San Joaquin

County History

History of San Joaquin County, California with Biographical Sketches - Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, CA - 1923

CHAPTER XI

THE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

        YESTERDAY the big five-ton auto pumps and chemical engines went thundering along the streets at a thirty-mile clip, bells ringing and sirens blowing in response to an alarm of fire. It was the sole business of those firemen to extinguish the flames. Since 1887 we have had a paid fire department. Previous to that time the fire department was composed of volunteers, men who were willing to give their time and money and risk their life in the saving of property from fire. All honor to these men in their heroic work in many a hard-fought battle with the fire fiend; they are as much entitled to honors as the hero on the battlefield. The soldier is fed, clothed and given shelter and a small wage by the Government and goes forth to battle for his country and save the people and their property from destruction; the firemen leaped from his bed at the midnight hour or left his work during a hot summer day, at the alarm of fire, to battle with the flames and save property and perhaps life. He was only given a small sum of money to take care of the fire apparatus and by some common councils he was even begrudged that amount. As for clothing, many was the time when the firemen ruined their clothes and pocketed the loss. A particularly disastrous fire in that respect was that of the Sperry Flour Mill, Sunday afternoon, April 2, 1882. The firemen were all in their "Sunday best;" no time to make any change of clothing, and many a fireman was out of pocket from ten dollars to fifty dollars. So much for the glory of being a volunteer fireman.

        The volunteers were not only the property savers of the city, but they were the social, intellectual and political leaders as well as firemen; the department was composed of laborers, mechanics, merchants, clerks, attorneys, bankers and judges. They were in some instances officers in secret societies, and on one occasion, Charity lodge of Odd Fellows quickly adjourned at the cry of fire; four of the officers were members of the fire department. In the courts all firemen were exempt from jury duty: this was a state law. As leaders in social life they gave all of the balls, parties, picnics and excursions of that day and they were the events of the season. We will not devote much space to the practical work of the volunteer fire department; the extinguishing a fire as quickly as possible, all-important as it is today such work is commonplace and of no interest to the general public. We will therefore write principally of the social life of the department, its patriotic, competitive and stirring events, some of them not creditable to those engaged; and its benevolent and charitable features.

Preliminary Organization of Department

        Before the city was born the volunteer fire department was organized. At the citizens' mass meeting in the Owens House June 15, 1850, for the preliminary organization of a city government, a committee was appointed comprising George W. Mason, W. T. Shannan, J. W. McKenney and James E. Nuttman, all of them former eastern firemen, to report at an adjourned meeting, a plan of organization of a temporary fire police. At the assemblage June 18, the committee reported, "Having taken into consideration the important subject committed to them, and fully examining every particular connected therewith, find there is not at present in town a single fire engine or any means of arresting the ravages of fire, save by the common water bucket, nor have they been able to procure the requisite amount of money to purchase even the buckets so necessary at present to save the property of the citizens of Stockton, when the awful element is raging in our midst. The committee further recommend that the City of Stockton proceed at once to elect a chief engineer and other officers, subject to the chief engineer, and forthwith organize a company of 100 men who, under the command of said chief engineer, shall have the entire control of the fire department during the continuance of a fire. The committee would also recommend that a committee be appointed for the purpose of soliciting subscriptions from the citizens of the town to purchase at once, hooks and ladders, with the necessary apparatus to be placed in charge of the fire department, convenient for their invaluable services in case of fire. The committee believe and are of the opinion that by their early fulfillment and execution much good will result to the citizens of this place and the evils consequent upon the calamitous ravages of fire, will be in part, if not entirely curtailed and zealous action is most earnestly invoked in this matter." Eight days later the citizens met in the same place as at the previous meeting, and the requisite number of persons having been obtained they proceeded to start the organization of a fire department by electing a set of officers, J. E. Nuttman, chief engineer, Asa C. Bradford, first assistant engineer, and Emil Judge, secretary.

First Hook and Ladder Truck

        Following out the recommendation of the committee there seems to have been formed what was called a Hook & Ladder company, for in August, 1850, great praise was given "to the patriotic enthusiasm of the management of the Hook & Ladder company for their zeal and activity in forwarding the preliminary arrangements to obtain the subscriptions. They are all paid and the apparatus is present." What that apparatus was we are left to conjecture. Probably a two-wheeled truck made to carry the implements quickly to a fire. In October, 1850, George Buffum notified the council that the hooks and ladders were ready for use, and given in charge of the street commissioner they were housed on the Court House Square. When the engine house was built on Weber Avenue, near El Dorado Street, for the Weber engine company, the Hooks were there placed. Two months later the Webers complained to the council that there was not enough room, and the Hooks were removed to Center Street, where they were placed in the rear of a coffee stand near Center and Levee, and in the fire of May 5, 1851, they were burned up.

        That was Stockton's most disastrous fire in more ways than one, as catching fire from the shavings made in the erection of a hotel, it burned over more ground, destroyed more valuable property than any succeeding fire, and badly crippled the fire department, what there was of it, by burning most of the fire hose and badly injuring the fire engine, because improperly handled. Chief Engineer Nuttman and many of the firemen had gone to San Francisco to see the ruins of the big fire at that place a few days previous and amateurs, taking out the Weber engine to play water on the flames, the fire caught them between two buildings and nearly destroyed the machine.

The Weber Bucket Company

        The Weber Engine No. 1 was at that time an organized company, claiming an organization since July 4, 1850; so reads the granite stone set in the front wall of their old engine house on the Peninsula. The date of their organization was always a disputed point between them and the Hook and Ladder company, because of the fact that the oldest company always had the place of honor the lead of every parade. The Webers claimed that date because of the fact, that at the great fire of December, 1849, a large number of citizens running to the fire with buckets formed two long lines from the channel to the fire. One side passed along full pails of water, the opposite side returned the buckets to the water to be refilled. Then they called this the Weber Bucket Brigade and organized their company. They made this bluff work as the Hook and Ladder company was the meekest and mildest body of men in the department.

Organization of Weber Engine Company

        The common council were informed in January, 1851, by many of the citizens, that if they would purchase an engine a fire company would immediately be organized. Captain Weber, then a member of the council, stated that anticipating the necessity of a fire engine he had obtained one in good order for immediate use. He offered to let the council have the machine at cost price, $3,799, payments to be made in three, five and six month installments. The council immediately accepted his proposition and January 29, 1851, Major Hammond, as Weber's agent, was instructed to deliver the engine to the chief of the fire department, James E. Nuttman. In the meantime some thirty citizens, men who formerly were firemen in the Eastern States, organized a company, in honor of Stockton's founder they adopted the name of Weber Engine Company No. 1 and elected the following officers, James E. Nuttman, chief engineer, W. H. Brown, first assistant engineer, William Adee, foreman, P. Q. Brown, first assistant foreman, E. B. Veeland, secretary, John W. Lewis, treasurer, and William H. Ward, steward. Young and full of energy, they celebrated the event March 1 with a festival, and a representative of the press was on hand for he wrote three days later, "We have seldom been more pleased than we were on Saturday last at the festival of the Weber company which took place in commemoration of the beginning of the company. It was a brilliant affair in every way worthy of the occasion. The meeting took place at 5 o'clock at the engine house and they marched to the New York Hotel, where the best dinner we ever sat down to was spread. Every delicacy of the season was upon the table, and a bottle of champagne by the side of each plate. The dinner was given at the expense of the company. Patriotic speeches, toasts and songs were the order of the day and 'all went merry as a marriage bell.' " Their first fire occurred March 6, in a tent on the peninsula, "and the company played on the flames with their beautiful engine and saved the office of Major Hammond. The necessity of another engine was obvious to every person who witnessed the conflagration."

        The organization of a second fire engine company was brought about in a curious manner. As stated, in the fire of May 5, 1851, all of the hose of the Weber engine was destroyed and the machine badly damaged. The engine was repaired, but without hose the engine was worthless. The company petitioned the council for fire hose. Their request was not heeded until they threatened to disband. Then the council sent the chief engineer to San Francisco to purchase 500 feet of fire hose. The hose was scarcer than gold, and hose could not be purchased unless you bought with it the fire engine. Then the council bought of the firm of Davis & Smith, a fire engine, the "piano" make, fire hose and hooks and ladders for $6,000. They had to take the entire outfit to get that hose, and as the hooks were a little short, the firm threw in 500 extra feet of fire hose. The engine was delivered to the city in August, 1851, and given to the Webers for their use.

