NOTABLE FIRES RECORDED SINCE
THE
ADOPTION OF THE PAID
DEPARTMENT
An alarm turned in for a chimney fire in the residence of M. J. GARVIN,
occasioned the first "roll" after the adoption of the paid system.
During the first six months of the new regime 22 alarms were received. The
losses aggregated $2,355.
On Sunday, August 19, 1888, the Houser Harvester Works, owned by the Stockton Combined
Harvester and Agricultural Company, suffered complete destruction. The fire was
discovered at 1 a.m., and before the alarm was turned in flames were bursting
from every corner of the building. About twenty combined harvesters were
consumed together with much other valuable machinery. The building and contents
were insured for $127,000. The policies were what are termed "blanket
policies," under which merchandise or implements might be put in or taken
out at pleasure. Considerable difficulty was experienced in adjusting the loss.
A board of arbitration finally fixed $95,000 as the sum due the Harvester
Company.
February 4, 1889, fire of an incendiary origin destroyed a barn and 800 tons of
hay, the property of E. MILLER, and situated on the south bank of Mormon
channel near Commerce Street. Within sixty feet of the barn stood the large
warehouse of Wm. MILLER, containing thousands of dollars worth of grain and
agricultural implements, and it was with great difficulty that the flames were
prevented from communicating thereto. At this fire, the Jeffers engine had to
be taken off as the gauge refused to register the amount of steam and an
explosion was feared. Eight days later, at a fire in the stables of Hedges
& Buck, one of the flues in her boiler blew out rendering her useless at a
critical time. Subsequently Chief McCANN sent a communication to the City
Council stating that the engine needed a thorough overhauling and recommending
the purchase of another engine for the department. The communication was
referred to a committee in the usual manner and the following account of a
subsequent fire appeared in the Independent of May 9th: "The alarm of fire
from station 8, at 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon was caused by the burning of a
two-story frame building, 254 Lafayette Street, owned by Alonzo Rhodes, and
occupied by Bornhorst & Stelling as a furniture factory. There was no one
in the building when the fire broke out so that the origin is a mystery. When
the blaze was discovered it had already gained such headway that there seemed
but little prospect of saving any portion of the contents. The engines were on
hand promptly, but the hose of the Weber engine burst soon after it began
working and the Eureka engine (the Jeffers) had no steam on. The engines did
not get fairly to work until the factory building was nothing but a skeleton of
blazing studding and rafters and the adjoining buildings were rendered
uninhabitable." The losses on this occasion aggregated $2,500, partially
insured.
The
Jeffers engine was sent to Sacramento for repairs the following week and in
Mayor Reibenstein's message to the Council, delivered to that body June 11,
1889 - nineteen years ago - we find the following: "The city's engine
houses are too close together; they were located in early days before Stockton
covered much territory. There should be an engine house and steam fire engine
in the vicinity of Fremont and Sutter streets; another near the corner of
California and Sonora Streets. These with the San Joaquin, the Eureka and Hook
and Ladder houses, as now located, are necessary in a fire system adequate for
the protection of Stockton. As yet we have had no great fires; it is not
possible, however, to foretell the day when a fire may break out during a heavy
wind. Then a minute saved may save the city. Seattle's fire should teach us a
useful lesson."
(Five days previous to the date above mentioned Seattle suffered a loss estimated
at between twelve and sixteen million dollars, with but three millions of
insurance. The fire, insignificant at first, having its origin in the upsetting
of a glue pot, soon spread to adjoining buildings and through lack of
sufficient apparatus - Seattle then possessed but two steamers - was, within a
few moments beyond the control of the firemen. Calls for assistance were sent
to adjoining towns and Tacoma sent men and apparatus; Victoria, B. C., sent its
Chief with an engine and force of men, and Olympia also responded with an
engine and hose. Through their combined efforts the flames were finally subdued
and Seattle's tired firemen assembled under some shade trees, the engine houses
destroyed, and there remained until tents were erected for their temporary use.
At the first meeting of the Council held "after" the fire plans were
formulated for equipping the department in a manner fit for the protection of a
city and today Seattle has one of the best equipped departments in the world.--Compiler.)
Mayor Reibenstein also suggested that the city should own a city hall for the
location of its offices and recommended that the Lafayette school building be
re-modeled for that purpose. In connection with the above it is interesting to note
that with the exception of a La France engine, purchased during that
gentlemen's administration, the department has in use the same equipment at
this writing, (April 16, 1908) that was being drawn to fires at that date. And
we find the axiom "history repeats itself" to be literally true in so
far as the old Jeffers engine is concerned, as that machine, covered as it is
with age and honors, broke down at a critical moment during a recent blaze and
it is at present in the corporation yard undergoing repairs.
June
15, 1889, the Southern Pacific freight depot was destroyed together with a
freight car which stood on an adjoining track. The loss of was estimated at
$5,000. September 2, 1889, three dwellings on the south side of Church street
were destroyed. The losses aggregated $3000; partially insured. While en route
to this fire the hind wheel of the Weber engine collapsed as the driver was
turning the corner at Channel and El Dorado Streets. The building known as
Peters' Buhach building and situated on Channel Street adjoining the quarters
of Engine Company No. 1, was damaged by fire and water to the extent of $4,000
on the morning of April 30, 1890.
