AHRENS FOX ERA

Ahrens Fox Fire Engine Company and
Paterson, NJ: Complete History

For the Chronological listing of Ahrens Fox dates of service CLICK HERE

For a a span of more than 55 years (September 16, 1913 to January 7, 1969) the Paterson Fire department operated no fewer than 20 fire engines that were either built or rebuilt by the Ahrens Fox Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. The thorough treatise that follows was written by Dr Thomas D Dayspring for the 15th Anniversary Issue of the Silver Sphere, the Journal of the Ahren's Fox Fire Buff Association and published in Volume V, Number 1 during the summer of 1985 and is partly reproduced, updated and enhanced here (some errors have been corrected in this 2015 version). Supplying expertise for the original article was association president Ed Hass. Some of the Paterson Fox photos were taken by Dick Adelman and John Sytsma.

Thomas Dayspring as a young boy on Truck 3's Ahrens Fox Aerial (#2059)

I dedicated this research to my father, Paterson Firefighter Joseph J. Dayspring who spent 39 years on the department, beginning his career in 1942 assigned to Truck Company 3 (Fox registered #2059) and later served as Captain of Engine Company 1 (Fox registered #2312). My respect and admiration for firemen, fire engines and firefighting was directly obtained from long observations of my father and the dedicated men of the Paterson Fire Department. I have many early childhood memories (see photo at left) of the Paterson' Foxes and the wonderful cadence of their motors. My father also provided many of the discarded records and service sheets from the department.

At the turn of the 19th century Paterson had 9 steam fire engines each with its own hose wagon, two aerial trucks, one hook and ladder truck and three chief officers' gigs. Many of the steam apparatus predated 1890 and represented well know eastern apparatus manufacturers such as Amoskeag, Silsby and Button -- but not a single Ahrens Fox had yet served the department.

Department Modernization

In 1902 Paterson suffered on of the largest conflagrations in our nation's history when the entire downtown business district of 26 blocks burned to the ground causing over $6 million (1900 dollars) in damage. The disaster clearly proved the need for new equipment and over the next 4 years many of the apparatus were replaced.

In 1903 and 1904 Paterson purchased four First Size Metropolitan steam fire engines from the American Fire Engine Company of Seneca Falls, NY (Reg Nos 2898-9 and 2981-2) and assigned them to Engine Companies 1, 2, 5, and 9 respectively. The Metropolitan was developed in 1896 by Charles H. Fox (later president of Ahrens Fox). It was based on an 1870 design originated by his father-in-law, Chris Ahrens whose Ahrens Mfg. Co. became part of the American Fire Engine Company in 1891. One of the most popular features of the Metropolitan was the quick-steaming Fox Vertical Water Tube Boiler. The Paterson firemen were so happy with these Metropolitan Steamers that in 1905 they had Fox boilers installed on two of their older steamers (an 1886 Button and an 1890 Silsby). When bids went out in 1905 for two more engines, most believed that additional Metropolitans would be purchased.

However, much of the fire apparatus industry had changed since those four Metropolitans and two Fox boilers had been ordered. On October 1, 1903 the American Fire Engine Company of Seneca Falls NY and Cincinnati Ohio had merged with the International Fire Engine Company of New York, Elmira, Baltimore and Chicago to form the American LaFrance Fire Engine Company of Elmira, NY. For a short time, American LaFrance enjoyed a virtual monopoly in the steam fire engine industry, having absorbed Ahrens, Button, Silsby, Clapp and Jones, Manning and LaFrance. Their only major competitor was Amoskeag of Manchester, NH.

In 1904, another competitor of American-LaFrance entered the market: the Nott Fire Engine Company of Minneapolis, MN. Also in 1904, Chris Ahrens along with his sons John P. and G. Fred Ahrens and his sons-in-law George W. Krapp and Charles H. Fox all resigned from the American LaFrance company and took all of the long-time Ahrens Mfg. Co. personnel with them. In 1905 they formed the Ahrens Fire Engine Company of Cincinnati and production of their new "Continental" steamer (designed by William H. Schafer) began in June. G. Fred Ahrens was President, Charles H. Fox Vice-president, John P Ahrens Sales Manager and George W. Krapp was the Secretary/Treasurer of the new company. These steamers were called "Continental" because American LaFrance retained exclusive rights to build and market fire engines under the name Ahrens brand name (as late as 1926 ALF was building pumpers with Ahrens relief valves).

It was at the July 7, 1905 meeting of the Paterson Board of Alderman's Fire and Water Commission that John P. Ahrens first came to Paterson. There was high tension at the meeting, which was also attended by American LaFrance and Nott representatives. Ahrens (then age 34) was very security conscious concerning his new apparatus and for fear of divulging manufacturing secrets would not talk in front of other agents. He claimed that the Continental Boiler was an improvement over the Fox boiler made by ALF. He should have known his brother-in-law invented and patented the Fox boiler and Ahrens himself had been selling and delivering Metropolitan Steamers with Fox boilers since 1898.

Mr. Ahrens was most interested in selling Paterson a second sized engine and submitted the lowest bid of all the companies. He also offered to put a up a bond for 5 years to guarantee the machine and even to give Paterson a 60-day free trial of the Continental. His actual bids were $5500 for a first size and $5000 for a second size steamer; rubber tires would add $549 to the price of a first size and $494 for a second size. The ALF bids were $5500 and & $5250 and Nott's were $5400 and $5150.

On July 10, 1905 in their infinite wisdom, the board of Alderman awarded the contract to D.A. Woodhouse then agent for the Nott Company. The board stated they would not buy a Continental because Ahrens was a new company with no proven track record; yet how much of a track record did Nott have after only 1 year and ALF after 20 months?

The two Nott steamers had spiral flange tubular boilers; like the Ahrens Continental boiler these were claimed to be superior to those of ALF. But within ten years all of the Nott boilers had to be replaced. The new first and second size Nott Steamers went into service December 12 1905 as Engine 4 and 8 (register #633) respectively. The latter is show below as it looks today after being restored by the Wyckoff, NJ fire department. This was followed by an additional second size Nott steamer which was assigned to Engine 6 in February 1907.

Second Sized Nott Steamer (Register 633)

Motorization Begins

Like many departments, Paterson began to eliminate horses with the motorization of its existing apparatus. In 1910, Engine Company 10 was organized and assigned to a new firehouse at 17th Avenue at East 26th Street. A Howe Combination fire engine was purchased. In 1912, two of the hose wagons were put on Sampson Auto Chassis and Nott Propelling tractors were put on the Metropolitan Steamers of Engines 1 and 5. Engine Company 11 was organized with an Autocar Chemical engine in 1911 and Engine Company 12 was organized in 1912 and received a First Size Robinson combination motor pumping engine in January 1913.

