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HISTORICAL SKETCH 
 
 OF THE 
 
 New York Fire Department 
 
 The history of the New York Fire Department, or the history of any fire de- 
 partment for that matter, in this land of fires, is so full of action, so replete with 
 stirring incident; and is so much a story of heroism and noble sacrifices to duty, that 
 it seems hard for the ordinary writer to do the subject full justice ; it would almost 
 seem that it requires a Dickens or a Marryett to chronicle the events in the lives of 
 these men who have played such an important part in the growth and development 
 of this, the greatest commercial centre of the whole United States, for the fireman 
 has at all times followed the most arduous and perilous calling that we have in times 
 of peace, and the New York fireman has faced his full quota of the many unexpected 
 dangers of this hazardous work with an unflinching courage which has called- forth 
 the admiration and commendation of the entire world. 
 
 It has been well said that to write a history of the Fire Department of New York 
 City is to write a history of the city itself, for from the very first authentic description 
 which we have of the motley collection of crude huts and quaint old Dutch houses 
 perched upon the rocks and cliffs of the lower end of the Island of Manhattan, and 
 known as "Nieuw Amsterdam," to the wonder-city of to-day, whose picturesque sky- 
 line marks the entrance to the greatest money-making market of the world, the subject 
 of fire-protection has always received the respectful and careful attention of business- 
 men and public-officials alike ; in fact, it might almost be claimed that the growth of 
 Greater New York, from the primitive Dutch village of 1614 to the Empire City of 
 to-day, can be outlined, step by step, by a corresponding progress in the methods and 
 appliances used in the control and extinguishment of fire, for the expansion of the city 
 and its various industries has been more or less dependent upon the amount of adequate 
 protection it has received from the ravages of this element, the most destructive natural 
 element that modern civilization has had to contend with. 
 
 Outside of the commercial value of the fireman and his work, his personal side 
 presents another factor which has had much to do with the growth of the city, for 
 many of the men connected with the volunteer organizations during what might be 
 called the "palmy days" of the New York Fire Department, were identified with its 
 most important business interests, many whose names are synonymous with the financial 
 development of New York as a great business centre, and who represented the very 
 best and foremost families of the old city; and these men, notwithstanding their high 
 social position, were ready and eager at all times to answer the call of the alarm-bell, 
 to sacrifice the comfortable surroundings of their luxuriant home to take their place at 
 the pipe or at the hand-rail of the engine, and to face all manner of personal danger 
 and hardship in an unselfish desire to protect life and property. Surely no history 
 can produce a better example of patriotic devotion to duty than this, and no calling, 
 no matter how hazaidous it might be, has brought forth the finer attributes of man- 
 kind than has the work of the New York Fire Department. 
 
 In considering the history of the fire departments of New York City some degree of 
 attention must necessarily be given to a variety of subjects calculated to illustrate the 
 growth and rapid development of the city. And what a wonderful story that is ! What a 
 bewildering panorama it reveals! What changes have to be noted, what pregnant events 
 dwelt upon, and what a wonderful tale of progress is to be unfolded ! What alterations, 
 
 3i 
 
moreover, have occurred in the locality now occupied by the City of Xew York since the 
 ship of the first discoverer first entered its qu et waters, or even since the burgomasters and 
 schepens of New Amsterdam surrendered the infant metropolis to its English captors. The 
 cluster of trading houses and rude huts of those days has expanded into the first city of 
 the United Stales and the third largest in the world, containing over one million and a 
 half of inhabitants, and untold wealth. I hit marvelous as is this material progress, it is 
 not a whit more so than the story of the New York firemen. This gallant band of citi- 
 zens has been and still continues to be, the protectors and defenders of the city in all 
 its varied stages — from infancy to manhood. Such changes as have been effected from 
 time to time in the organization of the departments have been brought about to conform 
 to pressing public requirements and to keep pace with the times. Hence it became neces- 
 sary, at successive periods, to pass a number of municipal ordinances regulating the 
 force and defining their duty. These ordinances contain a pretty comprehensive historv 
 of the doings and operations of the Bremen of our city. 
 
 It is also a noteworthy circumstance that the New World, even in its youth, should 
 have shown its parent how best to guard against the dreadful ravages of fire, and how 
 most scientifically to fight the flames which had been the terror of the Old World. 
 
 Europe, with its ages of civilization, and with all its inventive talent, had conceived 
 nothing like the New York fire departments. No transatlantic city could show so devoted 
 a band of men as our volunteers ; and to-day our new department stands unrivaled for 
 efficiency. The fame of the paid department has crossed the seas. One of the first 
 sights which visitors to our shores are anxious to see is a fire engine house. An exhibition 
 drill is to them something to be remembered in after years. Hut the volunteers were the 
 pioneers of the glory of the fire department of Xew York. It is not too much to say that 
 they built up the present admirable system. They, at least, largely and directly con- 
 tributed to the perfection of its organization. 
 
 Our early firemen were drawn from all ranks in life — the greater part from the 
 most influential classes. Each man felt he had a stake in the city, and readily volunteered 
 his services. Manx of them were individually the makers of our history. As a body, they 
 have written one of the most remarkable pages in the history of the country. A volume 
 devoted to these gallant fellows ought, therefore, to be a very interesting one. 
 
 As we have briefly intimated, we cannot touch a single company of the fire depart- 
 ment, or the briefest period of the annals of that company, without finding ourselves face 
 to face with some interesting bit of the historv of New York. The histories of New York 
 are all excellent in their way. but not one, we presume to say. has dealt with its people 
 as this history docs. We have walked into the people's houses, so to speak, and have 
 become intimate with them as no ordinary historian, who views men and manners afar 
 off. has yet thought of doing. The result of our industry, of our new departure, appears 
 in every page. The fire department is co-existent with the first Dutch settlement. It 
 makes us acquainted with the British colonists ; it carries us into revolutionary times ; we 
 are borne along in the telling of its story to those piping times of peace when the onlv 
 enemy that menaced the Empire City was the fire fiend or the importation of disease ; it 
 brings us up to the stirring political times that for thirty years preceded the rebellion, and 
 then it launches us into those years, red with the blood of contending brothers, and 
 wherein those gallant firemen have played a conspicuous part. The experience of the 
 firemen has been of use to the architect and the merchant. Nearly every improvement in 
 the way of building lias been the suggestion of men who have seen the evil effects 
 of old methods and styles. They have given a fillip to the inventiveness of the practical 
 engineer, and have helped to improve, in various ways, the useful arts. Thus, it will 
 be seen, that no one who is ambitious to write a true history of the fire department can 
 fail of writing a historv of New York City, with all that the name implies. 
 
 What, then, would Henry Hudson, the intrepid navigator, when he landed on these 
 shores, have thought of such a story, had the enchanted wand of some wizard transformed 
 the primeval beauties of Manhattan Island into the panoramic picture which it presents 
 to-day, with its vast population, its commercial enterprises, and teeming business life? 
 Surelv, the adventurous skipper of the "Vile-boat" or "Half Moon" would have thought 
 it impossible in the period of two and three-quarters of a century such a metamorpho- 
 sis could have taken place. Well may we believe that he lingered with enthusiastic delight 
 along the picturesque shores of the harbor and the bay. the magnificence of the scenery 
 
 32 
 
being such as to cause him rapturously to exclaim. "It is as beautiful a land as the foot of 
 • man can tread upon!" 
 
 The site of New York originally presented only a wild and rough aspect, covered 
 with a thick forest, its beach broken and sandy, or rocky and full of inlets forming 
 marshes. These irregularities of surface rendered it all the more desirable for building 
 purposes. The early colonists made but little effort to overcome or remove those rude 
 obstacles of nature in the path of civilized life. 
 
 "A more forbidding spot on earth," remarks a local historian, "on which to erect a 
 great city has seldom been seen than was presented in the original ground plan of the 
 city of New York; and in rearing a city on such a foundation the builders have combined 
 the arts of the stonecutters of ancient Petraea and the amphibious labors of the founders 
 of Venice and St. Petersburg." 
 
 Permanent and substantial improvements were inaugurated by Governor Stuyvesant. 
 He had been a director of the company's colony at Curacoa, where he lost a leg in an 
 unsuccessful attack on the Portuguese island of Saint Martin. Being obliged to return 
 to Holland for surgical aid, the directors, in recognition of his "Roman courage," sent 
 him to New Netherlands as "redresser-general" of all abuses. He arrived in New Am- 
 sterdam in the middle of May, 1647, an d found the colony in a "low condition." The 
 aspect of city affairs was certainly not attractive. Fences were straggling, the public 
 ways crooked, and many of the houses, which were chiefly built of wood and thatched 
 with straw, encroached on the lines of the streets. 
 
 Fires were of frequent occurrence. The inflammable materials of which the houses 
 were composed, and the insufficient means of extinguishing the flames, led to great anxiety 
 and insecurity, and a corresponding vigilance, or what was deemed vigilance, in the pre- 
 vention of fire. As the houses of the New Amsterdamers were mostly confined to the 
 southern point of the island, the settlement was well supplied with water with which to do 
 battle in case of emergency. Besides being within easy reach of the waters of the bay, the 
 East and North Rivers, a stream "deep enough for market boats" to ascend flowed in 
 from the bay through the centre of the present Broad Street as far as Exchange Place. 
 Also, there was generally to be found a well or cistern in the garden of each house. But 
 this abundant supply of water was about as practical a factor in the extinguishment of 
 fire as were the "oceans of water" to the thirsty mariners, who, neverthless, had "not a 
 drop to drink." This paradox will be understood when it is stated that it was a difficult 
 matter for the so-called firemen of this primitive era to utilize these natural sources of 
 supply, and still more difficult of accomplishment to transport the water in sufficient 
 quantities to the scene of the conflagration. The water had to be carried by hand, and 
 "in such emergencies," remarked the Hon. Charles P. Daly, "we may imagine the 
 scene of confusion that must have ensued when tubs, pails, or other means of carrying 
 water, had to be hastily improvised to stay the progress of a fire." 
 
 This state of affairs was not destined to last long. It was the first period of fire 
 organization. Other and more potent methods were, however, soon to be inaugurated. In 
 order to introduce these methods, the city fathers of those days, after due deliberation, 
 and as a result of their combined official wisdom, signed the doom of wooden chimneys 
 and thatched roofs, while four fire wardens were appointed to enforce the ordinance. 
 This was the first step in the right direction ; other plans were under consideration, and 
 their adoption followed in good time. But as it took a very long while to set the wheels 
 of Dutch official machinery in motion, reforms of every kind were slow and uncertain, 
 and the easygoing burghers were content with one progressive measure at a time. Hence 
 it came to pass that the year 1648 was a memorable one in the annals of New Amsterdam, 
 for it was then that the first fire ordinance was passed. Houses, or log cabins, had been 
 run up with an entire disregard to the alarming possibilities of the ravages of fire. These 
 rude dwellings were, it would seem, specially constructed with a view to their speedily 
 becoming a prey to the devouring element. Wooden chimneys and thatched roofs were 
 certainly not designed to stay the fury of the flames. These naturally inflammable ma- 
 terials were subjected to a double process of seasoning, namely, to heat within and the 
 rays of the sun without. Hence, a spark ignited them and a flame destroyed. It was 
 in this year, then (1648), that a system of fire police was first established, the immediate 
 cause of which was the happening of fires in two places. The preamble to this ordinance 
 declares that "it had come to the knowledge of his excellence, the Director-General, that 
 
 ?3 
 
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 34 
 
certain careless persons were in the habit of neglecting to clean their chimneys by sweep- 
 ing, and of paying no attention to their fires, whereby lately fires have been discovered 
 in two houses." Mention is made of the fact that the danger of fire is greater as the 
 number of houses increases, particularly as the majority of these houses were built of 
 wood and covered with reeds, while some of the houses, it is pointed out, had wooden 
 chimneys, "which is very dangerous." Therefore it is declared to be advisable and 
 highly necessary to look closely into the matte r . 
 
 From this time forth it is ordered no wooden or plated chimneys shall be permitted 
 to be built in any houses between the Fort and the Fresh Water, but that those already 
 standing shall be suffered to remain during the good pleasure of the fire wardens. To 
 the end that the foregoing may be duly observed, the following persons were appointed 
 fire wardens : From the Council, the Commissary, Adrian Keyser ; and from the Com- 
 monalty, Thomas Hall, Martin Krieger, and George Woolsey. They, in their turn, it 
 is stipulated, shall visit all the houses in the city, between the Fort and the Fresh Water, 
 
 Scene at a fire, Year 1730 
 
 and shall inspect the chimneys whether they be kept clean by sweeping, and as often as 
 any shall be discovered to be foul they shall condemn them, and the owners shall im- 
 mediately, without any gainsaying, pay the fine of three guilders for each chimney thus 
 condemned — to be appropriated to the maintenance of fire ladders, hooks, and buckets, 
 which shall be provided and procured the first opportunity. And in case the houses of 
 any persons shall be burned, or be on fire, either through his own negligence or his own 
 fire, he shall be mulcted in the penalty of twenty-five guilders, to be appropriated as afore- 
 said. 
 
 The appointment of these fire wardens may be regarded as the initiatory effort to 
 establish a system of protection against fire. They are the first fire functionaries, and as 
 such it is interesting to learn something about them beyond their names. Martin Krieger 
 was the proprietor of a famous tavern opposite Bowling Green. At a later period, when 
 the city was incorporated and a municipal government formed, he was a member of 
 Governor Stuyvesant's council, and from this time until the capture of the city by the 
 
 35 
 
British he filled many important offices. Thomas Hall was an Englishman. Having heen 
 captured by the Dutch and paroled, he took up his residence among his friendly captors, 
 and in time became a man of wealth, filling many public offices. He owned . large farm 
 in the vicinity of Spruce and Beekman Streets. This farm in later years passed into the 
 hands of William Beekman, the ancestor of the Beekman family. Adrian Keyser was 
 officially connected with the Dutch West India Company, by whom the New Netherlands 
 was founded. He was afterwards a member of the Executive Council. George Woolsey, 
 like Thomas Hall, was an Englishman. He came out as the agent of Isaac Allerton, a 
 leading Dutch trader. The descendants of these men are, to this day, honored residents 
 of this city. 
 
 Toward the latter part of the year 1657 the need of regular leather fire buckets was 
 much felt. None existed in the colony, and the thought of manufacturing them them- 
 selves was too visionary and impracticable to be entertained just then. As the Father- 
 land was depended upon to furnish nearly all the artificial necessaries of life, it was 
 decided to send to Holland for the buckets, as specified in the following resolution: 
 
 WHEREAS, in all well-regulated cities it is customary that fire buckets, ladders, and 
 hooks are in readiness at the corners of the streets and in public houses, for time of need ; 
 which is the more necessary in this city on account of the small number of stone houses 
 and the many wooden houses here : therefore, the Director-General and Councillors do 
 authorize the Burgomasters and Schepens of this city, either personally or through their 
 treasurer, to demand immediately for every house, whether small or great, one beaver or 
 eight guilders in sewant ; and to procure from Fatherland, out of the sum collected in 
 this manner, two hundred and fifty leathern fire buckets, and also to have made some 
 fire ladders and fire hooks ; and to maintain this establishment, they may yearly demand 
 for every chimney one guilder. 
 
 This tax was promptly collected by the city authorities, but the much coveted fire 
 buckets were still beyond the reach of the city fathers. The resolution, quoted above, 
 looking to the mother country for their procurement was reconsidered, as it would take a 
 long time before they could have reached this country. So. after waiting some months, 
 it was decided to invoke the aid of the city shoemakers. But the shoemakers of those 
 primitive clays lacked confidence in their ability to perform the task assigned them. Four 
 out of the seven Knights of St. Crispin responded to the call to meet the city fathers in 
 solemn and serious conclave. The date of the meeting was the first of August, 1658. 
 The views of each shoemaker was solicited. The first declined "the arduous under- 
 taking," the second declared he had no material : the third, more enterprising, proposed 
 to contract to make one hundred buckets for the consideration of six guilders and two 
 stuyvers each (about two dollars and fifty cents), the fourth, after much persuasion, 
 consented to make the remaining fifty upon the same terms. 
 
 These are the terms agreed upon : 
 
 Remout Remoutzen agrees to make the said buckets all out of tanned leather, and to 
 do all that is necessary to finish them in the completest manner for the price of six guilders 
 two stuyvers each (about two dollars and fifty cents each), half sewant. half beavers, a 
 fourth part of the half beavers to be "passable." three-fourths whole beavers : on these 
 conditions he is to make one hundred buckets, which he promises to do between this and 
 All-Saints' Day. Adrian Van Lair, on the same terms, to make fifty buckets. 
 
 But Rome was not built in a day. and at the end of six months from the date of the 
 above agreement, that is to say. on the twentieth of January following, the one hundred 
 and fifty leather buckets were delivered at the Stadt House, where fifty of the number 
 were deposited. 
 
 The burning of a small log house on a bluff overlooking the bay, where Castle Garden 
 now stands, led to the establishment of the first fire company in 1658. This organization, 
 disrespectfully dubbed the "Prowlers." consisted of eight men, furnished with two hun- 
 dred and fifty buckets, hooks, and small ladders, and each of its members was expected 
 to walk the streets from nine o'clock at night until morning drum-beat, watching for fire 
 while the town slumbered. 
 
 This company was organized by ambitious young men, and was known as the "rattle- 
 watch." It was soon increased to fifty members, and did duty from nine p. M. until sun- 
 rise, all the citizens who could be roused from their beds assisting in case of fire. One of 
 the first fire buckets is still preserved by James Van Amburgh of Westchester County, 
 
 36 
 
whose ancester was one of these early firemen. The first serious fire had occurred the 
 year before, in 1657. when Sam Baxter's house caught fire — from a blazing log which 
 rolled out of the fireplace during the night — and was completely consumed. It was re- 
 garded as the handsomest dwelling in the settlement of the early Dutch, and its destruc- 
 tion gave the needed impetus for the organization of a fire company. Even the veteran 
 firemen who still survive would laugh if they would read the manner in which these early 
 fire laddies undertook to provide against conflagrations. One of the rules was that each 
 citizen of New Amsterdam was required to fill three buckets with water after sunset, 
 and place them on his doorstep for the use of the fire patrol in case of need. Another 
 Dutch ordinance directed that ten buckets should be filled with water at the town pump, 
 "wen ye sun go down," and these were to be left in a rack provided for that purpose, so 
 that the members of the "rattle-watch" could readily lay their hands upon them, "if ye 
 fyer does go further yan ye efforts of ye men and call for water." 
 
 When the fire was extinguished, the buckets of the citizens that had been used were 
 thrown in a great heap on the common, and the town-crier, mounting a barrel, shouted 
 lustily for each bucket proprietor to come and claim his own. As the stirring nasal cry, 
 
 Hear ye ! O ! I pray ye, 
 Lord masters claim 3'our buckets," 
 penetrated to the suburbs of the town, boys ran from all directions, and fought savagely 
 on the grass at the crier's feet, to see who should carry home the buckets belonging to 
 rich men, knowing that the reward would be a cake or a glass of wine, or a small coin. 
 
 The prevention of fire was a subject which caused much anxiety and unremitting at- 
 tention. To see that the ordinances were carried out. frequent examinations were made 
 of the chimneys and houses. These precautions caused much annoyance to the order- 
 loving Dutch matrons, who, doubtless, regarded such visits as an intrusion. The worthy 
 fire functionaries found their zeal but ill-requitted. They were often insulted and abused, 
 but they bore it all with true Dutch fortitude, until their female persecutors called them 
 "chimney sweeps." This was the crowning indignity, and not to be bourne. Retaliatory 
 measures were adopted. The goede vrowws were summoned before the magistrates and 
 fined for their discourteous conduct. This, it seems, did not mend matters, for the office 
 of fire warden fell into disuse, and the ordinance became a dead letter. 
 
 On the thirteenth of January, 1674, there was a meeting of civic officials in regard to 
 fire matters. There were present Captain Kynff, on behalf of the Honorable Governor ; 
 Antony De Mill, schout : Johannes De Peyster, Johannes Van Brough. and Aegidius 
 Luyck, burgomasters ; William Beekman, Jeronimus Ebbingh, Jacob Kipp, Lourens Van 
 der Speigill, and Guilame Ver Planck, schepens. At this meeting the fire wardens pre- 
 sented a written report of the number of fire buckets and other implements "found by 
 them to be provided." The}' made a demand for an additional supply of the implements, 
 "requesting that this court will be pleased to order that such fire hooks and ladders as 
 are necessary may be made." 
 
 The importance of taking precautions against the happening conflagrations was recog- 
 nized in many ways, as is evidenced by the ordinances framed and the measures adopted 
 from time to time. On the sixteenth of February, 1676, all persons having any of the 
 city's ladders, buckets or hooks, in their custody, were called upon to immediately deliver 
 them to the mayor. It was also ordered that wells be dug, as follows : "One in the street 
 over against the house of Fowliff Johnson's, the butcher ; another in the broadway against 
 Mr. Vandicke's ; another in the street over against Derrick Smith's ; another in the street 
 over against the house of John Cavildore ; another in the yard or rear of the Cytie Hall ; 
 another in the street over against Cornelius Van Borsum's." On the twenty-eighth of 
 February there was published a list of persons that had "noe chimneys, or not fitt to kcepe 
 fire in," and an order was issued by the mayor and aldermen calling upon these delin- 
 quents to cause suitable chimneys to be built without delay. In January of the following 
 year John Dooly and John Vorrickson Meyer were appointed to inspect all the chimneys 
 and fire hearths in the city, and on the fifteenth of March. 1683, a law was enacted em- 
 powering the appointment of viewers and searchers (fire wardens) of chimneys and fire 
 hearths, to report to the mayor and aldermen, who could impose a fine not exceeding 
 twenty shillings for each default; prohibiting the laying of straw, hay. or other com- 
 bustible matter in their dwelling houses, or places adjoining the same, "but at a distance 
 from their houses and the street: and providing for hooks, ladders and buckets, to be kept 
 
 37 
 
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 38 
 
in convenient places ;" and, further, that "if any person should suffer his chimney to be 
 on fire he should pay the sum of fifteen shillings." 
 
 A public chimney-sweep was appointed for the city (1685), who was to cry his ap- 
 proach through the public streets, and who probably originated the whoop peculiar to his 
 vocation. His rates were fixed by law at a shilling and eighteen pence per chimney, 
 according to the height of the house. 
 
 Great damage seems to have been done by fire in January 1686. The Common Coun- 
 cil, at a meeting held on February 28 of that year, referred to the absence of means for 
 the extinguishment of fires, and it was ordered that every inhabitant whose dwelling- 
 house had two chimneys should provide one bucket, and for more than two chimneys, 
 two buckets ; that all brewers possess five buckets apiece, and all bakers three, said buck- 
 ets to be provided before September 25th ensuing, under a penalty of neglect of five 
 shillings for each bucket. Five years later, on the twenty-fifth of November, 1691, this 
 order was re-enacted. But there were added the stipulations that the buckets should be 
 provided by the occupants, and the cost thereof allowed them by the landlord out of the 
 rent, and "every man to marke the bucketts with the letters of his landlord's name, upon 
 
 FIRE APPARATUS USED DURING YEAR 1760 
 
 forfeiture of six shillings, for the use of the city to be paid by the tenant on default," 
 etc. The mayor was empowered to acquit "poore people" of the penalty. 
 
 At the same time, Derrick Vandeburgh, John Rose, Snert Olphite, and Garret Rose 
 were appointed to "goe round the towne and view each fireplace and chimney, that they 
 be sufficient and clean swept," with the penalty of three shillings and sixpence to each 
 inhabitant for each defect. 
 
 A fire occurred in that part of the town called the "Fly" in February, 1692, at which 
 several buckets were lost. Complaints reached the mayor that people of thievish propensi- 
 ties had appropriated them, whereupon His Honor issued an order directing the crier 
 to give notice around the city that the stolen buckets be taken to the mayor immediately 
 so that they might be restored to their owners. Other appliances besides buckets had 
 been thought of. Two years before the fire in the "Fly," five "brant masters" (fire 
 wardens) had been appointed on January 4, 1690. These fire wardens were: Peter Adolf, 
 Derek van der Brincke, Derek ten Eyk, Jacob Borlen, and Tobeyas Stoutenburgh, and 
 it has been ordered that five ladders be made and provided for service at fires, with 
 sufficient hooks therefor. 
 
 Additional precautions were now taken against occurrence of fires. In 1607, the 
 
 59 
 
aldermen and assistant aldermen were authorized to appoint two persons as fire wardens 
 in every ward. The penalty of three shillings was imposed for the neglect to remedy 
 defective flues and hearths — one-half to the city and one-half to the wardens — and if a 
 chimney should take fire after notice had been given to clean it, the occupant was mulcted 
 in the sum of forty shillings. This is the first record of a paid fire department in the 
 city of New York. The system had advanced beyond the limits of "viewers" and "over- 
 seers," and had reached a point where something like organization was effected, and 
 arrangements completed for paying, fining and discharging the men, who were obliged 
 to view the chimneys and hearths once a week. In short, a more prompt and systematic 
 performance of duty was required. 
 
 The practice of having every house supplied with fire buckets now became general, 
 and was continued long after the introduction of the fire engines. The manner in which 
 an alarm was given in the night time is graphically told by tin- Hon. Charles P. Daly: 
 "If a fire broke out at night," he says, "the watchman gave the alarm with his rattle, and 
 knocked at the doors of the houses, with the cry, 'Throw out your buckets!' the alarm 
 being further spread by the ringing of the bell at the fort and by the bells in the steeples 
 of the different churches. When the inmates of a house were aroused, the first act was to 
 throw out the buckets in the street, which were of sole leather, holding about three gallons, 
 and were also hung in the passage close to the street door. They were picked by those 
 who were hastening to the fire, it being the general custom for nearly every householder to 
 hurry to the fire — whether by day or by night — and render his assistance. As soon as 
 possible two lines were formed from the fire to the nearest well pump, and when they 
 gave out the line was carried to the next one or to the river. The one line passed up the 
 full buckets, and the empty ones were passed down the other line. No one was permitted 
 to break through those lines, and if any one attempted to do so, and would not fall in and 
 lend a helping hand, a bucket of water or several were instantly thrown over him. Each 
 bucket was marked with the name or number of the owner, and, when the fire was over, 
 they were all collected together and taken in a cart, belonging to the city, to the City 
 Hall. A bellman then went round to announce that the buckets were ready for delivery, 
 when each householder sent for his bucket, and, when recovered, hung it up in the alloted 
 place, ready for the next emergency." 
 
 The first attempt to light the streets was made in November, 1697. 
 
 During this period (1697) a night watch was established, composed of "four good 
 and honest inhabitants of the city, whose duty it shall be to watch in the night time, from 
 the hour of nine in the evening till break of day, until the twenty-fifth of March next; 
 and to go round the city, each hour of the night, with a bell, and there to proclaim the 
 season of the weather and the hour of the night." 
 
 Four able-bodied men were appointed watch and bellmen for the city in T702, from 
 November 1 to April t following. They were to go, every hour of the night, through the 
 several streets, publishing the time of the night: to apprehend disturbers of the peace 
 etc., and to see that no damage be done by fires. A lantern, bell and hour-glass were pro- 
 vided for them by the city. 
 
 The Common Council, on the sixth of November. 1703, ordered that the aldermen of 
 each ward should command the respective constables therein to make a house to house 
 inspection, to ascertain whether the number of fire buckets required by law were kept on 
 hand, and to present the delinquents for prosecution. 
 
 New and more stringent regulations were now passed in respect to fires ; the fire 
 wardens were directed to keep strict watch of all hearths and chimneys within the city, 
 and to see that the fire buckets were hung up in their right places throughout the wards, 
 and two hooks and eight ladders were purchased at the public expense for the use of the 
 fire department. 
 
 This system prevailed, with slight modifications, until the introduction of the hand 
 engines from London. 
 
 A law for the better prevention of fire was published at the City Hall on November 
 8, 1731. After the customary ringing of three bells, and a proclamation had been made 
 for silence, it provided for the oppointing of "viewers of chimneys and hearths," to make 
 monthly inspections ; the fine of three shillings for neglecting the directions of the fire 
 wardens, re-enacting the fine of fortv shTiings for chimneys on fire, and establishing a 
 like fine for "viewers" who should refuse to serve, and a fine of six shillings for neglect 
 
 40 
 
of duty ; providing for the obtainment of hooks, ladders and buckets, and fire engines, to 
 be kept in convenient places ; for leather buckets to be kept in every house ; a penalty for 
 not possessing the required number of buckets, and a fine for detaining other men's 
 buckets. 
 
