NOTE: In the early days, fire companies were extremely important as they are today. In the old days with fire places and wood stoves for heat and oil lamps for light fir,es were much more common. All male homeowners were expected to be fire company members, if not active members of the company to at least support the fire company financially.
Early Chester Fire Companies
Chester’s fire department will compare favorably with
that of any other city of its size in the state for efficiency and
equipment. It is composed of three
volunteer companies and the apparatus consists of two steam fire engines, one
Silsby and one LaFrance, three hose carriages and one hook and ladder
truck. The companies own their own
houses and hose, but the city owns the apparatus, and makes an annual
appropriation of $2,000 to each of the three companies.
THE
CHIEF ENGINEERS – Since the organization of the department there have been ten
Chief Engineers as follows:
JOHN H. KERLIN was elected by Council on
August 2, 1869. His first connection
with fire matters was in Philadelphia, where he joined the American Hose. He joined the Franklin Fire Company of this
city on Feb 1, 1869, the same year that he was elected Chief. He is also an old soldier, although still
youthful looking and is the present Recorder of Deeds of Delaware County.
CHARLES A. STORY, JR. was the
next Chief. He was a member of the
Hanley Hose Company. After the
expiration of his term he went west, where he died in the early part of 1890.
JONATHAN KERSHAW, now deceased
was one of the organizers of the Moyamensing Hook and Ladder Company and at one
time a Chief of Police under Mayor Forwood.
GEORGE L. HORNING, at present a
member of Common Council from the Seventh Ward, was elected Chief Engineer on
Aug. 12, 1872, and represented the Franklin Fire Company and the city very
faithfully.
ANDREW J. BAUERS, of the Hanley
Hose Company, was elected Oct. 6, 1873, for three years. He subsequently removed from the city.
JOHN MCGONIGAL of the
Moyamensing Hook and Ladder Company, was elected on Sept. 4, 1876, for a term
of three years.
WILLIAM DOLTON, SR., assumed the
duties of Chief for the first term on Sept. 1, 1879, are served for three
years, making an efficient Chief. Mr.
Dolton is an old fireman and was born at Stanton, Del. on January 26,
1829. He ran with the Wasby’s of
Wilmington for two years and left that city in 1848 for Philadelphia, where he
joined the United States Engine Company in 1850 and ran with it until
1852. He came to Chester and with “Uncle
Benny” Welser and John L. Pennell helped to organize the Franklin Fire Company.
WILLIAM EWING of the Hanley Hose
Company, succeeded Mr. Dolton for three years as Chief, going into office on
Sept. 4, 1882. Mr. Dolton was again
elected to the position on Oct. 19. 1885, but resigned on account of a little
unpleasantness between the city and the department.
THOMAS HARGREAVES of the
Moyamensing Hook and Ladder Company was elected on Nov.2, 1885. He is now manager of the grand Opera House.
ANDREW J. MCCLURE, the present
Chief, is a member of the Franklin Fire Company. He is an old fireman, having run with the
Harmony Big Six in Philadelphia. He
joined the Franklin in 1878 and served as Assistant Engineer for two
years. He was elected Chief Engineer in
July, 1888, and since held the position, having been appointed by Mayor Coates
and confirmed by Select Council under the provisions of the new city charter.
FRANKLIN FIRE COMPANY – This Company
was organized Nov. 30, 1867, and chartered March 2, 1869. The present lot on Concord Avenue, between
Second and Third Streets, was purchased and a two-story brick house, 50 x 25
feet, was erected. The company now
occupies a three-story brick building, handsomely furnished and provided with
all the latest improved fire apparatus and appliances. They have a Silsby steam engine which cost
$4,000, two hose carriages (one for parade purposes) and a fine pair of
horses. Benjamin D. Ayars, Jr. is
President.
HANLEY HOSE COMPANY – The Hanley
Hose Company, No. 1, was organized in the latter part of 1868. They own the lot on Fifth Street, opposite
the armory, on which stands a substantial three-story brick building which is
elegantly furnished and completely equipped.
The company have a costly LaFrance steamer, two hose carriage, and two
horses. Joseph H. Hinkson Esq.,
President.
HOOK AND LADDER COMPANY – The
Moyamensing Hook and Ladder Company was organized April 7, 1869, and
incorporated April 1, 1870. They occupy
a two-story brick building on Broad Street near Upland, owned by themselves,
and have an improved Hayes extension ladder truck, a hose carriage for parade,
and have two large and strong gray horses.
James R. Bagshaw, President.
