PASSAIC 1

Passaic Engine Company 1

The first fire company, Engine Company 1 was organized July 4th, 1815, and was ultimately and appropriately named (Passaic Engine Company No. 1) after the river that flowed by the settlement and furnished the mills and factories with (at that time) unlimited power. Nmber 1 was the only fire company until February, 1821. The first location of which there is any knowledge was a small, one-story frame building on the north side of Van Houten street, east of Prospect street, which they occupied until January, 1843, when the house burned down.

The first engine used by the company was a cumbersome affair operated by hand brakes and a roller, underneath the box, upon which the rope was wound. In May, 1822, an engine was purchased from Sayre & Force, of New York. This was a side brake engine which acquired the name "Old Gooseneck" and is shown in the photographs below.

Gooseneck type, apparatus)

John Reid photo -- Dayspring Collection

From 1939 book "Enjine, Enjine" depicting a winter scene with a Gooseneck apparatus

Gooseneck of Chatham Engine 15 NYC 1820s “Old Wreath of Roses” - From 1939 book "Enjine, Enjine"

Old Gooseneck was reacquired long after it went out of service (1835) by the Paterson Exempt Fireman's Association and was stored on the porch of the Exempt home at Ward and Clark Streets. It was restored for the 1948 NJ State Exempt Parade which was held in Paterson. Thereafter it was located at the 23rd Avenue Firehouse and then the 198 17th Avenue Firehouse. Ultimately it moved to the Paterson Museum on Spruce Street

Old Gooseneck & old Volunteers on Porch of Exempt Home on Clark St

Removal from Exempt Home to new home at 23rd Avenue Firehouse

Restoration

Restorers took incredible liberties by hiring a painter who reproduced the Currier and Ives Lithograph on the apparatus (a painting that was conceived and lithographed 40 years after Old Gooseneck was built). Also an engine lamp was restored but the glass pieces were from Rescue 1 Hook and Ladder of Passaic, not from a Paterson Company

Dayspring Photo

Engine Lamp Restoration

Post-restoration photo

Inside 23rd Avenue Firehouse

The civic minded folks who made old Gooseneck Restoration possible are seen below in front of the 23rd Street Firehouse (Engine 13). Seated L-R are Battalion Chief Rudolph Peppinghaus, Deputy Chief Hobart Strathearn, Chief James Troy, Harry B Haines (Trustee of Old Gooseneck), Tony Frylink (candidate for president of the state's Exempt Fireman's Assn, Police commissioner Harry Gourley, and William Dalzell. Standing: Captain Joseph Devenport, Clarence Dodd, Charles Egg, Mrs. Lena Egg, William McDonald, James McMullen, Richard Moore and Captain John Crowley. Second row, L-R: Fireman H Kane, Fireman H Bush, Captain E. D'Addario, Fireman Ferdinand Miller, Captain S Simonton (retired), Fireman J Thompson, Randall Sisco, Robert McMullen, Robert Baker and Charles Van Wagner.

Sitting L-R: DC Rudolph Peppinghaus, DC Hobart Strathearn, Chief James Troy, Harry B Haines

Souvenir Postcard -- In front of 23rd Avenue FH 1948 Dayspring Collection

Below is presentation certificate given by PFD to the publisher of the Paterson Evening News Harry B Haines (in center wearing ribbon) in 1948. Second from left is Chief Engineer James Troy, 3rd from left is Captain Ed Heitzman and to Haines left is Captain Phil Hartley, Frank Dalton (FMBA president) and far right is Jack Stern (Board Police and Fire Commissioners).

Rainy day parade. Fireman on right is Nate Salmanowitz

L-R: MIke Ross,Henry Harris, J Shearn, Harold Schoonmaker, Chick Mandara, ?, John Heffran. In front William Comer, Commisioner Edwin Englehardt and ?

Circa 1980 photos of Old Gooseneck at Madison Avenue Firehouse

AT Madison Avenue FH circa 1980 -- Dayspring photo

Dayspring Photo

"The Gooseneck" Dayspring Photo

Dayspring Photo

On display at the Paterson Museum

June 1835, the famous "Black Hawk" a goose-neck machine built by James Smith, of New York, was received by the company. It became one of the most famous fire engines in the state!

Playing matches or "Washes"

Courtesy Jim Eifler

January 1843, After their quarters burned Passaic One was housed in the old house of Engine Co. No. 2 on Market Street, opposite Prospect Street, until late February of 1843, when Passaic 1 relocated to a two-story frame building on the corner of Broadway and Mulberry Street. This house sheltered them until the spring of 1853.

