January 3, 1816
The first fire in Paterson of which there is any written record was described in the Paterson Bee at probably referring to the residence of Mr. Samuel Colt, a leading manufacturer and store-keeper who lived at 120 Market Street (where in 1893, the Masonic Hall Stood)
July 5 , 1819
John Amen had a small frame house between Little Falls Road and the chasm (raceway) just west of Spruce Street Fire! July 5, 1819. From the Bergen Express - On Sunday last the house belonging to Mr. John Amens of this town was burnt to the ground together with the furniture it contained.
February 12, 1826: 4AM Parke Street fire
Intelligencer -- Courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 15, 1826
James Moore Dry Good Store -- See plea below from Foreman of Engine 1 John Benson
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
1828
August 24, 1828 Van Houten Street, south side: Burned up Van Houten to Main Street and
up Main to Ellison Street. 23 houses destroyed
up Main to Ellison Street. 23 houses destroyed
From the Albany Argus August 28, 1828 - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
Published NY Spectator September 2, 1828 - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Published NY Spectator September 2, 1828 - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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January 19, 1830
Main and Van Houten Streets 3 story brick building of Abraham Godwin Jr.
Intelligencer - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
July 19, 1830
Building of Abraham Godwin destroyed on southwest corner of Main and Van Houten Street
April 29, 1832
Destruction of the Little Beaver Mill, a brick and stone building on the West Side of raceway at the foot of Prospect Street. A Sunday night fire between 10 and 11 PM - from the painting by Thomas Whitely. The building was owned by Peter Walker and the fire, thought to be accidental, spread rapidly. By the time the engines arrived little could be done except preserve adjacent buildings.
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
1833
July 16, 1833: Bakehouse of Charles Strattain on Main Street
Intellegencer - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
1834
September 3, 1834: Ward Street house fire
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
1835
May 26, 1835: Manufacturing establishment of Paul and Reggs
Intellegencer - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
1836
October12, 1836: Van Riper Turning shop, Phenix Manufacturing buildings
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 17, 1836: Paterson & Hudson River RR Depot
Intellegencer - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
1837
January 10, 1837: 2 PM Boudinot Street (later renamed Van Houten Street)
1838
April 24, 1838: Fire in small building on Main Street opposite Van Houten Street at 1:00
AM. The engines repaired to the spot. The minute book of Engine 3 states: Engine Mo. 3
took water from Np. 2 and played into No. 4. No. 3 sucked No. 2 dry three times and
"washed" No. 4 during the whole time of the fire.
AM. The engines repaired to the spot. The minute book of Engine 3 states: Engine Mo. 3
took water from Np. 2 and played into No. 4. No. 3 sucked No. 2 dry three times and
"washed" No. 4 during the whole time of the fire.
July 16, 1838:
July 16, 1838: Blacksmith's shop and stable. Washington and Fair Streets: No. 3 took water
from the brook and were about to play into No. 2. But No. 2's company got its dander up
about something and would not take water from No. 3. While this quarrel was going on Nos.
1 and 5 got to work and put out the fire.
November 19,1838: Hope Factory, Mill Street $100 damage
from the brook and were about to play into No. 2. But No. 2's company got its dander up
about something and would not take water from No. 3. While this quarrel was going on Nos.
1 and 5 got to work and put out the fire.
