(By Spalding Trafton)

GLEANER AND JOURNAL, HENDERSON, KY., SUNDAY, JULY 19, 1925.

**The first parts of this article are not legible.**

I thought this was a cool history of Henderson Fire Department.

The first notation on the official records of the city as to the in*** on of fire-fighting apparatus

1842-1883
The town was the owner of an engine purhased in 1839, but where it came from or what the ***, no one knows. The prob- is the little concern was a *** for at a March meeting of commissioners in 1844 an order **** directing the town sergeant to sell the engine either at ***** or private sale upon a credit ***** months.

Fire Hooks Ordered

Nothing more is found on the until August 19, 1854, when William B. Vanzandt, Councilmen Hillyer, Brass****, Lambert to procure set of hooks for the city. These hooks, delivered on May 1, 1855.
***** went on for about seven ***** during which time it is supposed that these hooks were used *** bucket brigade in fighting.

Order entered January 7th, instructs the city marshal to of Mr. John H Lambert. A lot of fire hooks made by the city some years ago.” Order was made under the of Mayor E. G. Hall.

During 1870
February 15th of that year, ordinances were presented fire engines and cisterns. 1st Councilmen
Atkinson, and O’Byrne reported * council that **** cisterns from 800 to 1200 gallons of were needed.

Made Progress In 1872

April 16th, 1872, Councilmen **** and King were appointed committee “to enquire and report **** and number of fire-hooks and ladders necessary for use of the city.

28th—The report was adopt its provisions ordered carried out.

Purchase Hook and Ladder
**** and a few months later, November 1873, the first hook and ladder wagon together with a compliment of ladders, buckets, is purchased by B Bruce & Company of Cincinnati, for $1,050 having made this purchase, it
was up to the council to have a shelter for this apparatus, a result of the opening of on April 7th, 1874, a hook and ladder house was ordered built by George W Fallon.

Regulating Fire Companies

On January 19th, 1875, an ordinance was adopted by the common council to define and regulate the Fire Department of the city of Henderson.
There are eleven sections in this ordinance. The first provision is that “all companies now, or here-after organized, having for their object the extinguishment or prevention of fire, which shall be accepted, and received into actual service by the common council, together with such machinery and apparatus as may be furnished or owned by said company, shall constitute the Fire Department of the City of Henderson.”
The ordinance also provides that the council shall periodically elect a chief of said department, and then goes on to prescribe his duties. It also provides that any bystander may be summoned by the chief to assist in extinguishing a fire, and that if he refuse, he shall be fined from $5.00 to $50.

Fire Company Organized

On February 15th, 1875, the Rescue Hook and Ladder Company, tendered its services to the city under the provisions of the ordinance, and on the 27th of February was received as a volunteer company.
The record of the meeting at which Jacob Held accepted the services of the volunteer company is as follows:
At a called meeting of the Rescue Hook and Ladder Company, of Henderson, Ky., on Saturday. night, February 27th, 1875, after a few remarks by the Chief of the Fire Department, Mayor Held administered the oath of office to the following gentlemen as officers of said Company:
Chief of Fire Department, C. E. Woods; Captain of Company, Thos W. Gilligan; Lieutenant, Frank Held.
After administering the oath, the Mayor received the Company as volunteer firemen of Rescue Hook ard Ladder Company No. 1, subject to city ordinance for regulation of fire companies.
He then delivered the following brief address:
Gentlemen of Rescue Hook and Ladder Company No. 1; You are now organized as such, and from all the information I have, personally and otherwise, I am satisfied that you are ready and willing to perform all duties belonging to or required of the Company; and I
have no hesitation in saying that you will do so to the best of your abilities. And here permit me to
compliment you upon the promptness you have heretofore shown in the discharge of your duties as
members of the Company. I will say to you, gentlemen, be at your posts whenever necessity requires it and I will be with you whenever I can be of any assistance whatever in the discharge of your duties as firemen.

After our worthy Mayor finished the above remarks it was moved and seconded that a copy of the address be furnished the News and Reporter for publication; also that the Secretary be instructed to spread a copy of the same upon the minutees of the Company. Motion carried unanimously. The Company then tendered a vote of thanks the Mayor Held, after which the meeting adjourned. MARTIN D. WELLS, Secy.

As the Days Wore On

A little later, Hope Hose Company No. One was organized and was duly received into the servic of the eity under the ordinance.

On April 4th, 1876, a fire alarm bell was purchased at a cost of $320 and is the same as now hangs in the belfry of police headquarters. In those days the “Firemen’ Ball” together with their parades were the big thing. These balls were always given at Held’s Park, and the proceeds thereof amounted to goodly sums.

Did It Up Brown

They always “did it” on the Fourth of July, and the very first Fourth after being organized was duly observed by a grand parade, and picnic and ball at “Held’s Park.”
The “Weekly Reporter” of July 8th, 1875, says in part: “The members of Rescue Hook and Ladder Co. No. One, not behind others in their spirit of patriotism, and desires of having a share of the enjoyment so wide-spread, in commemoration of the Fourth, had a grand picnic at Held’s Grove last Monday.”

