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."

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."

More on the Early History of Organized Firefighting in the Settlement of Pelhamville

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 firefighting in Pelhamville seems to mirror the early history of firefighting in many other small suburban communities.  Pelhamville homeowners first fought fires on their own with buckets and well water and, when available, the assistance of neighbors.  Residents understood the futility of such self-reliance.  

In 1892, two major fires burned two Pelhamville homes to the ground.  In the case of one of the fires, winds carried embers from the fire all the way to New Rochelle, shocking both communities and prompting Pelhamville residents to organize "bucket companies" as part of the "Pelhamville Fire Department" to fight fires.  These early efforts were little better than the self-reliance of earlier days.  Residents hung a large, circular locomotive wheel rim and attached a hammer to it with a chain.  In the event of a fire, the first person who could get to the wheel rim would use the hammer to pound on it in an effort to alert the community.  

Within a short time it was apparent that more professional equipment was necessary.  Local residents petitioned the Town Board to create a fire district with authority to issue bonds fund such equipment.  In 1893, the First Fire District of the Town of Pelham was organized.  Shortly thereafter, the district raised the funds necessary to buy and hand-drawn, hook and ladder carrier and built a tiny little wooden fire house near the location of today's firehouse in which to store the hand-drawn hook and ladder equipment.  

Within a few years, the hand-drawn hook and ladder carrier was replaced with a horse-drawn version of the same equipment and a "Nott Steamer" was added to permit steam-pressurized water to be pumped onto fires.  

Somewhat surprisingly, the horse-drawn equipment was not replaced with motorized equipment until 1923.  The Nott Steamer was kept long thereafter and even could outperform early motorized pumpers used by the Department.

Nott Steamer Roughly Like "Jim Reilly's Boiler"

Once Deployed by the First Fire District of the Town of Pelham.

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes an article published in honor of the 45th anniversary of the creation of the First Fire District of the Town of Pelham.  An excerpt from the same article appeared in a recent posting describing the "Great Furniture Fight of 1896."  Today's posting transcribes the entire article because it conveys so much about the early history of firefighting in the settlement of Pelhamville.

"Pelhamville Volunteer Fire Dept., 45 Years Old
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Old Timers Recall Days When Fire Department Was Organized As 'Bucket Company'; When Citizens First Volunteered To Render Community Service in Fighting Fires.
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This month marks the 45th anniversary of the founding of the First Fire District, which began as the old Pelhamville Volunteer Fire Department.  The volunteer fire companies, the Relief Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1, and Liberty Engine & Hose Co. No. 1, were organized as 'bucket' companies in 1892 and the district was officially created a year later.  

According to the recollection of old timers, the need for a local fire department was greatest felt during 1892 when there were two serious fires in the village.  The Delcambre residence at Fourth avenue and Third street and the Case residence on Fifth avenue between Second and Third street were burned to the ground because there was no local means of fighting fires.  Embers from the fire at the Case house were carried over into New Rochelle.

The following written by J. Gardner Minard gives an interesting insight into the early days of the volunteer fire department in Pelham:

The Pelhamville Fire Department

The two fire departments of the Town of Pelham have proved a puzzle to so many that an explanation seems to be in order.  Why is the Pelham fire department called the First Fire District and the Pelham Manor department no called the Second District?  Why are there two villages in the First Fire District?  Prior to 1893 there were no fire companies in what is now the Town of Pelham; no street lamps, and small water mains in a few of the principal streets only.  If your kerosene lamp exploded at night, you grabbed a pail or two and rushed for the well in your front or back yard while the rest of the family yelled from the windows or doors to attract the neighbors, usually a block or more away.  If the fire gained on you, which it usually did, you gave up the fight and joined the family and neighbors in salvaging what possessions you could.  When the flames lit the sky, the fire bells in Mount Vernon and New Rochelle announced that help was on its way.  To those who recall what the streets from the two villages leading into Pelham were like realize the hopelessness of the effort.  The firemen arrived completely fogged out too late to be of any service and had the heartbreaking job of dragging the apparatus back up the dark hills into their own villages again.  In winter they made no effort to get over the impassable roads.