November 19,1838: Hope Factory, Mill Street $100 damage
1839
List of the 1839 fires in the Annual Report of Chief Engineer Nathan lane
Intellegencer - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
1839
February 26, 1839: 8 PM Congress Street Boggs Foundry
Midnight - fire in Manchester section dwelling
Midnight - fire in Manchester section dwelling
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 19, 1839: 2 AM Oliver Street dwelling & adjoining building
April 20, 1839: Paterson Machine Company at Oldham (Haledon)
April 20, 1839: Paterson Machine Company at Oldham (Haledon)
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
May 1, 1839: 11PM Van Houten Street stables
3 AM Auction Room & other stores at Main & Van Houten Streets
3 AM Auction Room & other stores at Main & Van Houten Streets
May 1 article - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 8 article - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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July 10, 1939: 3 AM John Nightingale factory on Boudinot Street
Intellegencer - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
August 14, 1839: Machine shop of Godwin, Clark and Company
Intellegencer - Courtesy Dennis Morriswon
1840
July 15, 1840: 1:30 AM Brower House Van Houten Street
Intellegencer - Courtesy dennis Morrison
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Intellegencer - Courtesy dennis Morrison
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August 6, 1840: A fire broke out in a stable on Main Street occupied by John Hart and
about 20 buildings were destroyed before the flames could be extinguished
about 20 buildings were destroyed before the flames could be extinguished
1841
February 2, 1841
Coppersmith Shop of William Cundell, Main Street
February 17 - Intellegencer - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
May 12, 1841: Tavern near the Turnpike Bridge
Intellegencer - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
October 6, 1841: ~1-2AM Barn and Cowhouse of Ralph Doremus
Intellegencer Courtesy Dennis Morrison
1842
February 16, 1842
Prospect Street fire - 2 story dwelling and exposure lost due to poor FD management
Young citizen run over by an apparatus
Young citizen run over by an apparatus
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 6, 1842: Ridgeway, Dickey and Morrell cotton mill
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
November 22, 1843
Chandler (wax and candles) shop of Patrick Kelley on Van Houten Street
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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1845
November 19, 1845: 2 PM Mill Street Printing & Dyeing Establishment, Foundry
Intellegencer - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
1846
December 16, 1846: Van Houten Street fire H Moses Establishment
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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1847
March 31, 1847: 8 PM Doremus Barn in Manchester
After midnight - Passaic Street dwelling
After midnight - Passaic Street dwelling
Intellegencer - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 14, 1847: 11 PM Main and Van Houten Streets Several stores
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 26, 1847: Broadway & Prospect Streets Bradley & Bros Machine shop
Intellegencer - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 16, 1847: Midnight Paterson Academy on Academy Street
Intellegencer - Courtesy Dennis Morrisonj
1848
June 20: House of Neptune Engine Company 2 destroyed
June 28: Congress Hall, St. Paul's Church and the Oldham Machine shops on Market Street
between Main and Union Streets
July 23: House of Eagle Truck Company 1 and Washington Engine Company 3 located on
John (Ellison) Street destroyed
June 28: Congress Hall, St. Paul's Church and the Oldham Machine shops on Market Street
between Main and Union Streets
July 23: House of Eagle Truck Company 1 and Washington Engine Company 3 located on
John (Ellison) Street destroyed
Intellegencer July 28 - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
October 18: West side of Main Street, near corner of Broadway, then crossed over to east
side of Main Street, thence up Main Street and stopped about where B. Kent's lower
drugstore is located
side of Main Street, thence up Main Street and stopped about where B. Kent's lower
drugstore is located
Intellegencer - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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1849
March 10: Carrick Mill, corner of Mill and Market Streets
Courtesy Dennis Martin
March 14, 1849: Mill Street Cotton factory (A&R Carrick) Defective hose
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Intellegencer - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Intellegencer - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
1850:
January 6, 1850: 8 PM Broadway & Washington Streets 2 story dwelling
Intellegencer- Courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 5, 1850: 4 AM Main Street - Moser's Confectionary Store & School House
Intellegencer - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 24, 1850: West Street Dwellings Water issue for firefighters
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
October 5: 2 PM First Presbyterian Church totally destroyed Main & Ward Street
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
1851
November 10: 2 AM John Street stable of John McGrogan
4-5 AM John Street stable of James Krenshaw and a dwelling
4-5 AM John Street stable of James Krenshaw and a dwelling
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
1855
March 21, 1855: ~10-11PM Rogers, Ketchum & Grosvenor Foundry Pine Street
1856
March 26, 1856: 1:30 AM Broadway Stable fire
Intellegencer - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 30, 1856: 1 AM Rockport Mill on Morris Canal bank
July 26, 1856: 1 AM Fire at Engine 4 on Slater Street with scorching of apparatus
Intellegencer - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
July 27, 1856: Church between Market & Ellison Streets Stable fires with horse fatality
Intellegencer - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
August 2: Several stores burned out on west side of Main Street, near Broadway. Several fire companies indulged in a free fight. Men of Columbia Hose 1 and Protection Engine No. 5 resisted an attack from Engine No. 4's men. Afterwards the men of Hose 1 were expelled from the department and Columbia Hose Company One was disbanded.
