Paterson's Horse Drawn Fire Apparatus
The Paterson Fire Department became partially paid between 1884 and 1890 and then fully paid in 1895. No motorized apparatus appeared before 1910. Steam fire Engines, pulled by hand, first appeared in the Volunteer Department in 1862 at Washington Engine 3. Several other companies followed suit, but horses were not introduced until 1884 by Passaic Engine Company One. In 1890, all of the apparatus (steamers, hose wagons, chemical wagons and hook and ladder trucks) were pulled by horses. The steamers were modernized after the Great Fire of 1902.
July 3, 1879: Recognition PFD needs horses
July 4 Guardian
July 3 Press
April 11, 1881: Need for horses
Press
April 21, 1882: Discussion of introducing horses to Volunteer Fire Department
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Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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August 12, 1886 - Protection Engine 5 - Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
For wonderful stories about the horses themselves, scroll to bottom of this page
Steam Fire Engines
After the town of Paterson burned down in 1902, there was major recognition that the decades old steam apparatus the PFD had needed replacement. It was up to Chief Stagg to convince the politicians that modern state of the art apparatus were needed. Here is a news article in which the Chief explains the difference between first and third size steamers. PFD had no first size steamers prior to the big 1902 fire. The Chief also discusses the state of streets in Paterson. From the December 19, 1902 Morning Call, courtesy of researcher Dennis Morrison.
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Hotel Street Firehouse with gig of Chief John Stagg and driver George Pfitzenmeyer
1902 fire scene with one of the Chief Gigs
112 Van Houten Street quarters - Metropolitan Steamer
Engine Company 1 1903 Metropolitan
First Size Metropolitan Steamer exiting 112 Van Houten Street
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Engine 1 Hose Wagon exiting firehouse (112 Van Houten Street)
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Engine 1 on parade
Engine 1 Hose Wagon
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Engine 1 1903 Metropolitan Steamer
Engine 2 77 Highland Street with Metropolitan Steamer and Hose Wagon
Engine 2 Metropolitan Steamer
Men of Engine 2 with Steamer
June 27, 1903
Engine 2 Hose Wagon
Engine 3 with 1886 Button Steamer at 298 Tyler Street (later called 12th Avenue)
Engine 4 Slater Street: 1907 Second Size Clapp Nott Steamer
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H Heinzelman, C Kennedy, J Eagan, Wm Smith , and horses of Engine Company 4 Circa 1911-12
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Engine Company 4
Engine 5 with 1903 Metropolitan Steamer at Water Street Firehouse
Engine 5 at 1906 Manhattan Ribbon Fire - On Arch Street bridge
Engine 6 Steamer responding on Market Street
1906 Engine 6 at 476 Market Street Firehouse
Engine 7 Gould with second size Silsby steamer
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Engine 7 Third Size Silsby, purchased in 1890 - 78 Gould Avenue
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Engine 7 responding
Engine Company 7 Hose Wagon
Engine Company 8 at 71 Wayne Avenue with Third Size Silsby, purchased in 1890
Men of E 8 with hose wagon at quarters
Engine Company 9 at Main Street Firehouse - 1904 First Size Metropolitan Steamer
Men of Engine 9 with Steamer
Hose Wagons
Engine Company 1
Engine 1 Hose Wagon responding
Unkown Hose Wagon in the Lakeview section of Paterson
Engine Company 5 Steamer and Hose Wagon
Engine 5 Hose Wagon - Water Street Firehouse
Chemical Wagon
Chemical #1 at Hotel Street Firehouse
Chemical # One
Hook and Ladder Trucks
75' LaFrance Aerial at Jackson Street Firehouse
Truck 2 at 77 Prospect Street Firehouse
1903: Aerial in operation at Broomhead Mill fire
Truck 3
Truck 3 at Godwin Ave Firehouse - Combination Ladder & Chemical Wagon
Truck 3 at 1903 Flood on West Street
1895 photo of "Bill" at the Godwin Avenue FH of Truck 3
The truck in photo below was rebuilt (fitted with rubber wheels, strengthened and repainted) and drawn by three horses and was the last horse drawn fire apparatus ever used by the PFD: its last run was July 4, 1920.
