Burlington and Graham Fire Alarm Box Locations – 1920-21

Posted by Mike Legeros on 17 July 2017, 7:21 pm

Updated with some tips on using the DigitalNC site, for browsing, reading, and downloading city directories. Scroll to bottom.

Random history. Fire alarm box locations in the towns of Burlington and Graham, as printed in the Burlington, Graham and Haw River, N.C. City Directory, 1920-21. It’s one of hundreds available from DigitalNC.

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Interested in the history of your fire department? Look to city directories for summary information, station addresses, and even the names of members, with their occupation (BFD, “fire dept”, etc.) beside their name and address.

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Some city directories also included a list of fire alarm box locations, in those cities and towns with such systems. As memory serves, these lists appear in earlier versus later directories. Say, 1890s, 1900s, 1910s, 1920s. Your mileage may vary.

Click to enlarge:

Tips ‘n’ Tricks

What’s the best way to browse these city directories on the Digital NC site, and without convoluted click paths or endless searching and scrolling? Here’s my workflow, though be warned, it requires some up-front time and bandwidth.

Find the city or town that you’re seeking.
Find the earliest city directory available.
Open that directory in a new window.
Click Download and save a PDF copy. This may take a few minutes, as these files are large.
Close that window, and repeat with the next available directory.
Rinse and repeat, until you’ve saved copies of all available directories.
Open the first of the saved directories, which are PDF files.
Use the PDF reader on your computer to easily browse, scroll, or even search (using Find) for text strings.

But wait, Batman, what about the search featured, in the individual directory display window? That’s also useful, but can be a bit clunky. If searching on two or more words, use quotation marks. Such as “fire alarm.”

There’s also powerful search features on other screens, such as the one listing all available years for a particularly city or town. And across all of the city directories, and all of DigitalNC.

Happy hunting!

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Seagate Fire Department – Vintage Apparatus, Corporate Dissolution

Posted by Mike Legeros on 16 July 2017, 8:25 am

More random history.

The Seagate (also spelled Sea Gate) Volunteer Fire Department in New Hanover County, outside Wilmington, was formed in 1940 to protect of the fishing community to help protect along Bradley Creek and Greenville Sound. The first apparatus was a 1931 automobile with three drums mounted on the back and a fan belt-powered pump. The first (?) fire station location was 122 Sebrell Avenue. The department moved in 1955 to 6012 Oleander Drive.

Vintage Apparatus

Lee Wilson photographed the department’s apparatus on March 1, 1992. See the original versions. Click to enlarge:

Pictured left to right, top to bottom are:

Engine 791, 1970 Ford/Hahn
Engine 794, 1988 Ford/Boyer
Unit 761
Tanker 746, 1983 Ford, 3500 gallons
Engine 792, 1970 Ford/American LaFrance

Corporate Dissolution

The Seagate fire district was eventually impacted by city annexation. In 1985, over 55 percent of their district was consumed. In 2005, the remained was annexed and they ceased operation and dissolved the corporation. Here’s the plan they filed with the Secretary of State, with their articles of dissolution.

President: Thomas Eric White
Vice President: Tim Wilson
Secretary/Treasurer: Mike Garner
Directors: Thomas Eric White, Tim Wilson, Mike Garner, Shawn Schilling,Ron Twigg, Sidney Daniels

Dissolution of the corporation authorized on August 16, 2005. Effective upon filing on December 5, 2005.

Background Statement

The corporation was incorporated March 29, 1956 as a volunteer fire department in New Hanover County and has existed as such, providing fire protection for the residents of New Hanover County since that date. By the summer of 2005, the City of Wilmington had annexed substantially all of the area previously served by the department, providing fire protection services through its own fire department. At that time, the decision was taken by the directors, officers, and members of the corporation to terminate the corporate business and dissolve the corporation. In general terms, the plan so approved calls for the liquidation and disposal of the corporate assets and distribution of net cash proceeds therefrom to certain local churches which have been supportive of the department during its existence.

