Neptune Engine Company 2
Neptune 2 was organized in December, 1820, going into service in February, 1821. The company was first housed in a shed on the south side of Market Street, east of Main. Later they occupied a one-story frame house lower down the street, opposite Prospect Street.
The first members were: Thomas Rogers, Ingham Kinsley, Cornellius Blauvelt, John Kear, David Reid, Kennedy Boyd, Samuel McNice, James Boon, David Alyea, Thomas Burke, Adna Allen, Matthew Rippey Jr., John Leasure, Robert Chiswell, James McGregor, Cornelius Duffey, Joseph Ferris and John Degraw.
Their first engine was a goose-neck built by Smith, of New York acquired in 1821 (seen below outside of their later quarters on Hotel Street. It cost $700.
Their first engine was a goose-neck built by Smith, of New York acquired in 1821 (seen below outside of their later quarters on Hotel Street. It cost $700.
Gooseneck apparatus seen some time after 1842, when it was a spare pumper, outside of the Hotel Street Firehouse
January 1822: Company moved to a one-story frame on Market Street opposite Prospect Street.
March 29, 1825: Report lists David Reid is Foreman. Possessions: Engine valued at $700 which has 200' of hose (100 attached to hand tub), stove and pipe, 2 oil cans, 2 torches, one lamp (marked 2), and a writing desk.
March 29, 1825: Report lists David Reid is Foreman. Possessions: Engine valued at $700 which has 200' of hose (100 attached to hand tub), stove and pipe, 2 oil cans, 2 torches, one lamp (marked 2), and a writing desk.
August 8, 1834: Membership: Richard Brower, Edwin Parke, Thomas Seager, James R. Thompson, David Brands, Edward Gergory, Amos Carter, Jacob Denyke, James Moore, William Roe, Owen Ferry, William Hoffman, William L. Fell, Robert Fields, John Wilds, John Thompson, Edgar Godwin, Richard Butler, John Graham, Isaac Denyke, James Garrabrant, Cornelius Shoonmaker, J.D. Shorrock, William Ferry, Stephen O. Osborn and William Dorsey.
March 9, 1835: Chief Nathaniel Lane report to Wardens - The hand-tub is kept in first rate order and recently handsomely painted, decorated and mounted with brass which adds to its durability and nice appearance. They have 200' of hose, two branch pipes, four fire buckets, one signal lantern, one stove and pipe, one axe, one tin oail, a glass jug, 5 wrenches and one screw-driver. There are 50' of worn hose.
November 13, 1839: Annual report of Chief Engineer Nathaniel Lane
Intelegencer - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
1840: Company received a new Gooseneck built by James Smith of New York for $754. This apparatus was used until 1864.
August 11, 1842: The Fire Association resolved to purchase from E.B.D Ogden his lot on Hotel Street for the site of an Engine House for which they were to pay $350.
September 12, 1842: The Hotel Street lot was purchased and a committee was appointed to make plans and designs.
1842: New quarters location was 10 Hotel Street, near Congress Street (Hotel street name was later changed in 1895 to Hamilton Street). The lot was purchased from E.B.D Ogden. A house measuring 16 x 22 and 17' from foundation to gutter was lathed and plastered. It was occupied in the Spring. The quarters was on the south side of the street near Market Street.
June 27, 1842: The firehouse was burned out, but the house was immediately rebuilt at a cost of $865.
September 12, 1842: The Hotel Street lot was purchased and a committee was appointed to make plans and designs.
1842: New quarters location was 10 Hotel Street, near Congress Street (Hotel street name was later changed in 1895 to Hamilton Street). The lot was purchased from E.B.D Ogden. A house measuring 16 x 22 and 17' from foundation to gutter was lathed and plastered. It was occupied in the Spring. The quarters was on the south side of the street near Market Street.
June 27, 1842: The firehouse was burned out, but the house was immediately rebuilt at a cost of $865.
1850 Dripps Map of Paterson showing Hotel Street Firehouse
Hotel Street Firehouse in background in this photo from 1890s era photo of Chief John Stagg and driver George Pfitzenmeyer in gig.
