THE REGISTER Newsletter of The Union Historical Fire Society unionhistoricalfiresociety.com ______NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 ISSUE 162 welcome to and along bring newcomers aguest, are welcome. before themeeting beserved and lunchafter themeeting.6732. Refreshments will Members are roadway behind theold firehouse. If you need directions, additional please phone: 610-999- and thefirehousefor onemile is located right. onthe Please note thefirehouse sits back off the forNazarethtake exit Pike onRoute 191(Nazareth (Route 191).Gonorth Bethlehem Pike) rections to Hecktown Volunteer Fire Company, use directions onthewebsite. From Route 22: unteer Fire Company, located at 230 Nazareth Pike, Bethlehem, PA 18020. For additional di regularThe next meeting oftheUnion take Historical place Fire at Hecktown will Society Vol eigyuala u iotl etnsadthe Spring Melt. t l e M g n i r p S e h seeing youallatourbimonthlymeetingsandt and ahealthy, happy, successfulNewYear.We arelookingforwardto this opportunitytowishyouallawonderfulupcomingholidayseason their service,participation,andcontinuedsupport.We wouldliketotake Union HistoricalFireSocietywouldliketothankallofthemembersfor As theendof2015approaches,officersanddirectors Happy Holidaysfromourhousestoyours!!!!! Next Meeting ofThe Union Historical will be held Fire Society IMPORTANT NOTICE! LOCATION CHANGE Hecktown Volunteer Fire Company, Bethlehem, PA Sunday, November 8,2015,at 10:00a.m. For GPSuse: Year End Note 230 Nazareth Pike, Bethlehem, PA 18020
- - Fire Tidbits
1. First town named after a Fire Company - The Britannica Fire Company 6. Fire Insurance and Firemarks -- in 1752, Benjamin Franklin founded the 8. Fire Poles -- as fire stations developed into 2-story buildings, the sec- 12. Many early firefighters grew mustaches and beards. These were crude organized in 1752 in Bridgeton, New Jersey. After 1787, the volunteer first successful fire insurance company in America. He named it the “Phila- ond floor was used for sleeping and relaxation. When the alarm sounded smoke filters. A theory is stated that the firemen would fill the beard with firefighters changed their name to the Mount Holly Fire Company. In the delphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses from Loss by Fire.” the men charged down spiral staircases made of iron. Several stations had water, stick it in their mouths and breathe through the wet hairs. 1790s, the city decided they liked the new name and changed the name of Other fire insurance companies had been established earlier than Frank- sliding chutes. Chicagoan David Kenyon of Engine Company No. 21 felt a Firehouse.com/Breathing Lewis, David L. Through the Smoke Fire Museum Network 1 March their community to Mount Holly. This was the first town to be named after lin’s but they lost money and went out of business. pole would be faster than a chute. He built a wooden pole three inches in 1999. 25 July 2009. a fire company. Generally, each insured structure placed a firemark on the second floor of diameter and carefully sanded it and oiled it. The chief needed to be con- 13. Why Dalmatians are in fire stations -- Dalmatians were originally cho- the building to announce to everyone they were covered by insurance. The vinced Kenyon’s idea would work. He gave permission for a hole to be cut Souter, Gary & Janet Souter. The American Fire Station. Osceola, WI: MBI, 1998. sen as fire dogs because they formed a strong bond with the fire horses. firemark for Franklin’s company had four hands clasped and crossed. The for the pole, but the inventor had to promise to repair it if the pole failed. They guarded the valuable equine and kept them company in the station. 2. Oldest Existing Firehouse - Mount Holly, New Jersey also boast having firemarks were made out of wood or lead. The purpose of the firemark was It was first used in 1878 and was very successful. In 1880, the first brass the earliest known firehouse. This shed, constructed in 1798, stored buck- two-fold. The first was to deter arsonists. The second was to let firefight- pole was built in Worchester, Massachusetts by Charles Allen of Engine Conway, W. Fred. Firefighting Lore: Strange but True Stories from Firefighting History. New Al- bany, IN: GFire Buff House Pubs., 1993. ets and tools. In 1827, a farmer purchased in for $12.00 and hauled it to his ers know a bonus would be paid by the insurance company when damage Company No. 1. property. In the 1950s, a local historian discovered this historic building. was held to minimum. During the Revolutionary War, the British removed Ditzel, Paul C. Fire Engines, Firefighters: the Men, Equipment, and Machines, from Colonial Days 14. Fire Bells - Where