In the fall of 1892 a group of men living north of the New Haven tracks in what was then known as Pelhamville, met to discuss the organization of a 'bucket company.'  Some argued that since ladders would be needed, that a Hook and Ladder company would solve the problem.  Several meetings were held and a committee reported that under the Town Law ten property owners could petition the Town Board to create a fire district.  The petition was prepared and presented to the board and in 1893 the First Fire District which included all that unincorporated portion of the town north of Colonial avenue was created.  

Pelham Manor was then an incorporated village and the town board had no jurisdiction over that territory.  The villages of Pelham and North Pelham had not yet been dreamed of.  Next the Town Board ordered an election of five fire commissioners each for a term of five years.  In those days the commissioners made up an annual budget and ordered an election in which taxpayers voted either for or against the budget.  A bond issue provided funds for the purchase of a lot 50 x 100 on the west side of Fifth avenue 100 feet south of Fourth street and the contract for the erection of the building awarded to Godfrey Bros., Carpenters and Builders.  One of them, Philip Godfrey, is still a member of the company.

The commissioners ordered fire badges and in commemoration of the date the company was actually started, 1892, began numbering the badges from 92 up.  The lowest number, 92, was awarded the late Jacob Heisser, the local grocer.  All the badges were stamped 'Pelhamville F. D.,' although half the district was located south of the railroad tracks and not in Pelhamville.  The president of the board of fire commissioners, Judge William H. Sparks, resided on Wolfs lane in what is now the Village of Pelham [i.e., today's Pelham Heights].  The town board now ordered water mains laid in many streets and hydrants installed.  

Under the Town Laws the fire commissioners had the power to appoint a chief and assistant chief; each to hold office at the pleasure of the board.  At the earnest request of the firemen, this law was waived and the firemen permitted to elect their own candidates.  This resulted in one of the biggest upheavals in the department.  The hose company had a larger membership than the truck company, and each nominated its own candidates; the rule being that the two officers could not represent the same company.

In 1896 an election was held; the commissioners, as usual, acting as inspectors of eoection.  It resulted in a tie vote.  The commissioners ordered another election, but the truck company objected.  Many rumors were afloat as to why this should be, but the one that persisted was that the truck company had pulled a fast one on the hose company under the noses of the commissioners and knew it could not be repeated.

Angered by the refusal of the firemen to carry out their order, the commissioners thereupon exercised their prerogative and appointed -- not one of the candidates -- but Jacob Heisser, who was not a candidate.  It was not that the firemen objected to Mr. Heisser, but they saw their privileges being curtailed.  Judge Frank M. Lyon, the local butcher, and foreman of Relief Hook and Ladder Co., called a special meeting and laid the matter before the volunteers.  He suggested that the company be disbanded and, as the furniture had been purchased by them, they take it away with them.  Phil Godfrey warned the men that they were making a serious mistake that would create more enemies than friends, but the motion was made and carried, Godfrey and four others alone voting against the motion.  'Come on boys, follow me' called the foreman, seizing the swivel chair on which he had been seated and swinging it over his shoulder.  The others picked up chairs, desk and other articles of furniture and marched out, taking with them the chairs, desk and other articles of furniture and marched out, taking with them the chairs on which the dissenting members had been seated.

The commissioners held a special meeting and ordered the firemen to return the furniture, but only received the rebel cheer.  Then the commissioners carried the case to court at White Plains.  Counsel for the firemen produced the books to show that a meeting was held and the motion duly carried; also he produced receipts to show that the firemen had bought the furniture and had a right to remove it.  Counsel for the commissioners produced the by-laws of the company that stated that 'five men shall constitute a quorum to proceed with the business of the meeting,' and as five members still remained in the company, it still existed as a company.  The Court agreed with the commissioners and ordered the furniture returned.  The furniture, which had been stored in Merritt's barn at the foot of Fourth avenue and First street, was brought back.

In the spring of 1896 the territory south of the New Haven tracks was incorporated as the Village of Pelham and a few months later Pelhamville incorporated as the village of North Pelham.  Thus the First Fire District now included two villages.  The Pelham Manor fire department being organized after the incorporation of the village, had to be organized under the Village laws.

