1860-1869

1870

Five fire companies protecting 1.8 square miles and 7,790 residents.

Rescue Steam Fire Engine Company No. 1 formed, renamed from Merchants Independent Fire Company. The charter officers are:

• J. C. Brewster, Foreman
• W. C. Stronach, Asst. Foreman
• Douglas Bell, Treasurer
• John C. Gorman, Secretary
• Samuel Merrill, Hose Director
• A. Mose, Pipeman
• C. A. Gaylord, Asst. Pipeman.

The adopted uniform was a "blue navy shirt trimmed with white, and cloth cap, black pants, and white enameled belt, with the name of the company of the cap and belt." The fire company was "an independent one, except at fires, when they will place themselves under the command of the Chief of the City Fire Department." (by January 7, 1870)^{stan(d)07jan70, sent(s-w)12jan70, sent(d)13jan70}

City Commissioners ordered that the new market house under construction, also called the new City Hall, be called Metropolitan Hall. (January 10, 1870)^{stan(d)12jan70}

Chief Engineer Joseph Backalan, Chief of the Department, reported to the City Commissioners on the strength of the four fire companies and two engines, one Hook and Ladder Company, and one Bucket Company. He notes all equipment was in good order with the exception of some lanterns that they were short of. He reported that they needed six lanterns and four lanterns to complete their equipment. He recommended that some provision be made to get water in the city for fire department use. He recommended some forty cisterns be built in the streets, until such time that a water works could supply the city and take the place of cisterns:

• Engine Company No. 1, 68 men
• Engine Company No. 2, 62 men
• Hook & Ladder Company, 40 men.
• Bucket Company, 28 men

His report excluded the newly renamed Rescue Steam Fire Engine Company No. 1. Duties of the Bucket Company included supply the engine companies with water at fires. (January 26, 1870)^{stan(d)29jan80}

Metropolitan Hall under construction caught fire. The flames from a chimney flue were discovered before they cause too much damage. (February 8, 1870)^{sent(d)09feb70}

Rescue Steam Fire Engine Company No. 1 obtained a lease for a "lot of ground on the Court House Square, bounded as follows, beginning on the alley on the south east corner of the garden fence thence with said alley west thirty feet, thence north eighteen feet, thence east thirty feet, thence south eighteen feet to the beginning, for a term of ten (10)years or for so long thereafter as said company should use the same as an engine house, for one dollar per annum, the said company to build a brick house on the _______." (February 19, 1870)^{wake boc minutes}

Rescue Steam Fire Engine Company received charter from General Assembly. Charter members include:

• J. C. Brewster, Foreman
• W. C. Stronach
• John C. Gorman
• Douglas Bell
• Samuel Merrill
• A. Mose
• William Price
• Thomas G. Jenkins
• C. D. Heartt.

Note: Some sources cite Rescue Company as renamed Merchant Fire Company. Subsequent references to a Merchants Independent Fire Company contradict this. (February 24, 1870)^{nc private laws, 1869-70}

Fire was reported on Hillsboro Street. Reported the February 26 edition of The North Carolina Standard" a lively alarm of fire yesterday, about 2 o'clock, on Hillsboro' street, but which was extinguished before any damage was done, had the effect of stirring up our people, and bringing to a close the deliberations of the House of Representatives. The suddenness of the alarm and the prompt extinguishing of the fire, prevented our fire companies from visiting the scene-- they were en route, however, with that promptness which characterizes their movements." (February 25, 1870)^stan26feb70

Machine shop of Betts, Vaughan, and Allen caught fire. After a kiln caught fire, some $150 of lumber were destroyed. (March 25, 1870)^{sent(d)28mar70}

First steam fire engine delivered, built by Gould Engine Company, Newark, NJ. Purchase price was $5,000, raised by " private subscription." Two years later, the Rescue Company was still $3,900 in debt, when City assumes indebtedness. Though the Rescue Company paid first payment on the steamer, the City paid the remaining two. The apparatus, however, remained in control of volunteers. The steam engine was hand-pulled for several years. It threw a vertical stream of water 126 feet at 600 GPM. The Daily Standard on April 19, 1870 described it as: The engine has an upright tubular boiler, containing 315 inch and a quarter tubes, 16 inches long. Boiler and steam cylinder and covered with German silver. Dome and mouldings [sic] were Princess metal, smokestack German silver, all the iron work was polished; the pumps were cast, and gun metal and highly polished; air vessels and vacuum chambers were copper, burnished and surmounted with a handsome Princess metal signal lamp, side glass blue, with the words "Rescue 1" engraved thereon, back glass white, front light red, with the figure of a fireman descending a ladder with a child in his arms. Two handsome lamps, with side red and white glass, with the word "One" engraved. The front of the Engine was mounted with a Princess metal and German water-tank--brass rope reel--an iron hand tongue--hung on gum and valute [sic] springs--hind wheels 60 inches--front 54 inches--painted maroon striped with gold, blue and white, with a brake and two glass hand lamps. (April 1, 1870)^{sent(d)02apr70; stan(d)19apr70}