1857: from city directory: Foreman Thomas Farnon: Assistant Foreman: John Gillespie; Secretary William Swift; Edward Swift Treasurer; John Gillespie and William Swift Trustees
March 16, 1857: Letter to editor from company secretary re activity of Neptune 2 at the March 12 fire.
Guardian
August 25, 1857: Issues regarding location of new firehouse
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
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April 10, 1858: Fight between members of Washington Engine3 and Neptune Engine 2 at a fire "over the river."
Guardian
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May 3, 1858: Fire scene (assault by trumpet) incident between Engines 2 and 3
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
August 22, 1859: Pedestrian run over by Neptune 2 apparatus
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
November 26, 1859: Company presents ex-Foreman Gillespie with gold helmet shield and diamond pin
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 17, 1860: Southwark Engine 11 of Newark NJ passed following resolution thanking Neptune 2 and Jackson 4 for a Thanksgiving Day invitation.
December 25, 1860: Company Christmas celebration
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Courtesy Rebacca McCartney
December 29, 1860: Thanks from Southwark Engine 2 of Newark, NJ
Guardian
City of NY Fire Museum
January 22, 1861: Company Elections
Guardian
August 10, 1861: Elections
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
Guardian
1862: Foreman Edward Swift: Assistant Foreman: William Evans; Secretary: William Freeland
June 9, 1862: Patriotic flag flown above firehouse
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
May 7, 1863: Company preamble and resolution regarding death of member William Skinner who was killed on the battlefield
May 8 Guardian
April 9, 1863: Chief Engineer Peter Fields alerted the board that the hand tubs of Engine Company 2 and 5 had outlived their usefulness and needed immediate replacement.
From the Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 3, 1863: Report of Chief William Killen states Engine 2 apparatus is in bad shape. Company awarded money ($30) to paint interior of quarters.
Guardian
January 28, 1864: New hand pumper for Neptune 2 (made by Jeffers of Pawtucket, R.I.) and Protection 5 (made by "Pop" Dennison of Newark, NJ) are on order.
The Press
January 28, 1864: New hand pumpers for Neptune 2 and Protection 5.
February 23, 1864: a piano box machine from William Jeffers of Pawtucket, RI s pictured below in front of the firehouse on Hotel Street. It remained in service until February 7, 1872.
Hotel Street Firehouse with Jeffers Hand Tub - John Reid Photo (1864) - courtesy Jim Eifler
Photo at the Hotel Street Quarters
John Reid Photo (1864) - courtesy Jim Eifler
In 1875, the Jeffers hand-tub was sold to Charlotte, NC where it was assigned to a company of African American Firefighters called Yellow-Jacket Fire Company, which changed its name to Neptune 3 (no doubt so that the apparatus nameplate did not have to be altered). The pumper is now preserved in a museum in Charlotte, NC
Photo courtesy Ret. BC Chris Babcock
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February 23, 1864: New apparatus for Neptune 2 tested at raceway
The Press
June 13, 1864: Resolutions - Death of company member and US Army Captain William J Evans of Company B of 7th Regiment. He died on May 12 leading his company in battle at Spotsylvania. Neptune 2 will wear badge of mourning for 30 days.
Guardian
January 24, 1865: ~10:00 PM Washington Street Blacksmith shop and barn. Washington Engine 3 and Protection 5 collide Then Neptune 2 and Passaic 1 apparatus collision and fight among firefighters
January 25 The Press
April 26, 1865: Harry Howard Hose #55 of NYC to visit Neptune 2 - Parade planned
Press
August 27, 1865: Visit of Harry Howard Hose # 55
Press
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December 26, 1865: Neptune Company 2 challenges Protection Company 5 to a washdown challenge
December 26 Press
1866: Foreman of Neptune 2 was John H. Hindle
September 1, 1867: Neptune 2 excursion to Middletown, NY
The Press
Details of the trip
September 2 Press
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Details of the Middletown Trip in the September 3rd Guardian
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1868: Foreman was John Hindle; Assistant Foreman Thomas Cadmus; Secretary: Daniel McCloud
September 25, 1868: Upcoming trip to Newburg NY
Press
September 28, 1868: Neptune 2 visits Newburg NY.