did fire bells originate? Souter, Gary & Janet Souter. The American Fire Station. Osceola, WI: MBI, 1998. the lead firemarks while they occupied New York and Philadelphia. They to the Present. New York: Crown, 1976. In 1068, William the Conqueror used bells to indicate when curfew (See melted them down for bullets. also Tidbit 29) began so that the community would cover their fires and 3. Steam Pumper Trivia -- While steam pumpers had many advantages 9. Paid Fire Departments -- there were many factors that led to paid fire In 1784, another fire insurance company began in Philadelphia when douse their lights. This was not an option; it was the law. William took the they also provided challenges. One was that a within a moment a steamer departments. While many volunteers provided excellent service others Franklin’s refused to issue insurance to some owners who had trees too use of bells a step further when he commanded that bells peal in case of could exhaust all available water in a well or a pond. They were ineffective displayed conduct both ungentlemanly and dangerous. Some firemen be- close to their houses. Trees made it difficult to position fire equipment and fire. Church bells often tolled when fire or disaster struck. Over time bells if water mains were old or small in diameter. Another difficulty with steam came involved in brawling and looting. At the same time steam engines helped fire spread. Dr. Benjamin Rush and other individuals who wanted became an integral part of the fire service. pumpers was getting up steam in a hurry. Engineers warmed water in boil- began to affect firefighting. Current rigs at that time required significant to keep their trees formed a new company called the Mutual Assistance ers and when the alarm sounded ignited the wood in a firebox. On the way manpower to drag the rigs and provide muscle to produce streams of wa- Gottschalk, Jack. Firefighting. New York: DK, 2002. Semmelroth, Ed. “A Brief History of Fire Company. Homeowners paid an extra-risk premium to preserve their and Its Uses” to the fire the engineer carefully monitored the pressure. - Chicago got as ter to squelch the flames. As men tired, replacements were needed. Steam trees. Their firemarks fittingly had a leafy tree displayed on them. much usage out of their steam-powered ladder trucks, hose wagons and engines needed only three men to operate them. Fire insurance companies 15. Jacob Turck, a New York gunsmith is credited with developing Amer- Many additional insurance companies formed before and after the Revo- steam pumpers by welding them to gas-powered tractors. - During World were eager for better equipment and devoted firemen to extinguish the ica’s first fire hat in 1740. The leather hat had a high crown and a narrow lutionary War. When the war was over the firemarks were replaced. After War II some departments reactivated their steam pumpers when produc- blazes. In 1853, Cincinnati formed a paid fire department and is credited brim. paid fire companies came into existence they slowly disappeared. tion of fire vehicles ground to a halt. with being the first paid department in the United States. Ditzel, Paul C. Fire Engines, Firefighters: the Men, Equipment, and Machines, from Colonial Ditzel, Paul C. Fire Engines, Firefighters: the Men, Equipment, and Machines, from Colonial Days Souter, Gary & Janet Souter. The American Fire Station. Osceola, WI: MBI, 1998. The paid departments were organized in a paramilitary style, with an es- Days to the Present. New York: Crown, 1976. to the Present. New York: Crown, 1976. Smith, Dennis. Dennis Smith’s History of Firefighting in tablished chain of command. As major cities increased in size so did the 4. Helmets -- Jacob Turck, a New York gunsmith is credited with develop- America: 399 Years. New York: Dial, 1978. 16. New York Rescue Squad -- in 1915, New York experienced a major demand for organized, paid fire departments. ing America’s first fire hat in 1740. The leather hat had a high crown and a subway fire with over a hundred injuries. Shortly thereafter, the city es- 7. Decorating Volunteer Fire Engines ca. 1790s When the New York Fire Department came into existence in 1865, there narrow brim. In 1828, Henry T. Gratacap produced a new leather helmet. tablished its first rescue squad. They used an open-type rig built by the When a new engine arrived at a station, it was painted a drab gray. The were 54 hose companies, 89 steamers, and 11 hook and ladders. Around It is possible the idea for the new headgear came from jockeys who wore fire department using a Cadillac touring car chassis. Ten firefighters volunteers decided how to decorate it. The time and money devoted to this 500 firefighters