Lafayette Engine Company 8
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This company was instituted in 1872, going into service in August of that year. They were first located in a one-story frame building located on Sherman Avenue, near Totowa Avenue. They were given the engine which Lexington No. 7 had used, a piano-box engine built by James Smith, of New York in 1856.
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This is what a James Smth Piano Box Engine looked like
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September 18, 1872 Press
1873: Company Foreman was Richard Ross & Assistant: George McCandless
July 11, 1873: Letter to editor from company secretary regarding accident with Engine 8 apparatus
Press
July 14, 1873: Decisions regarding Engine 8 responding downtown
Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
July 16, 1873: Incident with Engine 8 foreman James McCormack
Guardian
July 16 Guardian
August 18, 1876: Alderman report on new firehouse for Lafayette 8
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The Press
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September 7 & 10, 1874: Apparatus (hand pumper) accident on Totowa Avenue hill (as it approaches Hamburgh Avenue), with initial reports erroneously declaring FF Theodore Chamberlin as being fatally injured
Courtesy Jim Eifler
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Courtesy Jim Eifler
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September 7, 1874: Paterson Daily Press with the true story
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September 10, 1974: Article published
Courtesy Jim Eifler
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Courtesy Jim Eifler
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Later in September 1874 the city fathers placed in their charge a double pump engine built by the Paterson Steam Fire Engine Works (hand pulled).
Hand-pulled Lafayette 8 Steam Fire Engine with Foreman's Trumpets on Yoke
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Badge of James McMullen
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Helmet Shield - Passaic County Historical Society
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Eifler Collection
In 1876 they moved into a new two story brick firehouse at 71 Wayne Avenue, at the corner of Liberty Street, where they remained until the paid department took over in 1890. Shown below is the insignia above the main apparatus door on the building, where the "8" is partially worn off.
1877 Sanborn Map
January 4, 1876: Chief Regner assigns additional boxes to Engine 8
The Press
March 29 Press
May 16, 1876: Working plans for new firehouse at Wayne Avenue and Liberty Street and a steamer
Press
August 22, 1876: Company elections - Foreman is John E Hockett
The Press
September 27, 1876: Firehouse construction issues
The Press
September 28 Press
October 27, 1876: Firehouse construction
November 8, 1876: Poor construction leads to tearing down of the firehouse walls
Guardian
December 7, 1876: Progress on firehouse construction as well as some shenanigans
December 8 Press
January 20, 1877: Dispute with contractor of new quarters (Engine House)
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The Press
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February 9, 1877: New cupola on Engine 8 quarters
The Press
March 2, 1877: New firehouse completed
Press
March 17, 1877: Vandalism at Engine 8 quarters
March 19 - The Press
April 20, 1877: Engine 8 Grand Ball
Press
Press
April 20, 1877: Company reception at the new firehouse
April 21 Press
June 30, 1877: Description of bells at Engine 8 quarters
Press
August 17, 1877: Company elections - Samuel Pounds is Foreman and Peter Collins Assistant
Press
September 28, 1877: New tender for Lafayette 8 - colors are vermillion, blue, gold and wine
Press
1878 By-Laws pamphlet
1878
January 15, 1878: Aldermen considering a fire alarm signal (striker bell) device at Wayne Avenue Firehouse
Guardian
February 14, 1878: Issues with hearing alarm at Engine 8
The Press
February 19 Press
May 18, 1878: Fire alarm tower nears completion
Guardian
January 2, 1879: Interesting newspaper clip about limiting Engine 8's response area:
January 2, 1879: Steamer, damaged responding to a High Street fire, under repair at Nussey shop. Seems going down the hill (Ryle Ave?) makes it difficult to control
The Press
January 8, 1879: Proposal to not have Engine 8 come down the hill to downtown fires as it is extremely difficult to pull it back up the hills.
Guardian
July 7, 1879: Third Annual company picnic
Press
August 2, 1880: Company elections - John Tighe Foreman and John McKelvey Assistant
August 4 Press
August 1, 1881: Company elections - Foreman is John McKelvey Assistant John H Tansley
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August 12 Press
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August 7, 1883: Transient fire alarm malfunction at quarters
August 8 Press
August 7, 1883: Company election - Foreman Martin Donahue and Assistant James McMullen
August 8 Press
August 20, 1883: Break and entry at the firehouse by an expelled member
Paterson Press
In 1885 Lafayette Engine 8 had an engine built by Paterson Steam Fire Engine Works; a hand drawn third-class engine, double pumps, with horizontal works.