 The year 1731 was the beginning of a memorable epoch in the history of New York 
 and its famous fire department. Then came into use the new hand fire engines. Then 
 was laid the foundation of that gallant, emuluous, and self-sacrificing body of volunteers, 
 the record of whose deeds will read to posterity like an old romance. Just as the chroni- 
 cles of the doughty Crusaders touch the hearts of the youth of to-day, so will the history 
 of the achievements of the old volunteer companies of the Empire City fire the bosoms of 
 generations to come. This year saw the nucleus of a fine body of athletic men, ever ready 
 to risk life and limb for the public weal. Soon were to be identified with some primitive 
 engines, names that will live forever in our history, such as the Harpers, the Macys, the 
 Townsends, the Goelets, William H. Appleton, Zophar Mills, George T. Hope, Marshall 
 O. Roberts, and James Kelly. It was the beginning of the era of the clattering machine, 
 with its rushing, shouting, bold and dashing attendants, as ready to fight their fellows 
 for the place of honor in the hour of danger as the devouring flames themselves. 
 On the sixth of May, 1731, the city authorities passed the following resolution: 
 Resolved, With all convenient speed to procure two complete fire engines, with suc- 
 tions and materials thereto belonging, for the public service ; that the sizes thereof be of 
 the fourth and sixth sizes of Mr. Newsham's fire engines, and that Mr. Mayor, Alderman 
 Cruger. Alderman Rutgers, and Alderman Roosevelt, or any of them, be a committee to 
 agree with some proper merchant to send to London for the same by the first conveni- 
 ency, and report upon what terms the said fire engines, etc., will be delivered to this 
 corporation. 
 
 The committee named reported at a meeting of the Common Council, held on June 
 12, 173 1, that they had proposed to Messrs. Stephen De Lancey and John Moore, mer- 
 chants, to send for two fire engines to London, by the ship Beaver, of Mr. Newsham's 
 new invention of the fourth and sixth sizes, with suctions, leathern pipes, and caps, and 
 other materials ; and that those gentlemen had undertaken to purchase and deliver them 
 to the corporation at an advance of one hundred and twenty per cent, on the foot of the 
 invoice (exclusive of insurance and commissions), and that the money should be paid 
 for the same within nine months after the delivery of the same. 
 
 Towards the close of November, 1731, the good ship Beaver was sighted off port, 
 and on December 1 workmen commenced to fit up "a convenient room" in the new City 
 Hall for securing the fire engines, and on the fourteenth, the engines being in the mean- 
 while landed and "secured," a committee was appointed to have them cleaned and the 
 leathers oiled and put into boxes ready for immediate use. 
 
 "The importation of the city of these fire engines," says the Hon. Charles P. Daly 
 in his valuable treatise on "The Origin and History of the New York Fire Depart- 
 ment." "was an incident of no ordinary importance. There was no subject upon which 
 at that time the inhabitants of the city felt a deeper interest than the most effectual means 
 of distinguishing fires, for the loss of property by conflagration was a calamity to which 
 the city from its first settlement had been particularly exposed." 
 
 These engines were designated as No. 1 aud No. 2. They were located in separate 
 sheds, in the rear of the City Hall, No. 1 on the east side of the building, and No. 2 on 
 the west side, facing King Street, now Nassau. 
 
 The aldermen and the assistant aldermen were in charge of the apparatus in those 
 days, and they were called overseers. The mayor and aldermen took charge at fires, the 
 public at large being compelled to do fire duty. No one over twenty-one years of age 
 was exempt, and for a refusal to do duty they were liable to a fine of one pound or five 
 dollars. 
 
 When the two engines were received by the city from London, they were a great 
 curiosity, the people being fully as much interested as when silver coinages were 
 brought out. 
 
 Peter Rutger, a brewer and an assistant alderman of the North Ward, was the first 
 man that ever had charge of a fire engine on Manhattan Island, and John Rosevelt, a 
 merchant, was the second. 
 
 In 1677 the city contained three hundred and sixty-eight houses: in 1603 the mini- 
 
 41 
 
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HENRY L. CRAFTS 
 
 MATTHEW R. D AMORA 
 
 TELEPHONE, 8514 RIVERSIDE 
 
 C. & D. GARAGE 
 
 
 \ UTOMOBILES 
 
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 Bought 
 
 
 
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 9-11 West 100th Street :: New York 
 
 ( Central Park West ) 
 
ber was five hundred and ninety-four ; in 1696 it was put down at seven hundred and 
 fifty ; and when the two fire engines arrived from London, the population of the city 
 was eight thousand six hundred and twenty-eight, and the number of houses was about 
 one thousand two hundred. 
 
 Up to this time, as has been shown, the only means of extinguishing fire was the 
 carrying of water in buckets and the use of ladders and fire hooks. These primitive ap- 
 pliances, however, were more effective instruments as fire apparatus than might be in- 
 ferred in view of the vast and ingenious mechanical appliances and machinery in use at 
 the present day. Architecture had not then, as now, taken the same ambitious flight 
 The buildings originally were chiefly of one story, and few houses exceeded two stories. 
 The first three story house put up in the city was erected in the year 1696, in Pearl 
 Street, opposite Cedar Street, and was built by a member of the Depeyster family. 
 
 The experience of the past had doubtless pointed out the necessity of putting the en- 
 gines in charge of some competent and skillful person, and, accordingly, on the twenty- 
 first of January following, the mayor and four aldermen were appointed a committee to 
 employ workmen to put them in good order, and to engage persons by the year to keep 
 them in repair and to work them when necessary. Anthony Lamb was accordingly 
 appointed overseer, or, as the office was afterwards called, chief engineer, at a salary of 
 twelve dollars a year, and he and the persons employed by the year under him may be 
 said to have been the first regularly organized fire department. The sheds fitted up for 
 these two engines in the rear of the City Hal would not seem to have been sufficiently 
 commodious, and. accordingly, in 1736, the corporation ordered a convenient house to be 
 built "contiguous to the watch house in Broad Street, for their security and well keeping." 
 This building, the first engine house in the city, was in the middle of Broad Street, half 
 way between Wall Street and Exchange Place. The watch house stood at the head of 
 Broad Street, and immediately behind it, in the middle of the street, this engine house 
 was built. Lamb held the office of chief engineer until 1736, when he was succeeded by 
 Jacob Turk, a gunsmith, who appears to have been a man of considerable skill and 
 ingenuity. 
 
 Fire engines were built and for sale in this city six years after their first introduction, 
 as will be seen by the following advertisement from the New York Gazette, May 9, 1737: 
 
 "A fire engine, that will deliver two hogsheads of water in a minute, in a continual 
 stream, is to be sold by William Lindsay, the maker thereof. Inquire at Fighting Cocks, 
 next door to the Exchange Coffee House, New York." 
 
 The engines were being constantly changed from one ward to another to please the 
 aldermen. If an alderman or an assistant could get an engine located in his ward, it 
 was a big thing, and the friends of the alderman would freely build a house to put it in. 
 
 Several attempts were made to build engines after those brought over from London, 
 but most all failed who attempted it. One Bartholomew Weldern built two, neither one 
 of which would work. The price allowed for building an engine in those days was £50. 
 
 Thomas Lote was the first man who ever built an engine in this country that was 
 used. It was known as Xo. 3. and on its completion was located adjoining "Kalch- 
 Hook Pond." 
 
 In December, 1737. the General Assembly of the colony passed an act enabling the 
 corporation to appoint not more than forty-two able, discreet, sober men as firemen ; an 
 equal number to be appointed out of the six several wards on the south side of Fresh 
 Water. An enumeration of the trades of twenty-eight will be interesting and is as fol- 
 lows: Blacksmiths, 4; blockmaker, 1: cutter. 1; gunsmiths, 2: carpenters. 5; brick- 
 layers, 2; ropemaker. 1 : carmen, 2; coopers, 4; bakers, 2; cordwainers. 4. 
 
 The volunteer fire department, so established, lasted for one hundred and twenty- 
 seven years. A high compliment, and one that no doubt was deserved, was paid to the 
 city's firemen in the preamble to this act. in these words : "The inhabitants of the citv of 
 Xew York of all degrees, have very justly acquired the reputation of being singularly and 
 remarkably famous for their diligence and services in cases of fires." and it was. doubt- 
 less, this fact that led to the institution of the voluntary system. This act recites, further- 
 more, that the firemen "have, at very great charge and expense, supplied themselves, and 
 are provided with two fire engines and various sorts of poles, hooks, iron chains, ropes, 
 ladders and several other tools and instruments for the extinguishment of fires. Thev 
 were to manage and care for the fire apparatus." to lie "called the firemen of the citv of 
 
/gi n u rsi r5i [sir^= n f^ 
 
 W. A. MURPHY J. T. QUINLAN 
 
 (Cnmylimrutii of 
 
 HUDSON GARAGE 
 
 SUpaira 
 
 SPECIAL ATTENTION GIVEN TO TRANSIENTS 
 
 220-4 WEST 41st STREET 
 
 Phone 11$} Bryant NEW YORK 
 Ul , , 
 
 - i B Inllal li H E? 
 
 46 
 
New York," and be ready for service "by night as well as by day." To "compel and 
 oblige them" to be "diligent, industrious and vigilant," the Common Council were em- 
 powered to remove any of them and put others in their place, and, as an inducement to 
 fill up the ranks, the firemen so appointed were "freed, exempted and privileged from the 
 several offices of constable and surveyor of the highways, and of and from the being put 
 into or serving upon any juries or inquest, and of and from being compellable to serve in 
 the militia, or any of the independent companies of or in the said city, or any or either of 
 them, except in cases of invasion, or other imminent danger." It was ordained likewise 
 that the firemen enjoy the privileges given by the act of Assembly, on condition of their 
 subjecting themselves to certain cited rules and regulations, of which these are an ab- 
 stract : 
 
 Upon notice of the happening of a fire, they are to take the engines and assist in its 
 extinguishment, and afterwards to wash the engines and preserve them in good order. 
 If absent from a fire without reasonable cause, to forfeit twelve shillings. 
 Once in each month to exercise the engines, so as to keep them in good order. 
 For any neglect of his duty, a fireman might be removed. 
 Forfeitures were to be recovered before the mayor, recorder, or any alderman. 
 On December i, 1741, additional firemen were appointed. 
 
 In this year also a committee of the Common Council was appointed "to inspect the 
 ladders, hooks, etc., and to cause one hundred leather buckets to be made." 
 
 It was decided, in February, 1749, to build an engine house in Hanover Square, and 
 to procure one hundred new fire buckets. Three years later in May, the watch prison 
 was designated a house for a fire engine, and six small speaking trumpets were pur- 
 chased. 
 
 In addition to the law for the better preventing of fire which was ordained on the 
 eighth of November, 1756, an ordinance was passed in November, 1757, decreeing that no 
 person should have, keep or put any hay or straw in barracks or piles in his yard or gar- 
 den, or in any other place, to the southward of Fresh Water, except in close buildings 
 erected for the purpose ; and that no person should have, keep or put any hay or straw in 
 any house, stable or building within the same limits, that should be within ten feet of any 
 chimney, hearth, or fierplace, or place for keeping ashes, under the penalty of twenty 
 shillings for every offense, one half of which should be recovered for the church war- 
 dens for the use of the poor of the city, and the other half for the person who should 
 prosecute the complaint. The new barracks adjacent to the workhouse being unpro- 
 tected, a fire engine and fifty buckets were sent there. In order to provide additional and 
 more powerful fire engines, it was decided at a meeting of the Common Council, held on 
 June 20, that the remainder of the money acquired by the sale of the city's fire-arms to 
 General Abercrombie, be sent to England for the purchase there of one large fire engine, 
 one small one, and two hand engines, with some buckets, etc. 
 
 In July, Jacobus Stoutenburgh was appointed overseer of the fire engines and appur- 
 tenances, agreeing to take care of them and keep them in good order for the sum of 
 thirty pounds per year. The following year Mr. Stoutenburgh was known as the engi- 
 neer of the department, having as assistants Samuel Bell and Jasper Ten Brook. The 
 working force consisted of twelve men for each of the six wards. 
 
 No attempt was made to light the streets by public authority until the year 1762, ex- 
 cepting a temporary ordinance in the latter part of the previous century, requiring the oc- 
 cupants of every tenth house to hang out a lantern upon a pole. An act of Assembly was 
 passed in the above year giving the corporation authority to provide means for lighting 
 the city. In the same year the first posts and lamps were purchased. In 1770 a contract 
 was made with J. Stoutenburgh for supplying oil and lighting the city lamps, for the sum 
 of seven hundred and sixty dollars. In 1774 the city employed sixteen lamplighters. This 
 system of lighting the city remained substantially the same until the contract with the 
 New York Gaslight Company, in 1823, by which certain parts of the city were to be 
 lighted with gas. 
 
 In 1767 it was directed that all the roofs in the city should be covered with slate or 
 tiles. For some years, however, tiles alone were used, the first building roofed with slate 
 being, it is said, the City Hotel, in Broadway, erected in 1794. 
 
 The number of firemen in the city had been increased by February 1, 1769, to one 
 hundred and thirty. 
 
 -47 
 
The law prescribing a penalty for permitting chimneys to take fire through neglect 
 to keep them clean became practically ohsolete because of the unwillingness of neighbors 
 to turn informers and help to- prosecute for violations of it. It was therefore deemed nec- 
 essary in November, 1771, to appoint Johannis Myer to perform that disagreeable but 
 necessary service; and the penalties were to be devoted to a firemen's fund for the pur- 
 chase of material required by them in the prosecution of their duties. The engineer in 
 this year, for "maintaining" ten engines and for his own salary, drew the sum of thirty- 
 three pounds and six shillings. The following year a third assistant engineer was ap- 
 pointed, and three additional engines were purchased. 
 
 Up to 1776 there were but seven engines and two bucket and ladders, or trucks, al- 
 though there were building at the time one for Xo. 8. During the early part of this year 
 the whole force of the Fire Department, consisting of a little over one hundred and sev- 
 enty, formed themselves into a home guard, with Jacob Stoutenburgh as chief, but virtu- 
 ally under command of General Washington. 
 
 Two terrible conflagrations added to the measure of distress and ruin. Hardly had 
 the British troops taken possession, ere (on the twenty-first of September, 1776,) a dis- 
 astrous fire, breaking out in a small wooden house on the wharf near Whitehall, occupied 
 by dissolute characters, spread to the northward, and consumed the entire city westward 
 of Broadway to the very northernmost limit. In this terrible calamity, which owed its 
 extent to the desertion of the city and the terror of the few remaining inhabitants, four 
 hundred and ninety-three houses were destroyed, including old Trinity and the Lutheran 
 Church. Another destructive fire broke out on Cruger's wharf on the third of August, 
 1778, and burned about fifty-four houses. 
 
 The cause of so many nouses being burned was attributed to the military taking the 
 directions of the fire from the firemen. The commander-in-chief, to whom complaint was 
 made by the citizens, gave orders that in future no military man should interfere with 
 any fire that might happen within the city. 
 
 These fires occurred while the British held possession of the city, and excited a fear at 
 the time that the "American Rebels" had purposed to oust them by their own sacrifices, 
 like another Moscow. It was, however, established that they were the result of accident 
 and not of design. 
 
 After the great fire of 1776, Major-General James Robertson issued the following 
 proclamation : 
 
 Whereas, There is ground to believe that the Rebels, not satisfied with the Destruc- 
 tion of Part of the City, entertain Designs of burning the Rest. And it is thought that a 
 Watch to inspect all the Parts of the City to apprehend Incendiaries and to stifle Fires 
 before they rise to a dangerous Height might be necessary and proper means to prevent 
 such a calamity. Many of the principal inhabitants have applied to me to form such a 
 Watch and have all offered to watch in person, etc. 
 
 A number of citizens formed themselves into companies, in January of 1 781 , calling 
 themselves by the names of the Friendly Union, Hand-in-Hand, and Heart-in-Hand Fire 
 Companies. Their object was to undertake every service in their power, in case of fire, by 
 removing and securing the effects of such of their fellow citizens whose situation, at such 
 time, should require their attention. In order to be distinguished, they wore round hats 
 with black brims and white crowns. They were exempted from handling buckets, or as- 
 sisting in working the engines. 
 
 The Department (up to 1776) consisted as follows: 
 
 Engine Company No. 1 — Location, rear of City Hall. 
 
 Engine Company No. 2 — Rear of City Hall. 
 
 Engine Company No. 3 — At Calch-Hook Pond. 
 
 Engine Company No. 4 — Broadway and a lane leading clown to Jansen's windmill, 
 midway between Little Queen and Fair streets. 
 
 Engine Company No. 5 — On "Smit Valley," now Pearl street. 
 Engine Company No. 6— Crown street, near King, now Nassau. 
 Engine Company No. 7 — Duke street, leading down to Terry, now Stone. 
 Engine Company No. 8 — At the Tar Pits, foot of now Maiden Lane. 
 Truck Company No. 2 — Fair, near King street. 
 
 Truck Company No. 2 — S. E. of the Battery, adjoining the Basin. 
 During the war the department was completely demoralized, but two engines hav- 
 
 48 
 
49 
 
ing survived. Most of the members were killed, and when the British evacuated the city 
 only one of the engines left would work. 
 
 Numerous fire buckets had disappeared from time to time — expropriated or irremedi- 
 ably damaged. So great had the deficiency thus created become, by the commencement 
 of 1784, that the Common Council appointed a committee to ascertain the number want- 
 ing, and to make contracts for new buckets. 
 
 In May, 1785, a fire engine was purchased of Richard Dcane for the sum of forty 
 pounds sterling. In July of that year the French church was burnt. In October, as "the 
 season in which fires most frequently happen was approaching," the law for the better 
 preventing of fire was published in the newspapers of the city, so that no one could plead 
 ignorance. 
 
 Although no effort seems to have been made by State laws prior to 1787 to organize 
 any force of men specially charged with the extinguishment of fires in this city, it is 
 worthy of note that two previous enactments had been made looking toward the preven- 
 tion of fires, one in 1785, and the other the following year. The first of these laws was 
 aimed at "the pernicious practice of firing guns, pistols, rockets, squibs, and other fire- 
 works, on the eve of the last day of December, and the first and second days of January," 
 and provided for a fine of forty shillings for the offense of firing off any gun, etc., with- 
 in a quarter of a mile of any building on the days named. In the event of the fine not 
 being paid, then the offender went to jail, "there to remain without bail or mainprize 
 for the space of one month." 
 
 The other, passed in 1787, was directed against "the storing of pitch, tar, turpentine, 
 rosin, linseed oil, or shingles," as well as against the firing off of guns, pistols, etc. It 
 prohibited the storing of any of the substances named in any place "south of fresh water 
 in said city," under a penalty of ten pounds. But any ship chandler was allowed to have 
 "near his door in the open street" not to exceed twenty barrels at any one time, "in order 
 the more readily to supply the merchant ships, and others who may have occasion for 
 small quantities of such commodities." Any person discharging any firearms or fire- 
 works "on any lane, street, or ally, garden, or other enclosure, or in any other place where 
 persons usually walk 'south of fresh water,' " was liable to a penalty of twenty shillings, 
 or to be imprisoned for ten days. Tf the offender were a slave, it was provided that he 
 was to be "publicklv whipped on the naked back as many times as the justice shall pre- 
 scribe, not exceeding thirty-nine." 
 
 On March 15. 1787, the first act regulating the keeping and storing of gunpowder 
 was passed. By this law, any gunpowder in greater quantity than twenty-eight pounds, 
 found by any fireman outside of the powder magazine and within one mile of the City 
 Hall, was forfeited to the use of such fireman, without the formality of any legal process 
 whatever. 
 
 On November 1. 1780, the Hand-in-Hand Fire Company was organized. Certain 
 rules and regulations were at various times agreed on, and adopted at a meeting held at 
 the Coffee House on November 20, 1788. "The utility of associations for the purpose of 
 averting as much as possible the ruinous consequences which may occasionally happen by 
 fire," the preamble recites, "induced a number of individuals to form themselves into se- 
 lect companies, with the laudable view of affording their particular aid to each other, and 
 to the community at large." Under this impression the society was formed. Among the 
 articles of association was one requiring that each member should provide himself with 
 two bags, consisting of three-and-a-half-yards raven's duck (with proper strings), 
 marked with the owner's name at length, and "H. H.." the initials of the company : also 
 a round hat, the crown to be painted white, and thereon the letters "H. H.," painted 
 black, as large as the crown would permit of ; which hat should be considered as the 
 badge of distinction of the company in case of fire. Another article provided that there 
 should be a watchword given by the president or vice-president, in order to prevent de- 
 ception from intruders at the removal of effects in case of fire : and the watchword was to 
 be demanded by one of the members, who should be placed as sentinel at the house or 
 store in danger. 
 
 The earliest State law providing for the protection of the city from the ravages of 
 fire, and upon which is founded all subsequent legislation relating to the appointment and 
 equipment of firemen, is that passed on March 19, 1787, entitled "an act for the better 
 extinguishment of fires in the city of New York." By that act the Common Council was 
 
 50 
 
authorized and required to appoint "a sufficient number of strong, able, discreet, honest, 
 and sober men, willing to accept, not exceeding three hundred in number of the inhabit- 
 ants, being freeholders or freemen of said city, to have the care, management, working 
 and using the fire engines and the other tools and instruments, now provided or hereafter 
 to be provided for extinguishing fires, * * * which persons shall be called the Firemen 
 of the City of Xew York ; and who, with the engineers of the same city, are hereby re- 
 quired and enjoined to be ready at all times, as well by night as by day, to manage, work 
 and use all the same fire engines, and others of the tools and instruments aforesaid." 
 
 The firemen so appointed were made subject to such rules as the Common Council 
 might prescribe "for the frequent exercising, trying and using of the same fire engines, 
 tools, and other instruments." 
 
 It was decided in February, 1788, to remove the engine located in Nassau street to a 
 house to be erected on the ground belonging to the Reformed Protestant Dutch Congre- 
 gation adjoining the North Church. 
 
 The meddlesome and often obstructive character of the help given to the firemen by 
 boys and excitable young men, which caused so much trouble and anxiety in later times 
 to the controllers of the department, seems to have developed itself as early as 1789, for 
 it is recorded as a decree of the august and reverend fathers of the city, that after the 
 twelfth of August of that year no person under the age of thirty years should be ap- 
 pointed to the office of a fireman. But that law proved to be a decided drawback in- 
 stead of a benefit to the department, and was therefore repealed in the following No- 
 vember. 
 
 The fire engines of the smallest size were used to approach nearest to the fire, and 
 were, therefore, best adapted for the "leaders" to convey water through windows and 
 narrow passes. When the "leaders" were used, none but firemen were willing to support 
 them, and "it was attended by a general wetting by the water which gushes out of the 
 seams." The foreman of these engines petitioned the Common Council for an assign- 
 ment of ten men to each company, and their petition was acceded to in March, 1790. 
 
 A revised law for preventing and extinguishing fires was passed on November 10, 
 1 79 1, which, among other provisions, called for the appointment of fire wardens in the 
 respective wards of the city. 
 
 As marks of distinction at fires, an insignia of official position, it was decreed by the 
 same law that wardens should wear caps and carry certain wands and trumpets. And it 
 was further ordered that all fines recovered as penalties for violations of the fire laws 
 should be paid to the engineer, and by him appropriated as the fire marshal should direct. 
 
 In this year belong the earliest extant records of any fire company in the city, namely, 
 those of Engine No. 13, which began in the month of November ; also, the first written 
 report known to have been made of the doings of the Fire Department proper, was made 
 on the fourth of this month. The meeting was held in the house of Jacob Brouwer, in 
 Nassau Street. The minutes of this meeting informs us that "engineers, firemen, and 
 representatives" attended, but that the engineers and foremen were the only "representa- 
 tives" present. 
 
 Reliance engine Company 
 Hat worn Year 1786 
 
 5 1 
 
<* The Car »ilh Ihc Offtel Crank-Shall. 
 
 Model Forry- four, 34 H. P., $2,250. 
 
 With Magneto, Lamp! and Tooli. 
 
 Quality in the Rambler 
 
 That quality of refinement in workmanship and material which domi- 
 nates every detail of the new Rambler is most apparent when it is compared, 
 part for part, with cars costing hundreds and thousands of dollars more. 
 
 The perfection of every detail in the making of this automobile can be attributed to 
 that infinite care and pride in his work which every Rambler mechanic brings to his 
 individual task. The selection, indifferent to cost, of the materials used and the fin- 
 ished skill applied to fashioning each part, stamps the Rambler as a car of character. 
 
 The Rambler Spare Wheel, Offset Crank-Shaft, and other exclusive Rambler 
 features are but evidences of our constant effort to provide for the comfort and 
 satisfaction of Rambler owners. 
 
 May we send you the new Rambler catalog or a copy of 
 the Rambler magazine, a monthly publication for owners? 
 
 Rambler automobiles, $1,150 to $2,500 
 
 Thomas B. Jeffery & Company 
 
 Mai-i Office and Factory, Kenosha, Wis. 
 New Yo«k Branch: 38-40 W. 62nd Street 
 
 "Branches and Distributing Agencies: 
 Chicago, Milwaukee, Boston, Cleveland, San Francisco. 
 Representatives in all leading cities. 
 
 THE CAR OF STEADY SERVICE 
 
 52 
 
The Fire Department, on the twentieth of December, 1791, held a meeting of repre- 
 sentatives of their organization, authorized by their different companies, and framed a 
 constitution, for the purpose of establishing a fund for the relief of unfortunate firemen 
 whose misfortune was occasioned while doing duty as firemen. 
 
 The organization of the fire department up to January, 1792, consisted exclusively 
 of engineers and foremen. The firemen, who were excluded, felt that they had a right to 
 be represented, and they succeeded in carrying their point. By this change each com- 
 pany consisting of eighteen men were entitled to send two representatives, and each 
 company consisting of less than this number was entitled to send one representative. In- 
 stead of all the engineers being members of the organization, only one of them was ad- 
 mitted to memebrship. The following were elected officers: John Stagg, president; 
 Ahasuerus Turk, vice-president ; William J. Elsworth, treasurer ; Abraham Franklin, 
 secretary. 
 
 In 1793 the Common Council embodied all its rules for the conduct of the fire de- 
 partment in a single ordinance. This ordinance is too valuable and too quaint a docu- 
 ment not to be given nearly verbatim: 
 
 That the inhabitant and owner of every house in this city having less than three 
 fireplaces shall provide one Leather Bucket: and having three fireplaces and under six, 
 
 Fire apparatus used during Year 181 1 
 
 two ; and having six fireplaces and under nine, four ; and having nine fireplaces and up- 
 wards, six ; and of every Brew-House, Distilling and Sugar-House, nine Buckets ; and of 
 every Bake-House four Buckets, each of which Buckets * * * shall be sufficient to 
 contain at least two Gallons and a half of Water, and shall be marked with at least the 
 initial letters of the Landlord's Name, and shall be hung in the entry or near the Front 
 Door * * ready to be used for extinguishing fires, when there shall be occasion. The 
 buckets to be got at the expense of the owner of the house, the tenant having the right to 
 deduct the cost of the same from his rent. Penalty, six shillings for each bucket not 
 provided. 
 
 So many Firemen shall from time to time be appointed in each of the Wards of this 
 city as the Common Council shall deem proper, and shall be called Fire Wardens, whose 
 Duty it shall be, immediately on the cry of fire, to repair to the place where it shall be. 
 and to direct the inhabitants in forming themselves into Ranks for handling the Buckets 
 to supply the Fire Engines with Water, in such places and in such manner as they may 
 think will best answer the purpose, under the direction of the Mayor. Recorder, and Al- 
 derman, if present. 
 
 53 
 
This ordinance further provides that the mayor, recorder, aldermen and assistants 
 shall carry at fires "a white wand, at least five feet in length, with a gilded flame on the 
 top ; and each of the fire wardens shall wear upon those occasions a cap with the city 
 arms painted on the front, and the crown painted white, and carry in his hand * * a 
 speaking trumpet painted white." 
 
 This ordinance also provides that when a fire occurs the watchman shall give notice 
 to the fire wardens, whose names and addresses are required to he hung up in the watch- 
 house. "And it is enjoined on the inhabitants to place a lighted candle at the front win- 
 dow of their respective houses, in order that the people shall pass through the streets 
 with greater safety. The men are also required at least once a month to exercise with 
 their engines, etc., to wash, clean, and examine them, under a penalty of six shillings; 
 and for every failure to attend at the fire, and for leaving his engine while at a fire, and 
 for failure to do his duty at a fire, a fine of twelve shillings is imposed, and to be removed 
 from office as fireman. The chief engineer is required to see that all buckets are collected 
 after fires, and carried to the City Hall, and placed upon the pavement there under the 
 Hall so that the citizens may know where to find them." 
 
 The fire wardens are required to examine the houses and buildings in their respec- 
 tive wards, and to see that "they be properly furnished with buckets ;" and also to exam- 
 ine fireplaces, chimneys, outhouses, and buildings, stoves and pipes thereof, and give 
 notice of any danger or deficiency to the mayor or recorder, who can impose a fine of ten 
 shillings, if he feels so disposed. Stoves could be erected without the approval of the fire 
 wardens, but subject to a fine of twenty shillings. 
 