received annual salaries ranging from $700 to $3,000. They their caps backward. The helmet had a lengthened rear brim and curved worked on the squad. Their responsibilities included: “rescue work, ven- undertaking was often mind boggling. Zophar Mills, a foreman of Eagle had one twenty-four hour day off each month. In the New York fire depart- sides. They also included elaborate front-pieces that identified the name tilating and firefighting in places heavily charged with smoke or gas.” Engine Company in New York wrote, “I kept an account of my expenses ment only three members were allowed to ride on the engine: the driver, of the company. This head covering provided protection from falling de- The unit carried pulmotors and other equipment to revive people over- in connection with the Fire Department, and I found that in seven years the stoker and the engineer. The rest of the station ran in front of the equip- bris and prevented water from running down the firemen’s neck. When come by smoke. The rescue squad also used a cutting torch, a lifegun I had paid three thousand dollars.” Each company wanted their apparatus ment clearing a path for it. worn backwards, the lengthened brim helped deflect heat from the face. to be more lavish than other fire departments. After selected a paint color that shot ropes and two smoke helmets, an early type of self contained Not only was it useful on the head, but it served other purposes as well. Ditzel, Paul C. Fire Engines, Firefighters: the Men, Equipment, and Machines, from Colonial Days breathing apparatus. or colors, the firemen found funds to purchase additional embellishments to the Present. New York: Crown, 1976. Smith, Dennis. Dennis Smith’s History of Firefighting in Firemen often used the helmet to break windows or provide ventilation. such as plating (silver, gold, brass, or copper), inlays, mirrors and lanterns America: 399 Years. New York: Dial, 1978. Ditzel, Paul C. Fire Engines, Firefighters: the Men, Equipment, and Machines, from Colonial Trapped firefighters threw it out of windows or off of roofs to indicate help with colored lenses. Days to the Present. New York: Crown, 1976. 10. Fire buckets in colonial towns had the owner’s name painted on them. was needed. Gratacap’s helmet has been used for many years. A pumper was incomplete without a painting. Many had more than four. Laws often required residents to purchase them and keep them in repair. In 17. In the 1790s short capes were first used by volunteers to protect them Ditzel, Paul C. Fire Engines, Firefighters: the Men, Equipment, and Machines, from Colonial Some companies hired well-known artists of the day to decorate their Days to the Present. New York: Crown, 1976. Smith, Dennis. Dennis Smith’s History of Firefighting in America: the 1680s, in New York, the number of buckets a home or business needed from debris, sparks and water. The first capes were made of oil cloth. Over equipment. Many rigs sported elaborate decorations. 399 Years. New York: Dial, 1978. was determined by the risk of fire. A baker must have three buckets and a time canvas was used, then covered with three layers of paint. The paint Here is one example. The St. Louis volunteers of Engine No. 2 chose crim- brewer had to have six buckets on hand in case of fire. frequently was in the station’s colors. Over time, capes became part of a 5. Fireboats -- the first fireboat was built in 1800. The New York volunteers son and gold for their décor. One panel displayed an Indian on horseback parade uniform but were no longer used at the scene of a fire. located it on the East River at the foot of Roosevelt Street. The Floating spearing a buffalo. The pumper also sported a carved American eagle Ditzel, Paul C. Fire Engines, Firefighters: the Men, Equipment, and Machines, from Colonial Days to the Present. New York: Crown, 1976. Engine or Floater had a rotary engine where a circular motion produced holding arrows in its talons. A highly decorated apparatus required parade Ditzel, Paul C. Fire Engines, Firefighters: the Men, Equipment, and Machines, from Colo- nial Days to the Present. New York: Crown, 1976. a stream of water. The firemen rowed it to the scene of the fire and then uniforms to match the rig. For the St. Louis Company it was: “blue shirts, 11. The first recorded mention of a fire engine was made in Boston in 1653. pumped water onto the blaze. It was in use for 24 years. In 1873, the Boston white trousers, red patent lether belts, round-topped and low-crowned The town council hired Joseph Jenks, an iron worker to build the city and 18. Jacob Turck, a New York gunsmith is credited with developing Amer- fire department used a steam tug, with steam fire equipment