March 20, 1885; Company Roster & Badge numbers
Foreman, MARTIN MOORE, Assistant Foreman, C. J. RAFFERTY,
Secretary; W.J. RUTLEDGE, Treasurer, JAMES RAFFERTY,
Engineer, WILLIAM BOYLE, Assistant Engineer, THOMAS DONAHUE.
Badge Name Occupation Residence
Number
1 Richard Ross.. ..... . .. Machinist......... 138 Paterson avenue.
2 Thomas McCoy- ....... .Engineer. ......... .209 Walnut street.
3 G. H. Van Houten.. . . .Carpenter··· ........ 16 Redwoods avenue.
4 Samuel S. Pounds. ...... Machinist. .........11 Albion avenue.
5 James Lawton ......... ....Machinist . ... . .. ...29 Henry street.
6 T. H. Chamberlin. ... .Printer. ........ .. .347 Totowa avenue.
7 James Spring. ...... ... Paper Maker.. . .. .189 Wayne avenue.
8 George Cummings ... .. Machinist .........2 Lane street.
9 John Tigue. .. . .. . .. .Boiler Maker. . . . . . .81 Wayne avenue
10 Thomas Sisco. ....... .Machinist.. ........31 Front street.
11 Martin Moore. ....... .moulder.. . ........31 Sheridan avenue.
12 Frank Boyle. ...... .. .Shoemaker. ... ... 196 Liberty street.
13 William Smethurst .- Liquor Dealer. . . . . .81 Wayne avenue.
14 George Walker. .. .. .. .Carpenter. ........ .153 Sherman avenue.
15 John Maher. ......... .Mason .......... .Redwoods & Totowa.
16 J. Tansby.. ... Wire Drawer.. .. . .101 Redwoods avenue.
17 John Dowd. .... ...... .Policeman. ........ Albion avenue.
18 J. W.La Rue............. Painter.. ....... . .15 Paterson avenue.
19 John Wallwork.. .. . . Liquor Dealer . . . . . 10 Albion avenue.
20 John Conklin. ......... Plasterer. ..........22 Ryerson avenue.
21 T. A. La Rue. . ... .. Painter.. ....10 Rip Van Winkle av.
22 Patrick Reid.. ....... Liquor Dealer . . .. .Preakness avenue.
23 Adam Banghardt ..... .Blacksmith... ..... Spring street
24 Edward Moore ........ Dyer.. ........... 214 Walnut street.
25 John Bauman.. . . .Carpenter.. . ... . . . .110 Wayne avenue.
26 John McKelvey...... .Silk Weaver.. . . ... .Redwoods avenue.
27 James McMullen.. . . .Silk Weaver ........113 Redwoods avenue.
28 W. J. Rutledge .. . .. .. .Machinist. .........14 Sheridan avenue.
29 John Melvin........... Boiler Maker. ...... Totowa avenue.
30 James Rafferty. ..... .Blacksmith. ........73 Henry street
31 Wallace Todd. ........ . Bleacher. ..... .... Liberty street
32 Lewis Banghardt. .. .. . .Blacksmith.. ...... .532 Liberty street.
33 Thomas Donahue. ...... Machinist. ......... 197 Liberty street
31 William Boyle ......... Machinist ........ 16 Albion avenue.
35 Henry Nagle.. ............Carpenter......... ....60 Wayne avenue.
36 Charles Fisher. ........ .Silk Weaver. ...... .Water street
37 J.J. Flanagan. ......... Dyer. ............. .333 Totowa avenue.