While Paterson was beginning its motorization, major changes were taking place in the fire apparatus industry. In 1907 Waterous introduced the first fire engine with gasoline motor powering of both propulsion and pump. In 1910, ALF introduced its first motor fire engine. On August 9, 1910, the Ahrens Fire Engine Company was renamed the Ahrens Fox Fire Engine Company with a major reshuffling of management: Charles H. Fox was now president, John P. Ahrens vice president and secretary, and George W. Krapp remained treasurer. Also in 1910 Ahrens Fox hired two brothers Ben and Emil Graf who were experienced automotive engineers to develop Ahrens Fox's first motor fire engine which made its first appearance in June 1911.

In September 1913, the first 12 hour pumping competition among all major manufacturers (two each ALF, Nott and Robinson, and one each of Ahrens Fox, Seagrave, Knox, Lutweiller and Waterous) was held in New York City; only the Ahrens Fox completed the full 12 hours without a single shut-down. With so much progress occurring so rapidly in the fire engine field, it may seem odd that Paterson -- already undergoing a motorization program -- now reverted to buying steamers.

Ahrens Fox Steam Fire Engines

Paterson's long association with the Ahrens Fox Fire Engine Company began on July 11, 1913 when the company was awarded a $9000 contract for a first size Continental steamer (the other bid were $8950 from ALF and $8450 from Nott). The serial number is not known. Shortly after delivery a 2-wheel Christie tractor, made by the Front Drive Auto Company of Hoboken, NJ was attached to the steamer and on September 16, 1913 it went into service as Engine Company 3 at 298 Tyler Street replacing an 1881 2nd size Amoskeag steamer (#561).

The 1913 Continental Steamer was converted to horse-drawn when its Christie tractor was wrecked in 1915. In 1917 it received a new Electric Tractor (battery-powered) made by the Commercial Truck Company of Philadelphia. It remained in service at Engine Company 3 until replaced by an Ahrens Fox pumper (#3310) on October 28, 1930. On January 7, 1931 the steamer returned to service as Engine Company 10 quartered at 198 17th Avenue until it was replaced by an Ahrens Fox pumper on July 16, 1931. This was the last steam fire engine that saw service in Paterson.

Continental Steamer with battery powered tractor

The department used Ahrens Fox again in the fall of 1914 when the First Size Steamer of Engine Company 9 (originally used by Engine Company 4) was sent to Cincinnati for installation of a Continental radial inclined water tube boiler. It returned to service in October 1914. However, Paterson's loyalty was not yet exclusively with Ahrens Fox as the Second Size Nott of Engine Company 6 was sent to American LaFrance for a new Fox boiler in August 1915.

Motorized Nott steamer with new ALF "Fox" boiler

In November 1915, a $1475 contract was awarded to Ahrens Fox to install a Continental Boiler and band brakes on the 1905 Nott Steamer (#633) of Engine Company 8. The steamer was sent to Cincinnati in January of 1916. A Christie Tractor was also added and it returned to service on March 17, 1916 (shown below).

The Nott Steamer was the only motorized Paterson Steamer that never received an electric tractor. It was retired when a new Ahrens Fox pumper (#3311) replaced it at Engine 8 on December 20, 1927. The steamer was subsequently sold to a coal-mining operation somewhere in Pennsylvania: the Christie tractor was scrapped and the steamer used to pump water out off mine shafts. As noted above Not #633 with the Ahrens Fox boiler is now a restored parade piece in Wyckoff NJ, converted back to horse drawn. It is one of two ex-Paterson steamers that still exist (the other being the 1863 Jeffers in the Paterson museum).

The beginning of the end of steam fire apparatus in Paterson occurred when two more First Size Metropolitan steamers were purchased for Engine Companies 7 and 10. The Paterson records show these as purchased in 1917, surviving American LaFrance records indicated the last Metropolitan steamer was built in 1916. Paterson's last two steamers had electrically propelled tractors from the Commercial Truck Company of Philadelphia. The register numbers of these steamers is unknown as they are not listed in the very sketchy ALF steamer records of that era. Over the next few years the electric (battery) driven tractors replaced most of the Christie front-drives.

Replacing the Steamers

In April 1923, Paterson Fire Department requested a bid for a 1000 GPM chemical pumping engine. The folllowing proposals were received: Ahrens Fox $13,500, Seagrave $13000 and American LaFrannce $13,000. On May 21, 1923 the contract was awarded to ALF. The apparatus (Type 12, Reg # 4415) was assigned to Engine 12 on Circle Avenue. At this time the department consisted of 9 electric-powered steamers, one gasoline powered (Christie) steamer (E8), a motorized chemical wagon and three electric-powered aerials. Similar to the situation 21 years earlier, the department found itself with aging, slow and inefficient apparatus. The modernization would have to begin all over again. So begins the glory days of Paterson and Ahrens Fox. For the next quarter of a century, the department dealt with no other fire engine manufacturer. With one exception every piece of apparatus was replaced with a Fox. The sight and sounds of the red, "windshieldless" machines with the gleaming silver globe up front, throwing powerful streams of water, gave the people of Paterson a new confidence in their fire department. Likewise the engines quickly became favorites of the Paterson firemen and greatly increased the effectiveness of the department.

1926

May 26, 1926: Two new pumpers to be bought

Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison

May 27

Paterson's first Ahrens Fox piston pumper was shipped from Cincinnati on September 14, 1926. A model N-S-4, registered #1668, Motor #2814 cost $13,500 and was placed in service as Engine Company 5 on September 23 at Fire Headquarters located at 115 Van Houten Street.

The pumper had a six cylinder Ahrens Fox T-Head motor (5-1/2" x 7"), 4-cylinder 1000 GPM piston pumps (4-1/2" x 6"), artillery wheels with solid rubber tires, a one piece front bumper, with flat cowl and teardrop grab handles, Vesta drum headlights, Dietz lanterns hanging below the rear corners of then hosebed and suction inlet reducers on the right side of the apparatus. The one piece bumper was never replaced during its career.

Reg #1668 - Note lanterns below the rear hosebed

1928 Parade

Fox #1668 in action - single bumper

Engine 5, register #1668 was converted from solid rubber to 36 x 8" Firestone pneumatic tires at on March 5, 1932 by Joseph E. Mirandon, Inc. of Paterson cost of $412.60. It was relocated to Engine Company 10 at 198 17th Avenue in 1937 and became a spare in 1953.

Ahrens Fox #1668 as Engine Co 10 at February 1942 Market Street Fire

Ahrens Fox #1668 as Engine Co 10 at 198 17th Avenue

Fox Register #1668 later in career as Engine 10, now with a deluge gun and re-positioned warning light near Vesta headlight

Fox Register 1668 as Engine 10 - rear view - Richard Edelman photo

The second Ahrens Fox Model N-S-R, register #1669, motor # 2815, also costing $13,500 was shipped six days later (than #1668) on September 20, 1926. It was placed in service at Engine Company 4 on 149 Slater Street on October 15, 1926. It was identical to Engine 5's (#1668) except #1669 carried a deluge gun outboard of the left side of the hosebed (apparently delivered that way). Unlike #1668, later in #1669's career it was converted to a dual bumper. It was converted to pneumatic tires on March 5, 1932 by the same company and for the same price as #1668. On February 9, 1950 #1669 collided with a bus (photo below) and it was at that time the single bumper was replaced with a dual bumper. It continued to serve Engine Company 4 until January 1952 when it became a spare.