Truck 3 at Godwin Ave Firehouse - Combination tiller ladder truck with chemical tanks
October 3, 1873: Aldermen reject horses for steamers
The Guardian
January 11, 1877: How horses are cared for in quarters during snowstroms
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The Press
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January 15, 1877: Horses removed from quarters
The Press
February 8, 1878: Horses again removed from quarters after snow subsides
The Press
April 16, 1883: Members of Passaic 1 wants to obtain horses and are willing to help offset the costs
Paterson Press
April 19 Paterson Press
May 4, 1883: Proposition for Washington 3 to acquire horses is under consideration
Paterson Press
May 1, 1884: 12:30 AM Box 63 (River and 5th Ave) Horses pulling the apparatus (Passaic Engine Company 1) make dramatic improvement in apparatus (Hose jumper and Steamer) response time
Guardian
May 22, 1884: Company committee travels to Newark to purchases horses
Paterson Press
May 23, 1884: New horse team arrives - of the Normandy breed
Paterson Press
June 6, 1884: Swinging harness set up at firehouse
June 7 Paterson Press
June 18, 1884: First run for a horse pulled steamer - Horses named George and Andrew - 3:15 AM Station 38 (River and Montgomery Streets) - 33 Straight Street barn
Paterson Press
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July 24, 1884: Horse purchased for the Hose Tender
Paterson Press
December 4, 1884: Rules pertaining to drivers as horses are introduced
Guardian
January 16, 1885:
Paterson Press
April 20, 1885: Mayors analysis on need for horses in FD
Paterson Press
May 2, 1885: Aldermen's Fire Committee makes inspection of firehouses and stresses need for horses - to start with Engines 3, 4, and 5. Ultimately the plan is for 6 steamers, 2 hose carriages and one truck to have horses. To afford this all other costs have to be r\pinched.
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Paterson Press
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May 5, 1885: More discussion on need for horses
Guardian
May 23, 1885: Fire committee arranges for teams, drivers and tillers. Companies will receive $1000 per annum and drivers $600 per year. Tenders will not receive horses at this time.
Paterson Press
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July 29, 1885: Stablers installed in firehouses that have horses
Paterson Press
August 16, 1885: Cost of horses
Guardian
Guardian
August 22, 1885: New horses being broken in. Swinging harness to be installed in several houses. Drivers and tillers given nice quarters within the firehouses
Paterson Press
September 3, 1885: Swinging Harness installed in firehouses that have horses
Paterson Press
September 4, 1885: New running card goes into effect with steamers that have horses getting most assignments
Paterson Press
September 12, 1885: News re horses of Washington #3 and Passaic #1
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Paterson Press
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January 12, 1886: Due to cold weather, horses put in all firehouses
Guardian
November 6, 1885: PFD started hiring full time drivers and tillermen and issued rules:
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Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 17, 1886: One of the horse teams at Jackson Engine 4 like to eat buttons off uniforms or clothing
Paterson Press
August 27, 1886: Issues on how to exercise the horses
Paterson Press
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October 8, 1886: New horse acquisition
October 8, 1886: New horse acquisition
October 8 Paterson Press
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October 9 Paterson Press
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October 14, 1886: FD gets some new horses
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
October 20, 1886: New horses for Engines 4 and 5 seem unfit for duty
October 20, 1886: New horses for Engines 4 and 5 seem unfit for duty
Paterson Press
October 25, 1886: Horses of Jackson Engine 4
Paterson Press
November 13, 1886: FD news
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The Telegraph courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 12, 1888: Runaway hose wagon of Protection Engine Company 5
January 13 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
January 16, 1888: Neptune Engine 2 - Horse illness
Morning Call
Paterson Press
January 18, 1888: Engine 5's team during exercise period run-away.