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
Newburg Trip
September 29 Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
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September 29, 1869: Neptune 2 visits Newburg NY
Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
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November 1, 1869: "Jolly Crows" affair of Neptune Engine 2
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The Press
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December 17, 1869: Southwark Engine 11 of Newark, NJ accepts invitation to visit Neptune Engine 2
February 1, 1870: Members request Aldermen appropriate $$ for a steam fire engine
Guardian
August 15, 1870: Prospect Street quarters being repaired
The Press
August 16, 1870: Company elections; David Turnbull elected foreman and James Ward Assistant
Guardian
August 16 Guardian
August 25, 1870: Entire front of firehouse being rebuilt
The Press
October 26, 1870: Arrival of Newburgh Columbia Hose 2 Firemen to visit Neptune 2 and a Grand Procession is planned
October 27 Press
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December 28, 1870: Annual ball at Continental Hall
December 29 Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
January 28, 1871: Neptune 2 incorporation
The Press
June 1, 1871: New company pets
June 8, 1871: Company desirous of having a steam fire engine
Press
August 21, 1871: New Steamer from Jeffers ordered for Neptune 2
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Paterson Press
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October 3, 1871: Columbia Hose 2 of Newburgh, NY visits Neptune 2
The Press
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1872: Foreman David Turnbull (later the first Chief Engineer in Paid Department); Assistant Foreman: James Ward
February 8, 1872: Neptune 2 accepts new a third-class double pump Jeffers steamer (Providence, R.I.) - purchased at their own expense ($4500). This Jeffers steamer ultimately proved faulty and had to go out of service in 1875. Reopening occurred in 1876 with a Nussey Steamer. Ultimately the Jeffers was restored and returned to service at Neptune 2 in 1883. Scroll down for an 1884 photo of this restored Jeffers steamer (now with horse hitch attached)
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The Press
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February 22, 1872: Article notes the need for horses to pull the new steamer
The Press
1873: Foreman: Thomas C. Doremus Assistant William Dobson; President William Sommerville; Secretary Charles M. King
February 6, 1874: David Wilson member of Engine 2 marries
The Press
June 30, 1874: Companies 2 and 5 played a match for $500 per side which was won by Neptune 2. Engine 2 is a Jeffers is a 3rd class, double pump: water pumps 3 7/8 inches, stroke 7 1/2 inches, steam cylinders 6 1/2 inches. Threw a stream through 100'feet of hose, 1 1/4 inch nozzle 272 feet.
Steamer 5 is 3rd class, double engine, pumps 4 1/8 inches, stroke 8 inches, steam cylinders 6 inches and threw a stream through 50' of hose, 1 1/4 inch nozzle 258 feet 11 inches.
Steamer 5 is 3rd class, double engine, pumps 4 1/8 inches, stroke 8 inches, steam cylinders 6 inches and threw a stream through 50' of hose, 1 1/4 inch nozzle 258 feet 11 inches.
January 6, 1875: New floor for Engine House
January 6 The Press
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January 12 Press
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1875: Dance at Washington Hall
From August 14, 1922 Paterson News "Looking Back" column
1875: The company has difficulties and was out of service for several months.
March 4, 1875: Engine 2 financial affairs being investigated by Aldermen's Fire and Water Committee
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March 5 Press
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April 9, 1875: Issues among company members regarding dues at Neptune 2 investigated by Alderman
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April 10 - the Press
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May 4, 1875: Neptune Engine 2 issues and demoralization
Press
May 24, 1875: Engine 2 steamer being neglected
Press
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June 2, 1875: Workmen hired to clean firehouse and yard. Engine put in good order.
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June 4, 1875: Petition for reorganization of Neptune 2
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June 3 Press
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Press
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June 3-7th, 1875: Newspaper stories on a potential company revolt - articles span the dates
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June 9, 1875: Company stockholders peacefully remove furniture and fixtures from Hotel Street firehouse. Not touched are the wooden statue of NY Volunteer Hose Co 55 of Chief Harry Howard and marble slabs. Steamer removed to the Paterson Steam Fire Engine works on Van Houten Street and furniture to a warehouse. Reported as stolen were a photo of Newburgh NY Chief Leonard, several presentation shields and two silver trumpets.