December, 29: Several firms burned out at the northwest corner of Main and Van Houten Street. $40,000 loss.
December, 29: Several firms burned out at the northwest corner of Main and Van Houten Street. $40,000 loss.
1857
March 12, 1857: The Malleray and Waverly Mills
? Month and day: Ward Street barn Fire hydrants worked nicely
Paterson Guardian: Courtesy Jim Eifler
1858
April 5: Ensign's Coffin Warerooms, 47 Broadway
December 26: The firehouse of Protection Engine Company 5 at Temple and High Streets
1859
February 4: 1:45 AM Main and Fair Streets Grocery Store (snowing)
Courtesy Dennis Martin
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1863
March 12: Gun Mill, at the foot of Boudinot Street (now called Van Houten Street)
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Curtesy Dennis Morrison
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July 1: Erie Repair Shop, Market Street. $40,000 loss
September 8, 1864
Odam's Stables at Main and Grand streets
1865
January 3: David Henry's carpenter shop - Main Street near Smith Street
November 12: Allen, Reynolds & Company Tobacco Factory. The first Supreme Sacrifice made by a Paterson Fireman - John Brophy of Washington Fire
Engine Company 3
November 12: Allen, Reynolds & Company Tobacco Factory. The first Supreme Sacrifice made by a Paterson Fireman - John Brophy of Washington Fire
Engine Company 3
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
Scene of Fire - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
1865
December 20: Waverly Mill, foot of Mill Street. $100,000 loss
July 8, 1866
Danforth, Cooke and Company Locomotive Works. The second Supreme Sacrifice made by a Paterson Fireman - James Johnson of Protection Fire Engine Company 5 overcome with heat
Published July 9, 1866
February 21, 1867: Northside fire (lower Clinton Street) hampered by snow - early steamer use - At this time Engine 5 was a hand pumper - All of the apparatus was hand, not horse pulled during this time period
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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Same Fire - Paterson Press February 22, 1867
Courtesy Jim Eifler
1868
September 28, 1868: Hotel Fire
5 AM Franklin House Hotel Fire
Courtesy Dennis Morrrison
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May 10, 1869
1:30 PM Ryles Mill, Murray Mill Oliver Street between Jersey and Mill Streets
5 Dwellings $300,000 loss
5 Dwellings $300,000 loss
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The Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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1871
March 2: 4 PM West Street - Double frame building of Andrew Derrom's carpenters works
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Letter from Neighbors castigating owner of above property
September 7: National Mills
October 2: 1 AM Quarters of Protection Engine Company 5 on Water Street
October 2: 1 AM Quarters of Protection Engine Company 5 on Water Street
The Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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The Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 13, 1871: Franklin Mill
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Below is a letter to the editor 
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December 14, 1871: "The Town Clock" Fire: First Reformed Church, Old Post Office, several stores and residences
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1872
October 4: Watson's Shop Loss $300,000
October 17: Station 14 Erie Railroad Depot Water Tower
October 17: Station 14 Erie Railroad Depot Water Tower
The Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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The Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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The Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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The Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 22: Collier's Rolling Mill on Railroad Avenue
1873
March 4,
Riverside Hotel: Box 25 is the first fire transmitted via a street alarm box.
1875
April 18: Firehouse and Steamer of Protection Engine Company 5 on Water Street
June 28-29: Watson Shop
December 8: Adam's Milll on Van Houten Street
June 28-29: Watson Shop
December 8: Adam's Milll on Van Houten Street
1876
April 21: Elvin's Arcade, Ellison Street west of Main Street. $80,000 loss
June 28-29: Box 5 at 1:30 AM - Haring's Spice Mills and Paterson Horse Railroad Stables
April 22: 7:15 AM Station 3 (at City Hall) Arcade on Ellison Street from the Guardian
June 28-29: Box 5 at 1:30 AM - Haring's Spice Mills and Paterson Horse Railroad Stables
April 22: 7:15 AM Station 3 (at City Hall) Arcade on Ellison Street from the Guardian
Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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November 13, 1876: Box 3 at 1:55 AM - Bloomberg Brothers on Main Street
1877
March 27: Box 14 at 5:40 AM Slater's Hotel on Ramapo Ave.