It then tells of the parade of the firemen on the principal streets in their red jackets led by the Henderson Cornet Band, with the Mayor, council, city engineer and chief of police bringing up the rear in carriages.

Fire Chief Andy Tutt

Appended hereto is clipping from a Henderson paper of June 24th, 1876, showing the organization of the Fire Department at that time:
Henderson has an efficient fire department, composed of the Rescue, Hook and Ladder Company, a volunteer membership of 36 Captain, Fred E. Kreipke; Lieutenant, Frank Held, Chief, of Fire Department, A. M. Tutt.

Also Hose Company, No. 1, John Carroll, Foreman; membership, 10: organized in 1875. They are supplied with 1,000 feet of hose, and are able to do valiant service in connection with the water works.

Fourth of July 1876

The parade, picnic and ball of the Henderson Fire Department on July 4th, 1876, was probably the most elaborate and imposing in its history. In its issue on the morning of July 4th, 1876, the “Henderson News” told as follows what the Hendersonians might expect:
“We publish the line of procession, which will march up and down our principal streets this morning: “Two young boys on horseback will take the lead, followed by the Henderson cornet band. Next will follow the Rescue Hook & Ladder Company, then the Truck, then Hose Co. No. 1, then Reel No. 1, Colonial Display and City Officials. We are informed that a string band will also form in the procession. The Company will first promenade up Elm street, then to Second, out to Green, up to Third, down to Main to 1st, out to Alvasia, and from thence to Held’s Park.

“The Colonial Display will be especially interesting. A
vehicle with a large bevy of handsome young ladies surround the “Goddess of Liberty,” who will be attired in the costume of a Queen. Mr. A. M. Tutt, will be the Marshal of the day, and Captain Fred Kreipke, will form his men in ranks like an old veteran of Bannockbumn. Look for this grand sight today and don’t fail to take it all in.”

Henderson Cornet Band

The Henderson Cornet Band which led the grand parade on that day was composed as follows:
Leader Alois Tonini – first E flat.
John Lindstrom – 2nd E flat.
Gustav. Miller – 1st B flat.
Geo. W. Mart – 1st E flat alto.
Ed Heineman – 2nd E flat alto.
Wm. Fulwiler-1st tenor.
Frank Held – baritone.
Jas. Burgoyne – E flat bass.
H. H. Martin – bass drum.
Jas. Carey – tenor drum.

The Hook and Ladder Celebration

In its issue of July 11th, 1876, a description of the grand celebration on the Fourth was told by the Henderson News as follows:
“The street procession the 4th, was a grand sight. Miss Yettie Grubbe was crowned as the “Goddess of Liberty” and with so many pretty little faries around her, it was indeed a resplendent scene. Prof. Yaney’s string band formed in line and discoursed sweet
stains. The members of this band are, Peter Yaney, M. S. Franceway, Geo. Zeller, Marcus Lancaster and Dewitt Sandefur. The truck and hose wagon were each ornamented with handsome flags, which, as they proudly fluttered in the breeze betokened an indication of successful enjoyment to Henderson of successful enjoyment to Henderson’s greatest and most noble achievement, the Hook & Ladder Company. Grand Marshal A. M. Tutt, was mounted upon an heroic looking steed such as Don Quixotte bestride in the days of ancient chivalry, and managed the line of route, etc., with forethought and precision. Captain Fred Kreipke was also mounted on a fierce charger, and commanded his regiments like old Stonewall. Mr. J. Schlamp was assigned to guide the truck wagon, and well did he accomplish the duty allotted him. We must not forget to state that the Henderson Cornet Band headed the procession, and of course, whatever, they head, is, in consequence bound to look nice. The aggregate amount realized day and night was upwards of $100, and after a deduction in all expenses are estimated expense the Company will clear at least $274. To give a general idea of the vast number of people who were there, we would state that more than 40 kegs of beer were retailed on the grounds. The dance music furnished by Prof. Lindstrom’s string band, was complimented on every hand, and the gentlemanly manner in which Mr. Fred Kreipke managed things, won him within the good graces of all present and made the occasion one of universal rejoicing and happiness. A new feature was introduced on this night, for which especial credit is due the management. When a waltz or any other fancy dance is called, parties are in the habit of obstructing the floor, by engaging in a series of promenades. This error was rectified by the H. & L.’s, and the dancers did not fail to show their heartfelt appreciation of these necessary and convenient arrangements. With such infallible materials as A. M. Tutt, Fred Krepkie, Jno. Smith, Jno. Schlamp, Frank Rice, Jno. O’Bryan and more timber of the same kind, the Hook & Ladder Company will always continue to be a success. We hope our men will not wait many months ere trying their hand again – for you know the more made the more good you can accomplish.”

Chronological

September 18th, 1877 – Fire chief directed to buy twelve helmets for firemen.

January 1st, 1878–Hope Hose Company, No. 1, received as a fire company.

April 16th, 1878—Hose reel bought from George Delker, at $200.

April 16th-Hope Hose Company recommended T. M. Jenkins as Chief for two years.