The Press
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June 12, 1875: Furniture and fixtures to be sold at public auction
June 15, 1875: Neptune 2 Furniture and various fixtures sale (including the Harry Howard Statue)
The Press
June 16 1875: The wooden statue of NY Volunteer Chief now appears on Protection 5 Water Street Firehouse. For full story of this statue - CLICK HERE
June 17 Press
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NY Historical Society
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June 22, 1875: Reorganization of Neptune 2 and ownership issues of their jumpr
June 23 press
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June 24 Press
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June 25 Press
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July 30, 1875: No sale of the 1872 Jeffer's steamer of Neptune 2 yet
Press
1876: Company By-Laws
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Reopening of Neptune Company 2 occurred in summer 1876
July, 1876: After the company was re-opened the Board of Aldermen purchased and gave Neptune 2 a hand pulled, double pump steamer built by Joseph Nussey of Paterson to use in pace of their previous Jeffers steamer. Pictured below is a photo of the 1876 3rd class Nussey Steamer which was later used by Paterson Engine 9. The photo was taken later in its career (paid FD era) when it was a spare in front of the Prospect Street Firehouse which explains the helmet with a 3 on the shield siting on the seat. Note the number "9" engraved on the steamer lamps (side of boiler). At the time of the photo Engine 3 quarters was operating at the Prospect Street Firehouse.
1876 Nussey Steamer
December 14, 1876: Company to have a Christmas Party in the firehouse
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The Press
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The Nussey engine was used until the spring of 1883, when the city authorities bought, refurbished (horse hitch attached) and put in their charge the second size 1871 third-class engine, vertical works; double pump Jeffers steamer formerly run by them (pictured below after horse hitch attached in 1884).
Jeffers Steam Fire Engine at 10 Hotel Street Firehouse - Driver is John Breen
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Shield Shaped Badge worn by a non-exempt Firefighter member of company: Badge # 84
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Badge worn by Exempt Firefighter member of company: Badge # 137
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Shield Shaped Badge from Neptune 2
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January 27, 1877: Accident to jumper of Engine 2 with firefighter injury
May 5, 1877: Stockholders Annual Meeting
Press
May 23, 1877: Older steamer of Engine 2 to be sold perhaps to Salt Lake City
The Press
June 28, 1877: Steamer repaired and returned to quarters - but it has pressure restrictions
Press
July 24, 1877: Company trip to High Mountain Pond (Franklin Lake)
Press
August 10, 1877: Company elections - Hiram Balanchard is Foreman and James Wiley Assistant
Press
October 25, 1877: Structural issues at Hotel Street firehouse
Press
December 3, 1877: FD committee has no funds to repair firehouse
Press
January 22, 1878: Repairs to quarters of Engine 2 - company transiently relocated to Prospect Street
The Press
November 25, 1878: Old steamer sold to town out west
Press
February 28, 1879: Company raises funds for ill member George Deucher
Press
March 26, 1879: Firehouse being refurbished
Press
April 21, 1879: Steward's book-keeping journal missing
Guardian
May 5, 1879: Stockholder meeting
Press
June 20, 1879: Members of Neptune 2 seeking murderer of their pet dog
Press
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June 21 Press
September 2, 1879: Fire Department Committee discusses upcoming parade and new Steamer for Neptune 2
Press
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September 2 Press
September 10, 1879: Trial of Old Engine 2 steamer and a new Clapp and Jones steamer
Press
September 20, 1879: Company tries to trick alderman to finance an new steamer
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Press
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September 29, 1879: FD Committee decides to not allow Neptune 2 to purchase their (stockholders) own steamer
Press
October 13, 1879: Engine 2 old steamer now owned by company stockholders tested after being overhauled
Press
December 2, 1879: Old steamer of Neptune 2 sold to city
Press
Helmet with Shield Neptune 2
High Eagle Helmet
Helmet of fireman Charles Moore (listed as badge # 8 in the company roster below). His descendants later formed Moore's Funeral Home on Totowa Avenue. Note the fireman hold trumpet finial and the CM initials on the shield.