INSURANCE PATROL – The Chester
Insurance Patrol was organized Nov. 8, 1888, but is at present used for police
patrol purposes. The president is
Stephen L. Armour.
FELTON FIRE COMPANY – The Felton
Fire Company is a South Chester organization, but it responds to all alarms of
fire in the city, and has done much very valuable service in the past, “filling
the breach” upon many occasions. The
company was organized Nov. 1, 1882, and chartered Dec. 27, 1882. A lot was bought on Third Street, below
Morton, and a two story brick house was erected thereon. The apparatus consists of an Amoskeag steam
engine with a record of 333 feet, a hose carriage and two horses. Gasoway O. Yarnall is the President.
THE GOOD WILL – The Good Will
Hose Company, at one time flourishing fire organization, but long since
defunct, was revived a couple of weeks ago in the Second Ward, and a hose
carriage procured. It has not yet been
accepted as part of the department but will be there long. William L. Bagshaw is president.
SMALL FIRE RECORD – This city has
been fortunately free from disastrous fires.
At times not even an alarm has been sounded for months and in the
majority of instances where buildings became ablaze the flames have been easily
subdued by the firemen without damage to surrounding property. The greatest disasters that have occurred by
fire within the past ten years were in February, 1882, and only a few hours
intervened between each. The first was
the total destruction of the Pennsylvania Military Academy on the evening of
the 16th. On the morning of
the 17th the old Porter mansion, on Welsh Street, below Second, used
as a manufactory of fireworks, was discovered to be on fire. Before the flames could be extinguished two
separate explosions occurred, scattering brick, stone and timber in every
direction and killing and wounding a large number of firemen and citizens. William Dolton, Sr. was Chief Engineer at the
time and was seriously injured. He was
laid up for several weeks, and, although still living, he has not fully
recovered from the injuries then sustained.
I'm the president of the Delaware County Historic Preservation Network but I would be lost without Kate Clifford. Kate works for the planning department and does tons of work behind the scenes. She puts together this upcoming newsletter and event newsletter every month. Thanks Kate!!!
DCHPN Monthly E-Newsletter |
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Happy Independence Day! Check out all these events happening this month. Historic Sites are reopening! Read the announcements below for important information. |
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Please check the websites for updated information before attending and be safe! * Indicates a free event. Some events require pre-registration and close when full. The list includes events in the surrounding areas as well. If you have an event you would like on this list on future e-newsletters, please submit by the end of the month to dchpn_planning@yahoo.com. |
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Preservation Alliance Architecture Walking Tours May 29, 10:00 AM – Oct 31, 4:00 PM
Various locations- check website
Architecture Tours are back, from May through October. 10 am on Saturdays and 2 pm on Sundays (and some Wednesdays at 6 pm) at various locations. Check the website for updated dates, times, and tours. $10 members, $15 non-members
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4th of July Celebrations at Colonial PA Plantation Jul 03, 11:00 AM – Jul 04, 3:00 PM
Colonial PA Plantation, 3900 N Sandy Flash Dr, Newtown Square, PA 19073
Enjoy a picnic at the farm and celebrate our nation's birthday by hearing the Declaration of Independence and witnessing the crowd’s reaction. Watch the colonials make a demonstration against the king by burning him in effigy. See the loyalist reaction to this treasonous act. $6-10
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Battle of Gettysburg Walking Tour Jul 03, 12:00 PM
Laurel Hill Cemetery Gatehouse, 3822 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19132
Many prominent Philadelphians were engaged at Gettysburg, some losing their lives for the nation. The tour will highlight them and others who played important roles in the battle and who likewise lie under Laurel Hill’s perpetual care. $7.50-15
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*July 4th at Cliveden Jul 04, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Cliveden, 6401 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144
Cliveden’s grounds will be open from 10am to 2pm on July 4th!
Bring a picnic and enjoy our grounds, view our new reader rails, and learn about Cliveden’s history. Masks and social distancing are required.