February 10 Paterson Evening News courtesy Dennis Morrison

Fox register #1669 now with a double front bumper (dating photo to after February 1950). Warning light on right of hosebed.

Ahrens Fox #1669 as Engine 4 (photographed from both sides in next 2 photos) at a 4 alarm fire at 133 North 10th Street. Apparatus is parked at Clinton and North 11th Streets.

Ahrens Fox #1669 as Engine 4 at 1951 North 10th St Fire. Note double bumper now present

Dietz Fire King Lantern from Ahrens Fox

January 2, 1957 Paterson News - 128 Water Street (old firehouse fire) The Ahrens Fox pumper was a spare being used - may be #1669

1927

August 25, 1927: City Paterson awards two new contracts to Ahrens Fox

Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison

Paterson's next Ahrens Fox was also a Model N-S-4, Register # 3310, Motor #2842. It was shipped from Cincinnati on November 23, 1927 and placed in service as Engine Company 1 in December 1927 at Fire Headquarters at 115 Van Houten Street. #3310 was later transferred to Engine Company 3 at 176 12th Avenue to replace the 1913 Continental Steamer on October 28, 1930 and later became Engine Company 11 at 97 Grand Street in October 1948. It became a spare in 1953 and was sold June 29, 1954. Fox #3310 had its suction reducer on the right side. It also had a warning light on the right corner of the hosebed.

Reg 3310 with solid rubber tires at 155 Van Houten Street

Ahrens Fox #3310 as Engine Company 11 between 1948-53

Wickman collection courtesy Frank Boyd

Ahrens Fox pumper Register # 3311, Motor #2844, Model N-S-4 was shipped November 29, 1927 and placed in service December 20, 1927 at Engine Company 8 at 71 Wayne Avenue. Unlike # 3310, Fox #3311 had its suction reducer on the left side and had no warning light on the right corner of the hosebed.

Ahrens Fox #3311 - Engine Company 8

The 1927 Foxes differed from the 1926 in having stamped front fenders with rounded corners instead of tapered front fenders and dual instead of single front bumpers. They also had Vesta drum headlights and artillery wheels but arrived with pneumatic tires. Motors and pumps were identical to 1926. The 1927's were the last Paterson Foxes to have their Dietz lanterns hanging from the rear corner of the hosebed. All later Foxes had the lanterns above the hosebed.

1927 Church fire with Ahrens Fox pumper in foreground

1928

The Paterson Fire Department expanded to 13 Engine Companies with the opening of a new two-bay firehouse at 37 23rd Avenue. Of course a new Ahrens Fox Model N-S-4, Registered #3334 arrived for the opening and entered service on October 20, 1928. The Ahrens Fox proposal dated March 28, 1928 and signed by their New York City sales agent J.A. Prescott (who was a rep from 1914-1929), called for delivery in 90 working days at a cost of $13,500. It was shipped to Paterson on August 17, 1928 and had Motor # 2879. It was the last Paterson Fox delivered on artillery wheels and the first to have its lanterns on posts above the hosebed. It had the same type

of fenders, bumper, motor and pump as the two 1927s, but had thin, dime-shaped RyanLite headlights instead of the Vesta drum-style lights of the 1926 and 1927 Foxes (the spotlight, however was still the Vesta drum Style as it would be on all Paterson Foxes). The suction reducer was on the right side. #3334 received a new transmission in June 1942 and became a spare in March 1953 and was sold December 31, 1957.

Engine 13's 1928 Ahrens Fox #3334 at 1951 fire

1929

Chief Engineer Thomas Coyle and his men respected and enjoyed the five new pumpers that have been purchased over the previous 3 more years and obviously wanted more. Fred E. Benson, a Paterson resident had taken over Ahren's Fox's New York sales territory from J.A. Prescott on April 1, 1929, just as obviously wanted Paterson to be his first major customer ordering multiple rigs. A letter from Benson to the Paterson Board of Fire Commissioners, dated April 1913, 1929 proposed to sell Paterson either seven 1000 GPM piston pumpers at $13,500 each or seven 1000 GPM rotary pumpers at $13,000 each. There was also to be one 85 foot tractor-trailer aerial ladder truck for $16,750, bringing the total sale price to either $108,000 or $104,500. Bensen agreed to take in trade 7 of Paterson's electrically-powered steamers at $250 each, allowing Paterson to keep the best of the seven as a spare. He also offered that should he sell the steamers for more than $250, he would refund the difference to Paterson. But a follow up letter of May 15, 1929 indicates the best he could get was $550 total, meaning he would loose $1200 on the trade-ins. Bensen even agreed to waive all interest payments on the price of the apparatus until June 30, 1930, a further loss of $6465 for him.

While this deal was being negotiated, the electric tractor on Engine 6 gave up the ghost ~ May 1929. Paterson urgently requested that Ahrens Fox supply a new piston pumper to replace the steamer within 30 days. Bensen replied on May 24, 1929 that it would take until August 15 to build a new pumper , but knowing Paterson could not wait that long, he grabbed one of the three Model N-S-2 piston pumpers (Reg # 3371, 3372 and 3373) which were destined for Chicago, IL., and had it rebuilt into an N-S-4 by the addition of a hose reel and related plumbing. Ahrens Fox registered #3371 (motor #2918) was shipped to Paterson June 18, 1929 while #3372 and #3373 went to Chicago as scheduled in early July.

Ahrens Fox #3371 went into service at Engine Company 6 at 476 Market Street on June 27, 1929. It was the first Paterson Fox equipped with Clark steel disk wheels instead of wooden artillery wheels. Like Fox #3334, it had Ryan headlights, stamped front fenders with rounded corners and dual front bumper. Its motor was the same as all earlier N-S-4's but instead of having all pump pistons 4-1/2" bore like the 1926-7-8 Foxes, it had two 4-1/4" and two 4-3/4" pump pistons.

Engine Company 6 1929 Ahrens Fox #3371

Engine 6 in quarters at 476 Market Street firehouse

In November 1946, a new transmission was installed in #3371. This rig became a spare in March 1953 and was sold on December 31, 1957. In the late 1960s, what was left of it (in a junkyard) was sold to Community Fire Company 1 of Wayne, NJ as a source of parts for a Paterson Ahrens Fox (#2312) they were restoring. Community removed the pump and a few other items from #3371 and sold the rest to Jack Fisher of Millville, NJ for spare parts for his ex-Atlantic City Fox (#1652). So old Engine 6 served many.