Side view showing finial
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Company Ring of Charles Moore
Company ring above and below the Parade Belt with slide and shield shaped badge of Charles Moore
Badge of Charles Moore
Exempt FF Badge of Neptune 2
Engineers Parade Belt with brass helmet holder slide
August 5, 1880: Company Elections - J Mallison Foreman and G Dobson Assistant. Future Chief Engineer David Turnbull elected President
August 6 Press
August 4, 1881: Annual company elections - Foreman is G Dobson & assistant Wm Campbell and Stewart Fletcher
August 5 Press
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Fall of 1882: 25' x 10' extension added to rear of house and lower part renovated and painted. Parlor is handsomely furnished. Despite that this is the smallest steamer house in the city.
February 7, 1882: New Jeffers Steamer arrives - 3rd class engine - 5' wheels with iron hubs - double engine - boiler encased in German silver - nickel plated air chamber - Parade held and steamer pulled by 6 gray horses - Tested at race on Pros[ect street
The Press
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January 8, 1883: Members to request Aldermen to return their old steamer
Paterson Press
January 23, 1883: Company has a beautiful collection of badges from around the country
Paterson Press
February 2, 1883: Alderman Pollitt's history of the Paterson Fire Department (from the Firemen's Herald)
Neptune 2 Company History
Paterson Press
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March 20, 1885: Company Roster & Badge #s
Foreman, THOMAS CADMUS, Assistant Foreman, FRANK DAVIS.
Secretary, DAVID I. TURNBULL, Treasurer, HIRAM BLANCHARD.
