Evanston Fire Department History – Part 11

Another Look at the History of the Evanston Fire Department

In 1901, the annual salaries for members of the Evanston Fire Department (EFD) varied significantly. The Fire Marshal earned $1,500 per year, while Engineers received $960, Captains and Assistant Engineers were paid $780, and Firemen earned $720. All firefighters worked a strict 24-hour shift followed by a 12-hour break. If a Fireman missed their scheduled duty—whether due to illness, injury, or even a furlough—they would not be paid. Meal breaks were typically taken at home or at nearby restaurants, as there were no on-site dining facilities.

On the cold Sunday morning of December 15, 1901, a fire broke out at the Hoyt Flats located at 1301 Judson Avenue. Fortunately, all residents were safely evacuated, but the EFD struggled to contain the blaze. As a result, they called in 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 got frostbite on both feet, and Charles Harvey of Chicago’s Truck Company 25 sustained bruises from slipping on a frozen ladder. The fire caused $15,000 in damage, marking it as one of the most expensive fires in Evanston’s history up to that time.

In August 1902, Evanston firefighters Al Hofstetter, John Eckberg, Ed Johnson, and William Pruter, along with their horses “Bob” and “Dan,” returned home as champions after winning the highly respected “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 in the Davis Street area hosted a dinner at the Avenue House hotel. The team won the contest by driving their horses 1/3 of a mile, unrolling 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 received extra oats for their efforts.

The Evanston Firemen’s Benevolent Association (EFBA) was officially chartered in Illinois on November 5, 1902. For over a decade, until the 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, the association held a benefit show, usually a vaudeville act, musical performance, or play. The first show in 1902 featured the classic silent film *The Life of an American Fireman*, while the final event in 1912 was a play titled *The Still Alarm*, which included local firefighters and two beloved horses, “Sharkey” and “Buttons.” Notably, “Buttons” had a unique talent—he could turn on a water faucet by himself, which he demonstrated during the play.

Starting in 1903, the City of Evanston began offering life insurance to each 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 years, the EFD expanded significantly, growing from 14 men in 1900 to 28 by 1904. The number of horses also doubled, from eight to 16, as the department added more units, including one engine company, two truck companies, and one hose company operating out of three modern fire stations by 1903.

February 15, 1903, was a significant day for the EFD. On that day:

1. The new $6,000, three-bay Fire Station #2 at 750 Chicago Avenue opened;
2. Manpower at Station #2 increased from three to six, with Hose Co. 2 reorganized into Truck Co. 2;
3. A Seagrave combination truck (a hook-and-ladder and chemical engine) was placed into service;
4. Engine Co. 1 was split into two companies, forming Truck Co. 1 at Fire Station #1;
5. Engine Co. 1 was assigned a captain, lieutenant, engineer, assistant engineer, and five firemen, while Truck Co. 1 had a captain, lieutenant, and four firemen;
6. 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 promoted to lieutenant.

Hose Co. 3 at Fire Station #3 remained a small unit, with only a captain and two firemen, operating a four-wheeled hose wagon until 1912. All EFD vehicles, including steamers, hook-and-ladders, chemical engines, combination trucks, hose wagons, and the chief’s buggy, were pulled by a two-horse hitch.

Truck Co. 1 quickly gained a reputation as the “bad boys” of the department. In 1904, one member was fired after being convicted of insubordination. Later, three more were dismissed and another suspended for drinking alcohol on duty. One man who was suspended claimed he had been drinking at home before reporting for work, but he admitted he would never drink while on duty.

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