Protection No. 1 Organized

        After the May, 1851 fire the citizens were cautioned to be more guarded in their domestic use of the destructive element and to subscribe the necessary funds for a hook and ladder company. Several meetings were held with that object in view and November 15, 1859, C. O. Burton, at one time foreman of the company, told of its organization on that date. The meeting was held in Brown & Carlisle store on the spot where stood Scott's saddlery, (Main Street, north side, just below El Dorado). At the meeting James W. Underhill was chairman and George H. Sanderson secretary. In those days the company met at the stores of the different members, as there was no accommodations for warmth in the truck house, which was nearly opposite the Republican office (same block further west). "The truck was bought by the city from Davis & Smith, together with a little 'one-horse' red engine at a cost of $4,000. The truck of course has been greatly improved. The company was organized with twenty-eight members."

Reorganization of Weber Company

        Things worked smoothly and harmoniously in the Weber Engine Company until the latter part of May, 1853. At that time there seems to have been an election of officers. The company was composed of Boston, New York and Baltimore firemen, young men who had "run mit de machine" in those cities. The chief engineer had been a New York fireman, Ned Colt was a Baltimorian, and Henry Chanfrau was a Bostonian. They had assembled at the Angelo House for the purpose of reorganizing the company. The New Yorkers wanted James Lynch as foreman of the reorganized company, but the Bostonians had selected Henry Chanfrau as their leader. They had the majority of votes and the following. officers were elected, Henry Chanfrau, foreman; F. E. Pacey, first assistant; James Goodman, second

assistant; John Utter, secretary and Edwin W. Colt, treasurer. The company then adopted a uniform of blue shirts trimmed with white, black trousers, black belts and blue tarpaulin hats. This uniform was not changed during their existence, except the hat for which the regular stiff leather fire hat was later substituted.

Eureka Company

        The New Yorkers were much discomfited because of their defeat and nineteen of the Webers seceded, and assembling in the Angelo House two days later, June 2, organized the Eureka Company. They found as members the liveliest men in the city and before many years elapsed they found themselves one of the most popular engine companies in the state. After selecting their name they completed their organization by electing the following officers; James Lynch, foreman, Wm. B. Clark, fire assistant, Elbert Weeks, secretary and D. S. Clark, treasurer. Having completed their organization, they asked the council for the new engine that was in use by the Weber Company. This was refused them and they consented to use the pioneer machine on condition that they should have the next new engine bought by the city. In the latter part of 1853 the council set aside $4,000 for a new fine engine, and a few weeks later the council heard of an engine on sale in San Francisco. It was what was known as a Hanneman end-stroke tub engine. It was brought to the coast for Los Angeles, but the little pueblo was unable to pay for it. Chief Engineer Colt was sent to San Francisco and purchased the engine at a cost of $4,500, city script. On arrival of the machine the entire fire department turned out, and preceded by the Coggeshal brass band, they marched to the wharf. The firemen manned the ropes, and hauling the new engine to the corner of Main and Center streets, tested her water-throwing power. The new machine was turned over to the Weber Company and the Eurekas took the piano engine.

        The Hanneman machine was housed in a two-story brick building on Channel Street near Hunter, the lot being donated by Captain Weber. Their former engine house had been a wooden structure on the Levee where now stands the Hotel Stockton. The Hook and Ladder Company occupied the same house, but the Hooks were later located on Market Street. Where the Eureka was housed we do not know, but in 1854, a neat two-story building, costing $11,450, was erected on Hunter Street for the use of the Eurekas and the Protection Hook and Ladder. The second story was handsomely fitted up by the companies, and on the eve of Washington's birthday the Eurekas gave a house-warming to all of their brother firemen and friends. It was said to be "the greatest event of the city, tables were spread with every luxury upstairs and down, and champagne flowed freely. The members spared no expense and the invited guests comprised our best citizens."

        In the last month of the year the Eurekas were again made happy because of the arrival of their splendid second-class Smith engine, a machine that proved to be, in their hands, the best second-class machine on the Pacific Coast. The machine had been ordered by the council of the Button & Smith Fire Engine Company, of New York, at a cost of $1,500. Shipped around Cape Horn, it arrived at San Francisco on the clipper ship Phantom late in December, '54. The engine arrived in Stockton December 28, on the steamer Cornelia, and that evening "the ceremony of receiving the new engine was the occasion of a gallant demonstration on the part of our firemen." A procession was formed and preceded by a band they again marched to the Levee and manning the engine ropes, they paraded through the principal streets, then back to the cistern, corner of Main and Center, where the throwing power of the machine was tested. Although new and working stiff, the company were well pleased with her first performance as she threw a solid stream of water seventy-five feet through the open "butt" hose and a seven-eighth inch nozzle "pipe," thirty feet higher than the flagstaff.

San Joaquin Company

        Soon after the Eureka was well settled a new fire company, the San Joaquin, was organized March 12, 1855, with George Schultz as foreman. The company numbered twenty-eight men, mostly Germans, and they adopted as their uniform gray shirts, black trousers, glazed caps and black belts with the name of the company inscribed thereon. Later they adopted red shirts and in time all of the companies had fire hats. The old piano machine formerly used by No. 2 was turned over to them and it was housed in a shack of a building where now stands the Chamber of Commerce rooms on Weber Avenue. During the following year the city fathers, for $300, secured a lot two blocks east where now the present chemical engine is located and a two-story brick building was erected. This was the only company that had the proud distinction of having an alarm bell. It was purchased by subscription at a cost of $250, the German ladies donating fifty dollars of that amount from the proceeds of a ball. A bell tower was erected on the engine house and the bell installed. Alas, in loud clear tones it ne'er rang out for the bell was cracked. The company used it for several years, when it was supplanted in 1865 by a new bell weighing 480 pounds. When the new engine house, the present structure, was built, 1869, the bell was sold to a Linden church denomination.

        A warm friendship existed between the firemen and the traveling theatrical companies that played in Stockton and this friendship was expressed in gifts and theatre benefits. One of the first companies to play in Stockton was the Chapman family, including their daughter Caroline, a young girl of ten or twelve years of age. In August, 1852, they tendered the firemen a benefit, the proceeds to form a fund for disabled firemen. Two days later, memorial services were held, August 14, in memory of the death of the great statesman Henry Clay. Caroline Chapman on this occasion was the guest of the firemen, riding on the Hook and Ladder truck. This so pleased the young fire fighters that they tendered the Chapmans a benefit in the Corinthian Theater on the Peninsula.

        Two years later in December, 1854, the Stockton Theater was opened under the management of George Ryer, and in January, 1855, he tendered the firemen a benefit, in which Caroline Chapman volunteered her services. It was "one of the most brilliant entertainments they had ever witnessed. The firemen in their uniforms made a splendid appearance as they entered, preceded by the band playing `Hail Columbia.' " At the conclusion of the performance Ryer responded to a curtain call; as he turned to leave the stage he was met by the chief engineer, Edwin Colt, who presented Ryer with a beautiful diamond pin, in the form of a cross, and studded with eleven large diamonds and valued at $600. It was a gift from the firemen and other citizens.

        At the close of the dramatic season, the firemen were again favored with a benefit, and Caroline Chapman again volunteered her services. Mrs. Chapman was called on for a speech, and leaving the stage, she returned immediately bearing in her hands three magnificent silk banners, bearing the inscription of three fire companies Weber, Eureka, and Protection Hook and Ladder, together with the date of their organization and their motto. Chief Engineer Colt received the banners and then called for three cheers for the Chapmans.

Howard Engine Company Visits Stockton

        Another close friendship was that of the Stockton firemen for the firemen of other cities. The Howard Engine Company No. 3 of San Francisco visited Stockton June 19, 1855. It was one of the most notable events of that day, as the Howards were the high-toned engine company of the metropolis, and their foreman, Frank E. R. Whitney, was one of the founders of the Dashaways, a temperance society, and a temperance man, something very unusual firemen. The Howards brought with them their beautiful double-deck engine presented to them by W. D. M. Howard at a cost of $5,000, and the American Brass Band. They were given a cannon salute of fourteen guns at day­light, ten guns when the reception committee received the visitors, and minute guns were fired during the moving of the parade. About 7 o'clock the Howards were welcomed to the city by the reception committee and escorted to the Protection engine house; from there they marched to breakfast at the Weber House. At 8 o'clock there was a firemen's parade, with two bands. At 6 o'clock the entire department marched to I. Zachariah's garden on Park Street, now the asylum grounds, "where they were served with a sumptuous repast by the proprietor. The following day by invitation of Dr. R. K. Reed, the resident physician, the visitors visited the Insane Asylum. The Howards then visited the home of Dr. E. S. Holden where they were entertained and partook of a collation gotten up in the doctor's best style." The third day they returned to San Francisco on the steamer Bragdon, the Stockton department escorted them to the boat, and the Howards from the hurricane deck gave cheer after cheer for Stockton and the ladies. Arriving home late that night they were received by the First California Guard and the entire fire department of 700 firemen and escorted to their engine house. Chief Engineer Colt spared neither time nor money in entertaining the San Francisco firemen. Remembering this, a short time afterward, the company sent Chief Colt a fine fire hat valued at forty-five dollars, appropriately inscribed on the visor. On every parade Colt wore this hat, and of handsome features, commanding appearance, wearing his heavy white coat and carrying his silver speaking trumpet, he was the observed of all observers.

