Evanston Fire Department history – Part 2
As I sit here reflecting on the rich history of the Evanston Fire Department (EFD), I can't help but think about how much these early days shaped the foundation of what we know today. Phil Stenholm shared some fascinating insights into the early challenges and triumphs of the department, starting with the devastating fire at the First Presbyterian Church on May 2, 1875. It was a morning blaze that despite the firefighters' quick response, resulted in the loss of the structure due to a miscommunication mix-up. Firefighters mistakenly believed they were receiving confirmation from the Waterworks engineer when they heard what they thought was an acknowledgment, but it turned out to be a train whistle from the nearby C&NW RR line. By the time a messenger was dispatched on horseback, it was too late—the church was already destroyed.
Following this incident, the village sought to improve communication. A telegraph connection was established between the village hall and the Waterworks in late May 1875, which was later upgraded to telephone lines in the 1880s. However, despite these advancements, communication mishaps continued to plague the EFD, as seen in subsequent fires like the one at the First Presbyterian Church.
The official establishment of the EFD came on May 25, 1875, following an ordinance that was published in the local newspaper on May 29. Yet, the roots of the fire department trace back to January 7, 1873, when the Village Board of Trustees officially accepted the Pioneer Fire Company for service.
In January 1875, the C. J. Gilbert Hose Company was formed and after six months of assessment, was accepted for service in August 1875. This marked the beginning of Evanston's two volunteer hose companies: Pioneer Hose Company No. 1 and the Gilbert Hose Company. Each company was equipped with hand-drawn hose carts, 1000 feet of hose, and essential firefighting tools.
Pioneer Hose Company No. 1 quickly earned a reputation as one of the top hose companies in Illinois. Their uniforms were striking, featuring navy blue caps, red flannel shirts adorned with black trim and a number "1" on the front, along with black belts trimmed in white. They often competed in state musters and were favored by the Village Board, which frequently appointed their foremen as Fire Marshals. In contrast, the Gilbert Hose Company, formed by a group of former Pioneer members, didn't partake in state competitions and lacked the same level of resources or recognition.
Despite their differences, the two companies maintained a friendly rivalry. They would engage in playful water fights after extinguishing a fire and raced each other to be the first to arrive and put out the flames. However, this rivalry occasionally led to tension when the Village Board favored one company over the other, such as allocating new equipment exclusively to the Pioneers.
One memorable night in January 1879, the fire companies faced their biggest challenge yet when they responded to a fire at Dempster Hall, a historic building on the Northwestern University campus. Temperatures were brutally cold, and after three hours of intense effort, the dormitory was gutted. Just a few hours later, they were called to another blaze at the Northwestern Gas Light & Coke Company, where they battled through the night to save the property from total destruction.
Throughout 1879, the EFD dealt with several significant fires, including those at the homes of Professor Kistler and real estate magnate Charles Browne. These incidents highlighted the need for better equipment and resources, prompting the companies to demand improved gear and compensation. Despite some concessions, such as the acquisition of coats, gloves, and boots, tensions ran high, especially when the allocation of these items seemed unfairly distributed.
Ultimately, dissatisfaction reached a breaking point in May 1881 when both companies resigned en masse. This marked the end of the volunteer firefighting era in Evanston, setting the stage for the transition to a professional fire department. Reflecting on these early days, it's clear that the EFD's history is one of resilience, innovation, and the unwavering dedication of its members.
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