Eagle Hook and Ladder 1
On March 22, 1839: Eagle Hook and Ladder company 1 was organized and placed in service at a house on John Street (later renamed Ellison Street), between Cross and Prospect Streets next to Washington Engine No. 3's house.
Before there ever was an official Hook and Ladder Company, the Paterson Fire Association had ordered hooks (spars) and ladders which were stored at Engine Company No. 1. On September 7, 1917 the Chronicle published details from the Paterson Fire Association minutes which detail the evolution of the company.
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The Chronicle September 7, 1917 - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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November 13, 1839: Annual report of Chief Engineer Nathaniel Lane
Intellegencer - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
On July 23, 1848: The house of Eagle 1 and Washington Engine Company 3 located on John (Ellison) Street was estroyed by fire. A new two-story brick building was built for them.
Intellegencer July 26 - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
The company was run by the "Jefferson Blues" which was a military organization known as the "City Blues." It was more military than firemanic and service was poor and apathetic. However a few members made strong efforts but with little success. In the men of disbanded (by city powers for insubordination) Columbia Hose Company 1 came over to Eagle 1 and from that time forward the company gained prominence and became a first class company in ability and performance.
1852: (Spring) Company Roster
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David B. Beam
John Allen James Johnson George Griffith C. H. Garrison E. B. King Abraham C. Van Blarcom George English H. M. Lane Henry Tice Lees Gardside George B. Cundell Isaac Van Gieson Stephen H. Wiseman Daniel L. Hathaway Peter Taggart |
J. H. Goetchius
Wilson Carter D. D. Hennion E.G. Ford John Reynolds John Bowering Isaac Lawback John Doremus Cornelius Donkersley George H. Lawrence William Holland O. H. Writner Thomas Shorrock John Fordyee William Winans Thomas Roe |
December 19, 1855: Announcement of First Annual Soiree to be held December 22
Falls City Registrar courtesy Dennis Mortrison
1856: After them houses burned in a fire, Eagle Hook and Ladder Company along with Washington Engine Company 3 moved from John (Ellison Street FH) into new quarters on 147 Prospect Street (between Ellison and Market Streets).
In a 1912 historical review displayed in the 3 clips below the "old house" referred to is the Prospect Street Firehouse. History of the move from Prospect Street Firehouse to Jackson Street is reminisced. Note John Street was later renamed Ellison Street
August 8, 1912 Morning Call Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Typo: The steamer was a Jeffers
November 2, 1855: Annual PFD Parade with comments made by P.C. Adams of Eagle 1.
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December 25, 1856: The trumpet below bears the following inscription: Presented to P.C. Adams, Foreman, by the Members and Friends - Eagle Hook and Ladder No. 1 as a token of the appreciation in which they hold him as an Officer, Fireman, and friend - Paterson, December 25th, 1856.
December 26 Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
Photos courtesy of P.C. Adam's great-great-grandson Robert Adams
Peter Calvin Adams - courtesy of Robert Adams
- Inscription - Presented to P.C. Adams, Foreman, by the Members and Friends - Eagle Hook and Ladder No. 1 as a token of the appreciation in which they hold him as an Officer, Fireman, and friend - Paterson, December 25th, 1856.
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Trumpet of Foreman PC Adams - courtesy of Robert Adams
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Inscription
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Front of the bell
Rear View of Bell
1911 clip re the Adam's family home (Ward and Cross Streets)
June 12, 2021 - Trumpet donated to the Museum at Boonton NJ Firemen's Home
PC Adams great-great-grandson Robert and his wife Judy donating trumpet to Museum Manager Roger Hull
1857: as listed in the city directory: Foreman Peter C Adams; Assistant Foreman: Charles H. Cundell; Secretary: Henry Jacqua; Treasurer J. Hewson; Trustees H. Jaqua and Peter Siminton
1858:
May 8, 1857: Annual election - Charles Cundell is foreman
Guardian
August 4th, 1858: Company received a new goose-neck reach truck from Pine & Partshorn, of New York, Guardian 29 of NYC Volunteers visited Paterson for the ceremony
October 15, 1859: Eagle 1 to visit Guardian Engine 29 of New York City
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
November 1860: 5th Annual Ball of Eagle No. 1 at Congress Hall. The following is a review of the event published on its 50th anniversary in the Paterson Evening News.
Published in Paterson Evening News in 1903 - Courtesy Jim Eifler
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January 8, 1861: Petition to Committee of Fire
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
May 7, 1861: Company elections at its annual meeting
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
July 8, 1861: Photos of Eagle 1 FF who left to fight for the Union
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
Civil War: 16-18 company members joined the Infantry Company 2nd NJ. They were escorted to Trenton by the entire company. Captain Buckley and Lieutenants Cooke and Clundell were presented with swords, sash, belts, etc.