1852 (Spring) Company Roster - 51 members

George Young - Foreman
James Lawrence - Assistant Foreman
Andrew Moser - Treasurer
Cornelius Ackerson - Treasurer
Henry McGrogan
James Ling
Washington Hallstead
George Voorhies
Robert Cunningham
Adam Bell
David Almond
David Stoddard
James Marshall
Benjamin Beaumont
Job. W. Lees
James Close
Samuel Todd
Thomas McGrogan
John McKeeherm
Samuel Mott
Peter Dobbs
E. Hodges
John Moser
Peter Kipp
William Wyley
William H. Waterbury

James Basley
William Sykes
Daniel Miller
Thompson Titus
Cornelius Speer
John Tallman
John Wahlen
Richard Pollard
Robert Bell
John Van Riper
Harvey Shewman
James Pollard
John Leo
William Watson
Thomas Pollard
David Zeluff
Peter Bowman
Samuel Whitney
Joseph Morris
Wilson Dougherty
David Kennedy
John Henretta
Ogden Gilmore
Horace Kipp
William McCam

March, 1853: The company took possession of a two-story brick building adjoining their old quarters on Broadway (between Prospect and Mulberry Streets). The remained stationed there until 1871.

At this time, the company procured a Van Ness engine, piano-box style. This machine was so heavy it was ineffective and sold at cost.

Courtesy Jim Eifler

1855: A Smith piano-box engine (pictured below) was purchased and was used until May, 1866 . Note also the company had a two wheeled jumper to carry hose.

In this photo of Passaic i, Chief John Bowering is at right. Smith Piano Box Engine & 2-wheeled jumper (at left).

Chief John Bowering is at left. Broadway and Mulberry Street Firehouse. 2-wheeled jumper at right.

Company members at Broadway and Mulberry Street Firehouse. Note stovepipe hats worn by men at front right.

Chief John Bowering 1857-58

1857 City Directory:

Andrew Moser Foreman
Daniel Miller Assistant Foreman
George Crowton Secretary
John Schornmaker Treasurer
George Smith Trustee
William Staley Trustee

October 7, 1857: From the Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Courtesy Jim Eifler

1861: Apparatus repaired - installation of platform springs by Smith of New York and Dennison of Newark, NJ. Also installed was a neat tongue with improved reel to wind up the drag rope, levers polished and lengthened out (so as to improve working the brakes).Upon return was met by > 50 firemen in full dress and the Paterson Band. Despite snow and winds, trials of streams were performed (180' achieved). A collation at the engine house followed.

Courtesy Jim Eifler

The pump cylinders were improved allowing more water discharge. Wheels were painted white with gold striping. Inlaid ornaments were added to the side of the apparatus as were 2 beautiful paintings representing the Passaic Falls on one side and the Valley of the Rocks (rapids and mountains) on the other. A splendid signal lamp was mounted on springs (preventing breakage). A beautiful hose reel of highly finished brass was added. See photos below -

Courtesy Jim Eifler

Note white wheels, engine signal lamp, brass hose reel and painting on side panel

Close up view (later used by Vigilant Engine Co 6)

1861: Shield Presentation from Newark Engine No. 1

Courtesy Jim Eifler

March 16, 1864: Although the company had been around since 1815, it finally applied for a charter and became officially known as Passaic Engine Company 1.

Foreman Alfred Piaget; Assistant Foreman John Benson Jr; Secretary John Schoonmaker.

Below is a B&W photo of what must have been an incredible colorful item listing the Active Roll of Passaic Engine Company No. 1 when Alfred Piaget was foreman. Several historic PFD names are noted including Andrew Moser and John Reid.

1865: The company celebrated its 50th anniversary in grand style

In December, 1865, Passaic 1 purchased its first steam fire engine, an unfinished single pump Banks steamer in New York. It was completed in the engine house and went in service the following May (1866). It is shown below in a lot by the Passaic River and in front of quarters. Note the steamer is hand pulled. Left-right: James Radcliffe, Alfred Piaget and George Young (working committee), Chief Andrew Moser, John van Barcom, Harry Ridgeway and William Duford (finance committee). The name of the company was changed to Passaic Steam Fire Engine Company 1.

Standing in the center is Chief Andrew Moser. Scene is along Passaic River near Passaic 1 quarters

1866: Later day newspaper story of Passaic One Stock Certificate

June 10, 1869: Passaic Engine Company 1 hosts Rough and ready Engine Company 2 of Pawtucket Rhode Island - Firehouse in rear of photo is the quarters of Passaic Engine Company 1 on Mulberry Street. The article below describes the magnificense of the visit.

