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Founding of the Pottstown Fire Department

After The disastrous fire of June 1868 when the nail plate mill and nail factory of the Pottstown Iron Company were destroyed; and in July of the same year, when the farm houses, as they were known which stood on High Street across the Manatawny creek on the west side, were completely gutted by fire; the citizens of Pottstown realized that more effective methods must be used to safeguard property. It was about that time that the Pottstown Gas & Water Company began operations to furnish the town with a water system and in a year or two had completed the erection of a reservoir on Washington Hill and also a pumping station at the foot of Washington Street and had laid water mains throughout the main portion of the town with a number of fire hydrants. It was during the latter part of 1870 that the agitation for better fire protection was discussed and eventually the town council took action. The fire department of Philadelphia had just been changed from voluntary department to a paid fire department and many old companies of the city were disposing of their apparatus. The members of the town council decided to purchase a hose carriage and hose as they deemed that would be sufficient at the time as the water pressure was about forty-five pounds and they believed it was sufficient to throw a stream over the tallest building in town.

  A committee went to Philadelphia and purchased the hose carriage of Philadelphia Fire Co. No. 18 together with a lot of copper riveted leather hose and other accessories. The carriage arrived a few days later and was housed in the market house. At once the agitation to form a fire company was renewed and the question was debated pro and con upon the streets, in cigar stores, stores, hotels, and etc., but nothing definite was done.

In the rear of the residence of Wm. M. Antrim,  360 Chestnut Street, there was a frame building used as a storage house by Mr. Antrim, who was a market janitor, and the second story was fitted up as a place for his employees to spend their evenings. They formed an organization and a number of their friends joined. Among them were ---Harry H. Harner, Daniel E. Ellis, Chas. Ibach, James B. Schotter, the Antrims and others. It was known as the Grecian Band Minstrels and they gave exhibitions in the town and surrounding towns and villages. When the agitation started they immediately took an active part and were the first to start a concrete movement to organize a fire company. They called upon a number of our business men and other prominent citizens and received a hearty response.

It was then decided to call a town meeting for that purpose and the date decided upon was 3^rd day of January, 1871 and upon that date quite a number of citizens gathered at the store room of the Honorable John C. Smith. After an organization had been effected and a decision to organize a fire company, the question of a name for the new organization came up.

Before we proceed further we will show that the rivalry that existed in the old volunteer fire department between the Philadelphia and Goodwill Companies of that city was injected into the question of naming the new company. Emissaries of both the companies from the city came to Pottstown. Each sought to secure advocates for the names Philadelphia and Goodwill and when the question arose in the meeting both names were introduced. Those that desired to name it the Philadelphia brought forth the argument that as the carriage had the name “Philadelphia” properly shown on both sides it would be unnecessary to change it and the citizens of Pottstown were not interested in the quarrels of the two companies from the city. Those that favored the name of “Goodwill” argued that the name Goodwill was more appropriate as it meant goodwill to all. The debate was very keen and Thomas Clark, who led the boosters of the “Goodwill” slogan and others argued long. They were met by a number of the opposite side and when the vote was reached it resulted in the name “Philadelphia” by a large majority. Mr. Clark and his supporters left the room vowing they would start another company which they did a few day s later.

  Before the meeting was held, Messrs. Harner, Ellis, and others had called upon the members of council and got their permission to deliver the carriage and equipment to the new company and they at once claimed it. And as threats had been made, that it would be wrecked, night after night it was guarded by some of the boys until it was housed in the new home of the company on King Street, west of Hanover. Thus formed the first regular company of the town and inaugurated the present fire department of Pottstown, The new Company (Philadelphia) being the nucleus of the same.

After the carriage had been housed in the new home a large cylinder stove was placed in the rear of the room and it became the home of the boys to spend their leisure time. Much interest was manifested and a number of members were added to the roll.

There were a friendly rivalry among the boys as to who should secure the honor of manning the tongue of the carriage when an alarm of fire was sounded, and reel out the rope as more recruits arrived until at times thirty to forty men were struggling to get to the scene of the fire as soon as possible. There were no alarms calls of any kind. Except by cries of fire relayed to one another. The calls came frequently until it became suspicious that the most of them were the work of an incendiary. About this time the members of the old Philadelphia Fire Co. No. 18 as an appreciation of the honor of having named the company “Philadelphia” presented to the company helmets, belts, trumpets, and other paraphernalia. Thus equipping them for parade purposes and etc. It was not long until the company had a roster of names upon its roll, comprising some of the most prominent citizens of town.

The need of a steam engine soon presented itself, as the pressure from the reservoir did not meet the expectations and the agitation resulted in the purchase of a new Silsby Engine. Also drawn by hand and the company was equipped for all emergencies.

