298 Tyler Street 1890-98
176 Twelfth Avenue 1898-1962
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This firehouse at 298 Tyler Street was built in some time after 1872 to house Liberty Engine Company 7 (organized in 1871) of the Volunteer Fire Department. Tyler Street originally ran from River Street, crossing the Erie Railroad tracks into the eastside sections of Paterson. Circa 1887 |
Liberty Engine 7 apparatus & quarters in 1879
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Tyler street was bisected and ended at Ann Street where railroad coal yards and sheds were then built and elevated. Tyler street continued to exist on the other side of the coal yards just east of Straight Street and continued east of Graham Avenue to the NY Susquehanna Railroad.
In 1898 the section of Tyler Street east of the Erie Railroad was renamed Twelfth Avenue and the address of firehouse changed from 298 Tyler Street to 176 12th Avenue. The two sections of the original Tyler Street (Tyler Street and Twelfth Avenue) were totally physically separated when the railroad tracks were fully elevated during 1904-1905.
In 1898 the section of Tyler Street east of the Erie Railroad was renamed Twelfth Avenue and the address of firehouse changed from 298 Tyler Street to 176 12th Avenue. The two sections of the original Tyler Street (Tyler Street and Twelfth Avenue) were totally physically separated when the railroad tracks were fully elevated during 1904-1905.
In 1888 the Fire Department was reorganized by a special committee consisting of Aldermen Macdonald, Miller and Kearney, and a partially paid department or "Call System" succeeded the volunteer system on March 20th, 1890, with four permanent men in nine engine and three hook and ladder companies, and eight call men to each. The fulltime men consisted of Captains, Engineers, Drivers and Tillermen as well as the chief, and two assistants.
Chronological Listing of Events and Apparatus at Tyler St (12th Avenue)
March 20, 1890: The transition from a totally volunteer department to partially paid "Call System" occurred and Liberty Engine Company Seven became Engine Company 7.
Apparatus: 1876 third size Clapp and Jones Steamer in fair condition. John Post Hose Wagon in good condition with 700' hose, 2 three gallon extinguishers, 1 roof ladder
Initial Roster: Engine Company 7
Captain William Allen
Engineer John Bland, Drivers Arthur Rogers and George Bunting
Callmen: Daniel Gregory, David Devine, George Miller, Thomas Hardman, Thomas Fish, Ben Sanderson, John Melady, Joseph Rogers
Captain William Allen
Engineer John Bland, Drivers Arthur Rogers and George Bunting
Callmen: Daniel Gregory, David Devine, George Miller, Thomas Hardman, Thomas Fish, Ben Sanderson, John Melady, Joseph Rogers
May 11, 1891: Company election
May 12 Paterson Press
September 3, 1891: Amoskeag steamer being repaired and company using old engine 9 had a mishap while responding
Paterson Press
February 11, 1892: Callmen meeting at the firehouse for funeral of Callman Meleady
Paterson Press
February 21, 1892: F/F Rogers injures himself at firehouse
February 22 Morning Call
August 23, 1892: Engine 7 still alarm to 300 Tyler Street barn
May 15, 1893: Engine 7 has officer election
Paterson Press
April 1, 1895: Chief Engineer Annual Report
Manpower Assignment for Engine 7
Manpower Assignment for Engine 7
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Badge Name Rank
73 Wm Ford still listed Captain 74 William Farrell Engineer 75 John Bowden Driver 76 Adam Perrins Driver 81 Henry Harding Hoseman |
Badge Name Rank
77 John Clark Callman 78 David Devine Callman 80 William B. Pohlman Callman 82 Joseph Hardy Callman 83 George Carr Callman 84 Joseph Rogers Callman |
August 19, 1893: "Bill" the firehorse transferred from Truck 3 (Godwin Avenue firehouse) to Engine 7 (Tyler Street firehouse)
Paterson News
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Bill at Godwin Avenue - courtesy Assistant chief Joseph Forbes
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September 24, 1895: Engine Company 3 (men and second size Amoskeag Steam Fire Engine) formerly stationed at 77 Prospect Street relocates to the 298 Tyler Street firehouse. The Fire house name officially changes from Engine Company 7 to Company 3.
