:30 in stages.

The names of the competing companies were:  Mount Vernon Steamer, No. 1; Minneford Steamer, of City Island; and the Relief Steamer of New Rochelle.  The latter company, however, was unable to participate owing to the fact that their engine had broken down.

The companies all arrived in City Island in good time, and took part in a grand parade through the island.  Fully 500 Mount Vernonites were present, and after the victory rent the air with their shouts of triumph.  After the parade the companies sat down to a handsome dinner provided by the Minnefords.

Although three o'clock was the time set for the contest, it was nearly half-past four before the Mount Vernon Steamer sent the water.  The engine was stationed on the dock, and the thousand feet of hose were carried out along the shore round the bend.  The throw was fifteen minutes.

Messrs. W. J. Collins and Peter Magee were at the nozzle and put in their best work.  At the first throw, the stream only went a distance of fifteen feet.  The Minnefords at once began to feel jubilant, but it did not last long.  Further and farther the stream went until a hundred feet was reached.  Then the Vernon boys had their turn.  Shout after shout rent the air, when all at once there was a total stop.  One of the couplings had burst.  This was soon righted, and a good stream was shot.  The time was drawing to a close, and the Minneford boys were still exulting when the judges called a halt.  The distance was then measured, and it was learned that a steady stream, 134.6 feet in length, had been thrown.

It was now the Minneford's turn.  The Mount Vernon Steamer backed from the dock, and the Minneford took her place.  Steam was soon got up, and with 120 pounds she started the pump.  In ten seconds, she ran down ten pounds, but gradually picked up till 125 pounds were reached.  Then the engineer began to grow cautious, and blew off the steam.

But she wasn't in it.  She did her best, though, but did not come within twenty feet of the Mount Vernon steamer.

On time being called, the measure was taken, which showed a steady stream to have been thrown 114.2 feet, or 20.4 feet less than the opponent.

Cheers again rent the air, and headed by the band, the firemen marched round the Point.  

The firemen were then treated to a shore dinner by Mr. Belden, and forming in line, each company marched to its own machine and left for home.  The Mount Vernon steamer had gone on before, but it was waiting for the boys on Third street.  A grand reception awaited them as they paraded down Fourth avenue.  The avenue was all ablaze with colored lights and numerous fireworks were set off.

Our fire laddies will be justly proud of their victory.  They went in to win and did so.  Their trophies will probably be exhibited in the engine house."

Source:  VICTORY!! -- THE TWO SILVER TRUMPETS AND THE CUP COME TO MOUNT VERNON! -- THE POWERS OF THE STEAMER ARTFULLY DISPLAYED -- THE STEAMER COMPANY BEATS THE MINNEFORD BY OVER 20 FEET -- 134.6 FEET THROUGH 1,000 FEET OF HOSE, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Jul. 31, 1891, Vol. XXII, No. 1,424, p. 5, col. 3.  

"To Contest for Silver Trumpets.

The proprietor of Belden's Point, City Island, has offered as prizes two silver trumpets and a silver cup, to any local steam fire engine company throwing a stream the greater distance through 1,000 feet of hose.  The contest will take place next Monday afternoon, at 3 o'clock at this resort.  The following companies have decided to compete:  Minneford, City Island; Relief, New Rochelle; Steamer Company, No. 1, Mt. Vernon."

Source:  To Contest for Silver Trumpets, The New Rochelle Pioneer, Aug. 1, 1891, Vol. XXXII, No. 17, p. 2, col. 3 (this is an untimely report published two days after the event, which was moved up, actually occurred; the event originally was scheduled to take place on August 3, 1891, but was advanced to July 30, 1891).  

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."