Firefighter George Stanton next to Engine 6 pumper

July 23, 1929: During a draught Chief Coyle put a visiting sales demonstration Ahrens Fox pumper to the test by transferring water from the Great Notch to the New Street Reservoir.

Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison

On September 4, 1929 the deal for seven pumpers and an aerial, first proposed in April became a formal contract signed by Charles Fox and Paterson officials. The contract called for Paterson to order over the next two years not less than five nor more than eight 1000 GPM piston pumpers at $13,500 each and not less than one nor more than three 85' aerials at $16,750 each. There would be an 8 1/3% quantity discount provided that Paterson really did purchase at least 5 pumpers and one aerial within two years.

Each pumper was to be delivered within 90 working days of receiving an order and each aerial within 120 working days. Each apparatus was to be tested within 7 days after delivery and, if passing all tests, to be immediately accepted and to be paid for in cash upon acceptance. The contract also stated that if at least 4 pumpers and an aerial were purchased, the fifth pumper could be (if Paterson desired) a special high pressure Model H-P-4 at the same price as an N-S-4.

The first piece of apparatus delivered under this contract was an 85' aerial, Model 85-6-1, registered #2046 (Motor #2483), shipped November 9, 1929. It had a much bigger six-cylinder motor (5-7/8 x 7) than the N-S-4's (5-1/2 x7) and a curved radiator and hood rather than the gable style. Its cowl was streamlined, rather than the flat cowl of the N-S-4, and the grab handles were "C" shaped instead of the traditional tear-drop design. Had Vesta style Searchlight on driver's side of tractor. Like #3371, its wheels were the Clark steel-disk type. The rear tractor tires were solid rubber, but all the other tires were pneumatics. On February 24, 1940 Frank Greisser proposed to convert the rear tractor wheels to dual pneumatics for $425.70 but his conversion was never made. This aerial was placed into service as truck Company 2 at Fire Headquarters at 115 Van Houten Street on April 15, 1930.

With respect to Fox ladder trucks: What does the 85-6-1 mean? They are Ahrens Fox Company codes: -1 means aerial ladder, -6 means a Fox tractor and 85 is the length of the largest ladder in feet.

November 16, 1929: Truck Company 2 1929 Aerial at drilling at Paterson's City Hall.

Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison

November 21, 1929: Truck delivered

T2 1929 Ahrens Fox 85-6-1 Aerial at Eastside Park

Truck 2 at 1928 Parade

View of Headquarters in 1929 showing Fox pumpers #3371 (E1 at left), #1668 (E5) at right and aerial (T2) 2046 in center

Aerial #2046 was transferred to Truck Company 1 quartered at 72 Jackson Street on December 18, 1931. Note company Dalmatian in driver's seat.

Apparatus preparing to back up. Note "High Eagle" type helmets on the firemen.

(Anthony Natoli Collection)

T1 on Jackson Street - Edge of FH is on left side of photo. Note Dalmatian

The motor of Fox aerial #2046 self-ignited while parked in the firehouse and was severely damaged. Paterson purchased a replacement from Hastings on Hudson, NY in November 1949 and #2046 became a spare. It was dismantled for spare parts in June 1953 and the remains sold June 29, 1954.

1930

Four Ahrens Fox piston pumpers arrived in Paterson in 1930, all purchased under the September 4, 1929 contract. Registered #3377, a Model N-S-4 was shipped March 24, 1930 and went in service as Engine Company 2 at 77 Highland Street where it remained until replaced by a new Seagrave Pumper in March 1953. It then became a spare apparatus.

Engine 2 1930 Ahrens Fox #3377 pumping at fire scene

Ahrens Fox # 3377 at fire scene -- Dayspring Collection

#3377, a Model N-S-4 at 77 Highland Street Firehouse. L-R: Fred Armona, Capt Semento, Tony Gaita on rear step. Paul Hartley with leg on running board

Closeup of teardrop grab-handles and Fox bell of Engine Co 2

Its motor (#2935) and pump were identical to Ahrens Fox #3371. #3377 was the last Paterson Fox equipped with Clark steel-disc wheels: all later Foxes (pumpers and aerials) had Bud wheels with external lug-nuts. It was also the last Paterson Fox with rounded corners on its front fenders; all subsequent Foxes had squared off corners on the fenders. Visually there was very little difference in appearance between #3377 and #3371 except for the arrangement of equipment on the running boards. The toolbox was red on #3371 and black on #3377 and the frame area around the Register ID plate between the seat and dashboard (red on #3371 and black on #3377). The suction reducer on #3377 was on the right side. A new transmission was installed in #3377 in November 1946.

October 8, 1930: Frank Greisser is ticketed while delivering an apparatus

Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrisonm

The next Ahrens Fox to arrive in Paterson was the huge, powerful Model H-P-4 that had been offered in the 1929 contract at the $13,500 price of an N-S-4. It was shipped on October 16, 1930 as Register #2312. It had a six cylinder 5-7/8" x 7" motor (#2496) and a six cylinder piston pump with three cylinders of 4-1/4 x 6" and three of 3-1/2" x 6" (the N-S-4 had only a 4 cylinder pump). It was the first Paterson Fox with the flat-front fenders and 10 lug Budd wheels. It was also the only Paterson Fox with suction reducers on both sides of the "Y" pump inlet. #2312 went into service as Engine Company 1 at Fire Headquarters at 115 Van Houten Street. It replaced Engine Company 1's 1927 Ahrens Fox #3310 which was transferred to Engine Company 3 on 12th Avenue, replacing their 1913 Ahrens Fox Continental steamer with an electric-tractor.

Engine Company 1930 H-P-4 Ahrens Fox #2312 with deluge gun on exterior of hosebed

Photo colorized by Vince Marchese (the firehouse doors were actually black)

Engine Company 1 Fox register #2312 at 115 Van Houten Street with driver John Cichon and J. Kyle

Side/rear view taken on same day as above photo

Drill at Fire Headquarters

On January 14 1944, Engine 1 Ahrens Fox pumper (#2312) responding to a fire on West Broadway collided with a bus at Main and Van Houten Street. The Captain was Peter Rege and driver Charles Willard

January 15 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Mortrison

The pump of #2312 was completely rebuilt in October 1942. During January 1952 #2312 was transferred to Engine Company 4 at 149 Slater Street replacing Ahrens Fox pumper #1669. Soon after the transfer to E4, one of the two windshields that had been donated by Ahrens Fox Eastern Sales agent Frank Griesser to Paterson was installed making #2312 the only Paterson Fox pumper to sport a windshield.

Bell from #2312 now at the Firemen's Museum in Booton, NJ

Fox #2312 as Engine Co 4 with newly installed windshield in 1952. Parked on Temple Street.

In March 1953, Fox #2312 was transferred to Engine Company 11 at 97 Grand Street.