The Stockton Theater, an historic temple of the drama, was destroyed on the
night of July 4, 1890, and with it went many memories dear to the members of
the old volunteer department and early pioneer settlers of Stockton. The
building which stood on the southeast corner of Main and El Dorado Streets, was
erected by E. HESTRES in 1852. It was formally opened as a theater on October
15, 1853, when "The Lady of Lyons," Bulwer's five-act play, was
rendered. Mr. George RYER impersonated Claude and Miss Caroline CHAPMAN,
Pauline. "The School for Scandal," "Hamlet," "The
Rivals," "Ingomar," and other plays of similar character were
rendered during a ten weeks' engagement when the theater was closed. After
remaining dark for two weeks it was reopened by the CHAPMAN Family and a
benefit was tendered the CHAPMANS by the Volunteers, all of whom attended in
full uniform. At the close of the performance Miss CHAPMAN presented to the
companies then comprising the department, three magnificent banners. Chief COLT
responded briefly and proposed three cheers for the donor. They were given with
a vigor that threatened to lift the roof and two days later a card of thanks
was published in the San Joaquin Republican for the foreman on each company.
Following the engagement of the CHAPMAN Family, Mr. George RYER, acting as
manager of the theater, sent East for Miss Matilda HERON, an actress of
superior talent. Large houses greeted each performance given by the lady who
subsequently became insane and died in an asylum. At the farewell performance
by Miss HERON Mr. RYER was presented with a diamond cross, costing $600. The
money was raised by Chief E. W. COLT, who, in his presentation speech, extended
the thanks of the Stockton Fire Department to the gentleman for the many favors
rendered the organization by him while manager of the theater. The Stockton
Dramatic Society, which numbered among its members ex-Governor James H. BUDD
and other gentlemen and ladies prominent in local social circles, played the
"Ticket of Leave Man" for the benefit of the fire alarm telegraph fund
on the evening of March 31, 1880. This and previous performances given by the
society in the old theater, were marked by an excellence second only to the
finished performances of the best professionals, and expressions of regret were
universal when the organization dissolved. After 1880 the building was seldom
used for a theater. It became the property of Mrs. E. F. McMULLIN a few years
previous to the fire and at that time the ground floor was occupied as a dry
goods store by Mr. Alex. CHALMERS. That gentleman lost stock to the value of
$30,000 with but $17,000 insurance. The building was insured for its full
value. At the height of the fire which was with great difficulty prevented from
spreading to adjoining property, Ansel KNOWLES, now driver of the truck, had a narrow
escape from a horrible death in the flames. While walking on one of the walls
of the burning building holding the nozzle of the hose playing into the
seething mass of flames, he stumbled and fell headlong into the fire. With
great presence of mind he retained his hold on the nozzle. His companions
rushed to his aid and hauled him to safety but none too soon, as his clothing
was ablaze in a number of places and his hands and face were painfully burned.
Gleason & Cassidy, saloon men, suffered the loss of their establishment and
Barney KILLION'S Hibernia Brewery was burned early in the morning of July 29,
1890. Three weeks later the upper deck of the steamer "Mary Garratt"
was damaged to the extent of $10,000. The boat was moored to the wharf at the
time and the fire was presumed to have been started by the explosion of a
kerosene lamp. The crew were enjoying their usual Sunday rest, many of them
being asleep in their quarters, and the flames spread with such rapidity that
they barely escaped with their lives. Despite a brisk northwest wind, that
carried the flames to the sheds on the wharf, the department extinguished the
fire within a short time.
September 2, 1890, David FARRELL, while acting as a substitute, was run over by
the hook and ladder truck and fatally injured. The apparatus was going down
Market Street in response to a call when Mr. FARRELL attempted to board it. He
grasped the rope running around the truck with his right hand and attempted to
draw himself up but the momentum of the vehicle was so great that he was jerked
off his feet. Losing his hold on the rope he fell to the ground and the hind
wheel passed over his body. He was picked up and carried into a nearby house
where he was attended by Drs. CLARK and GIBBOUS. The physicians found that the
young man was so seriously hurt as to be beyond medical aid and death soon
relieved him of his sufferings. The remains were removed to the home of his
brother-in-law, Councilman BRISCO, where the funeral was held the following
day. Services were observed in St. Mary's Catholic Church and the body was
followed to the grave by the Y.M.I., of which he was a member, the fire
department and a large number of citizens. Subsequently the foremen of the
companies were appointed to draft suitable resolutions to the memory of the
deceased.
Two horses, the property of Strohmeier & Sterling, were cremated in a
stable on Channel between San Joaquin and Sutter Streets, on the night of
October 17, 1890, and on the day following Chas. DOHRMANN'S residence, on the
corner of Oak and Sutter Streets, narrowly escaped destruction. The harvester
manufactory of Hoult & Sons, together with twenty combined harvesters were
burned in the early morning of March 5, 1891. The factory was built in 1885. It
stood on raised ground in the bed of Mormon Channel and at the time of the fire
was entirely surrounded by water. At the height of the fire one whole side of
the structure, which was a frame building, fell off and floated, still ablaze
down the stream. The engines were stationed on the Center Street bridge but
were unable to render any service. Mr. John HOULT, the senior member of the
firm, estimated his loss at $35,000; un-insured. The Stockton Iron Works had a
narrow escape from destruction on the night of September 29, 1891. Flames
were discovered issuing from the pattern room at 9 o'clock by W. G.