38 John Matthews......... Butcher.. ... ......23 Albion avenue.
39 Martin Donahue ... .. .Machinist. .. ....... 54 Albion avenue.
40 John Donahue.. ... .... Printer. .... ....... Sheridan avenue.
41 James Howe.. ......... .Silk Weaver. ....... 160 Jasper street
42 John Ellis.. ............ Machinist. ......... 106 Wayne avenue.
43 Robert Wright... .. . .. Blacksmith.. .......30 Albion avenue.
41 William Kinane ...... .Boiler Maker. . .. .. .84 Wayne avenue.
45 Peter Bradle.. ........ .Machinist. .........71 Paterson avenue.
46 John McGeahie ........ Machinist ......... Stony road.
47 John Feeney. .......... . .Silk Weaver . ......27 Jersey street
48 Robert Brereton.. ..... .Boiler Maker . .. .. .Preakness avenue.
49 Denma Bergen. . .. . . .. .Engineer. ......... .Wayne avenue.
50 Michael Doyle... ...... .Dyer. ......................73 Marshall street.
51 C. J. Rafferty. ........ .Silk Weaver. .. ....13 Redwoods avenue.
52 Thomas McMullen... Silk Weaver .. .. .... 124 Maple street.
53 Daniel Moore. . .. . ......Silk Weaver ........21 Sheridan street
54 George Braithwaite. ... Silk Weaver . .. . ... 69 Wayne avenue.
55 J. E. Hockett.. ........ ......Machinist. . ····.........69 Wayne avenue.
56 William Cartwright..... Machinist .......... 69 Wayne avenue.
57 Albert Atkinson. ...... Blacksmith. .. .. ....... 69 Wayne avenue
58 James Dunkersly. . .... .Machinist ........ ........66 Wayne avenue.
59 Joseph Bauman. ...... ..Butcher.. ................. . .5 Albion avenue.
60 William Andersen. . ... .caulker.. ............. .. .Paterson avenue
61 David Nichols.. .. .. .. .. Liquor Dealer. . . . . . 68 Wayne avenue
62 Joseph McCormaek.. . . .Silk Weaver. ..........43 Wayne avenue
63 Kerim Keys.. ......... .Boiler Maker. ............. .491 Totowa avenue.
64 Joseph Kirwin. ........Boiler Maker........ ....... 197 Liberty street.
65 James Matthews. .. . .. Paper Maker... . . . . . .23 Albion avenue.
66 William Spreen. ...... .Carpenter. .....................213 Walnut street.
67 David Peters. ......... .Machinist. ................... .North West street.
68 William Campbell. . . . ..Paper Maker.. ..... ........249 Liberty street.
69 Joseph Whalley. ...... .Dyer. ......... ......... ..Cor. Grand and Spruce.
70 Martin Quinn.......... Machinist. ........ .................Paterson avenue.
71 John Nagle:........... Dyer. . ..............................212 Walnut street.
72 William Nevins. ...... Silk Weaver. ................99 Redwoods avenue.
73 Joseph Srover ........ Moulder.. ....................... .Paterson avenue.
Foreman, MARTIN MOORE, Assistant Foreman, C. J. RAFFERTY,
Secretary; W.J. RUTLEDGE, Treasurer, JAMES RAFFERTY,
Engineer, WILLIAM BOYLE, Assistant Engineer, THOMAS DONAHUE.
