PATERSON FIRE HISTORY
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  • GREAT 1902 CONFLAGRATION
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  • APPARATUS VIDEOS
  • NOTABLE EVENTS INDEX
    • APPARATUS NOTABLES
    • APPTS & PROMOTIONS
    • AWARDS
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    • 1960 CHIEF SELECTION
    • GRAND STREET RIOT 1917
    • GROUND ZERO
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  • MEMORABILIA
  • PATCHES DECALS LOGOS SHIRTS
  • WALLPAPER
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  • TRAINING
  • VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT
    • 1821 - 1854 HISTORY
    • VOLUNTEER HISTORY
    • ANNUAL REPORTS
    • VOLUNTEER CHIEFS
    • VOLUNTEER PROFILES
    • ANDREW MOSER
    • VOLUNTEER COMPANIES
  • EXEMPT ASSOCIATION
  • EXEMPT HOME & RELICS
  • FMBA / PFA
  • BALLBOOKS
    • 1909 BALL BOOK
    • 1916 BALL BOOK
    • 1918 BALL BOOK
    • 1923 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1928 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1935 PFD BOOSTER
    • 1936 JANUARY PICTORIAL
    • 1936 DECEMBER PICTORIAL
    • 1937 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1938 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1939 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1941 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1942 ANNUAL BALL
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    • 2016 ANNUAL BALL
  • AUXILIARY FIRE DEPARTMENT
  • CITY OF PATERSON
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  • ORAL HISTORY
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77 Prospect Street


The firehouse at 77 Prospect Street (between Ellison and Market Streets) opened in 1856 to quarter Washington Engine Company 3 and Eagle Hook and Ladder Company 1 of the Volunteer Department. In 1873 Eagle H & L 1 moved to Jackson Street and Germania Hook and Ladder Company 2 moved into the Prospect Street quarters.  ​
Below is a photo of how the former firehouse appears in 2015
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1980s Dayspring photo
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. ​
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Older map of Prospect Street
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​The transition from a totally volunteer department to partially paid or "Call System" occurred on March 20, 1890. At that time Washington Engine Company Three became Engine Company 3 and Germania Hook and Ladder Company 2 became Truck Company 2. ​

​Chronological Listing of the Events and Apparatus at Prospect Street

March 20, 1890: Engine Company 3 used the apparatus of Washington Fire Engine Company 3, specifically a second-class double pump Amoskeag steam engine purchased in 1881. It also had a Four-wheel hose cart built by Silsby Manufacturing Company which carried 700 feet of hose.
The initial Roster of Engine Company 3 was

​Captain William Ford 
​Engineer Harry Reid, Drivers Leonard Hartley and Daniel Leonard
​Callmen: Edward Kiernan, James Irwin, Thomas G. Murphy, Richard Cubby, Neil Jordan, Jmes B Healey, Morris Rossle, John Campbell

​March 20, 1890: Truck Company 2 had an apparatus built by the Reading Fire Apparatus Company in 1881 which carried one 65-foot extension, one 35-foot, two 30-foot, one 26-foot, one 19-foot, one 12-foot, one 9-foot and one 6-foot  roof ladder; two 5-gallon extinguishers, poles, hooks, ropes, etc.

The initial Roster of Engine Truck 2 was:

​Captain John Weber 
​Tillermen John Specht and George Pfitzmeyer and Driver Martin Brandt

