77 HIGHLAND ST.

Chronological Listing of Events and Apparatus at Highland Street

In 1890 ground was purchased and a new engine house was erected at 77 Highland Street (near Sassafras Street).

December 1, 1890: Engine Company No. 2, originally located at 10 Hotel Street was reorganized and placed on duty at Highland Street with an 1883 Jeffers Steam Fire Engine (originally used by Neptune Engine 2 of Volunteer Department) and John Post hose wagon. At that point greater protection from fire had been given to that section of the city known as Riverside.

Sanborn Map 1897

1904 1st Size Metropolitan Steamer

Metropolitan Steamer - Hose Wagon

Initial Roster: Engine Company 2 (established at Hotel Street Firehouse)

Captain Floyd King
Engineer George Dobson, Drivers Henry Nagle and George Sheldrake
Callmen: Samuel Simonton, William Butterworth, William Davis, JohnMcGill, John Shaw, George V. Brower, Peter Dahlinger, William H. Ward

1893 Company Journal Floyd King Captain. Driver was George Sheldrake. Engineer was George Dobson

Eifler Collection

April 1, 1895: Chief Engineer Annual Report
Manpower Assignment for Engine 2

Badge       Name                  Rank
13          Floyd King            Captain
14          George Dobson    Engineer
15          Henry Nagle          Hoseman
16          George Sheldrake Driver
17          Samuel Simonton Driver

Badge        Name                       Rank
18          William Davis             Callman
19          John McGill                Callman
20          George V. Brower        Callman
21          Frank Geroe                 Callman
22          John Shaw                    Callman
23          William Butterworth    Callman

Apparatus: 1871 Jeffers second size (fair condition)
John Post Hose Wagon with 700' hose, 2 three gallon extinguishers, small extension ladder

November 15, 1895: Department goes fully paid - callmen eliminated

November 15, 1895: the Fully Paid Department begins:
First Manpower Assignment for Engine 2 (Badge #s)

Captain Floyd King #20
Engineer Frank Costello #21
Hoseman Henry Nagle #22
Driver Samuel Simonton #23

Hoseman Abraham Perruis #24
Hoseman William Davis #26
Driver Samuel Close #27

Captain Floyd King

April 1897 Roster with badge #s listed in Annual Report: (only changes from 1895 listed)

New Drivers Richard Cubby #26 and John Lair #27

May 1, 1897 - thru January 1898 Journal of Engine Company 2

Jim Eifler Collection

October 25 Journal entry - Signed by Captain Floyd King and FF Abraham Perruis

April 1, 1898: Roster in Annual Report: (changes from above rosters)

Engineer Frank Blakely #21

April 1, 1899: Roster in Annual Report: (changes from 1897 in italics)

Hoseman David Devine #23 and a vacant Hoseman position

May 13, 1901: ~ 7 PM Station 38 (River and Montgomery Streets) - Engine 2 has near miss with train at Erie tracks while responding to a River Street Fire. Article is in error as John Lair was not the driver

Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison

May 30, 1903: Silsby Engine used by Engine 5 is moved to Engine 2

Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison

February 12, 1904: Apparatus status from a report by Chief Stagg - Engine 2

Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison

April 2, 1904: Alderman's Fire committee meeting - New Metropolitan Steamers arriving soon. Very similar to those of current Engine 1 and 5.

April 3 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison

August 9, 1904: The two new American LaFrance Metropolitan Steamers of Engine 2 and 9 are tested on River Road. During the test one of horses of the supply wagon took an ember, got spooked and ran away with the wagon

Morning Call August 10 courtesy Dennis Morrison

1904 Engine 2's new First Size Metropolitan Steam Fire Engine with First Size Robinson Combination wagon. After the Great Fire of 1902 Paterson started the process of upgrading its apparatus.