A new, just built firehouse is opened at 78 Gould Avenue at corner of Pacific Street and is called Engine Company 7. It is staffed by the men of and 1876 Clapp and Jones Steam apparatus formerly used at Engine 7 on Tyler Street.
A new, just built firehouse is opened at 78 Gould Avenue at corner of Pacific Street and is called Engine Company 7. It is staffed by the men of and 1876 Clapp and Jones Steam apparatus formerly used at Engine 7 on Tyler Street.
November 15, 1895: the Fully Paid Department begins:
First Manpower Assignment for Engine 3 (Badge #s)
First Manpower Assignment for Engine 3 (Badge #s)
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Captain William Cook #30
Engineer Alex S. Thomas #31 Driver Richard Cubby #32 Hoseman Daniel Leonard #33 |
Driver George Sheldrake #34
Hoseman Alfred Dawson #35 Hoseman David Devine #36 |
Captain William Cook
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September 24, 1895: Engine Company 7 (men and apparatus) relocates to the newly built quarters at 78 Gould Avenue.
September 24, 1895: Engine Company 3 relocates from the Prospect Street Firehouse to the Tyler Avenue quarters vacated by Engine Company 7. They were using a Second-class double pump Amoskeag steam engine purchased in 1881 (by Washington 3 of the Volunteer Department). The company also had a Four-wheel hose cart built by Silsby Manufacturing Company which carried 700 feet of hose. Gamewell gong from the Moore Collection at right is said to be from the Tyler Street Firehouse |
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At one point, (exact date ?) each Paterson company was assigned its own unique color scheme: specific colored stripes would be on every piece of equipment. Engine 3 color was orange.
November 15, 1895: Department goes fully paid - callmen eliminated
November 25, 1895: Aldermen send Captain Cook to Engine 5
Paterson Press
December 5, 1895: During exercise on Graham Avenue the team with the exercise wagon tossed driver David Devine and collided with a baker's wagon. One horse badly injured.
Paterson Press
1896: The Journal of Engine Company 3 with company roster and badge numbers: note on the page below a response to a second alarm fire at Box 13 at 6:24 AM on January 3.
Courtesy of Captain Mike Trommelin
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March 31, 1896: Chief Engineer Annual Report
Manpower Assignment for Engine 3
Manpower Assignment for Engine 3
Badge Name Rank
30 William Cook Captain
31 Alex Thoms Engineer
32 Richard Cubby Driver
33 Daniel Leonard Hoseman
34 George Sheldrake Driver
35 Alfred Dawson Hoseman
36 David Devine Hoseman
30 William Cook Captain
31 Alex Thoms Engineer
32 Richard Cubby Driver
33 Daniel Leonard Hoseman
34 George Sheldrake Driver
35 Alfred Dawson Hoseman
36 David Devine Hoseman
1896: 1881 Second Size Amoskeag in good condition (7675 lbs). Silsby Manufacturing 4 wheel hose cart with 700' hose in fair condition
April 1897: Roster with badge #s listed in Annual Report: (new name in italics)
New Driver is George Sheldrake #34, Hoseman William Farrell
April 1, 1898: Roster in Annual Report: (changes from 1897 in italics)
New Engineer William Ward #31, Driver Thomas Fish #33
April 1, 1899: Roster with badge #s listed in Annual Report: (new name in italics)
Driver Samuel Simonton #31, Hoseman Josiah Barton #34, Samuel Close #35
May 25, 1899: Captain changes at Engines 3 and 8 and Chemical 1
Paterson Daily Press
August 6, 1899: Station 32 11:00 AM 23 North Main Street (PFD Horse injury)
August 7 Paterson News
April 3, 1901: Incident at Hamilton Ave near Auburn Street while responding to false alarm. 20 year old steamer snaps axle
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
May 25, 1901: Terrible conditions at the firehouse on Tyler Street which are in need of repair
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Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 7, 1901: Engine 3 responding to Box 74 crossing has collision with gate at Susquehanna RR
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
1903: 1884 Second Size Silsby Steam Fire Engine, formerly used by Engine Company 5 (Serial # 782).