HUMPHREY, who immediately turned in an alarm. When the department arrived the
top story at the north end of the building was a mass of flames and it looked
as though the whole corner of the block was doomed. By much hard work on the
part of the department the fire was kept confined to the pattern room, however,
and the enterprising proprietors of the works, Messrs. TRETHEWAY & DASHER,
rented temporary quarters for that branch of their business and the plant was
running as usual the next morning. The firm estimated their loss at $3,000.
November 29th M. DEAGAN'S upholstering rooms, on the second floor of Mrs.
RIDER'S building, on Hunter Street, north of Main, were discovered on fire and
before the flames could be extinguished the entire stock was ruined by fire and
water. Mr. DEGAN estimated his loss at $7,000, fully insured. RICH &
LONJERS, owners of Club Saloon, on the ground floor of the building, suffered a
loss of several thousand dollars, and LAUXEN & CATTS, the furniture firm
whose storeroom adjoined, estimated that furniture valued at $1,500 had been
ruined.
Mrs. M. SHEEHAN and her daughter, May, aged 7 years, were burned to death in
their dwelling on Fremont Street near American, on the night of September 12,
1892. The fire is supposed to have had its origin in the upsetting of a
kerosene lamp by the unfortunate woman. From this date the records for a period
of six years are missing.
Twenty minutes after midnight January 4, 1898, the boys were called out of
their warm beds into the cold for a twenty-four hour fight at the warehouse of
the Farmers' Union & Milling Company. The fire had gained great headway
when the alarm was turned in and before the tired horses had pulled the heavy
apparatus to the scene, over a mile distant, the entire building, filled to
overflowing with grain, was ablaze.The firemen worked heroically for
twenty-four hours but their efforts were of little avail and the building and
contents were a total loss. The building was valued at $35,000 while the loss
to the parties owning the grain reached the sum of $221,542, making it the
heaviest loss from fire since the organization of the paid department.
"Jack" EGAN of Engine Company No. 2 had a narrow escape from death
during the fire. He was working in the interior of the blazing building when a
large beam crashed down upon him, striking him in the forehead and bearing him
to the ground where he was buried with blazing debris. When rescued by his
comrades he was unconscious and his face and head covered with blood. He
recovered, however, and soon reported back for duty. Although "Jack"
has had many narrow escapes during the seventeen years he has been in the service
he regards this one as his "closest shave" and has a constant
reminder of the occasion in the shape of a long, deep scar on his forehead.
The La France engine was severely tested on this occasion by being kept pumping
on the pile of smoldering grain for two weeks without stopping. At that time
the city possessed no fire hydrants and the engine was compelled to lift the
water from a stand-pipe. Henry Nash was acting as engineer of No. 2 Company at
the time and he remained at the side of his favorite engine all during the long
siege, taking but an hour or so off now and then for a brief nap. On one
occasion the Chief found him leaning against the wheel wrapped in a deep sleep.
Mr. Nash was recognized as an engineer of superior ability and was very popular
among the members of the department.
The fire was thought to be the work of incendiaries and an investigation was
set on foot. Subsequently John BREEN was arrested, tried and convicted of
arson. The evidence upon which the conviction was secured was mainly
circumstantial and many people believed BREEN innocent of the charge. He was
sentenced to serve a term in the penitentiary at San Quentin and died while an
inmate of that institution.
July 4, 1898, the Stockton Lumber Company suffered a loss of $1,900, fully
insured. The composing rooms of the Evening Mail, then located on Main Street,
was the scene of a blaze that for a time threatened the demolition of the plant
on January 29, 1899. Through the prompt arrival of the department the flames
were distinguished with but a nominal loss.
Two alarms came in from the Farmers' Union & Milling Company on March 3d.
Each was occasioned by the firing of the company's barn by an incendiary. The
loss was nominal. On Saturday, May 6th, the harvestor works of the Holt
Manufacturing Company were saved from destruction by the prompt arrival and
subsequent hard work of the department. The alarm came in at 7:30 in the
evening and the boys made one of the fastest runs on record to the scene. The
works suffered a loss of $3,800, fully insured.
At 5:05 p.m. Sunday, September 28, 1902, a still alarm started the department
to what proved to be the most spectacular and one of the most disastrous fires
in the city's history. Assistant Chief MURPHY was then connected with the
department in the capacity of a call-man and the story of the rapidity with
which the fire spread is best told in his words. Mr. MURPHY tells the story as
follows: "I was standing at the entrance of BARRETT'S undertaking parlors,
on the corner of San Joaquin and Washington Streets and just opposite the
pavilion, conversing with a friend when I heard the bell of the chemical
coming down California Street. I had heard no other signal so concluded that it
was responding to a still alarm. It being Sunday I had on my best 'duds' so I
hastily pulled off my coat and hat, handed them to my friend and ran into the
street. The chemical had just turned from California street into Washington and
was headed directly for me. As it neared the spot where I stood Mr. SIMPSON,
the driver, began to pull up his team. Thinking he was slowing up for me I
signalled to him my ability to catch the machine but instead of whipping up he
stopped where I was. Captain KNOWLES jumped off and to my astonishment said
'come on, it's in the pavilion.' We knocked the lock off the door and together
with Jim McLEOD pushed our way in with the hose. The only fire we could
see when we entered was a small blaze in the gallery in the south end of the
building. It appeared to be in one of the exhibits with which the building was
filled at the time. We started across the intervening space and had reached the
center of the building when with a rapidity that baffles the imagination, the
flames ran around the entire gallery and before we could turn were belching
forth at us from all sides. We realized that to remain with nothing more
than the chemical hose would be futile and started to return to the engine.