 In 1793 the fire department consisted of twenty engines, two hook and ladder com- 
 panies, twenty-two foremen, thirteen assistants, and three hundred and eighteen men. 
 
 About the year 1794 the fire engines were of a very inferior quality; and no water 
 was to be had except from wooden-handle pumps. By a law of the corporation, every 
 owner of a dwelling was obliged to procure a fire bucket for every fireplace in the house 
 or back kitchen. These buckets held three gallons, and were made of sole leather. They 
 were hung in the passage, near the front door, and when the bell rang for fire the watch- 
 men, firemen, and boys, while running to the fire, sang out, "Throw out your buckets." 
 These were picked up by the first who came along. Two lines were formed, from the 
 fire to the nearest pump ; when the pump gave out the lines were carried to the nearest 
 river; one line passed down the empty, the other passed up the full buckets. It \v-s sel- 
 dom that any person attempted to break through these lines. As we have said elsewhere 
 he would be roughtly handled if he tried it. The firemen expected every goo l "itizen 
 to give them aid. 
 
 Up to 1795 private citizens had furnished the fire buckets. This plan did n t prove 
 satisfactory. As an improvement, each engine house was furnished with two poles of 
 sufficient length to carry twelve buckets each. These poles were carried on the Moulders 
 of firemen when going to fires, as may be seen represented in engravings on old Bremen's 
 certificates. The general rule that prevailed was, that the first fireman to rea~h t^e en- 
 gine house after an alarm of fire should have a right to the pipe, and take it with 'dm to 
 the fire; that the next four firemen to arrive should bear away the bucket pole* ; and 
 that the rest of the company should run off with the engine, "bawling out and d'mand- 
 ing the aid of citizens as they proceeded on." 
 
 An amendment to the building laws was recommended in February, 1795 hat no 
 building, excepting those of stone or brick, and covered with slate or tile, shouVl '>e of 
 any great height from the level of the ground to the lower part of the roof than twenty- 
 eight feet, and that the pitch of the roof should not exceed ten inches per fcrt 
 
 The Fresh Pond, or, as the Dutch designated it, Kolck, which name had I 1 cor- 
 rupted into the "Collect," was the scene of one of the most interesting events t the 
 world ever saw. That was nothing less than the original experiment in stea- viga- 
 tion. Here, in 1795, was exhibited by John Stevens of Hohoken, 1 boat with crew 
 propeller driven by a steam engine. The next year another experiment was r, ad : ti the 
 same place by John Fitch, the real inventor of steam navigation, with n shin's I, into 
 which he had placed a rude steam engine of his own construction, with p ddle ds at 
 the sides of the boat. These experiments, with Fitch's invention, were made : pres- 
 ence and under the inspection of Chancellor Livingston, and Stevens, and " -n l 
 
doubtless afforded many of the facts and suggestions through which Fulton made the art 
 available for useful purposes. 
 
 Tbe location of engine houses in 1796 was as follows : 
 
 No. 1 Engine House, opposite Grosh in's brewhouse, Barley Street. 
 
 No. 2 Engine House, near the new Methodist Church. 
 
 No. 3 Engine House, Nassau Street, opposite City Hall. 
 
 No. 4 Engine House, fronting the Playhouse, John Street. 
 
 No. 5 Engine House. 
 
 No. 6 Engine House, at the College Wall, Murray Street. 
 No. 7 Engine House, Cliff Street, by the Church Wall. 
 No. 8 Engine House, adjoining the Gaol yard. 
 
 No. 9 Engine House, Whitehall Street, near the Government House. 
 No. 10 Engine House, top of Catherine Street, in Chatham Street. 
 No. 11 Engine House, Hanover Square. 
 
 No. 12 Engine House, at the junction of Pearl and Cherry Streets. 
 No. 13 Engine House, near Ferry Stairs, Fish Market. 
 No. 14 Engine House. 
 
 No. 15 Engine House, in Nassau Street, opposite the Federal Hall. 
 No. 16 Engine House, in Liberty Street, near the New Dutch Church. 
 No. 17 Engine House, near the New Slip. 
 
 No. 18 Engine House, on the Hill, John Street, near Pearl Street. 
 
 No. 19 Engine House, Hester Street, near Bowery Lane. 
 
 No. 20 Engine House, Greenwich Street, at the new Albany Pier. 
 
 No. 21 Engine House, adjoining burial ground of the Baptist Church, Gold Street. 
 
 No. 22 Engine House, George Street. 
 
 A new engine was purchased in January, 1797, for Engine Company No. 1, and the 
 membership raised to twenty. At the same time the petition of Peter Curtenius and 
 others for a fire engine on Greenwich Street, between Reade and Lispenard Streets, was 
 granted. 
 
 John Halsey represented to the Common Council in February, 1797, that he would 
 undertake to import from Hamburg two fire engines, with long hose, to convey water 
 from the river into the interior of the city, of superior quality, and on cheaper terms than 
 similar machines could be manufactured in this country. The Council gave Mr. Halsey 
 encouragement, and appointed a committee to communicate with him. 
 
 The act of March 19, 1787, limited the number of firemen to three hundred, to be 
 nominated and appointed by the Mayor and Common Council, and they were by its provi- 
 sions enjoined to be ready at all times, as well by night as by day, to manage, control, and 
 use the fire engines to be provided, and were exempt from service as constables, jurors, 
 and militiamen, and were placed generally under the regulation of the city government. 
 In 1792 the number was increased to four hundred and fifty. On the twentieth of March, 
 1798, however, upon a petition of the firemen praying to be incorporated, the more effec- 
 tually to enable them to provide adequate funds for the relief of disabled and injured fire- 
 men, and for the purpose of extinguishing fires, they were incorporated under the name 
 of the Fire Department of the City of New York. 
 
 The members of the Department and their successors were accordingly rendered 
 capable of suing and being sued "in all courts and places whatsoever, in all matters of 
 actions, suits, complaints, causes and matters whatsoever, and that they and their suc- 
 cessors may have a common seal, and may change and alter the same at their pleasure." 
 
 By this act, the firemen belonging to any of the engines of the city of New York 
 were declared to be and to continue as such until the year 1818 a body politic, by the name 
 of the "Fire Department of the City of Xew York." They and their successors were de- 
 clared capable of purchasing, holding, and conveying any estate, real or personal, for the 
 use of said corporation, not to exceed the sum of twenty thousand dollars. The said 
 representatives, on the second Monday of December in every year, elected by ballot, out 
 of their own body, a president and vice-president, and out of the whole body of firemen, 
 three trustees, a treasurer, secretary, and collector. 
 
 The funds of the corporation were obtained from chimney funds, certificates, dona- 
 tions, etc. 
 
 The incorporation of the Fire Department appears to have acted as a signal for the 
 
 55 
 
CIMIOTTI :: GARAGE 
 
 2906-2908 BROADWAY 
 
 Phone 6100 Morningside 
 
 SUBWAY STATION NEAR ENTRANCE 
 
 ^ Fireproof and fitted up-to-date 
 
 ^ Nothing to hard for us to do 
 
 A full line of Supplies at reasonable rates 
 
 ^ Our washers understand their business and 
 there is no scratching of varnish 
 
 AGENTS : FOR : PULLMAN : AUTOMOBILES 
 
 No. 1855 BROADWAY 
 
 Garage ana Repair Department, No. 2824 BROADWAY 
 
 56 
 
The Great fire of the City of New York, December 16th and 17th, 
 
 S7 
 
formation of fire insurance corporations. That arm of the commerce of our great city, 
 now grown so powerful and far-reaching, holding in its sweep untold millions of capital, 
 was represented at this period, so far as the statutes of this State indicate, only by two 
 companies, known as "The United Insurance Company" and "The Mutual Assurance 
 
 Company." 
 
 The latter company was incorporated in 1798, March 23, on the mutual plan, and 
 among its corporators are to he found names familiar to all insurance men, many of 
 which will he found intimately associated with the history and progress of life, as well as 
 fire insurance in this city. They embrace such names as Thomas Pearsall, Nicholas Gou- 
 verneur, Abraham Varick, Wynant Van Zandt, Samuel Franklin, John Thompson, Rob- 
 ert Lenox, Gulian Verplank, Samuel I'owne, and Leonard Bleecker. 
 
 The first intimation in the municipal records of the fire department of trouble arising 
 from personal disagreements among members of a company, is given in the proceedings 
 of the Board of Aldermen dated February 12, 1798. Therein it is set forth that the fore- 
 man and other members of Engine Company No. 7 complained against Jacob Tablie, one 
 of their number, for rude and improper conduct, for refusing to observe rules and regula- 
 tions of the company, and disturbing the harmony thereof. The board heard Mr. Tablie 
 in his own defense, and concluded that the best interests of the company and the depart- 
 ment demanded his removal, which was immediately effected, and John Drake was ap- 
 pointed in his stead. 
 
 A new fire engine was "imported" from Philadelphia in February, 1798, and placed 
 in charge of Engine Company No. 15, stationed at the City Hall, and their old engine 
 was packed off to the Seventh Ward. 
 
 Two fire engines arrived from Hamburg in the spring of 1799, and measures were 
 taken for the erection of a house for them in the yard of the almshouse. 
 
 Thomas Howell imported two fire engines from London in December, which the 
 Corporation purchased from him for the sum of four thousand dollars. 
 
 The fire department consisted of a single engineer, who received his appointment 
 from the Common Council, and who was invested with absolute control over the com- 
 panies, engines, and all else that pertained to the organization : a number of fire wardens, 
 commissioned by the same authority to inspect buildings, chimneys, etc.. and to keep 
 order at fires ; and several voluntary companies under the direction of a foreman, assist- 
 ant, and clerk of their own choosing. A few engine houses had been built ; the greater 
 part of the hooks and ladders, buckets, etc., were deposited for safe keeping in the City 
 Hall. Several of these pioneer companies retained their organization up to the time of 
 the disbandment of the volunteer system. 
 
 It provides, in addition to the other, substantially as follows: The firemen of the city 
 to consist of one chief, and as many other "engineers, fire wardens, hook and ladder 
 men, and other firemen." as may be appointed by the mayor, etc., as firemen, and be dis- 
 tinguished by the said appellations. 
 
 The chief is to have control of the firemen, subject to the Common Council, and the 
 engineers shall take proper measures for having several of the engines "placed, filled and 
 worked," at fires. He is also to have charge of the repairs of engines, and to see that 
 they are kept in good working order. 
 
 It became apparent in 1805 that the means employed for the extinguishment of fire 
 required, and were susceptible of. much improvement. The increasing extent of the city 
 and its population enhanced the possibilities of frequent and dangerous fires, at the same 
 time that it supplied the means and indicated the propriety of putting the fire department 
 upon a more effective and systematic footing. The utility of the floating engine had been 
 fully established. But as it could not always be moved in due season to the place where 
 it was wanted, it was proposed to procure another of the same kind. For a similar reason, 
 and also because at some seasons the ice or other causes might wholly prevent the floating 
 engines from being moved, it was recommended that two engines of like power be pro- 
 cured and placed on wheels, for service within the city. These latter were not intended 
 as substitutes for the floating engines, but it was thought that four engines of the power 
 specified were not more than could be usefully and profitably employed on many occa- 
 sions. Certain of the engines then in use— Nos. 2. 5, 6, and 16 — were both too small and 
 greatly out of repair, and it was decided to sell them, and that in future uniformity in 
 size and power in engines be attended to throughout the department. The screws of the 
 
 58 
 
leaders were of different sizes, which led occasionally to trouble at critical moments. 
 Uniformity in that respect, too, was to be observed regarding engines of similar power, 
 and every common engine should have at least four leaders of forty feet each. 
 
 The streets were swept twice a week by the inhabitants, each opposite his own 
 house ; and for the collection of garbage a bell-cart came round daily in each street. The 
 city was lighted by lamps, with oil. Wood was the principal article of fuel, and hickory 
 was deemed the best. The chimneys were swept by small negro boys, whose street cries 
 in the morning drew forth many a denunciation from those whose slumbers were thus 
 disturbed. With the break of day did the streets ring with their cries of "Sweep, ho! 
 sweep, ho! from the bottom to the top, without a ladder or a rope, sweep, ho !" to a chorus 
 or cry, in which often were added dulced sounds of real harmony. 
 
 Fire plugs were first introduced in 1807, the first plug being put down at the corner 
 of William and Liberty Streets. The chief engineer approved of it so highly that he rec- 
 ommended that each block in the city be similarly supplied. 
 
 The full strength of the fire department was eight hundred and sixty-nine men, as 
 compared with seven hundred and sixty-one in the previous year (1806). It was made 
 up of seven engineers, forty-eight fire wardens, seven hundred and seventy-eight fire 
 engine men, and thirty-six hook and ladder men. The number of fire engine companies 
 was thirty-four, of which Nos. 28 and 33 were the smallest, having only ten men each, 
 and Nos. 25, 3 and 8 were the largest, having forty, thirty-two, and thirty men respec- 
 tively. The floating engine was in charge of forty men. There were only two hook and 
 ladder companies. In November the strength of Engine Company No. 25 was raised 
 to fifty. Two years after, in December, the full strength of the department was nine hun- 
 dred and fifty-five men, of whom seven were engineers, fifty-five fire wardens, eight hun- 
 dred and forty-seven fire engine men, and forty-six hook and ladder men — an increase of 
 twenty-eight men over the previous year (1808). 
 
 The expenses incurred by the city for supplies to the fire department for the eight 
 years ending 1809 amounted to forty-three thousand eight hundred and eighty-eight dol- 
 lars, and it was suggested that, inasmuch as the fire insurance companies were greatly 
 benefitted by the existing organization of the fire department, they should be called upon 
 to defray some proportion of the expense. 
 
 The city was again devastated by a terrible conflagration (May 19, 1811), which 
 broke out about nine o'clock on Sunday morning near the northwest corner of Duane and 
 Chatham Streets. The steeple of the brick church, and the cupola of the jail caught fire. 
 
 The frequent fires occurring in the fall of 181 1 from no cause that could be reason- 
 ably ascribed, left no room to doubt that incendiaries were at their villainous work, and 
 the mayor of the city again offered a reward of three hundred dollars for the apprehen- 
 sion and conviction of the offenders. 
 
 The fire wardens in December communicated to the Common Council that as the use 
 of hose had in a great measure superseded the use of fire buckets, the ordinance requiring 
 owners and occupants of houses to furnish buckets, should, in their opinion, be repealed, 
 and also an application should be made to the legislature for an extension of the limits 
 within which wooden buildings should not be erected. 
 
 In the following month the Council Committee reported upon that communication 
 that, notwithstanding the advantages arising from the use of leaders, cases might arise in 
 the interior of the city when, by a speedy collection of buckets, the fire might be extin- 
 guished ere the line by engines and leaders could be formed, and consequently it would 
 be imprudent to discontinue the ordinance as requested. The number of buckets required 
 to be kept might, however, be reduced by one-third, to lighten the burden on the citizens. 
 
 The condition of affairs in the city during the summer of 1812, whilst the National 
 Government was prosecuting the war against Great Britain, had become most critical. 
 There were fears of commotions and riots fomented by evil disposed people, which, if 
 allowed to pass unnoticed, might lead to serious and alarming consequences. At this 
 juncture (July, 1812), the members of engine companies Nos. 39, 36, and 8, volunteered 
 their services to the chief magistrate, to assist in quelling any roit of disturbance that 
 might arise, reserving to themselves, however, the privilege of being commanded by 
 their own officers, without the interference of any military officer whatever. 
 
 An act for the more effectual prevention of fires was passed April 9, 1813. This act 
 made it obligatory that dwelling-houses, storerooms, and other buildings, thereafter to be 
 
 59 
 
WITH COMPLIMENTS 
 
 Simplex Automobile Co. 
 
 No. 614 East 83d Street 
 NEW YORK CITY 
 
 HERMAN BROESEL, Jr. CARL A. BROESEL 
 
 G. E. FRANQUIST 
 
 60 
 
6i 
 
erected within the following boundaries, should be made and constructed of stone or 
 brick, with party or fire walls, rising at least six inches above the roof, "and shall be 
 covered, except the flat roof thereof, with tile or slate, or other safe materials, against 
 fire, and not with boards or shingles," within that part of the city to the northward of the 
 point of the Battery, and a line beginning upon the East River, opposite Montgomery 
 Street, thence through Montgomery Street to Cherry Street, thence down ( berry Street 
 to Roosevelt, through Roosevelt to Chatham, dow n Chatham to Chambers Street, through 
 Chambers Street to Broadway, up Broadway to Canal Street, thence, commencing again 
 at Chambers Street and running to Hudson's River, including also the lots of ground on 
 the northerly and easterly sides of the said streets through which the above-mentioned 
 line runs, and including, also, the lots of ground fronting on both sides of Broadway, 
 between Chambers and Canal Streets. 
 
 The above designated portion of the city also constituted "the Watch and Lamp 
 District." 
 
 Upon the breaking out of any fire within the city, the law required the sheriffs, 
 deputy sheriffs, constables, and marshals, upon notice thereof, to repair immediately to 
 the scene of the fire, with their rods, staves, and other badges of authority, and aid and 
 assist in the extinguishing of the said fire, and cause the firemen in attendance to work ; to 
 prevent any goods or household furniture from being stolen ; to seize all persons found 
 stealing or pilfering; and to give their utmost assistance in removing and securing goods 
 and furniture. They were subordinate to the mayor, recorder and aldermen, or any 
 of them. 
 
 In case of fire, the mayor, or, in his absence, the recorder, with the consent and con- 
 currence of any two of the aldermen, might order buildings to be pulled down. 
 
 The Common Council was authorized to pass ordinances for the extinguishment and 
 prevention of fires ; and also to regulate the keeping, carting, conveying, or transport- 
 ing of gunpowder, or any other combustible or other dangerous material, within the 
 bounds of the city ; also to regulate the use of lights and candles in livery and other 
 stables ; to remove or prevent the construction of any fireplace, hearth, chimney, stove, 
 oven, boiler, kettle, or apparatus, used in any manufactory or business, which might be 
 dangerous in causing or promoting fires. 
 
 On the ioth of January, 1814. the chief engineer reported that during the preceding 
 year the sum of one thousand and ninety-two dollars and twenty cents had been re- 
 ceived and collected from fines, which were applied to the relief of disabled firemen and 
 their families, and for educating about seventy of their children. On the above date it 
 was resolved that the staves of office to be carried at fires by members of the Common 
 Council be similarly constructed with those lately made (viz.: with a gilded flame at the 
 top), "and that the justices of the police and the superintendent of repairs be fur- 
 nished with staves, to be used on like occasions." 
 
 The estimated value of the property belonging to the fire department at the close of 
 
 1814 was as follows: 
 
 15 brick buildings $5,250 00 
 
 32 wood buildings 4,800 00 
 
 2 lots of ground 1,600 00 
 
 41 engines 26.200 00 
 
 Floating engine and boat 1,400 00 
 
 4 old engines not in use 750 00 
 
 13.085 feet leather hose 8,548 00 
 
 1,000 fire buckets 1,500 00 
 
 4 trucks, 15 ladders, and 20 fire hooks etc 1,200 00 
 
 Signal lanterns, torches, axes, etc 150 00 
 
 Drag ropes 70 00 
 
 Stoves and pipes 150 00 
 
 Hose wagon 175 00 
 
 1 copper pump 30 00 
 
 20 loads nut wood 90 00 
 
 Total $51,913 00 
 
 The firemen having determined to apply to the legislature to enact a law granting 
 
 62 
 
them certain privileges, and the renewal of their charter, deemed it expedient to place in 
 the hands of the representatives the following calculations, showing the principles on 
 which their petition was founded : 
 
 From this record it* appears that there were in — ■ 
 
 I 795> 5 
 
 fires and 9 
 
 alarms, 
 
 
 I6 05, 13 
 
 fi roc 1 t~i s'a r\ 0 lor m c 
 
 
 
 
 a 
 
 A vpr^l crino" 
 
 1 \. V tl d. £l illfcr 
 
 
 " 6 " 
 
 A v p m c*" i n cr 
 
 i\VV.l Cl ti 111 ^ 
 
 1/97, 10 
 
 " 9 
 
 
 13 3 7 5 per 
 
 1807, 21 
 
 " 10 " 
 
 31 2/5 per 
 
 1798, 6 
 
 " 5 
 
 a 
 
 annum. 
 
 1808, 23 
 
 " 14 " 
 
 annum. 
 
 1799, 6 
 
 " 6 
 
 
 
 1809, 16 
 
 " 25 " 
 
 
 1800, 9 
 
 " 9 
 
 a 
 
 
 1810, 25 
 
 1811, 26 
 
 " 19 " 
 
 
 1801, 11 
 
 " 6 
 
 (( 
 
 Averaging 
 
 " 27 " 
 
 Averaging 
 
 1802, 10 
 
 " 7 
 
 a 
 
 193/5 per 
 
 l8l2, 20 
 
 " 23 " 
 
 55 2/5 per 
 
 1803, 9 
 
 " 8 
 
 a 
 
 annum. 
 
 l8l3,37 
 
 " 39 " 
 
 annum. 
 
 1804, 16 
 
 " 13 
 
 
 
 1814, 29 
 
 " 32 " 
 
 
 By this it appears their duty had increased in a fourfold proportion in the space of 
 twenty years. From actual calculation on the average of the preceding five years, there 
 was an increase of two hundred and seventy-five hours actual duty per annum, or two 
 hundred and seventy-five days in ten years, allowing ten hours for a day. 
 
 The amount of the Fire Department Fund, December 1, 1814, was ten thousand six 
 hundred and twenty-two dollars and thirty-eight cents ; the amount of moneys paid the 
 previous year for the relief of indigent firemen, their widows, and the schooling of their 
 children, was one thousand five hundred and eighty-six dollars and twenty-five cents. 
 
 On April 11, 1815, there was passed "An act for the more effectual prevention of 
 fires in the city of New York." This extended the fire limits from "a line beginning at 
 the North River, at a place called Dekleyne's Ferry, a little to the northward of the State 
 Prison, to the road commonly called the Sandy Hill road, to the northward of the Pot- 
 ter's Field and the house of William Neilson, to the Bowery, to a street commonly called 
 Stuyvesant Street, to the East River." 
 
 The number of engineers was increased, on December 23, 1816, from eight to ten. 
 The first hydrant ever used in New York was located in front of the dwelling house 
 of Mr. George B. Smith, of Engine Company No. 12, in Frankfort Street, in the year 
 1817. This was the origin of the hydrant system in this city. 
 
 Anv fireman, while in the performance of his duty as such, who should so maim or 
 injure himself as to render him thereafter unable to perform the duties of a fireman, or 
 who should have so maimed himself since the fifth of the preceding May (Act, Febru- 
 ary 28, 1817), was entitled to the benefit of the law passed the twelfth of April, 1816, 
 fixing the time of service of firemen at ten years. 
 
 With some of the church congregations it was made the express duty for the sextons 
 to ring the bells at an alarm of fire, and with others it was an implied duty. At the fire 
 on December 19. 1818, only a few of the bells were rung, and in consequence a large 
 proportion of the firemen were not alarmed. 
 
 This fact was taken cognizance of by the Common Council, who convened a meet- 
 ing of church officers, whereat it was arranged that no such neglect of duty should oc- 
 cur thereafter, and, to facilitate matters, it was made the duty of the watchmen at the 
 cry of fire immediately to alarm the sextons. 
 
 The propriety of taxing the fire insurance companies of the ciy for the whole or a 
 proportion of the expense annuallv incurred for the department was discussed in the 
 Common Council in December, 1818, and the Committee on Applications to the Legisla- 
 ture were directed to inquire into its expediency. 
 
 On the twenty-seventh dav of December, 1819. the Committee on the Fire Depart- 
 ment reported that the fire buckets were being rapidly superseded bv the use of hose, 
 and, on their recommendation, the use of fire buckets at fires were dispensed with. 
 
 Very soon every new engine was furnished with suctions, and the old machines were 
 altered so as to use them. There was also an active and increasing demand for an ad- 
 ditional supply of hose and hn<;e carriages. The latter, at this time, consisted of a reel 
 placed on the axle of two cartwheels, and was the invention of Foreman David J. Hubbs. 
 It was either attached to the engine bv tail hooks, or drawn by two members of the 
 companv. "Hubbs' Baby," as the simple contrivance was called, was the origin of the 
 hose companies. 
 
 63 
 
Compliments of 
 
 Wyckpff, Church & Partridge 
 
 Broadway at 56th Street 
 3\Cew York City 
 
 C. F WYCKOFF, "President 
 
 Telephone 81 00 Columbus 
 
 HAROLD A. WRIGHT Telephone Not. 2370-2371 Jludubon 
 
 President and General Manager 
 
 Ifuosott Automobile Companij 
 
 INCORPORATED 
 
 SALESROOM AND GARAGE 
 Nos. 514-516-518 WEST 145th STREET 
 
 Near Amsterdam Avenue 
 
 NEW YORK 
 
 Motor Car Repairs and Accessories 
 
 GARAGE NEVER CLOSED 
 
 6 4 
 
According to the Comptroller's report for the year 1819 the amount expended for 
 building engine houses in Fayette and Rose Streets, and at Greenwich, for ground and 
 building, and building a house on Beaver Street, was twenty-one thousand and ninety-six 
 dollars, and on account of engines to A. W. Hardenbrook, five thousand and ninety-six 
 dollars and seventeen cents. 
 
 The floating engine had practically been in disuse during the year 1818, lying around 
 most of the time at her slip at the foot of Roosevelt Street. In the summer of 1819 it was 
 taken to the Corporation Yard on Leonard Street, and there set up as a supply engine for 
 extinguishing fires in that part of the city, A company was formed to manage it, called 
 Supply Engine Company No. 1, and consisting of Jacob P. Roome, foreman; Jacob Smith, 
 Jr., assistant ; William Roome, Isaac Skatts, William M. Wilson, and John Bowman. This 
 company was stationed over a large well of water in the Public yard, from which she was 
 never moved, and, consequently, never used only when the fire happened in the immediate 
 neighborhood. The duties of the company, therefore, were much less arduous than those 
 of other firemen, except the fire wardens, The Common Council, in view of these facts, 
 decided in January, 1829, that no person should be eligible for membership in that company 
 who had not borne the burden of the day by doing more active duty a few years previous, 
 and, accordingly, fixed the necessary qualification for membership therein at five years' 
 service in the department. But this action was repealed in February, 1830, for various 
 reasons, among which were, that the term of service of firemen had been reduced from 
 ten to seven years, and that during the existence of the restriction there had not been a 
 single application for membership. 
 
 In conformity with an act passed in April, 1820, the fire wardens of the city were 
 clothed with authority, in June of that year, to discharge the duties of health wardens, and 
 were placed under the control of the Board of Health. 
 
 The value of the estate vested in the Fire Department as public property in 1820 was 
 seventy-two thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine dollars. 
 
 The Common Council, on December 26, 1820, reduced the salary of the chief engineer, 
 which had been eight hundred dollars, to five hundred dollars per annum. This ordinance 
 also adopted the main features of the ordinance of May 5, 1817, and ordained that "no 
 person shall be elected a fireman until he has attained the age of twenty-one years." 
 
 On the tenth of June, 1822, the Common Council ordained that whenever the office of 
 any of the engineers of the Fh e Department shall become vacant, it shall be the duty of the 
 engineers of the Department to nominate five persons from among the foremen as suitable 
 persons to supply such vacancy, and to give notice thereof to the foremen of the fire com- 
 panies, and to require them to meet at such time and place as the said engineers shall ap- 
 point ; and that the said engineers and firemen shall then and there, or at such other time 
 and place as they may appoint by joint ballot, designate from the persons so nominated the 
 person whom they may wish to fill such vacancy ; and that no person shall be considered 
 as so designated who shall not receive a majority of all the votes which shall be given. 
 
 The strength of the department in June, 1822, was one thousand two hundred and 
 sixty-nine men, including engineers and fire wardens ; forty-six engines, including two at 
 the new almhouse ; four hook and ladder trucks; one hose wagon, with ten thousand two 
 hundred and forty-five feet of hose in good order ( including six hundred feet at the new 
 almshouse) ; one thousand two hundred and ten feet of hose ordinary ; and eight hundred 
 and eighty feet bad ; two hundred and sixty-eight fire buckets, seventeen ladders, twenty- 
 three hooks, one machine for tbrowing down chimneys, and one copper pump. In Febru- 
 ary, 1821, old Engine No. 3 was sold for six hundred and forty dollars, and a new one pur- 
 chased for seven hundred and fifty dollars ; in June, old No. 25 was sold for three hundred 
 dollars exclusive of the hose, and a new one purchased at a cost of eight hundred and eight 
 dollars ; in October, old No. 5 was sold to A. W. Hardenbrook for five hundred dollars ; 
 in November, old No. 9 was sold for six hundred dollars. During 1822 (up to June) three 
 new engines, Nos. 5, 9 and 28, were built at the corporation yard under the direction of 
 Jacob Roome, superintendent of repairs, at a cost of five hundred and ninety-six dollars 
 each ; at least one hundred and fifty-four dollars apiece lower than the corporation had 
 theretofore paid for engines of a similar size, and in point of workmanship and in other 
 respects far superior (it was claimed) to any other belonging to the corporation. 
 