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The first equipment of the department was a hand-drawn hook and ladder, and the next step was to erect a fire house.  The contract was awarded to Philip Godrey, who constructed a small wooden house, which for many years occupied a site adjacent to the present fire headquarters.  Later it moved to the rear of the lot and a larger building erected.  This building was used until a few years ago when the present building was built.  The original fire house was used as an engine room and drivers' room.  It was removed when the second building was torn down.  

The hand-drawn apparatus was succeeded by a horse-drawn truck and a Nott steamer which for many years was affectionately known as 'Jim Reilly's Boiler,' because the late James Reilly, blacksmith and village president had greatest success in getting up steam.  The old hand-drawn apparatus for many years was parked in a vacant lot adjacent to fire headquarters.  

Motorized equipment was purchased in 1923, but 'Jim Reilly's Boiler' retained by the department for several years could be used in emergency and in tests proved to be almost as efficient as the motor pumper.

Pelham's first fire alarm was an old locomotive tire, suspended in a frame and hit with a trip hammer worked with a chain.  During the early days of the department water mains had not been laid on all the streets and it was necessary to stretch hose for considerable distance in order to combat fires."

Source:  Pelhamville Volunteer Fire Dept., 45 Years Old, The Pelham Sun, Apr. 1, 1938, Vol. 28, No. 52, p. 1, cols. 2-3.  

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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.

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.

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The Great Furniture Fight of 1896: Company of Pelhamville Firemen Resigned En Masse

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."

Very early in its history, Pelhamville's Relief Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 experienced a great deal of turmoil among its members.  On one occasion in 1896, nearly all of the members of the company resigned en masse in what came to be know as the Great Furniture Fight of 1896.  I have written before about the events that embroiled the Relief Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 during the spring of 1896.  See, e.g., Fri., May 6, 2005:  The Great Furniture Battle at Pelhamville's Relief Hook and Ladder Company in 1896.  

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog provides additional background and context to the dispute which, of course, was about much, much more than furniture.  In early 1896 there were a variety of disputes among members of the organization as members tried to resolve early political squabbles.  Eventually, those disputes resulted in resignation of most members of the company, the removal of the furniture from the new firehouse, and litigation.


Political infighting seems to have intensified in March of 1896 when the Board of Fire Commissioners of Pelhamville summoned two brothers, Eugene and Frank Lyon, who were members of Liberty Hose Company No. 1 and the Relief Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, respectively.  The brothers were charged with insubordination for unspecified conduct that the local newspaper was very careful not to disclose, referring to their conduct only as "the questions at issue."

The Board considered the allegations sufficiently serious that it retained counsel to serve as "the prosecution" during the hearing.  (Arthur M. Johnson served as the prosecutor.)  The two brothers appeared before the Board represented by their own counsel, S. J. Stilwell.  A first hearing was held, but no decision was reached and the hearing was adjourned until March 24, 1896.  On that occasion, "the questions at issue were disposed of and the Messrs. Lyons exonerated."  Source:  CHARGES AGAINST LYON BROTHERS DISMISSED.  -- Commissioner Sparks Alleged Insubordination, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Mar. 27, 1896, Vol. XVL, No. 1218, p. 2, col. 4.

Although no record has been located to indicate what were the origins of the allegations of insubordination, it seems nearly certain that the charges were tied to a disputed election to determine who would serve as the Fire Chief held in 1896.  Frank M. Lyon, one of the brothers charged with insubordination, was the Foreman of Relief Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 and led the revolt.

Applicable law at the time gave the Board of Fire Commissioners the power to appoint a Fire Chief and an Assistant Fire Chief to lead the Department consisting of the Relief Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 and the Liberty Engine and Hose Company No. 1.  It seems that in early 1896, each of the two companies nominated one of their own members to stand for election to the position of Fire Chief.  The Liberty Engine and Hose Company No. 1 was the larger of the two companies, so the result of the election seemed a forgone conclusion.

What happened next, however, became a matter of dispute for decades thereafter.  When the election ended, the two companies' candidates for Fire Chief were tied.  Rumors swirled that the smaller Relief Hook and Ladder Company had pulled some sort of unspecified "fast one . . . under the noses of the commissioners" in an attempt to swing the vote favor of its candidate.

The rumors that some sort of fix was in intensified when the Board of Fire Commissioners ordered a new election.  The Relief Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 objected to any such new election.  Rumors swirled anew that the Relief Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 knew that it would not be able to repeat its election feat and, thus, refused to cooperate further.