Paterson Press
May 3, 1888: Engine 6 horses go on a wild run causing a scare for driver Roswell
Paterson Press
June 18, 1889: Aldermen to sell three worthless horses
Paterson Daily Press
June 22, 1889: Fire Committee to buy three new horses one of which will go to Chief Engineer gig
Paterson Daily Press
October 15, 1889: Horse teams of Engine 6 runs away during exercise period
Paterson Press
December 19, 1889: Horse of Eagle 1 injured
Paterson Daily Press
June 2, 1890: Horse acquisitions and retirements
Paterson Daily Press
September 13, 1890: Amusing stories of the horses at Hotel Street - The new chemical Engine was tested and then quartered at Engine 2 firehouse on Hotel Street with the Engine 2 Steamer being moved to temporarily run out of the Hose House on Bridge Street until the new Highland Street firehouse is completed. Engine 2's Hose cart was relocated temporarily at Engine 9 on Main Street and the Gig of Chief Murphy will be at Hotel Street with the Chemical Company and the Hotel Street FH will serve as Fire Headquarters.
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September 15 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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August 19, 1893: "Bill" the firehorse transferred from Truck 3 (Godwin Avenue firehouse) to Engine 7 (Tyler Street firehouse)
Photo of a horse called "Bill" at Godwin Ave firehouse labled as 1895- courtesy Assistant Chief Joe Forbes
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Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 29, 1897: Due to snow extra horses put on duty
Paterson Press
February 2 Paterson Daily Press
April 22, 1898: Chief Stagg's Horse, "Frank" euthanized
April 25 Morning Call
May 11, 1898: The horse of Chief Stagg's gig ran away while running out of Godwin Street firehouse (gig parked there during evening hours as it was closest FH to Stagg's home)
May 11, 1898: The horse of Chief Stagg's gig ran away while running out of Godwin Street firehouse (gig parked there during evening hours as it was closest FH to Stagg's home)
May 12 Paterson Daily Press
September 16, 1892: Injured horse issue
Paterson News
December 21, 1892: Driver Richard Cubby then of Truck 2 (quartered in Prospect Street Firehouse) was kicked by one of the horses resulting in injured ribs.
Paterson Press
January 16, 1894: F/F Knaus of Chemical 1 injured by horse
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Andrew Knauss
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Follow up articles
Paterson Daily Press courtesy Jim Eifler
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January 19 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 18, 1894: Truck 1 horse dies after being hit by trolley
Paterson Press
December 24, 1894: Old Jim - after years of service, an alderman sends him to the bone factory
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 31, 1895: Horse involved in accident is recovering
Paterson Press
November 10, 1895: 11:00 PM 825 Straight Street Chimney fire Incident with Horses of E4
November 11 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
November 25, 1895: Gig accident with runaway horse
November 26 Press
December 5, 1895: Engine 3 horse injured during exercise run
Paterson Press
July 2, 1896: Chief Stagg gives specs for new horses
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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July 2 Paterson News
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August 19, 1896: Chief Stagg alerts aldermen that Department is in a crippled state
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Morning Call - Courtesy of Dennis Morrison
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March 30, 1898: Annual report of City Veterinary Surgeon. FD owns 48 horses. Note the Van Houten Street address is 110 Van Houten Street, not 112.
Courtesy Anthon Natoli
April 25, 1898: Death of "Frank" reported in the Morning Call newspaper
Courtesy of Dennis Morrison
July 21, 1898: Unmanageable team of horses pulls Truck 2 into a saloon at Prospect and Ellison Streets
Paterson Daily Press
September 5, 1898: Apparatus crab (metal ends used to fasten horses to the pole) breaks causing horse fall and injury
September 6 Paterson News
October 17, 1898: FF George Slingland took the supply wagon horse out for some exercise using a two wheeled jumper. Fire horse escapes was spooked and ran away as it pulled up to Hamilton (Hotel) Street FH.