 A building law was enacted by the legislature, April 12. 1822, looking to tbe more 
 
 65 
 
American Branch 
 
 PAN HARD & 
 LEVASSOR 
 A UTOMOBILE 
 COMPANY 
 
 Broadway and Sixty -second Street 
 North-west Corner, New Yor\ 
 
 A. MASSENAT, General Manager 
 A. de MAGNIN, Assistant Manager 
 
 66 
 
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 67 
 
FIREMEN! 
 Don't Let This 
 Building Burn 
 
 ^ If you do you will let one of 
 the best equipped advertising 
 agencies in the world go up in 
 smoke. 
 
 ^ On the fifth floor of the Mer- 
 cantile Building the J. Walter 
 Thompson Company is located 
 occupying the whole floor. 
 ^ The J. Walter Thompson 
 Company is an advertising or- 
 ganization based on forty-four 
 years of growth and experience. 
 It conducts the advertising of 
 some of the biggest enterprises 
 in the United States. 
 ^ With headquarters in New 
 York, we have offices in Chic- 
 ago, Boston, Cleveland, Cincin- 
 nati and Detroit. 
 ^ We are prepared to plan ad- 
 vertising campaigns, write copy, 
 do bill posting and carry on ad- 
 vertising operations of any 
 magnitude. 
 
 J Walter Thompson Co. 
 
 NEW YORK, 44-60 East 23d Street 
 BOSTON, 31 Milk Street 
 CLEVELAND, American Trust Bldg. 
 CHICAGO, The Rookery 
 CINCINNATI, First National Bank Bldg. 
 DETROIT, Trussed Concrete Bldg. 
 
 iitfffliii 
 ii ii jiii 
 
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 ■IHI III IK II! HI 
 
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 J WALTER T HOMPSON CO ODvCITisimg ih »u 
 
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 68 
 
substantial construction of new buildings, and tbe imposition of penalties for any infrac- 
 tion of the same. Yet another act was passed the following year (April 9, 1823) of a 
 similar nature, requiring that certain buildings should be fireproof. Other laws, of like 
 scope and tendency, were passed at various subsequent dates. 
 
 So eager were young men to put on the red shirt and the helmet of the firemen and 
 be recognized as such, that it was only by the most rigid supervision and discrimination 
 they were prevented from being enrolled in the companies, and the law was on all oc- 
 casions strictly enforced. But in the winter of 1822-23 a great deficiency of firemen was 
 experienced, and a memorial was presented by the fire department to the corporation pray- 
 ing for an amendment of the law so as to permit young men between the ages of eighteen 
 and twenty-one to be chosen as firemen. But inasmuch as the law passed April 9, 1813, 
 prescribed that none but freeholders and freemen were eligible, the Council decided that 
 they had no power to do as requested. 
 
 For the six years preceding 1823 the cash expenses of the corporation for engines and 
 apparatus, including the ground purchases and the engine houses erected, amounted to 
 seventy-nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-six dollars and ninety-four cents, averaging 
 thirteen thousand three hundred and thirty-two dollars per annum. The value of the 
 estate vested in that species of public property was estimated in 1820 at seventy-two 
 thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine dollars. 
 
 The number of engine companies (including hook and ladder companies) in January, 
 1813. was forty-seven, to which one thousand two hundred and fifteen men, all told, were 
 attached, all of whom, when they should have served ten years from 1816, were to be , 
 exempted from serving as jurors, and all military duty thereafter. These facts suggested 
 the question whether the existing number of engines was not more than was needed, and 
 whether some of them could not be dispensed with, in view of the fact that the sum of nine 
 thousand five hundred and thirty-six dollars was asked for in the annual estimate for 
 departmental expenses for 1823 for the Fire Department. At that period no city in the 
 Union incurred fire department expenses in any way proportioned to the city of New York. 
 In Philadelphia the engines and apparatus were furnished by individuals, and the privilege 
 of exemption from jury and military duty were considered a sufficient remuneration, the 
 City Council only appropriating about two thousand dollars toward the necessary repairs. 
 The same economical system was pursued in the other cities throughout the United States. 
 Mayor Allen, calling the attention of the Common Council to this matter, said that while 
 they were drawing upon the property of the citizens in taxes so large an amount for fire 
 purposes, and at the same time compelling them to perform nearly double duty as jurors in 
 consequence of the exemption granted the firemen, it was no more than reasonable that the 
 benefit to be derived in a public point of view should be commensurate with the sacrifice. 
 Before the establishment of fire insurance companies in New York, the benefits derived 
 from the Fire Department were perhaps equal to the expenditure. But it was very ques- 
 tionable then, when almost every species of property liable to be destroyed or injured by 
 fire was insured against loss, whether any material public benefit was derived. The sub- 
 ject was of sufficient importance to the Common Council to cause an inquiry to be in- 
 stituted whether the finances could not be relieved by a reduction of the expenses for the 
 Fire Department. On the thirteenth of January the Common Council decided to apply to 
 the legislature for authority to assess and levy annuallv a tax on fire insurance companies 
 to be applied toward defraying the expenses of the Fire Department. 
 
 In conformity with the presentation of the condition of the finances by Mayor Allen, 
 and his suggestion that retrenchment be introduced, if possible, the chief engineer, in July. 
 1823, reported that retrenchment was practicable only in the matter of hose, substituting 
 hemp hose for leather, which was only half the price. 
 
 The strength of the Fire Department in June 1823, was one thousand two hundred 
 and eighty-four men, all told ; forty-six engines, including two at the new almsbouse ; 
 four hook and ladder trucks, one hose wagon, and eleven thousand five hundred and 
 seventy-five feet of hose, good, bad, and indifferent ; two hundred and eighty-five fire 
 buckets, sixteen ladders, twenty-three hooks, one machine for pulling down chimneys, 
 and one copper pump. 
 
 Besides the regularly appointed firemen, there were attached to each company, a 
 number of self-constituted firemen, who were known as "volunteers." Their services, it 
 appears, were not appreciated by the Common Council, and on the twenty-first of June, 
 
 6g 
 
Standard Oil Company of New York 
 
 Refiners and Dealers in 
 all Products of Petroleum 
 
 Buffalo 
 Jamestown 
 
 124 Maiden Lane 
 
 DEPOTS IN NEW YORK STATE 
 
 Rochester Albany 
 Binghamton Utica 
 
 DEPOTS IN NEW YORK CITY 
 
 Foot of East 10th Street 610-612 West 46th Street 
 
 Syracuse 
 Elmira 
 
 Foot of East 120th Street 
 
 DEPOTS IN BROOKLYN 
 
 Foot of North 10th Street Greenpoint Avenue and Newtown Creek Corner Bond and First Streets 
 From which all grades of Petroleum are delivered by tank wagons, 
 barrels, cases and cans, drums, etc. 
 
 LAUNCH NAPHTHA MAY ALSO BE OBTAINED AT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING POINTS 
 
 STATEN ISLAND 
 
 Port Richmond Tottenville 
 
 NEW YORK STATE 
 
 City Island 
 Portchester 
 New Rochelle 
 
 Tarrytown (Tarrytown Yacht Club) 
 
 Yonkers 
 
 M amaroneck 
 
 LONG ISLAND 
 
 Freeport 
 
 Rockaway Point 
 Greenport 
 Lloyds Neck 
 Montauk 
 Northport 
 
 Cold Spring Harbor 
 Glenwood Landing 
 Port Washington 
 
 (Manhasset Bay Yacht Club; 
 Oyster Bay 
 
 (Ovster Bay Canal & Dock Co.) 
 College Point 
 
 | Knickerbocker Yacht Club) 
 Bayville 
 Port Jefferson 
 Bath Beach 
 
 WE ALSO HANDLE A FULL LINE OF 
 
 New Perfection Wick Perfection Smokeless Rayo Reading and 
 Blue Flame Oil Cook Stoves Oil Heater Library Lamps 
 
 Roadbed Oil, now so generally used for laying dust and improving conditions of roads throughout the 
 country, may be obtained in any quantities upon application to 26 Broadway, New York City, N. Y. 
 
 70 
 
1824, a resolution was approved, and directed as a circular to each company, ordering 
 them to dispense with the services of these men, and, in case of their non-compliance, to 
 send the engine, hook and ladder, or hose cart, as the case might be, to the corporation 
 yard, and report the company to the Common Council. 
 
 In June, 1824, the condition of the Fire Department called forth great praise from a 
 special committee of the Common Council, who made a tour of inspection, and declared 
 that it was not surpassed by any other in the United States. The volunteer boys, who 
 assumed the dress and authority of firemen attached to companies, were the source of 
 much annoyance, by causing false alarms of fire, whereby the members were constantly 
 harassed and fatigued, and the machines injured to a great degree. 
 
 According to the report of Chief Engineer Jameson Cox, the condition of the depart- 
 ment in June, 1825, was : Forty engines in good order, four indifferent, and two ordinary ; 
 four hook and ladder trucks and one hose wagon, ten thousand five hundred an seventy- 
 four feet of hose, two hundred and twenty-eight fire buckets, eighteen ladders, and twenty- 
 
 firemen Fighting flames, 1840 
 
 three hooks. With companies complete, the force would number one thousand three hun- 
 dred and nineteen men, all told, but there was two hundred and thirty-one vacancies. 
 During the year engine houses had been built for Companies Nos. 10, 19, and 33. 
 
 The Committee on the Fire Department reported on the twentieth of June on the sub- 
 ject of constructing public cisterns, and recommended a resolution, which was adopted, 
 that the street commissioner be directed to prepare ordinances for the construction of ten 
 public cisterns, the same to be used on the occasion of fire by the fire department. Subse- 
 quently, on the nineteenth of December, 1825, ordinances were passed for the construction 
 of five additional cisterns. On the twenty-third of the same month, the Committee on the 
 Fire Department were instructed to inquire into the expediency of filling all the public 
 cisterns with water forthwith, and the fire companies were requested to volunteer their 
 services to carry the above into effect. 
 
 A resolution was referred to the Committee on the Fire Department, in conjunction 
 with the chief engineer, to mature a report to the board of some more energetic and effi- 
 
 71 
 
cient plan to protect the Bremen when on duty at fires from the encroachments of the 
 surrounding populace. On the thirteenth of January, 1826, the committee reported the 
 following resolution, which was adopted: 
 
 Resolved, That His Honor, the Mayor, be requested to address a circular to each of 
 the foremen of the several companies of fire wardens, calling their attention to that sec- 
 tion of the law pointing out their duties at fires, and that each of them would enforce the 
 same on the memhers of their companies, and that the penalties which may hereafter he 
 incurred by the constables and marshals of the city for not attending fires, be enforced. 
 
 On the second of January, 1827, seven additional cisterns were ordered by the Com- 
 mon Council, and eighteen on the twenty-fifth of August, 1828. 
 
 The firemen of the city were an incorporated body, under the name and title of the 
 Fire Department of the City of Xew York, and had certain emoluments allowed them, 
 which they appropriated to charitable purposes, such as giving pensions to the widows of 
 deceased firemen, making donations to indig nt disabled firemen, and furnishing necessary 
 clothing to children of firemen, so as to enable them to attend the public schools. Each 
 Company appointed annually two of their number to represent them in the fire department, 
 and such representatives, when assembled, appointed out of the body of firemen in the city 
 a board of trustees, who were intrusted with the funds, and at whose discretion widows 
 were put on the pension list, and donations were made. In consequence of severe and 
 heavy losses which the department had sustained in 1826 by several moneyed institutions 
 in the city, the board of trustees had come to the conclusion that they would be under the 
 necessity of suspending the pensions and donations, unless they received assistance from 
 their fellow-citizens. In January, 1827, the Common Council, recognizing the close con- 
 nection between the interests of the firemen and the corporation, decided that it was proper 
 and judicious to lend a helping hand, and directed the comptroller to issue his warrant 
 for one thousand dollars in favor of the treasurer of the fire department fund. Two years 
 after, another one thousand dollars was donated, because the frequency of the fires in the 
 fall of 1829, and the consequent increasing demand on the treasury of the fire department 
 fund from disabled and sick firemen had left the treasury in December of that year almost 
 exhausted. As many as eighty-eight widows, and a large number of orphan children, 
 had to be provided for in that year. 
 
 At the fire at the Yauxhall Garden in August, 1828, one of the engine companies, and 
 several members of other companies, refused to perform service, and a rumor prevailed 
 throughout the city that the firemen as a body had refused to obey orders, which caused 
 general alarm among the inhabitants. Cpon investigation, it was found that the demoral- 
 ization was very limited, and measures were taken to keep up the efficiency of the force. 
 
 "Firemen's Hall," in Fulton Street, had accommodations for four engines. The 
 placing of so many machines in one immediate vicinity had been found to be prejudicial 
 to the services of the department, and in some instances to be a nuisance to the neighbor- 
 hood. These facts, superadded to the necessity of providing engines for the upper part 
 of the city by taking them from the lower part those that could well be spared and were 
 poorly supplied with men. had gradually caused the reduction of the number of engines 
 there until, in February, 1829, only one was left, and the removal of that, too, had been 
 decided on. The corporations concluded that the ground occupied for Firemen's Hall 
 being no longer needed, they would sell it by auction, which was done on April 1. 
 
 In June, 1829, there were in the department forty-eight engines, five hook and ladder 
 trucks, with twenty-six ladders and twenty-nine hooks, and one thousand four hundred and 
 thirty-two men with full companies, but only eight hundred and sixty-nine in actual ser- 
 vice, there being five hundred and sixty-three vacancies. 
 
 Fngine No. 28 was located on corporation ground on Mercer Street, and the Council 
 had directed that hook and ladder Xo. 6 should also be stationed there. It was therefore 
 decided in August. 1829, to erect a two-story brick building on the lot. in which, besides 
 housing these companies, a ward court could be accommodated and the meetings of the 
 fire department be held. 
 
 Although the natural advantages of Xew York in other respects were not excelled, 
 nor perhaps equalled, by any city in the world, yet it had to be admitted that the supply 
 of water for household purposes and for the extinguishment of fires was, in 1829, very 
 meagre. Yarious schemes had been adopted for the purpose of bringing water into the 
 city, but none had, as yet. complied with the main object of their charters, so far as the 
 
 72 
 
public was concerned, and it was found that similar incorporations of private individuals, 
 whether they proposed at their commencement to furnish pure and wholesome water or 
 pure and first quality gas, had an eye only to the profits of their incorporations, and the 
 public suffered under their monopolies. 
 
 The water pipes of the Manhattan Company extended to such parts of the city as they 
 deemed advisable to put them in on the score of profit, and the upper part of the city, al- 
 though not possessed of good water, had it, however, of a quality superior to that supplied 
 by the Manhattan Company, and, therefore, the residents were unwilling generally to 
 take the Manhattan water. The result was that all that part of the city lying above 
 Grand Street, on Broadway, or F'earl Street, on the east side of the city, did not have the 
 use of the Manhattan water for the purpose of extinguishing fires. It became necessary, 
 therefore, for the corporation to obtain a supply of water for that purpose to the upper 
 part of the city. 
 
 The breadth of the island at Grand Street was then reckoned about, two miles, and 
 this did not materially differ as high as Fourteenth Street. The extreme distance between 
 those points was, consequently, one mile, and to bring water from either river at the ex- 
 treme distance would require twenty-six engines, and thus the whole engine establish- 
 ment could not form two lines. The furnishing water by engines from the river was not 
 only too limited a mode to be at all relied on for that section of the city, but was also 
 too laborious on the firemen. 
 
 Another mode of supply was by cisterns, which was in operation at this period to a 
 limited extent. The corporation had forty public cisterns, at a cost of twenty-four thou- 
 sand dollars, which usually contained one hundred hogsheads. To provide for the section 
 of the city between Fourteenth and Grand Streets, on Broadway, and Fourteenth and 
 Pearl Streets, on Chatham, by cisterns, would require the construction of at least sixty 
 additional cisterns, on the scale of a cistern for each one thousand square feet, which, at 
 an expense of six hundred dollars each, would call for an expenditure of thirty-six thou- 
 sand dollars. 
 
 In March, 1829, the corporation decided to lay down two lines of iron pipes for the 
 security against fire of the section of the city before described, one line of tubes to run 
 from Fourteenth Street through the Bowery, to its termination at Chatham Street, and a 
 line of tubes from Fourteenth Street through Broadway to Canal Street, connecting with 
 a reservoir containing two thousand hogsheads (or as much as twenty cisterns) on Four- 
 teenth Street. 
 
 • The committee of the fire department reported on the sixteenth of November, 1829, 
 that, although they had excavated only fifty feet in depth at Thirteenth Street, yet the 
 quantity of water would be sufficient to fill the reservoir and pipes, as it was estimated 
 that seventy hogsheads of water were issued a day ; that the cast-iron tank was received 
 from Philadelphia, and that the same should be inclosed with brick or wooden building — 
 the cost of the former being estimated at three thousand five hundred dollars, and of the 
 latter two thousand dollars. Which report was agreed to. 
 
 A fireman should have experienced five rears' service before he was eligible for ap- 
 pointment as a warden. In consequence of the reduction of the term of service of fire- 
 men from ten to seven years, the wardens encountered no small difficulty in procuring 
 the aid of such competent persons as were willing to do the duty of wardens for the short 
 space of time — two years — during which they were eligible for office. The ordinance 
 affecting this matter was therefore amended in November, 1830. reducing the term of 
 service of eligibility from five to three years. 
 
 The legislature, on April 16, 1831, extended the charter of the firemen of the city of 
 New York, passed March 20, 1798, to the year i8fxx The corporation was likewise 
 empowered to purchase, hold, and convey any estate, real or personal, for the use and 
 objects for which the said corporation was instituted, "but such real or personal estate 
 shall not exceed the sum of fifty thousand dollars." 
 
 This act was amended March 25, 185 1, by which the said corporation could hold and 
 convey any estate, real or personal, for the use already mentioned, but not to exceed the 
 sum of one hundred thousand dollars. 
 
 An important State law, relative to the prevention of fires in the city of New York, was 
 enacted on the 20th of April, 1830. This law was quite lengthy, containing forty-two 
 sections. Reference can be made only to its general features. Party walls, the law 
 
 73 
 
COMPLIMENTS OF 
 
 palmer & Smujrr HHamtfartitring do. 
 
 k— seldIn A^uitoinniolbnlles 
 
 1620-22-24 BROADWAY, NE1W YORK 
 
 TELEPHONES 5030 TO 5035 COLUMBUS 
 
 Compliments and Best Wishes of the 
 
 Broadway and 63d Street, New Yorfy 
 
 -4 
 
declared, shall be constructed of stone or brick ; outside party walls shall not be less than 
 eight inches thick, except flues of chimneys ; party or end walls shall rise and be extended 
 to the roof, and so far through the same as to meet and be joined to the slate, tile or other 
 covering thereof, by a layer of mortar or cement ; beams and other timbers in the party 
 walls shall be separated from each other, at least four inches, by brick or mortar ; all 
 hearths shall be supported with arches of stone or brick. No timber shall be used in the 
 front or rear of any building within such fire limits where stone is now commonly used ; 
 every building within the fire limits, which may hereafter be damaged by fire, to an amount 
 equal to two-thirds of the whole value thereof, after the lapse of at least fifteen years 
 from the time of its first erection, shall be repaired or built according to the provisions 
 of this act ; no wooden shed exceeding twelve feet in height at the peak shall be erected 
 within the fire limits. 
 
 A large part of the act is devoted to the regulation of the keeping and storage of 
 gunpowder. 
 
 Fire at the Tombs (Centre, street), 1842 
 
 A law, forming a hydrant company, was passed by the Common Council on July 16, 
 1831. This company consisted of a foreman, assistant, a clerk, and twenty men, who were 
 firemen and hydrant men. It was their duty, on an alarm of fire, to proceed to the 
 hydrants, and see to the water being properly let out, that the hydrants were not injured, 
 that they were properly secured and put in order after the fire was extinguished ; and also 
 to see that the stop-cocks were kept in order ; and generally to attend to the engines being 
 supplied with water from the reservoir; to report all injuries and defects which they 
 might discover in any part of the works to the chief engineer. The caps of said com- 
 pany were painted black, and had the words "Hydrant Company" on the frontispiece 
 thereof. 
 
 A fire and building department was created and organized by a law passed and 
 approved in October, 183 r . It was composed of three "discreet and proper persons,'' 
 known as the commissioners of the fire and building department, and the commissioners 
 
 75 
 
were respectfully designated a superintendent of buildings, chief engineer, and commis- 
 sioner of the fire department. 
 
 The duty of the superintendent of buildings required him to advertise for estimates 
 for all public buildings which might thereafter lie erected under the authority of the Com- 
 mon Council, for all repairs to public buildings then in use, etc. 
 
 It was the duty of the chief engineer to report the names of persons who may be 
 designated bv the engineers and foremen as suitable persons to be appointed by the Com- 
 mon Council to fill vacancies in fire companies ; in all cases of fire to have the sole and 
 absolute command and control over all engines and members of the fire department ; to 
 direct the other engineers to take proper measures that the fire engines were suitably 
 arranged and duly worked ; to examine, once in every month, into the condition and 
 number of the fire engines, and buckets, and other fire apparatus and fire engine houses; 
 and report the same to the Common Council twice in every year ; and whenever any of 
 the engines and apparatus should require to be repaired or new ones built, the chief en- 
 gineer should personally inspect the building of the same; to report in writing all acci- 
 dents by fire, with the probable causes thereof, etc. 
 
 Further, the commissioners should give their personal attention and supervision to 
 the laying down of all such water pipes as the Common Council may direct, take charge 
 of the reservoir and water establishment in Thirteenth Street, see that the hydrants 
 were in order, etc. 
 
 The commissioners were obliged to give bonds in the sum of five thousand dollars, 
 besides being sworn, for the faithful performance of their duties. 
 
 Pursuant to the organizing of the new department, the enlargement of the house of 
 Fire Fngine Company No. 10, the erection of a two-story brick house on the lot corner 
 of Delancey and Attorney Streets for the accommodation of a fire engine, hook and ladder 
 company and hose truck, the building of a hose house in Wooster Street, near Houston 
 Street, the procuring of tour thousand feet of hose, and the construction of a new engine 
 for Company No. 11. were undertaken immediately. 
 
 The proviso in the law forming a hydrant company, approved July 16, 1831, was re- 
 pealed in .May, 1832. and thenceforth it was ordained that no individual could be eligible 
 for appointment as hydrant man unless he had served as a fireman for at least three years. 
 
 Although quasi officers of the municipality, it was charged that certain firemen fre- 
 quently exhibited as much indifference to the injunctions of the authorities as might be 
 looked for only from the lawless class. Hence, in July. 1832, it became necessary to pro- 
 mulgate a law ordaining that any fireman found guilty of an offense against the ordin- 
 ances of the Common Council, and having thereby resigned or been expelled, should not 
 be eligible to an appointment to any office of trust, in any company, nor reappointed a 
 fireman in any case. 
 
 Also, it was not uncommon for the foreman or engineer of an engine company to hire 
 out the engine, and to lend it, on his own responsibility, which was subversive of all sem- 
 blance of discipline, and impaired of efficiency of the particular company. Consequently, 
 a provision was incorporated in the law of July. 1832, that no fire engine should be let 
 out for hire, or lent in any case, with permission from the alderman or assistant alderman 
 wherein it was wanted to be used, and the chief engineer, in default thereof, and the 
 fireman so offending, would be removed from the Fire Department. 
 
 During the prevalence of the epidemic of cholera in 1832 the working force of the 
 department was much weakened by reason of sickness and death. Very often not enough 
 men, nor even supernumeraries, boys and youths who loved to linger in the shadow of the 
 engine house and be permitted to mingle with the hardy fire fighters, could be mustered 
 to drag the engine to the scene of the conflagration. Horses had to be brought into re- 
 quisition, and it is attested by the fact that in November, 1832, the comptroller was au- 
 thorized to pay the bill of James Gulick for eight hundred and sixty-three dollars and 
 seventy-five cents, for horses "to drag the engines and hook and ladder trucks to the 
 fires during the late epidemic." 
 
 The custom was in those days, upon the outbreak of a fire, to ring the church bells as 
 well as the fire bells, and when the fire happened during the night, the watchman in his 
 tower should ring the alarm, and hand out of the window of the cupola a pole with a 
 lantern on the end pointing in the direction of the fire, so that the firemen and citizens 
 could readily know the whereabouts of the fire. Further, the watchman (the police) were 
 
 76 
 
obliged to call out the street or between what streets the fire was located. The law of 
 the municipality regarding these observances were inflexible, delinquency on the part of 
 the bellringers or the watchmen being visited with severe penalties. 
 
 The cost of supporting the fire department by the city varied considerably. In 1830 
 it amounted to twenty-two thousand nine hundred and sixty-two dollars. The actual 
 number of fires that happened in that year were one hundred and nineteen ; false alarms, 
 one hundred and twenty-five ; and the loss of property, one hundred and fifty-seven 
 thousand one hundred and thirty-five dollars. In 183 1 the expenses of the department 
 amounted to twelve thousand nine hundred and eighty-four dollars. 
 
 Careful calculations showed that although it cost in 1832 only eighteen thousand 
 dollars to maintain the fire department, the individual firemen were taxed in their services 
 two hundred and eighty-four thousand five hundred dollars annually. It is true their 
 labors were rendered voluntarily, and they had an equivalent, but it did not render it less 
 imperative on the city authorities, as the common guardians of this great community, to 
 diminish the labors and personal exposures and risks of that meritorious, skillful and 
 patriotic class of citizens. 
 
 The alleged improper and riotous conduct of the members of several companies of 
 the department, and the congregating of idle and dissolute persons in the engine houses, 
 had been for several months the subject of complaint from residents in the vicinity of 
 engine houses. Boys and young men, too, obtained ever ready access to the engines, and 
 made it a matter of amusement to raise an alarm of fire as an excuse or cover to get the 
 engines out and have a run. Evidently the engine companies could prevent those scenes. 
 But in cases of fire the companies desired some assistance from these boys and young 
 men, which induced them to countenance the assemblages. The Common Council inves- 
 tigated the complaints, and in October, 1834, reported that the members of some of the 
 companies could not be depended upon to prevent the engine houses being entered and 
 frequented by persons other than those belonging to the fire department, and suggested 
 the enactment of a law providing a remedy. 
 
 That a prompt alarm of fire might be given, a watchman was stationed at all times in 
 the cupola of the City Hall. The law so providing was approved by the mayor April 1, 
 1835. The chief engineer, by and with the consent of the mayor, was empowered to ap- 
 point a competent number of persons to perform the duty of such watchmen, day and 
 night, subject severally to removal by the chief engineer. These bellringers, nevertheless, 
 were amenable at all times during the night to the rules and regulations of the watch 
 department. On the occurrence of any fire, the City Hall bell should be rung by the 
 wachman on duty in the cupola, and the ringing thereof maintained during the continu- 
 ance of the fire. Notice of the locality of the fire was given by ringing said bell in a man- 
 ner prescribed by directions given by the committee on fire and water and the chief en- 
 gineer, and by hanging out a light in the direction of the fire. For neglect of any of the 
 duties required by this law, the penalty imposed was removal from office by the chief 
 engineer or captains of the watch. 
 
 Upon the happening of any fire, the several watchhouses and market bells were rung, 
 and also all other alarm bells, and the same was done whenever any one alarm bell should 
 ring, and the ringing thereof continued until the city bell had stopped. 
 
 It will be seen from these facts that the fire department kept pace with the growth of 
 the city. The people were quick to recognize the importance of keeping up, both in num- 
 bers and efficiency, a body of men so necessary to the welfare of the growing metropolis. 
 Year by year, nay, almost month by month, additions to the department were made, and 
 alterations effected to improve it. The enactment of the new building laws was a great 
 help to the firemen, and its enactment gave them a great advantage over their natural 
 enemy — an advantage which prior to this they did not possess. 
 
 It will also be noted how eager the firemen were to maintain an esprit de corps. Be- 
 fore the period we are just concluding efforts had been made to diminish the number of 
 the hangers-on of the department. As the city grew these parasites increased, and the 
 difficulty was all the greater to keep them off. We have shown how persistently and 
 honorably the firemen endeavored to abate this nuisance. They could not wholly dispense 
 with the services of outsiders, but those whom they did employ they took care should be 
 of the best quality obtainable. 
 