Eurekas Make Return Visit

        Early in June, 1856, the Howards invited the Eurekas to be their guests. The Stockton firemen accepted the invitation for July 4th, as the common council had refused to appropriate any money towards a celebration here. Early in the afternoon of July 3rd the company, fifty-five in number, led by Condy's Cornet Band and escorted to the steamer by their brother firemen, were cheered all along the streets, "and their machine was as bright as a new dollar and beautifully decorated with flags, ribbons and flowers."  Arriving at San Francisco, as the steamer neared the Pacific Street wharf, they were welcomed by a cannon salute fired by the French artillery company of the Vigilance Committee. They were received by the entire San Francisco fire department, numbering over 700 men, in full uniform. On landing their machine, four men were detailed from each San Francisco company to man the Eureka's engine, and the firemen paraded the streets for nearly one hour, passing each engine house during the parade. Then entertained by the Howards until 4 o'clock they were permitted to go to bed. Aroused early the following morning, for a fireman is supposed to never grow weary, they were kept going throughout the day, and that evening attended the American Theater. On Saturday the Howards and the Eurekas took the Stockton machine out for a wash, and the company at the brakes played 185 feet through an inch nozzle and 100 feet of hose; the San Francisco firemen then trying their muscle played 181 feet. That afternoon the Eurekas visited the Monumentals, the "big 6," as she was called, on Clay Street hill, the company for which the song, "The Engine House on the Hill" was composed. There a collation was given the visitors, and toasts given and songs sung. That evening the Eurekas were tendered a complimentary banquet at the American Exchange. It was one of the finest banquets ever given in San Francisco, the feast alone costing over $5,000. The bill of fare was printed on the richest of dark blue silk, in ink of pure gold.  The following day, Sunday, they attended the service of the eloquent divine, Rev. Dr. Scott. On the afternoon of June [July] 7 they returned to Stockton, escorted to the steamer Urilda by the fourteen engines and three hook and ladder companies of the metropolis. The firemen declared that they had been treated like royalty. They couldn't spend a dollar, everything was paid for in advance by the Howards.

        The motto of the Stockton firemen was "Where duty calls there we obey," and they believed it their duty not only to extinguish the destructive material fires, but to inspire and encourage the fire of patriotism in every American heart. During their existence they celebrated every natal day by a parade, and every member not in line was heavily fined unless he sent a qualified substitute. The citizens were not so patriotic, and in 1852 there would have been no celebration except for the action of Protection No. 1. Appointing a committee, they solicited subscriptions for a celebration, and finally aroused the do-nothings to action. The day was ushered in by the thunder of cannon from 2 o'clock in the morning until 10 o'clock. A procession was then formed upon the plaza, comprising the Hook & Ladder Company of forty men, with their truck handsomely trimmed; the Masonic order and citizens. Marching to the Methodist Church on Washington Street, they listened to an oration by A. C. Bradford, the reading of the Declaration of Independence by J. A. Donaldson, and patriotic music by the church choir. Dinners were then provided by the different hotels and the day ended with a grand ball in the dining room of the Crescent City Hotel.

        On another occasion in 1859, Minard S. Thresher, foreman of the Weber Engine Company, made a motion at the monthly meeting that they celebrate Washington's birthday with a grand ball. In support of his motion he declared that "It is one of the many duties of a representative body of citizens like the Weber Engine Company to keep alive in the community the patriotic spirit with which the fathers of our magnificent country were imbued."

Patriotic Firemen

        The patriotism of the Weber Engine Company was never more emphatically expressed than in June, 1861, when the news came, April 26, by pony express, that the secessionists had fired on Fort Sumter in Charleston harbor. It was a crucial moment; the question was, are you for or against the Union? The Webers quickly answered the question by flinging to the breeze the Stars and Stripes on their magnificent flagpole, 130 feet in height, which was brought from Oregon in the rough and hewn into shape by the carpenter members of the company. It was planted in front of the engine house, a small brick building then on Channel Street near Hunter and July 2 "a reunion was held and a celebration over the raising of a beautiful flag with streamers over their pole and the clinking of glasses was continually heard." The pole was topped by a tin fireman's hat four feet across. The flag was 16x30 feet with streamers 60 feet.

        The Channel Street engine house was altogether too small for the housing of the steam engine purchased in 1863, and the common council erected for them a new and much larger engine house one block west. In lowering the flagpole to remove it to the new location, it got away from the workmen and falling with a crash, the smaller half was splintered into a thousand pieces. The company then send to Oregon for another pole and splicing it with iron bands, the pole 120 feet in length, was replanted in the center of the street, and surmounted with a galvanized weather vane representing a steam engine. Some four years later a boy of twelve years climbed the pole and reefed the halyards. It was a dangerous feat and for his work he was well rewarded by the company. This was the tallest, and the only ground-planted flagpole south of Sacramento, save that on Banner Island. It could be seen many miles distant from any direction and with the flag and streamers flying, on a clear day, it was a beautiful and inspiring sight. The pole had a tragic ending. On February 9, 1870, a strong sou'wester was blowing with increasing violence; "during the gale windmills were upset, shingles blown from houses, and the Weber flagstaff fell to the earth with a crash, the pole crushing through the roof of the Corinthian Building into the room occupied by Charles Wainer, the musician."

First Steam Fire Engine

        The invention of the steam fire engine caused a complete change in the method of extinguishing fires, especially in big cities, where they had proven themselves to be far superior to the hand-power fire engines. San Francisco had purchased a steam engine and found it first class in every respect. This was in 1860 and the Webers had sold their Hanneman engine for $1,200 to parties in Pacheco, Contra Costa County, and were undecided for a time whether to purchase a double hand engine or a steam fire engine. In the company there were several first-class machinists and steam engineers and they recommended that the company purchase a steam fire engine, as it could do a greater amount of work, throw a heavier stream of water a greater distance and work all day or night without tiring. They had not figured, however, on getting the heavy-steamer to the fire by hand power nor the muddy condition of the streets in winter. The city appropriated some $2,000 and the company sent on an order to Levy & Neaffie of Philadelphia for a second class steam fire engine at a cost of $4,000. The engine was shipped around Cape Horn in a flying clipper and it arrived in Stockton late in December, 1862, and during the month the engine was set up by William Keep, proprietor of the Globe Foundry.

        The trial of the machine that was to work wonders in putting out a fire was to be tested New Year's day, 1863. The trial was the talk of the town, for it was quite a novelty to have an engine playing upon a fire. On that day the Webers in full uniform proudly marched to the Levee pulling the steamer, soon to be deeply humiliated by a long delay in getting up steam. The fire in the boiler furnace was lighted and the crowd expected to see something wonderful. The smoke rolled out of the stack in volumes, but the engine would not make steam sufficient to start the flywheel. Then the hand engine firemen began to laugh and joke the Webers about their wonderful steam engine. Finally the engineers found out the trouble; the firmen had used pine burrs in lighting the fire and they had choked up the smoke stack with soot and the steamer had no draft. Taking off the smoke stack and cleaning it out they again lit the fire using less smoky material, and the engine

was soon playing two heavy streams of water. The engine had been tested at the factory and threw a stream of water 245 feet.

        The trials and tribulations of the Webers had just commenced, for the little brick engine house on Channel Street was too small to accommodate the engine and the company was compelled to house her in the wooden coach house of Fisher & Company's stage stable, a block to the east. The company petitioned the council for a new and larger engine house, but the city fathers replied that they had no money for that purpose. The Webers threatened to disband and then the council got busy and passed an ordinance for an election, the citizens to vote upon the question of the council issuing bonds to the amount of $5,300 for the erection of an engine house. The citizens voted the bonds by a heavy majority. Captain Weber deeded the city a lot on Channel Street just north of the water front and the building was erected and dedicated May 19, 1864. The company with great ceremony hauled the steamer and their four-wheeled hose carriage to its new headquarters.     That evening they had a collation and a dance in the new hall of the second-story of the building. The hall was handsomely fitted up at the company's expense.