Dayspring Collection

#2312 was retired in January 1958 and sat in a field in West Milford NJ for the next 3 years before being sold to Community Fire Company 1 of Wayne (Mountain View section), NJ. They restored the apparatus to excellent operating and cosmetic condition and it was frequently seen at musters and parades. Note the windshield is gone, the descriptive gold leaf painting differs and the bell is now on the booster tank and not on the hood in front of driver and Captain's seat (where it was on every Paterson Fox).

In Hawthorne's 75th Anniversary Parade - Vince Marchese photo

Rx-chief Tom Chapman in officer's seat

Vince Marchese Photo 2017

Vince Marchese photo

Ahrens Fox #3389 with Motor #2957 was shipped from Cincinnati on October 30, 1930 and is shown below. It went in service as Engine Company 7 at 78 Gould Avenue on November 11, 1930. The suction reducer was on left side of Y pump. A new clutch was installed April 11, 1949 and the apparatus was retired in January 1958 and sold June 1963.

Engine Company 7 with Ahrens Fox #3389 at fire scene. No warning lamps at sides of hosebed.

Siren locatrion

Schoonmaker Collection

Ahrens Fox 3389

Engine Company 7 Ahrens Fox #3389 and ft side Captain Eugene Fredericks, Arsene Nunnick, Edward Ristan, John Alexander,. Right side Captain John Whitecroft, John Heffran, William Ramsden, George Kulich, Francis Moore.

Ahrens Fox Register # 3390, an N-S-4, with motor #2958 was also shipped from Cincinnati on October 30, 1930 and then placed in service November 11, 1930 at Engine Company 9 quartered at 586 Main Street.

ENGINE 9

Engine Company 1930 Ahrens Fox # 3390. Note warning lights on both sides of hosbed

Dedication Plaque - Todd Holritt photo - 2018

#3390 in Main Street Firehouse - Note the two warning lights on both sides of booster reel. Unique among Paterson Foxes. -- Captain Meyer Cohen, Daniel Stevens, Edward Moore, Douglas Laux, Captain James W. Burns, Edward Christensen, Joseph Cucci, Fank McEntyre, John Walton, Captain Albert Capter.

On March 3, 1938 Engine 9's Ahrens Fox pumper struck and injured a pedestrian while responding to a fire on Montclair Avenue

Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison

On May 5, 1938, Engine 9's Fox (#3390) had the dubious distinction of being in the first major accident involving an Ahrens Fox pumper. It was responding to an alarm and just after exiting quarters (20 feet outside the door) collided with a trolley coming up Main Street (moving north to south) smashed right into the Captain's side of the engine, knocking all of the men off. The apparatus, including the frame, was badly damaged and had to be shipped back to Cincinnati for repairs. It returned to service on August 8, 1930. At the time the odometer showed only 1200 miles. For a through discussion and newspapers of the accident: click here & scroll down

Newspaper photo of the accident of #3390

Captain was future Chief Engineer Hobart Strathearn

Repair estimate from Ahrens Fox

Dayspring Collection

Fox 3390 leaving quarters 1948

Both Fox #3389 and #3390 had gable hoods, Budd wheels, square-cornered stamped front fenders, Ryan headlights, dual bumpers, six-cylinder motors (5-1/2" x 7"), four cylinder pumps (4-1/4" and 4-3/4 x 6"), and suction reducers on the left side. The only way to tell them apart visually is that #3390 had two red warning lights in the front corners of the hosebed while #3389 did not.

Ahrens Fox 3390

A new clutch was installed on April 11, 1949. The apparatus was retired in January 1958 and was sold in June 1962 to the Passaic Valley Hose Company #2 of West Paterson (later renamed Woodland Park) NJ. They restored the Fox and like #2312 it is frequently see at musters and parades. Instead of keeping the green linoleum on the running boards (present on all Paterson Foxes) they restored them using chrome. Much of the fancy gold leaf on fenders and suction inlets was also not on the Paterson apparatus.

Hancock Collection

Dayspring Collection

Vince Marchese Photo

1981 Muster Photo - Dayspring Collection

At WP Fire Department with old Engine 9. Assistant Chief Joe Dayspring at left

September 2016 at Fireman's Home in Boonton, NJ Vince Marchese photo

Vince Marchese photo at West Paterson Firehouse 2016

Vince Marchese photo

Vince Marchese photo 2016

Vince Marchese photo

Buck Whitty at right

Todd Hollritt Photos

At West Paterson quarters Todd Hollritt photo

In bay at West Paterson - 2018 - Todd Hollritt photo

PFD Battalion Chief Vic Diddio

At Croton Reservoir (Valhalla, NY) muster circa 1982

1985 90th PFD Anniversary parade (passing Hilllcrest FH) . Retired Asst. Chief Dayspring in Captains seat. Buck Whitty driving.

Vincent Marchese photo taken for 1995 100th Anniversary posed with 1991 Pirsch Aerial of Ladder 1 at Madison Avenue Firehouse

100th Anniversary Parade -- Courtesy Todd Holritt

1995 appearance in the movie "Zoya"

Buck Whitty in Captain's seat - Vince Marchese photo

January 2019 - At the funeral, of Captain Castrucci seen in above photo

November 30, 2019 - Woodland Park Xmas Parade

January 31, 2020 - Last Alarm for Paterson Firefighter Joseph Parkin Sr

Bill Tompkins photos

July 15, 2021 - Vince Marchese photo

July 15, 2021 - Engine 3 2020 Ferrara pumper and restored Engine 9 at Headquarters - Vince Marchese photo

July 15, 2021 - Engine 2 2018 Ferrara pumper and restored Engine 9 at Headquarters - Vince Marchese photo

July 15, 2021 - Chief of Department Brian J McDermott

One additional item of business was transacted between Ahrens Fox and the Paterson Fire department in 1930. The PFD repair shop was fully stocked with a wide range of replacement Ahrens Fox parts so that any mechanical malfunction could be quickly repaired without taking the apparatus out of service while awaiting shipment of parts from Cincinnati.

1931

The final Ahrens Fox piston pumper, Model N-T-4, register #3401, with motor #3205, was shipped July 9, 1931 and placed in service July 16, 1931 as Engine Company 10 at 198 17th Avenue. It was the only Paterson Fox pumper with the same rounded hood, streamlined cowl and C-shaped grab handles as were on the Paterson aerials. It was also the only Paterson Fox pumper with its Vesta drum searchlight on the right rather than the left side. It had the same squared-off stamped front fenders, dual bumper, Ryan Headlights and 10-lug Budd wheels as the 1930 Foxes.

The T in N-T-4 model designation indicated it had a 6-cylinder twin-triple pump (as opposed to "D" for a 4-cylinder twin-double pump), with three pistons 4-1/4" x 6" and three 3-1/2" x 6". Its motor was a 6-cylinder "Revised T-Head" 5-7/8" bore x 6-1/2" stroke. Although both the motor and pump were bigger than the earlier N-S-4s, it had the same 1000 GPM rating.