Badge Name Occupation Residence
Number
1 Richard Ross.. ..... . .. Machinist......... 138 Paterson avenue.
2 Thomas McCoy- ....... .Engineer. ......... .209 Walnut street.
3 G. H. Van Houten.. . . .Carpenter··· ........ 16 Redwoods avenue.
4 Samuel S. Pounds. ...... Machinist. .........11 Albion avenue.
5 James Lawton ......... ....Machinist . ... . .. ...29 Henry street.
6 T. H. Chamberlin. ... .Printer. ........ .. .347 Totowa avenue.
7 James Spring. ...... ... Paper Maker.. . .. .189 Wayne avenue.
8 George Cummings ... .. Machinist .........2 Lane street.
9 John Tigue. .. . .. . .. .Boiler Maker. . . . . . .81 Wayne avenue
10 Thomas Sisco. ....... .Machinist.. ........31 Front street.
11 Martin Moore. ....... .moulder.. . ........31 Sheridan avenue.
12 Frank Boyle. ...... .. .Shoemaker. ... ... 196 Liberty street.
13 William Smethurst .- Liquor Dealer. . . . . .81 Wayne avenue.
14 George Walker. .. .. .. .Carpenter. ........ .153 Sherman avenue.
15 John Maher. ......... .Mason .......... .Redwoods & Totowa.
16 J. Tansby.. ... Wire Drawer.. .. . .101 Redwoods avenue.
17 John Dowd. .... ...... .Policeman. ........ Albion avenue.
18 J. W.La Rue............. Painter.. ....... . .15 Paterson avenue.
19 John Wallwork.. .. . . Liquor Dealer . . . . . 10 Albion avenue.
20 John Conklin. ......... Plasterer. ..........22 Ryerson avenue.
21 T. A. La Rue. . ... .. Painter.. ....10 Rip Van Winkle av.
22 Patrick Reid.. ....... Liquor Dealer . . .. .Preakness avenue.
23 Adam Banghardt ..... .Blacksmith... ..... Spring street
24 Edward Moore ........ Dyer.. ........... 214 Walnut street.
25 John Bauman.. . . .Carpenter.. . ... . . . .110 Wayne avenue.
26 John McKelvey...... .Silk Weaver.. . . ... .Redwoods avenue.
27 James McMullen.. . . .Silk Weaver ........113 Redwoods avenue.
28 W. J. Rutledge .. . .. .. .Machinist. .........14 Sheridan avenue.
29 John Melvin........... Boiler Maker. ...... Totowa avenue.
30 James Rafferty. ..... .Blacksmith. ........73 Henry street
31 Wallace Todd. ........ . Bleacher. ..... .... Liberty street
32 Lewis Banghardt. .. .. . .Blacksmith.. ...... .532 Liberty street.
33 Thomas Donahue. ...... Machinist. ......... 197 Liberty street
31 William Boyle ......... Machinist ........ 16 Albion avenue.
35 Henry Nagle.. ............Carpenter......... ....60 Wayne avenue.
36 Charles Fisher. ........ .Silk Weaver. ...... .Water street
37 J.J. Flanagan. ......... Dyer. ............. .333 Totowa avenue.
38 John Matthews......... Butcher.. ... ......23 Albion avenue.
39 Martin Donahue ... .. .Machinist. .. ....... 54 Albion avenue.
40 John Donahue.. ... .... Printer. .... ....... Sheridan avenue.
41 James Howe.. ......... .Silk Weaver. ....... 160 Jasper street
42 John Ellis.. ............ Machinist. ......... 106 Wayne avenue.
43 Robert Wright... .. . .. Blacksmith.. .......30 Albion avenue.
41 William Kinane ...... .Boiler Maker. . .. .. .84 Wayne avenue.
45 Peter Bradle.. ........ .Machinist. .........71 Paterson avenue.
46 John McGeahie ........ Machinist ......... Stony road.
47 John Feeney. .......... . .Silk Weaver . ......27 Jersey street
48 Robert Brereton.. ..... .Boiler Maker . .. .. .Preakness avenue.
49 Denma Bergen. . .. . . .. .Engineer. ......... .Wayne avenue.
50 Michael Doyle... ...... .Dyer. ......................73 Marshall street.
51 C. J. Rafferty. ........ .Silk Weaver. .. ....13 Redwoods avenue.
52 Thomas McMullen... Silk Weaver .. .. .... 124 Maple street.
53 Daniel Moore. . .. . ......Silk Weaver ........21 Sheridan street
54 George Braithwaite. ... Silk Weaver . .. . ... 69 Wayne avenue.
55 J. E. Hockett.. ........ ......Machinist. . ····.........69 Wayne avenue.
56 William Cartwright..... Machinist .......... 69 Wayne avenue.
57 Albert Atkinson. ...... Blacksmith. .. .. ....... 69 Wayne avenue
58 James Dunkersly. . .... .Machinist ........ ........66 Wayne avenue.
59 Joseph Bauman. ...... ..Butcher.. ................. . .5 Albion avenue.
60 William Andersen. . ... .caulker.. ............. .. .Paterson avenue
61 David Nichols.. .. .. .. .. Liquor Dealer. . . . . . 68 Wayne avenue
62 Joseph McCormaek.. . . .Silk Weaver. ..........43 Wayne avenue
63 Kerim Keys.. ......... .Boiler Maker. ............. .491 Totowa avenue.
64 Joseph Kirwin. ........Boiler Maker........ ....... 197 Liberty street.
65 James Matthews. .. . .. Paper Maker... . . . . . .23 Albion avenue.