Article on June 3, 1869 announcing upcoming the visit

June 10th visit

June 11, 1869: Guardian article re the visit of Rough and Ready

Courtesy Dennis Morrison

May 3, 1871: Plans to move into new firehouse published in Paterson Guardian

Courtesy Jim Eifler

May 3, 1871: History Review of Passaic Engine No. 1 -- Paterson Guardian

1874: Double pump steam fire engnie built by Harrell and Hayes of Paterson. Used until January 1886

Hard Cover -- Dayspring Collection

Inside cover page

1866: Foreman Seth Garlick

1868: Foreman Peter Bush; Assistant Thomas Stewart

1871: Foreman John Regner; Assistant Peter Bush

1872: Foreman Peter Bush; Assistant Thomas Stewart

In May of 1871 the company moved to the commodious quarters at No. 112 Van Houten Street between Washington and Church Streets (which should not be confused with the 1912 Central Fire Headquarters at 115 Van Houten Street). It was a two story brick building with an iron front and a basement. A third class, double pump engine was acquired from Harrell & Hayes, of Paterson, at a cost of $5,000. Their hose cart was four wheel, carrying 450 feet of fabric hose. The steamer, drawn by horses did good service until January, 1886, when they bought a Button steamer, shown below.

Passaic 1 was the first Paterson company to introduce horses in the department in 1884; followed by the sliding pole, in 1885, and the steam heater in 1886.

Drawing of House with Button Steamer

1874 Harrell& Hayes Steamer at 112 Van Houten Street

Foreman's shield (James Radcliffe) with painting of the Harrell & Hayes Steamer at 112 Van Houten St

1873: Roster was: Foreman John M. Mickel; Assistant Michael Kearney; President Andrew Moser; Vice President James Radcliffe; Secretary G.W. Hamilton

Helmet of James Doherty -

Dayspring Collection

January 8, 1878:

Courtesy jim Eifler

1880 Excursion to New England

At the Exempt Firemen's Association home at Smith and Clark Street in the Parlor facing the door and covering the space over the mantel is a beautifully engrossed resolution by J.W. Russell executed at an expense of $100 for Passaic Engine Company No. 1 after their return from New England in 1880 (shown below). The border work represents columns supporting the coat of arms of Paterson, Salem, Providence and Boston. Entwined around the columns are scrolls containing the names of members and guests who participated in that excursion: firematic emblems are skillfully woven in the work, the capital letter of the word Passaic taking the form of a parade trumpet and a looped cord. Views of the engine and house of the company, and a picture of the Passaic Falls complete the work.

1880: Passaic Engine One leaving for muster at Reading, PA

Notice many of the firemen wearing or carrying their parade helmets with metal shields

Parade Shield B Feeney of Passaic One -- James Piatti Collection

Passaic 1 Steam Fire Engine Company Shield - They has several members with the initials JM

1886: Passaic 1 acquires the last of the engines built by Button and Blake Company. Here seen at 112 Van Houten Street firehouse.

Button Steam Fire Engine at 112 Van Houten Street

Button Steamer

Shield shape badge of Passaic 1 in common use in 1870s & 80s.

1886 Button Steamer, driver and horses in front of quarters at 112 Van Houten Street

Below is the hose wagon, driver and horses of Passaic 1, circa 1886

1887: Excursion to Easton PA

Courtesy Jim Eifler

Fireman William Holt of Passaic 1 wearing Shield Shaped badge

Passaic 1 For3eman with trumpet, Parade Helmet, and belt with a slide marked 1815 (company origin)

Unidentified members of Passaic 1 below:
Both have parade helmets with metal shields

Foreman Michael Kearney at right

Foreman Michael Kearney of Passaic 1

During the department reorganization in 1890, Passaic Engine Company 1 simply became Engine Company 1.

March 20, 1885: Company Roster

Foreman, (CHARLES P. YOUNG, Assistant Foreman, ISAAC WILSON,
Secretary, JAMES M. HOLT, Treasurer, GEORGE W. POLLITT,
Engineers, (GEORGE CASE, JOHN KNAUS,
Stoker, THOMAS MCLEAN.)