Angry and fed up with the bickering, the Board of Fire Commissioners decided to exercise its statutory prerogative and appoint the Fire Chief.  They decided to appoint neither of the two candidates nominated by the two companies but, instead, appointed one of the most illustrious members of the community:  Jacob Heisser (who, months later, became the first President -- i.e., Mayor -- of the newly-established Village of North Pelham).  

Jacob Heisser in an Undated Photograph.

Source: The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY],

Jan. 19, 1927, Special Pelham Section, p. 9, col. 2.

NOTE:  Click Image to Enlarge.

Pelhamville firemen were outraged.  They viewed the appointment of Jacob Heisser as an infringement of a right to choose their own Fire Chief that had evolved without regard to the statutory provisions authorizing the Board of Fire Commissioners to appoint a chief.  

Frank M. Lyon, the foreman of Relief Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 and one of the two Lyon Brothers previously charged with insubordination, led a revolt.  He called a special meeting of the company and proposed that the company be disbanded and that all the furniture (all of which had been purchased by the firemen) be removed from the firehouse.  Five company members, led by Phil Godfrey, refused to participate and warned the rebels that "they were making a serious mistake that would create more enemies than friends."  The rebels ignored the warning.  The vote to disband the company carried with only five members voting "no."  The fact that there were five "no" votes, however, eventually became very important.

Philip Godfrey, Leader of the Dissenters Who Voted

Against Disbanding the Relief Hook and Ladder Company No. 1.

"PHILIP GODFREY in the first uniform of Relief Hook

& Ladder Co. No. 1"  Source:  Allyn Van Winkle, G, Volunteer Fire

Companies In First Fire District Were Organized In 1893,

The Pelham Sun, Apr. 12, 1935, pg. 11, col. 1 (Pelham, NY).

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

The rebels proceeded to remove the furniture of the fire house including even the chairs on which the five dissenters had been seated.  They carted desks, chairs and furnishings away, locking it all in a nearby barn.  

The Board of Fire Commissioners responded quickly.  In a special meeting they ordered the firemen to return the furniture.  According to one account, in response to their order, the commissioners "only received the rebel cheer."  Next they filed suit seeking return of the furniture.  

At a hearing held in White Plains, counsel for the firemen "produced the books to show that a meeting was held and the motion duly carried; also he produced receipts to show that the firemen had bought the furniture and had a right to remove it."  Counsel for the Board of Fire Commissioners, however, had a novel theory.  He argued that although the rebels had resigned from the company, they had failed effectively to disband the organization because the by-laws provided that "five men shall constitute a quorum to proceed with the business of the meeting."  According to the argument, after the rebels resigned and carried off the furnishings, the remaining five dissenters continued the meeting as a quorum and remained members.  Thus, the Relief Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 continued to exist with the five dissenting members.  The court ordered return of the furniture.  The chagrined rebels were forced to submit to the will of the Board of Fire Commissioners.

Members of the Relief Hook and Ladder Company No. 1

in a Photograph Taken At About the Time of the Events

Described in Today's Posting.  Original Image from an

eBay Auction Listing Identifying the Photograph

Only as "Pelham, NY" and "1895."

NOTE:  Click Image to Enlarge.

Below are transcriptions of a several articles (and an excerpt of one article) that describe the events summarized in today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blow.  Each is followed by a citation to its source.

"CHARGES AGAINST LYON BROTHERS DISMISSED.
-----
Commissioner Sparks Alleged Insubordination.
-----

Some weeks since William H. Sparks, a member of the Board of Fire Commissioners of Pelhamville, summed [sic] before that body Eugene and Frank Lyon, borthers, and members of Liberty Hose and Relief Hook & Ladder Companies respectively, charging them with insubordination.

At the first hearing the accused appeared with counsel.  No decision was reached, however, and an adjournment was taken to Tuesday evening, March 24.

On that occasion the questions at issue were disposed of and the Messrs. Lyons exonerated.  S. J. Stilwell represented the Lyon brothers and Arthur M. Johnson, the prosecution."

