Research notes on the early history of the Louisburg Fire Department in Franklin County, NC. This information is intended to supplement the research of Al Peoples and Larry Peoples as presented in their self-published 2012 book The Louisburg Fire Department: A History.
1876, Mar 03 – Franklin Courier
A Suggestion. — Several times lately we have felt the need of some organization, for the better protection of our property against fire. At present we are depended entirely on an unorganized, unfurnished, excited crowd, who in their wild frenzy, when the alarm bell rings, have nothing with which to contend with the devouring elements.
An engine, with our poor facilities for managing it, would be impracticable, and to sink reservoirs would involve an expense too heavy besides be a heavy tax to keep in repair. What then is best? We suggest that several public wells be dug, which are much needed for the citizens anyway, and that a number of Gutta Percha buckets say thirty or forty, and several sliding ladders and long handle hooks be purchased either by the citizens or the town authorities, and also a number of small force pumps, with this defence, we think that our property will be much more secure, than if we go to the expense of purchasing an engine and hose. We throw out these suggestions, hoping that the citizens will meet and consider them, or others if in their judgment they may think best. But we do think that some step ought to be taken, and that without delay for a better protection against fire, and we hope the matter will not be postponed, but action will be taken and at once. Let us have buckets, ladders, hooks and hand pumps, and organize a hook and ladder company.
1893, September – Sanborn Maps
Population 900.
No Steam & No Hand Engines
No Independent Hose Carts
Water Facilities: Not Good.
1893, Nov 2 – Franklin Times
Very Important
It is very important that all towns should have some kind of equipments for putting out fires, and strange to say, that although Louisburg has very often experienced the great want of something of the kind, yet the town has no organized fire department whatever, and whenever a fire occurs the only dependance is wooden buckets. We are led to this subject at this time by the following from the Charlotte Observer:
It seems almost remarkable that so many small towns should go on indefinitely, absolutely without protection of any sort against fire. In almost every case where a small town is swept away by fire, the news is accompanied by the report that the fire when first discovered could have been put out with one bucket of water. The equipment usually put up by a railroad company to furnish water to locomotives would in most cases save a small town. This equipment is a tank that will hold about fifty thousand gallons of water and a small steam pump and boiler to fill it. The whole outfit can be put up for $2,500 to $3,000 and the hose necessary to reach most of the stores in small towns would not cost over $1,000. Inside of five thousand dollars expended would make a fair fire protection for thousands of small towns that are now absolutely at the mercy of the flames.
1893, Nov 3 – Franklin Times
Fire District.
At a recent meeting of the commissioners of the Town of Louisburg, the ordinance in regard to the fire district was amended to read as follows:
Ordinance 12. The following shall be the fire limits of the town of Louisburg, viz: Within 200 feet of that part of Main street lying between Tar River bridge and the residence now occupied by O. H. Harris, within 200 feet of Nash street between Spring street and the ditch near the Franklin warehouse; within 200 feet of Court street; within 200 feet of Market street, and within said limits no wooden building shall be built or placed, nor any material used in the construction of the outside walls except stone, brick or cement; nor shall any building within said limits be covered or recovered with any wooden material.
By order of the Board,
J. A. Thomas, Mayor.
Geo. S. Baker, Clerk.
1896, Feb 7 – Franklin Times
Let us have the fire company. Also the hook and ladder company.
1896, April 3 – Franklin Times
What will the town fathers do about a fire department? Shall we have it, or shall we continue to take the risk with water buckets?
1898, Feb 18 – Franklin Times
At last our town authorities are taking steps toward furnishing some kind of apparatus to fight fire. R. G. Hart, one of our Commissioners, went to Greensboro this week to inspect a “truck” which the fire department of that city offered our town at a very reasonable price. Our GREATEST need is water works, but we commend this step on the part of our “city fathers” to “do something” in this direction. A hook and ladder and bucket company will be a great help when fires break out, and when the Legislature meets the authorities can then get the necessary legislation to furnish the town with a sufficient water supply.
1898, March – Sanborn Maps
Population 1,500
No Steam & No Hand Engines
No Independent Hose Carts; 1 H. & L. Truck with 4 Chem’l Ext’g’s
Water Facilities: Not Good.