Below is the hilt of the presentation Civil War sword that was presented to Lieutenant Charles H Cundell who joined Company G, 5th Regiment NY Artillery by Eagle Hook and Ladder Co. 1
March 22, 1862: Ball of Eagle Hook and Ladder Company 1 centered around their Union volunteers
Guardian courtesy Dennis Mortrison
May 12, 1862: Preamble and resolution regarding death of member John Van Houten
Guardian
May 13, 1862: Foreman Harry S. Jaqua; Assistant Foreman: Joseph Blauvelt; Secretary: Alpheus L. King
October 20, 1862: Sword presentation to member John F Buckley a Lieutenant for the Union
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Guardian
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1865: Note painting of a H&L apparatus on the helmet shield of department Chief Engineer Edward Swift |
Chief Edward Swift
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1866: Foreman was Samuel Dean
March 4, 1867: Sermon for company members
The Press
1868: Foreman Patrick Cronin; Assistant Foreman: Harvey Bank Secretary: Peter Quackenbush
November 25, 1868 and also 1870: Eagle 1 Annual Dinnners
From August 14 1922 Paterson News "Looking Back" column
January 28, 1870: Excursion to Orange (NJ?)
Guardian
February 21, 1870: Eagle 1 trip
February 22 Guardian courtesy Dennis Morison
November 23, 1870: Annual ball at the Opera House
November 25 Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
1871: Eagle 1 Officers: Foreman James Donahue; Assistant Foreman: James Riley Secretary: James Coulter
Eagle 1 Helmet
August 5, 1871: Death by suicide of company member David Carr
August 6 Press
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August 8 Press
December 14, 1871: "The Town Clock" Fire: First Reformed Church, Old Post Office, several stores and residences. Likely depicts Eagle H&L 1
Courtesy Jim Eifler
December 30, 1871: Contract issued for new apparatus to Allen Machine Company of Brooklyn.
The Press
February 20, 1872: Paterson Daily Press article re new apparatus to be delivered on February 21. The older truck will be sent away for a rebuild and then return to Paterson (to be used by Truck Company 2).
The Press - Courtesy Jim Eifler
February 21, 1872: Arrival of new "light" hook and Ladder Truck built in Brooklyn (Paterson Guardian). Truck went into service on February 22.
From Paterson Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
Guardian
February 22, 1872: Thorough description of new truck in the Paterson Daily Press: 800-1000 pounds lighter than previous truck (thus easier to pull). Frame and wheels are red with gilding. There are 7 black ladders including a short roof ladder (imprinted with "Eagle"). There are 4 axes and two picks and the lanterns are engraved with "Eagle."
In clip below is a tale of woe (? date) regarding Eagle 1 when it was in Prospect Street FH before moving to Jackson Street
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August 8, 1912 Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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1872: Foreman James Donahue; Assistant Foreman: James Coulter
1873: New two story brick firehouse at 72 Jackson street (between Slater and Green Streets). Both the quarters and the 1872 hand-pulled ladder truck is below. Note the rope the members would grab to haul the ladder truck. Leather fire buckets hang from belly, lanterns and trumpet hang from the front yolk, high eagle helmet sits on front yolk and the Engine Lamp atop the ladders. A close looks shows a yolk extending from the rear of apparatus which was operated by the tillerman [original definition of a tiller was a horizontal bar fitted to the head of a boat's rudder post and used as a lever for steering]. The ropes on the side are for men to stand on when taking ladders off the truck.
Early Eage No 1 Badge
1873: Company Foreman was Robert Pierce; Assistant John Sanderson
Shield Shaped Badge of a Paterson Hook and Ladder Company with crossed ladders
behind the Company Number - (Silver color is for an exempt firefighter)
behind the Company Number - (Silver color is for an exempt firefighter)
Badge # 25
October 1, 1873: Eagle 1 leaves for excursion to Newburgh NY.
The Press
October 3, 1873: Details of the Newburgh trip during which Eagle 1 occupied the post of honor.
