Pontiac Fifty Years Ago

Pontiac Fifty Years Ago

Half a century ago Pontiac, Mich., had what would now be called a mere apology for a fire department. Still some means of fire protection, however crude, existed that was a considerable degree above the accustomed bucket brigade of these days. Much protection was hardly needed as the population was hardly 4,000. Early in the §0’s, however, a department had assumed definite shape and was under the command of David Swan, who died in 1864 and was succeeded by Chief Allan. The equipment consisted of an old hand-engine and two 2-wheeled hose carts, all hauled by hand. As to the means of feeding the engine there was none except such as was afforded by the nearest well or the river. To one of the sources the engine was drawn up and the men did the pumping. Whatever was deficient in the line of pressure or water was supplied by an extemporised bucket brigade as often as not “manned” by women and girls. Coder such conditions it was a kind of chance whether the buildings in which the fire started was saved or not. As wooden structures were in the majority and as the "firemen” had first to he summoned by hell or word of mouth and then to get the apparatus out and haul it by hand, it was wonderful that general conflagrations did not ensue at such times. Chief Allan was succeeded by Andrew Hershand, but it was not till J. T. Foster became chief that an approach to modern equipment or a regular fire department was installed. A new engine, a steamer— now the old John T. Foster engine, still to the fore—was bought. It was too heavy to be hauled b - hand and arrangements were made for the services of a team when the emergency called for it. Chief Foster was succeeded by his son George, and he by Chiefs Turk, Shaw, Toynton and Austin—the present chief. Under Chief I urk the growth of the fire denartment kept pace with that of the town, which was rapid. During his regime, also, were well fought the North & Hamilton factory fire and the Beaudett fires, the largest with which the town had been visited. To-day the city department boasts automobile apparatus, a big auto fire truck of the American-La France make, with a speed capacity of 65 miles an hour, although the usual rate is from 32 to 40 miles. The capacity of the chemical tank is 40 gallons, and there are carried besides 1,200 feet of hose and two ladders. Instead of the old, precarious, haphazard method of calling out the department there is also an electric and a te’ephone fire alarm system, and as a supplementary means of protection a modern aerial truck with a 55-foot extension ladder. The firemen are quartered in a handsome, well-arranged building, suitably furnished with every necessary and having besides a bathroom with shower baths and a pool table and phonograph. Instead of the old ramshackle tool house, in which the John T. Foster engine was she’tered, the equipment is suitably housed. As to the chief and the men: They work well together, so that with the present valuable property to protect, a well equipped and well trained fire department, and an adequate waterworks system, Pontiac is amply protected against fire.

Half a century ago Pontiac, Mich., had what would now be called a mere apology for a fire department. Still some means of fire protection, however crude, existed that was a considerable degree above the accustomed bucket brigade of these days. Much protection was hardly needed as the population was hardly 4,000. Early in the §0’s, however, a department had assumed definite shape and was under the command of David Swan, who died in 1864 and was succeeded by Chief Allan. The equipment consisted of an old hand-engine and two 2-wheeled hose carts, all hauled by hand. As to the means of feeding the engine there was none except such as was afforded by the nearest well or the river. To one of the sources the engine was drawn up and the men did the pumping. Whatever was deficient in the line of pressure or water was supplied by an extemporised bucket brigade as often as not “manned” by women and girls. Coder such conditions it was a kind of chance whether the buildings in which the fire started was saved or not. As wooden structures were in the majority and as the "firemen” had first to he summoned by hell or word of mouth and then to get the apparatus out and haul it by hand, it was wonderful that general conflagrations did not ensue at such times. Chief Allan was succeeded by Andrew Hershand, but it was not till J. T. Foster became chief that an approach to modern equipment or a regular fire department was installed. A new engine, a steamer— now the old John T. Foster engine, still to the fore—was bought. It was too heavy to be hauled b - hand and arrangements were made for the services of a team when the emergency called for it. Chief Foster was succeeded by his son George, and he by Chiefs Turk, Shaw, Toynton and Austin—the present chief. Under Chief I urk the growth of the fire denartment kept pace with that of the town, which was rapid. During his regime, also, were well fought the North & Hamilton factory fire and the Beaudett fires, the largest with which the town had been visited. To-day the city department boasts automobile apparatus, a big auto fire truck of the American-La France make, with a speed capacity of 65 miles an hour, although the usual rate is from 32 to 40 miles. The capacity of the chemical tank is 40 gallons, and there are carried besides 1,200 feet of hose and two ladders. Instead of the old, precarious, haphazard method of calling out the department there is also an electric and a te’ephone fire alarm system, and as a supplementary means of protection a modern aerial truck with a 55-foot extension ladder. The firemen are quartered in a handsome, well-arranged building, suitably furnished with every necessary and having besides a bathroom with shower baths and a pool table and phonograph. Instead of the old ramshackle tool house, in which the John T. Foster engine was she’tered, the equipment is suitably housed. As to the chief and the men: They work well together, so that with the present valuable property to protect, a well equipped and well trained fire department, and an adequate waterworks system, Pontiac is amply protected against fire.