1898, March 23 – Franklin Times
The town authorities have purchased a hook and ladder truck from the town of Greensboro, and it will arrive in a few days. It was bought at a great bargain, and the Times commends the Commissioners for taking steps toward the establishment of some kind of system to aid in extinguishing fire. Now for water works. A small hand engine would be a good investment until the water works is established.
1898, May 23 – Greensboro Evening Telegram
Chief J. J. Stone went to Louisburg this morning to formally deliver the hook and ladder truck purchased from Greensboro by the Louisburg fire department.
1898, Jun 10 – Franklin Times
ANNUAL STATEMENT
—
OF THE TREASURER OF THE TOWN OF LOUISBURG FOR THE YEAR ENDING THE 1ST MONDAY IN JUNE 1898.
—
GENERAL PURPOSE FUND.
—
DISBURSEMENTS
paid Hook & Ladder Wagon 350.00
1904, February – Sanborn Maps
Population 1,500
Prevailing Winds S.W. in Winter.
Water Facilities: None.
No Steam & No Hand Engine
No Independent Hose Cart
No Hook & Ladder Truck
Note.
Streets: Piked.
Streets Lighted by Oil.
One Night Watchman.
Fire Alarm Court Ho. Bell & All Church Bells.
1905, Oct 20 – Franklin Times
A Fire Department was created and Wm. Bailey was unanimously elected Chief of said department.
[ This action occurred a special meeting of the town board on Monday night that was called for the purpose of accepting the newly completed waterworks and sewerage plant. ]
1906, Feb 2 – Franklin Times
The Times is requested by S. C. Ford, Foreman of the Fire Department, to announce that there will be a meeting of the fire company on next Monday night, and it is desired that every member be present. The meeting will be held in the new quarters—third floor of Fire Department building.
1906, Feb 2 – Franklin Times
The new house for the Fire Department, located at the foot of Market street, is nearing completion, and it presents a very neat appearance. It is three stories, including the basement. The basement will be used for the street team and implements, while the hose wagon and horses will occupy the second floor, and the third story will be fitted up for a bed room and a meeting place for the fire department.
1906, Oct 12 – Franklin Times
The new hose wagon for the Louisburg Fire Company arrived this week, and is a beauty. It was built by J. W. Evans, of Raleigh, and is all hand made. It cost $300.
1907, Aug 09 – Franklin Times
Fireman’s Tournament.
The Louisburg Fire Department was well represented in the Fireman’s Tournament which was held at Wilmington this week. The following attended: S. P. Boddie, J. A. Turner, D. C. High, D. G. Pearce, M. S. Davis, S. B. Nash, W. J. Cooper, Ailen Harris, J. J. Lancaster.
They took the horse and wagon with them.
The boys were heard from yesterday and they write that they are having the time of their life. The horse and wagon are greatly admired and were given a prominent place in the large parade. There are about one thousand firemen in attendance. All the old officers were re-elected.
1907, Sep 20 – Franklin Times
The town has made a move toward a more efficient fire department. Mr. John Payne has been employed to stay on duty day and night to respond to alarms and get out the hose wagon. One of the rooms on the second floor of the Harris law building has been rented for his use and fitted up with gong and telephones. He will have charge of the horse.
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A fire alarm on Monday night, a few minutes before twelve o’clock was caused by the burning of the shelter over the furnace of the Louisburg Foundry. The fire department responded promptly, but the distance from the nearest hydrant being too far for the hose to reach the fire the wagon had to return to the fire house to get more hose. This was done very quickly, the fire was however, under control with buckets. The amount of damage was small.
1908, March – Sanborn Maps
Water Facilities
Works constructed 1906 & owned by town. Supply taken from Tar River & pumped to reservoir & stand pipe by Worthington pump, capacity 1000 per minute through an 8″ pipe. Town supplied from stand pipe through 10″ mains. Stand pipe 75 miles. Not of a 120′ above Post Office. Capacity of stand pipe 30,000 gallons & reservoir 100,000 gallons. 42 miles of pipe from 4″ to 6″ in diameter. 35 hydrants. Pressure at Post Office about 62 lbs. Average daily consumption about 10,000 gallons.
Fire Dept.
35 volunteers, 2 paid & 1 permanent man. 1 horse.
One Independent hose cart. 1500′ 2½” hose in good condition. Fire alarm Court Ho. & church bells.
Streets Piked. Streets lighted by Electricity.
One night watchman.
Photos
Photo information forthcoming.