Before we could reach the door our clothing was on fire and flames were licking
their angry tongues at us from every quarter.
"Upon reaching the chemical Captain KNOWLES gave the order to drive around
to the west side of the building. Two hundred feet of hose had been lined out
but we jumped on the machine without attempting to reel it up and took a wrap
around the reel so we could drag it with us.
"Inconceivable as it may seem, before we reached the corner the entire
building was a solid mass of flame and despite Mr. SIMPSON'S efforts to keep
them in the street, the horses, unable to endure the intense heat, crowded the
wagon against the curb and it collided heavily with the crossing opposite the
old Manhattan saloon. I was thrown from the vehicle by sudden shock but was
uninjured. Mr. Simpson stuck to his seat and succeeded in getting the team and
wagon out but was badly burned by the heat and was out of commission for
several days."
When
the other companies arrived the pavilion was beyond saving and the efforts of
the men were directed to the adjacent property. Within ten minutes the flames
had leaped the street and set fire to the entire block on the east. Driver WALSH
had spread a line of hose and returned to No. 2's house for the reserve hose
wagon. Upon returning to the scene he drove his wagon around the corner of the
pavilion into Lafayette Street. Chief CARROLL had signaled him to continue down
Hunter Street but he evidently failed to observe the signal and did not realize
that the fire had gained such headway. Extraman Ed KNOWLES was on the rear
end of the wagon and called to WALSH to stop, but in the noise caused by the
roaring of the flames it is supposed that he did not hear and continued on
until his horse frenzied by the intense heat, shied and the wagon collided with
a tree. Although badly burned and death faced him at every turn the brave man
attempted to release the horse which was screaming with terror. In this he was
unsuccessful, and blinded with smoke and choked with flame he reeled half
conscious to the corner of San Joaquin and Lafayette Streets, where he fell.
Several men rushed to his aid and tore his burning clothing from his body. He
was carried to the emergency hospital where he was attended by physicians who
soon found him to be beyond medical aid.
The unfortunate young man was later removed to St. Joseph's Home where he
expired at 6 o'clock the following morning after suffering terrible agony. Ed
KNOWLES was unconscious for several days as a result of the terrible burns he
received and for a time his life was despaired of. He recovered and is today
considered by the chief and his fellow members as one of the ablest fire-fighters
in the department.
The
horse was cremated and the wagon with 800 feet of hose was destroyed, the
couplings on the same being melted by the heat until they ran together and were
picked up the following morning an unrecognizable piece of molten metal. So
fierce was the onward march of the flames that the block to the south of the
pavilion was soon a seething furnace, the blaze leaping from building to
building with incredible velocity. A light northwest wind was blowing and the
flames continued on until they had crossed Sonora Street, eating up the light
frame dwellings with which that portion of the city was occupied with a
rapidity that baffled all attempts on the part of the department, with the
apparatus at hand, to check them. To add to the dangers which beset the
firemen, electric wires, heavily charged with their death-dealing fluid, were
snapping and dropping on every hand. Chief CARROLL massed his men for a last
determined stand on Church Street and here the fire was at last brought under
control.
The pavilion with its costly exhibits was a complete loss. One block south of
the building was swept clean and two blocks further south were almost entirely
consumed while to the east the fire swept the larger portion of two blocks. The
total loss was estimated at $500,000. The pavilion was insured for $1,500 but
many of the most valuable exhibits were uninsured. The art exhibit, which was
the finest ever seen in Stockton, was destroyed as was also the fine exhibit of
the Chamber of Commerce, the result of many years of effort on the part of the
several secretaries of that body. The Union Iron Works of San Francisco had on
exhibition models of the battleships Charleston and San Francisco and they,
too, were consumed. Jackson & Earle, the hardware dealers, lost a valuable
lot of goods and the H. C. SHAW Company was a heavy loser, many of their finest
vehicles being on exhibit in the destroyed building. The Stockton Woolen Mill
Company, Lauxen & Catts, The Holden Drug Company and the Samson Iron Works
were among the exhibitors who lost heavily. Among the owners of property
destroyed Mr. A. ALBERTI, the piano dealer, lost approximately $10,000. Mrs.
HICKENBOTHAM lost three flats valued at $15,000. Geo. T. MARYE of San Francisco
owned six of the dwellings destroyed; he estimated his losses at $20,000. Mrs.
A. ZIGNEGO, G. GIANELLI, Mrs. D. LAOGIER, Mrs. J. BRIONES, Mrs. F. CAVAGNARO,
R. W. RUSSELL, A. & J. BROWN, Joseph H. HOSKINS, O. D. WILSON, A. BONZI, J.
C. KING, John BARRY, C. E. OWEN, F. E. GOODELL & Co., MORRELL &
MITSCHER, L. F. BREIDENBACH, Jacob FISCHER, Julia MARMINES, Mrs. WILLY and
others owned property in the path of the flames. Among the insurance companies
hardest hit were those represented by P. W. DOHRMANN & Son, OULLAHAN,
LITTLEHALE & CO., Ralph P. LANE, H. W. SPURR and L. M. CUTTING & Co.