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October 18 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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November 9, 1898: While responding to a fire, Truck 3 horse falls and is injured
Paterson Daily Press
November 30, 1898: Company obtains a horse clipping machine
Paterson Daily Press
June 27, 1899: Annual Report of City Veterinarian
Paterson Daily Press
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June 30, 1899: Truck 2 and Engine 1 breaks in new horse
Paterson Daily Press
January 31, 1900: Horses "sharpened" due to slippery streets
Paterson Daily Press
April 6, 1900: Station 41 Stony Road False alarm enrages Chief Stagg Pulling steamers up Grand Street was a tough chore for horses
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 15, 1900: Fire Committee meeting regarding an unfortunate injured horse
June 16 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 15, 1900: Station 14 Noon Dye works on Paterson Street
E6 and T2 Apparatus/Horse incident
E6 and T2 Apparatus/Horse incident
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 26, 1901: A motion picture company films Chief Stagg, Engine 3 hose wagon, Truck 1, Engine 1 hose wagon, and Engine 1 steamer on Broadway between Carroll and Graham Avenues. Firefighters in full gear and horses described as magnificent. The film premiered at the Bijou Theatre on April 28
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Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 1, 1901: Hitching time for various companies
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Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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June 29, 1901: Quality and care of Paterson's Fire horses
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Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 9, 1902: Report of death of one of the early department horses
Paterson New
October 8, 1902: Horse "Little Tom" of Engine 7 Hose Wagon dies on route to a fire at Main Street and Washington Ave
Paterson Daily Press
March 13, 1903: PFD needs new horses - 10 ordered
March 13 Paterson Daily Press
March 1903: Truck Company 3 at flood scene - Captain and firemen at left - Note tiller seat and rear steering wheel - apparatus bell at front, fire extinguisher at left side and Dietz Lantern hanging at rear.
April 19, 1903: 921 Main at Robert Street 2nd alarm The Heap Building Incident illustrates the importance of horses to PFD
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Mossison
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April 21, 1903: New horses ordered
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Paterson Daily Press
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November 29, 1903: "Billy" a famed PFD horse who served Engines 1, 7 and 9 dies at Hose House
December 1 Paterson Daily Press
December 1, 1903: The obituary and saga of Old Bill: a 16 year vet of PFD - appointed 1887 - Served the hose carts of Engines 1, 9, 7 and finally the Hose House on Bridge Street. He and his partner "Tom" were said to be the fastest department horses being attached to apparatus
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 6, 1904: Chief Stagg to have horses sharp shod due to snow (received a hand-turned shoe with tapered wedge-like heel and toe calks).
Paterson Daily Press
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March 28, 1905: Fire at 6:30 PM 10th Avenue & East 33rd Street Oriental Silk Printing
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
July 12, 1905: New horses for Engine 3
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
1906: Firestone Tire advertisement using a horse drawn PFD Combination Wagon (hose and chemical tanks) in Fire and Water Engineering Magazine (forerunner of Fire Engineering). At that time each engine company consisted of a Steamer and a Hose wagon (several of which were equipped with chemical extinguishers).
February 20, 1906: Old steamer sold
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 13, 1906: Billy the hose wagon horse struck and fatally injured in trolley accident at Main and Grove Streets
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March 14 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 20, 1906: Incidents while responding to Station 183 at Marshall and Slater Streets
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
1907: a postcard series of Paterson Firehouses and apparatus (courtesy Jim Eifler)
Click on photos below to enlarge
March 3, 1907: Additional horses needed for new steamers
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 18, 1907: Horse injuries responding to false alarms
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 18, 1907: The science of feeding fire horses
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
May 19, 1907: New horses acquired for Engine 7
May 20 Paterson News
August 3, 1907 Engine Company 7 accident as dog attacks horse
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 9, 1908: 8 FD horses no longer fit for duty to be sold
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Paterson Press
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April 10, 1908: PFD Horse (8) Auction
April 11 Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 14, 1908: Horses to be branded (on their hoofs)
Paterson Press
June 28, 1908: from the Paterson Morning Call FIRE HORSES EASY TO TRAIN
This seems to be an interview with Chief John Stagg (courtesy of Jim Eifler)
This seems to be an interview with Chief John Stagg (courtesy of Jim Eifler)
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1909 city Veterinary Surgeon - Matthew A. Pierce
February 2, 1909: Station 235 (Paterson and Tyler Streets) 8:45 PM Run-away horses overturn Metropolitan Steamer at Lyon and Butler Streets -- 10 Governor Street attic fire
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
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April 13, 1909: PFD Horse #40, Harry, of Truck Company 1 on Jackson Street, became ill and then broke leg in stable and had to be euthanized.