The question has been often been asked, why both companies have been named No.1 After the institution of the company it was decided to incorporate and an attorney was secured to prepare the necessary papers and latter were presented to the court of Montgomery County but a section was found that conflicted with the law and the matter was laid over until next term of court. In the meantime the attorneys of the Goodwill Company presented their articles of incorporation and as they passed the court the Goodwill was incorporated being the first while the Philadelphia Company was compelled to wait until the next term of court when their incorporation was granted. The court failed to designate and they were both incorporated as No. 1.

As time passed on the quarters on King Street became to small and the members of the company agitated the question of building a new home, larger and better fitted for our needs and in 1878 it was decided to build. A committee was appointed, a site was purchased at Chestnut and Penn Streets for a cost of $13,000,00. And the project assumed shape. The members were very enthusiastic and they soon had the cellar excavated and the present home was built. The work being all done by members of the company.

The removal of the company’s effects was a gala holiday for the boys and appropriate exercises were held upon the date of its dedication. Since having built the new building there have been many changes from man drawn to horses. The various trial of hose carts; to the change from the old Silsby to a new one and its replacement in 1914 with a new motor apparatus, to organized a Steam Fire Engine Company, this being the way the company adopted the name “Steam Fire Engine” making it “Philadelphia Steam Fire Engine Co No. 1”.  With the new piece of apparatus. A year or so ago by adding another motor apparatus of larger capacity; being the best-equipped fire company in this section of the state.

First Quarter of A Century of This Organization

The Philadelphia Steam Fire Engine Company, No 1, was instituted January 3rd, 1871 by the following persons, in John C. Smith’s store on the corner of High and Hanover streets: H. H. Harner, Francis Engle, William M. Antrim, Harry Kinney, Daniel E. Ellis, Thos. L. Yegery, Henry Auchey, William A. Dyer and a number of persons.

  Previous to that time, there were only bucket companies and hard engines without any instituted or properly organized companies in Pottstown.

  The first quarters of the Philadelphia S. F.E. Co. was on King street, between Hanover and York street, which quarters were occupied by the company from immediately after institution up to April 1st, 1880.

  Letters of incorporation were granted by the Courts of Montgomery County to this company August 21st, 1871.

A petition signed by H. H. Harner, Francis Engle, William Antrim, Harry Kinney and a number of others was presented to members of the Town Council Of Pottstown, in special meeting assembled, on the 16th of January, 1871, asking for the use of a hose carriage and 1,000 feet of hose that had been purchased by said Town Council. The said petition set forth the fact that the petitioner had instituted and organized a Steam Fire Engine Company under the name of the Philadelphia S. F. E. Co. No. 1, in honor of the company of who said Town Council had purchased the Hose Carriage. Jos. E. Yeager was President and A. K. Shanner was clerk. The prayers of the petitioners were granted. The hose carriage and hose, handed over to the said Philadelphia S. F. E. Co., No. 1, and to be used to their intent and purpose, subject to the restriction of town council.

  The first officers of the Company were: president, John C. Smith; Vice President, Jacob S. Levan; Recording Secretary, John Scheetz; Financial Secretary, James B. Schotter; Treasurer, M. S. Longaker; Trustees, R. B. Longaker, Jos. E. Yeager and John A. Andre.

  The first parade of this company was February 22nd, 1871 the members wearing  for the first time in parade, their regularly adopted equipment.  The chief Marshall for that parade was Jos. E. Yeager and the company’s Marshall was Wm. A. Dyer.

  On March the 16th, 1871 at the regularly held meeting, M. S. Longaker moved that a committee of six be appointed to solicit subscriptions for the purpose of purchasing  a Steam Fire Engine. This was the initial step towards procuring the first new steam fire engine in Pottstown. On March 30th, 1871, a committee consisting of M. S. Longaker, Jacob S. Levan and Wm. Dyer was appointed a  committee to ascertain what the cost of a steam fire engine would be.

  May 11th, 1871 a committee of three was appointed to purchase  a steam fire engine with John C. Smith as chairman. The purchasing committee on engine being John C. Smith, M. S. longaker, Jacob S. Levan, W. A. Dyer, R. B. longaker and D. B. Hartranft.

  Engine purchased and delivered by the Silsby Manufacturing Co., of Seneca Falls, N. Y., in June, 1871

  On October 5th, 1876, at the regular meeting of the company, the question of purchasing a lot on which to build an engine house was introduced and the trustees instructed to purchase a lot which was done, and the trustees purchased a lot upon which this engine house stands at a cost of $1550.00. The Deed of the lot was passes January 13th, 1877, at which time the company became owners of their first real estate.

