Another Look at the History of the Evanston Fire Department
In 1901, the annual salaries for Evanston Fire Department (EFD) members varied significantly. 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 were not paid. Meal breaks were typically taken at home or nearby restaurants.
On a cold Sunday, December 15, 1901, at 11:20 AM, a fire broke out at the Hoyt Flats on Judson Avenue. All residents were safely evacuated, but the EFD struggled to contain the flames, prompting a call for help from the Chicago Fire Department. Three firefighters were injured during the effort: Al Hofstetter of Engine Company 1 suffered a sprained shoulder after falling from a ladder, John Steward of Hose Company 2 endured frostbite on both feet, and Charles Harvey from Chicago’s Truck Company 25 was bruised after slipping from a frozen ladder. The fire caused $15,000 in damage, making it one of the most expensive 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 triumphantly after winning the prestigious “Firemen’s Competition†in Blue Island. The Evanston Military Band welcomed them on Main Street, and a victory parade was held up Chicago Avenue. Local merchants hosted a dinner for the winners at the Avenue House hotel. They won by driving their team 1/3 of a mile, unrolling 150 feet of hose, connecting it to a hydrant, and spraying water—all in just 18.2 seconds. The prize was $75, plus extra oats for the horses.
In November 1902, the Evanston Firemen’s Benevolent Association (EFBA) was officially chartered by the State of Illinois. For over a decade, until the Evanston Firemen’s Pension Fund was fully funded in 1915, the EFBA provided crucial support to disabled firefighters and the families of those who had died in the line of duty. Each December, they held benefit shows, often vaudeville performances, musical revues, or plays.
The first EFBA benefit show in 1902 featured the classic silent film *The Life of an American Fireman*, and the last one in 1912 was a play called *The Still Alarm*, which included several local firefighters and two beloved horses, “Sharkey†and “Buttons.†Buttons was known for biting off buttons from people’s clothes and even turning on a water faucet by himself during the performance.
Starting in 1903, the City of Evanston began offering life insurance to each firefighter. This policy paid $5 per month in case of disability or illness and provided a $1,000 survivor benefit if a firefighter died.
Between 1900 and 1904, the EFD nearly doubled in size. The number of firefighters increased from 14 to 28, and the number of horses grew from eight to 16. By 1903, the department operated three modern fire stations, each housing one engine company, two truck companies, and one hose company.
February 15, 1903, was a major day for the EFD. It marked the opening of the newly rebuilt Fire Station #2 at 750 Chicago Avenue, costing $6,000 and featuring three bays. Station #2’s staffing was expanded from three to six, including a captain, a lieutenant, and four firemen. Hose Company 2 was reorganized as Truck Company 2. A new Seagrave combination truck was introduced, and Engine Company 1 was split into two units, with Truck Company 1 established at Fire Station #1. The department also saw promotions, including George Hargreaves becoming a captain and several firefighters being promoted to lieutenant.
Hose Company 3 remained a small unit, operating with just a captain and two firemen until 1912. All EFD vehicles used a two-horse hitch, including steamers, hook-and-ladders, chemical engines, combination trucks, hose wagons, and the chief’s buggy.
Truck Company 1 quickly gained a reputation as the “bad boys†of the department. In 1904, one member was fired for insubordination, and three others were dismissed or suspended for drinking on duty. One man was suspended but not fired, claiming he had been drinking at home before reporting for work and swore he would never drink while on duty.
Dongguan Anding Technology Manufacturing Co., Ltd , https://www.cn-moulds.com