In an interview with a Mail reporter the following day Chief CARROLL gave the
following version of the fire: "We went to the fire on a still alarm. I drove
the hook and ladder truck myself and drove in on Lafayette Street. At the time
of our arrival the south end of the cupola was blazing. We broke into the south
end of the building but were soon driven from there by the intense heat. By
this time a general alarm had been sent in and the other engines had arrived. I
put one hose at work on the end near the Alberti Building, and another at the
corner of Hunter and Washington Streets. Then I sent back for the
"Reibenstein" and "Old Betsy." The latter I turned on the
fire on the east side and sent the "Reibenstein" to the corner of
Hazelton avenue and San Joaquin street. This put six streams on the fire. The
boilers on the reserve engines were cold and there was a very poor pressure on
the water mains. I never saw a building burn so rapidly in my life. The heat
was so intense that to get anywhere near it was like trying to fight a volcano.
The firemen were exhausted and fought the flames from behind doors that they
had torn from houses in the neighborhood. It was at this time that I sent Tom
WALSH for the reserve wagon of hose. He came down Hunter street and I motioned
him to come on down the same street but he did not see me and turned his wagon
toward San Joaquin Street.
"In relation to the facilities for handling a fire of that size I can but
say that the apparatus is insufficient. We could get but six streams on the
entire fire and for a fire of that size, with the wind that was back of it,
that was far too little. San Francisco would have had thirty engines at work on
such a fire. As regards the men I will say I never saw anyone work in the face
of great odds when they stopped the fire where they did at last."
Thomas Joseph WALSH, the brave fellow-member who sacrificed his life in the
performance of his duty, was one of the most popular men in the department. Of
him it was said "that in whatever house he was stationed, the life --at
best a monotonous one--assumed, for every member there, a cheerier
aspect." From the time when the gong would arouse him in the early morn
until the horses were bedded down and the lights lit on the apparatus.
"Tom" was ever ready with a jest or song to enliven the spirits of
some brother fireman inclined to give way to the "blues." And on more
than one occasion the head of the department changed his place of duty to
quarters where ill-feeling was rife and trouble seemed imminent, for it was
known that "Tom," with a disposition that bore malice toward none,
would soon restore complete harmony. Wherever he was known his friends were
legion, and it is not of record that it was ever found necessary to criticize
him for dereliction of duty.
Shortly
after the fire the local newspapers inaugurated a movement to raise the
necessary moneys to procure a monument to place at his grave and which would
fittingly commemorate his courageous act and perpetuate his memory. The public
responded with the spontaneity and munificence characteristic of Stocktonians
and within a short time the necessary sum was subscribed and a local firm
commissioned to furnish the memorial. The monument was placed on his grave in
San Joaquin cemetery June 6, 1904. The exercises attending the unveiling were
witnessed by a large number. After a prayer by Rev. Father W. B. O'CONNOR,
ex-Mayor George E. CATTS, who was chairman of the monument commission,
presented the memorial to the city on behalf of the subscribers and the
commission. Mr. CATTS spoke, in part, as follows: "We are assembled here
today to honor the memory of one who sacrificed his life in the performance of
his duty. The man who is 'faithful unto death' thereby proves himself all the
more worthy of life and its possibilities. His passing carries with it our
keenest regrets. It is with this thought and with this feeling that we are
gathered about his last resting place to testify, both by our presence and by
this simple ceremony of unveiling this stone, our appreciation of his heroism.
"It was the same feeling permeating this community as it recovered from
the first shock of his tragic death, that inaugurated a popular movement to
commemorate his act and perpetuate his memory. The local daily newspapers led
in the movement, and by voluntary subscriptions received by them, a fund
amounting to $1042.90 was quickly gathered. The mark had been set at $1000, and
when that sum had been subscribed the list was closed.
"This fund, together with the responsibility of selecting a fitting and
lasting memorial, was intrusted to a committee of five, consisting of W. E.
JOHNSON, Jacob SIMON, Dr. H. N. TAGGART, James P. CARROLL, and myself. And now,
Mayor WILLIAMS, on behalf of this committee and in behalf of the generous
donors, I have the honor of placing in charge of the city of Stockton for that
department of which he was a member, and more particularly in charge of the
management of the cemetery, this monument erected to Thomas J. WALSH, the brave
fireman who was fatally burned in the discharge of his duty at the great
pavilion fire."
After Mayor WILLIAMS had, in a few well-chosen words, accepted the monument on
behalf of the city, Mr. C. L. NEUMILLER delivered the following brief address:
"Friends, the scenes of today return our thoughts to those awful events
upon that September Sunday night almost two years ago. We hear again the clang
of the alarm resounding through our community; we behold those seething flames
piercing their fiendish tongues of fire high into the heavens; we see the
gallant fire boys rush forward to check the mad tyrant in his path of
destruction and devastation; we recall with vivid recollection that great
pavilion fire, which menaced the property and safety of our people: we picture
again brave Thomas J. WALSH, seated upon his wagon laden with hose and at the
peril of his life, urging his faithful steed onward in the work of rescue and
protection. How well he performed his part, death has answered in silence.