​Callmen: Gustave Specht, Samuel Close, George Muth, Albert Mercier, Jospeh Miller, Thomas Armstrong, Albert Weber
​
November 17, 1890: Captain William Ford of Engine 3 died​
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November 25, 1890:  Committee on Fire Department choose Captain Christopher Cubby  to command Engine 3
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Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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April 19, 1892: Captain Cubby Wedding
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April 20 Morning Call
April 30, 1892: Station 125 (Straight & Ellison) 2:00 PM  Stiles Lumbar Yard  
          Engine 3 has accident at Main & Ellison
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May 4, 1892: Social held by Engine 3 and Truck 2, both quartered at Prospect Street house
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May 5 Morning Call
April 1, 1895: Chief Engineer Annual Report
Manpower Assignment for Engine 3
Badge       Name                      Rank
​25          William Cook            Captain
26          Charles Wiley            Engineer
27          Richard Cubby           Driver
​28          Daniel Leonard           Driver
​36          Henry Kelly                Hoseman
​Badge       Name                         Rank
​29          Binard Sherlock            Callman
30          James Irwin                   Callman
31          Thomas G Murphy        Callman
​32          Joseph Mellor                Callman
​33          George Wassmer           Callman
34          Thomas Armstrong        Callman
​35          Morris Rozell                Callman
Apparatus: 1881 Second size Amoskeag Steamer in good condition  Four wheeled Silsby hose cart with 700' feet of hose in good condition
April 1, 1895: Chief Engineer Annual Report
Manpower Assignment for Truck 2 
Badge       Name                            Rank
​120         John Weber                Captain
123         John Vesey                 Tillerman
​122         John Grotty                 Laddernan
​124        Adam Banghardt          Driver
​
Badge       Name                            Rank
125         Gustav Specht              Callman
126         Charles Fahrenbach      Callman
​127         Samuel Close                Callman
​128         George Muth                 Callman
​129         Albert Mercier               Callman
​130         Felix McCann                Callman
Apparatus:  1881 Truck built by Reading Fire Apparatus carrying one 65 foot extension ladder, one 35 foot, one 30 foot, one 26 foot, one 19 foot, one 12 foot, one 9 foot, one 6 foot ladder and  two  six gallon extinguishers, poles, hooks and pipes.
​
September 24, 1895: Engine Company 3 (men and Amoskeag apparatus) relocates to the Firehouse at 298 Tyler Street (which had been housing Engine Company 7). Truck 2 remains at Prospect Street quarters. Prospect Street firehouse no longer quarters an engine company.
​
November 15, 1895: Department goes fully paid  - callmen eliminated
November 15, 1895: the Fully Paid Department ​begins
First Manpower Assignment for Truck 2 (Badge #s)
​
Captain John Weber #120
Tillerman John Crotty #122
Ladderman Adam Banghart #123
​Driver William J. Post #124
Ladderman Felix McCann #126
Ladderman Josiah Barton #125
Ladderman Morris Rozelle #127
Ladderman George Pfitzenmeyer #128
​(detailed as Chief Stagg's Driver)
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Captain John Weber
April 1897: Roster with badge #s listed in Annual Report:  (new name in italics)
No changes
May 4, 1897:  Members of Truck 2 elect officers and then sit down to a clam chowder dinner
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April 1, 1898:  Roster in Annual Report:  (changes from 1897 in italics)
No changes
April 1, 1899:  Roster with badge #s listed in Annual Report:  (new name in italics)
John Grotty is now a tillerman; Louis Haaser #123 a driver; Ladderman are Robert Dunphy #124, Charles Harrison #125, Morris Rozelle #127
June 28, 1899:  Temporary relocation of Truck 2 to car sheds on Broadway as Prospect Street and the Firehouse are repaired
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Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison

​August 7, 1889:  News reports state company will be back at Prospect Street in two weeks
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Paterson Evening News
July 20, 1900: Report of repairs to Truck 2
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Paterson Evening News
April 8, 1901:   Annual meeting of Hook and Ladder Company 2    Officers elected
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Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
February 10, 1902: Engine Company 1 relocated to 77 Prospect Street because its quarters at 112 Van Houten Street were severely damaged in the Great Paterson Conflagration. 

1903: Engine Company 1 returned to its rebuilt quarters at 112 Van Houten Street.
​
1903: Truck Company 2 received a 75 foot Seagrave Aerial with a Hose Tower attachment pictured below in front of the Firehouse
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November 12, 1903: Stations 45 and 451 plus a 2nd alarm - 7:00 PM   67 Main Street Broomhead Mill.  New Hart water Pipe - used on Truck 2 used for first time. 
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Eifler Collection
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1904 Fire and Water Engineering Magazine
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February 12, 1904: Report of Chief Stagg on apparatus -  Truck 2
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Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 16, 1906:  Drill of Truck 2 and its aerial at Colt Building - the 75' aerial reached to the top floor
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Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 16, 1906:  Bizarre shooting episode at Prospect Street firehouse
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May 22 Paterson News
July 27, 1906:  Captain Weber receives a special woven rope for the doors of Truck 2 quarters from the Providence RI fire department
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Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
January 8, 1907: Captain Weber receives presentation helmet from Passaic Hook and Ladder Rescue Truck
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January 10 Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
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March 6, 1907: Truck 2 rescues dog from icy Passaic River
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March 7 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 22, 1907:  Annual department inspection by commissioners - Chief requests abandonment of Prospect Street firehouse - tillerman is in danger when apparatus exits quarters
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Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
October 27, 1907: PFD series published in the Guardian
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Courtesy Dennis Morrison
1908: Men of Hook and Ladder 2 - Standing left to right: Leonard Chadwick, Louis Haster, John Gorman, Charles Harrison, John Anderson, George Pfitzmeyer, Peter J Breen. Sitting - Lieutenant William Marshall, Captain John Weber
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NY Sunday World - also 1909 Ball Book
May 16, 1908: Test of steamer of Engine 1 and water tower of Truck 2
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Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Chief Stagg
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1909: Captain was John Weber
July 2, 1910:  Truck 2 aerial at work at River and Bridge Street mill fire
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August 12, 1910: From the Paterson Press
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Courtesy Jim Eifler

​

​May 11, 1911: Note at right a contract was signed for the Combination Ladder Company to supply 90 horsepower motor to the current Seagrave  aerial. The company failed to deliver and the order was cancelled. A new contract was given to C.J. Cross Company which delivered the tractor on November 15, 1912. (see below)