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Paterson Press
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June 1, 1909: Fire at Philips School caused runaway horse incident which required euthansia of one of Engine 4's horses
Morning Call Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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June 1 Paterson Press
June 18, 1909: Retired horse of Engine 4 earns to return to duty
Morning call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 17 Paterson Press
September 29, 1909: Fire horse "Big Tom" of Truck 1who had been ill dies while at the hose house.
September 30 Paterson Oress
June 21, 1910: FD caring for distraught horses
Morning Call Courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 18, 1909: Retired horse of earns to return to duty at Engine 4
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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July 17 NY World courtesy Dennis Morrison
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August 14, 1910: Firefighters of Engine 6 "cooling" down a horse during summer heat
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 2, 1911: Motorization to continue
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
July 27, 1911: Fire Horse Sale
July 27 Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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July 28 Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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October 19, 1911: Horse of Engine 9 run wild
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Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 12, 1912: DC Sweeney's horse retired
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 1, 1912:
Courtesy Jim Eifler
May 8, 1912: FF Ed Moore (Supreme Sacrifice 1938) settles down spooked horses of Engine 9
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 17, 1912: Deputy Chief Patrick Sweeney wants to but his long-time PFD gig horse
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December 14, 1912: Mayor forecasts elimination of horses
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 30, 1912: 1:30 PM Responding to a fire, hoses slip and fall
December 31 Morning Call - Curtesy Dennis Morrison
July 12, 1913: (Courtesy of Jim Eifler)
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November 4, 1913: "Old Ned," the horse of ex-Chief Stagg to be sold.
Paterson Press
November 20, 1913: 4 fire horses sold = Old Ned went for $60.00.
Paterson Press
March 11, 1914: 71 Wayne Avenue (at Liberty Street) Fire Horse electrocuted in stables at at Engine 8.
Paterson News corrtesy Dennis Morrison
1916: Most of the apparatus had been motorized, and thus the horses had to be sold. Here is the story of one of the auctions that was held at the Hose House on Bridge Street
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January 3, 1917: Morning Call - Lament of "End of Horse Era"
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
July 4, 1920: The last alarm response in Paterson using horses was Truck Company 3 responding to Station 634 (East 18th Street and 3rd Avenue) for a fire at 755 River Street. Driver was FF John Doyle and tillerman John Farrell. Horses were Jerry, Frank and Billy.
July 6 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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1935 Newspaper story reliving the horses of PFD, including the last 2 survivors. Artile courtesy of Dennis Morrison
Headine
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How many of the old-timers of Paterson can look backward to the days when the silk city was in its infancy and remember the famous old steeds that would pull the fire apparatus through dirt clogged, dust ridden streets of Paterson. How many of the old-timers can remember the gallant old faithful "Ned" driven by his keeper, George Pfitzenmeyer, raced through the streets atop speed, comparatively faster than some of the autos of the present day? It seems only yesterday to the older members of the Paterson Fire Department that the husky old horses pulled their wagons and engines to the fires. And yet, the last horses that were unhooked from the apparatus left the department more than 15 years ago.