"Today
a patriotic and grateful people have lifted the veil from this monument erected
over the grave of that dead fireman in honor of his brilliant record. The
chiseled letters upon its granite face tell the simple story of his noble
deeds. In him were splendidly portrayed the lesson that whenever man is
stationed to perform a righteous service, there he ought to remain in the hour
of danger, thinking not of death, but only of the worthy discharge of his
honest duty.
"How
sad and gloomy that Sunday? How bright this Sabbath Day? How tragic his death
then? How sweet his memory now? I remember well his good, old father, whom but
very recently the cold hand of cruel death hath removed from our midst. It was
shortly after his home had been bereft of his beloved son, I extended to him
sympathy in his bereavement. His tear-filled eye, his tear-stained cheek, his
quivering lip indicated the grief of his overflowing heart. And, as he stretched
forth his trembling hand, his countenance brightened, his tear-filled eye was
dried, his tear-stained cheek was flushed, his quivering lip was firm, and
in pathetic tone he answered, 'I know the death of my boy is indeed a great
sacrifice, but I know that he died at his post.' Friends, what a comforting
inspiration it must be when from the darkness of the grave there springs the
consciousness that he who therein slumbers has gone to his final rest a
hero."
May 8, 1903, an explosion of gas in the basement of the shoe store of Gerlach
& Morath, on Main Street between Hunter and El Dorado, started a blaze that
destroyed property and merchandise to the amount of $100,000. The Eagles'
Carnival was in progress on Hunter Square and thousands were in attendance when
about 9 o'clock in the evening the merrymakers were startled by a terrific
explosion. Upon rushing to the scene a terrible sight met their gaze. Stretched
on the ground were a half dozen men with their clothing torn to shreds and
their faces so disfigured as to be unrecognizable. The entire front of the shoe
store was blown away and every window in the block was shattered. Pieces of
glass from the show windows were buried in the woodwork of the buildings on the
opposite side of the street to the depth of six inches and the street was
littered with boots and shoes of every size and description.
Mr. Gerlach, one of the proprietors, was picked up on the opposite side of the
street, where he had been blown by the force of the explosion, in an
unconscious condition. His face was badly cut and covered with blood; one of
his limbs was broken and several ribs were fractured. He had closed his store
but a few moments before and was standing on the street watching the crowds
when he observed a man striking a match on the side of his store with the
evident purpose of lighting his pipe. The store was gaily decorated with the
Eagles' colors and a flying spark ignited the paper streamers that adorned the
doorway. Mr. Gerlach pulled the blazing paper down hurriedly with his cane and
it dropped through the iron grating to the basement below. Instantly there was
a blinding flash and the entire front of the building was blown into the
street. A leak in the gas pipe had evidently filled the basement with the
deadly monoxide which exploded with terrific force as soon as ignited and
spread fire to every quarter of the structure. Engine Company No. 2 and the
"Hooks" were on the scene within a few seconds and they were closely
followed by the rest of the department. Owing to the immense crowd that
thronged the vicinity it was with great difficulty that the boys could get to
work and it was only after a hard fight lasting several hours that the fire was
brought under control.
Haas
& Son's jewelry store, the shoe store of Gerlach & Morath and the
clothing store adjoining were completely gutted by the flames. The firms
estimated their losses at $100,000; $52,107 of which was covered by insurance.
Eleven
days after the above fire the department store of Redlick & Co. was totally
destroyed. When the alarm was turned in the fire had gained great headway and
it was with the greatest difficulty that it was kept from spreading to
adjoining property, much of which was of a highly inflamable nature. The firm
occupied the building owned by Ruhl & Co., and situated on Main Street
between California and American Streets. The building adjoining in the west and
owned by Mr. HESS was badly damaged. The Cortland House, on the east, suffered
from fire and water and the studio of Mr. BABCOCK, the photographer, narrowly
escaped destruction. $64,711 was paid by the insurance companies to the losers
on this occasion.
Flames originating from spontaneous combustion occasioned a roll of the
department to the State Hospital on September 26, 1903. The fire which was
found to be in the upholstery shop of the male department of the asylum was
extinguished with but a nominal loss. Ten days later the paint factory of the
American Manufacturing Company, located at 826 East Hazelton avenue, was
destroyed. Loss, $7,000; insurance $2,500.
August
12, 1904, the building at the corner of Channel and San Joaquin streets.
conducted as a hotel by Ringwald Bros., was damaged to the extent of $3,200;
fully insured. Two weeks later the frame machine shop of the Stockton Iron
Works suffered to the amount of $3,586, fully insured. This fire was discovered
at 3:15 a.m., and at 11:50 p.m., of April 19th following, the department was
again called to fight a stubborn blaze in the same company's property. On this
occasion the pattern shop was completely gutted and the entire plant narrowly
escaped destruction. The loss was estimated at $8,398, fully insured.
August 31, 1905, the Tesla Coal Company's bunkers were destroyed. The loss
reached the sum of $40,000 with but $10,500 insurance. At 2:40 o'clock on the
afternoon of September 16th the gong summoned the department to the Imperial
Hotel, corner Main and Aurora Streets. Upon their arrival it was found that a
stubborn blind fire was raging in the upper story of the structure, and before
the flames were brought under control much damage had been wrought to the
handsome furnishings of the hostelry by fire and water. Mr. A. I. WAGNER, the
genial boniface who officiates as host of the popular institution, estimated
his loss at $9,460; fully insured. As a token of his appreciation of the
department's services, Mr. WAGNER subsequently presented the relief fund with a
check for $25.