Source:  CHARGES AGAINST LYON BROTHERS DISMISSED.  -- Commissioner Sparks Alleged Insubordination, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Mar. 27, 1896, Vol. XVL, No. 1218, p. 2, col. 4.

"Pelhamville Volunteer Fire Dept., 45 Years Old
-----
Old Timers Recall Days When Fire Department Was Organized As 'Bucket Company'; When Citizens First Volunteered To Render Community Service in Fighting Fires.
-----

*     *     * [Portions omitted]

Under the Town Laws the fire commissioners had the power to appoint a chief and assistant chief; each to hold office at the pleasure of the board.  At the earnest request of the firemen, this law was waived and the firemen permitted to elect their own candidates.  This resulted in one of the biggest upheavals in the department.  The hose company had a larger membership than the truck company, and each nominated its own candidates; the rule being that the two officers could not represent the same company.

In 1896 an election was held; the commissioners, as usual, acting as inspectors of eoection.  It resulted in a tie vote.  The commissioners ordered another election, but the truck company objected.  Many rumors were afloat as to why this should be, but the one that persisted was that the truck company had pulled a fast one on the hose company under the noses of the commissioners and knew it could not be repeated.

Angered by the refusal of the firemen to carry out their order, the commissioners thereupon exercised their prerogative and appointed -- not one of the candidates -- but Jacob Heisser, who was not a candidate.  It was not that the firemen objected to Mr. Heisser, but they saw their privileges being curtailed.  Judge Frank M. Lyon, the local butcher, and foreman of Relief Hook and Ladder Co., called a special meeting and laid the matter before the volunteers.  He suggested that the company be disbanded and, as the furniture had been purchased by them, they take it away with them.  Phil Godfrey warned the men that they were making a serious mistake that would create more enemies than friends, but the motion was made and carried, Godfrey and four others alone voting against the motion.  'Come on boys, follow me' called the foreman, seizing the swivel chair on which he had been seated and swinging it over his shoulder.  The others picked up chairs, desk and other articles of furniture and marched out, taking with them the chairs, desk and other articles of furniture and marched out, taking with them the chairs on which the dissenting members had been seated.

The commissioners held a special meeting and ordered the firemen to return the furniture, but only received the rebel cheer.  Then the commissioners carried the case to court at White Plains.  Counsel for the firemen produced the books to show that a meeting was held and the motion duly carried; also he produced receipts to show that the firemen had bought the furniture and had a right to remove it.  Counsel for the commissioners produced the by-laws of the company that stated that 'five men shall constitute a quorum to proceed with the business of the meeting,' and as five members still remained in the company, it still existed as a company.  The Court agreed with the commissioners and ordered the furniture returned.  The furniture, which had been stored in Merritt's barn at the foot of Fourth avenue and First street, was brought back. . . ."

Source:  Pelhamville Volunteer Fire Dept., 45 Years Old, The Pelham Sun, Apr. 1, 1938, Vol. 28, No. 52, p. 1, cols. 2-3. 

"PELHAMVILLE'S ANGRY FIREMEN.
-----
At Law with the Commissioners over Their House Furniture.

PELHAMVILLE, N. Y., April 21. -- It has been decided to settle the trouble in Relief Hook and Ladder Company in the courts.  Foreman Frank M. Lyon and a majority of the members of the company resigned last week, declared the company disbanded, and carried away the furniture of the firehouse.  J. Heisser, as Chief of the Fire Department and a member of the company, objected to this proceeding and secured a writ of replevin from Justice Swinburne at New-Rochelle Saturday, and the goods were carted back to the firehouse and placed under lock and key by a Deputy Sheriff.  The Deputy Sheriff still has possession of the goods.  The case will come before Justice Swinburne Tuesday.  Foreman Lyon says he and his friends will carry the matter to the higher courts and fight until they get possession of the furniture.

Foreman Lyon says the whole trouble has arisen because the Fire Commissioners have taken from the firemen the right to elect their Chief and have made the office an appointive one. The firemen who have resigned declare that the Fire Department of Pelhamville is going to pieces unless the Commissioners yield."

Source:  PELHAMVILLE'S ANGRY FIREMEN, N.Y. Times, Apr. 22, 1896, p. 3, col. 4 (paid subscription required).  

*          *          *          *          *

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., 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."