In 1937, Fox #3401, for unknown reasons, was transferred to Engine Company 5 at Fire Headquarters at 115 Van Houten Street. Tragically this was the pumper that carried four members of Engine 5 to their deaths at the Quackenbush Warehouse Fire in 1938.

A new carburetor was installed in March 1946. In 1948, when Engine 5 received a new Mack pumper, Fox #3401 was transferred to Engine Company 3 at 176 12th Avenue. In March 1953 #3401 was transferred to Engine Company 13 at 37 23rd Avenue. It was retired on January 23, 1958.

1931 Ahrens Fox #3401 seen as Engine Company 3 circa 1948-53. Note Vesta searchlight on right side of apparatus.

E 3 Lantern: Dietz King

E3 Fox Dietz King base

1931 Ahrens Fox #3401 seen as Engine Company 3 circa 1948-53. -- Wayne Sorenson photo

1931 Ahrens Fox #3401 seen as Engine Company 3 circa 1948-53. -- Richard Adelman photo

1931 Ahrens Fox #3401 seen as Engine Company 3 circa 1948-53.

circa 1942 drill at 115 Van Houten Street with #3401 operating as E5 Engine 5 Part of background whited out

February 3, 1942 fire scene (Manhattan Hotel): On Clark Street just south of Market street is at left Engine 5 Fox (#3401) and at right Engine 1 Fox (#2312)

Having received all five pumpers and the aerial ordered under the September 4, 1929 contract, all that was needed to complete modernization of the force was the acquisition of two desperately needed aerials to replace the antiquated electric-propelled apparatus currently in service at Truck Companies 1 and 3. Two Ahrens Fox tractor trailer aerials (registered numbers 2058 and 2059 were ordered.

Register #2058 an 85-6-1 model was shipped December 23, 1931 went into service in January 1932 as Truck 2 at Fire Headquarters at 115 Van Houten Street replacing Fox aerial #2046. #2406 was transferred to Truck 1 in place of their electric (battery)-drawn aerial. Like #2046 Fox Aerial # 2058 featured 5-7/8" x 7" motor (#3012), rounded hood with streamlined cowl and "C" grab handles, Ryan headlights, dual bumper, a 167" tractor wheel base and a 314" trailer wheelbase. But it had a 10-lug Budd wheels rather than the Clark disk type of #2046. Its tractor tires were dual pneumatics rather than single solid rubber of #2046. Also its Vesta drum searchlight was on the right side of the driver's seat while 2046 had it positioned on the left. Its stamped front fenders had square corners versus the rounded corners on the fenders of #2046.

Truck 2 Ahrens Fox 85' Aerial #2058 at Headquarters

Chief Coyle watching aerial raising and climbing drill of Truck 2 at Headquarters

Closeup of tractor of Fox 2058

1941 - training Auxiliary Firemen during WWII

New springs were put on #2058 in 1948 and a new #4 cylinder on August 12, 1949 and the second of two windshields Frank Griesser had donated was installed ~1950. The windshield was curved.

This aerial became a spare in June 1953 and its trailer was rebuilt by Matcha Machinery Company of Budd Lake, NJ., at a cost of $6184. The original Fox tractor was replaced by a 1954 FWD tractor (serial #8042) and returned to service as Truck 2 on December 20, 1954.

December 13, 1954 Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison

On June 12 1961, Fox aerial #2058 was involved in an accident on Water Street, damaging the trailer but sparing the FWD tractor. In June 1962, after repair, #2058 once again became a spare. But when Ahrens Fox Aerial #2059 (Truck 3) was destroyed at a fire on October 21, 1963, aerial #2058 was reactivated to replace it. In April 1965, #2058 became a spare again but in 1968 was reactivated once more as Truck 1 at the Lakeview Firehouse at 125 Trenton Avenue. This Fox aerial gained the distinction of serving all three Paterson Truck Companies at various times in its career.

#2058 at 1939 Quackenbush fire where 5 firemen perished

Truck Co 2 (#2058) Ahrens Fox Aerial at Quackenbush fire

Ahrens Fox 85-6-1 #2058

In December 1954 aerial trailer #2058 was attached to a new FWD cab and used at Truck 2.

Rebuilt Ahrens Fox trailer and FWD Cab - Priscilla Ridall photo

The long career of aerial #2058 ended on January 7, 1969 when it was involved in an accident with Engine Company 10 at Park Avenue and Summer Street. The trailer was so badly wrecked that it could not be repaired and was scrapped. So ended the Ahrens Fox era in Paterson, NJ.

1932

The last electrically (battery) drawn apparatus in Paterson was retired when a new Ahrens Fox Aerial (registered #2059), Model 75-6-1, with motor #3019, was shipped March 21, 1932 and placed in service at Truck Company 3 at 41 Godwin Avenue on March 29, 1932.

#2059 was virtually identical to 2058 except its aerial ladder was only 75' (vs 85' on #2058) and its trailer wheelbase was considerably shorter at 287". Like Fox aerial #2058 the Vesta drum searchlight on #2059 was on the right side of the driver's seat. The tractor on #2059 never received a windshield. It is shown below at a fire scene with one of the Paterson Fox pumpers.

Below is a fire scene with 2 Fox aerials (trucks 2 and 3) and at least 1 fox pumper July 26, 1932

Below is 1937 retail store fire at 121 Broadway with 4 Fox pumpers and one aerial (Truck 3) in action.

Below is Truck 2 Fox (#2058) at rear of the building at same Broadway fire scene above.

Below are several photos taken circa 1949 of Fox Aerial #2059 drilling outside quarters.

Captain Joseph Dayspring

2059

Captain Joseph Dayspring and FF Angelo Contini at right

2059 at fire scene

"Smokey" in Driver's seat of 2059

"Smokey"

September 1953 Slate Street fire with Ahrens Fox pumper at left and Truck 3 Fox aerial #2059

The original Fox tractor on #2059 was replaced with an FWD tractor (#8401) on May 11, 1954. This was damaged in an accident with Engine Company 12 on June 14, 1954. The old Fox tractor was put back on it. The combination FWD (#8401) and Fox trailer #2059 returned to service as Truck 3 on November 12, 1954. The Fox trailer was sent to FWD for rebuilding in May 1955 and Truck 3 used fox aerial #2047 for 4 months until the rebuilt trailer #2059 returned to service September 29, 1955. It is pictured below as the aerial without the raised aerial at the 1956 School 24 fire.

The end of the line for Fox Aerial #2059 with FWD tractor (#8041) came on October 21, 1963 when the apparatus was incinerated at the Franklin Street factory fire.