66 William Spreen. ...... .Carpenter. .....................213 Walnut street.
67 David Peters. ......... .Machinist. ................... .North West street.
68 William Campbell. . . . ..Paper Maker.. ..... ........249 Liberty street.
69 Joseph Whalley. ...... .Dyer. ......... ......... ..Cor. Grand and Spruce.
70 Martin Quinn.......... Machinist. ........ .................Paterson avenue.
71 John Nagle:........... Dyer. . ..............................212 Walnut street.
72 William Nevins. ...... Silk Weaver. ................99 Redwoods avenue.
73 Joseph Srover ........ Moulder.. ....................... .Paterson avenue.
August 4, 1885: Company elections with Peter Bradley becoming foreman and Daniel Moore as Assistant
Paterson Press
October 1, 1886: Lafayette Engine 1 leadership
Morning Call
October 21, 1886: Lafayette Steam Fire Engine Company No. 8 made n excursion to Newton, NJ (detailed in the Morning Call clip below) where they were very well received. This Lithograph from Kittatinny Hose Company No. 1 of Newton was presented.
Presentation Certificate
October 24 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
November 11, 1886: Resolution of Lafayette 8 regarding recent Newton excursion
Morning Call
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February 28, 1887: Company raffled a silver pitcher to raise funds for injured (at the Adman's Mill fire) fireman Christopher Rafferty
Paterson Press
August 2, 1887: Company elections - Foreman is Adam Baughart and Assistant James Howe
Paterson Press
October 8, 1887: Parlor fire at firehouse
Paterson Press
February 1, 1888: Engine 8 flues leaking badly needing repair
Paterson Press
August 6, 1889: Lafayette 8 election - William Nevius Foreman and Keirn Keys Assistant
Paterson Daily Press
August 27, 1889: Engine 8 steamer tested and found unfit for duty and will need replacement
August 28 Paterson Daily Press
March 4, 1890: Sale to sell effects of Engine 3 and engine 8 announced
Paterson Daily Press
The above placard reads: the bear, of which no name is on record, was once the mascot for Lafayette Engine Company of Paterson's volunteer department, that was located on the corner of Wayne Avenue and Liberty Street. When the Paterson volunteers were disbanded in 1895 [that is erroneous - date was 1890], the bear was given to the Exempt Fireman's Association where he stayed until sometime in the 1930s.
The bear was presented to the Historical Society in 1954 and was on display in Lambert Castle for many years. Unfortunately, he began to deteriorate, and his outstretched arms became damaged due to a heavy fire hose in his paws. It was also necessary to chemically stabilize the bear. Nineteenth century taxidermists used chemicals such as arsenic. Before the bear could be put on exhibit again, he needed to have his stuffing removed and replaced with new, safer materials.
The bear was presented to the Historical Society in 1954 and was on display in Lambert Castle for many years. Unfortunately, he began to deteriorate, and his outstretched arms became damaged due to a heavy fire hose in his paws. It was also necessary to chemically stabilize the bear. Nineteenth century taxidermists used chemicals such as arsenic. Before the bear could be put on exhibit again, he needed to have his stuffing removed and replaced with new, safer materials.
July 31, 1888: Samuel S Pounds, a onetime Assistant Chief passes away. Was a secretary at Lafayette Engine 8
July 31 Paterson Press
Guardian
April 18 Guardian
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Assistant Chief Samuel S Pounds
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1885 Assistant Chief Zeluff, Chief John MacDonald & Assistant Chief SS Pounds
Painting of Lafayette 8 Steamer on helmet shield of Samuel S Pounds 1885
September 5, 1889: Lafayette 8 steamer is useless. Question if Totowa should get a chemical engine.
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Paterson Daily Press
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March 3, 1890: Auction of FH furniture and contents
Guardian
December 16, 1902: Paterson News story of the recent Exempts annual meeting and the reporter recalling firefighting of old and the relics at the Exempt Home. The story delves into a major silver Trumpet rivalry between Lafayette Engine 8 (the "pride" of Totowa) and Hibernia Hose 3 (located in Dublin area).
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