July 24, 1903: The old hose wagon of Engine 1 transferred to Engine 3 on Tyler Street
February 12, 1904: Apparatus status from a report by Chief Stagg - Engine 3
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 12, ? year: 1891 Third Size Silsby Steam Fire Engine (Serial # 996), formerly used by Engine Companies 9 and 7. Company also had a Sowerbutt Combination Hose Wagon
July 12, 1905: Two bay hordes obtained for Engine 3
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
September 6, 1905: Second size 1886 Button (Serial 186) formerly of Engine Company 1 and 7, was overhauled and fitted with a new Fox boiler (Originally used by Passaic Engine 1 of Volunteer Department). will go to Engine 3
September 7 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Paterson Dail Press September 6 1905
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February 8, 1906: Rear axle of Engine 3 Hose Wagon breaks at 14th Avenue and East 25th Street
February 9 Paterson Daily Press
From 1907 PFD Post Card series Courtesy Jim Eifler
Engine 7 Button Steamer at 1904 Ashley Bailey fire at River and Putman Streets
October 26, 1907: Company Roster - Captain Charles Simonton, Lieutenant William Kane, Engineer George Bunting, FFs Samuel Close, Henry Dawson, William Pohlman, James Dawson
October 27, 1907: From the Guardian Series on PFD
Engine 3 Button Steamer - courtesy Dennis Morrison
From Paterson Daily Press
October 30 Paterson News
November 9, 1907: Engineer Richard Cubby be becomes a grandfather.
Paterson Daily Press
April 6, 1908: Incident in quarters with off-duty FF John Bland
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
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1908 NY Sunday World photo of men outside firehouse - Standing left to right: Andrew Bruno (hoseman), Bart Reilly (hoseman), Henry Dawson (hoseman), Samuel Close (hoseman), William Rohlman (driver), George Bunting (driver), James Dawson (hoseman), Richard Cubby (engineer). Sitting (L-R): Joseph Barton (Captain), William F. Kane (Lieutenant).
NY Sunday World - also 1909 Ball Book
1909: Captain was Joseph (Josiah) Barton
August 1910: Chief Stagg's annual report noted that during the last year rubber tires placed on apparatus
August 5, 1910: The story of Engine 3's youngest fireman (7 years old), Leo Friedberg.
Paterson Press
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February 3, 1911: Engine 3 (Josiah Barton) goes to Engine 10 and Captain Samuel Simonton goes to Engine 3. This is the third captain assigned to the auto engine.
Paterson Press
February 18, 1911: FF Joseph Murray suspended
Paterson Press
October 8, 1911: Robbery at quarters
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From Press Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Statement of Chief Stagg on FF Close & the robbery
Morning Call - Courtesy Jim Eifler
June 3, 1912: Apparatus accident with injury of Engineer Richard Cubby
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Richard Cubby Engineer E3 - 1907
Paterson Press - courtesy Jim Eifler
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March 23, 1913: Article # 4 in the Chronicle Series on PFD
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
First Row L-R: Captain Samuel Simonton, Leonard Chadwick, James Dawson and Lieutenant John Brady. Second Row (rear): Richard Cheevers, Engineer William Pohlman, George Singland, Robert Giebelausen and Samuel Close. To the rear is the auto hose wagon
April 11, 1913: Issues with Engine 3 steamer - former 1886 Button Steamer originally used at Passaic Engine 1 of Paterson Volunteer department
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
August 12, 1913: New Ahrens Fox steamer apparatus with Continental boiler
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Morning Call - Dennis Morrison
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September 9, 1913: Testing Ahrens Fox steamer apparatus with Continental boiler
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Paterson Press - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
Paterson Press - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
September 10 Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
September 10 Guardian
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September 10, 1913: Test of new steamer at Raceway at McBride Avenue
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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September 1913: First Size Ahrens Fox Continental Steam Fire Engine with Christie Front Drive Steamer. The Button Steamer is transferred to Engine 7 on Gould Avenue
1916 Ball Book photo
E3 apparatus bell - courtesy Peter Longden
July 2, 1914: Responding to Station 63, for a River Street fire the apparatus collided with and snapping a telephone pole at River and Erie Streets. Driver Clifford and Engineer Pohlman thrown from the motorized steamer. Sustained some rear axle damage.