The Rescue Company celebrated the delivery of the steamer with a parade. Reported the April 8 edition of The Daily Sentinel "Yesterday afternoon, Rescue Steam Fire Company, No. 1. turned out in full force and uniform, to bring out and test the capacity of their new Engine, just arrived from the shops of the Gould Engine Company, Newark, NJ. The Company was composed of fine, handsome, gentlemanly young men and their engine was a beauty. Preceded by the Raleigh Brass Band, the Company escorted their new Engine through a part of Fayetteville and Hillsboro' streets, and thence to the reservoirs in Capitol Square. Having attached the hose (borrowed from the Merchants' Independent; their own not having arrived)the fire was lighted and in five minutes she was throwing a stream against the belfry of the Baptist Church. The hose not being of caliber and strength sufficient for an engine of such power, she did not succeed in throwing a stream higher than half way up the dome of the Capitol, that is, entirely over the top of the Capitol proper, and a few feet higher. There was a tremendous crowd out to witness the trail, and some fun was had by throwing a stream among some squads of juveniles." (April 7, 1870)^{sent(d)08apr70}

City Commissioners agreed to have six cisterns built, two in each ward. (April 8, 1870)^{stan(w)13apr70}

Bledsoe's Mill and Gin on Walnut Creek about a mile south of town burned. The Rescue engine was turned back while in route, as did many citizens headed in that direction. The Hook and Ladder Company also responded, but their truck "failed" while in route. (April 7, 1870)^{dailys___09apr70, dailys__11apr70}

Merchants Independent Fire Company No. 2 reorganized. The officers:

• Bryant Jordan, Foreman
• Anderson Betts, Asst. Foreman
• Andrew Clements, Hose Director
• Thos Dancey, Pipeman
• George King, Asst. Pipeman
• Henry Cole, Engineer
• Henry Harris, Secretary
• Thos. A. Harris, Treasurer. (April 14, 1870)^{stan(d)16apr70}

Apparatus note: Hose carriage ordered for Rescue Company (April 27, 1870)^{stan(d)29apr70; stan(d)03may70}

Gas works caught fire. The facility was saved through the work of the employees. (May 2, 1870)^{stan(d)03may70}

Metropolitan Hall, also called the Market House and also called City Hall, opened on Fayetteville St. between Martin and Hargett streets. The main building was 209 feet long by 40 feet wide. In the front basement there was a room that can be used as a restaurant or as a grocery. In the rear basement, half of which was for rent and the other half was to be used as a guard room with two cells for prisoners. The first floor was the market house, which extended the full length of the building with the exception of two rooms, one on each side of the Wilmington Street entrance, for fire department use as engine houses. Each room was 30 by 40 feet. There were three rows of stalls, one through the center and one on each side. On the second story, there was the Mayor's office and private offices. Also on the second floor was Metropolitan Hall, which has a stage and dress rooms, and other accommodations. The third floor had four rooms in the front, available for rent. The rear had a fireman's hall. The Mayor officially occupied his offices some weeks later on June 14. The cupola on the front of the building contained the town clock and City Bell / Fire Alarm Bell. The bell was cast in Baltimore. The building was designed by J. P. Prairie, an architect and builder who was assisted in construction by Nat. Jolly and John McGuire. Photos and more information. (May 17, 1870)^{sent17may70; sent14jun70; stan(d)09aug70; no10mar1938}

Mechanics Fire Company No. 2 organized. Foreman was James B. Jordan. They had about fifty members within a month. Their uniform soon consisted of orange shirts with blue shield and wristband, black pants, white belt trimmed with red, and white leather cap tipped with yellow. They operated one of the two 1852 hand engines. (by May 18, 1870)^{sent(d)18may70; sent(d)11jun70; sent(d)28jul70}

Rescue Company station opened on the Salisbury Street side of County Courthouse lot. Site was leased from County with provision that lot was returned to County if land was needed. The occupation of the station was celebrated with a parade consisting of the Rescue Company, Mechanics Fire Company No. 2., and the Hook and Ladder Company. Photos and more information. (September 17, 1870)^{sent(d)17sep70; rt06jul14}

Raleigh Gas House burned. Fire Company No. 1 was the only company that reached the scene before stopping the fire. (October 14, 1870)^{stan(d)14oct70; sent(d)18oct70}

Blacksmith shop behind Alfred Upchurch's coach shop caught fire. The flames were extinguished before any damage was done. The Rescue engine responded and was ready with steam upon arrival. (October 16, 1870)^{sent(d)18oct70}