Plan

Real Property. The real property is to be sold, with structures intact, to the City of Wilmington. To this end, the corporation has accepted an offer to purchase from the City of Wilmington at a price of $650,000.00. This purchase and sale is to be completed as quickly as possible, consistent with the needs of the parties. The fire department of the City of Wilmington will begin occupying and operating the real property as a fire station no later than October 1, 2005, and during the period necessary to complete the transfer of ownership. When the sale is completed, the net proceeds from the sale will be retained by the corporation for distribution in accordance with this Plan.
Personal Property. All marketable apparatus and other vehicles owned by the corporation will be sold. Those apparatus or vehicles which lack significant value or marketability because of age or condition will be donated to other fire departments which are able to use them. Equipment associated with each apparatus will be offered with the apparatus, with any rejected items retained by the corporation for disposal by sale or donation, depending upon the nature and age of the equipment.
Cash. All cash assets of the corporation, including the proceeds from the liquidation of corporate non-cash assets will be retained in the corporate treasury pending dissolution. After payment of all obligations of the corporation and costs of dissolution, the funds will be distributed.’
Distribution. The corporation does not own any assets requiring transfer, return, or conveyance. Prior to distribution of cash assets all obligations or liabilities of the corporation shall be paid. When liabilities or obligations are satisfied and all costs and expenses of dissolution are paid the remaining cash assets will be distributed to the following religious organizations in the percentages indicated.

Sea Gate Baptist Church 30%
Oleander Methodist Church 30%
St. Andrews On the Sound Episcopal Church 10%
Windemere Presbyterian Church 10%
St. Matthew A.M.E. Church 10%
Pilgrims Rest Baptist Church 10%

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Legal History of 87 South Volunteer Fire Department

Posted by Mike Legeros on 15 July 2017, 11:55 am

Random history, found in the articles of disillusion of the 87 South Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., that operated in Alamance County from 1983 to 2005, until its corporation merged with Eli Whitney Fire Department.

Background

The 87 South VFD (87SVFD) was incorporated February 1, 1983. The initiative for forming the fire department corporation came from the Mt. Herman community. The fire district was formed from sections of Alamance County fire districts Stations 1, 5, 6, and 9. The Mt. Herman community had planned on having the fire station located on Mt. Herman-Rock Creek Rd. near the intersection with Thompson Mill Rd. and Bass Mountain Rd., near the Mt. Herman Church and ball field. North Carolina State General Statutes however, mandated that the fire station be placed near the geographical center of the district.

The fire station was located at its present site on land donated by Mr. Frank Rogers. The placement of the fire station at this site resulted in the loss of much of the support, especially financial, from the organizing group of the Mt. Herman community. In order to make the station functional fire trucks and much of the other equipment requirements were met by donations from the Eli Whitney fire department (Station 5) (EWVFD).

87SVFD did provide limited funds from a grant at one time to purchase small equipment such as turnout gear, SCBA air packs, etc. The 87SVFD was de facto incorporated into the EWVFD in essentially all functions. The two stations were maintained as separate named, incorporated entities to support the provision of extra funding from the county.

In 1985 Alamance County changed the way fire departments were funded to a tax-based system. Station 5 and Station 11, since they were essentially one functioning unit, were placed together into one fiscal fire district and since that time all tax revenues have been distributed in the name of the EWVFD.

A joint Board of Directors has existed for the 87SVFD and EWVFD since 1983. New state ISO regulations require that these two units either be formally combined into one department or completely split into two departments with separate chiefs, officers, etc. The latter is unattractive both organizationally and fiscally to the department, especially Station 11/87 S VFD and we have chosen the former i.e. to formally combine the two departments into one and dissolve the 87SVFD non-profit corporation.

Plan

Essentially the 87SVFD and EWVFD have been one entity since 1983 and for tax purposes since 1985. All of the principal physical assets associated with the 87SVFD, land, building, fire trucks, as well as other substantial current equipment are formally deeded or titled in the name of the EWVFD or were purchased with tax dollars distributed in the name of the EWVFD. The 87SVFD checking account has been closed and the assets moved to the EWVFD.

Thus, the 87SVFD has no assets to distribute and exists in name only. Therefore, the dissolution of the 87SVFD and incorporation of all functions into the one unit, the EWVFD, was initiated and given initial approval by The Board of Directors at its April 21, 2005 meeting. Motions to finalize the dissolution of 87SVFD will be made and voted on by the Board of Directors at the August 18, 2005 meeting. All board members will be notified by mail of the pending vote at least 2 weeks before the scheduled vote. Appropriate documents will be filed with the North Carolina Secretary of State’s Office pursuant to N.C.G.S. 55A-14-03.