(Courtesy of Anthony Natoli Collection)

Outside of firehouse

February 25, 1907: Chief Stagg speaks of PFD needs including Engine 2

1908 NY Sunday World photo of men standing outside firehouse - Standing left to right: Thomas Fish (driver), David Devine (hoseman), Cornelius Prince (hoseman), Harry Meyer (hoseman), Henry Nagle (engineer), William Lynch (hoseman), James Fitzsimmons (hoseman), Michael Ginterman (driver). Sitting (L-R): William Davis (Lieutenant), Floyd King (Captain).

NY Sunday World - also 1909 Ball Book

June 23, 1907: Engine 2 responding to a Lafayette Street fire

January 27 Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison

1909: Captain of Engine 2 is Floyd King

February 2, 1909: Station 235 (Paterson and Tyler Streets) 8:45 PM Run-away horses overturn Metropolitan Steamer at Lyon and Butler Streets -- 10 Governor Street attic fire

Courtesy Butch Ernest

February 3 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison

Engineer Henry Nagle

February 2 Guardian

Courtesy Dennis Morrtison

March 30, 1909: Follow up report on Engineer Henry Nagle and the Metropolitan Steamer

Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison

April 3, 1909: F/F Devine injured sliding pole at quarters

Paterson Evening News courtesy Dennis Morrison

July 1, 1916: Two Platoon System begins: (Day and Night Shifts)

Day Shift
Lieutenant William Kane
Engineer John Knause
Michael Gueterman
David Devine
Joseph Matthew

Night Shift
Captain William Boyle
Engineer William Lynch
Thomas Fish
Harry Meyers
George Kuyle

February 22, 1916: Hose wagon/trolley collision while responding to Station 636 for a River Street fire

Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison

Evening News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison

March 23, 1913: Article # 3 in the Chronicle PFD Series

The Chronicle - Courtesy Dennis Morrison

Rear: L-R: Captain John Specht, Harry Meyers, Michael Guetterman. William Lynch (father of future Supreme Sacrifice FF William Lynch). In front Lieutenant William Kane, Engineer John Knaus, Thomas Fish and David Devlin. To the rear is their horse drawn hose wagon.

February 21, 1916: Hose wagon accident while responding to Station 636 for a fire at 751 River Street

February 22 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrion

August 5, 1916: PFD reports motorization (electric powered) of department. Engine 2 to get combination chemical and hose wagon to get a tractor for steamer

1917: Commercial Truck Company Electric Tractors attached to steamer and hose wagon

1918 Ball Book Roster

Captain William Boyle
Lieutenant William Kane
Engineer John Knaus
William Lynch
Thomas Fish

Harry Meyer
David Devine
Michael Gueterman
Joseph Mathews
George Kuyl (in US Armed Forces)

April 20, 1923: 634 120-126 3rd Avenue Manley Silk Dye Works Fire
Collison between Engine 2 and PPD wagon

April 21 Paterson Evening News

1930 Company Roster

A Shift
Captain Frank Spagnuolo
Joseph Matthews
John Eagan
George Kuyl
Daniel Dreeland
Cornelius Tanis
John Griffin

B Shift
Captain Frank Semento
Christian Glasser
William Kievet
George Lees
Paul Hartley
Peter Sanford

April 15 1930: Model N-S-4 Ahrens Fox, 1000 gpm pumper, Serial 3377 was assigned to Engine 2 and lasted until 1953. The motor (#2935) and pump were identical to that of Engine Company #6. This was the last PFD Fox equipped with Clark steel disk wheels and rounded corners on its front fenders. Its toolbox on the running board was black. The suction reducer was on the right side. A new transmission was installed in November 1946. The apparatus became a spare in March 1953

E2 at Fire Scene-- Dayspring Collection

March 4, 1931: ~ 9:00 AM While responding to 25 Straight Street, engine has an accident at River and Straight Streets. F/F George Kuyl was driving, Captain Spagnolo and on rear steps F/F Neil Tanis and Dan Dreeland