Badge Names Occupation Residence
Number
1 Joseph Mallison. . .Machinist. . . ..136 West 18th Street
2 Thomas Cadmus. ....... " ..... ... . ..18 Arch street.
3 David I. Turnbull..........."...........70 Jersey street
4 George Walker. ......... " . . .. . . .Birch &Wayne ave.
5 James Badley................... Machinist.......... 193 Mill street
6 Robert Mulligan .............. " ........ ..........238 Spring street.
7 William Dobson. ........ " ..........92 Prospect street.
8 Charles Moore........... " .......... Mill street
9 John J. Ellmore.. ....... " ..........40 Elm street.
10 James Lowe............ " ......... .190 Jersey street. .
11 David H. Wilson. .... ..Pattern Maker. . . , ..26 Mill street.
12 Thomas Bray. ........ ..Machinist. .........32 Jackson street.
13 H. Blanchard.. .......... Stationer. .. . . . . . . . .237 Main street.
14 Edgar Doughty. ....... .Machinist.. ........49 Pearl street.
15 William Andersen....... " ..........163 North Main street.
16 John Vanderhurgh. .... .Painter ............36 Ward street.
17 Anthony Fuchs......... Barber. ........... .23 Benson street.
18 Charles Wiley. ......... .Machinist. .........22 Washington street.
19 Samuel Walker.. ....... .Blacksmith ....... .108 Jersey street
20 Joseph Mulholland. . . .. .Silk Weaver. . . . . . .26 Oliver street.
21 Philip Zeitlinger ........ Barber. ............42 North Main street.
22 John H. Post. .......... Blacksmith ........10 Benson street
23 James Chadwick.. ...... Feed Merchant. . . . .40 Taylor street.
24 George Dohson.. ........ Machinist. .. ......92 Prospect street.
25 William B. Camphell.. . .. " ..........14 Furman street.
26 Frank Davis........... Silk Weaver. .......60 Van Houten street.
27 David Boyle... ........ Agent.... ......... 106 Mill street.
28 William Webster ...... .Machinist. .........19 Mulberry street.
29 William Doughty.-...... " ..........49 Pearl street.
30 John Stewart. .............. " ........ ..Cor. Main and Taylor
31 George Babcock......... Silk Weaver. .......16 North Main street.
32 James Zeluff. .......... .Sup't Fire Alarm. . .36 Bridge street.
33 William Patterson....... Machinist ........ ..210 Marshall street.
34 Christopher Brand. ..... Mason. ............70 Prospect street.
35 Frederick Garside. ..... .Ice Dealer. ....... .41 Prince street.
36 William Miller. ........ .Clerk. .............199 Van Houten street
37 Richard Fletcher. ...... .Machinist ..........61 Ellison street.
38 William Stodard......... " ..........39 Clinton street.
39 Samuel Arden. .......... Liquor Dealer. .... .277 Main street.
40 James Johnson........ .Machinist.. ........17 Mill street.
41 George James. . .. .. . .. .Teamster. ... ..... .Cor. Totowa Ryerson
42 Joseph Hobson......... Mason............ .69 Prospect street.
43 Richard Oliver. ......... .Boiler Maker.. . . .. .9 Paterson ave.
44 Archie lrwin............ " .......30 Matlock street.
45 Charles M. King... .... ..Clerk... .......... .91 Benson Street.
46 Chaises D. Beckwith.. . . Manufacturer. .... .Ramapo ave.
47 James Gillespie. ..... . .Machinist. ........ .Paterson ave.
48 Thomas Farnon......... " .........16 Union street.
49 Thomas Barton. ....... "................ .130 Beach street.
50 William Dobson, sr. ... .. " ......... .92 Prospect street.
51 Samuel Duncan ........ " .... .. . . . .118 Mill street.
52 Thomas A. Hart. ....... " ......... .396 Market street.
53 James Irwin............ Weaver ..... ......15 Van Houten street.
54 Edward Durdin. ........ " ".........................11 Bank street.
55 John Crotty. ............ Carpenter. .........14 Furman street.
56 Robert Carson.......... " .......... 167 Walnut street.
57 James B. Frainey ..... .Machinist. . . . . . .. ..427 Grand street.
58 Gardner T. Allwood. .... .Clerk . ........10 Smith street.
59 William Holley. ........ Iron Worker .......110 Clay street.
60 George Slingland.... ... Blacksmith .........361 Mechanic street.
61 Joseph Backlin......... .Machinist. .........21 Van Houten street.
62 James Mullin. ......... .Liquor, Dealer. . . . . .49 Oliver street.
63 James F. Stapleton. . . .. .Blacksmith. ....... .564 Straight steeet
64 William Johnson ...... Feed Merchant. . . . . 568 Main street
Foreman, THOMAS CADMUS, Assistant Foreman, FRANK DAVIS.
Secretary, DAVID I. TURNBULL, Treasurer, HIRAM BLANCHARD.