        The steam fire engine was a complete failure as a fire extinguisher and an elephant on their hands for several years, because they had no means of quickly reaching the fire during the summer and in winter it was useless because of the condition of the streets. At an alarm of fire the members would run several blocks to the engine house and, already "winded," they would undertake to hasten to the fire with their heavy engine, perhaps a run of a half mile or more. Many a time have we seen the Webers "running" to a fire on a walk, the men being completely exhausted. Ofttimes the Eurekas and San Joaquins would reach a small fire and extinguish it before the Webers arrived. The members could not afford to use horse power to haul their steamer; the city could not provide it as the other three companies could demand horses and so they were the laughing stock of the community until March, 1870. Then they employed Charles Ashley, a farmer, at $100 per month to furnish two horses, live in the engine house and drive the team to every fire. Then the tables were turned and the Webers had the laugh on the hand engines.

        Another handicap of the steamer was the scarcity of water, for at that time there were no fire hydrants. Few fires burned any length of time, most of them wooden one-story buildings, when the Webers with their two powerful streams began playing upon the flames. The only water source was the fire well or cisterns dug at the intersection of four streets or the Stockton or Mormon channels. The steamer exhausted a fire well in about ten minutes, while it would supply a hand engine from two to three hours, flowing in almost as fast as it was pumped out. These cisterns were from fifteen to twenty feet in depth and about fifteen feet square. They were walled up first with three-inch plank and later with brick at a cost of from $200 to $400. They were placed along the principal streets of the city, and the outlying residences had no protection whatever from fire. In a far distant fire the first engine to arrive would set at the cistern, run off their hose and play into the second engine and she into the third engine, which played upon the fire. In this manner the companies would play upon a fire a half mile distant from the nearest fire well.

        Although the Weber was at all times speedy in reaching a fire during the dry season, in the winter season they were no better off than in the hand hauling days, for galloping the horses over the good streets, the minute they hit the mud the animals were winded, and the driver was compelled to stop and let them rest.

        After a time the Weber steamer, which was the second steam fire engine on the Pacific Coast, became antiquated and out of date and in 1874, at a cost of $4,200 the company purchased a second class Amoskeag steamer. The "Old Betsey," as she was called, was then used for all kinds of purposes, pumping out cellars, sprinkling streets, and taken to the islands at one time to extinguish a peat fire. The engine, although forty years old, did fine work at the pavilion fire in 1902 and is now in the city corporation yard, ready at any time to fight her old enemy, the fire fiend.

Members of Weber Engine Company

        The names of those who gave their time and money freely for the protection of the city should he remembered and I here submit the names of the Weber Engine Company, together with their occupations as I remember them: H. F. Horn, saddletree maker; John A. Balthis, Joshua Barstow, John W. Hart, Robert W. Howes, William H. Derrick, blacksmiths; M. J. Jerry, John Sirey, Henry Robinson and Thomas K. Hook, carpenters; I. V. Leffler, hotel keeper; John W. Root, wagon-maker; J. H. Hogan, Frank T. Baldwin, attorneys; George M. Doll, George S. Ladd, merchants; L. E. Yates, stable keeper; Charles G. Earnest, tinsmith; Sol Salsman, harnessmaker; Charles E. Pinkham, J. H. Barney, Dan Meader and George A. Brown, bookkeepers; R. W. Keltie, stage proprietor; John Gross, hotel-keeper; John Crofton, constable; Amos Durant, laundryman; John Goode, painter; John Barker, cattle dealer; Charles Brutchy, saloon­keeper; William Jackson, R. J. Patterson, Ben F. Sanborn, Charles Schneider, W. H. Briggs, A. Enders, A. Levy, George Devoll, D. K. Hienbonch, Tom Donecliff, E. Jeffers, F. A. Taylor, C. E. Taylor, William Applegate, W. O. Cutler, L. Weingath, H. B. Babcock. Ed Stockel, Fred Valentine, R. M. Jersey, T. H. Bridge, John Brown, Andrew Hansen, M. S. and Thomas Thresher and John Ziegler.

The Weber Hose Company

        In the earlier days of the fire department, each hand engine was accompanied by a two-wheeled hose cart carrying, on a reel, about 600 feet of leather hose. After the purchase of steam fire engines by the Weber and the Eureka they used the same style of hose cart, drawn by a horse, each cart carrying about 1,000 feet of heavy duck lined rubber hose. Early on the morning of September 10, 1877 an alarm of fire was turned in and Charles Ashley, the Weber engine driver, rapidly drove to the fire. He was followed by Frank Kinsley, a young man of some twenty years of age, driving "old Bob," the hose horse. In the darkness he was thrown from the cart by some obstruction and falling under the wheel his leg and thigh were so badly crushed that he died the following day. This was the first tragedy in the Stockton Fire Department. His funeral was attended by the entire department together with an escort from the Stockton Guards, of which he was a member.

        At this time both companies had auxiliary hose carriages which were manned by young volunteers from fifteen to twenty years of age. They were four-wheeled carriages, beautiful in design and costing each company from $1,200 to $1,500 each. The Weber Hose Company was organized in January, 1875, and disbanded in February, 1879. The company elected as its first officers, E. F. Foran, president; Charles M. Weber, Jr., foreman; Henry Eshbach, assistant foreman; E. J. Walker, secretary; Henry Wolf, treasurer, and Eli Confer, Mathew Crane and Frank Eck, committee on investigation. The company included such young fellows as Otto Grunsky, Wm. Westbay, Charles Starkey, John Boice, Lincoln Ruggles, Robert Furry, Frank Adams, Otto Vogelsang and William Sanders. So enthusiastic a fireman was the last named member, he would ride his little white pony to the engine house and assist, with the pony, in starting the hose carriage.

Eureka Hose Company

        The Eureka Hose Company, organized December 4, 1868, comprised young men of about the same age as those of No. 1. Both hose companies were assisted by their proteges, and and on the occasion of the Eurekas' visit to San Jose, June 2, 1873, in celebration of their anniversary, they were accompanied by the Eureka Hose Company. The Eurekas took with them their fine steamer and two beautiful iron gray horses and were much admired in the Garden City. The foreman of the hose company, John P. Kafitz, a young man about twenty years of age, acted as drum major for the brass band that had accompanied the Eurekas; the son of a boot and shoe maker, he was very popular with all classes of citizens, and so successful was he in his new position the Eurekas presented him with a complete drum major's uniform at a cost of $150. The presentation was made in Mozart hall on the evening of July 3, about fifty of his friends being present. The presentation was made by A. B. Bennett, and the following day, leading the parade, in his gorgeous uniform, he was admired by thousands of people. Five years later, November 21, 1878, his death from tuberculosis was mourned by thousands of people. He was a member of the military, a major on the staff of General Canavan, Third Brigade, N. G. C., a member of several secret societies, and second assistant engineer of Eureka No. 2. The funeral services at the Presbyterian Church were conducted by the Rev. Martin Post of the Congregational, and Rector Elias Birdsall of the Episcopal Church, with Mrs. Gertrude Starbird, Flora Phelps, J. Le Rose Phelps and Charles E. Pinkham in the choir and Ivan Carmichael at the organ.

The Gallant Young Firemen

        Some ten years previous to the organization of the hose companies, there were two youngster fire companies between the ages of eight and twelve years, the Young Americas and the Vansyckles. George Kroh, a carpenter and a genius, then residing with his parents next to the Birdsall Foundry, on San Joaquin Street, in 1859 made a small box engine and placed therein a double cylinder pump, which he had manufactured in the foundry. It was what was known as a garden pump. George Kroh was a member of Weber Engine Company No. 1 and organized a company of boys, took charge of the little engine and named it Young America. The Young Americas were the principal attraction in the 4th of July procession that year.

        The Eurekas not to be outclassed by their rivals, the following year formed a similar company. Some two years previous, J. M. Vansyckle, agent of Wells Fargo & Co. and a member of No. 2, had presented them with a small fire engine about three feet high and five feet long, which had been imported from New York by the express company to protect their building in case of fire. It would throw a stream of water similar to our garden hose of today. The Eurekas accepted the gift, repainted it, and named it Vansyckle. The two little fire companies were in the 4th of July parades and in that of 1863, there was no more prouder boy than the author, in his glazed cap, black trousers, red shirt, and patent leather belt with the word Vansyckle on it. The Young Americas wore the same uniform except their shirts were white. The Independent, in writing of the celebration said, "A number of young lads in this city have organized an engine company and they will appear in the 4th of July parade, the Eureka Engine Company having given them control of the little engine Vansyckle. The boys have elected George R. Sanderson, foreman, Edgar Whitney, assistant foreman, Charles Williams, secretary, Calvin Baldwin, treasurer. The other members are George Warfield, Frank Wilkins, Harry Housman, Gilbert Don, John Clowes, John Housman, Charles Weber, Frank King, George H. Tinkham. Edgar Sanderson, Andrew Chase and George Rappel."