aboard. The blue hats, and red silk scarves theat fasted at the neck with gold “2” em- engine. It is not known if this “ingine” was a pumper or only a water-car- ica’s first fire hat in 1740. The leather hat had a high crown and a narrow fireboat, built by Amoskeag could dispense eight streams of water simulta- blems.” rying tub. brim. neously. Soon all major waterfront cities were ordering fireboats. At one time people frequently used the phrase: “All dressed up like a fire Ditzel, Paul C. Fire Engines, Firefighters: the Men, Equipment, and Machines, from Colonial Days Ditzel, Paul C. Fire Engines, Firefighters: the Men, Equipment, and Machines, from Colonial Ditzel, Paul C. Fire Engines, Firefighters: the Men, Equipment, and Machines, from Colonial Days to the Present. engine.” It sounds like it was quite a compliment! to the Present. New York: Crown, 1976. Days to the Present. New York: Crown, 1976. New York: Crown, 1976. Smith, Dennis. Dennis Smith’s History of Firefighting in America: 399 Years. New Ditzel, Paul C. Fire Engines, Firefighters: the Men, Equipment, and Machines, from Colonial Days York: Dial, 1978. to the Present. New York: Crown, 1976.
4 5 Jack Norbeck, Member and Author Seagrave Water Tower & Seagrave Chemical Hose Cart By Jack C. Noebeck, Norbeck Research
Jack Norbeck was born in Greensburg, Pennsylvania on December 8, 1940. He is the President and Founder of Norbeck Research, Coplay, PA. Jack has been a member of the Union Historical Fire Society for many years. During this time, he has contributed many articles to the Newslet- ter. Mr. Norbeck has designed 103 magazine Dave Rohrbach driving his team of Percheron horses pulling a Seagrave water tower covers for numerous magazines, including built in 1909. He is leading off the Memorial Day Parade in Shartlesville, Pennsyl- vania, passing the Shartlesville Volunteer Fire Company. The Draft Horse Journal and Covered Bridges. He has authored a book entitled: The Encyclo- pedia of American Steam Traction Engines. Jack has displayed his photographs in more than 360 photo exhibits in 42 countries. He has written many articles for magazines on the Steam Engine, Hale Water Tower, the Phillipi Covered Bridge Fire, and the 1909 Nott Steam Fire Engines. Mr. Norbeck has received many awards throughout his career. He recently received in- Joe Tetz Jr. and his team of Clydesdale horses hitched to a Seagrave Chemical Hose clusion as an Ambassador of the International cart owned by his father. They are in front of the old fire house and to the right is the Order of Merit of the International Biographi- new brick fire house. Their fire fire truck was a Hahn pumper that started serving the community in February 22, 1924. cal Centre in Cambridge, England in March, 2015. He is also a Vice-Chancellor of World Academic Letters of the American Biographi- cal Institute in 2010. He was the recipient of the 20th Century award, American Medal Of Honor in 2001, and was named International Man of the Year, 2000-2001. Jack’s interest in antique fire apparatus is un- paralled. His service to the fire community continues as an Author, Photographer, and Historian. We value his membership in the Union Historical Fire Society and his many Seagrave Water Tower built in 1909, serial number #3244. Picture was taken at the factory in Columbus Ohio. Today Joe Tetz owns this water tower. He is working on a contributions to The Register. museum for exhibiting Fire & Agriculture Equipment in Shartlesville, Pennsylvania.
6 “Fire Service in Philately” Founded in 1976 , we are an international organization devoted to the study and collecting of fire stamps, pictorial fire cancels and post cards of fire engines, fire personnel, fire prevention and fires. l Quarterly Newsletter (Fire Stamp News) l Yearly Dues $15.00 l New Issue Service l Informative Articles For more information and a sample copy of Fire Stamp News Contact: John Zaranek, 81 Hillpine Rd. Cheektowaga, NY 14227 [email protected] Dewey Fire Company, 1977 American LaFrance, 1000 gpm, 500 gal- lon. This was the first enclosed cab truck with pre connected lines. The engine was in serviced from September 1977 till March 2006
Limited Edition Tee Shirt
The Union Historical Fire Society is still selling the
fourth in a series of limited edition tee shirts. The
shirt features the Seagraves series, which has seven
trucks through the century of manufacturing. We
have the following tee shirts; (3) Youth Large, (8)
Large, (21) X-Large sizes available. In sweatshirts
we have (1) Large and (1) 3X Large. We also have
(4) Youth Large Hahn shirts only. The prices for tee
shirts are youth $12 and adult $15 and sweatshirts
are $20, plus $6 for shipping and handling for all.