Badge Names Occupation Residence
Number
1 Joseph Mallison. . .Machinist. . . ..136 West 18th Street
2 Thomas Cadmus. ....... " ..... ... . ..18 Arch street.
3 David I. Turnbull..........."...........70 Jersey street
4 George Walker. ......... " . . .. . . .Birch &Wayne ave.
5 James Badley................... Machinist.......... 193 Mill street
6 Robert Mulligan .............. " ........ ..........238 Spring street.
7 William Dobson. ........ " ..........92 Prospect street.
8 Charles Moore........... " .......... Mill street
9 John J. Ellmore.. ....... " ..........40 Elm street.
10 James Lowe............ " ......... .190 Jersey street. .
11 David H. Wilson. .... ..Pattern Maker. . . , ..26 Mill street.
12 Thomas Bray. ........ ..Machinist. .........32 Jackson street.
13 H. Blanchard.. .......... Stationer. .. . . . . . . . .237 Main street.
14 Edgar Doughty. ....... .Machinist.. ........49 Pearl street.
15 William Andersen....... " ..........163 North Main street.
16 John Vanderhurgh. .... .Painter ............36 Ward street.
17 Anthony Fuchs......... Barber. ........... .23 Benson street.
18 Charles Wiley. ......... .Machinist. .........22 Washington street.
19 Samuel Walker.. ....... .Blacksmith ....... .108 Jersey street
20 Joseph Mulholland. . . .. .Silk Weaver. . . . . . .26 Oliver street.
21 Philip Zeitlinger ........ Barber. ............42 North Main street.
22 John H. Post. .......... Blacksmith ........10 Benson street
23 James Chadwick.. ...... Feed Merchant. . . . .40 Taylor street.
24 George Dohson.. ........ Machinist. .. ......92 Prospect street.
25 William B. Camphell.. . .. " ..........14 Furman street.
26 Frank Davis........... Silk Weaver. .......60 Van Houten street.
27 David Boyle... ........ Agent.... ......... 106 Mill street.
28 William Webster ...... .Machinist. .........19 Mulberry street.
29 William Doughty.-...... " ..........49 Pearl street.
30 John Stewart. .............. " ........ ..Cor. Main and Taylor
31 George Babcock......... Silk Weaver. .......16 North Main street.
32 James Zeluff. .......... .Sup't Fire Alarm. . .36 Bridge street.
33 William Patterson....... Machinist ........ ..210 Marshall street.
34 Christopher Brand. ..... Mason. ............70 Prospect street.
35 Frederick Garside. ..... .Ice Dealer. ....... .41 Prince street.
36 William Miller. ........ .Clerk. .............199 Van Houten street
37 Richard Fletcher. ...... .Machinist ..........61 Ellison street.
38 William Stodard......... " ..........39 Clinton street.
39 Samuel Arden. .......... Liquor Dealer. .... .277 Main street.
40 James Johnson........ .Machinist.. ........17 Mill street.
41 George James. . .. .. . .. .Teamster. ... ..... .Cor. Totowa Ryerson
42 Joseph Hobson......... Mason............ .69 Prospect street.
43 Richard Oliver. ......... .Boiler Maker.. . . .. .9 Paterson ave.
44 Archie lrwin............ " .......30 Matlock street.
45 Charles M. King... .... ..Clerk... .......... .91 Benson Street.
46 Chaises D. Beckwith.. . . Manufacturer. .... .Ramapo ave.
47 James Gillespie. ..... . .Machinist. ........ .Paterson ave.
48 Thomas Farnon......... " .........16 Union street.
49 Thomas Barton. ....... "................ .130 Beach street.
50 William Dobson, sr. ... .. " ......... .92 Prospect street.
51 Samuel Duncan ........ " .... .. . . . .118 Mill street.
52 Thomas A. Hart. ....... " ......... .396 Market street.
53 James Irwin............ Weaver ..... ......15 Van Houten street.
54 Edward Durdin. ........ " ".........................11 Bank street.
55 John Crotty. ............ Carpenter. .........14 Furman street.
56 Robert Carson.......... " .......... 167 Walnut street.
57 James B. Frainey ..... .Machinist. . . . . . .. ..427 Grand street.
58 Gardner T. Allwood. .... .Clerk . ........10 Smith street.
59 William Holley. ........ Iron Worker .......110 Clay street.
60 George Slingland.... ... Blacksmith .........361 Mechanic street.
61 Joseph Backlin......... .Machinist. .........21 Van Houten street.
62 James Mullin. ......... .Liquor, Dealer. . . . . .49 Oliver street.
63 James F. Stapleton. . . .. .Blacksmith. ....... .564 Straight steeet
64 William Johnson ...... Feed Merchant. . . . . 568 Main street
July 7, 1885: Company has meeting and announces it is not disbanding
Paterson Press
July 25, 1885: Part of a badge collection disappears from firehouse
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Paterson Press
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August 16, 1885: Horses for Neptune 2
September 14, 1885: Parade uniforms to be distributed
paterson Press
November 3, 1885: FF William Paterson injured as steamer participating in a wash.
Paterson Press
On each side of the door leading to the parlor of the Exempt Firemen's Association Home on Clark and Smith Streets are two large battle axes presented by the exempt firemen of Long Island City. Suspended over the axes is a large turtle shell, presented by Archie Irwin, of Neptune Engine No. 2, which is agreeable reminder of the famous turtle soups and other "cook-ups" that were in vogue in the volunteer days.
An incident connected to the "cook-ups" as these affairs were termed is well worth relating here. A party of gunners returning to an engine house from a pigeon match decided to have a stew. A simple-minded fellow at the house offered his services to pluck the birds and after accomplishing the task he placed them in the boiler, without further dreening. The serious offense merited some punishment, so a court was organized to try the thoughtless cook. After due deliberation he was found guilty and sentenced to be shot. The guns were merely loaded with powder, and at the word of command the guns were aimed at the ceiling and discharged. The result was very disastrous in the imagination of the victim who escaped from the house and ran down the street crying "I am killed: I am killed!"
Neptune 2 had a nearly seven feet long play pipe that was used by the members in their playing contests with their old goose-neck engine. These playing contests were great affairs. Besides the companies that engaged in them, the whole department would at times take an active part: the winning company would decorate their machine with brooms, indicating a clean sweep, and after an impromptu parade would celebrate the event by a "blow-out" at the engine house. Some post, unknown to fame, has commemorated one of these contests in the following verse:
There is a tub in hotel Street
of which I love to tell,
When oft I sit, with other boys
While listening for the bell:
She's the pride of the 5th ward,
I'll have you all to know,
And they call her growler engine -
Old Neptune Number Two.