July 3 Morning Call Courtesy Dennis Morrison
August 1, 1914: Annual Report of Chief Engineer - Engine Company 3
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March 16, 1915: ~ 11 AM 107 Madison Avenue fire
FF William Shane
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Press Guardian Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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July 1, 1916: Two Platoon System begins: (Day and Night Shifts)
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Day Shift
Captain Samuel Simonton Engineer George Singland Robert Geibelhausen Leonard Chadwick Samuel Close Joseph Shannon |
Night Shift
Lieutenant James Dawson Engineer William Pohlman Richard Cheevers Herbert Snook Joseph Hartley Joseph Mariani |
August 5, 1916: PFD reports motorization (electric powered) of department. Engine 3 to get combination chemical and hose wagon to get a tractor for steamer
1917: The Christie Tractor seen above was wrecked in an accident in 1915. It was reconverted to horse drawn. In 1917 the Ahrens Fox Steamer received a Commercial Truck Company of Philadelphia Electric (battery powered) Tractor (Serial # 19020).
1917: First size Mack combination wagon, chemical and hose, gasoline propelled
1918 Ball Book Roster:
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Captain Samuel Simonton
Lieutenant James Dawson George Singland Robert Giebelhausen Richard Cheevers Samuel Close |
Joseph Mariani (in photo below)
Leonard Chadwick Herbert Snook Joseph Hartley Charles Buser Joseph Shannon (in US Armed Forces) |
1918 photo
1920: Commercial Truck Company Electric Tractor (Serial # 1667) for the Hose Wagon.
1930 Company Roster
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A Shift
Captain James Buser George Hanson Thomas Graves Edward Clark Ernest Wildermuth Richard Cheevers |
B Shift
Captain James Dawson Stephen Bergen James DeCrosta Herbert Snook Meyer Cohen Francis Somerdyke Ernest Heringslack |
October 28, 1930: 1927 Ahrens Fox Model N-S-4, 1000 GPM pumper (Serial #3310) formerly used by Engine Company 1. Dual front bumper and red warning light on right side of hosebed booster tank. The apparatus is pictured below when it was assigned to Engine Company 11
1935: Engine Company 3 A Shift: George Hanson, Thomas Graves, Edward Clark, Captain Charles Buser, Ernest Wildermuth, Richard Cheevers
Hancock Collection
1935: Engine Company 3 B Shift: Captain James Dawson, Stephen Bergen, J DeCrosta, Herbert Snook, Meyer Cohen, Frank Summerdyle, Ernest Heringslack
Hancock Collection
1940 Paterson Evening News Golden Jubilee - Engine Company 3 Roster
November 29, 1943: Rookie FF Harry Asher falls from rear of apparatus at 9th Avenue and East 27th Street as it was responding to a still alarm.
November 30 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 1 news clip
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December 16 News Clip
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Morning Call
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Morning Call
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1944 Annual Report Roster
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A Shift
Captain Charles Buser Richard Cheevers George Hanson Samuel Hess |
B Shift
Captain Lester Reiche Ernest Heringslack John Suton Harry Ashner |
January 11, 1945: F/F Asher receives facial burns at 201 Harrison Street fire
October 1948: 1931 Ahrens Fox Model N-T-4 (Serial #3401) formerly used by Engine companies 10 and 5). It is the only Paterson Ahrens Fox with the Vesta searchlight on the drivers side of the apparatus.