The warehouse of the Farmers Union & Milling Company was again destroyed on
the afternoon of March 9, 1907. The loss suffered by the company in the last
disastrous blaze approximated $100,000. BRENNAN'S stable and three cottages
adjoining were destroyed on August 11th. The alarm came in at 3:45 p.m., and
when the apparatus arrived on the ground it looked as though there was to be a
repetition of the big fire of September 28, 1902. Under the able leadership of
Chief Carroll, however, the flames were confined to the buildings to which they
had communicated before the arrival of the department.
Since
Chief McCANN assumed control of the organization August 21, 1907, 83 alarms
have been received. At 1:20 a.m., August 23d, the boys were called out to
extinguish a blaze of unknown origin in a frame structure used as a hay
warehouse by the Murphy Ice & Fuel Company. Though the fire was burning
fiercely when the department reached the scene they soon had the flames under
control. The loss was estimated at $450, fully insured. The upholstery works of
Kemp & Heffernan on East Lafayette Street, suffered to the extent of $1,600
on September 28th.
October 27th an incendiary started a blaze in the machine shop of the Stockton
Iron Works which resulted in a loss of $480. While the Chemical Company were
working on the above fire some miscreant set fire to the company's quarters on
Weber Avenue. When discovered the flames had devoured a large quantity of hay
and were communicating to the stairs leading to the upper story of the
building. The alarm was given to Engine Company No. 2, and they soon had a
stream on the blaze. No clue to the perpetrator of the dastardly deed could be
found. November 3rd a spontaneous combustion fire in the coal yard of the
Murphy Ice & Fuel Company again necessitated the calling of the department
to save that firm's property. Arriving promptly the boys soon had the coal
saved for future consumption and the loss was estimated at but $150.
February
24, 1908, children playing with matches in a room in the Occidental Hotel
started a blaze which for a time threatened the destruction of Mr. Giottonini's
popular hostelry. The chemical arriving on the scene with its usual promptness,
soon had the fire extinguished. The loss was estimated at $460, fully insured.
A
moving picture machine, that prolific producer of destructive fires, occasioned
a "roll" to the nickel theater on North El Dorado Street, on February
25th. The highly inflammable interior with which most of such establishments
are equipped was burning merrily when the boys arrived but the chemical
extinguished the flames before the loss had reached over $350. March 20th the sub-station
of the American River Electric Company, situated on Poplar Street, near
Pilgrim, was the scene of a $500 blaze, caused by the blowing out of an
electric transformer. The flames had communicated to the walls of the building
when the department arrived, but were soon under control.
March
24th an alarm came in at 3:10 a.m., for a fire in the dwelling occupied by C.
E. DOULLARD and situated at 420 West Anderson street. The fire was burning
fiercely when discovered and when the department arrived on the scene the
entire building was a mass of flame. The old Jeffers engine broke down shortly
after she started pumping and the house was entirely consumed. The loss was
estimated at $2,000. At 1:30 p.m., Sunday, April 5th, the apparatus was called
to a gasoline fire in the Stockton garage conducted by Jensen & Lewis, at
437 East Channel street. The flames were extinguished without the aid of the
department.
May 6th flames were discovered at 1:35 a.m., in a garage on Market street
between San Joaquin and Sutter Streets. Ed. RIDER of the Hook and Ladder
Company, who lives near the scene, was notified and he at once summoned the
chemical. The fire was burning fiercely when the Chief arrived and he
immediately called out the other engine companies. The structure was filled
with automobiles, the tanks of which were full of gasoline and during the hour
the boys worked before the flames were extinguished, they were in constant
danger. Several machines were destroyed, but fortunately none of the gasoline
exploded and the building was saved. The loss was fully covered by insurance.
The
residence of Lloyd WOODS, situated on Willow, between Commerce and Madison
streets, was badly damaged on the night of May 25th. Notwithstanding the long
run to the scene, 18 blocks from headquarters, the department arrived in record
time and succeeded in confining the flames to the house in which they
originated. Ex-Mayor GARDNER'S residence adjoining on the east was badly scorched
and would have been destroyed had there been any wind blowing.
One week later, at 1:10 a.m., June 2d, the boys were called out of their warm
beds for a "roll" of 20 blocks in the same direction. On this
occasion an icy wind was blowing at the rate of thirty miles an hour. Again the
faithful horses were compelled to draw the heavy apparatus the entire distance
in the teeth of the gale at their utmost speed, a performance that would kill
an ordinary animal, and when at last they reached the burning building the
entire structure was enveloped in flames and beyond saving. The house was
located at the corner of Vine and Lincoln streets and was occupied as a
residence by Deputy Sheriff Parker HACKETT, whose furniture was entirely
destroyed. The residence of Wm. WILLIS, the well-known commission merchant,
adjoined the burned dwelling on the northwest and it would have met a similar
fate had not the heavy wind been blowing in another direction. The two last
mentioned fires served to again forcibly bring to the attention of the city
officials and property owners the urgent need of additional fire apparatus and
stations in the outlying districts, for, notwithstanding the high wind, an
engine stationed within a reasonable distance from the scene could have reached
the burning buildings in time to have saved them.