Chorus
Oh, she's the gay bird, the night owl,
And the boys will pull her through;
And they call her growler engine,
Old Neptune Number Two.
They took her down to Allen's pole -
'Twas on a New Year's day;
The boys they want upon her work
And see how she would play;
She topped the pole and beat the tubs,
Which ne'er were beat before,
Among the rest was Number Three
And bully Number 4.
of which I love to tell,
When oft I sit, with other boys
While listening for the bell:
She's the pride of the 5th ward,
I'll have you all to know,
And they call her growler engine -
Old Neptune Number Two.
Chorus
Oh, she's the gay bird, the night owl,
And the boys will pull her through;
And they call her growler engine,
Old Neptune Number Two.
They took her down to Allen's pole -
'Twas on a New Year's day;
The boys they want upon her work
And see how she would play;
She topped the pole and beat the tubs,
Which ne'er were beat before,
Among the rest was Number Three
And bully Number 4.
Some of the companies had pet names for their machines, such as Black Hawk for No. 1; Growler No. 2, John Street Ghost for No. 4; Mickey Four, and old Hickory for No. 4; Potcheese, No. 5. The other companies did not follow the custom, although nearly all adopted some motto. The following from No. 4 is a specimen: "We ask for what is right, and submit to nothing wrong."
May 4, 1886: Petition for horses from Neptune 2 and local property owners
Paterson Press
October 1, 1886: Neptune Engine 2 leadership
May 14, 1886: Petition requesting horses presented to Board of Aldermen
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May 15 Paterson Press
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August 5, 1886: Company elections - John Cotty is foreman and Gardner Allwood as Assistant
January 17, 1887: Membership Certificate for Order of American Firemen of James Zeluff, a member of Neptune 2 and also Superintendent of Fire Alarm telegraph
May 23, 1887: Alderman Miller projects Neptune 2 will receive horses
Guardian
July 7, 1887: Visiting firemen given a send-off at Hotel Street quarters
Morning Call
August 5, 1887: Company elections - Foreman is R Milligan and Assistsnt F Garside
Paterson Press
August 12, 1887: Neptune 2 travels to Passaic for a baseball game
Paterson Press
January 16, 1888: Engine 2 has a critically sick horse
Paterson Press
January 16, 1888: Neptune Engine 2 - Horse illness
Morning Call
January 19, 1888: Paterson Press reports that members of Neptune 2 install a sliding pole in quarters.
December 17, 1888: 2:44 AM Station 43 (Clay & Lewis) 109 Lewis Street Neptune 2 Steamer overturns at Main & Market Streets
Paterson Press
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December 22, 1888: Jumper of Neptune 2 axle breaks (at Hamilton and Elison Streets) while responding to a Washington Street fire. Driver is thrown from the wagon.
January 4, 1889: Fire Department Committee exonerated driver John Breen re the December accident
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January 5, 1890: Fire and Water Committee meeting discusses the accident for Engine 2 Steamer at Market and Main Streets - was it sabotage Driver John Breen exonerated
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 22, 1890: Last excursion of Neptune 2 before Volunteer Department ends
February 21 Paterson Press
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Plaque presented to Neptune Steam Fire Engine Co 2 Foreman James J. Franey. It served as a wooden target which reminded the boys of their last outing of the volunteer company at Kearney, N.J. The well-riddled appearances of the target indicates the firemen could handle the rifle as well as the hose nozzle. In was displayed, in the Engine room at the Exempt home. S
Bullet holes present
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City of NY Fire Museum
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March 10, 1890: 12:00 PM Station 32 Wood factory near Main Street bridge. The hose tender's horse runs away
Paterson Daily Press
November 13, 1893: Death of James Johnson
November 15 Morning call
January 12, 1898: Old Keystone over firehouse front door falls and cracks
Paterson Daily Press
October 27, 1899: Ex-firemen of Neptune 2 plan to organize a social organization
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 22, 1922 - Looking Backward Column in Morning Call
For all of the columns CLICK HERE