April 12: Box 7 at 9 AM Buchanan & Company's Mill on Mill Street
April 13: Box 3 at 2 AM Norwood and Company on Main Street
December 17: A train of cars and several buildings (Oil Fire)
April 12: Box 7 at 9 AM Buchanan & Company's Mill on Mill Street
April 13: Box 3 at 2 AM Norwood and Company on Main Street
December 17: A train of cars and several buildings (Oil Fire)
1878
October 5: Box 25 10:45 PM Passaic Rolling Mill
December 3: Box 43 11:15 PM Continental Hall at corner of Main and Van Houten Street
December 3: Box 43 11:15 PM Continental Hall at corner of Main and Van Houten Street
1879
February 13: Box 17 at 6:45 PM Roger's L and M Works & Barbour Mills on Spruce Street
July 14: Box 45 at 6:30 PM Union Manufacturing Company on River Street
July 14: Box 45 at 6:30 PM Union Manufacturing Company on River Street
1880
March 6: Box 16 at 5:30 AM Danforth L & M Company on Market Street
May 20: Box 17 at 1 PM Grant Locomotive Works, Gas House on Jersey Street
July 3: 72 Jackson Street- quarters of Eagle Hook and Ladder Company 1
May 20: Box 17 at 1 PM Grant Locomotive Works, Gas House on Jersey Street
July 3: 72 Jackson Street- quarters of Eagle Hook and Ladder Company 1
Courtesy Jim Eifler
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December 24: Box 52 at 1 AM F.C. Van Dyk & Company on Main Street
The sketch below of the Van Dyk Fire is embellished as the fire department was not using horses to pull steam fire engines in 1880
1881
May 8: Box 14 at 2:55 AM Kip's Livery Stable on Ramapo Ave
July 2, 1882: Five Steamers at Work!
Five Steamers at work River and Montgomery Streets Also 101 Jackson Street
1883
September 18: Box 71 2:30 PM R and H Adams Mill on Van Houten Street (all clips courtesy of Jim Eifler)
Courtesy jim Eifler
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November 29: Box 63 at 1:25 AM I.T Hyatts in Riverside
1884
July 15: Box 72 at 7:45 AM Mahoney's Dry Goods Store on Main Street
July 20: Box 12 at 4:10 AM Dolphin Manufacturing Company's batch house on Spruce Street
July 20: Box 12 at 4:10 AM Dolphin Manufacturing Company's batch house on Spruce Street
1885:
January 11, 1885: Box 14 3:10 AM Wills Street & Crosby Place General Alarm
Sandy Hill The Mansion House
Sandy Hill The Mansion House
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The Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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July 1885: Several Days of Fires
September 25: Boxes 31, 21 3:47 PM Pope Mill, Jay Street Loss $29,200
1886
January 12: Box 14 at 3:10 AM Crosby Buildings, corner of Park Avenue and Crosby Place
April 21: Box 63 at 3:22 AM Greppo Dye works in Riverside
April 21: Box 63 at 3:22 AM Greppo Dye works in Riverside
1887
January 17: Box 72 3:30 PM 90 Washington Street HB Crosby Grocery Store
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Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 5: Box 71 at 6:34 AM R and H Adam's Mill on Van Houten Street
April 23: Box 12 at 2:50 PM Ivanhoe Paper Mill on Spruce Street: boiler explosion
May 12: Box 25 at 11:10 PM Paterson Iron Works
September 7: Box 16 at 2:25 AM Grant Locomotive Works on Market Street
December 2: 6:40 PM Roger's Locomotive Shops Spruce and Oliver Streets
April 23: Box 12 at 2:50 PM Ivanhoe Paper Mill on Spruce Street: boiler explosion
May 12: Box 25 at 11:10 PM Paterson Iron Works
September 7: Box 16 at 2:25 AM Grant Locomotive Works on Market Street
December 2: 6:40 PM Roger's Locomotive Shops Spruce and Oliver Streets
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Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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1888
January 23: at 10:40 AM Roger's L and M Works on Spruce Street
June 28: Box 45 at 2:10 AM Ackerman's Stables on River Street
July 10: Box 14 at 9:11 AM Bell Building at Market St and Ramapo Avenue
October 24: Box 45 at 3:12 AM AR Rutan's Stable on Godwin Street $18,500
June 28: Box 45 at 2:10 AM Ackerman's Stables on River Street
July 10: Box 14 at 9:11 AM Bell Building at Market St and Ramapo Avenue
October 24: Box 45 at 3:12 AM AR Rutan's Stable on Godwin Street $18,500