Few of those who saw the horses race through the streets knew what became of them. Apparently very few are aware of the fact that the last two of the old faithful's are now living an easy life at Eastside Park. "Arthur" and "Chief" are their names and they pull the grass cutter around the park at odd moments. Old Arthur is 30 years and Chief is 29 and the strenuous activity of their former days are but pleasant memories to them. Leisurely they stroll about the park during off times. There were days when they ran among the first on ways to fires.
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Late Chief John Stagg - Who will be remembered by old-time Patersonians who used to chase the fire engines when they were horse-drawn
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Chief Stagg with driver George Pfitzenmeyer and "Ned"
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There were days when they ran among the first on ways to fires and how these people did cheer them as they mightily pulled the apparatus to the scenes of blazes.
There are times to when Arthur and Chief appear a bit depressed. They miss their buddies badly. They are much alone these days, Their only other pal of former days departed early two years ago. Life is set the same way to them. Slowly they are giving way to the call and soon they will join their buddies. When they hear the clanging of fire bells in a distance they stand ready for action. |
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Chief is a bit smaller than Arthur. A short while ago Chief was touring the city as the guest of his caretaker and suddenly heard the ringing of the fire bell he was accustomed to. He started off in a mad fashion and his caretakers had their hands full trying to keeping him under control.
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How fondly they chat in their own means of conversation of the days when they graced the firehouses and were the ones who could pull the engines and the fire trucks. There were 50 or so horses pulling about 21 pieces of apparatus. There the aerial trucks, the steam pumping engines and the fire trucks.
There were the firemen who were so attached to their favorites. Those days are gone forever to the boys since the advent of the motor vehicles. They recollect how back in 1910 the horses were gradually separated from their stalls in the spot where the traffic department is now situated on 112 Van Houten Street (quarters of Engine 1). In the short space of 3 years all of the old faithful's found new homes and owners. |
It was hard for them to get use to the new arrangements but they were resigned to their fates and bravely bid a farewell to their comrades in fire and firemen who loved them as well. Many a heart was broken and many a tear was shed. When the famous old "Ned" was sold to a dairyman in 1913, George Pfitzenmeyer (Chief Stagg's gig driver), the steed driver and caretaker, would not depart with him. For days he brooded over his loss and almost died from grief when he learned that Ned had died suddenly only 3 months after he was sold at auction
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to the dairyman. Ned could not lead a life of inactivity and he too estranged from his pals and buddies lost his love for living and wished for the end.
Many of the mares were auctioned off and others were placed in the fate of the city. Some went to the almshouse and were given light work others took on a different vocation. Soon their numbers dwindled and their rans dwindled to a small proportion. And up to the year of 1913 the 25th anniversary of the introduction of the motor engines only three horses remained. The following year the chestnut nag that was in in this city's employment passed into the great beyond, leaving only Arthur and Chief. |
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Chief and Arthur have few callers at the park and are a rather lonely pair. But they do not care for visitors. They do not ask for anything but to return to the fold for one day ans then they would be happy. Superintendent Robert J. McCrowe takes good care of the horses and personally sees that they are cared for in the manner that befits a veteran of the old fire days. They are given the best of oats and bran. Hay is provided in no diminishing quantities and they have no boss for the rest of their days.
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Paterson Fire Horses being exercised.
July 1, 1955: Captain Sam Simonton (appointed 1893) and Captain Joseph Greer (appointed 1905) recall the horse drawn era
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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August 24, 1962: Memories of the older Engine 3 firehouse and horses when the 12th Avenue quarters of Engine 3 closed. There are errors in the story below: the Godwin Ave house was built in 1871 for Cataract Hose Company 2, not Truck Company 3 which was organized (called Rapid H&L 3) in 1888 just before the Volunteer FD terminated. When the house of Engine 3 was built in 1872 the street was called Tyler Street (address was #298). In the Volunteer era the house quartered Liberty Engine 7 and as noted in early paid PFD (1890-1895) Engine 7. Engine 3 moved in during 1895. c
August 24 Paterson Evening news courtesy Dennis Morrison
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