        The highest ambition of a fireman was to arrive first at the fire, "get on first water" and play a greater distance than their brother companies. In this the Eurekas were ever ready and they elected so far as possible active, vigilant men. They obtained as members nearly all of the draymen in the city; these men, with their two-wheel drays, would put their horses on a gallop for the engine house at an alarm of fire and jumping from their drays would man the ropes. Sometimes they would throw the rope over a dray stake and up the street the engine would roll, the two men on the engine tongue trying to keep their feet to say nothing of guiding the engine. So eager were the men to have their engine in working order, they had monthly drills or "washes" as they were called, and on Saturday evening at 4 o'clock they would go to the channel and for a half hour or more work their engine.

        In order to encourage these engine playing contests the state fair directors gave premiums for the best playing. In 1857 the State Fair was held at Stockton and engine playing contests took place between the three Stockton companies and the Monumental No. 6 of San Francisco and the Young America of Sacramento. The Fair directors gave silver trumpets for the best first, second and third class engine playing, the engines to play through 100 feet of hose open butt without any pipe, one stream with a 1 ¼ inch nozzle and two streams with a 7/8 inch nozzle. The only second-class engines in the contest were the Stockton machines, and the Webers played open butt 23 feet, one stream, 155 feet, and two streams, 158 feet. The Eurekas played 34 feet open butt, 157 feet, one stream, and 156 feet, two streams. The San Joaquins played 19-154-160 feet. The judges declared the playing a tie. The San Joaquins and Webers refused to make another trial and five days later, the Eurekas playing alone threw a stream of water 157.5 inches and the judges awarded them the silver trumpet.

        The following year visiting the State Fair at Marysville, the Eurekas had a hard experience. They left Stockton August 24 in the steamer Gazelle accompanied by Condy's band and a number of citizens. The steamer arrived  at Sacramento about 7 o'clock that evening and they were entertained by the firemen of that city. Embarking the following morning, about forty miles above Sacramento the Gazelle struck a snag in the river, and leaking badly, to keep her from sinking, the Eurekas were compelled to work their engine throughout the day and a part of the night. Fortunately another steamer came along and the company transferred to her and late that night landed at Marysville. The contest was over before the arrival of the Eurekas. The Marysville firemen insisted on the Eurekas giving an exhibition of her playing powers, and after the gravel which she sucked up from the river had been cleaned from the engine the machine threw a powerful stream 197 feet. It was a greater distance than two of the first-class machines had played. Returning again to Sacramento on the Gazelle, which had been repaired, they were again entertained by their brother firemen in Sacramento, then leaving about 4:30, after a slow trip, they arrived at Stockton after a twelve hours' run, and found that the firemen here had been waiting all night to receive the home comers. They were welcomed home by a cannon salute, skyrockets and a big bonfire. Marching to the Eurekas' house the band playing and the men cheering, they housed the engine and then proceeded to Webers where a collation was spread, then visiting the San Joaquins there was another eat, the affair ending with another feast in the Protection Hook and Ladder house.

        The members of the Eureka engine company at this time were Solomon Pearsall, foreman; Wm. R. Jefferson, first assistant foreman; Edward Hickinbotham, second assistant foreman; B. P. Baird, B. F. Boutell, Henry Blum, Geo. W. Aylesworth, D. W. Blackleach, Louis E. Chicard, Thomas Cunningham, Mark Dugan, C. H. Huffman, C. D. Bryan, W. M. Coombs, E. A. Everett, John T. Hickinbotham, John T. Boice, Samuel Elliott, Wm. Graham, A. M. Gray, John Flyn, John Kerr, Henry Hodgkins, C. S. Cook, Elbert Weeks, R. B. Lane, T. W. Newell, A. S. Rider, James Ruddick, Thomas McWha, Mark Sellig, Jerome Myers, Geo. L. Sanderson, R. E. Wilhoit, James Middleton, Geo. Taber, Fred Schaffer, E. T. Spafford, Dennis Mehan, Joseph T. Scott, Robert Kerr, C. McCausland, H. Stewart, Henry Trembley, J. M. Swain, Fred Moebus, Nicholas McKensie, T. J. Smith, Delos Manning, J. C. Oben, Thomas Eckstrom, F. H. Lewissen, Joseph Long, Dan Lucas, Thomas Greneir, Christopher Lyons, Thomas J. Keyes, Frank Morse and John Shea.

        The coming and the parting of friends is today but a momentary event, for we have almost annihilated time and distance, but in the other days the departure of friends meant perhaps a return no more. Such perhaps was the thought of the Eurekas when it was announced by W. B. Clark in January, 1853, that he was   

going to Portland, Ore., to reside. He was one of Stockton's oldest citizens and he had been the foreman of the company for several years. Assembling at the engine house the company tendered him a bountiful collation, which ended with the presentation to him of a beautiful California gold ring. Then manning the engine ropes, he was escorted to the steamer by his friends and cheer after cheer greeted his departure.

        Two of the most popular firemen in the department,  regardless of their Eureka membership, were Henry Hodgkins and Samuel Baldwin, and when it was announced that they would depart for the east November 17, 1858, there was quite a stir in the city. The press stated that "Our city was thrown into considerable confusion yesterday by the announcement that two of our oldest citizens, Henry Hodgkins and Sam Baldwin, would depart for the East. They go to New York and from thence Mr. Hodgkins will go go to England. Champagne and various drinks were the order of the day and at the Eureka engine house, which was thrown open for the reception of friends, Mr. Hodgkins was presented with a beautiful gold ring. At two o'clock Mr. Baldwin's friends at the 'Shade' made him a present of a gold watch chain. At the appointed hour the friends of both gentlemen, both prominent Eurekas, assembled at the engine house and marched from there to the steamer. As the Helen Hensley left the wharf cheer after cheer greeted the two travelers and the wish for a pleasant voyage and a speedy return." This journey was taken by steamer, then the only way. After several months Mr. Hodgkins returned to Stockton, and again went East in July, 1869, by railroad. He was accompanied by Henry Robinson, who went to Massachusetts, and George Weller, to Dayton, Ohio. Mr. Hodgkins before his departure for England "gave a farewell dinner to his friends and bumpers of champagne were drank to the long life and future happiness of the host."

Marshall Hook and Ladder

The necessity of a hook and ladder company is much like that of an extra tire on an automobile, you may have no use for it for several years and you may need it badly most any time. The use of ladders and truck is twofold, to save life from high buildings and to carry aloft the hose lines. Here in Stockton we had no building over two stories in height until twenty-five years ago, hence no need of ladders for that kind of work. The only use made of the truck and apparatus was to rake over the burned hay from incendiary fires, of which there were many. The city fathers refused to purchase a new and up to date truck for Protection No. 1, so they were compelled to be contented with the old antiquated affair until 1883. At that time Oscar Marshall, who was reared in Stockton, invented an extension ladder-truck. "It is a valuable invention, doing its work in the most satisfactory manner," said the inventor's friends. It was manufactured at the wagon-shop of F. Miller, and was 34 feet in length and 9 feet in heighth from the street to the top of the ladders. The ladders could be extended 60 feet by ropes and pulleys, more in number than on a river schooner. Marshall had a pull in politics and had a special friend in James H. Budd, so the council bought the truck at a cost of $2,800. It was the joke of the town because in making use of the truck it was necessary to stop and back it up to the sidewalk. As time-saving at a fire is just as necessary in raising ladders as in hose work, the truck was of no practical value. The only incident worth recording is that it caused the death of a young fireman, David Ferrill, September 2, 1890. The young man, in running to a fire, attempted to jump upon the running board of the truck, then drawn by horses, his foot slipped and falling to the street the rear wheel passed over him, badly crushing his body and he died a few minutes later. The city kept this apparatus until 1895, at which time they purchased an up-to-date Babcock truck. With this truck it is possible to run alongside of a burning building and raise the ladder 60 feet within a minute and a half, and supporting two firemen on the top round of the ladder, swing round in a three-quarter circle.