 It was only natural in the period we have just discussed that the department should 
 
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complain of the insufficiency of water. That was not a matter that could be attended to 
 until science had a greater play than she experienced in those days. Indeed, up to the 
 present there has been a constant cry that New York has not all the water she needs. In 
 the past, as in the present, the firemen did the very best they could to utilize what was 
 at their disposal for the benefit of the city. 
 
 Mayor Lawrence, in September, 1835, called the attention of the Common Council 
 to the frequency of fires, and particularly the one in Fulton, Ann and Nassau Streets, and 
 also the fire in Water Street and Maiden Lane, by which a large amount of property 
 was destroyed and lives lost. He expressed the belief that these were the work of in- 
 cendaries, and he suggested the propriety of offering a reward for such information as 
 should lead to the detection and conviction of the criminals. The Council empowered 
 him to do so in his discretion, and, accordingly, a proclamation of five hundred dollars 
 was issued. 
 
 Not more than a fortnight after the issuance of this proclamation another large fire 
 broke out in Franklin and Chapel (new College Place) Streets, bearing every mark of 
 being of incendiary origin, and another reward of five hundred dollars was offered. 
 
 Then following the terrible conflagration of December 16, which destroyed in one 
 night twenty million dollars' worth of property, and dislodged more than six hundred 
 mercantile firms. By that calamity the extensive resources and irrepressible energies of 
 the citizens were developed, and it forms a proud record for the pages of history that not 
 a single mercantile failure resulted therefrom, and many of the heavy sufferers were 
 among the most active in aiding the widows, orphans and infirm persons reduced to 
 poverty and dependence. 
 
 The element of rodyism in the fire department hitherto referred to as being so pro- 
 nounced that the citizens begged for the interference of the authorities, again manifested 
 itself at a fire which occurred on the night of January 1, 1836, when Alderman Purdy, 
 representing the Tenth Ward, was set upon and mercilessly beaten by members of Engine 
 Company No. 10, who were also accused of abandoning their engine on that occasion. 
 For the latter offense, nine officers and members were expelled from the department, and 
 ten were suspended for not complying with the requisitions to appear before a committee 
 of the Common Council and testify in reference to the assault on Alderman Purdy. 
 
 With the opening of the spring of 1836, the number of fires in the city had increased 
 to an alarming extent, and a proportionate increase in the number of firemen had become 
 necessary. This increase was not attainable, by reason of the citizens being deterred from 
 becoming firemen in consequence of the arduous and toilsome duties which the members 
 of the fire department were incessantly called upon to perform. As the increase was 
 absolutely necessary for the safety of the city, it became a duty incumbent on the authori- 
 ties to encourage citizens to join the fire department by lessening, as far as possible, the 
 labors of the firemen, as well as removing such impediments to their exertions as existed. 
 
 Among those impediments, that caused by young men — who appeared at fires in the 
 garb of firemen — was especially prominent. The engineers had no control over them, 
 and their insubordination, utter lawlessness, and the confusion they created, proved a 
 continual source of annoyance and serious hindrance both to the engineers and the regular 
 firemen, a great majority of whom would gladly dispense with their precarious assist- 
 ance if by so doing they could be freed from all suspicion of participating in riots created 
 by these boys, and which, instead of being assigned to their true cause, were attributed 
 to the members of the fire department. 
 
 To accomplish these two purposes, it was determined to appoint four persons to each 
 fire engine and hose company, and two persons to each hook and ladder company, to take 
 care of the apparatus and assist generally, and make it the duty of all members of the 
 department to prevent persons not belonging to the department, especially boys, from 
 entering any house or handling any apparatus belonging to the department, said appointees 
 not to be considered as firemen, and to be paid at the rate of one hundred and fifty dollars 
 per annum. 
 
 The Third Ward Hose Company, whose origin was traceable to the conflagration of 
 December, 1835, tendered its services to the corporation in March. 1836, which were 
 accepted, and they were recognized as a volunteer fire company, attached to, but not a 
 part of, the fire department. 
 
 70 
 
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From the report of the chief engineer, John Ryker, Jr., it appears that the condition 
 of the fire department on October 3, 1836, was: 
 
 Forty-nine engine companies, six hook and ladder companies, nine hose companies, 
 with an active available force of nine hundred and thirty-seven men. 
 
 Half a century ago it was an honor to be an alderman or an assistant. They were 
 elected by their fellow citizens for their integrity and ability, and as a consequence were 
 entrusted and invested with privileges and functions of a magisterial nature. Hence it 
 came about that, next to the mayor of the city, they were, perhaps, among civic function- 
 aries, the most important. That was their status as concerns fires, for to them (as the 
 law prescribed, the marshals and constables, repairing immediately on the alarm of fire, 
 with their staves of office, to the scene of the fire, should report and should conform to 
 such orders as might be given them by the mayor, the alderman and assistant of the ward, 
 or by any one of the aldermen, for the preservation of the public peace, and the removal 
 of all idle and suspected persons or others not actually or usefully employed in aiding the 
 
 Conflict between companies on way to Fire, 1845 
 
 extinguishment of such fire, or in the preservation of property in the vicinity thereof; 
 and if any marshal or constable should not attend at such fire, or should neglect so to re- 
 port himself, or to obey any orders that were given him, he should, unless he had a rea- 
 sonable excuse, to be determined by the mayor, forfeit and pay five dollars for each offense. 
 
 Two persons were appointed to each fire engine and hose company (ordinance May 
 10, 1836), and two persons to each hook and ladder company within the lamp and 
 watch district, their duty consisting of keeping all the apparatus of the companies in 
 complete order and ready for immediate use : upon every alarm of fire they repaired 
 forthwith to the house of the engine, hose, or hook and ladder company to which they 
 were attached, and assisted the members in conveying the engine, carriage or truck to the 
 fire, and there assisted the company in getting the engine to work, or the hose ready for 
 immediate action, under the direction of the officers of the company to which they be- 
 longed ; and during the time such engine or hose carriage was employed at a fire, the two 
 persons named in the ordinance took charge of the hose, and prevented any persons 
 
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 82 
 
from treading on, or otherwise injuring the same. They also assisted the members, when 
 the engine or hose carriage was discharged from duty, after the putting out of a fire, 
 in taking up the hose and other apparatus, and assisted in conveying them, together with 
 the engine or hose carriage, etc., to the house appropriated for it, and there washed and 
 dried the hose, and cleaned and put in complete order all the apparatus, so as to be ready 
 for immediate use, taking care, however, in no case to meddle with the works of an 
 engine. 
 
 Those persons similarly appointed and attached to a hook and ladder company, pre- 
 served the truck and apparatus belonging to their company from injury during the fire; 
 assisted the members in raising or moving ladders and hooks, and rendered assistance, 
 after the fire, in getting the apparatus to the house, etc. 
 
 "Among the novelties of New York," it was remarked by an observant writer 
 (1837), "there is nothing perhaps which strikes a stranger with more surprise than the 
 frequency of fires. There is scarcely a day from January to July, and from July to Jan- 
 uary, when there is not an alarm — a cry of fire — and a ringing of bells. But a single 
 alarm for each day in the year, would be too low an average. To say the bells are rung 
 and the firemen called out five hundred times in the three hundred and sixty-five days, 
 would not exceed the truth." 
 
 "Strangers are very often alarmed," continues the same writer, "as well as surprised, 
 at the frequent cries of fires in this city, and fancy from the hideous outcry of the boys and 
 the rueful jangling of the bells, that the fire is close to, if not within their very lodg- 
 ings ; and that New York is, every day, on the verge of a general conflagration. To this 
 alarm, the bells very much, perhaps needlessly, contribute. As soon as an alarm of fire is 
 given they fall to ringing in all quarters with great zeal and force ; and some of them 
 continue their clamor for a considerable time after the danger is past, or after the 
 alarm is ascertained to be a false one. The first in the field, the most vigorous in action, 
 and the last to quit, is the bell of the Middle Dutch Church. Who the ringer of that 
 bell is, we do not know ; but this we will aver, that he labors with a zeal and perseverance 
 that are quite astounding. We fancy he now and then gets up in his sleep to exercise 
 his vocation. At any rate, whether asleep or awake, he seems to have a remarkable fond- 
 ness for pulling at the end of a rope." 
 
 In May, 1838, the laws and ordinances relating to fires and the fire department were 
 amended and modified so that the department should consist of a chief engineer, nine as- 
 sistant engineers, a water purveyor, and as many fire wardens, fire engine men, hosemen 
 and hook and ladder men as might from time to time be appointed by the Common 
 Council. The chief engineer should be nominated by the engineers, foremen and assistant 
 foremen ; and the assistant engineers by the foremen and assistant foremen of the fire 
 companies, respectively, to the Common Council for appointment, and should hold their 
 offices during the pleasure of the Common Council. 
 
 The salary of the chief engineer was fixed at twelve hundred dollars per year. 
 
 The water purveyor should be appointed by and hold office during the pleasure of 
 the Common Council, at a salary of one thousand dollars per year, take charge of the 
 public reservoirs and establishments of water for the extinguishment of fires. 
 
 The engineers, foremen and assistant foremen should meet on the first Tuesday in 
 June annually for the purpose of nominatinng a suitable person for chief engineer. 
 
 So many of the freeholders or freemen as the Common Council deemed proper 
 should from time to time be appointed in each of the wards of the city, denominated fire 
 wardens, assigned and attached by the mayor to such company of firemen as he should 
 think proper, the fire wardens of each ward forming a separate company. 
 
 The names and places of abode of the members of the Common Council, engineers, 
 fire wardens and firemen of the respective companies, and bell ringers, were annually, in 
 the month of June, printed and set up in the several watchhouscs by the city inspector, 
 and whenever any fire happened in the night the watch gave notice to them within their 
 respective watch districts. 
 
 Mayor Aaron Clark, in his annual message, referring to the fire department, said 
 that their importance was universally admitted. They were to be congratulated, he said, 
 upon their efficiency and usefulness, and the general harmony then prevailing among the 
 companies composing the department, consisting, as it did, of a numerous body of citizens 
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 81 
 
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tion of property and life from the ravages of conflagration, it had become identified with 
 the safety and the happiness of the citizens. For intrepidity, skill and firmness of pur- 
 pose "in the summer's heat and the winter's cold," their firemen were unsurpassed by 
 those of any country. 
 
 In July, 1838, the insurance companies urged upon the authorities the passage of an 
 ordinance for the appointment of commissioners to investigate the causes of fires. The 
 Common Council responded with a law to appoint three persons at a salary of one thou- 
 sand dollars each per annum, who should attend at all fires and immediately thereafter 
 investigate the cause thereof, and file a report of the evidence taken and the result of 
 their investigation. 
 
 The ordinance was to go into effect on the first of August, 1838, provided that the 
 sum of four thousand dollars had been previously paid into the city treasury by one or 
 more of the insurance companies for the purpose of defraying the expenses incurred by 
 the commission, which latter should continue in force so long as one or more of the 
 companies should, on or before June i, in each year, pay a similar amount. 
 
 The city, in 1838, was divided into five districts, which were pointed out by the bell 
 as follows : 
 
 First district — one stroke of the bell. 
 
 Second district — two strokes of the bell. 
 
 Third district — three strokes of the bell. 
 
 Fourth district — four strokes of the bell. 
 
 Fifth district — a continual ringing. 
 
 The first district was comprehended by a line from the foot of Murray Street to the 
 City Hall, and in a line from the northwest corner of the City Hall parallel with the 
 North River, to Twenty-first Street. 
 
 The second district was bounded by the latter line and a straight line from the City 
 Hall to Third Avenue at Twenty-first Street. 
 
 The third district was bounded by the latter and a line from the City Hall to the 
 East River above the dry dock. 
 
 The fourth district was bounded by the latter, and comprehended all the space be- 
 tween that and the East River, as far down as Frankfort Street. 
 
 The fifth district was all that part of the city below Frankfort and Murray Streets. 
 
 The encouraging and well-deserved compliment paid the fire department by Mayor 
 Clark in 1838 was echoed in 1839 by Mayor Isaac L. Varian, who said, in addressing the 
 municipal legislature, that it deserved their fostering care. During the past year the 
 amount of property destroyed by fire was small compared with former years. The intro- 
 duction of water for the purpose of extinguishing fires through pipes and hydrants had 
 afforded additional facilities to the firemen, and on the plan the pipes were being laid a 
 farther extension of them was deemed advisable, and contracts were made for the supply 
 of six thousand five hundred water pipes. 
 
 A proposition was submitted to the legislature in June, 1840, without any application 
 on the part of the Common Council, in regard to the fire department of this city, which 
 was adopted by one branch of that body, but in the other was not acted on and did not 
 become a law. This proposition was to deprive the Common Council of all control over 
 the department, and place it in the hands of persons who were not in any way responsible 
 to the public authorities, while it left the whole expenses of the department to be paid 
 from the treasury. Such a measure was not acceptable to the Common Council, and in- 
 stead of removing the difficulties which had in former years operated injuriously against 
 the department, would have added, the Council claimed, new ones of a more serious 
 character. 
 
 Since 1836 the introduction of political feelings and views into the general manage- 
 ment of the Fire Department had materially affected its usefulness, and tended much to 
 produce the evils which the law above referred to was designed to remedy. 
 
 It was directed by the Common Council, March ti, 1840, that a cupola and alarm 
 bell be placed on Center Market, and that the expense thereof be paid out of the general 
 appropriation for the Fire Department, and that the superintendent of buildings and re- 
 pairs, under the direction of the joint committee on fire water, contract for the same. 
 
 Tt was decreed also that a watchman should, at all times, be stationed at the cupola 
 of the City Hall, reservoir, Center, Essex and Jefferson Markets, for the purpose of giv- 
 
 85 
 
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 87 
 
ing an alarm whenever a tire occurred. The fire and water committee, hy and with the 
 consent of the mayor, appointed a competent number of persons to perform such duty 
 by day and night, who were severally removable by the committee. These men were paid 
 for their services, at the rate of two dollars per day, on their bills being certified by the 
 chairman of the fire and water committee. 
 
 In the winter of 1841 it was sought to still further amend and modify the laws re- 
 specting the fire department. The firemen were to be appointed by and under the control, 
 supervision, etc., of five commissioners, elected and appointed by the representatives of 
 the New York Fire Department, holding office for five years, at one thousand dollars each 
 per annum, to be known as "The Commissioners of the Fire Department of the City of 
 New York," and no person should be appointed as a commissioner who had not served at 
 least five years as a fireman. The commissioners should have power to appoint a chief 
 engineer and seven assistant engineers, subject to removal at any time by said commis- 
 sioners. They should have power to appoint the firemen, and to purchase all apparatus ; 
 to appoint on the recommendation of the alderman and assistant alderman of each ward, 
 five persons to each ward, to be denominated "Fire Policemen;" to appoint two persons 
 as cleaners ; and to regulate and fix the salaries of chief and assistant engineers, the fire 
 policemen, and the cleaners. 
 
 The salary of the chief engineer, it may be observed here, varied considerably. In 
 1810 it was $800 a year; in 1820, $500; in 1834. $1,000; in 1838, $1,200; in 1839, $500; 
 in 1841, $1,000; in 1844. $1,500; in 1848. $2,000; in 1855, $3,000, and from 1857 to 1865, 
 $5,000. Long before 1841 the chief engineer was the appointee of the Common Council, 
 then he became the annual choice of the engineers, foremen and assistant foremen. In 
 1842 an ordinance was passed by which the chief engineer was nominated by the firemen, 
 appointed by the Common Council, and served until a majority of the firemen desired a 
 new election. At various times there were heated arguments as to the best method of ap- 
 pointing or electing a chief engineer. The citizens showed their interest in the depart- 
 ment by joining these discussions through the press. The opinion of the majority 
 prevailed that that important officer should be the selection of the whole department, 
 and so we find that in 1853 a law was passed fixing his election by the firemen, who 
 balloted for him every three years. 
 
 The regular firemen continued to be much harassed by so-called volunteer associa- 
 tions, their good name tarnished, and their efforts often frustrated. The Common Coun- 
 cil again (November 10, 1841) denounced these volunteer associations and the practice of 
 permitting them to assume the garb of firemen, and to mingle in the duties thereof. 
 This, the ordinance declared, was not only to direct and open violation of the ordinances 
 of the Common Council, but was calculated, in its results, to demoralize the character of 
 youth, and bring reproach upon the department, by the riotous and disorderly conduct in 
 which these young men were so often engaged. Hence, the officers and members of each 
 company were ordered forthwith to disband all associations of volunteers, and upon no 
 occasion to suffer or permit them to have access to the public property ; and all magis- 
 trates, watchmen and police officers were requested to prevent the congregating of all 
 boys around or in the vicinity of the engine, hose, and hook and ladder houses, to the 
 end that members of the fire department might be recognized as such, and be held respon- 
 sible for all deviation from the path of duty, and the requirements of the ordinances of 
 the Common Council. 
 
 Fire companies were interdicted from removing their apparatus out of the district in 
 which the same was located, below Fourteenth Street, in case of fire, or an alarm of fire, 
 under the penalty of being subject to expulsion or suspension from the fire department, 
 unless they should be permitted so to do by the chief or one or both assistant engineers. 
 
 The Common Council, on September 7, 1842, by ordinance, established the offices 
 of a chief engineer, a superintendent of the aqueduct works, a water purveyor, and a reg- 
 ister of rents, to hold their respective offices during the pleasure of the Common Council, 
 unless sooner removed for cause by the Croton Aqueduct Board, with the concurrence of 
 the Joint Croton Aqueduct Committee. The chief engineer, under the direction of the 
 Croton Aqueduct Board, had the general executive care and superintendence of the Cro- 
 ton Aqueduct Works. 
 
 The superintendent and water purveyor had the care of laying down all the distrib- 
 uting pipes, hydrants, and stop-cocks, under the direction of the chief engineer and Cro- 
 
ton Aqueduct Board ; examined into, and reported to the Croton Aqueduct Board all 
 applications for water, and generally did all such duty assigned to them ; they attended all 
 fires, provided against all unnecessary waste of water, and saw that all hydrants were 
 closed at the termination of each conflagration. 
 
 The salary of the chief engineer was increased to one thousand five hundred dollars 
 per annum. 
 
 The introduction of the Croton water into the city called for a thorough reorganiza- 
 tion of the department. That worthy and patriotic class of citizens would no longer be 
 required to perform the laborious duty of dragging their engines for miles ; and the serv- 
 ices of the boys who congregated about the engine houses for the purpose of assisting to 
 convey the engines to the fires would no longer be required. The period had now arrived 
 — the summer of 1842 — when the city authorities could, with perfect ease, and with 
 proper regard for the laborious exertions of the fire department, prevent boys and young 
 men, not members of the department, interfering in any manner, with, or performing the 
 duties of firemen. When these excrescences should be lopped off from the department, 
 the high character and worth of the members proper would be at once appreciated, and 
 the people would bear witness to their services and usefulness. 
 
 Serious and disgraceful fights and riots had occurred in the autumn of 1843 between 
 different fire companies, principally originating with low and violent characters whose re- 
 spective companies had been disbanded and broken up by the corporation, and who at- 
 tached themselves to others on occasions of fires, to create fights and disorder, thus 
 degrading the character and impairing the usefulness and discipline of the fire depart- 
 ment. In order to prevent the repetition of such outrages, and effectually protect the 
 respectable and well-disposed, the chief engineer, C. V. Anderson, solicited the Common 
 Council for the establishment of a fire police, consisting of not less than twenty men, 
 who should assemble at each fire to protect property and to suppress tumult. 
 
 The Common Council had no power to create such a body, and, therefore, a memorial 
 to the legislature was prepared for authority to do so. 
 
 The condition of the fire department in August, 1843, was : thirty-seven engines in 
 good order, two in indifferent order, and two rebuilding ; thirty-eight hose carriages in 
 good order, and one rebuilding ; eight hook and ladder trucks, with forty-seven ladders 
 and fifty-one hooks, and forty-eight thousand nine hundred feet of hose. There were 
 then in the department thirty-nine engine companies, forty hose companies, eight hook 
 and ladder companies, and three hydrant companies, and one thousand six hundred and 
 sixty-one men. 
 
 In March, 1843, m consequence of certain serious disturbances in the department, 
 the disbandment of certain companies, and among others of Engine Company No. 34, 
 was recommended. The evidence concerning the fights between Engine Companies No. 
 34 and 27 substantiated the allegations of frequent and violent attacks, while not a soli- 
 tary complaint had been made to the competent authorities, both companies having "pre- 
 ferred to fight it out to calling on the Common Council for protection." Engine Com- 
 pany No. 34 was disbanded, their apparatus returned to the public yards, and their house 
 given to Hose Company No. 40. In May of that year No. 34 was reinstated. 
 
 In August, 1844, there were in the department thirty-nine engines in good order, and 
 one in indifferent order ; thirty-eight hose carriages in good order, one indifferent, and 
 two building; eight hook and ladder trucks, with forty-six ladders and forty-nine hooks ; 
 thirty-one thousand eight hundred and fifty feet of good hose, and six thousand two hun- 
 dred and fifty feet of hose in ordinary, making in the whole thirty-eight thousand one 
 hundred feet of hose; forty-one engine companies (one of which performed duty with a 
 hose carriage), forty-one hose companies, eight hook and ladder companies, and one hy- 
 drant company ; one thousand five hundred and eighty-one men. 
 
 In May, 1845, there were thirty-nine engines,, thirty-eight hose companies, seven 
 hook and ladder companies, and two hydrant companies. Thirty-three of the engines 
 were located below Twenty-eighth Street, and of those thirty were six and one-half 
 cylinder engines, one ten inch, and two nine inch cylinder engines. 
 
 The introduction of the Croton water, while it had added vastly to the ability of the 
 department to answer the ends of its organization, had likewise suggested various im- 
 provements. Hose carts had been multiplied, and had proved to be in many cases ad- 
 vantageous substitutes for the fire engine. From the lightness of their construction, thev 
 
 89 
 
C. H. TANGEMAN, President 
 
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could be run with much greater facility to points where they were suddenly required, and 
 being able from the hydrants to throw water to the elevation of ordinary buildings, they 
 were found to equal in efficiency for the extinguishment of fires the class of engines 
 principally used before the introduction of the water, and then constituting in numbers 
 the bulk of the engine force. 
 
 During the year ending August r, 1845, there were three hundred and fifty alarms of 
 fire, two hundred and sixty of which called for the employment of the department and its 
 apparatus, and ninety arose from trivial causes. The amount of property destroyed dur- 
 ing the same period (excluding the fire, on July 19, in New and Broad Streets) was four 
 hundred and seventy-four thousand eight hundred and thirty dollars. In the month of 
 May and June, alone, there were sixty-seven actual fires. 
 
 About 1852 the Common Council adopted an ordinance dividing the city into three 
 fire districts, and confining the apparatus and labors of the firemen to the district in 
 which their apparatus were located. The object of the ordinance was to lessen the duties 
 of the firemen, and to prevent the great destruction of the apparatus which was caused 
 by their being uselessly dragged over the city at every alarm of fire. In consequence, 
 however, of the imperfect alarms of fire, it was considered unsafe to enforce strictly the 
 ordinance. 
 
 It was generally conceded that ten thousand dollars per annum was a low estimate 
 of the expense of repairs to the fire apparatus. 
 
 During the year ending August 1, 1846, there had been two hundred and fifty-eight 
 fires and one hundred and thirty-nine false alarms of fire. Many of the fires had no doubt 
 been extinguished before the alarm had reached the nearest bell station, yet, in conse- 
 quence of there being no means afforded of notifying the bell-ringers of the extinguish- 
 ment of the fire, or that the alarm was a false one, the bells were rung, and the firemen 
 called unnecessarily from their business or their rest, thereby causing a loss of time and 
 money to them and the apparatus dragged for miles over the city, creating a useless ex- 
 pense to the city. The Common Council, in November, 1846, in view of these facts 
 authorized the introduction of Morse's magnetic telegraph into the department. 
 
 Action was also taken in the matter at a meeting of the engineers and foremen held 
 December I, 1846, at which Mr. James L. Miller, of the engineers, offered the following: 
 
 Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed from this body to urge upon the 
 members of the Common Council the propriety of adopting the plan recommended by the 
 chief engineer, in relation to the magnetic telegraph for the use of the fire department. 
 
 The number of fires was increasing every succeeding year, and occurring, as many 
 of them did, under very suspicious circumstances, it appeared necessary that their origin 
 should be investigated. During the night of the second of May, 1846, within about six 
 hours, ten fires occurred, all of which, except one (the Trite Sun building) commenced 
 in stables, and were no doubt the work of design. Nothing but the extraordinary exer- 
 tions of the firemen prevented several serious conflagrations. 
 
 Successive acts of the legislature had reduced the term of service of firemen, until, 
 on November 16, 1847, a law went into effect making the period of servitude five years. 
 
 The various engine, hose, and hook and ladder companies were granted the use of 
 the Croton water, on paying the expenses of the introduction. 
 
 Permission was granted (December 2, 1847) to Hugh Downing and Royal E. House 
 to construct a line of telegraph, by setting posts in the ground, and extending from Fort 
 Washington to the Bloomingdale Road, thence along said road to Sixth Avenue to 
 the fire station at Jefferson Market, thence to the fire stations at Centre and Essex 
 Markets, thence to the City Hall, to the Merchants Exchange. This permission was 
 coupled with a provisio that Downing and House should put up tbe necessary wire and 
 apparatus, and keep the same in order, and give free and perpetual use of the invention 
 for communicating alarms of fires from the City Hall to the different fire stations, and 
 instruct the different bell-ringers in the use of said invention, and commence and continue 
 the communication themselves, until the bell-ringers were instructed, in consideration of 
 which they received from the city the sum of five hundred dollars. 
 
 A water tower was erected in this year on the rear (if lots on the north side of 
 Twenty-second Street, between First and Second Avenues, and a bell weighing eight 
 thousand pounds placed therein. 
 
 A most appalling disaster occurred on the morning of February 4, 1850. A steam 
 
 91 
 
boiler exploded in a large building, 5 and 7 I [ague Street, completely demolishing it, and 
 burying beneath its ruins one hundred and twenty persons, of whom sixty-four were 
 killed and forty-eight wounded. The fire department rendered invaluable service in res- 
 cuing the imperilled people and in saving adjoining property from destruction by the fire 
 which ensued, for which service they were the recipients of the sincere thanks of the 
 Common Council. Details of this awful calamity will be found elsewhere in this book. 
 
 The whole number of complaints of violations of the laws made to the board during 
 the year ending April 1, 185 1, amounted to six hundred and fifty-one. The number of old 
 and dangerous buildings examined and reported to the chief engineer of the fire depart- 
 ment as being exceedingly dangerous in case a fire should occur in either of them, forty- 
 four. The quantity of gunpowder seized and delivered to the trustees of the fire depart- 
 ment was one hundred and fifty-seven kegs and twenty cases, containing fifty canisters 
 each. 
 
 On the twenty-fifth of January, 1851, a resolution was approved by the mayor, di- 
 recting the commissioner of repairs and supplies to contract with Richard H. Bull for the 
 immediate completion of the telegraph wire and apparatus to all the fire alarm stations 
 in the city, and the sum of six hundred dollars was appropriated to pay for the same. 
 
 By the act of July 11, 185 1, the heads of departments, except the Croton Aqueduct 
 Board, were elected every three years. The heads of departments nominated, and by 
 and with the consent of the Board of Aldermen, appointed the heads of bureaus in their 
 several departments, except the chamberlain, the receiver of taxes, and the chief engineer 
 of the fire department. The chief of the fire department "shall be elected in the same 
 manner as is now or may hereafter be prescribed by law." 
 
 The strength of the department on August 1. 185 1 , was twenty-six engines in good 
 order, three ordinary, four building, and one rebuilding ; forty-one hose carriages in good 
 order, two ordinary, and six building; six hook and ladder trucks in good order, and two 
 ordinary ; forty ladders, and eighty-five hooks ; forty-three thousand three hundred feet of 
 hose in good order, fifteen thousand two hundred feet ordinary ; thirty-four engine com- 
 panies, forty-nine hose companies, eight hook and ladder companies, and three hydrant 
 companies. There were two thousand two hundred and eleven men in the department ; 
 if the companies were full there would have been two thousand eight hundred and 
 eighty-eight men. 
 
 During the year ending August 1. 1851, there had been three hundred and nineteen 
 fires, by which the loss on buildings amounted to one hundred and fifty-nine thousand four 
 hundred and fifty-five dollars, and on wares five hundred and forty-eight thousand and 
 twenty-three dollars, making the loss by fire seven hundred and seven thousand four 
 hundred and seventy-eight dollars. There had been two hundred and thirty-eight alarms. 
 These facts show an increase of thirty fires and forty-six alarms over the preceding year, 
 but, at the same time, a decrease of five hundred and eighty-seven thousand six hundred 
 and twenty-five dollars in the destruction of property. 
 