There is one interesting footnote to the Fox Story in Paterson. As previously noted, the department consisted of 13 engine and 3 truck companies. After registered Fox aerial #2059 arrived in March 1932, only Engines 11 at 97 Grand Street and 12 at 36 Circle Avenue were not Ahrens Fox. Still in service at company 11 was the 1911 Autocar Chemical Engine which had certainly outlived its usefulness. Engine 12 was using the 1923 chain-drive American LaFrance Type 12 pumper (Reg #4415) which was in good condition. These were depression times and the cost of a new Fox ($13,500) was substantial sum. Again, Ahrens Fox came to the rescue, but in an unusual way.

In appreciation for all of the business which the city had given him, Mr Bensen gave the city a pumper to replace the 1911 Autocar. The neighboring small town of Haledon NJ had a small 500 GPM chain-drive 1922 American LaFrance (Reg # 5030). In 1931 this Haledon engine was severely damaged in an accident. Bensen acquired it and had it repaired and then presented it to the city without cost. It went into service as Engine Company 11 on November 30, 1932. Paterson FD records variously refer to this ALF as a Type 12 or a Type 75.

On June 25, 1934, Fred bensen presented Paterson another fire engine for the token sum of $200. THis one was a 1917 Ahrens Fox Model K-11 booster and hose car, Registered #651. It had originally been shipped to Hoboken, NJ on September 23, 1917 and used as Hose 5 in that city. Bensen had taken it in a trade on a new Ahrens Fox Model MC chemical and hose (Reg#1782) on September 19, 1932. It had a 4-cylinder 5-7/8 x 7" motor, chain drive, rounded hood, German Silver radiator, artillery wheels, solid tires, tapered fenders and bowl shaped headlights. As late as January 24, 1942 Paterson was still using this as a backup to its 11 Ahrens Fox and 2 ALF pumpers.

No photo of Paterson's 1917 Ahrens Fox Model K-11 booster and hose car exists but this drawing approximates what it likely looked like.

1937-1938

In 1937 the city complained that the gears on their early apparatus (Registered numbers #1168, 1669, 3310, 3314 and 3334) were jumping out of high. The manufacturer replied that this was due to the older form of high speed drive that did not have the newer long clutch jaw gears used in #s 2312, 3371, 3377, 3389, 3390 and 3401. Ahrens Fox agreed to make the changeove for $116 each, later reduced to $75 each.

In 1937 Engine Companies 5 (#1668) and Engine 10 (#3401) swapped pumpers. The greatest tragedy in department history occurred on March 11, 1938 at a 4 alarm fire at the Quackenbush warehouse. Long after the fire was well under control, Deputy Chief Sweeney and four men from Engine Company 5 (including Captain William Devenport) made the Supreme Sacrifice when the walls of the building collapsed on them. The only survivors from Engine 5 were fireman Thomas Schofield who was in the alley picking up hose and driver and Engineer Ralph Miller who was maintaining the pumps at the Fox engine (#3401). A never to be forgotten scene took place when driver Miller had to return the apparatus to Headquarters alone. As he stepped from the Engine he was met by Chief Engineer Coyle. Miller stood at attention and announced "Number 5 returning back to quarters." The Chief bowed his head and wept. Miller cried, "I'm all alone, Chief."

As previously noted the first major accident involving a Fox occurred when Engine 9 (#3390) was struck by a trolley on May 5, 1938. Rebuilt, it was returned to service on August 8, 1938.

The War and Postwar

On August 19, 1942 the 1926 N-S-4, #1669 of Engine Company 4 collided with a car at Grand and Mill Streets while responding to a brush fire. Fireman August Schneider and Auxillary Fireman William Conklin were both thrown from the apparatus and fatally injured. (Supreme Sacrifice).

December 31, 1942: Certificate of War Necessity, by US Office of Defense Transportation for Engine Company 7's 1930 Ahrens Fox Pumper #3389

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). In photo below front bumpers knocked off during collision.

October 16 Morning Call

During the early 1940s, Paterson wanted to start acquiring new apparatus again (especially to replace the two old American LaFrance pumpers at Engine 11 and 12). However, because of World War II, material shortages required War Department approval, and Paterson's requests were repeatedly rejected. It was not until 1948 that new Engines were finally obtained.

Bids were requested in March and proposals were received from Mack, Ward-LaFrance, American LaFrance, A&S Trucking and Ahrens Fox. Frank Griesser, the district agent for Ahrens Fox submitted bids of $17,579 for a Model IC Special (750 GPM) triple combination centrifugal pumper, hose car and booster apparatus. These prices were $3000 to $4000 above the other bidders and for the first time in 22 years Paterson rejected Ahrens Fox and purchased two 1000 GPM pumpers from Mack at a cost of $13,381 each.

The two new Macks arrived in October 1948 and were assigned to Engine Company 5 (to replace 1932 Fox #3401) and Engine 12 (to replace 1923 ALF #4415). Fox #3401 went from Engine 5 to to replace #3310 at Engine 3 and #3310 moved to Engine 11 to replace the 1922 ALF (#5030). Both of the old ALF engines were retired.

That Paterson needed more new apparatus became increasingly evident in the late 1940s and early 50s as one after another of the Foxes began to require new engine cylinders, clutches, transmissions, etc. For example, the aging 1929 Fox aerial (#2046) began breaking down with great regularity following the war and on September 1, 1948, while parked in the Jackson Street Firehouse, the motor self-ignited. The tractor was extensively damaged and the company was out of service for several months while repairs were made. The department had to get by with the other two Fox aerials, as they had no spare.

In late 1949, Paterson negotiated with the City of Hastings on Hudson, N.Y. for the purchase of that towns 1930 (29?) Model 75-6-1 aerial, Registered #2047 with motor #2491. The truck was sold to Paterson for $600 on November 15, 1949. Paterson thought they could use it for spare parts but when it arrived they found it to be in better shape than their own Truck 1 (Reg #2046). So on December 12, 1949, Registered # 2047 went into service as Truck 1 at 72 Jackson Street and Registered #2046 became the departments first spare aerial. Hasting's aerial was virtually identical to Paterson's other 75' aerial (#2059) except its front fenders were the older style with rounded rather than square corners; it had a flat top windshield and its searchlight was on the left side of the driver's seat.

Fox aerial #2047 after arriving from Hastings on Hudson, seen at 23rd Street Firehouse

Dayspring Collection

Ahrens Fox aerial 2047 now with warning light in front of grill

Aerial pulling out of the 23rd Avenue quarters during winter

Ahrens Fox aerial 2047, with tillerman at rear

T1 Ahrens Fox - note Vest Vesta searchlight on left side of cab (other Paterson Fox Aerials had it on right)

T1 Ahrens Fox #2047 at fire scene

The Fox tractor on #2047 was replaced by an FWD tractor (serial #8042) on May 11, 1954, but the original tractor was kept as a spare. Tractor and trailer were reattached December 20, 1954 and the whole rig became a spare when the FWD tractor was put on the 1931 Fox aerial #2058 of Truck 2.

