PROTECTION HOOK AND LADDER
COMPANY NO. 1.
We have been unable to locate the records of this, by many of the old pioneers,
thought to be the first fire company organized in this city. Mr. Tinkham gives
November 15, 1851, as the date of its organization. We quote verbatim the
sketch of the company in his History of Stockton: "The committee of June
18, 1850, as we have seen, urged the citizens to contribute a sum of money
and procure five hooks and ladders and place them in different parts of the
town. Public spirited citizens took the matter in hand and solicited
subscriptions, and having purchased the truck, it was ready for service October
8th, and the Mayor notified the Council of the fact. Mr. Geo. R. Buffum, whose
name appears in connection with the report, was unable to persuade men to form
a company, and the hooks were placed in charge of the Street Commissioner and
were kept at the court house square. When the engine house on the bridge was
completed in February, 1851, they removed to that building, occupying it
jointly with the Webers. The following were among the charter members of this
company:
W. B. Lossee
J.
W. Underhill
W. W. Trembly
G.
W. Carlisle
D. W. Trembly
George D. White
George H. Sanderson
M. B. Kenney
W. H. Knight
N. Fairbanks
J. S. Meckley
Where the truck came from or what its cost is not known. It is said by some to
have been purchased in San Francisco; by others, that it was made in Stockton,
and that the axles were hammered out of bar iron. The truck was ready for use
but no company was formed until November 15, 1851. This is the date of the
organization claimed by the Protection Company. In October Mr. Wm. Baker had
enrolled a body of thirty men willing to organize and manage the truck, and
petitioned the Council October 24th for authority to complete the organization.
The prayer was granted on condition that they act under the direction of the
Chief Engineer. The truck was placed on the bridge with the Weber engine but
after the Webers obtained their new engine the Council erected a suitable
building for the Protection Company on Market square at a cost of $500. During
the next year the Eurekas were organized and another house was necessary. A
brick building was finished for the joint use of the Eurekas and the Protection
Company. This building was erected on the same lot that these companies now
occupy. The history of this company is brief, and nothing of importance
occurred until 1866, when their uniforms were destroyed."
Transcriber Sally Kaleta.
Proofreader Betty Vickroy.
© 2002-2007 Nancy Pratt Melton.
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