 The fire companies in the northern section of the city had long suffered great incon- 
 venience for the want of a proper alarm. For their relief an iron tower was built on 
 Thirty-third Street. A lot was procured for the erection of an iron tower in Spring 
 Street, near Varick, which was not needed. The tower on Centre Street was much dilap- 
 idated and insecure, with a bell weighing only four thousand pounds. During a high 
 wind, or an alarm, the tower would vibrate in a very noticeable manner. Its demolition 
 was recommended, and a new tower to be put up on the lot where Engine No. 9 was lo- 
 cated on Marion Street. The Jefferson Market bell tower was destroyed by fire on the 
 twenty-ninth of July, and an iron tower was erected in its stead. 
 
 The connection of the bell towers with Fire Headquarters by telegraph was com- 
 pleted in the summer of 185 1. Instantly the effectiveness of the connections was recog- 
 nized, as the firemen were saved much unnecessary labor bv the prevention of the 
 numerous false alarms which had heretofore misled them. 
 
 The report of Chief Engineer Alfred Carson in this connection is worth recording. 
 
 "The entire (telegraphic) apparatus." says Mr. Carson, "is necessarily of very deli- 
 cate construction, and must be used with great care by the bellringers. or it at once be- 
 comes utterly inoperative. And it grieves me to inform you (the Common Council) that 
 the telegraphic apparatus is often seriously injured, either by the bellringers themselves, 
 or by some of their numerous friends who unceasingly visit them, who often use it without 
 
 92 
 
occasion, simply to gratify their curiosity, thereby misleading and creating general con- 
 fusion at the bell towers throughout the city and, of course, throughout the department." 
 
 Jn December, 1853, the sum of twenty-four thousand eight hundred and eleven dol- 
 lars was appropriated for a new building for the use. of the fire department, to be called 
 "Firemen's Hall," located in Mercer Street, between Prince and Houston Streets. 
 
 The following table shows the population of New York City for a number of years : 
 
 Year. 
 
 Population. 
 
 Year. 
 
 Population. 
 
 Year. 
 
 Population 
 
 1674, 
 
 3,000 
 
 1746, 
 
 11,717 
 
 1820, 
 
 123,706 
 
 1678, 
 
 3-430 
 
 1756, 
 
 13,040 
 
 1825, 
 
 166,000 
 
 
 4,43 6 
 
 177^ 
 
 21,863 
 
 1830. 
 
 203,007 
 
 1712, 
 
 5,840 
 
 1786, 
 
 23,614 
 
 1834, 
 
 270,089 
 
 i7 2 3, 
 
 7,243 
 
 1790, 
 
 33,131 
 
 1840, 
 
 312,710 
 
 i73i, 
 
 8,622 
 
 1800, 
 
 60,489 
 
 1845, 
 
 37i>223 
 
 1737. 
 
 10,664 
 
 1810, 
 
 95,5*9 
 
 1850, 
 
 515,394 
 
 In 1854 the fire department of New York was composed of nearly four thousand citi- 
 zens, who devoted their time and exertions to the public service without any reward ex- 
 cept the satisfaction derived from the faithful discharge of their duty as citizens. It was 
 conceded that that branch of the civil service possessed the capacity for government in 
 itself at least equal to that of the citizen soldiery who were left in the free and full man- 
 agement and control of their own internal affairs. Besides it was seen that the system of 
 administering the affairs of the fire department through the Common Council was bur- 
 densome to the latter body, interfering with its more legitimate business, and had oper- 
 ated in experience unfairly and injuriously to the department, greatly impairing its effi- 
 ciency. An ordinance was therefore introduced creating a "board of fire department 
 commissioners," composed of three persons from each of the eight sections of the fire 
 districts, and three from that portion of the city known as the Twelfth Ward, two from 
 each district being exempt firemen, and the third one of the active firemen of the city. 
 The chief engineer should be an cx-officio member of the board and all its committees. 
 
 The venerable Peter Cooper gave some attention to the prevention and extinguish- 
 ment of fires, and communicated with the Common Council in that respect, February, 
 1854. The plan and principle which he advocated were designed to make the perform- 
 ance of fire duty a dollar-and-cent interest to some three-quarters of all the officers in the 
 employ of the city government. He recommended the placing a boiler-iron tank, thirty 
 feet in height, on the top of the existing reservoir on Murray Hill. That tank was to be 
 filled, and kept full of water, by a small steam engine. Further, he proposed that the 
 City Hall should be raised an additional story and covered with an iron tank that would 
 hold some ten feet of water, the outside of the tank to be made to represent a cornice 
 around the building. With that greater head and supply of water always at command 
 and ready for connection with the street mains, the moment a signal was given from any 
 police station it was apparent that all the hydrants could be made efficient to raise water 
 over the tops of the highest houses in the city. Also, he would cause to be placed in 
 every street, at convenient distances, a small cart containing some, three hundred feet of 
 hose. These carts should be so light that one man could draw them to the nearest hy- 
 drant to the fire, and bring water on the fire in the shortest possible time. With that 
 arrangement he proposed to make it the interest of every man in the police to watch 
 incendaries and thieves, and to use every possible effort to extinguish fires as soon as 
 they had occurred. 
 
 Mr. Cooper had presented a similar programme twelve years previously. 
 
 Tn the spring of 1854 there were but one first-class engine in the department, No. 38, 
 nine and one-half inch cylinder : four second-class, Nos. 14, 21. 22, and 42; and three 
 third-class, Nos. 5. 13. and 20. Nos. 14, 21. and 42 were eight and one-half inch 
 cylinder; No. 22, eight inch; Nos. 13, 7, 5, and 20. each six and one-half inches. The 
 complement of men allowed to each company was as follows : 
 
 Engine No. 38 (first-class Philadelphia style), nine and one-half inch cylinder, sixty 
 men; No. 22 (second-class piano), eight inch cylinder, fifty men; No. 42 (second-class 
 piano), eight and one-half inch cylinder, fifty men: No. T4 (second-class Philadelphia), 
 eight and one-half inch cylinder, seventy men; No. 21 (second-class Philadelphia), eight 
 and one-half inch cylinder, seventy men: No. 5 (third-class New York style), six and 
 one-half inch cylinder, forty men; No. 13 (third-class New York improved), seven-inch 
 
 93 
 
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cylinder, forty men; No. 20 (third-class New York improved), six and one-half cylin- 
 der, forty men. 
 
 The chief engineer was elected, every three years, by the members of the fire depart- 
 ment^ by ballot. The election for this office took place on the first Tuesday after the first 
 Monday in February, 1854, and thereafter every succeeding three years. 
 
 The chief engineer was ordered not to receive any annual returns from companies 
 but such as had conformed to section first of the ordinance, passed June 22, 1842, relative 
 to the fire department, as follows : "The fire department of the city of New York shall 
 consist of a chief engineer, assistant engineers, fire-enginemen, hose men, hook and lad- 
 der and hydrant men, who shall be citizens of the United States, and twenty-one years of 
 age and upwards. 
 
 The Common Council instructed the mayor to appoint three persons to act as bell- 
 ringers at each of the different alarm districts, such persons to be selected from among 
 the exempt firemen. The bellringers, so appointed, received as remuneration for their 
 
 BURNING OF CRYSTAL PALACE, RESERVOIR SQUARE, 6th AVENUE, 
 40th to 42d STREETS, OCTOBER 5, 1858 
 
 services the sum of five hundred dollars each per annum, and were subject to removal 
 by the mayor for misdemeanor or negligence of duty. 
 
 As foreshadowed by the action of the Board of Aldermen in their attempt to dismiss 
 Carson, chief engineer, from office, notwithstanding that numerous petitions from fire 
 companies had requested such action, seemingly justifying it, there was yet a dormant 
 feeling of dissatisfatcion which manifested itself only after the inauguration of the new 
 Council in 1854. In February of that year a committee of representatives of the fire de- 
 partment, Carlisle Norwood, D. Milliken and Henry W. Belcher, presented a petition to 
 the new board, setting forth that during the preceding three or four years serious and 
 gross abuses had crept into the department, by which not only its morals had been im- 
 paired, but its efficiency and discipline had been destroyed. The great majority of the 
 firemen were of every vocation, the merchant, mechanic, artisan, from the professional 
 and laboring classes ; and that majority in point of character and respectability would 
 
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challenge comparison with any other institution in the country. Their aim was to dis- 
 charge the self-imposed duty with fidelity, and to elevate the character of their body ; but 
 to accomplish that they should be sustained by the authorities. That support had not been 
 accorded for the preceding few years ; for owing to a personal difficulty between the head 
 of the department and the municipal government, the latter had by every means in their 
 power set at defiance the authority of the former, disregarded his recommendations, and 
 thus given every encouragement to the riotous and disorderly to carry out their infamous 
 and wicked desigins without restraint. The result was that the department, which should 
 have been the pride and boast of the city, had become a by-word and reproach ; charges 
 of a heinous nature were freely made against some of its members through the public 
 prints, which want of power on the part of the department prevented them from inves- 
 tigating. 
 
 In connection with this matter a special meeting of the representatives of the fire 
 department was held in Firemen's Hall on February 13, 1854, at which resolutions were 
 adopted, stating- that among the causes which had mainly brought about the deplorable 
 condition of the department had been prominently the flagrant conduct of the city govern- 
 ment, which, instead of endeavoring to preserve the discipline and character of the depart- 
 ment, had done all in their power to destroy them by the indiscriminate creation of fire- 
 men, the restoration to membership of men expelled for bad conduct, the encouragement 
 and license given to the riotous and disorderly by their neglect to punish them when 
 brought before them ; in a word, by the wholesale abuse of their authority to gratify per- 
 sonal ends and political purposes. 
 
 On the fourth of May, 1854, it was stated in a daily newspaper in regard to the 
 Broadway catastrophe, that the chief engineer testified that within his knowledge a gang 
 of men, wearing the garb of firemen, attended fires for the purpose of stealing; that he 
 had known members of the fire department to be caught thieving ; and in one case of a 
 member expelled for stealing at a fire the Common Council had reinstated him ; that a 
 member, then foreman of an engine company, had been thus expelled and reinstated ; that 
 sometimes persons had attended fires dressed as firemen, though not members of the 
 department ; and that, in his judgment, more than one-half the fires that had occurred 
 were the work of incendiaries. 
 
 The Common Council requested the chief engineer to inform them whether he had 
 been correctly reported. He replied, on May 15, 1854, that if the evidence had been fully 
 and correctly reported their inquiry would have been unnecessary. His reference to the 
 reinstatement of persons expelled for theft applied to the Common Council of 1853 and 
 not to that of 1854. Attempts had been made to establish the fact that some of the per- 
 sons killed were in the building for the purpose of stealing instead of extinguishing the 
 fire, and that clothing recognized by the proprietors of the store as belonging to their 
 stock was found upon some of the bodies. That was published far and wide, and made 
 the occasion of severe comments on the fire department. The evidence adduced, however, 
 showed that no clothing whatever from the establishment was found upon any of the 
 bodies, except such as was placed under and upon them by their comrades after rescu- 
 ing them from the ruins, in order that they might be carried to the hospital as comfort- 
 ably as possible. 
 
 The following complement of men was allowed the different engine, hose, and hook 
 and ladder companies, viz. : First-class engines, sixty men ; second-class engines, fifty 
 men ; third-class engines, forty men ; hose companies, twenty-five men ; hook and ladder 
 companies, forty men. Hydrant companies to remain the same as previously. 
 
 The strength of the department in September, 1854, consisted of thirty-three engines 
 in good order, seven ordinary, and eight building; forty-three hose carriages in good or- 
 der, seven ordinary, and six building; nine hook and ladder trucks in good order, two 
 ordinary, and one building. The trucks were supplied with all necessary implements. 
 There were in use forty thousand six hundred and fifty feet of good hose, and fifteen 
 thousand eight hundred feet ordinary ; forty-eight engine companies, fiftv-seven hose 
 companies, fourteen hook and ladder companies, and four hydrant companies ; two thou- 
 sand nine hundred and fifty-five men. If all the companies were full, there would have 
 been four thousand four hundred and eighty men. 
 
 During the year ending September, 1854, there had been three hundred and eighty- 
 five fires, with a loss on buildings of eight hundred and twenty-seven thousand and 
 
 97 
 
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twelve dollars, and on wares two million and seventy-three thousand two hundred and 
 seventy-two dollars. There had been two hundred and twenty-one additional alarms, 
 mostly caused by burning chimneys, spirit-gas explosions, etc., while for the residue no 
 real cause could be ascertained. The loss was large compared with former years. Doubt- 
 less one-half the fires were the result of incendiarism, and one-quarter of carelessness. 
 
 Captain Ditchett, of the Fourth Ward police, proposed for the better prevention of 
 personal injury and loss of life, and of interference with the firemen while on duty, that 
 policemen be stationed with flags by day and lighted signals at night at proper distances 
 on the streets leading to fires, and all persons passing, or who persisted in remaining 
 within, the lines, should be arrested, unless they had business there. To adopt that plan 
 it would be necessary to procure a badge for the department, to be worn by members 
 when not in fire dress ; and a law should be passed making it a penal offense for any per- 
 son to wear the badge, or other insignia of the department, except firemen, which would 
 act as a salutary check on rowdies and thieves prowling about fires, and enable the fire- 
 men to discharge their duties more effectively. 
 
 The State Legislature enacted a law, March 29, 1855, by which five commissioners 
 were elected by the fire department, and to be known as "The Commissioners of the New 
 York Fire Department." The commissioners so elected drew for the term of their re- 
 spective offices, say, one for the term of five years ; one for the term of three years ; one 
 for the term of two years ; and one for the term of one year ; "and, annually thereafter, 
 there shall be elected one commissioner to hold his office for the term of five years." 
 
 No person was eligible as such commissioner unless, at the time of election, he was 
 an exempt fireman, and had ceased to be a member of the fire department, for at least 
 three years prior to said election. Their duty consisted in inquiring into all applications 
 for the organization of volunteer fire companies ; no volunteer fire companies could be 
 organized unless approved by said commissioners ; unless — in case of disagreement by 
 the commissioners — a three-fourths vote of all members should overrule the decision of 
 the commissioners. 
 
 The corporation of the fire department, by act of the Legislature, April 3, 1855, 
 were permitted to hold real and personal estate, but not to exceed the sum of one hundred 
 and fifty thousand dollars. 
 
 Members of the fire department (ordinance June 14, 1855), were required, when on 
 duty as firemen, to wear the leathern cap, as previously in use, or a badge. The badge 
 was made of Prince's metal, bearing the words, "New York Fire Department," each 
 badge bearing a distinct number, in raised figures thereon, of white metal. The badge 
 worn by exempt firemen was composed of white metal, with the figures thereon of 
 Prince's metal, but in all other respects similar to the badge used by the active members 
 of the department. Said badges were struck from separate dies and numbered as the 
 commissioners of the fire department might direct. 
 
 This ordinance made it the duty of the police, when" a fire occurred, to form a line, 
 at least two hundred feet distant from the said fire, on either side thereof ; and under no 
 circumstances should they permit any person to pass said line, unless said person should 
 wear the uniform or badge of the fire department, the uniform of the insurance patrol, 
 or be a member of the Common Council, a member of the police department, or an owner 
 or resident of property within the prescribed lines. 
 
 The salary of the chief engineer was increased to the sum of three thousand dollars 
 per annum. 
 
 In August, 1856, the state of the department had never been so encouraging or its 
 working more perfect, and that, too, while laboring under many disadvantages. The de- 
 partment consisted of fourteen engineers, one thousand six hundred and forty-four engine 
 men, one thousand one hundred and twenty-eight hose men, three hundred and sixty-six 
 hook and ladder men, and thirty-three hydrant men, amounting to a total of three thou- 
 sand and eighty-five men, an increase of four hundred and fifty-four over the roll of 
 1855. These were divided into forty-six engine companies, fifty-eight hose companies, 
 fourteen hook and ladder companies, and four hydrant companies. There were thirty- 
 five engines in good condition, five ordinary, five building, and one rebuilding; forty-nine 
 hose carriages in good condition, six ordinary, two building, and one rebuilding; twelve 
 hook and ladder trucks in good condition, and two building. There was a total of sixty- 
 eight thousand seven hundred and fifty feet of hose in use. 
 
 99 
 
J. W. DE LAMATER, Gen l Mgr. 
 HOTCHKISS IMPORT CO. 
 
 SOLE IMPORTERS 
 
 HOTCHKISS CARS 20 W. 60th STREET 
 
 FOR U S. OF AMERICA NEW YORK 
 
 IOO 
 
The loss by fires during the year ending" July 31. 1856, was six hundred and thirty- 
 two thousand and thirty dollars, being a decrease of five hundred and thirty-five thou- 
 sand and eighty-nine dollars from 1855. 
 
 The rowdies had for a long time remained quiet, and it was hoped that the depart- 
 ment would not again be molested by them. But of late three attacks had been made. In 
 one case Engine Company No. 41 were proceeding at great haste to a fire, when they 
 were set upon by these miscreants with clubs, slung-shots, and stones. Several members 
 of the department were knocked down, one of whom was run over by the engine and 
 seriously injured. Another, Hose Company No. 15, were attacked while attending to 
 their duty, the men driven away, and the carriage upset in the street. The third was an 
 
 First silbly Steam Fire engine, Tested at Crystal palace, 1856 
 
 attack on the engine house of Company No. 32 by a gang of rowdies. It was useless to 
 look to the police justices for redress, for it was well known they dared not grant it, 
 the political influence of the gangs being so great. 
 
 An ordinance to reorganize the fire department was introduced in July. 1856. It 
 provided, among other things, for one chief engineer, eighteen assistants, and as many 
 fire engine men, hook and ladder men, and hose men that were then or might thereafter 
 be appointed by the Common Council in accordance with the provisions of "An act for 
 the better regulation of the firemen in the city of New York." passed March 29, 1855. 
 The chief and his assistants should severally be elected by the firemen by ballot. The 
 first election for chief engineer should take place on the first Tuesday after the first Mon- 
 
 101 
 
===== Compliments of ======= 
 
 The New York 
 Curtain Company 
 
 1402 Broadway, New York 
 
day in February, 1857, and thereafter every three years ; and the first election for assist- 
 ant engineers on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in June, 1857. The chief 
 engineer should at the time of his election be a fireman who had served the full term pre- 
 scribed by law ; should receive a yearly salary of three thousand dollars. Each of the 
 assistants should be a fireman who had served three years, and should be an actual resi- 
 dent of the district in which he was nominated, and for which he was elected. 
 
 No fireman, while under suspension for any violations of the provisions of the ordi- 
 nance, should be permitted to wear a fire cap bearing the frontispiece of the company 
 to which he was attached nor allowed to vote, nor permitted to frequent the house occu- 
 pied by the company, or take part in any of the meetings of the said company. 
 
 At the quarterly meeting of the Board of Engineers and Firemen, held September 4, 
 1856, it was decided that the number of men at that time allowed to the different fire 
 companies, namely, first-class engines, sixty men ; second-class, fifty men ; third-class, 
 forty men ; hose companies, twenty-five men ; and hook and ladder companies, forty 
 men, was sufficient to perform the necessary duties of the respective companies, and 
 that any further addition to companies by the Common Council would be prejudicial to 
 the best interests of the fire department. 
 
 This action was deemed necessary because of a resolution adopted by the Board of 
 Councilmen to increase the force of Hose Company No. 9 five men, on the face of the 
 remonstrance and protest of the chief engineer of the department. The Board of Alder- 
 men concurred in the action of their legislative brethren, and filed away the communi- 
 cation of the fire chief for future action on the kalends of February. 
 
 Harry Howard, of No. 108 Leonard Street, was elected chief engineer on February 
 3> 1857. 
 
 In January, 1858, the fire department was composed of fifty-two engine companies, 
 sixty-two hose companies, fifteen hook and ladder companies, and four hydrant compan- 
 ies, with a force of over two thousand men. The estimate for that year for apparatus, 
 and their repairs, etc., was sixty thousand dollars, and fifty thousand dollars for expendi- 
 tures for buildings and repairs to them, salaries, and lighting the engine and other houses. 
 The real estate and houses on leased ground belonging to the corporation, in use by the 
 department, were valued at three hundred thousand dollars, and the apparatus at seventy- 
 five thousand dollars, the interest of which, at six per cent., would amount annually to 
 twenty-two thousand five hundred dollars, making the total yearly cost of protecting the 
 city against fires, independent of the use of the water and hydrants, about one hundred 
 and thirty-two thousand five hundred dollars. 
 
 The voluntary service of the members of the department frequently bestowed at the 
 hazard, and often the sacrifice, of their lives, had given them a strong claim to the good 
 will of the Common Council and of the citizens generally. 
 
 The introduction of the steam fire engines into the department had been the subject 
 of consideration for the preceding two years, and an appropriation was made in 1857 of 
 nineteen thousand five hundred dollars for the purpose of testing the experiment. But 
 no definite steps had as yet been taken toward purchasing any apparatus of that de- 
 scription. 
 
 On the fourteenth of April, 1858, an act was passed by the legislature extending and 
 continuing in force until May, 1880, unless sooner altered, modified or repealed, the act 
 incorporating the firemen of the city of New York, passed March 20, 1798, and all acts 
 and parts of acts relating to said incorporation. 
 
 In February, 1858, one year after the selection of Chief Howard, the department con- 
 sisted of fourteen engineers, one thousand eight hundred and fifty members of engine 
 companies, one thousand two hundred and fifty-seven members of hose companies, and 
 four hundred and fifty-two members of hook and ladder companies ; making a total of 
 three thousand five hundred and fifty-nine men, an increase of four hundred and seventy- 
 four over the number on the rolls one year before. These were divided into forty-eight 
 engine companies, sixty hose companies, and fifteen hook and ladder companies. There 
 were forty-nine engines in good condition, nine ordinary, and two rebuilding ; forty- 
 three hose carriages in good condition, sixteen ordinary ; eleven hook and ladder 
 trucks in good condition, and four ordinary ; twenty-seven hose tenders in good condi- 
 tion, seven ordinary and fifteen building. There were in use thirty-three thousand four 
 
 103 
 
THE MARBRIDGE BUILDING. Broadway. Northeast Corner 34th Street. 
 
 A MODERN OFFICE BUILDING 
 
 With the exception of a small corner store, 18 feet, 9 inches wide. The Marbridge Building covers the 
 entire Broadway block between 34th and 35th Streets, having a frontage of 150 feet on 34th Street and 93 
 feet on 35th Street — an aggregate area of 28,800 square feet. 
 
 It says the very last word on fireproof steel construction, and is really modern in the true sense of that 
 sadly overworked phrase. 
 
 All large areas are equipped with sprinklers — the only fire protection that always protects, and instead 
 of swearing at you every time you look ceilingwards with all the ugly nakedness of a factory piping, every- 
 thing except the sprinkler heads is concealed ; even the automatic fire alarm wires are under cover. 
 
 The entire building is cleaned by the Vacuum System no mere sanitary fad, but a common-sense 
 method that takes the dirt bodily out of the building; doesn't simply scatter it, leaving it to settle in some 
 other place once the momentary daily disturbance is over. 
 
 There are twelve elevators, all twelve of the Standard Plunger type, which insures safety — no cables 
 to break or get out of order ; and then in a Plunger you escape the annoying trembling and vibration of the 
 ordinary elevator. Less delays, less repairs. 
 
 Plans and further information may be had from your own broker, or from a representative of the 
 owner on the premises. 
 
 1 04 
 
hundred feet of hose in good order, thirty-seven thousand four hundred and fifty feet in 
 ordinary condition, and ten thousand four hundred feet in very bad condition. 
 
 There was a large decrease in the amount of losses by fire during 1857 as compared 
 with 1856. Total number of fires for the year ending July 31, 1856, three hundred and 
 fifty-four ; alarms, one hundred and nine ; total loss by fire, six hundred and thirty-two 
 thousand and thirty dollars. Total number of fires from February 17, 1857, to February 
 17, 1858, three hundred and twenty-two; alarms, one hundred and ninety-eight; total loss 
 by fire, four hundred and twenty-eight thousand two hundred and sixty-six dollars. 
 
 All hook and ladder companies (ordinance January 7, 1857), were allowed ten addi- 
 tional men ; all the hose companies, thirty men ; all first-class engines, seventy men ; sec- 
 ond-class, sixty men ; and third-class, fifty men. 
 
 The Street Department superintended the making of, repairing, and lighting the pub- 
 lic roads and avenues ; constructing, repairing, and lighting the public buildings ; repair- 
 ing wells and pumps ; supplying the public rooms and offices of the corporation, the court 
 rooms, the police station houses, the engine, hose, and hook and ladder houses ; and the 
 public markets, with fuel, stationery, printing, and all other things necessary therefor ; 
 constructing and repairing fire engines, hose carts, hooks and ladders, hose, and other 
 machines and apparatus for the use of the fire department. There were two bureaus in 
 the Street Department, namely, a bureau for the building and repairing of wharves and 
 piers, called the Bureau of Wharves ; a bureau for constructing and repairing the public 
 buildings, and repairing of wells and pumps ; for the supplying of public rooms and 
 offices of the corporation, the court rooms, the police station houses, the engine, hose, 
 and hook and ladder houses, and public markets, with fuel, stationery, printing, and all 
 other things necessary therefor, called the "Bureau of Repairs and Supplies ;" a bureau 
 for repairing engines and fire apparatus, under the direction of the chief engineer. 
 
 While proceeding to a fire in July, 1857, Chief Engineer Harry Howard was at- 
 tacked with paralysis, the consequence of severe fire duty which he had previously per- 
 formed. 
 
 An ordinance for the better regulation of the Fire Department went into operation on 
 March 29, 1858. It became the duty of firemen to prevent boys or disorderly characters 
 from congregating in or about the place of deposit of the various apparatus, and not to 
 allow the said place of deposit to be used for any other purposes than those directly con- 
 nected with the performance of their duty as firemen. No persons other than members 
 and exempt members of the company, or of the Fire Department, in good standing, were 
 allowed to sleep in any engine, hose, or hook and ladder house ; the street doors should 
 not be kept open, except while persons were passing in and out, or while any necessary 
 repairs or cleaning were being performed. Good order should be preserved in and about 
 the houses occupied by their respective companies. In going to or returning from a fire, 
 the drag-rope was the proper place for the firemen, except the officers in command. 
 These should prevent all boys and noisy 'improper persons from taking hold of the rope. 
 On no account should a person, other than a member of the company, or a member or 
 exempt member of the Fire Department, known to at least two of the members of the 
 company present, be allowed to manage or have any control of the tongue or tiller of any 
 apparatus in going to or returning from a fire. The officers and members of each and 
 every company, when returning with their apparatus from a fire, or alarm of fire, were 
 warned against any racing of their company with any other company, and cautioned to 
 abstain from any conduct that would be likely to cause a breach of the peace, or reflect 
 discredit on the fire department. Also it should be their duty to use all endeavors to 
 cultivate good feeling among the members. 
 
 The working organization of the fire department in February, 1859, consisted of 
 fourteen engineers ; one thousand nine hundred and twenty-two members of engine com- 
 panies ; one thousand two hundred and sixty-two members of hose companies ; and five 
 hundred and two members of hook and ladder companies ; a total of three thousand seven 
 hundred men, an increase of one hundred and forty-one over the previous year. The 
 number of men allowed to each company were to first-class engine companies, seventy 
 men ; second-class, sixty men ; third-class, fifty men ; hook and ladder, fifty men ; and 
 hose, thirty men. The amount of loss by fire showed an increase over 1858. 
 