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Vintage Brochure – Zebulon Rescue Squad GMC/Murphy Crash Truck

Posted by Mike Legeros on 14 July 2017, 7:23 am

For your Friday enjoyment, here’s a vintage brochure from Murphy Body Works in Wilson, NC. Advertised is a low-profile, light-duty rescue truck that they built for Zebulon Rescue Squad.

The chassis was a 1975-76 GMC Sierra and it replaced a 1954 GMC panel van and ex-Raleigh Rescue Squad vehicle. It served until 1995, when replaced with a slightly larger unit. Read more ZRS history at www.legeros.com/history/ems.

Murphy built a couple other rescue trucks in our area, notably two ambulance-body units for the Raleigh Fire Department, built on 1974 and 1974 Chevrolet Silverado chassis. They also built a similar unit for the Wake New Hope Fire Department, on a 1974 Chevrolet chassis.

Readers can add other memories about Murphy rescue trucks and ambulances in/around our area. Click to enlarge:

The features as noted in the brochure included:

20-inch deep compartments for storage of tools.
Alternating flashing lights [on] each side a rear.
Large inside storage space for rain gear, hand lines and other equipment.
8000 pound front-mounted electric winch, and 110-volt waterproof outlet for electric tools.
Storage for power system on slide tray for quick removal. o Storage compartment for Hurst tool.
Fold-down step for access to top of body.
3500 watt generator on slide-out tray to power four Quartz lights with 110 volts of power
Rear step bumper with hinged cover to accommodate ball hitch for pulling trailer. Also safety chain hooks at rear.
Extending 500 watt Quartz light stanchion, one on each corner, with separate switch in both compartment.

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101 Years of Raleigh Tillers

Posted by Mike Legeros on 12 July 2017, 9:18 pm

The Raleigh Fire Department’s newest tiller was delivered this week, a 2017 Pierce Arrow XT, 1500/200/100′. See prior posting about the delivery.

It also marks 101 years of tractor-drawn fire apparatus in the Capital City. Let’s look back at each rig, and its history. Click to enlarge, then scroll down to read details:

Photo credits include Joel Woods, Jeff Harkey, Mike Legeros, and Lee Wilson (x3).

1916 American LaFrance Type 17 – 75′
Serial #1047. Delivered 1916. Spring-raised, two-section wooden. Tractor replaced in 1939.

1939 American LaFrance 500 Series – Tractor only
Serial #L-1164. Delivered 1939. New tractor. Housed at Station 2 from 1942 to 1953. Retired by early 1970s. Sold circa 1980 to private owner, who stored outdoors in Apex. In 2008, bought by private owner in Harnett County, and now in poor condition.
Watch film footage of apparatus in action, circa 1950. See photos of apparatus in 2008.

1958 American LaFrance 700 Series – 100′
Serial #N-374. Delivered 1958. In service 1958. Open cab, front and back. Tractor replaced in 1980. Original tractor scrapped, after sitting outside training center for years.

1979 Mack MC – Tractor only
Serial #_____. New tractor. Placed in service as Truck 5 in 1980. Moved to Station 1 as Truck 1 in 1987. Refurbished in 1988, adding jump seats, enclosed tiller cab, and more. Moved to Station 16 in 1988. Moved to reserve status in 1995. Retired and sold in 199. Later operated by Wendell FD in Wake County, then Civietown FD in Brunswick County. Last seen in South Carolina in 2010.

2004 Pierce Arrow XT – 1500/300/100′
Job #15443. Shop #11030. Placed in service as Truck 1 in 2004. Renamed Ladder 1 in 2006. Renamed Ladder 4 in 2009. Removed from service as Ladder 4 on July 10, 2009, after overturning at the intersection of South and Dawson streets. Three of the four firefighters aboard were injured. The apparatus was totaled, and sold for salvage.
Read blog archives post about accident.
See Lee Wilson photos of accident.
See Legeros photos of accident.
See Legeros photos of apparatus.

2010 Pierce Arrow XT – 1500/300/100′
Job #23121. Shop #11047. Delivered 2010. Placed in service 2010 as Ladder 4 at Station 1. Future Ladder 8 at Station 26
See Lee Wilson photos

2015 Pierce Arrow XT – 1500/200/100′
Job #28622. Shop #_____. Delivered 2015. Placed in service 2015 as Ladder 9 at Station 29.
See Lee Wilson photos

2017 Pierce Arrow XT – 1500/200/100′
Job #30630. Delivered 2015. Future Ladder 4 at Station 1
See Lee Wilson photos
See Legeros photos

For more detailed information, see my Raleigh Fire Department Apparatus Register.