Ahrens Fox 3401 when it served as E3
Actual E3 Dietz King Lantern
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Actual E3 Dietz King Lantern
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Ahrens Fox 3401 when it served as E3 -- Wayne Sorenson Photo
Ahrens Fox 3401 when it served as E3 -- Richard Adelman Photo
Ahrens Fox 3401 when it served as E3
1949 Ball Book Photo of Engine Company 3 "A Shift" Captain Charles Buser, Samuel Hess, Harry Asher and Theodore Tice
1949 Ball Book Photo of Engine Company 3 "B Shift" Captain Lester Reiche, Ernest Heringslack, Wiliam Downey and Harry Huber
November 14, 1949 Resolution to repair the firehouse
Dayspring Collection
July 15, 1950: Paterson Evening News lists early 1950 Rosters of Engine 3
December 23, 1951: 3 12th Avenue fire - Upon return to quarters E3 firehouse door was blocked by a parked auto. Police called and removed vehicle.
December 24 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 1953: Company acquires a 1953 Seagrave 750 GPM pumper (Serial # G3793) which is seen in the background of this ballbook photo below. It was Model 400 B and had a 150 gallon booster tank. It was received February 5, 1953. The cost was $15,754 (1/2 of the cost paid by Civil defense).
July 18, 1953: ENGINE COMPANY 3 - From the Morning Call Series of PFD Companies. For a more detailed (and accurate) history of Engine 3 during Volunteer era CLICK HERE
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Mprrison
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From July 18, 1953 Morning Call and 1954 FMBA Yearbook
L-R: Captain C. Buser, HarryAsher, J. O'Neill, J. Holderman, Paul Peterson, Johnny Maccanico, W. Downey, Al Iandoli, E. Heringslack, Captain Lester Reiche (who made the supreme sacrifice in 1961). Only the captains had the lapel pins (silver with 2 trumpets).
January 23, 1958: Engine 3 receives a 1957 FWD Special 1000 GPM (Serial D80292). Their 1953 Seagrave is transferred
Photo of the apparatus at a 1968 fire (riot roof added in 1968)
Cab of apparatus with FF Joe Parkin driving
October 14, 1960: Settlement for F/F Ralph DiGuglielmo for injuries sustained at a fire on December 19, 1959.
Paterson News
December 13, 1961: Engine 3, driven by F/F Joseph Brower in collision at Broadway and East 33rd Street
December 14 Paterson Evening News courtesy Dennis Morrison
August 21, 1962: New Riverside-Eastside firehouse to which Engine 3 will move will be dedicated on September 8. Parade to occur. The 12th Avenue quarters has been sold for $18,000
Paterson Evening News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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August 24, 1962: Memories of the older Engine 3 and Truck 3 firehouses (There are errors in the story below: the Godwin Ave house was built in 1871 for Cataract Hose Company 2, not Truck Company 3 which was organized (called Rapid H&L 3) in 1888 just before the Volunteer FD terminated. When the house of Engine 3 was built in 1872 the street was called Tyler Street (address was #298). In the Volunteer era the house quartered Liberty Engine 7 and as noted in early paid PFD (1890-1895) Engine 7. Engine 3 moved in during 1895. That section of Tyler Street became 12th venue during 1898. August 24, 1962: Memories of the older Engine 3 and Truck 3 firehouses. There are errors in the story below: the Godwin Ave house was built in 1871 for Cataract Hose Company 2, not Truck Company 3 which was organized (called Rapid H&L 3) in 1888 just before the Volunteer FD terminated. When the house of Engine 3 was built in 1872 the street was called Tyler Street (address was #298). In the Volunteer era the house quartered Liberty Engine 7 and as noted in early paid PFD (1890-1895) Engine 7. Engine 3 moved in during 1895. Engine 3 was motorized in 1913.
Paterson Evening News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Late August 1962: The 12th Avenue Firehouse closes and Engine Company 3 relocates to the new Riverside Firehouse at 236 Lafayette Street.
October 1968: 4 alarm fire in houses right next to the old firehouse
1970s photo
In 2015 the firehouse houses a Baptist Church Organization
176 12th Avenue old firehouse
May 28, 2021: 4th alarm at 176 12th Ave. involving at least 3 structures including a church and the former quarters of Liberty 7 (1872), Engine 7 (1890) and Engine 3 (1895) @1354 Hrs
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