 The department had been much agitated on the subject of steam fire engines, and 
 the merits of the innovation on hand power had been freely commented upon not only 
 
 105 
 
"The Leading Fire Insurance Company of Jlmerica. " 
 
 Incorporated 1819 Charter Perpetual 
 
 CASH CAPITAL $4,000,000.00 
 
 CASH ASSETS 16,500,733.45 
 
 TOTAL LIABILITIES 7,293,655.52 
 
 NET SURPLUS 5,207,077.93 
 
 SURPLUS FOR POLICY HOLDERS . . 9,207,077.93 
 
 LOSSES PAID IN 90 YEARS . . . 115,798,170.31 
 
 WM. B. CLARK, President 
 
 W. H. KING, Vice-President 
 HENRY E. REES, Secretary 
 
 Assistant Secretaries 
 A. N. WILLIAMS, E. J. SLOAN, E. S. ALLEN, GUY E. BEARDSLEY 
 
 W. F. WHITTELSEY, Jr., "Marine" 
 
 WESTERN BRANCH, 
 
 ( THOS. E. GALLAGHER, General Agent 
 } L. O. KOHTZ, Ass't General Agent 
 159 La Salle Street, Chicago, Ills, j j s GADSDEN, General Agent, Marine 
 
 NORTHWESTERN BRANCH, J WM. H. WYMAN, General Agent 
 
 Omaha, Neb. ( W - P - HARFORD, Ass't General Agent 
 
 PACIFIC BRANCH, i E. C. MORRISON, General Agent; 
 
 5 1 4 California St., San Francisco, Cal. ( A. G. SANDERSON, Ass't General Agent 
 
 f CHICAGO, ILLS., 1 59 La Salle Street 
 
 imf Ax,n uAD.Mr nrDADTUCMT J NEW YORK, 95-97 William Street 
 INLAND MARINE DEPARTMENT i BOSTON, 70 Kilby Street 
 
 I PHILADELPHIA, 226 Walnut Street 
 
 JOHN M. TALBOT & CO., Agents 
 
 95 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK 
 
 106 
 
in the department, but by all classes of citizens. The Common Council had for the use 
 of the city two large steam fire engines from Messrs. Lee & Larned, patentees. Those 
 engines had been completed and experimental exhibitions of their powers had been given 
 at different times. They had also been put in practical operation on two occasions, 
 namely, at the fire in Duane Street on the evening of January 17, 1859, and at the fire in 
 South Street on January 24. But these tests failed to satisfy the members of the depart- 
 ment of the value of the steam fire engines, who stated that the expectations hoped from 
 their introduction had not been in any manner realized. 
 
 At a meeting of the representatives of the Xew York Fire Department held on May 
 20, 1859, the following persons were elected commissioners : 
 
 Thomas Lawrence for the full term of five years, in place of John W . Schenck, 
 whose term of office had expired. John J. Gorman, to serve four years, in place of Nelson 
 D. Thayer, resigned. Ernest W. Brown, to serve two years, in place of Robert H. 
 Ellis, resigned ; and William M. Tweed, to serve two years, in place of William Wright, 
 resigned. 
 
 Old Houses at the Junction of spring, Marion and elm Streets 
 Going to a Fire at Centre market, 1861 
 
 The several fire insurance companies doing business in the city made a proposition to 
 the city government to furnish and present a steam fire engine to the corporation. This 
 proposition was accepted on the eighth of February, 1859. 
 
 John Decker succeeded Harry Howard as chief engineer of the department in Feb- 
 ruary, i860. The working force then consisted of fourteen engineers, two thousand two 
 hundred and thirty-four members of engine companies, one thousand four hundred and 
 eleven members of hose companies, five hundred and eighty-two members of hook and 
 ladder companies, making a total of four thousand two hundred and twenty-seven men, 
 an increase of five hundred and twenty-seven over the force of 1859. These were divided 
 into fifty engine companies, fifty-six hose companies, and seventeen hook and ladder 
 companies. 
 
 Chief Decker, as well as his predecessor, took up the controversy on the subject of 
 steam fire engines for the department, condemning their use. He said that at large fires 
 
 107 
 
ALEX. LYONS 
 
 Res. Tel., 255 Morningside 
 
 LOUIS STADHOLZ 
 
 Res. Tel., 768 Morningside 
 
 ALBERT LYONS 
 
 Res. Tel., 3676-79th St. 
 
 LYONS, STADHOLZ & CO. 
 
 ADJUSTERS OF 
 
 Fire Losses for Assured 
 
 68 WILLIAM STREET 
 
 TELEPHONES { J»J | JOHN N£W YORK 
 
 THE METROPOLITAN 
 
 Casualty Insurance Co. of New York 
 
 (Formerly: The ^Metropolitan Plate Glass and Casualty Ins. Co.) 
 HOME OFFICE! 47 CEDAR STREET 
 
 CHARTERED 1874 
 
 Thirty-five years learning how best to serve our policy-holders 
 
 PLATE GLASS 
 
 PERSONAL ACCIDENT 
 HEALTH 
 
 INSURANCE 
 
 Study our Accident, Health and Plate Glass Policies and 
 learn why they are Superior to any others on the market 
 
 EUGENE H. WINSLOW, President DANIEL D. WHITNEY, Vice-President 
 
 S. WILLIAM BURTON, Secretary ALONZO G. BROOKS, Asst. Secretary, 
 
 108 
 
they were serviceable auxiliaries to the hand engines, but they could never take the place 
 of the hand apparatus, as eight fires out of every ten that occurred were brought under 
 subjection by the quickness of operation of the hand engines, so that there was no ne- 
 cessity for placing the steamers to work. 
 
 A resolution was introduced in the Board of Aldermen at the meeting held on Janu- 
 ary 10, 1861, directing that the legislature be memorialized for the passage of an act 
 transferring the entire government of the fire department from the mayor, aldermen, and 
 commonality of the city of New York to the Board of Fire Commissioners, reserving 
 only to the mayor, etc., the control, supervision, and ownership of the real estate, build- 
 ings and apparatus of the department. The proposition was lost by a vote of six to eleven. 
 
 It had been represented to the Board of Aldermen that the Commissioners of the fire 
 department had neglected and refused to report to the Common Council for approval 
 their proceedings in the investigation of charges against members of the department, 
 with their decision thereon, claiming and insisting under authority of the laws creating 
 the Board of Commissioners, passed March 29, 1855, as. amended by the act of March 2, 
 1861, and their decisions were final and conclusive. 
 
 The Common Council regarded such claim as being derogatory of their authority 
 and repugnant to the spirit of the laws, which provided an appeal from the decisions of 
 all tribunals of inferior and limited jurisdiction, and decided to take steps to establish its 
 falsity. 
 
 There was a force of four thousand and forty men in the department in June, 1861. 
 The total number of fires for the year ending May 31, 1861, was four hundred and three, 
 and the total loss one million three hundred and forty-seven thousand two hundred and 
 ninety-seven dollars, one-third of which was lost at one fire in Warren Street, in No- 
 vember, i860. The following companies had been provided and were doing duty with 
 steam fire engines. Nos. 2, 6, 7, 8, 26, 28, 38, 42, 46, 47, and exempt engine and hose 
 company No. 57. In addition to those, the Common Council had authorized the pro- 
 viding of steam engines for companies Nos. 5, 21, 33, and hose company No. 52, making 
 a total of sixteen steamers, which was considered a sufficient number for any ordinary 
 emergency. 
 
 Never since the organization of the fire department had that institution been in a 
 more thriving condition, nor had its prospects presented a fairer aspect than in 1862. 
 During the year the general conduct of the members had been exceptionally good, the 
 causes of complaint being fewer than in any preceding year, and the several companies 
 appearing to vie with each other in their endeavors to uphold before the whole commu- 
 nity the long established, generally good reputation of the organization. The working 
 force consisted of three thousand eight hundred and fourteen men, a decrease of four 
 hundred and thirteen from 1861. The total number of fires for the year was three hun- 
 dred and eleven ; and the total loss one million four hundred and twenty-eight thousand 
 five hundred and eighty-four dollars. 
 
 A large fire occurred in January, 1862, at the corner of Fulton and Pearl Streets. 
 Owing chiefly to the large quantities of oils stored in two of the buildings, the fire 
 spread with such fearful rapidity that it was only by the most extraordinary exertions on 
 the part of the firemen that the city was saved from a conflagration second only to those 
 of 1835 an d 1845. 
 
 On a requisition made upon him by the Secretary of War, Mayor Opdyke dis- 
 patched to Fortress Monroe, in Virginia, on April 17, the two powerful hand engines 
 built for and used by engine companies Nos. 16 and 31. Assistant Engineer John Baulch, 
 together with two members from each company, proceeded to Fortress Monroe with the 
 apparatus, and were employed to take charge of them. 
 
 The gross expenditure for the department for the year 1862 amounted to three hun- 
 dred and eighty thousand five hundred and twelve dollars and fifty-six cents ; for the 
 year 1861 it amounted to three hundred and thirty-seven thousand eight hundred and 
 ninety-one dollars and seventy-eight cents, showing an increase for 1862 of forty-two 
 thousand six hundred and twenty dollars and seventy-eight cents. Much of this expendi- 
 ture was incurred for fire machines and apparatus, including a number of steam engines. 
 
 At a meeting of the representatives of the New York Fire Department, held on May 
 12, 1863, John J. Gorman was elected fire commissioner for the ensuing five years. 
 
 During the year 1862-63 the loss by fire amounted to one million one hundred and 
 
 IO() 
 
THE WASHINGTON TRUST CO. 
 
 OF THE! CITY OF NEW YORK 
 Organized in 1889 253 BROADWAY, CORNER MURRAY STREET 
 
 Capital, Surplus and Undivided Profits, $1,800,000 
 
 DAVID M. MORRISON, Pruident 
 
 GEORGE AUSTIN MORRISON, Vici-Prcsident M. S. LOTT, Secretary 
 
 PHINEAS C. LOUNSBURY, Vice-President H. F. PRICE, A»»t. Secretary 
 
 FRANCIS H. PAGE, 2nd Vice-President G. W. TOERGE, 2nd A»st Secretary 
 
 Charles H. Russell 
 Phineas C. Lounsbury 
 David M. Morrison 
 Seth E. Thomas 
 Lucius K. Wilmerding 
 Geo. Austin Morrison 
 John C. Baldwin 
 
 TRUSTEES 
 
 William Whiting 
 H. J. S. Hall 
 Clarence W. Seamans 
 Carl Schefer 
 William A. Putnam 
 Charles M. Clark 
 Francis H. Page 
 
 George F. Vietor 
 George W. Jenkins 
 William Barbour 
 Dr. John P. Munn 
 George Gray Ward 
 Robert A. Drysdale 
 William Carroll 
 
 INTEREST ALLOWED ON DEPOSITS 
 
 This Company is especially designated by the SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW 
 YORK a legal depository for Court and Trust Funds, and is authorized to do any and all other bus- 
 iness usually done by Trust Companies of responsibility and standing. 
 
 E.ST.A.BLISHE.D 1884 
 
 Ntotenttlj Wari lank 
 
 MAIN OFFICE 
 Third Avenue and Fifty-seventh Street 
 
 BRANCHES 
 
 86th STREET and SECOND AVENUE 72d STREET and THIRD AVENUE 
 
 34th STREET and THIRD AVENUE 
 
 WARNER M. VAN NORDEN, President 
 
 CAPITAL $300,000 SURPLUS $400,000 
 
 Business and Personal Accounts Solicited 
 
 Interest Department for Inactive Funds 
 
 no 
 
JOHN DECKER 
 Chief Engineer of the New York Fire Department, 1860-1865 
 
 in 
 
HOWARD HOULDER & PARTNERS 
 
 INCORPORATED 
 
 Steamship Agents and General Freight Contractors 
 
 REGULAR LINES OF STEAMERS TO 
 
 CHINA, JAPAN. PHILIPPINES, COREA. URUGUAY, 
 ARGENTINE and other SOUTH AMERICAN PORTS 
 
 Telephones 5985-5986 Broad 
 
 21-24 STATE STREET, NEW YORK 
 
 SPEND YOUR VACATION ^o^ D ST ITWELVEI>AYS ' 
 RED CROSS LINE 
 
 To Halifax, NOVA SCOTIA and St. John's, NEWFOUNDLAND 
 
 New Steamer "FLORIZEL" and Popular Steamer "ROSALIND" 
 
 (Equipped with Marconi Wireless. Submarine Bells and Searchlight) 
 Charming daylight sail through Long Island, Vineyard and Nantucket Sounds. Fine view of picturesque Nova Scotia 
 andlthe bold, rugged Newfoundland coast. Abundance of fishing end shooting in season. The cost, which includes berth and 
 meals is moderate. Passengers have the privilege of living on board in both ports without extra charge, thereby saving hotel 
 expenses. 
 
 SAILING EVERY SATURDAY AT 11 A. M. During the Summer and Autumn. 
 
 Descriptive pamphlet (illustrated) 
 mailed on'application ; : 
 
 BOWRING & CO., 17 State Street, NEW YORK 
 
 SIMPSON, SPE1NCE C£l YOUNG 
 
 §>t?amsbtp Ulanagera nnb Agntta 
 
 Agents, CREOLE LINE 
 
 Mediterranean Ports to New York 
 
 MANAGERS: 
 Norfolk and North American Steam Shipping Co., Ltd. 
 The Texas Transport and Terminal Company, Inc. 
 
 The Port Arthur, Texas. Transatlantic Line, Inc. 
 
 1 1 Broadway New York 
 
 EUROPEAN OFFICES 
 
 2-3-4 Billiter Avenue 
 17 Water Street 
 7 Royal Bank Place 
 Scandinavian Chambers 
 
 LONDON 
 - LIVERPOOL 
 GLASGOW 
 WEST HARTLEPOOL 
 
 1 12 
 
ninety-one thousand nine hundred and twenty-two dollars. The number of fires was two 
 hundred and sixty-eight. 
 
 The working force of the department at the close of the year 1863-64 numbered 
 three thousand nine hundred and sixty men, a decrease of two hundred and sixty-two 
 from the previous year. The total loss amounted to two million nine hundred and thirty- 
 five thousand and fifty-four dollars. The increase in loss was principally due to the 
 numerous fires that occurred during the riots of 1863, the amount for July alone footing 
 up one million one hundred and twenty-five thousand and sixty-eight dollars. 
 
 Intimation was given early in the year 1865 of the change that was soon to take 
 place in the constitution of the fire department. Certainly no city in the world possessed 
 a more complete fire organization in the number of engines, the effectiveness of the 
 steam machines, the copious supply of water, or the gallant army of volunteers directing 
 these means for the preservation of property. The generosity and public spirit of the fire- 
 men could not be more highly appreciated, and nothing could efface the glorious records 
 of their previous history, so full of instances of heroic, daring and unselfish toil. Many 
 of its friends, however, were of the opinion that the system so admirably adapted to a 
 small city was not suited to a metropolis, and that economy, as well as the new machin- 
 ery, demanded a change. 
 
 On March 30, 1865, the legislature passed an act creating a "Metropolitan Fire De- 
 partment." On the thirty-first of March Chief Engineer Decker sent a communication to 
 the Common Council requesting instructions in relation thereto. As some time would 
 necessarily elapse before the new system could be properly and efficiently placed in a po- 
 sition to meet all that would be required therefrom in respect to the full protection of the 
 lives and property of the citizens — the substitution of a paid system in place of the volun- 
 teer organization — and as much suffering, and perhaps loss of life, might ensue in case of 
 a disastrous conflagration unless the volunteer organizations were continued in service, the 
 Common Council urged upon the officers and members of the department the public neces- 
 sity of their still continuing their previous energetic and humane efforts in arresting on all 
 occasions as heretofore the progress of the devouring element, thereby not only prevent- 
 ing thousands of helpless women and children from being rendered homeless and desti- 
 tute, but wreathing around the memory of the volunteer organization of the New York 
 Fire Department a record of fame and usefulness of which both themselves and their 
 children in after time might well be proud. 
 
 The four commissioners appointed under the act organized on May 2. Immediately 
 the Attorney-General of the State in his official capacity and on behalf of the people, sued 
 out an injunction, enjoining them from taking possession of the city's property, also a writ 
 of quo warranto, compelling them to show by what warrant they held their office as fire 
 commissioners (the Attorney-General believing that the said "Metropolitan Fire Law" 
 was unconstitutional). 
 
 The matter was tried in the Supreme Court, and finally carried to the Court of Ap- 
 peals at Albany. That court on the twenty-second of June deciding the law constitu- 
 tional, the commissioners took possession of the department immediately. 
 
 Tbe commission consisted of Charles C. Pinckney, president; James W. Booth, 
 Philip W. Engs, and Martin B. Brown. 
 
 As time rolls on the interest in the old fire department of New York seems to 
 deepen. There is nothing like the institution in the history of any other city of this 
 continent or in fact in Europe. So, too, does the new department stand head and shoul- 
 ders above any fire department in the world. The doings of both make a chronicle more 
 interesting than any romance or novel. Apart from the dry records of fires attended by 
 
 BELT WORN BY NEW YORK FIREMEN, YEAR 1849, VOLUNTEERS 
 
 113 
 
Hotel Cumberland 
 
 S. W. Corner Broadway and Fifty-fourth Street 
 NEW YORK 
 
 Near 50th Street Subway Station, 53d Street 
 Elevated, and all Surface Lines 
 
 ONLY NEW YORK HOTEL WITH WINDOW SCREENS THROUGHOUT 
 
 Ideal Location; Near Theatres 
 Shops and Central Park 
 
 "Broadway" Car from Grand 
 Central Depot passes the door 
 
 All Hardwood Floors and 
 Oriental Rugs 
 
 European Plan 
 
 EXCELLENT RESTAURANT "PRICES MODERATE 
 
 TRANSIENT RATES, $2.50 with Bath, and up 
 Special Rates for Permanent Guests 
 
 TEN MINUTES WALK TO TWENTY THEATRES 
 
 SEND FOR BOOKLET 
 
 HARRY P. ST1MSON R. J. BINGHAM 
 
 Formerly with Hotel Imperial Formerly with Hotel Netherland 
 
 114 
 
the old fire laddies, and the details of the establishment of the volunteers, are incidents 
 and stories worthy of the attention of posterity. Not only to the student of the manners 
 and customs of bygone times, but to the general reading public are these matters full of 
 interest, and which never weary in the retelling. These facts the writer has gathered 
 from the most reliable sources. Men over whose heads the snows of eighty winters and 
 more have passed have contributed their experience. Others whom we would call old, 
 but whom the octogenarians consider youthful, have likewise added their quota of infor- 
 mation. In these and the succeeding chapters we propose to place before the reader a 
 picture of the life of the volunteers, and a graphic sketch of the paid department. The 
 fights, the songs, the brave deeds, and the social life of the firemen are here set down, we 
 hope, in the plain and simple language of the impartial historian. 
 
 For more than half a century the volunteers embraced the very best classes of the 
 citizens of New York. Subsequently their numbers were augmented by "runners," un- 
 official firemen, of a different grade, who, though no less zealous in the performance of 
 duty, were full of fun, frolic and fight, making the history of their times decidedly lively. 
 Among the distinguished names in the Mutual Assistance Bag Company, which was or- 
 ganized in 1803, and was the forerunner of the present fire insurance patrol, were those 
 of the Bleeckers, Beekmans, Cuttings, De Peysters, Irvings, Laights, Roosevelts, Stuyve- 
 sants, Swartwouts, and Ten Eycks. 
 
 Among other well-known names of citizens, highly respected, who were in the old 
 fire department, are those of Zophar Mills, George T. Hope, president of the Continental 
 Fire Insurance Company; W. L. Jenkins, president of the Bank of America; Carlisle 
 Norwood, president of the Lorillard Fire Insurance Company ; Jordan L. Mott, the 
 well-known merchant ; Thomas Monahan, president of the Fulton Bank (of Engine Com- 
 pany No. 4, afterwards of Hose Company No. 1) ; Frederic E. Gilbert, capitalist and 
 philanthropist, foreman of No. 4, founder of the New York Club and for twelve years 
 its president. In 1841 Mr. Gilbert acted as a second to Mr. William Heyward, of South 
 Carolina, when the latter fought a duel with August Belmont. Peter and Robert Goelet, 
 the millionaires, belonged to Engine Company No. 9; Morris Franklin, president of 
 the New York Life Insurance Company, was foreman of No. 25 (known as the "brass 
 back engine"), and had several narrow escapes from death; James F. Wenman, ex-park 
 commissioner; William H. Webb, the shipbuilder, ran with Live Oak No. 44; John R. 
 Steers, who built the yacht America, was also a member of Engine No. 44 ; John W. 
 Degrau, who was born in 1797. At the time of the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition 
 it was proposed to send to that city a delegation of the veteran firemen, but not a man 
 could be found who was not his junior. After the fire of 1835 Mr. Degrau raised two 
 hose companies and one thousand six hundred dollars for the purpose in one day. He 
 could remember catching fish the whole length of what is now known as Canal Street, 
 from Broadway to the North River. His playmates were the Roosevelts, the Goelets, 
 the Irvings — Washington Irving's father kept a dry-goods store in William Street — 
 General Morris, Drake, the poet, and Mr. Hackett, the actor. Then there was Adam W. 
 Spies, the successful hardware merchant, now eighty-six years old and wealthy. Mr. 
 Spies was president of the Stuyvesant Insurance Company, had travelled over Europe, 
 an amateur artist of no inconsiderable talent and full of information on a variety of sub- 
 jects. He was a member of Engine Company No. 5, and a fire warden. 
 
 Some of the old firemen have found congenial occupation on Jersey Heights, such 
 as Giarles Merrill, formerly secretary of Columbia Hose Company No. 9; Larry Welsh, 
 foreman of Howard Engine Company No. 34 ; James R. Tate, formerly foreman of 
 Marion Engine Compay No. 9 ("Old Rock"). In Hoboken, there are David Satters, 
 formerly of Harry Howard Hose Company No. 55, now foreman of Hoboken Engine 
 Company No. 1 ; Gus Willis, of old Empire Engine Company No. 42, now of Hoboken 
 Engine Company No. 1 ; E. Gilkyson, formerly of Neptune Hose Company No. 27; Sam 
 Arcer and James Kenny, now chief engineer of the Hoboken Fire Department. 
 
 Of the quality of the old firemen, Mr. William Brandon, speaking in 1884, remarked: 
 "The majority of people have no idea of the number of judges, aldermen, prominent 
 officials, and millionaires they see and hear of in the city of New York who were firemen 
 once, lithe, agile, and careless of themselves as they climbed the ladder in summer to 
 the roof of all houses, handled the almost frozen hose in the depths of winter, when it 
 was like sheet-iron, and encountered danger and death at all seasons." Thomas Coman, 
 
 115 
 
THE 
 
 Trust Company 
 of America 
 
 37-43 WALL STREET 
 
 NEW YORK 
 
 COLONIAL BRANCH: I LONDON OFFICE : 
 222 Broadway, New York 95 Oresham St., London, E.C. 
 
 CAPITAL and SURPLUS 
 
 $8,000,000 
 
 Invites Accounts of Individuals, 
 Firms and Corporations. 
 
 Allows Interests on Deposits. 
 
 Issues Foreign Drafts and Letters 
 of Credit. 
 
 Executes Trusts of Every Descrip- 
 tion. 
 
 FIDELITY™ 
 
 OF NEW YORK 
 Cor. Chambers St.& W.Broadway 
 
 Ltr u l & $i,5oo,ooo.oo 
 
 OFFICERS 
 President — Samuel S. Conover 
 ... rj ., . I Wm. H. Barnard 
 Vice-Presidents j JohnW . Nix 
 
 Secretary — Andrew H. Man 
 Asst. Secretary— Stephen L. Viele 
 Trust Officer— Arthur W. Mellen 
 
 DIRECTORS 
 WILLIAM H. BARNARD. Importer 
 JAMLS BUTLER. President. Jame. Butler. Inc. 
 SAMUF.I. S. CONOVER. President 
 SAMUEL CROOKS. Crooks. Thomas & Company 
 WM. C. DEMOREST. President Realty Trust 
 JAMES M DONALD. Vice-President. Hanover Nat. Bank 
 CHARLES F DROSTE. Droste & Snyder 
 W. J. FULLERTON. Wilson «c Bradbury 
 HUGH GAFFNEY. Van Loan. Maguire & Gaffney 
 EDWIN E. JACKSON. Jr.. Pres. & Tr Boorum 6c Pease Co. 
 ADOLPH KASTOR. A. Kastor & Brother. 
 JAMES H. KILLOUGH. J. H. Killough & Company 
 LF.E KOHNS. L. Straus & Sons 
 HENRY KROGER. Henry Kroger 6c Company 
 CHARLES F. MATTLAGE. Clias. F. Mattlage 4c Son. 
 GERRISH H. MILLIKEN. Derring. Milliken & Co. 
 JOHN M. MOSSMAN. Bank and Safe Deposit Vaults 
 JAMES E. NICHOLS. Austin. Nichols At Company 
 JOHN W. NIX. President. John Nix & Company 
 ALEXANDER M. POWELL 
 CHARLES REED. President. Pettit & Reed 
 GEORGE H SARGENT. Sargent 4c Company 
 HAMPDEN E TENER. Jr.. Late of Carnegie Steel Co. 
 EDWARD H. TITUS. Treasurer, Lord 4c Taylor 
 THEODORE F. WHITMARSH. V.-Pres. F. H. Leggett4c Co. 
 D W. WHITMORE. D W. Whitmore 6c Co. 
 JNO. O. WILLIAMS. Vought 6c Williams 
 WILLIAM WILLS. Pres. Merchants" Refrigerating Co. 
 
 Interest Allowed on Deposits Subject to Check 
 
 SAFE DEPOSIT VAULTS 
 
 The Fidelity and Casualty Company 
 
 OF NEW YORK " 
 
 97 to 103 CEDAR STREET :: NEW YORK 
 
 HOWARD K. WOOD, President K. K. McLAREN, Treasurer 
 
 WM. H. CHESEBROUGH, Vice-President . J. G. BOSTON, Secretary 
 
 THE CORPORATION TRUST COMPANY 
 
 37 WALL STREET, NEW YORK 
 
 •I For Counsel, Organizes, Maintains and Represents Coporations in all States, 
 Canada, Mexico, England and France. 
 
 ^ Furnishes Information Regarding Introduction and Progress of Legisla- 
 tion in all States. 
 
 <J Publishes a Monthly Corporation Journal Which is Sent Gratuitously to 
 Members of the Bar on Request. 
 
 DEALS ONLY WITH MEMBERS OF THE BAR 
 
 n6 
 
BEWARE 
 
 OF 
 
 "BILL THE BURGLAR" 
 
 BURGLARIES and THEFTS have been 
 unusually common of late and no part of 
 the City is excepted. 
 
 There is nothing to prevent them, abso- 
 lutely nothing. Burglar alarms, locks, 
 bolts and all the other partial safeguards do 
 not shoulder your loss. 
 
 BUT 
 
 We Do — We Pay You For What You Lose 
 
 COPYRIGHTED 1902 
 
 New Amsterdam Casualty Company 
 
 No. 1 LIBERTY STREET, NEW YORK CITY 
 ORIGINATOR OF THE FT INSURANCE 
 
 fork : : 
 
 290 and 292 BROADWAY 
 
 KIMBALL C. ATWOOD - President 
 
 Insures " Preferred " Risks Only 
 
 118 
 
of Engine Company No. 13, rose to be president of the Board of Aldermen; so did Alder- 
 man Kirk of the same company ; of Hose Company No. 60 were John Clancy, editor of 
 the Leader, subsequently county clerk ; Congressman Morgan Jones, Supervisor Walter 
 Roach, and Police Captain Edward Walsh. 
 
 James F. Wenman, the ex-park commissioner, later treasurer of the Veteran Fire- 
 men's Association, whose headquarters are in East Tenth Street, was one of the most 
 active of the old firemen. In 1876 he saved the life of a servant girl. It was at a fire at 
 the New York Club house. The girl had endeavored to escape by going out on the 
 broad ledge of the main cornice. The flames were behind her, and a step would have 
 precipitated her to the pavement, seventy feet below. The firemen had reared an extension 
 ladder, but it was found to be ten or twelve feet too short. Mr. Wenman made his way 
 to the roof, seized the girl, and half pulling, half dragging her, finally succeeded in getting 
 her to the roof of an adjoining building. 
 
 The fireman's pride in his profession was demonstrated in a thousand and one ways, 
 and also was his fond regard for the seemingly sole object of his affection outside of his 
 domestic relations. As one of the numerous illustrations that could be given, it is re- 
 lated that Foreman Thomas Conner of Clinton Engine Company No. 41, being com- 
 pelled throngh illness to resign his office, expressed the hope in his letter of resignation, 
 October 9, 1837, tna t: with their new engine soon to arrive, his company would be able 
 "to cope with anything that runs on four wheels." "When you bring her home," he 
 added, "I hope I will be able to help you escort her to the house. I am in hopes when 
 the new machine arrives, at the first alarm of lire at night to see that double rope that 
 you have been so long talking about, manned inside and out, with young Gulick ranged 
 ahead with the old 'Stagg,' placing the animal in the most conspicuous style. I shall try 
 to take her out the first night." 
 
 Benjamin Strong, whose term of service began as far back as 1791 and continued 
 up to 1822, was one of the most enthusiastic volunteers. His heart and soul were en- 
 grossed in the pursuit, and his activity was unremitting. At the first stroke of the alarm 
 bell, even at night, and even when age was beginning to make its enfeebling influences 
 apparent, he donned his fire cap and joined the hastening throng of his hardy and intrepid 
 comrades. He communicated his enthusiasm to his sons and daughters, who took an 
 honorable pride in their father's devotion to duty. Even after he had resigned from the 
 department, he was always disappointed not to be called from his bed when there had 
 been a night alarm. 
 
