Rapid Hook and Ladder 3
The first break into the volunteer system was the disbanding of the three hose companies in 1888 and the formation of a new truck company known as Rapid Hook & Ladder No. 3, which was located in the rebuilt (after a fire) previous quarters of Cataract Hose No. 2 at Godwin Ave and Auburn Street.
Mr. Nathaniel Quackenbush and one other were the originators of the idea of having a truck company to succeed Cataract Hose Co., whose house and apparatus were burned on the night of November 9, 1888. Mr Quackenbush was elected secretary of that company (which was known as Rapid H. & L. Co. No. 3) when it was organized, and held that office until he was appointed a call man of Truck No. 3 when the department was changed to a paid system in March of 1890.
November 1888: Notices published in newspapers
Courtesy Jim Eifler
Courtesy Jim Eifler
February 1889: Notices published in newspapers
Courtesy Jim Eifler
February 15, 1889: Fire Committee recognizes Rapid Truck Company
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February 16 Paterson Press
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February 19, 1889: Aldermen recognize Rapid Hook and Ladder 3
Courtesy Jim Eifler
April 23, 1889: Fire Committee Meeting: In anticipation of a transfer, Hook and Ladder Truck of Eagle 1 was brought to Godwin Street Firehouse but it was too big to operate there.
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
April 23 Paterson Daily Press
May 5, 1889: Rapid 3 FF request to be added to PFD rolls was granted
Courtesy Jim Eifler
May 30, 1889: Members of Cataract 2 apply for Rapid 3 - Purchase of 75' aerial ladder truck from the Fire Extinguisher Manufacturing Company signed ($3200)
May 7, 1889: Rapid 3 sends in names of their incorporators to City Clerk
Paterson Daily Press
June 1889: Members of Cataract 2 accepted by Aldermen's committee for Rapid 3
Courtesy Jim Eifler
July 25, 1889: Alderman meeting Morning Call - Note mention of Rapid Hook and Ladder 3 which was allotted a budget for two horses, a set of double harnesses and other paraphernalia and two salaries
September 16, 1889: New Babcock aerial truck received and assembled at Godwin Avenue quarters of Rapid 3 and then transferred to become Truck 1 at the Jackson Street Firehouse. The old ladder Truck used by Eagle 1, was given to Rapid 3 (and quartered at Godwin Ave)
Courtesy Jim Eifler
Rapid 3 used the apparatus previously operated by Eagle Hook and Ladder No. 1 which was built by E. Y. Leverich in 1881. It carried one 65-foot extension, one 38-foot, one 30-foot, one 26-foot, two 24-foot, one 18-foot, one 12-foot roof ladder ; two 5-gallon extinguishers, poles, hooks, ropes, etc.
November 5 Paterson Daily Press
Rapid H&L 3 in 1889. Tillerman is Nelson C Norris (formerly of Cataract Hose 2)
November 30, 1889:
March 20, 1890: Rapid 3 after its very brief existence in the Volunteer Department became Truck Company 3 when the partially paid "Call System" department began
April 14, 1890: reporting of officer's election