  On August 10th 1878, there was committee of nine, including the trustees, appointed to consider the feasibility of building an engine house. The committee appointed by W. S. Royer, President at that time, was M. S. Lomgaker, W. M. Anrim, V. R. M. Missimer, W. B. Scheetz, Thos. L. Yergey, L. L. Lessig and the Trustees. The Committee, on September 5th, 1878, reported to the company recommending the erection of a building and accompanying the report was a plan or draft of the building. The report was favorably received, whereupon Wm. M. Antrim motioned that the company erect an engine house in accordance with the plan proposed, or, if possible, improved, and that a building committee of five be appointed who shall be empowered to proceed with preparations for the building. The Building Committee was Thos. L. Yergey, W. M. Antrim, M. S. Longaker, Eph. Reifsnider and V. R. M. Missimer.

  The mason and brick work was done by and under the supervision of Thos. L. Yergey. The carpenter work was done under the management and supervision of Frank G. Fegley. The erection and construction of engine house was by day work. The committee through its manager or foreman, F. G. Fegley, selected and furnished all material used in the construction of the engine house that now stands as a monument of credit and untiring efforts of the members of this company. Daniel Weidner was the first person to start the work, he having struck the first pick in excavation of the cellar. The estimated cost of the building of the engine house was about $13,000.00.

  The new engine house of this company was appropriately dedicated June 12th  1880, after a series of regular and special meetings at which much interest was manifested by members. Arrangements for grand parade was made and took place previous to the dedication ceremonies. The town was alive with people. On the morning trains, firemen came from neighboring towns and were escorted from the depot by a committee of which Wm. M. Antrim was chairman to their respective headquarters. After one o’clock, while the fire companies were forming for parade, a heavy rainfall began and continued one hour without intermission. The procession was formed on West High street. Dr. John Todd was chief Marshall. His assistants were Dr. James B. Weiler, Clayton B. kulp, George B. Lessing, R. M. Root, Gen. W. M. Mintzer.

The procession passed over the principal streets of town and notwithstanding the rain, which again began falling soon after the parade started, the sidewalks were lined with thousands of people. Many houses and business places were handsomely decorated with flags. Everybody seemed happy and the day was a joyous one. In the line of procession were Good Will S. f. E. Co., the Empire Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, and the Philadelphia S. F. E. Co., No 1, of Pottstown; the Norris and Fairmount of Norristown; Keystone H. & L., and a delegation of Hampden Fire Co., of Reading; keystone S. f. E. Co., of Boyertown; delegation of the Phoenix H. & L. Co., of Phoenixville. Each company was preceded by a band. A novel feature of this parade or procession was the old hand engine ”Pilot,” which was drawn by a number of men wearing white shirts.

The parade was dismissed at the new engine house, corner Chestnut and Penn streets. The apparatus of this company was housed by the Empire H. & L. Company.

The dedication ceremonies took place after the parade on a platform built next to the engine house, and where now the old annex stands. They commenced with music by the Citizens’ Cornet Band, after which prayer was offered by rev. D. K. Kepner of the Lutheran Church. He was followed by A. M. Scheffey, secretary of the company, who delivered a historical address of the company. The orator of the day, J. wright Apple, Esq., was then introduced. He delivered an interesting and eloquent address. After more music, John W. Bickel, Esq., of Norristown, spoke of the early history of fire matters in Pottstown and noted the commendable progress since made by the fire companies. Both addresses were listened to with marked attention and were very well received. The dedication ceremonies then closed.

On the evening of the same day, the annual fair of the company commenced in the new engine house and was continued for two weeks. It was very successful.

The engine, now know as the old engine, being in service from June, 1871, up to July 3rd, 1884, at that time was by action of the meeting of the company held July 3rd, 1884, it was decided to have the engine repaired, nickel plated, etc. The committee in charge was: M. S. Longaker, W. H. Antrim, Daniel Weidner, J. H. Mauger and V. R. M. Missimer.

From January 3rd, 1871, up to May 15th, 1885, a pair of black horses was purchased by a committee of which John H. Mauger was chairman, said horses having been purchased of Abraham Fronheiser. From that time on up to the securing of auto apparatus, the engine had to been drawn by horses belonging to the company.

On May 15th, 1885, it was decided to build a stable for the stabling of three horses on the vacant lot or piece of ground on the east side of the engine house. The Building Committee on stable was: M. S. Longaker, John H. Mauger, James B. Schotter, V. R. M. Missimer. At this time an express wagon and sprinkler was also purchased.