1889
January 23: Box 17 10:40 AM Roger's L&M works Spruce Street Loss $38,700
March 6: Box 14 at 4:44 AM Ekings block on Market Street $17,182
June 3: Box 243 at 10:20 PM Doherty and Wadsworth at Beech and Essex Streets
June 7: Box 36 at 2:05 AM Ulrich Piano Company
June 28: Box 45 2:10 AM Ackerman's Stables, River Street Loss $8,900
July 24: Box 51 at 8:05 PM Kohlhaas Brothers Gun Mill
October 15: Box 23 at 12:31 PM Peerless Plush Company Franklin and Summer Streets
March 6: Box 14 at 4:44 AM Ekings block on Market Street $17,182
June 3: Box 243 at 10:20 PM Doherty and Wadsworth at Beech and Essex Streets
June 7: Box 36 at 2:05 AM Ulrich Piano Company
June 28: Box 45 2:10 AM Ackerman's Stables, River Street Loss $8,900
July 24: Box 51 at 8:05 PM Kohlhaas Brothers Gun Mill
October 15: Box 23 at 12:31 PM Peerless Plush Company Franklin and Summer Streets
1890
February 8: Box 72 (City Hall) at 1:57 AM Washington Market, northeast corner of Broadway and Fair Streets
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This was the last major fire handled by Paterson's Volunteer department. Below are the Paterson Weekly Press clippings courtesy Jim Eifler Read the columns L to R. The photo and its legend were from a review 2 1/2 years later on November 24, 1912 in the Chronicle - courtesy of Dennis Morrison. |
1887 Sanborn Map
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November 24, 1912 Chronicle - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
The legend with the above photo - typed out below for easier reading.
PHOTO LEGEND: The accompanying photograph taken on the afternoon of February 8, 1890, shows the ruin of old Washington Hall which was destroyed by fire during the forenoon of that day. The Hall was built in 1870 by a stock company formed of Paterson men at a cost of $150,000. It had a frontage of 500 feet on Broadway, extended along the entire depth of Washington street to Fair and also along Fair street at the rear. The company, which erected the building, did so with the intentions of conducting it as a public marketplace. They failed in this, however, and a few months prior to the fire sold out to the Katz brothers for $50,000.
At the time of the fire, Washington Hall was occupied by a number or merchants who had stores om the lowest floor and by the Majestic lodge, who occupied the upper floors. The Board of Trade met in the building and the First Battalion drilled there.
The fire broke out at 1:45 o'clock in the morning and had gained such headway by the time the firemen arrived that they were unable to cope with the flames and their engines were directed to saving adjoining property. The day pf the fire was one of the coldest of the winter and the volunteer firemen who now bark back to the old times, often tell of the intense sufferings of the men handling the hose, owing to the instant freezing of spray and running water on their persons. Washington Market was the last indoor market in Paterson and since that time agitation has been frequent, as it is at the present time, to establish another.
At the time of the fire, Washington Hall was occupied by a number or merchants who had stores om the lowest floor and by the Majestic lodge, who occupied the upper floors. The Board of Trade met in the building and the First Battalion drilled there.
The fire broke out at 1:45 o'clock in the morning and had gained such headway by the time the firemen arrived that they were unable to cope with the flames and their engines were directed to saving adjoining property. The day pf the fire was one of the coldest of the winter and the volunteer firemen who now bark back to the old times, often tell of the intense sufferings of the men handling the hose, owing to the instant freezing of spray and running water on their persons. Washington Market was the last indoor market in Paterson and since that time agitation has been frequent, as it is at the present time, to establish another.
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MARCH 20, 1890: VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT CEASES OPERATION