 An amusing story is told of how a distinguished member of the Association of 
 Exempt Firemen came to join the department. It was about seventy years ago that the 
 occurrence took place. An "Old Vamp," then in his prime, was sitting in a tavern in 
 Nassau Street, when he heard some of the boys talking about joining an association. 
 He then thought he would like to belong to something or other. So, when he went 
 home, he told his mother that he wanted to join a society, he did not much care what 
 it was. There was a great revival going on in these days in the old Duane Street 
 church, and, like all good mothers, she told him to come along with her and join the 
 church. "Well," said he, "I don't particularly care what it is, but T must belong to 
 something." So down to the church he went, but the minister told him he must go on 
 probation for three months before he could join. When the three months had expired, 
 he called on the "Dominie," but was still told that he must wait two months longer. 
 Some three months passed, when the deacon met our friend walking down Hudson 
 Street, in a neat red shirt and a fancy pair of suspenders, bearing a number upon his 
 back, and a coat thrown over his arm. "Ah !" said the deacon, "you are the one I want 
 to see. You have not been to the church of late." "No, deacon, that probation was too 
 long for me." "But," said the deacon, "your probation is at an end ; you can now join the 
 church." "Too late, deacon, too late. I've joined an engine company down here, and 
 its going to take all my time to look after fires. I'm laying for one now. You see I 
 was bound to join something, and these fellows let me in without any probation ; all I 
 had to do was to shake down my little two dollars and T was called a member. Call 
 around to see us, deacon. We have got as bully a little engine as ever stretched into a 
 fire." 
 
 Considering the superior class of men composing the volunteer department, the 
 morals of the members must necessarily have been of a corresponding kind. This will 
 
 119 
 
the NORTHERN ASSURANCE COMPANY, L— 
 
 ESTABLISHED 1836 OF LONDON ENTERED UNITED STATES. 1876 
 
 LOSSES PAID, $80,000,000 
 
 United States Assets, January 1st, 1909, - - - $4,801,556.50 
 United States Liabilities, January 1st, 1909, - - 3,075,91 7.48 
 United States Surplus, January 1st, 1909, - - - $1,725,639.02 
 
 NEW YORK OFFICE, COMPANY'S BUILDING, - 38 PINE STREET 
 
 THE LEADING EIRE COMPANY 
 OF THE WORLD 
 
 Complimentary to the 
 LEADING FIRE DEPARTMENT OF THE WORLD 
 
 Organized 1859 
 
 GERMANIA 
 
 Fire Insurance Co. 
 
 NEW YORK 
 
 Statement January 1, 1909 
 
 Cash Capital ... 
 Premium Reserve 
 
 Reserve for Losses under adjustment 
 
 and for all other claims 
 Net Surplus ... 
 
 Total Assets 
 
 $1,000,000.00 
 3.155,427.91 
 
 209,145.76 
 1,509.442.33 
 
 $5,874,016.00 
 
 Surplus to Policy Holders, $2,509,442.33 
 
 FR. VON BERNUTH I 
 GEO. B. EDWARDS * 
 GUSTAV KEHR 
 LOUIS PF1NGSTAG 
 
 HUGO SCHUMANN, President 
 
 Vice-Presidents 
 
 Secretary 
 Assistant Secretary 
 
 ORGANIZED 1837 
 
 WESTCHESTER FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY 
 
 NEW YORK. 
 
 Gross Assets .... $3,942,359.10 
 
 Gross Liabilities - - - 2,528,269.78 
 
 Capital 300,000.00 
 
 Surplus over all Liabilities - 1,1 14,089.32 
 
 WALLACE REID, M JZD to 56 Maiden Lane, New York 
 
 120 
 
be readily understood from some peculiar entries made in the minute books of the com- 
 panies. For instance, in the book of Engine Company No. 21 is found the following: 
 "W in. A. Baker reports Mr. Crossthwaite as saying, 'Damn the odds.* The secretary 
 reports Mr. W. A. Baker for saying to John E. Xorris (during an altercation between 
 the two), 'You be damned, you damned old Dutch hog.' " As nothing but the very 
 gravest matters are recorded in the minutes, it is clear that the offense of using impolite 
 language is the worst the fire laddies of that period (1810) can be accused of. It would 
 seem that these old volunteers had quite a profound veneration for their engine houses, 
 from the rules and regulations they made for the maintenance of discipline. Under date 
 of February 10, 1830, we find on the minutes of Engine Company Xo. 13. that Mr. 
 Tonnele was fined twice for swearing and once for chewing. Chewing! What would 
 our valued firemen of to-day say if the commissioners passed such a resolution as the 
 following, which appears on the book of No. 13, on November 28, 1829: 
 
 Resolved, That if any member be found smoking a segar or chewing tobacco in the 
 engine house at any time, he shall be fined twenty-five cents for every offense. 
 
 Such an order would, undoubtedly, cause a conflagration to-day. "What !" said a 
 fireman to the writer, "fire without smoke? Never! It is against the laws of nature." 
 Time after time were the men fined for a breach of this rule, the occurrence always 
 being gravely recorded on the minutes. Poor Tonnele appears to have been a slave to 
 the weed and forfeited many a dollar for the sake of a "quid." Swearing was regarded 
 as heinous as chewing. One of the by-laws of Pearl Hose Company No. 28, in 1854, was: 
 "If any member while on duty or at meetings, shall persist in improper conduct, or in 
 using profane or improper language, he shall be expelled, provided that two-thirds of 
 the members present vote therefor." 
 
 The temperance societies of 1840 made an effort to win over the firemen, and in a 
 measure succeeded. Almost all the members of Engine Company No. 18 signed the 
 pledge, and became ardent propagandists. They were encouraged and rewarded by 
 the Ninth Warders, who presented them with a silken banner. The presentation took 
 place in the Methodist Episcopal Church in Bedford Street, and it was a great day for 
 the boys. The banner was presented by Miss Downey, sister of Captain Jack Downey 
 (afterwards of the Fire Zouaves). The fire laddies entered the church in their uniform, 
 and were seated in the front pews. 
 
 No chief had ever so great a hold upon the firemen as James Gulick had. We refer 
 in the chapter upon fires to the refusal of the men to work after the great fire of Decem- 
 ber, 1835, when the Common Council deposed him from office. Here is another instance 
 of the affection the boys had for him. It was in the beginning of the same year, January 
 4, that a fire broke out in Centre Street, adjoining the works of the New York Gas 
 Company, which destroyed two houses. Against the gable end of one of the burning 
 buildings a large number of barrels of rosin were piled. The firemen worked diligently 
 to save these by rolling them into the street, and the night being intensely cold, some one 
 kindled a small fire in the street with a part of the contents of a broken barrel, which 
 the workmen employed by the gas company attempted to extinguish. They were 
 warned by the firemen to desist, and a big, heavy fellow, who insisted upon putting out 
 the fire, was shoved away. Thereupon a large number of his friends attacked the few 
 firemen around the fire. Other firemen flew to the assistance of their comrades, and a 
 regular fight ensued. The laddies conquered. .Gulick heard of the affair, and, hastening 
 to the scene, exclaimed: "What does all thi shameful conduct mean at this moment?" 
 One of the workmen flew at him and struck him from behind over the head with an 
 iron bar. His fire-cap, however, protected him from serious injury. Turning upon 
 his assailant the powerful chief pursued him across the ruins of the fallen wall, and 
 threw him upon the bricks. Immediately some thirty or forty workmen surrounded 
 Gulick. Then the cry was raised. "Men, stand by your chief!" and in a twinkling the 
 assailants were quickly routed and took refuge in the gas house at the corner of Centre 
 and Hester Streets. Gulick. by almost superhuman efforts, got into the gas house first, 
 to prevent the excited men from entering. Amid volleys of coal buckets he called upon the 
 rioters inside to behave themselves and they should be protected. He was replied to by 
 being rushed at with a red hot poker ; but, fortunately, his trumpet was under his arm. 
 with its large bowl in front of him, through which the hot poker passed. He jumped 
 from the stoop, crying in stentorian tones: "Now, men, surround the house: don't let 
 
 121 
 
A Record, extending over a period of more than half a Century, of uniform fair dealing, 
 obligations ungrudgingly fulfilled and promises promptly and faithfully kept means 
 something. Such a record is presented by 
 
 XLhc Ifoome ITnsurance Company 
 
 NEW YORK 
 
 ELBRIDGE G. SNOW, President 
 
 MAIN OFFICE, 56 CEDAR STREET 
 
 CASH CAPITAL 
 
 Assets, January 1, 1909 
 
 Liabilities, including Capital - 
 
 IH^ Reserve as a Conflagration Surplus 
 
 Bkay' Net Surplus over all Liabilities and Reserves 
 
 tOtf' Surplus as Regards Policy-Holders 
 
 $3,000,000 
 
 $24,856,499 
 14,173,678 
 800,000 
 9,882,821 
 13,682,821 
 
 Insures against loss of real and personal property, rental income, use and occupancy, 
 earned profits and commissions by fire, lightning, wind-storm and inland transportation risks 
 
 AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE 
 
 Property Owners, Mortgagees, Executors and Trustees desiring the best and surest insurance will appreciate 
 the fact that the net assets of THE HOME — the surplus funds reserved for the exclusive protection of its 
 policy-holders — are greater than those of any other Fire Insurance Company operating in this Country 
 
 LOSSES PAID SINCE ORGANIZATION, OVER $115,000,000 
 
 Alfred Mestre & Co. 
 Bankers 
 
 52 ^roadway 
 
 New York 
 
 Offer the advantages of a 
 thoroughly equipped or- 
 ganization for the execu- 
 tions of commissions on 
 the New York Stock Ex- 
 change :::::: 
 
 -CORRESPONDENCE SOLICITED— 
 
 If you love the seashore and country but want city 
 conveniences — if you want to be within easy reach 
 of Manhattan and still be able to step from your 
 home to where your yacht or power boat is anchored 
 — if you want to live or own where the neighborhood 
 is restricted to handsome homes— visit 
 
 MALBA 
 
 on the shore of Long Island, just where the East River widens 
 into the Sound. Automobile across the Queensboro Bridge to 
 MALBA in 20 minutes or go by train to MALBA STATION. 
 L. I. R. R , from East 34th Street in 30 minutes, or by boat to 
 MALBA DOCK from Wall Street in 45 minutes. When you 
 reach there you will find beautiful drives that wind along the 
 shore and pass fine residences surrounded by spacious lawns. 
 The view up the Sound, dotted here and there with craft of 
 every description, is entrancing, while directly opposite, the hills 
 of Westchester County rise to relieve the water view. 
 
 MALBA is not a farm cut up into building lots but 
 a beautiful park on high ground along the water 
 
 Several Houses are now being built for sale and we will 
 build to order 
 
 LIBERAL TERMS TO THE RIGHT PARTIES 
 
 Our, men are on the grounds to give information 
 you can also get by writing to 
 
 60 Liberty St. 
 EW YORK 
 
 122 
 
one of them escape !" They were all, or nearly all, arrested and locked up after receiving 
 a sound drubbing. The firemen got very excited, and it seemed that a big riot would 
 ensue. They rushed into the gas house and attempted to destroy the machinery, and 
 a dreadful explosion was eminent. But the chief's firmness prevailed, and in a short 
 time he quieted the men and restored peace. 
 
 It is proper that we should now devote a chapter to the means by which the fire 
 fiend is to be fought. Without a good supply of water the finest engines and the high- 
 est estate of discipline are almost useless to stay the progress of a fire. The water sup- 
 ply of a city is as great an essential as its drainage, and more so than its arrangement of 
 streets or its lighting. To this subject the ancients have devoted their best energies, and 
 the remains of the gigantic waterworks of old Rome attest the truth of the assertion. 
 Hence, we propose to treat, as fully as the scope of this work will allow, the water 
 
 BURNING OF BARNUM'S MUSEUM, BROADWAY AND ANN STREET, JULY 13, 1865 
 
 supply of New York. It is a natural sequence of the history of fires and will properly 
 precede a sketch of the volunteer fire companies. 
 
 At a very early day the want of a sufficient supply and a conveniene distribution of 
 good water was felt by the citizens of New York. Before the Declaration of Independ- 
 ence considerable expenditures had been made in order to satisfy this want. At first wells 
 were the only source of supply. There weie no public wells before the year 1658, the 
 inhabitants previous to that time having been supplied by private wells within their own 
 inclosures. The first public well constructed ( 1658) was in front of the fort. It does 
 not appear that any other wells were sunk in the streets until 1677, at which time an 
 
 123 
 
FOR THE PROTECTION OF ITS POLICY HOLDERS 
 
 Cbc fianover fire Insurance Company 
 
 HAS A 
 
 CASH CAPITAL .... $1,000,000.00 
 
 CASH ASSETS .... $4,395,625.89 
 
 CASH SURPLUS TO POLICY HOLDERS, $2,063,044.01 
 
 The real strength of an insurance company is in the conservatism of its management, and the management of 
 THE HANOVER is an absolute assurance of the security of its policy. 
 
 R. EMORY WARFIELD. Pre.ident 
 
 JOSEPH McCORD. Vice-Pre.ident and Secretary 
 
 WILLIAM MORRISON. As.istant Secretary 
 JAMES W. HOWIE. General Agent 
 
 Home Office : Hanover Building, 34-36 PINE ST., NEW YORK 
 
 Globe & Rutgers 
 Fire Insurance Co. 
 
 Ill WILLIAM ST. :: NEW YORK 
 CASH CAPITAL - $400,000.00 
 
 Assets, July 1st, 1909, - $4,713,537.40 
 Surplus to Policy Holders, $2,426,005.82 
 
 E. C. JAMESON 
 LYMAN CANDEE 
 W. H. PAUL1SON 
 J. T. GORDON 
 
 President 
 Vice-President 
 Secretary 
 Secretary 
 
 PHOENI 
 
 Assurance Company 
 
 LIMITED 
 
 OF LONDON 
 
 ORGANIZED 1782 
 
 HEAD OFFICE UNITED STATES BRANCH 
 
 47 CEDAR ST., NEW YORK 
 
 UBERTO C. CROSBY, General Manager RICHARD D. HARVEY, Assistant General Manager 
 
 INCORPORATED A. D. 1720 
 
 nf Hmtdmt. 
 
 UNITED STATES BRANCH 
 
 92 WILLIAM ST., NEW YORK 
 
 METROPOLITAN DEPT. 
 1 LIBERTY ST., NEW YORK 
 
 124 
 
order was promulgataed that "wells be made in the following places by the inhabitant* 
 of the streets where they are severally made," viz: 
 
 One opposite Roelof Jansen, the butcher. 
 
 One in Broadway, opposite Van Dyck's. 
 
 One in the street, opposite Derick Smith's. 
 
 One in the street, opposite John Cavalier's. 
 
 One in the yard of the City Hall. 
 
 One in the street, opposite Cornelius Van Boroum's. 
 
 In 1687 seven other public wells were ordered in different streets, for the purpose of 
 defraying the expenses of which the respective premises were assessed ; and in the same 
 year the city government undertook to pay one-half the expense, and the neighbors the 
 other half. Public wells, during the earlier part of the last century, were constructed 
 by a contribution of £8 by the government, and the remaining portion was defrayed by 
 the inhabitants residing in the neighborhood. No person was allowed the use of a well 
 until he had contributed a fair proportion of the cost. About the year 1750 pumps came 
 into use, and a general act was afterwards passed to enable the city to raise a tax for 
 the construction and keeping in repair of the public wells and pumps. 
 
 About the year 1690 there were, say, a dozen public wells in the city, standing all 
 of them in the middle of the streets. In 1748 there were many wells, but a portion of 
 the inhabitants preferred to send "out of town" to the Fresh-water Spring, then and for 
 a long period afterwards known as the Tea-water Spring. This Spring was situated 
 near the present junction of Chatham and Roosevelt Streets. Shortly before the Revo- 
 lution the neighborhood of the spring was made into a fashionable place of resort at 
 which to procure beverages mixed with pure water. A pump was erected over the 
 famous spring, ornamented grounds were laid out around it, and the "Tea-water Pump 
 Garden" held forth its attractions under the most seductive influences. The water of 
 all the other wells and pumps (and there were many scattered over the city) was almost 
 unfit for use. 
 
 Before the introduction of the Croton, water was one of the chief commodities for 
 barter in the city. It was delivered by contract as ice now is, or hawked through the 
 streets at a cent or a cent and a half a pail. In some houses this was an important item 
 of expense. Sixty years ago Mr. Davis, of the "Grapevine," in Greenwich Avenue, had 
 an establishment at Beekman and South Streets. He was furnished with forty gallons 
 of water a day from the old spring in Franklin Square, and his bill was thirty shillings 
 a week, or one hundred and ninety-five dollars a year. But Knapp's tea-water, drawn 
 from a spring close by the old White Fort, was the most popular in the olden time, and 
 gave employment to a great many men who made a good living by it. Among these 
 was Mr. Sweeney, the founder of Sweeney's Hotel, who was in former times a waterman. 
 Knapp's famous spring was probably not over six hundred feet from high water mark, 
 and was located on Tenth Avenue, near Fourteenth Street. The Ninth AVard was 
 favored with a number of good springs. Going through Thirteenth Street there was a 
 well where Tracy & Russell's brewery afterward stood. A little further up, at Chris- 
 topher Street and Sixth Avenue, there was another tea-well which was largely patron- 
 ized. There were large numbers of wells sunk by the city which were public, but 
 Knapp's Spring and the spring in Christopher Street, having obtained a name, had a 
 large patronage from those who could afford to pay for the water. 
 
 In 1790 the tea-water pumps became an important aid in extinguishing fires in the 
 vicinity. The other wells in the lower part of the city furnished only a miserable and 
 brackish substitute for water. But here, night or day, there bubbled up continuously a 
 strong stream of pure cold water, alike the joy of the firemen and the traveler. 
 
 In July. 1774, the proposal of Christopher Colles to erect a reservoir and to convey 
 water through the several streets of the city was accepted by the Common Council. 
 Mr. Colles's scheme was simply that of the Manhattan Company — to dig large wells, 
 and from them to pump water into reservoirs. 
 
 To no single individual is the system of American improvements more indebted 
 than to Christopher Colles. Born in Ireland in the year 1738, he first appears in this 
 country in 1772, as a lecturer upon pneumatics, illustrated by experiments in an air- 
 pump of his own invention. He is also said to have been the first in this country to 
 
 125 
 
SCHINASI BROS. 
 
 EGYPTIAN 
 CIGARETTES 
 
 ::SOLD ALL OVER:: 
 
 OUR LEADING BRANDS ARE 
 ROYAL NATURAL E. PRETTIEST 
 
 Plain or Cork Tip 1 5 C . pe r box of I 0 1 Oc. per box of I 0 
 
 20c. per box of 1 0 
 
 OFFICE AND SALESROOM 
 
 32-34 West 100th Street, New York 
 
 126 
 
undertake the building of a steam engine. In 1773 he lectured in this city on the ad- 
 vantage of lock navigation, and one year later he proposed the erection of a reservoir, 
 and the laying down of a system of conduit pipes. With the aid of the corporation a 
 steam pumping engine was erected near the Collect Pond. The engine carried a pump 
 eleven inches in diameter and six feet stroke, which lifted four hundred and seventeen 
 thousand six hundred gallons daily. The war of the Revolution caused an abandon- 
 ment of this plan. 
 
 All the authorities concur in giving to Colles the credit of having been not only the 
 first to propose, but the first to bring before the public, in a practical form, the feasibility 
 and vast national advantage of a system of water communication which should unite the 
 great lakes and their boundless tributary territory with the Atlantic ocean. This dis- 
 tinguished citizen was also the first (in 1812) to make "formal public proposal for 
 telegraphic intercourse along the whole American coast, from Passamaquoddy to New 
 Orleans." A semaphoric telegraph was established to signalize intelligence between 
 New York and Sandy Hook, which for many years was under his personal direction. 
 He died in this city on the fourth day of October, 1816, in the seventy-ninth year of his 
 age, and was burried in St. Paul's Cemetery. 
 
 The ground selected to carry out Mr. Colles's scheme was on the east fine of Broad- 
 way, between Pearl and White Streets, where a spacious reservoir was constructed. On 
 August 8, 1774, the Aldermen passed the following resolution : 
 
 Ordered, That the northerly part of the property of Augustus Van Cortlandt and 
 Frederick Van Cortlandt, fronting on Great George Street, be purchased at six hundred 
 pounds per acre for a reservoir, provided that upon sinking a well there good water be 
 found. If not, the well to be filled up by the corporation. 
 
 The water proved satisfactory, and treasury notes to the amount of two thousand 
 five hundred pounds were ordered to be issued to meet the expenses. Subsequently 
 other proposals were made, and in 1798 it was found necessary to look outside the city 
 for a sufficient supply of water, and the Bronx River was mentioned. The yellow fever, 
 which had made great ravages, was said to have been aggravated by the scarcity of good 
 water. Dr. Brown, in his report to the Common Council, underrated the quantity needed. 
 He considered three hundred and sixty-two thousand eight hundred gallons as an ample 
 daily supply, and two hundred thousand dollars as the utmost expenditure required for 
 bringing the Bronx to the city, for laying down twenty miles of pipes in the streets, and 
 erecting two public fountains. The water was to be elevated eighty feet above the level 
 of Harlem River ; the machinery for the purpose was to be propelled by the surplus 
 water from the Bronx, which was estimated to discharge one thousand two hundred 
 cubic feet, or seven thousand four hundred ale gallons per minute. A Mr. Western, 
 however, estimated that the city would require three million gallons per day. 
 
 Up to the year 1816, no serious effort was made to supply the city with a sufficiency 
 of good water. Then the matter was thoroughly discussed, and in August of 1819, 
 Robert Macomb asked permission of the corporation to furnish the city with water. 
 After many inquiries and experiments the first positive step towards something like 
 action on the part of the corporation was taken on the- recommendation of the Fire De- 
 partment in 1829. A report made by Alderman Samuel Stevens in favor of the estab- 
 lishment of a well and reservoir in Fourteenth Street, where water might be distributed, 
 was accepted and favorably acted upon. It was the beginning of the noble Croton 
 Aqueduct. 
 
 New York was about this time experiencing one of its characteristic "building 
 booms," and was growing with unprecedented rapidity away and beyond the public 
 improvements so necessary for the convenience and welfare of its inhabitants, for although 
 the natural advantages of New York in other respects were not excelled, nor perhaps 
 equalled, by any other city in the world, yet it must be admitted that the supply of water 
 for household purposes and for the extinguishment of fire, was in 1829, very meagre. 
 Various schemes had been adopted for bringing water into the city, but none had as yet 
 complied with the main objects of their charters, so far as the public was concerned, and 
 it was found that similar incorporations of private individuals for the purpose of fur- 
 nishing water to the city, was productive only of the same results, and the prospects 
 
 127 
 
THE 
 
 HUNT AND DAY 
 
 BANK 
 
 FIFTH AVE. and 44th STREET 
 
 OFFICERS 
 
 SAMUEL S. CAMPBELL 
 FREDERICK PHILLIPS - 
 THOMAS B. CLARKE. Jr. - 
 JOHN A. NOBLE 
 
 President 
 Vice-President 
 Vice-President 
 Cashier 
 
 Merchants of standing and responsible in- 
 dividuals are offered by this bank not only 
 the advantage of extended hours for the 
 transaction of their banking business, but 
 also facilities and services of the highest or- 
 der of efficiency, together with the utmost 
 personal courtesy, without discrimination 
 in regard to the amount of their balances. 
 The policy of the bank is to establish a mu- 
 tually pleasant and profitable relation 
 
 Home Office Building 
 No. 100 BROADWAY 
 NEW YORK 
 
 AMERICAN SURETY COMPANY 
 
 of New York 
 
 Capital and Surplus, $5,700,000 
 
 Surety bonds and undertakings furnished 
 promptly throughout the entire country. 
 
 The Company's experience extends over a 
 quarter of a century. 
 
 Its financial strength is greater and its agency 
 organization is more extensive than that of any 
 other surety company. 
 
 It is the largest Company in the world whose 
 business is restricted to furnishing 
 
 SURETY BONDS 
 
 128 
 
JOSEPH L. PERLEY 
 Second Chief New York Fire Department 
 Date of entrance into service, July 10, 1865; January, 1870-1873 
 Resigned May, 1873; Commissioner 1873 
 
 129 
 
THE F. T. SANFORD AUTOMOBILE CO. 
 
 -EXCLUSIVE AGENT- 
 
 " THAMES SIX CYLINDER" 
 
 (garage - S^atra - g>uppltPB 
 
 Telephone, Bryant 3490 
 
 Cable, SANMOTOR, New York 
 
 38 and 40 West 43rd Street 
 
 COMPLIMENTS OF 
 
 Hudson -Fulton 
 Automobile Co. 
 
 NEW AND USED CARS 
 
 STORAQE 
 PAINTING 
 REPAIRING 
 ACCESSORIES 
 
 SALESROOM and GARAGE 
 
 247-249 WEST 47th STREET 
 
 ,7Jei. Broadway and (Eighth Avenue 
 
 NEW YORK 
 
 Phones, 4436-4437 Bryant 
 
 COMPLIMENTS OF 
 
 Renault 
 
 ®axt-£>prtmp 
 
 249-251 WEST 64th STREET 
 TELEPHONE 701 COLUMBUS 
 
 NEW YORK 
 
 E. P. MAC DOWELL 
 
 General Superintendent 
 
 MANHATTAN AERO & AUTO CO. 
 
 -DEALERS IN FIRST-CLASS- 
 
 larii Automobiles ©nig 
 
 121 West 53 rd Street 
 
 Telephone 
 2241 Columbus 
 
 New York 
 
 no 
 
of securing an adequate supply of water for the city's uses seemed as far from realiza- 
 tion as ever. 
 
 The Fire Department took a very active part in the agitation of this very vital 
 issue, for many destructive fires that took place on or about this period, and the remark- 
 ably rapid advance in building operations, which was going on at the rate of sixteen 
 hundred to eighteen hundred houses a year, made the firemen painfully aware of the 
 great fire-peril the city was constantly facing with no available sources of water for 
 fire purposes other than the public cisterns, the various wells scattered throughout the 
 city and the two rivers, the latter seldom if ever near the fires. It must also be under- 
 stood that the importance of obtaining a plentyful supply of pure and wholesome water 
 for the city had features other than its necessity for fire uses that made it an issue of 
 considerable moment, for in looking to future events connected with its commercial and 
 domestic prospects the fact was not lost sight of that sister cities of other States were 
 entering into competition with a zeal and enterprise which rendered them formidable 
 but not unworthy rivals. Philadelphia and Baltimore by the completion of their various 
 works of internal communication, were already attracting a considerable portion of 
 valuable trade of the West, and it was necessary for the people of New York to con- 
 sider what steps were required to secure their position upon an equality with those 
 enterprising cities. 
 
 This was the condition of affairs on the Island of Manhattan in the year 1830. 
 Public improvements which were started during that year, and which were being carried 
 on rapidly, were generally of a character to produce permanent advantages both of 
 safety and convenience to the inhabitants. The construction of pumps and wells 
 throughout the city was continued with unabated energy and the question of obtaining 
 a reliable and adequate supply of pure water was receiving the most serious attention. 
 
 Broadway was built up nearly to Union Square ; on the west side of the island the 
 city proper was verging almost to Greenwich Village, which had expanded into a large 
 and well-built suburban ward ; while eastward, from the Bowery, many settlements 
 were springing up quite beyond the compact part of the city. Real estate values were 
 increasing at a wonderful rate and the shipping interests were advancing in a like ratio 
 and those who had studied the commercial possibilities of the city began to realize that 
 New York was soon to become the Queen City of the East — a great business centre 
 whose reputation for industry and enterprise would circle the entire world and gain 
 for it the title it was destined to bear in later years — that of the Empire City of the 
 whole United States. 
 
 Fire Trumpet, Croton Engine Company No. 16, Year 1839 
 
 Hi 
 
F. M. DOLBEER 
 
 F. SECOR. Special 
 
 ESTABLISHED 1864 
 
 F. C. LINDE, HAMILTON & CO. 
 
 Warehousemen 
 and « members 
 
 Office - - No. 123 MAIDEN LANE 
 
 G. S. Bonded and Free Stores 
 178, 180, 182, 186 and 188 Pearl Street 
 
 37-39 Stone Street, 29-31 South William Street 
 
 123 Maiden Lane, 7 Fletcher Street 
 
 NEW YORK 
 
 TELEPHONE 2945 JOHN 
 
 132 
 
Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library 
 Gift of Seymour B. Durst Old York Library 
 
 'John Jameson 
 
 » - ,Three ^ ^ Star ^ . 
 
 /Whiskey 
 
 The "Three Stars" 
 are your guide to 
 the high mark of 
 whiskey goodness. 
 
 W. A. Taylor & Co.,Agts ,29 B'way.N Y. 
 
 W. A. Taylor & Co. 
 
 29 Broadway, New York