Protection Hook and Ladder

        Ever ready, ever willing to do all within their power to save life and property these were the members of Protection Hook and Ladder No. 1 in 1858: S. T. Nye, foreman; David Porter, assistant foreman; Benjamin R. Lippincott, H. M. Fanning, Charles P. Greeley, John P. Nash, Harry Hubbard, M. L. Bird, Henry B. Underhill, E. E. Kenney, E. B. Whitman, Charles A. Potter, C. O. Burton, Charles A. Hutchinson, Wm. B. Losee, Wm. H. Nowell, Wm. Harper. Geo. Kroh, David G. Oullahan, John H. Tucker, Wallace Tinkham, Edward Hickman, Thomas R. Moseley, Royal B. Parker, Charles A. Mead, Louis M. Hickman, J. M. Conley, Henry H. Hewlett, J. P. Stockwell, Samuel Geddes, Geo. H. Sanderson, Elisha Lyons, John Fox, John L. Woodman, Hart Littebrant, Charles Jones, Robert W. Miller, A. L. Bours, Henry Grimbel, F. L. Sargent. Wm. Sanders, Elbert J. Smith, L. Howard and Wm. Chiten.

Eureka Serenaders

        The pioneers had no methods of congratulating their newly married friends except the instrumental and vocal serenade and the barbaric charivari. The Eureka serenaders employed both in congratulating their brother firemen in their matrimonial ventures. In 1856 they presented their secretary, Rufus B. Lane, with a handsome and costly pin which he proudly wore during his life. Deserting his bachelor friends in October, 1859, he married Miss Jennie Hodgkins, the sister of Henry Hodgkins. About ten o'clock that night the Eurekas silently marched to the home, accompanied by a cornet band and tendered their secretary and his bride a serenade. Some two hours later they again appeared "and the firing of the cannon, which they had hauled to the house on a dray, shook all the glass in the neighborhood for blocks around; awoke all the babies in town and set the dogs howling. Then followed the usual uproar of trumpets, bells, tin cans, the old fiddle and other hideous instruments, until the bride and groom appeared at the door and invited the crowd in to take something."

        In 1860 there was another seceder from the bachelor ranks, Alfred S. Rider, the biggest fireman in the company, who weighed over 200 pounds and later reached nearly 300. He was one of the eight "Pioneers" who, uniformed in their dark blue coats, black trousers, fire hats and white leather belts, marched abreast ahead of the Eurekas in every parade, carrying on their shoulder genuine heavy broad­axes. They "blazed the trail" and looked very ferocious to the youngsters. He was married October 11, to Miss Sarah McLellan and early in the evening he was given a fine serenade by the band. Assembling at the engine house about eleven o'clock, "they had with them all kinds of ingenious ear torturing instruments, including three bass drums, two snare drums, a fife and a good performer, a church bell, fish bells, cow bells and the cannon which they had loaded upon a dray. Proceeding to the Crescent City Hotel they began their unearthly racket, firing the cannon several times during the 'serenade' and after the boys had pounded and blown until nearly exhausted, the bride­groom appeared and introduced his bride. A procession was then formed and corralling the bridegroom all hands marched to Sol Pearsail's saloon, where the champagne flowed freely."

        Another serenade, quite discomforting to the recipient was that to Louis M. Hickman, who had just married Mary Dallas, the oldest daughter of Charles Dallas. On the night of their marriage the firemen and other friends appeared before their residence on West Oak Street to give the married couple a serenade. The house was dark, the bridegroom endeavoring to make the serenaders believe no one was at home. But they had kept track of his movements and began their unearthly noise, beat their tin cans, fired pistols, set off fire­crackers, whirled their wooden rackets and yelled for the bridegroom until they were exhausted. The bridegroom was a haughty young man and opposed to serenades when he was the object of them. It was a clear case of stubbornness on the bridegroom's part and victory or death on the part of the Eurekas. On each side of their engine was the motto "We aim to conquer." Going to the engine house, they hauled the machine to the cistern near the home and began playing a stream of water through the window. Did the happy couple appear? They did in short order and the bridegroom treated the crowd, but he never forgave them.

Double-Deck Engines

        When in 1859, the Webers were planning to purchase a second-class steam fire engine, weighing three and a half tons, and draw it by man power, the Eurekas voted to order a first-class hand engine with a weight less than one-third that of the Weber steamer. We have already noted the wisdom of their choice. Subscriptions were obtained from the members to the amount of $2,000, an English opera company gave them a benefit netting $150, and in November they ordered a first class end-stroke machine from Jeffries & Co., Pawtucket, R. I. At the same time an engine of similar make was ordered for the San Joaquin Engine Company: The engines arrived early in December, 1860, having been shipped around Cape Horn, and were set up and ready for a trial wash on Christmas day. The cost of the two machines was $7,500, the Eurekas' engine costing $500 extra because of finer woodwork and finish. The box of the San Joaquin engine was mahogany and the trimmings brass. The Eureka engine was a beauty, as handsome an engine as was ever seen in the state. The box was rosewood so highly polished that it reflected like a mirror. The trimmings were of German silver and inlaid with pearl. The machine would play four streams of water, two from each side with sixty men at the brakes. It was known as a double-decker because twenty men, ten on each side, worked the brakes standing on decks or platforms on top of the box. As a powerful water-playing machine the new engine was not a success for several reasons; the older members, exempt after five years' service, according to state law, had retired; the draying business was now confined to a few four-wheeled drays; the teamsters had gone out of business because of the coming of the railroad. Many of these men belonged to the company. Quite a number had joined the army, among them Sol Pearsall, the foreman of the Eurekas. Monthly washes had been discontinued and a sufficient number of men could not be assembled at one time to bring out the full power of the new machine. The competition between the two companies was somewhat enlivened when the Webers attached horses to their engine steamer, as they would ofttimes arrive first at the fire. To offset this the Eurekas purchased a horse and harness, kept the animal near the engine house and employed a young man to ride him to the fire, hauling the machine. It was amusing to see the engine rolling up the street, the horse on the jump, and the engine-tongue men having all they could do to keep their feet, to say nothing of guiding the engine.

        Hand power versus horse power is a losing game, and the leading Eurekas soon learned that unless they bestirred themselves the company would go to pieces. The men would run to a fire and work hard at the engine brakes perhaps an hour or more, with their rivals, the Webers, standing around and looking their steamer doing the work of extinguishing the flames and this, of course, was very discouraging for No. 2. The Eurekas had at this time a member named A. B. Bennett, a man of good education, quite an executive, and he, with others, in 1871, organized the Eureka Association. The circular sent out by them read as follows: "The prime object of this association is the creation of a fund to be devoted to the purchase of a steam fire engine for the use of Eureka No. 2, to be employed in the service of the fire department of Stockton. The capital stock of the association is fixed at $6,000, divided into 1,200 shares of $5.00 each, to be aided by such voluntary contributions, in the form of donations from insurance companies and other sources as may offer in aid of the enterprise. For eighteen years our motto has been, 'We aim to conquer,' and so long as vigilance and unaided muscle were opposed to us, the contest was equal, and the Eurekas were considered no common foe. There is not a man who has served in the company's ranks that is not proud of his record; but it will soon become a thing of the past and be forgotten unless, as in other days, we prove ourselves equal to any emergency."

        This stirring appeal had its effect and in a short time stock sufficient was sold to warrant the company in ordering an engine. The design of the machine, one that would be superior in every respect to any second class steam engine on the coast, was planned and blue­prints made by A. B. Bennett. These plans were sent on to Jeffries & Co., Pawtucket, R. I., with instructions to build the best engine that could be made. The engine was landed in Stockton December 6, 1872, at a cost of $6,000, nearly $2,000 more than the regular brass-trimmed engine. The machine was worth it, as steam could be raised in her boilers from cold water in less than five minutes, and in an exhibition play July 4, 1874, through 100 feet of hose and 1 1/4 nozzle-pipe and drawing water through 7 feet of suction hose she played a stream of water 295 feet. This is a distance scarcely exceeded by the present day auto pumps.

        The company purchased three large, handsome iron-gray horses through their foreman, Thomas Cunningham, and as soon as the engine went into service, two horses were attached to the engine, and one animal to the hose cart. The engine driver was Charles Thompson, the horse cart driver, Fernando Lastreto. Then the old rivalry between No. 1 and No. 2 was renewed, but it was not the man to man contest of the old days and hence the charm and the interest was gone. It was simply a race of horse against horse in answer to the fire alarm and not always honestly driven. On one occasion, in a collision, a horse's leg was broken and he was later killed. Then the chief engineer was compelled to make certain rules regarding their speed to a fire, and under no conditions must the head engine cut out the rear machine.

        For many years all three companies celebrated their anniversary days by picnics, balls and excursions, but particularly attractive was the celebration of the anniversary day of the Eureka No. 2 under the slogan "The Day We Celebrate." It was in fact a small 4th of July celebration and was anticipated with pleasure by many citizens. The company made every effort to make each picnic a success and they were assisted in their work by all classes of citizens. Sometimes the picnic was held jointly with the other companies, but in the main they were celebrated by the Eurekas alone.