On June 2, 1955, FWD tractor #8041 from Ahrens Fox aerial #2059 was attached to the trailer of #2047 and the hybrid rig, seen below, put in service at Truck 3 on Godwin Avenue, while FWD was rebuilding the Fox aerial trailer #2059. On September 29, 1955, #2059 returned to service and #2047 became a spare again.

1960 Tyler Street Fire

Fox aerial #2047 remained a spare until 1962, when it was sold to Property Owners League (P.O.L) Fire Company 2 of Wayne NJ. They used it for spare parts for their 1931 Fox aerial #2056 (ex-Harrison NJ). When P.O.L sold #2056 in 1970, they had no more need of the #2047 parts and junked it. Thus, the last surviving Paterson Fox aerial was gone.

End of an Era

Replacement of the Ahrens Foxes and the beginning of the end of the Paterson-Fox era began in January 1952 with the purchase of a new 1000 GPM pumper which was assigned to Engine 12 on Circle Avenue. The 1948 Mack of Engine 12 went to Engine Company 1 at Headquarters and their Fox (#2312) went to Engine Company 4 (picture shown earlier).

Along with the FWD pumper, a new 100-foot (Paterson's first) FWD wood aerial (spring-lift type) was also ordered. However when it arrived , an unsafe sway inn the fly-ladder was discovered and the apparatus had to be returned to Wisconsin for repairs. It was not until June of 1953 that the apparatus returned fit for duty. It went into service as truck Company 2 at Fire Headquarters on Van Houten Street replacing Fox aerial #2058 which became a spare.

1952 FWD 100' Aerial which entered service in 1953

Modernization of the department continued when 6 new Seagrave 750 GPM centrifugal pumpers arrived in March 1953. Four of them were assigned to Engine 2 (replacing 1930 Fox #3377), Engine 6 (replacing 1929 Fox #3371), Engine 8 (replacing 1927 Fox #3311) and Engine 10 (replacing 1926 Fox #1668); the Foxes from all four of those companies became spares. The fifth Seagrave was assigned to Engine 3 whose Fox (#3401) was transferred to Engine 13, making that company's 1928 Fox (#3334) a spare, The sixth and last Seagrave was transferred to Engine Company 11, making their 1927 Fox (#3310) a spare. This left only four Fox pumpers in active service: #3389 at Engine 7, #3390 at Engine 9, #2312 at Engine 11 and #3401 at Engine 13.

Improvement of the two remaining Fox aerials was the next project. In May 1953, Paterson bought two new FWD tractors for Fox aerials #2058 and 2059. However it took a year and a half to approve and be placed in service at Truck 1 (then using Fox aerial #2047) and Truck 3 (using #2059). Later in 1954 the Fox aerial trailer was rebuilt by the Matcha Machinery Company of Budd Lake N.J., and from June to September 1955 the trailer of #2059 was rebuilt by FWD of Clintonville, WI.

1956 photo: At bottom is Truck 3 Fox aerial #2059 with 1954 FWD tractor and at top is Truck 1 with 1952 FWD aerial (tractor and trailer)

The closing chapter on the Ahrens Fox pumpers occurred in January 1958 when Paterson acquired four new 1957 FWD pumpers. The Foxes of Engine 7 (#3389), Engine 9 (#3390), Engine 11 (#2312) and for Engine 13 (#3401) were retired. For the first time in 32 years no Ahrens Fox pumpers responded to Paterson fires.

January 23, 1958: Engine Company 13 Ahrens Fox Pumper (register 3401) is retired - Sold by the City to Hardyston Township where it saw a few more years of data as Company 3. They added a windshield.

In addition to #2312 and #3371 that Wayne NJ had and #3390 of West Paterson, two other Fox pumpers were preserved for a short time by Mr J Nevins McBride of Franklin Lakes N.J. However when asked about them sometimes afterward he could not recall which Foxes they were or their ultimate fate.

Only two aerial trailers (#2058 and #2059) kept the name Ahrens Fox history alive in Paterson, and did so for another decade. Trailer #2058, attached to FWD tractor (#8042) remained at Truck 2.

On June 14, 1954 Truck 3 (FWD Tractor 8041 and Fox trailer 2059) was involved in a serious collision with Engine 12 at Main Street and Broadway as both were returning to quarters from a car fire at Cross and Passaic Streets. The damage was to the FWD Cab, not the trailer of Truck 3.

In 1961 Truck 2 (FWD tractor 8042 and Fox aerial #2058) was involved in an accident and the trailer suffered significant damage while drilling (at Temple and Water Streets).

After repair the FWD/Fox aerial returned to T2 but replaced by a new Pirsch aerial in June, 1962; it then became a spare.

June 14, 1962: 75' Ahrens Fox Aerial and a pumper to be sold

Fox Trailer #2059 also paired with an FWD tractor (#8041), remained in service at Truck Company 3 until it was destroyed at the Franklin Finishing Company on October 21, 1963.

Fox trailer #2059

FWD cab (8041) with Fix aerial 2059

In October 1963 Fox Aerial trailer #2058, Paterson's last remaining Fox apparatus, paired with FWD Tractor 8042, was then put back in service as Truck 3. It became a spare again when replaced at Truck 3 by a new ALF snorkel in 1965.

Three years later (1968), Fox trailer #2058 was reactivated as Truck 1 when their 1952 FWD aerial needed extensive overhaul. On January 7, 1969, Ahrens Fox trailer #2058 (but not the FWD tractor 8042) came to an untimely end when it collided with the 1953 Seagrave pumper of Engine 10. Both rigs were responding to what proved to be a false alarm. The trailer was wrecked beyond repair and was junked.

E10 1953 Seagrave Pumper and rear of Truck 1 Ahrens Fox trailer

Finally after 6 decades, the name Ahrens Fox was erased from the Paterson Fire department roster of apparatus.

The following pictures show Ahrens Fox memorabilia related to Paterson, NJ

Cover of an Ahrens Fox Contract sent to Paterson

The 1945 FMBA Ballbook

Tom Shower's model of 1930 Engine 9 Fox #3390

Tom Shower's model of 1932 Truck 3 Fox aerial #2059

Vintage Tiller from Dieter Schultze appears to have been built from a Jordan Products Fox-Ahrens kit in 2004.

Model from Dieter Schultze built from a Jordan Products Fox-Ahrens kit in 2004

The following graphics are from Biff The Fire Dog, a 1936 Children's book that was written about the Paterson Fire Department during the height of the Ahrens Fox era. it is a story about a boy and Captain Peters and Fireman Joe. Gus Peters was a real Paterson Fireman at the time who did care for a dog.

FOR MORE GRAPHICS CLICK HERE

Children's toy circa 1940s

Watch Fob

Ahrens Fox Liquor Bottle Prototype

AHRENS FOX ERA

Ahrens Fox Fire Engine Company and​Paterson, NJ: Complete History

Ahrens Fox Fire Engine Company and
Paterson, NJ: Complete History