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Independence Day Celebration: Living History Day Jul 04, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Washington Crossing Park, 1112 River Rd, Washington Crossing, PA 18977
At Washington Crossing Historic Park, you can watch living historians demonstrate their crafts, tour the buildings in the Historic Village, and see a military encampment. Readings of the Declaration of Independence throughout the day. $4-8
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THEN AND NOW Monuments, Memorials and Public Art Jul 07, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Online- registration required
As symbols of collective memory, monuments and memorials have had very different meanings. With the onset of a powerful public awakening regarding what and whom we choose to honor, artists and public art are uniquely positioned to reflect and reveal our society and our times. $5
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This Used to Be Philadelphia (Virtual Event) Jul 07, 6:00 PM
Online- registration required
Author Natalie Pompilio discusses her latest book, This Used to Be Philadelphia. It covers the city’s first residents, the Lenni Lenape, and the tireless workers who made this “the Workshop of the World.” You’ll never look at an old building in Philadelphia the same way again. $0-5
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Hot Spots and Storied Plots- Walking Tour Jul 10, 10:00 AM
Laurel Hill Cemetery Gatehouse, 3822 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19132
This tour provides an informative overview of Laurel Hill’s long history, which includes many of the marble masterpieces, stunning views, and legendary stories that afford the cemetery its WOW factor. $6-12
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Summer Paper Making Series Jul 10, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Historic Rittenhousetown Barn, 211 Lincoln Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19144
In this workshop you will learn the basics of papermaking while also experimenting with combining different materials to create unique pieces of art. $20
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Wayne Architectural Bike Tour Jul 10, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Finley House, 113 W Beechtree Ln, Wayne, PA 19087
Join us to learn about the extraordinary history of this small town in the heart of the Main Line, home to architectural works by some of Philadelphia’s biggest names. Horace Trumbauer, William L. Price, and even Louis Kahn designed buildings in Wayne early in their careers. $15-20
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Tweens, Tots, and Storied Plots: A Tour of Laurel Hill Just for Kids! Jul 11, 10:00 AM
Laurel Hill Cemetery Gatehouse, 3822 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19132
Circuses! Selfies! And…Mummy Parties! Oh, My! The history of Philadelphia isn’t just for grownups! Join us on a tour of Laurel Hill Cemetery for kids and learn about some of the neat, weird, and occasionally gooey stories of Laurel Hill’s permanent residents! $7.50-15
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Nature Time-Bees & Insects Jul 11, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Colonial PA Plantation, 3900 N Sandy Flash Dr, Newtown Square, PA 19073 We will discuss what an insect is and why they are so important. We will also discuss the difference between beneficial and non beneficial insects as well as native and non native insects. There will be hands on activities and a visit to the Plantation’s bee hives with master beekeeper Warren Graham | | |
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*History Talk: Party Like It's 1976! Jul 13, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Nitre Hall upper driveway stage, 1682 Karakung Dr, Havertown, PA 19083
As we prepare for the country's 250th birthday, join local historian Jim Segrave-Daly to discuss how Philadelphia & Delaware County celebrated America's bicentennial. Bring your own chair. Will be recorded.
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Abraham Lincoln, The Quakers, and Civil War Jul 14, 6:00 PM
Arch Street Meeting House, 320 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
William Kashatus will discuss the influence of Quaker belief and practice on President Lincoln’s decision-making during the Civil War. Kashatus will show how Lincoln skillfully navigated a relationship with one of the most vocal and politically active religious groups of the 19th century. $1-5
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*Virtual Tour of American Swedish Historical Museum Jul 15, 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
Zoom- registration required
Founded in 1926, the American Swedish Historical Museum in South Philadelphia is the oldest Swedish museum in the United States. The museum boasts 12 galleries. Join the museum for a virtual tour and Q&A.
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*Learn at Lunchtime- Artifact Legends from the State Museum Jul 16, 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM
Zoom- registration required
The State Museum collection includes an incredible array of artifacts with fantastic legends attached to them. Join Program Director Bradley Smith as he discusses research findings which are shedding new light on the veracity of several prominent artifact legends from our collections.
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Sunset Summer Series: Chinatown Food Tour & Film Screening Jul 16, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Chinatown Arch- Arch & 10th, Arch St, Philadelphia, PA
From 6-7:30, go on a food tour of Chinatown. $5 because of food samples. Start at Chinatown Arch and end at Rail Park. 8 pm watch a short film festival at the Rail Park. Free
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South Street Safari Jul 22, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, 1020 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Go on a scavenger hunt to find animals in the many local mosaic murals! Be the first group to find them all! Printable version available the next day. Proceeds benefit Morris Animal Rescue. $5-15
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H2 OH! Waterpower Walking Tour Jul 25, 11:00 AM
Hagley Museum, 200 Hagley Creek Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807
In the H2 Oh! walking tour, visitors discover the evolution of waterpower at Hagley from the water wheel to modern waterpower and how the DuPont Company harnessed the power of the Brandywine to make black powder for over 120 years.
