Thirty-three years ago, the Raleigh Fire Department produced its first “yearbook.” The slim hardcover, with just under 100 pages, included a text history of the department, portraits of all members, action photos, historical photos, pictures of each fire station, and even a few candid shots. The project was self-funded, through advance orders and sponsorships. And …

Continue reading ‘Raleigh Fire Department 1984 Commemorative Book… Digitized’ »

For your Friday enjoyment, here’s a vintage certificate of completion from the North Carolina Fire College, awarded to Raleigh Fire Department firefighter J. B. Keeter, after completed the 1942 Lecture Course for Officers and Members. (Here’s a neat video from the 1967 college, we blogged about in 2011.) Believe John B. “Jack” Keeter was a …

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On Sunday morning, Yours Truly spent a couple hours crossing from east Carrboro into West Chapel Hill, and following the track tracks that end at the power plant. That’s right, a coal train delivers their fuel, by way of a 10-mile spur from the Norfolk-Southern line that crosses through Orange County. But here’s another fun …

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On November 6, 1915, the “largest fire in Raleigh’s history” threatened an entire city block, as the News & Observer and other buildings burned. Two firemen escaped death, as a building collapsed upon them, as they sprayed water from a rooftop. Windows melted across the street, flying embers started fires. Sound familiar? The 6:05 a.m. blaze …

Continue reading ‘Spectacular Blaze Sweeps Four Buildings – November 1915’ »