As detailed in the Guardian
October 3 Guardian
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As detailed in the Press
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May 4, 1874: Eagle 1 elects foremen and officers
May 5 Press
May 3, 1875: Eagle 1 elections
Press
February 21, 1876: Foreman election causes disagreeable forces among members and while responding the apparatus is abandoned on Main Street
February 22 Guardian
February 23, 1876: Company did not have enough members to return apparatus to quarters after a fire
February 24 - The Press
February 25, 1876: Company has staffing issues
The Press
December 4, 1876: 18th Annual Ball
December 1 Press
May 7, 1877: Company elections: D Murphy elected foreman and James Kearney assistant
May 8 Press
February 11, 1879: Death of member Philip Cahill
Press
May 5, 1879: Death of member John Connolly
Press
August 19, 1879: Death of John Donlevy (age 29)
Guardian
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Press
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August 21 Press
September 2, 1879: Eagle 1 to cover Germania 2 assignments as the latter apparatus was painted
November 1, 1879: Death of Adam Marshall
Press
July 3, 1880: The firehouse, apparatus and furniture were burned up, but immediately re-built. The details are in the following news clips.
Courtesy Jim Eifler
Courtesy Jim Eifler
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Courtesy Jim Eifler
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Courtesy Jim Eifler
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Courtesy Jim Eifler
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Courtesy Jim Eifler
July 12 Press - Comments from Newark
July 3, 1880 Press - Review of Company History
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July 13, 1880: Insurance settlement from fire
Press
August 31, 1880: Contract for new firehouse awarded
Press
April 21, 1881: Description of Firehouse on Jackson Street
Press
June 4, 1881: Company meeting - the first in their new firehouse
June 8 Paterson Press
September, 1881: The company received a new ladder truck built in 1881 by E. B. Leverich. It was capable of being pulled by horses
Below is a sketch of the 1881 apparatus with driver and tilller seat
The yolk would be attached when pulled by horses
The yolk would be attached when pulled by horses
Presentation Badge of James Kearney Jr. of Eagle 1
May 21, 1882: Box 45 (Main & Division Street) 1:15 AM 8-10-12 Fair Street Tenements
Extra alarms Incredible Eagle 1 Assistant Foreman Richard Duffy heroics
Extra alarms Incredible Eagle 1 Assistant Foreman Richard Duffy heroics
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February 22, 1883: Alderman Pollitt's - History of Paterson Fire Department
Hook and Ladder Company
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April 25, 1883: Death of member Robert Hammond
April 25 Paterson Press
July 3, 1883: Rifle match between Eagle 1 and Jackson 4 with the ladder company being victorious.
Paterson Press
August 6, 1883: Company elections - John Mead is Foreman and Thomas Moore Assistant
Paterson Press
November 12, 1883: Death of member Peter Roe
November 13 Paterson Press
February 19, 1884: Death of Sidney Hammond
February 22 Paterson Press
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March 11 Paterson Press
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April 3, 1884: Death of Thomas Fitzpatrick
Paterson Press
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April 6 Paterson Press
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August 5, 1884: Company elections - Foreman is Patrick Fitzpatrick and Assistant Joseph Lenton
Paterson Press
March 20, 1885: Company Roster
Foreman, PATRICK FITZPATRICK.
Asst. Foreman, JOSEPH LENTON.
Secretary, THOMAS ELVIN.
Treasurer, RICHARD DUFFY.