        On June 2, 1869, a salute of seventeen guns awoke the town at 6 o'clock, and ushered in the "day we celebrate." Flags were flying from all of the engine houses and many private buildings; the Eureka engine house was decorated from top to bottom. At 9 o'clock the members in full uniform and the exempt members in citizens' dress assembled at the engine house on Hunter Street. Forming in line, the stalwart Pioneers, marching eight abreast, with their broad-axes, led the parade, followed by Schmidt's Cornet Band, the Eureka Exempts and fifty-six firemen hauling their "new engine, beautifully ornamented, glistening like silver in the sun." Then came the Eureka hose boys with the handsomely decorated four-wheel hose carriage. After parading the streets the company halted at Park and California streets and there took conveyances for Good Water Grove. As the twilight hour drew near the company and their friends returned to the city. The Eurekas were met at Park Street by the entire fire department in full uniform, with their engines and escorted into town. Then took place a magnificent scene, one that in this day cannot be reproduced. Each fireman had been provided with a flambeau and plenty of Roman candles, "and as each company turned from California into Main Street, the real carnival of fire began. The street was ablaze with Roman candles shooting red, white and blue fires all along the line and these but increased the beauty of the glistening machine and the varied colors of the firemen's uniforms and fire hats. But it was on the plaza that pandemonium broke loose. The lurid glare of the torches, the shrill scream of the engine whistles, the shooting stars of the Roman candles, the deafening detonation of the bombs and the whole scene was made weird by two immense bonfires vieing with the moon for the supremacy of light."

        In 1883 the company held their picnic at Agricultural Park, and it was a picnic long remembered by those present, because of its novel feature, a clambake. We have had several meat barbecues before and since that date but a clambake, never before and once only since that time. The picnic was the talk of the town for several days. To superintend the affair an expert clam baker, Dexter from Sausalito was engaged, and three tons of clams, ten sacks of potatoes, thirty dozen crabs, 180 pounds of fish were shipped here from San Francisco, together with three tons of sea­weed, rocks and many other things necessary for a successful clambake. At five o'clock the fire bell rang out to awaken the citizens, and at 9 o'clock the members of the Eureka Engine Company began assembling at the engine house. Forming a procession and led by the band, the company marched the streets and then took carriages for the park. Four tables were set, each table seating 400 persons, and over 2,000 persons were present.

Decoration of Graves

        The annual decoration of the graves of the county in 1869 by the members of the Grand Army of the Republic, and other organizations soon adopted the custom. It was no surprise to see secret organizations observe Memorial Day, but to see a fire company observe the day was indeed a surprise, for in their rough, exciting life of a fireman, the dead were forgotten, but many of the firemen were big­hearted and were as sympathetic and tender­hearted in their natures as any child. We had an illustration of this in the Eurekas soon after their organization. A charter member of the company went to Merced in 1855, and there took sick, died and was buried. In the spring of 1856, as soon as traveling would permit, a delegation of three members went to Merced, brought the body to Stockton, as they presumed, and he was buried with all of the honors of a fireman. Unfortunately they learned later that the wrong body had been brought to this city and that Williams' body was interred with only a pile of stones as a headstone.

        The custom of decorating the graves of deceased firemen was first observed by the Eurekas in 1880. It was probably brought about by the death March 18, 1878, of Thomas Ecstrom, an ex-foreman, and a citizen admired by all classes for his beautiful character of always striving to make others happy. Greatly respected by the company, in 1871, they presented him with a beautiful gold watch. Assembling at their engine house on June 13, 1880, the members marched to Rural Cemetery preceded by a band and followed by a large wagon loaded with flowers. Arriving at the cemetery they halted at the grave of John A. McDougall, an ex-foreman, who had been accidentally killed by a shotgun wound January 13, 1879. Thomas Cunningham addressed those present, stating that the Eurkas intended to decorate the graves of the deceased members annually on the second Sunday in June. A short address was then delivered by Attorney Joseph C. Campbell and the firemen then decorated the graves of twenty-six members, among them the graves of Elbert Weeks, died in 1868; John Schrieck, died in 1870; W. W. Hatch, 1872; Geo. Fox, 1872; Thomas Ecstrom, 1878; Julius Steiney, 1878; John P. Kafitz, 1878; and John McDougal; six of the number were in the Catholic cemetery. In 1881, at the grave of Thomas Ecstrom exercises were more extended, they were begun by Otis Perrine as master of ceremonies, prayer by Dr. J. M. McKaig, oration James A. Louttit, remarks by A. B. Bennett and singing by the quartette, J. Le Rose Phelps, Albert Ecstrom, S. D. Waterman and Charles E. Pinkham. Later the Eurekas united with the Grand Army in a general Memorial day, in which they were joined by the entire fire department. The Eurekas then purchased from the cemetery trustees a plot of land 30x50 feet for the burial of their dead, and paid in advance for its perpetual care. In this plot are buried sixteen of their members, among them that of A. B. Bennett, with a marble tombstone surmounted by a carved fireman's hat. The most notable grave of these past protectors of the city property is that of Wm. W. Lee, a West Indian negro, who died September 9, 1877. Lee kept a barber shop on the Levee, was not a regular member of the company, but he was so faithful in attending all fires and making himself useful in many ways that they elected him an honorary member and buried him with all the honors of a fireman, the company paying all of the funeral expenses.

        In the cemeteries nearly all of the firemen now lie asleep and no fire bell can awaken them from their slumbers; but there was a time when its first sound would find them hurrying to their engine houses to roll out their machine. The old historic bell which tolled out the death of Presidents Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley, and the death of every fireman; that ushered in at sunrise many a Fourth of July; that rang out the opening of the Agricultural Fair; that rejoiced with the people in every Union victory, and that has told the passing of time since 1868 is now in the tower over the Hunter Street engine house. The bell weighs 1881 pounds and was made by Wm. Hooper & Company of Boston, Mass., at a cost of $850. The fire department had long been demanding that the city council purchase a bell, and they asserted that in the fire of July, 1855, half of the property could have been saved if they had had a bell to awaken the fireman. Another fire occurred in October, 1859, with a loss of $15,000 in hay, horses and stage coaches, and it was suggested that persons be hired to ring the four church bells in case of fire. In the following year the council presented a proposition to the citizens to permit them to appropriate $3,000 for the purchase of a fire bell, the erection of a tower on the court house and placing an iron post chain fence around the city half of the court house block. It carried by a vote of 261 to 23. Two weeks later J. P. D. Wilkins and Moses Thresher, representing the city and the fire department, went to San Francisco to buy a bell. On the suggestion of the chief engineer of San Francisco they purchased a large bell. It was fortunate that they did for the bell could be heard in any part of the city, and during a strong wind has been heard fifteen miles distant. The contract for erecting the tower and installing the bell was awarded to James Brown on his contract of $1,125. The tower was seventy-nine feet to top of dome and built with four clock faces, the bell being fifty feet from the ground. In 1886 the clock and bell were removed to the Eureka engine house and a tower erected. The tower was not strongly built and it was declared by experts that the walls were too weak to stand the strain of the swinging bell, so its usefulness as a fire alarm bell was at an end. They began erecting high buildings which cut off the sound, and then a sliding steam fire whistle was installed November 25, 1892. It made such an unearthly screeching that the present whistle was installed.

Babcock Chemical Engine

        The San Joaquin Engine Company was the goat of the department and was always in the third place until they received their Babcock engine, with two horses attached, Then they gave the entire department the laugh, for with their light running machine they frequently would arrive and extinguish a small fire before the big, heavy steamers were in sight. At the time the Eurekas received their steam fire engine, the San Joaquins planned to purchase a steamer. To obtain the money they started a lottery scheme with over 300 valuable gifts. The citizens bought hundreds of tickets, but when the company called for an accounting, their secretary, Eugene Lehe, could show no money.  They had no evidence whatever as to the disappearance of the coin and the company was compelled to pay out hundreds of dollars to the ticket holders. Some two years later the value of chemicals as a fire extinguisher was discovered and the Babcock chemical engine invented. The San Joaquins had a special engine made and it arrived in August, 1873. The machine had a carrying capacity of 180 gallons, and carrying 250 feet of hose, would throw a stream of carbolic gas and water 125 feet. The engine weighed 2,500 pounds and cost $5,000. They later had a larger chemical of the improved pattern, which they used until the organization of the paid department. The first members of the company were Frank Selnacht, Charles F. Wurster, Rudolph Gnekow, A. Kolberg, Anton Seibert, Jacob Schrack, J. G, Gilgert, John Siler, John Minges, Herman Haupt, Joseph Kahn, Stephen Bergin, Henry Nelson, Max Magner, Jacob Meyer, Simon Wetreau, Michael Schuler, Phillip Umlauf, John Brandt, Henry Mayer, Win. Kahn, August Williams, John Gunther, Ludwick Gerlach, John Learson, Emil Gross, Frank Pattie, Lawson Smith, Wm, Huffman, Charles Whitkrofft, John Digger, Charles Hubner, Chris Herbert, Henry Eshbach, John Frederick, John Mayer, Peter Mengel, John D, Sterm, Samuel Steiner, Jacob Rothenbush, Henry Frederick, Jacob Werner, George Dahl, Jacob Mersfelder, Fred Nuss, Michael Stholl, Ernest Northine, August Smallfield, Daniel Rothenbush, George Natt, Joseph Esses, Jacob Kreker, Louis Goldee, W. H. Speckman, Peter Heckler, Wm. Sessor, Conrad Roesch and John Speckler.