The ship yards of the C. N. & I. Co., situated on the bank of the channel
at the foot of North Van Buren street, was the scene of a lively blaze on June
17th. The alarm "hit in" at 4:05 p.m., and when the department
arrived on the ground a large shed, in which was stored much valuable timber
used in ship building, was in flames and beyond saving. It was with
considerable difficulty that the fire was prevented from spreading to and
devouring the entire plant. No authoritative estimate of the loss is at hand,
but the property was insured for its full value. The Amoskeag engine was out of
commission on this occasion. A tire on the venerable machine had snapped while
the crew were excercising a few days previous and she was taken to the Stockton
Carriage works for repairs. As the broken tire showed evidence of
crystallization, "Jack" HURD, one of the able mechanics in Mr.
PHELAN'S employ, concluded to test the others before sending the steamer back
to her quarters. Swinging one of the wheels to an elevated position, he placed
his left hand on the tire to steady it and with his right hand he struck it a
sharp blow with a hammer. Instantly the tire snapped in twain. As it rebounded
Mr. HURD'S thumb was caught between the broken part and the felloe and so badly
crushed that it was found necessary to amputate it. In due time the tires were
repaired, the old engine was returned to service and while exercising the
following morning one of the crystallized axles snapped asunder at the
shoulder, necessitating another visit to the repair shop.
At 1:15 p.m., June 19th, the department was called to 27 West Market street,
where Bertolani & Nassano, the local agents for WIELAND'S well-advertised
and popular beverage, have their new bottling works. The boys made a record run
to the scene and soon had the blaze extinguished. At 10:50 p.m. of the same day
they "rolled" to the residence of C. R. MILLER, 208 East Church
Street. Though the fire was burning fiercely before it was discovered, it was
soon brought under control. The explosion of a gasoline stove, that prolific
source of fires during the summer months, occasioned a Sunday evening call to
the residence of Mrs. M. E. CAREY, 712 East Lafayette Street, on June 21st.
Four days later the boys were summoned to extinguish an incipient blaze in the
cuisine of the Yosemite Hotel. Murphy Bros,' Hunter street stables was the
scene of several hours' hard work by the entire department on the night of June
27th. The blaze, which was well under way when discovered,originated in the hay
loft and several hundred tons were destroyed by fire and water before it was
finally extinguished. The residents of the poorly protected northwestern portion
of the city were given another bad scare on the morning of June 29th, when
flames were discovered issuing from a stable in the rear of the dwelling at 27
West Poplar street. A grass fire ignited by irresponsible parties and left
smouldering by them the evening previous had communicated to the building, and
when discovered, at 5:50 a.m., the entire structure was enveloped in flames.
The department made the long run to the scene in fast time and soon had a
stream on the blaze. Many of the handsomest homes in the city adorn the
vicinity of the fire and the residents were loud in expressions of regret at
the total lack of fire protection afforded by the present state of the
equipment, and the great distance at which what we have is now housed.
During
the last decade the department has responded to upwards of 800 alarms. The few
large fires Stockton has had during that time is eloquent testimony to the
efficiency of the men who comprise our organization. Handicapped as they have
been by lack of sufficient apparatus and decent streets it is little short of
miraculous that they have so few fires get away from them.
Despite their accomplishments, however, it is next to impossible to get the men
who have grown grey in the service to talk about themselves. They go about
their work as a business, and talk of it as such. After performing an
exceptionally heroic piece of work at a fire several years ago, one of the men
was asked by a newspaper man to recount his experiences, he replied
plaintively: "Let's forget it. Sit down and tell me a funny story, will
you?" Another after a narrow escape from death at a night fire was asked
if he had been "scared." "Scared," he answered, "don't
yuh think I got good sense? Of course I was scared. What the h----------!"
A grateful woman whose brother has been saved from death by a member, visited
the fireman at his company's quarters the day after the deed was performed and
tried to make him tell her the whole story of the "thrilling" rescue.
"And what did you say to my brother when you awakened him?" she
asked. The fireman blushed. "Well, ma'am, he apologized, "I was in a
hurry, an' -- an' I wouldn't like to say." "When I got out o'
here," an old timer said, "d'yuh know what I'm going to do? I'm goin'
to get a job as special policeman at the ball grounds. I ain't seen a baseball
game since I come in the department. What d'yuh think o' that?" Another
when asked what incentive had prompted him to repeatedly risk his life while
working at the big pavilion fire said: "What do I git paid for?"
Much as a nation maintains a navy so should a city maintain its fire department
- against possible great emergencies, and while it appears from the foregoing
records that we have had but few serious conflagrations, this city is as
vulnerable as others, and we should not let the absence of the destructive
element for a few months lull us into a dream of fancied security from which we
might be rudely awakened by the clang of the alarm bell at any hour of the day
or night. A city's fire department cannot be too efficient and the only hope of
safety from fire, the most destructive of all the elements, lies in eternal
vigilance.
Transcriber Sally Kaleta.
Proofreader Betty Vickroy.
© 2002-2007 Nancy Pratt Melton.
STOCKTON FIRE DEPARTMENT INDEX
GOLDEN NUGGET LIBRARY'S CALIFORNIA STATEWIDE DATABASES
GOLDEN NUGGET LIBRARY'S SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY DATABASES