Badge Names Occupation Residence
1 Richard Duffy.... ..... Boiler Maker. ...... 118 Marshall street
2 James Kearney.......... Plumber .... ......26 Jackson street.
3 Joseph Kearney. .....Boiler Maker. . . . . . .26 Jackson street.
4 James Gilbert. ...... .. .Liquor Dealer.. . . . .50 West street.
5 Thomas Elvin........... Machinist. .........26 Harris street.
6 Dennis Murphy. ......Machinist ......... .440 Main street.
7 Joseph Peare. .........Moulder..........................................
8 John Dowdell. .......... .Liquor Dealer.. .. . .224 Slater street.
9 James Jones............ Mill Worker.. ...... Cor. Jackson & Green
10 John Connolly......... .Machinist.....................................
11 Patrick Fitzpatrick...... Moulder. .......... 114 Spring street.
12 James Murphy.......... Engineer. ..... .... 153 Mechanic street.
13 Charles Berdan. ........ .Machinist. ........ .218 Mill street.
14 Thomas Moore. ........ Machinist .... ......200 Mill street.
15 Charles Golmer. ........ Harness Maker. ... 188 Marshall street.
16 James O'Neill........... Mill Hand.. .......209 Slater street.
17 Thomas McDonaughl. ....Mill Hand ..........58 Oliver street.
18 Peter Marshall.......... Baker...........................................
19 John C. Mead. .......... Machinist. ......... 139 Vine street.
20 John Vesey. ............ Plumber. . .. . ... . .463 Main street.
21 Joseph Lenton.. ....... .Silk Weaver.. . . . . .. 30 Jackson street.
22 Patrick McCue......... Moulder ........... Main street.
23 Charles Webster... .Boiler Maker. ... .. .30 Jackson street.
24 John Jones............. Mill Hand. .........102 Marshall street.
25 Charles Bradley. ....... .Boiler Maker. . . . . . .60 Jackson street
26 John Whitford......... .Liquor Dealer... . . .Cor. Jackson & Green
27 William Lendrim........ Machinist. .. .. ..... 29 Ryerson avenue.
28 Michael Brown .. ...... Liquor Dealer.. .... 120 Mill street.
29 William J. Stewart . .. .. Shoemaker. . ....... 136 Vine street.
30 James Bolen............ Machinist. . ...... 124 Jersey street.
31 David McAlister. ....... .Teamster. . .... ... Cor. Jackson & Slater
32 George Eakins.. ....... .Carpenter. . . . . . .. .Cor. Mill & Grand sts.
33 Michael Cark. ........ .Boiler Maker. . . . . . .24 Jackson street.
34 Lawrence Dougherty . . .. Boiler Maker...... .505 Main street.
35 Jeremiah Condron. ...... Machinist. .........11 Broom street.
36 Michael Campbell....... Merchant.......... 146 Spring street
37 Robert Flanigan.... ... .Mason............ .186 Jackson street.
38 Daniel Perry. ..... ..... .Liquor Dealer. . . . .46 Main street
39 John W. Fleming........ Boiler Maker. .....................
40 Dennis Murnaugh. . .. ..Mason. ......... .146 Marshall street.
41 Joseph Hutton. ......... Mill Hand. .. .. .522 Main street.
42 James Murray.... ..... .Boiler Maker. . .. ..522 Main street.
43 James George. ......... .Merchant . .. ... Cor Slater & Spring sts.
44 William Harbery. ..... .Silk Weaver ... Cor. Slater & Spring sts.
45 William Keys.......... .Policeman.... .. Marshall street.
46 John Elvin. ....... ... .. Tinsmith... ...... Cor. Pine & Grand sts
47 John McCann........... Silk Weaver.. ...... Magee's Alley.
48 Thomas Quigley. ... .... Butcher. ....... ... Cor. Main & Slater sts
49 Frank Leow...... Liquor Dealer .... Cor. Main & Green sts.
50 Jacob Brestell. .......... Mason ..... .. ... Marshall street.
51 John Boylan........... Machinist ....... . 502 Main street
52 Michael Wester. ........ Liquor Dealer.. . . . . 57 Cedar street
53 Lawrence McGee. ...... .Shoe Dealer.. ... .. .73 Marshall street
54 Thomas F. McGill..... Carpenter.. ........99 Marshall street
55 Frank Walls......... Bartender ..........137 Marshall street
50 William J. Sweeney.. . . .Plumber. ......... .134 Jackson street.
57 Jeremiah M. Rogers... . ..Carpenter.. ........11 Sherman avenue.
58 Charles York. .......... .Silk Weaver.. . .. . . .503 Main street.
59 Michael Durkin.... .. ..Boiler Maker. ... . .People's Park.
August 3, 1885: Company elections - Charles Bradley foreman and David McAlister assistant
August 4 Paterson Press
January 9, 1886: Company requesting horses
Morning Call
1886 Photo of Eagle Hook and Ladder 1 after getting horses
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
August 2, 1886: Company elections- Foreman is Joseph Hutton and Assistant William Stewart
August 3 Paterson Press
October 1, 1886: Eagle Hook and Ladder 1 leadership
Morning Call
February 10, 1887: Death of member Charles Berdan
Guardian
August 2, 1887: Company elections - Foreman is William Lendrim and Assistant Charles York
Paterson Press
October 6, 1887: One of the horses dies suddenly
Paterson Press
November 21, 1887: Tillerman Elvin injured as he attempts to climb on truck
Paterson Press
August 7, 1889: Eagle 1 election - Foreman is John Vesey and Assistant Robert Flanigan
Paterson Daily Press
August 20, 1889: New Babcock aerial to be delivered shortly - Eagle H&L 1 will be painted on the truck
August 21 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
September 15, 1889: New Aerial Turntable Truck, built by Fire Extinguisher Manufacturing Company of Chicago arrives
September 16, 1889: New Babcock aerial truck received and assembled at Godwin Avenue quarters of Rapid 3 and then transferred to become Truck 1 at Jackson Street. The old ladder Truck used by Eagle 1, was given to Rapid 3 (and quartered at Godwin Ave)
September 19, 1889: New Babcock aerial (shown above) tested at First National Bank with Engine 1
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Morning Call Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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October 5, 1889: Death of FF McAllester at a young age
December 19, 1889: Horse of Eagle 1 injured
Paterson Daily Press
May 15, 1892: Former member (1864-1870) Henry Campbell passes away