October October 15th, Order entered releasing firemen from city poll tax

May 17th, 1881—Capt. Fred E. Kreipke of the Fire Department extended an invitation to the Mayor and council to attend the aunnal picnic and ball of said department, which was accepted.

May 2nd, 1882—Williams Cannings, Sr., unanimously elected fire chief.

May 6th, 1883—For the first time the council made the fire committee a standing committee.

Old Company Disbanded

The city records of March 6th, 1883, show that the fire company then in service disbanded, and that a new fire company was organized composed of the following: William Canines, Sr., chief; Fred E Kreipke, captain; James F. Turner, secretary: James Gorman, foreman, foreman, and firemen, William McConnell, W. E. Labry, Reuben Labry, John Smith, Paul Farney, Peter Manion, George Abel, and John Carroll.
The services of the new department were accepted by the council.

Hook and Ladder Ordered Sold

The fire committee composed of Winstead, Steele and Rankin were directed to dispose of the hook ari ladder wagon to the best advantage.
In March, 1886, the record shows that the Henderson Volunteer Fire Company was organized as follows:
John Kreil, captain, John Smith, secretary; Newton Shaw, foreman: firemen – W. E. Labry, Ed Shauman, Pat Burns and H. W. Kohl.

Bids Rejected

The long slender house that housed the hook and ladder wagon having been abandoned for fire pur-poses, it was proposed to turn the house around so that it would front on Elm street, and that a new house be built, 68 by 16 feet. The bids received to do this work were all rejected.

Fire Alarm system installed

During the year of 1892, the Gamewell Fire Alarm System was put in by the city, the contract price being $3,750.
Before that time, and beginning in 1888, the telephone was used for tre alarm purposes.

Fenwick Succeeds Cannings

After a service of 12 years, three months and six days, William Cannings, Sr., chief of the fire department pass to his reward. During those years he was also superintendent of the gas works. Much praise is due his earnest efforts in those days to put the department on a good service footing.

He was succeeded on August 8th, 1894, by Alex Fenwick, as chief of the department.

During the year of 1894 and 1895 a hose wagon, a new hook and ladder wagon, and a chemical engine were ordered purchased.

Fire Barn No. 1 Built

Fire barn No. 1, facing Elm street, near the intersection of Center, was erected in the years 1895 and 1896, by Neiten & Paff, contractors, under plans drawn by Trible & Son, and at the contract price of $4,858.

The roster of firemen on January 1, 1897, shows, James F. Turner, chief; firemen, R. J. Labry, Ben Ploch, Harry Henry, Jack Fairchild, and Charles Brown.

According to the city records of December 3rd, 1895, the firemen were made salaried employes of the city.

Fire Barn No 2 Erected

In 1908 and 1909, fire barn No. 2, in the East End, was built and occupied.

According to the city pay roll of that period the following named fire force occupied Barn No. 2 L. B. Smith, captain, W. J. McHugh, H. A. Brooks and Ed Tillotson.
W. R. Hicks and George Goodley, who were elected at that time, were at barn No. 1.

Prior to the installation of the big bell as means of fire alarm, the court house bell was used for years to summon the citizenry to fires.

It is shown in the above article where a hose reel was bought for $200. This reel for sometime was located in the rear of the former market house building which had been remodeled into a police court room, and hose house.

December 1st, 1908, finds the following members of the fire department, elected by the council:
D. Smith Eblen, chief; V. Scherzinger, A. H. Unverzagt, H. A. Brooks, Joe Kreamer, Lacy Jacobs, L. B. Smith and W. L. Brans.

Coming on down to the present or recent years, William R. Hicks, Mike P. Abel and Harry Stolzy, respectively served at the head of the fire department.
Each did his work well, brought about by their high conception of duty in this important position as chief of the fire department.

Department Motorized

Something like nine years ago the fire department in barn No. 1 was motorized by the purchase of the present engine at a cost of $5,700. It has a 350 gallon tank.

The purchase was made during the administration of J. W. Johnson, the present commissioner, as mayor, and was put into commission August, 1916.

To Motorize Barn No. 2

Tentative plans are now on foot to motorize the fire department at barn No. 2, in the East End.
It is reported to be the purpose to buy two small or one large engine, and if the large one is bought the present engine in fire barn No. 1 is to be transferred to the barn in the East End. The large engine proposed to be purchased has a capacity of 750 gallons.

Present Personnel

Fire Barn No. 1: P. B. Trible, chief: John Bartley, S. S. Hicks, H. A Buckles, Andrew Kohl, W. L Brans, Raymond Hunter and Willie Butts.
Fire Barn No. 2: I. B. Linton, captain; Luther Bartlett, G. W. Denton, W. L. Barron, Harvey Crunk and Thomas Denton.

In Conclusion

Fire fighting is a dangerous job at best, and those who enlist in this work deserve all they earn and more.
Back in the days of Andy Tutt, Charley Woods, Fred Kreipke, these men gave their services for the good of the town, as did those of the volunteer companies which followed. They perhaps laid the groundwork of the present system now most capably administered by Fire Chief P. B. Tribule and his forces of firemen at barns numbers one and two.