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Chronicle June 18, 1911 - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 19, 1912: Seagrave promises new motorized tractor will be on time
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Newspaper March 19, 1912 - Courtesy Jim Eifler
April 20, 1912: Seagrave not delivering on its promise to motorize aerial truck
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July 8, 1912:   Plans to sell the Prospect Street Firehouse
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Mortrison
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September 11, 1912: Issues with new ladder truck ordered in June
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Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
October 29, 1912:  End of Prospect Street Firehouse is near
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Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Morning Call - courtesy Dennis Morrison
November 11, 1912: Water Street and Prospect Street Firehouses to be auctioned
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November 22, 1912:  Price for Firehouse sale - sold to Paterson Musical Union
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
In December 1912 the Truck motorized with a Christie Front Drive Tractor and relocated to the new central fire headquarters at 115 Van Houten Street. ​
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December 13 photo from the Guardian - courtesy Dennis Morrison
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1913: The Prospect Street Firehouse was closed and sold for $6,700.
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  • HOME
  • OVERVIEW
    • FIRST CENTURY
    • EVENTS 1890-1894
    • EVENTS 1895-1899
    • EVENTS 1900-1910
    • EVENTS 1911-1919
    • EVENTS 1920-1939
    • EVENTS 1940-1959
    • EVENTS 1960-1979
    • EVENTS 1980-99
    • EVENTS 2000-2019
    • EVENTS 2020-2021
  • FIREFIGHTERS
    • MASTER MECHANICS
  • THE SUPREME SACRIFICE
    • MEMORIAL SERVICE
  • CHIEF ENGINEERS
    • ASSISTANT CHIEFS
    • DEPUTY CHIEFS
    • BATTALION CHIEFS
    • CHIEF GIGS
  • GREAT 1902 CONFLAGRATION
  • TAKING THE HEAT BOOK
  • 1893 PFD HISTORY BOOK
  • 1940 HISTORICAL REVIEW
  • 1950 HISTORICAL REVIEW
  • NOTABLE FIRES/INCIDENTS
  • EMS
    • EMS ROSTER
  • FIREHOUSE PHOTOS / FACTS
  • COMPANY & FH HISTORY
  • COMMUNICATIONS / FA
    • FIRE BOX LISTS
    • EVRS STATION LIST
  • SPECIAL OPERATIONS
  • SPECIAL OP EVENTS
  • FIRE VIDEOS 1991-2011
  • FIRE VIDEOS 2014-2020
  • DOCUDRAMAS
  • APPARATUS
  • APPARATUS VIDEOS
  • NOTABLE EVENTS INDEX
    • APPARATUS NOTABLES
    • APPTS & PROMOTIONS
    • AWARDS
    • DEATHS / OBITUARIES
    • FIREMEN STORIES
    • 1960 CHIEF SELECTION
    • GRAND STREET RIOT 1917
    • GROUND ZERO
    • HANCOCKS
    • HISTORICAL REVIEWS
    • HISTORY by CHIEF STAGG
    • JOSEPH DAYSPRING
    • KEARNEY-FAMILY
    • MILITARY
    • PARADES
    • RED MASS
    • RESCUES
    • RETIREMENTS
    • SISTER LORETTA
    • SPORTS
    • THEATRE DETAIL
  • MEMORABILIA
  • PATCHES DECALS LOGOS SHIRTS
  • WALLPAPER
  • DEPARTMENT DOGS
  • TRAINING
  • VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT
    • 1821 - 1854 HISTORY
    • VOLUNTEER HISTORY
    • ANNUAL REPORTS
    • VOLUNTEER CHIEFS
    • VOLUNTEER PROFILES
    • ANDREW MOSER
    • VOLUNTEER COMPANIES
  • EXEMPT ASSOCIATION
  • EXEMPT HOME & RELICS
  • FMBA / PFA
  • BALLBOOKS
    • 1909 BALL BOOK
    • 1916 BALL BOOK
    • 1918 BALL BOOK
    • 1923 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1928 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1935 PFD BOOSTER
    • 1936 JANUARY PICTORIAL
    • 1936 DECEMBER PICTORIAL
    • 1937 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1938 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1939 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1941 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1942 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1943 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1944 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1945 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1946 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1947 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1948 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1949 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1950 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1951 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1952 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1953 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1954 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1955 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1956 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1957 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1958 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1959 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1960 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1961 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1962 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1963 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1964 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1965 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1966 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1967 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1968 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1969 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1970 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1971 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1972 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1973 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1975 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1976 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1977 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1979 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1980 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1981 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1982 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1983 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1984 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1985 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1986 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1987 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1988 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1989 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1990 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1991 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1992 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1993 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1994 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1995 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1996 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1997 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1998 ANNUAL BALL
    • 1999 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2000 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2001 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2002 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2003 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2004 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2005 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2010 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2011 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2014 ANNUAL BALL
    • 2016 ANNUAL BALL
  • AUXILIARY FIRE DEPARTMENT
  • CITY OF PATERSON
  • PFH CONTRIBUTORS
  • ORAL HISTORY
  • STATISTICS
  • CONTACT