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Story Time-John, Paul, George & Ben Jul 25, 7:00 PM
Colonial PA Plantation, 3900 N Sandy Flash Dr, Newtown Square, PA 19073
We will be reading from a children's book, the children will then do a hands on activity, go on a behind the scenes farm tour and then you are welcome to picnic in our grove! $6-10
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*Becoming American: Jewish Immigration in the Early 20th Century Jul 28, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Zoom- registration required
Help us welcome the National Museum of Jewish American History as they present their program "Becoming American: Jewish Immigration in the Early 20th Century"! Experience how historians and museum staff interpret material culture and tell stories.
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Defending the Delaware: A Special Two-Part Event- Part 1 Jul 28, 6:00 PM
Online- registration required
Explore the fascinating history of how the Delaware was fortified during the Revolution and help to build a replica of one of the defenses. Part 1- learn more about Robert Smith and how chevaux de frise were used to fortify the Delaware during the Revolution. $5-10
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*18 Tiny Deaths: The Untold Story of Frances Glessner Lee and the Invention of Modern Forensics Jul 29, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Zoom- registration required
Join us as we welcome award-winning writer Bruce Goldfarb who will share the story of Frances Glessner Lee, the mother of forensic science. She is known for creating 20 dioramas in miniature of actual crime scenes that were used to train homicide investigators.
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*Learn at Lunchtime- Treasures from the Vault Jul 30, 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM
Zoom- registration required
Join us for an insider’s view of fascinating artifacts with State Museum Program Director Brad Smith and curators.
Presentations will start at 12:15 PM and will last approximately 20 minutes followed by a question and answer period.
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*History at Work Jul 31, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Newlin Grist Mill, 219 Cheyney Rd, Glen Mills, PA 19342
Get a closer look at trades of the eighteenth century in Newlin’s “History at Work” series. Members of Newlin Grist Mill’s staff, volunteers, and outside artisans will demonstrate their crafts and talk with visitors about how different trades and skills were integral to life in colonial Pennsylvania
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Summer Paper Making Series Jul 31, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Historic Rittenhousetown Barn, 211 Lincoln Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19144
In this workshop, you will learn how to process different types of plants into usable material, which parts of those plants work the best, and the basics of papermaking to create unique and usable paper. $20
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Delco Heritage Tourism If you are with a Delaware County Historical Organization, you may have received a survey by the Heritage Tourism Task Force about Heritage Tourism in Delaware County. This survey is for all organizations that host events and/or have sites to visit so that Visit Delco, PA can help promote your group, including free marketing materials and photos. Please fill it out as soon as you can. https://arcg.is/1Knzim is the link to the survey. Fill out one survey per site and/or organization (so if you are responsible for two sites, fill it out twice). Thanks! Open Houses starting! See the list below for current open houses this summer. If you have tours and open houses for your historic sites at any time in the next few months, please email dchpn_planning@yahoo.com to get on the next e-blast to promote your site. America 250 PA Delco- new name! The America 250 PA Delco Committee is forming to help celebrate America's 250th Birthday in 2026 with events, programs and celebrations from 2021 onwards. To be consistent with the state commission America250PA, we are now America250PADelco. Follow us on social media: Facebook Twitter Instagram Website to come soon What Kind of Preservationist Are You? Take the quiz to find out! https://www.riddle.com/showcase/172504/personality-test America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places List Each year, America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places sheds light on important examples of our nation’s heritage that are at risk of destruction or irreparable damage. More than 300 places have been listed in its 34-year history, and in that time, fewer than 5 percent of listed sites have been lost. Most of these places just need petitions signed, so help them out! https://savingplaces.org/stories/11-most-endangered-historic-places-2021 |
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Delaware County Historical Society Tuesdays-Thursdays 10am-4pm 408 Avenue of the States, Chester, 19013 https://www.padelcohistory.org/ Nitre Hall- Haverford Twp June 27, July 25, Aug 29, 12-3 pm 1682 Karakung Drive, Havertown, 19083 https://haverfordhistoricalsociety.org/ Morton Morton House- Norwood Borough Sundays 1-4 pm, June-Sept 517 E. Winona Ave, Norwood, 19074 http://www.norwoodpahistorical.org/ Lower Swedish Cabin- Upper Darby Twp Sundays 1-4 pm, May-October 9 Creek Road, Drexel Hill, 19026 https://swedishcabin.info/ |
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Interested in history and learning more about Delaware County, Historic Preservation and your local area? Check out the DCHPN website! If you are interested in being involved in the website and these e-newsletters, email dchpn_planning@yahoo.com |
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