Another Look at the History of the Evanston Fire Department
In 1901, the annual salaries for Evanston Fire Department (EFD) members varied widely. The Fire Marshal earned $1,500, while Engineers made $960, Captains and Assistant Engineers received $780, and Firemen were paid $720. All firefighters worked 24-hour shifts followed by a 12-hour break. If a Fireman missed their shift—whether due to illness, injury, or even a scheduled furlough—they would not be paid. Meal breaks were taken at home or nearby restaurants, with no official meal provisions offered by the department.
On a frigid Sunday, December 15, 1901, a fire broke out at the Hoyt Flats on Judson Avenue. Despite the swift evacuation of all residents, the EFD struggled to contain the blaze, leading them to request help from the Chicago Fire Department. Three firefighters were injured during the effort: Al Hofstetter of Engine Co. 1 suffered a sprained shoulder after falling from a ladder, John Steward of Hose Co. 2 experienced frostbite on both feet, and Charles Harvey of Chicago FD Truck Co. 25 was bruised after slipping on a frozen ladder. The fire caused $15,000 in damage, marking one of the most costly fires in Evanston’s history up to that point.
In August 1902, Evanston firefighters Al Hofstetter, John Eckberg, Ed Johnson, and William Pruter, along with their horses “Bob†and “Dan,†returned to Evanston as champions after winning the prestigious “Firemen’s Competition†in Blue Island. The city celebrated their victory with a parade led by the Evanston Military Band and a dinner hosted by local merchants at the Avenue House hotel. Their win came from completing a challenging task: driving a team of horses 1/3 of a mile, laying out 150 feet of hose, connecting it to a hydrant, and spraying water—all in just 18.2 seconds. They took home a $75 prize, and Bob and Dan got extra oats for their performance.
The Evanston Firemen’s Benevolent Association (EFBA) was officially chartered in Illinois on November 5, 1902. For over a decade, it served as the primary support system for disabled firefighters and the families of those who died in the line of duty, until the Evanston Firemen’s Pension Fund was fully funded in 1915. Each December, the EFBA held benefit shows, ranging from vaudeville acts to plays, often featuring local talent and even some of the department’s beloved horses.
The first EFBA show in 1902 featured a screening of the classic silent film The Life of an American Fireman. By 1912, the final benefit show was a play titled The Still Alarm, which included performances by several EFD members and two well-known horses, “Sharkey†and “Buttons.†Buttons had a unique talent—he could bite off buttons from clothing and even turn on a water faucet by himself, which he did during the play.
Starting in 1903, the City of Evanston began offering life insurance to every firefighter. This policy provided $5 per month in case of disability or illness and a $1,000 survivor benefit if a firefighter died. Over the next few years, the EFD expanded significantly. From 1900 to 1904, the number of firefighters doubled—from 14 to 28—and the number of horses increased from eight to 16. By 1903, three modern fire stations housed one engine company, two truck companies, and one hose company.
February 15, 1903, was a pivotal day for the EFD. On that day:
- The newly rebuilt Fire Station #2 at 750 Chicago Avenue opened, costing $6,000 and featuring three bays;
- Manpower at Station #2 was increased from three to six, with Hose Co. 2 reorganized into Truck Co. 2;
- A Seagrave combination truck (a hook-and-ladder with a chemical engine) was placed in service at Station #2;
- Engine Co. 1 was split into two units, with Truck Co. 1 formed at Fire Station #1;
- Engine Co. 1 had a crew of a captain, lieutenant, engineer, assistant engineer, and five firemen, while Truck Co. 1 had a captain, lieutenant, and four firemen;
- George Hargreaves was promoted to captain, joining Jack Sweeting, Carl Harms, and Carl Harrison as the department's four company officers. Albert Hofstetter, Thomas Norman, and John Watson were also promoted to lieutenant.
Hose Co. 3 at Fire Station #3 remained a three-man unit until 1912, operating with a captain and two firemen using a four-wheeled hose wagon. All EFD equipment, including steamers, hose wagons, chemical engines, and the chief’s buggy, used a two-horse hitch.
Truck Co. 1 quickly gained a reputation as the “bad boys†of the EFD. In 1904, one member was fired for insubordination, and three others were dismissed after being caught drinking alcohol on duty. One firefighter was suspended but not fired, claiming he had been drinking at home before reporting for work, though he admitted he would never drink while on duty.
Phillips Screws,Phillips Screwdriver,Flat Phillips Screw,Phillips Screwdriver Head
Suzhou Chenran Precision Fasteners Co., Ltd. , https://www.chenranfastener.com