On December 6th, 1888, it was decided to purchase a horse hose carriage and, accordingly, a Silsby Horse Hose Carriage was purchased and delivered on January 31st, 1889. At a special meeting held the same evening, President Todd being in the chair, the carriage was accepted. At the same time, the carriage horse harness was delivered. The carriage outfit was complete from the time of the institution of the company on January 3rd, 1871. Up to January 31st, 1889, the carriage was run by members. Since that time, by horse, showing that by the purchases of three horses and harness and improvement on fire matters are concerned, in a position to do proficient and efficient fire service.

The financial condition of the company at the time of its institution, was such that there was no money. For at least seven years after, the organization of the company there was no financial assistance of the part of the Town Council. After that time, the Town Council appropriated $50 per year for several years. The appropriation was increased to $250 per year for several years and then again increased to $500.00 per year for several years and then upon petition of a majority of the votable  taxables, property owners and residents of the town, directed to the Town Council praying to increase the appropriations to $1000.00 per year. The prayers of the petitioners were granted.

The real estate and personal property of which the company is absolute owner, is worth from $17,500 to $20,000, and was principally raised by individual efforts of the members by holding fairs, balls and entertainment’s of various kinds in which the company met with exceedingly good luck and returns financially for which the members of the company and the company itself hold a grateful feeling toward our citizens, always believing in the motto of our company __ ”We labor For The profit of Our Citizens.”

The company has responded to every alarm of fire from the time of our institution up to the present time, January 3rd, 1896, which indeed, speaks in the highest of the organization.

Time has its effects upon our company as well as all others, in the advancement of improvement, as will be shown. Twenty-five years ago, we paraded and wore the red flannel shirt with the old style hats and belts. Today, the company wears equipment consisting of blue overcoat, regulation style, firemen’s helmet, patent leather belts, fatigue caps and red shirt, and for appearance, stand second to none.

Some four or five years ago, the Town Council, upon the petition of a majority of the taxable inhabitants of our town, purchased a third class improved Rotary Engine for the use of our company, which has taken the place of the one purchased by the company twenty-five years ago. The new engine is considered on of the finest in the country and verify that declaration, at the last tournament and parade held in the city of Reading, October 3rd, 1895, under the auspices of the State Firemen’s Association, and where there was over 100 engines in line, our company had the honor conferred upon it by the judges, awarding the first prize for the most beautiful engine in line.

The Active Roll of the company has been increased from the original seven who instituted the company to 100 members. The contributing roll numbers 50. The honorary roll numbers 25. Death has taken from the rolls of this company from January 3rd, 1871, to the date of the 25th anniversary of the company, the following prominent members: Jacob E. Frauntman, C. O. Swinehart, R. B. Longaker, W. R. Shuler, Col. Wm. Williamson, Peter L. Yergey, J. Wright Apple, Jacob Fillman, Daniel Seiple, John C. Smith, Jerry Prutzman, Jos. E Yeager, John A. Andre, Jacob S. Levan, Samual S. Bertolett, Frank Van Horn, H. H. Harner, David Hartranft, Frank Mauger, Chas. Smith, H. G. Kulp and others.

The Company has attended the dedication of the following engine houses: Fairmount, of Norristown; Good Will and Empires, of Pottstown; Keystone, of Boyertown.

The company has been instrumental in holding a number of parades, given under the auspices of secret and other organizations, and it must not be forgotten that this company participated in the parade and demonstrated in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Independence of this great and glorious country held in Pottstown July 4th, 1876. The company at that time and upon that occasion, by some of its members, impersonated William Penn and the American Indians, the Continental soldiers and had a fine impersonation of the goddess of Liberty on the carriage, Wesley Hanley impersonating the same. Which was considered a great feature and the comments bestowed upon the company were numerous as to the fine display and make up of the company.

A notable feature in the line of officers is the fact that M. S. Longaker has been elected treasurer from institution of the company up to the present time, January 3rd, 1896, without opposition and by acclamation.

The treasure, M. S. Longaker, has been one of the most active members of the company. He has been untiring in his efforts to place the organization in a sound financial condition, and he has always been ready and willing to assist in the promulgation of every project that was undertaken by the company, he himself, sharing his liberality and generosity and ever watchful of the company’s interest.

Now, in conclusion, it must not be forgotten that a great deal of credit in making this organization what it is placing it on the rock of safety and security from financial standpoint, is due to the fact that the wives and daughters of the members, as well as the lady friends of the company, having so faithfully and earnestly taken charge and managed the fairs and festivals and labored so much in the interests of this organization.

Honor to those whom honor is due.

Respectfully submitted to the Philadelphia Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 1, of Pottstown by it’s secretary, V. R. M. Missimer, in honor and commemoration of the twenty-fifth anniversary at the banquet held in the hall of the company, January 9th, 1896.

Thus endeth the first quarter of a century of this organization.

The above information was copied, arranged and submitted by Brandon Towson.