Paterson Evening News courtesy Dennis Morrison

1935: Men of Engine Company 2 A Shift: Captain Frank Spagnola, Joseph Matthews, John Egan, George Kuyl, Daniel Dreeland, Cornelius Tanis

1936 Ball Book

1935: Men of Engine Company 2 B Shift: Captain Frank Semento, Christian Glasser, William Kievet, George Lees, Philip Hartley, Peter Sanford, W Smith

1936 Ball Book

Seen below circa 1936 are firemen of the B" Shift - Captain Frank. Semento, Christian Glasser, unknown F/F, William Kievit, George Lees, Philip Hartley, and Peter Sanford. Ahrens Fox pumper in background.

Men of Engine 2 with Fox pumper behind them

May 13, 1936: Engine 2 responding to a still alarm has MVA at 9th Ave and East 18th Street. Driver was Chris Glasser and Captain was Frank Semento.

Paterson News

Engine 2 pumper and truck 3 aerial at ? fire scene

1940 Paterson Evening News Golden Jubilee - Engine Company 2 Roster

July 2, 1943: Company party for F/F Leo Fitzsimmons as he departs for military service

Paterson News

1944 Annual Report Roster

Engine Company 2

A Shift
Captain Frank Spagnuola
Cornelius Tanis
John Whalen
Roy Earls

B Shift
Captain Frank Semento
George Lees
Paul Hartley
Christian Glasser

October 15, 1947: Fatal collision at York Ave and Lafayette Street. Captain was Frank Spagnuola and driver of Ahrens Fox pumper was FF Leo Fitzsimmons (future A/C).

October 16 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison

December 16, 1948: Suit related to above incident settled

October 4, 1948: Settlement for F/F Fitzsimmons

Paterson News

1949 Ball Book Photo: Engine Company 2 "A Shift" Captain Frank Spagnuola, Leo Fitzsimmons, Joe Nardella and Al Micozzi

1949 Ball Book Photo: Engine Company 2 "B Shift" Captain Frank Semento, Fred Armona Christian Glasser and Paul Hartley

July 15, 1950: Paterson Evening News lists early 1950 Rosters of Engine 2

1952: Engine house modernized under Mayor Lester F. Titus

1953 Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Mofrrison

February 8 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison

January 11, 1952: Captain Frank Spagnola pointing to kerosene soaked rags (arson) at 388-90 River Street (3 alarm fire)

L-R: Fred Armona, Capt Semento Tony Gaita on rear step. Paul Hartley with leg on running board

Captain Spagnuolo: Steering wheel on right side of cab. Classic Ahrens Fox bell

Some interior photos of quarters pre-1953 (cortesy of Thomas Bushnauskas)

William Wherer at left - Captain Spagnuolo 2nd from left

Leo Fitzsimmons

March 1953: Seagrave 750 gpm pumper (Model 400 B) with serial # G3792. It had a 150 gallon booster tank. The cost was $15,754 (1/2 of the cost paid by Civil Defense). The PFD as part of the Federal Civil Defense grant received 6 identical Seagrave pumpers on February 5 which went to companies 2,3,4,6,8 and 10. This apparatus served in this firehouse until 1972. In 1968 plywood "riot" roofs were added.

June 3, 1953: PFD serves as rabies vaccination site - scene at Engine 2 on Highland Street is below with then Acting Captain Fred Armona

Paterson News

July 10, 1953: ENGINE COMPANY 2 - From the Morning Call Series of PFD Companies. For more details on the Volunteer Era CLICK HERE

Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison

Even though the article above talks about the new equipment (Seagrave Pumper) of Engine 2, the photo below is of the company assembled in front of their old Ahrens Fox pumper.

Men of E2 with Ahrens Fox Pumper behind them: Photo taken prior to March 1953 when E2 received new Seagrave Pumper. This photo published July 10, 1953 Morning Call and 1954 FMBA Yearbook

L-R: Captain Frank Semento, William Leonard, Fred Armona (made Supreme Sacrifice April 1975), William Werher, Joseph Bushnauskas, Patsy Fusaro, Captain Christian Glasser, Neil Vander Linden, Paul Hartley & Captain Frank Spagnoula.