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Raleigh Receives Third Tiller – 2017 Pierce Arrow XT

Posted by Mike Legeros on 12 July 2017, 8:03 am

The Raleigh Fire Department has taken delivery of their third tiller, a 2017 Pierce Arrow XT tractor-drawn aerial ladder, 1500/200/100-foot. Job #30630. Delivered July 10.

It was part of a three-truck order funded in FY17, that included a pair of 2017 Pierce Enforcer pumpers, 1500/500/200. Jobs #30631-1 and #30631-2. Those were delivered last month. See prior posting.

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Note: This factory photo was taken when the truck was lettered for Ladder 8, prior to being changed before delivery. See larger versions of the picture.

City’s Third Tiller

This is the third tiller for the city, joining a 2010 Pierce Arrow XT (Ladder 4) and 2015 Pierce Arrow XT (Ladder 9). Changes since 2015 tiller include lower-seated ladder tip, sliding doors and window bubbles on the tiller cab, and unpainted roll-up doors on the trailer.

It’ll be assigned to Ladder 4 at Station 1. The current Ladder 4 will be moved to Station 26, and operate as Ladder 8. (The new ladder is longer, due to the sliding doors on the tiller cab, and cannot fit inside Station 26.)

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Lee Wilson photos

More Photos

Lee Wilson has been tracking the new truck’s progress since it arrived at Atlantic Emergency Solutions in Fayetteville last week. See his photos.

See also these close views from Mr. Blogger, as well as a fly-by drone video.

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Mike Legeros photos

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Remembering the Bessemer Fire Department in Greensboro

Posted by Mike Legeros on 9 July 2017, 9:09 am

One of the earliest “suburban” fire departments in North Carolina was Bessemer VFD in Greensboro. We’ve blogged about them before, but let’s take a deeper dive.

They were organized in 1942, upon the completion of a sanitary district, which added water lines and fire hydrants. By all accounts, they were not equipped for fighting fires outside of their district, in areas without fire hydrants. Thus they were not a “rural” fire department.

BVFD operated a 1942 Chevrolet/American pumper 500/200, and had some 20 volunteer firemen.

Greensboro Daily News – July 4, 1949

They also occasionally responded outside of their district, and fought fires as best as they could with limited water supplies. Also, at least in 1948, the city fire department would “stop at the line” if they were dispatched for a fire that was outside of the municipal limits.

The Bessemer fire station was located at 609 Elwell Avenue. The building is still standing. The land was sold to the sanitary district by Mrs. Effie Boone in 1942. The parcel measured 0.12 acres.

It even caught fire once, on July 3, 1956. As the Greensboro Daily News noted: “Chief Ray Moore and Assistant Chief C. B. Swaney, on discovering flames eating away at the ceiling, moved the fire truck out of the building, uncoiled a few feet of hose and had the blaze extinguished within 10 minutes.”

Read the entire history of the Bessemer Fire Department on this new history page of mine: www.legeros.com/history/stories/bessemer

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Vintage Photo of Ford/Darley Derita Pumper, 1967

Posted by Mike Legeros on 8 July 2017, 10:03 pm

Found on eBay, here’s a 1967 magazine advertisement from W. S. Darley & Co. with a factory photo of a Ford Super-Duty/Darley high-pressure fog pumper, from the Derita Fire Department in Mecklenburg County. They operated from 1950 to 1994-95. Click to enlarge:

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Watch For Archives Postings…

Posted by Mike Legeros on 3 July 2017, 9:54 am

Pardon our dusty content, as we occasionally re-post postings from the Legeros Blog Archives. Several dozen postings are no longer available, due to technical mysterious-ness.

Some we’re digging back out, and re-posting here, or as content on the Legeros History Site, notably under www.legeros.com/history/stories. Today’s crop consist of:

Eventually, much of that archive content will be re-purposed. Maybe all Raleigh FD stuff copied over here, all NC fire history over there, etc. Anyway…

Watch this space, and don’t be alarmed by things dated 2014, 2013, etc.

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