Badge Name Occupation Residence
Number

1 Andrew Moser. ......... Confectioner. . . .. ..214 Main street
2 George Young. ......... .Tinsmith. ........... .105 Straight street.
3 Alfred W. Piaget. ...... .Carpenter. .........2 Church street.
4 James Radcliffe.. ...... .Blacksmith. ........21 Mulberry street
5 Peter Doremus........ Grocer. ............81 Bridge street
6 John. Reid.............. Photographer .......9 Bank street
7 John Pohlman. ........ .Moulder. ........ ...20 West street
8 John E. Regner. ....... .Blacksmith.. . . . . ..46 Division street
9 John Mewhinney. ...... .Machinist.. ................................
10 Timothy Delhagen.. . . . ..Paper Maker. . . . .. .89 Sherman avenue.
11 James S. Hopper. ...... Shoe Dealer .......77 Auburn street
12 William H. Brown.......Boiler Maker. .. . .. .81 Cross street
13 George M. Case...... ...Blacksmith ........30 Fair street
14 Samuel Demarest ..... ..Carpenter. .........90 Paterson street.
15 Samuel Holt. ........... Carpenter ....... . 138 Water street
16 Thomas Stewart. ...... ..Ironer. . .... . ... ..18 Ward street
17 Peter Bush. ........... ..Railroader ........ ..231 Division street
18 John Mickle............ Janitor.. ........... City Hall
19 John Stagg. ........... ..Printer. .. .. . .. . . ...189 Slater street
20 Jacob H. Berdan ...... .Machinist. ...... .29 Division street
21 Michael Carney. ........Machinist....... .. 226 Maple street
22 Joseph H. Chamberlain. . " .........52 Hamburgh avenue,
23 Alex. Irwin.. ......... " ..........149 Mill street
24 Augustus A. Graul. . .. .. Blacksmith ........98 Godwin street.
25 Charles Hausser. ...... ..Baker. .............
26 Garret Terhune. . . . . : . .Carpenter. ..........21 McCurdy street
27 William Mills, Jr....... " ...........34 Godwin street.
28 James Hennessey. ... .. .Ironer ......... ....53 Division street
29 David Maney. ........ .Machinist. ........ .413 Totowa avenue.
30 George W. Pollitt----- Grocer.--......... Fair & Washington Sts.
31 Louis Hauser. .. ..... ...Confectioner. . .. ..308 Main street.
32 Bernard J. Feeney.. ... .Tobacconist. . . . . . .366 Main St.
33 James F. Murphy. ..... .Silk Worker. .......114 East Holsman st.
34 James H. Moser ... .. ..Confectioner ..... .214 Main street.
35 James W. Turton...... ..Pattern Maker. . . ... Cliff street.
3G Robert Downie. ........ . Stone Cutter. .......13 Governor street.
37 George L. King. .. .... .Foreman ...........55 Paterson street.
38 Joseph Meisterman. .... .Manufacturer. .. . . ..28 Paterson street.
39 Chester D. Ely.......... Tobacconist.... . . .19 McCurdy street.
40 Samuel Miller. ........ ..Machinist. ....... ...54 Hamburgh avenue.
41 Leonard Chryseman. .. . .Blacksmith. ........12 Southard street.
42 J. E. Vescelius......... .Clerk... ........ ....87 Bridge street.
43 Isaac Wilson. .......... .Moulder. ...........22 Van Houten street.
44 Thomas W. Doremus . . . Grocer.. ............51 Fair street.
45 Charles P. Young. .. .. ...Plumber ......... ..105 Straight street.
46 Henry Schoonmaker. .. ..Clerk ..............53 Paterson street.
47 John T. Pollitt. ........ .Grocer. .. .........45 Washington street.
48 William H. Whittaker. . .Painter. ...........11 Bank street.
49 Kinsey Armstrong. .. .. ..Cotton Spinner. . . ..13 Clinton street.
50 Thomas Armstrong. .... Cotton Spinner . ....14 Fair street.
51 George L. Young. . . .. . . Plumber. ........ ..105 Straight street.
52 Thomas McLean. ...... .Painter. ........ . .50 Fair street.
53 Charles Schocklin.......Policeman.... .. .95 Prospect street.
54 Robert J. Pollitt. ...... .Clerk. ..............45 Washington street.
55 James M. Holt. .... ... Printer. ........ ...41 Washington street.
56 John Knans. ...... .... .Machinist. ........23 Sheridan avenue.
57 C. F. O'Neil. ......... ...Machinist. . .......29 Godwin street.
58 John H. Pohiman. .. .. .Moulder. ...........20 West street.
59 Andrew Knaus.. ....... .Dyer. ...... ...... ..56 Hamburgh avenue.
60 James E. Taylor. ...... ..Moulder. ........ ...225 Main street.
61 Ernest S. Fields. .. ... .. Machinist. ....... ...127 Ward street.
62 William J. Post. ....... .Lineman. .... ....9 Bridge street.
63 John Clark............ .Clerk. ..............3 Van Houten street.
64 John H. Taylor. ....... .Moulder. ..........18 West street.
65 John Chadwick.......... Moulder ............Main street.
66 William B. Pohlman. . .. .Iron Worker. .......20 West street.
67 James E. Radcliffe. ... .Blacksmith. ....21 Mulberry street.

1887 Parade/Muster Ribbons

Dayspring Collection

March 12, 1890: Upon disbandment Company auction many items

Courtesy Dennis Morrison

1894: 79th Anniversary of Company Organization

Courtesy Jim Eifler

1944: Advertisement of a blacksmithing company in FMBA Ball Book describing two members (Father/Son) of Passaic Engine Company 1

1910 Obituary of James Radcliffe

Courtesy Dennis Morrison