San Francisco Exempts Visit Stockton

        In September, 1892, the Exempts of San Francisco, eighty in number, paid the Stockton fire department a visit.  They brought with them a light double-deck engine and the First Cavalry Band. The entire Stockton department marched to the steamer to receive the visitors and escort them to the Protection house where their engine was housed, then to the engine house for breakfast.  Then followed a parade through the streets, the Stockton firemen 100 strong, manning the ropes of the old Weber steam fire engine. During the afternoon the Exempts were shown around the city. That evening they were tendered a banquet at the Yosemite House, John P. Doyle, the chairman, introduced James H. Budd, president of the Stockton board of delegates, who in a few words introduced the mayor of Stockton, W. R. Clark, who extended the greeting of the city to the Exempts. Old fire songs were sung by several of the San Francisco firemen, including the old timers,

"The Engine House on Hill," and "When We Ran With the Old Machine," the banquet ending with "He's a Jolly Good Fellow."

        There was no exempt firemen's organization in Stockton until 1895. Long before this time there were hundreds of exempts in Stockton, the law declaring every fireman an exempt after five years' continuous service. Many of the exempts remained as members of their company, but the most of them retired, The Webers honored their exempts July 4, 1870, by presenting them with a beautiful silk banner. The exempts assembled November 2, 1895, and incorporated by electing John T. Doyle, president, and Nicholas Vizelich, James Ford, John T. Field and Henry Rohrbacker, directors. The following signed the roll as charter members, Ben F. Kolberg, Joseph Klack, John T. Doyle, Henry L. Culkin, R. S. Ellsworth, R. E. Murray, W. B. Wollam, Michael Brisco, Henry Robinson, Charles E. Venilli, Henry Rohrbacker, James M. Brown, Henry Ford, Eli Confer, Charles M. Aaron, C. P. Wolf, J. C. Zignego, E. F. Weber, Wm. Dorcey, J. F. Field, L. J. Gerlach, Gus Gianelli, Jack Hampton, Charles Hamilton, and Michael Gough. The members obtained from San Francisco an old hand engine, at a cost of $150. Upon each side of the box was the name Broderick No. 1. It was so named after the death of D. C. Broderick, who was the foreman of the company at that time. The Exempts endeavored to preserve all of the historic associations of the department, such as fire hats, belts, hat fronts, badges, banners and pictures presented to them by the firemen of other cities, but they received no encouragement from the city council or private citizens. One set of four pictures given to them in February, 1867, by Chief Engineer David Scannell of San Francisco, are very valuable at the present time, as they show four different fire scenes in the days of the hand fire engines. Even the Exempts are passing and today a few only are left.

Bad Morale in Department

        The splendid paid two-platoon fire department of today is the outgrowth of the political machine department of 1888. Twelve years previous Wm. (Pony) Denig, an enthusiastic fireman of the old-days and proprietor of the Weekly Record, advocated the organization of a paid department, as an unruly element were fast getting control and young fellows were "running the machine" not for the sole object of saving property but for the excitement and fun there was in it, "getting on first water." After a time there were many incendiary fires, and certain engines received the news before the alarm was sent in. A local paper commenting on this fact said in October, 1881, "The public is becoming aroused by so many fires here, and the frightful theory is advanced that they are due to the rivalry among our fire companies to "get first water," not that our firemen are guilty of attempting to fire property, but that hood­lums, knowing of the spirit of rivalry that exists have been prompted to start the numerous fires that have been in the city during the past six weeks." Making hoodlums the goat is easy, but on one occasion a barn opposite our house was fired, and going out we saw a fire engine setting on the cistern, a block distant, before the alarm had been turned in. "Our citizens are beginning to feel that the contest that has so long animated our firemen for first water must stop, as its effect, although well intended, has been pernicious." At some of these fires liquor was freely passed around and some of the firemen became staggering drunk. Hosemen, in a spirit of fun would play on each other instead of on the flames and this at the Inglis fire resulted in a free fight. The Herald commenting on this, they wanted to mob the editor for telling the truth.

        The old-time firemen regretted this condition of affairs, for they took great pride in the department and especially their company and its work. They were at this time old and staid citizens, married and with families to support, and they thought it neither fair nor just, paying out money to run their steam fire engines for the benefit of the city. In 1885 the Eurekas petitioned the city council to submit to the citizens the question of a paid fire department. The council ignored their request. The company then appointed a committee to sell the steamer that had cost them $6,000 and voted to disband within three months. They were then paying the engine driver, hose cart driver and engineer $185 per month; they were receiving from the city $25 per month, which was not sufficient even to pay for horseshoeing, feed and veterinary and other minor expenses. They were jollied along until 1887, when the entire department petitioned the council to organize a paid department with that petition as their ultimatum. The council, seeing that the firemen meant business, passed a resolution purchasing the Weber engine, hose cart and three horses at $3,250, the Eureka engine at $3,220 and the Babcock chemical at $2,235. The city owned the hook and ladder truck. In the sale of the apparatus each member of the Weber Engine Company received $75, the San Joaquins $70, and the Eurekas, who had expended $750 in the purchase of their burial plot, put their money on interest to pay for a perpetual care of their plot.

Paid Fire Department

        The paid fire department became an established fact August 1, 1888, but unfortunately for the Republican party, the Democrats took possession of the city government in January, 1888. Making almost a complete sweep of the firemen appointed by the former council, they appointed Democrats to three-fourths of the positions: To start the good work, Councilman R. R, Reibenstein, an old-time politician and carpenter, was appointed foreman of the Eureka at a salary of twenty-five dollars per month; John T, Doyle, a grain dealer, and like Reibenstein one of the keenest politicians in the party, was appointed foreman of the Hook and Ladder truck, at twenty-five dollars per month. As these two men would do nothing but draw their salaries it was so cheeky that they resigned. The following are the first firemen of the paid department: Weber No, 1, Chris J. Wolf, foreman, Henry Nash, engineer, Henry Wolf, engineer, and John McLaughlin, hose cart driver, H. Neistrath, Charles Aaron, J. G. Robbins, Louis Oser and J. W. Brown, extra men; Eureka No, 2, R. R. Reibenstein, foreman, Charles Vinelli, engineer, Fernando Lastreto, hose cart driver, Phil T. Brown, engineer, and Jake Fisher, Con Collins, Thomas Towell, Gus Gianelli and Hugh M. Tye, extra men; Babcock chemical, Will H. Humphrey, driver, S. C. Brown and J. S. Simpson, extra men; Protection No. 1, John T. Doyle, foreman, Mike Brisco, driver, and George Lieginger, Frank Kendall, J. K. Dempsey and John Ferrill, extra men. At the time of the pavilion fire, September 28, 1902, Thomas J. Walsh, then the driver of the Weber hose wagon, was so severely burned that he died the following day. He was the only fireman in the history of the department to lose his life in fighting the fire.

        A word about the present department. The original volunteer fire department, at its best, comprised about 230 men, the law permitting only sixty-five men to a company. The present department comprises only sixty-five men, including the chief engineer and his assistant, and yet, with their present apparatus, they can do more and better work than could 500 men with their hand engines. The apparatus today comprises six auto pump engines run by motor power; three of these pumps will each deliver 1,000 gallons of water per minute through four lines of hose, and three of the pumps will throw 750 gallons of water through three lines of hose. If necessary the two steamers can be used each throwing 500 gallons of water through two lines of hose. In a big fire, the department, through twenty-five lines of hose, can pour a flood of water, over 6,000 gallons a minute, upon the flames. The fire department, through the present alarm system, which is obsolete and should be replaced by an up-to-date system, arrives at a fire inside of a mile in less than two minutes, hence no fire gets a headway, unless it is an explosion, before the arrival of the engines. This is a wonderful progress in fire fighting, made possible only within the past twenty years by the invention of the gasoline engine.

Transcribed by Kathy Sedler