To place an order, please include your; Name, Ad-
dress, City, State, Zip + four, Phone #, and Email (if
you have). We are ONLY accepting checks, payable
to: Union Historical Fire Society. Mail to Union His-
torical Fire Society, Tee Shirt Order, P.O. BOX 596,
Havertown, PA 19083-0596.
7 ______NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 ISSUE 162 Newsletter ofTheUnion Historical Fire Society unionhistoricalfiresociety.com THE REGISTER Union Historical Fire Society Delaware Valley Chapter of S.P.A.A.M.F.A.A. P. O. Box #596 Havertown, PA 19083-0596 “The REGISTER” Newsletter
Dated Material
Director ...... Ken Snyder Ken ......
site under calendar. under site
Director ...... Alan Hoffman Alan ...... There is a complete list of events on the Union Historical Fire Society web Society Fire Historical Union the on events of list complete a is There -
Director ...... Tom D’Arcangelo Tom ...... [email protected]
If you would like your event listed with us, please email your event to: event your email please us, with listed event your like would you If
Director John Lambing, Jr. Lambing, John ......
visit www.fairchesterhosehaulers.org visit
Sergeant at Arms Arms at Sergeant ...... Bob Taggart ...... Bob
contact 845-343-4746 or 914-447-9546 or www.spaamfaa.org or or www.spaamfaa.org or 914-447-9546 or 845-343-4746 contact
Treasurer ...... Craig Glass, Jr. Glass, Craig ......
ter Hose Haulers of the Hudson Valley. For additional information information additional For Valley. Hudson the of Haulers Hose ter
[email protected] - Fairches the by Hosted York. New Middletown, in Muster and tion
Membership Secretary Membership ...... Martha Kush Martha ......
- Conven National 2016 Summer - Sat) - (Wed 2016 10-13, August
Corresponding Secretary Secretary Corresponding ...... Chris Straub Chris ......
tional information visit: www.unionhistoricalfiresociety.com visit: information tional
Vice President Vice Mike Parks Mike ...... - addi For am. 9 at beginning market memorabilia fire Sun., am.
grounds Agri-Plex. Auction Sat., with preview at 7 am, start 9 9 start am, 7 at preview with Sat., Auction Agri-Plex. grounds
rabilia Auction and Fire Memorabilia Market. Allentown Fair Allentown Market. Memorabilia Fire and Auction rabilia - President ...... Joe Landy Joe ......
- Memo Fire Melt Spring Annual Society Fire Historical Union
2015 Officers 2015
(Sat - Sun) - Allentown, Pennsylvania Allentown, - Sun) - (Sat 2016 24, - 23 April
@unionhistoricalfiresociety.com secretary
“The REGISTER” Newsletter editor Newsletter REGISTER” “The visit the website: gulfcoastspaamfaa.org gulfcoastspaamfaa.org website: the visit
9:30 am to 3:30 pm at Clear Lake Park. For additional information information additional For Park. Lake Clear at pm 3:30 to am 9:30 www.unionhistoricalfiresociety.com
Coast Chapter. Muster and Flea Market on Saturday, February 20, 20, February Saturday, on Market Flea and Muster Chapter. Coast The Union Historical Fire Society website Society Fire Historical Union The
vention and Muster in Houston, Texas. Hosted by the Texas Gulf Gulf Texas the by Hosted Texas. Houston, in Muster and vention
S.P.A.A.M.F.A.A.
(Wed - Sat) - Winter 2016 National Con National 2016 Winter - Sat) - (Wed 2016 17-20, February -
Delaware Valley Chapter Valley Delaware
Union Historical Fire Society Fire Historical Union Up Coming Events Coming Up