August 2, 1953: Engine 2 at 1953 Marcus Furniture Fire on River Street: FF Patsy Fusaro operating deck gun

Plywood riot roof added in 1968

Below is one of the spares being used as E2 - parked outside Highland Street quarters

photo by Joe Hloucek

December 1, 1957: Third Battalion started with its headquarters at Highland Street

Hancock Collection

October 28, 1961: F/F Robert Embrich of Engine 2 recalled to duty in US Military

Paterson News

1964: Interior firehouse view. Can just see parts of the 1953 Seagrave pumper. Photos courtesy of R Salmanowitz/A Natoli collection

FF Robert Salmanowitz, Bill Wehrer & Captain Al Novick

Captain Al Novick, FFs Domenic Cotroneo, Bill Wehrer and Robert Salmanowitz

1967: Men of Engine Company 2 in quarters: Captain Nate Salmanowitz, Joe Bushnauskus, Thomas J. Calamita, Captain Joseph J. Daly, William Leonard, Edward Zaretsky, Robert Embrich, Elliott M. McGuire

Courtesy J Behnke & Sellitto Family

In front, L-R: Robert Salmanowiz, William J. Wehrer, Captain Albert Novick, John J. Sellitto, Joseph Fiorilla, and in rear Domenick Cotreneo and Paul L. Villano in front of 1953 Seagrave pumper

Courtesy J Behnke & Sellitto Family

R Salmanowitz/Natoli Collection

January 21, 1972: The 1957 FWD Special Pumper, 1000 gpm, Serial # D80293 formerly used by Engine Companies 4 and 9 was placed in Highland Street

Joe Hloucek photo

Running Board with bell "box" number assignments

Firehouse Running Board - after EVRS started in 1976

Engine 2 FWD with Ted Galus, Dennis DiGuglielmo and Leonard Saia.

Courtesy Christine Saia

January 30, 1978: 1969 Seagrave Pumper 1250 gpm, Serial # R4478, formerly used by Engine Companies 5 and 10. The apparatus did not last long as it was totally destroyed in the Fulton Street fire in April 1978.

April 30, 1978: Engine 2's former 1957 FWD Special Pumper, 1000 gpm Serial D80293, was put back in service replacing the destroyed Seagrave pumper.

October 7, 1979: a 1971 Hahn Pumper, 1250 gpm, Serial HC523127121 formerly used by Engine Company 12 was transferred to Highland Street.

Jim Koper Photo

The following photo of the 1971 Hahn Pumper illustrates how careful drivers had to be with the more modern trucks in this now very old 89 year old firehouse

Tight Squeeze

Inside quarters: At left: Joe Bushnaukaus and John Bradle Sr. at pump panel. In photo at right Tim Donovan kneeling. Bradle and Bushnaukaus standing. Not seen is the Captain Nate Salmanowitz.

1982: Ed Conklin cartoon of Captain Nate Salmanowitz

Courtesy Dennis Salmanowitz

February 20, 1982: The Highland Street firehouse was temporarily closed when Engine Company 2 was taken out of service for fiscal reasons.

Haycock Collection

February 23 Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison

February 22, 1982: Firehouse officially closed

February 23 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison

November 11, 1983: Highland Street house reopens for Ambulance service

Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison

June 13, 1984: Firehouse sale

Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison

December 4, 1984: the Firehouse reopened as the quarters for Engine Company 9 apparatus which had to vacate the 36 Circle Avenue Firehouse due to structural deficiencies

The company used a spare 1969 Seagrave Pumper 1250 gpm, Serial R4476, formerly used by Engine Companies 1, 6, 8, and 11, painted yellow. The numeral #9 is actually dark tape. This apparatus had been damaged in an accident March 16, 1981.