Fire Company No. 1 renamed Victor Fire Company, after winning at a competition at the 10th annual State Fair that included a trial of steam fire engines, and a presentation competition of hand engines on October 20, 1870. The Rescue Company won the former, and Fire Company No. 1 won the latter. The colored fire company was subsequently called the Victor Fire Company the following days' newspaper account. The company, which has around 40 members, wore their new uniforms: black pants, red shirts trimmed with blue, black belts and blue caps trimmed to match the other parts of their uniform. (October-November 1870)^{sent(d)14oct70; sent(d)05nov70}

Fire companies participated in Memorial Day parade. (November 23, 1870)^{stan(d)16nov70}

Cabin in the East Ward burned. The building and its contents were destroyed. (November 29, 1870)^{sent(d)29nov70}

Fire Chief was Joseph D. Backalan. ^{stan(d)29jan80}

1871

City Commissioners acted to issue and sell $15,000 of bonds for the purpose of construction at least 30 cisterns in the city. The election, to be held after the first Monday in May, was called but cancelled. (April 4, 1871)^{erm notes}

Rescue Fire Company paraded in Charlotte on the occasion of the Mecklenburg Declaration Celebration. (May 21, 1871)^{sent(d)17may71; tele(d)21may71}

Frapp's ice house burned. During the firefighting effort, the members of Mechanics Company No. 2 were unsuccessful at using their hand engine. (June 21, 1871)^{tele(d)27jul71}

Mechanics Fire Company No. 2 disbanded. The fire company authorized Foreman N. B. Broughton to return the engine to the city and ask that the company be discharged from service. His request was printed as a letter in the July 27 daily Telegram. (by July 27, 1871)^{tele(d)27jul71}

Saw mill and cotton gin of Henry Mordecai burned. Located about two miles north of Raleigh, both structures were completely destroyed. Approximately 15 bales of cotton were also burned. Total loss was about $5,000. (September 29, 1871)^{sent(d)30sep71}

Tucker Hall on Fayetteville Street caught fire. (October 12, 1871)^{sent(d)13oct71}

Joseph D. Backalan was Chief of Department until defeated in popular election that year by John C. Gorman. By July 1871, Backalan was serving as Street Superintendent. ^{erm notes, tele(d)14jul71}

1872

Victor Fire Company received charter from General Assembly. Incorporators were

• James H. Jones, former servant of President Jefferson Davis
• H. C. Jones
• H. P. Buncombe
• John E. Williams
• W. B. Mitchell
• Charles M. Hunter
• Samuel Stewart
• Sylvester Dunston. (January 23, 1872)^{nc private laws, 1871-72}

Hook and Ladder Company received charter from General Assembly. Incorporators were

• F. Lampson
• J. Q. DeCarteret
• S. P. Gill
• T. L. Love
• S. V. House
• W. R. Pepper
• Chesley Driver. (February 8, 1872)^{nc private laws, 1871-72}

Apparatus note: Rescue Steam Fire Engine Company No. 1 petitioned the City Commissioners for the city to assume the debt of $3,900 now standing against the fire company. They would mortgage the engine and their property to the city. (by March 8, 1872)^{news(d)08mar72}

Tenement house on Halifax Street caught fire. Citizens extinguished the flames before the arrival of the fire companies. (April 4, 1872)^{sent(d)05apr72}

Apparatus note: Hook and Ladder Company petitioned the City Commissioners for a new truck. They read a letter received from a fire apparatus builder in New York regarding the price of hook and ladder trucks. They also noted that the truck presently owned by the fire company was not worth repairing and was entirely unsuited to their purposes. It was ordered that $100 be appropriated for the purchase of the new apparatus. (April 24, 1872)^{news(d)26apr72}

Rescue Fire Company paraded in Charlotte on the occasion of the Mecklenburg Declaration Celebration. (May 20, 1872)^{sent(d)21may72;news(d)22may72}

John C. Gorman reported as resigned as Chief of Department. (May 23, 1872)^{news(d)23may72}

Bucket Company organized. The new bucket company was organized by colored members. (by September 11, 1872)^{news(d)11sep72}

Raleigh Sentinel offices burned after explosion. The adjoining Rescue Company engine house was damaged by the explosion. (October 11, 1872)^{news(d)11oct72}

Two stores on Hillsboro Street burned. (November 5, 1872)^{news(d)05nov72}

Apparatus note: New truck delivered to Hook and Ladder Company. (November 11, 1872)^{news(d)12nov72}

Branson's business directory for 1872, page 230 listed fire companies as

• Victor No. 1 (colored), James N. Jones Foreman
• Rescue No. 1, Wm. C. Stronach, Foreman
• Hook & Ladder Co., F. Lampson Foreman

1873

Stable and two houses on Wilmington Street burned. Raleigh firefighters were aided by soldiers from Camp Russell. (January 3, 1873)^{sent(d)04jan73}

Raleigh Bucket Company received charter from General Assembly. Incorporators were

• A. L. Gorham [sic]
• J. W. Winslow
• J. W. Butler
• Ephraim Johnston
• G. E. Lane
• and others. (February 28, 1873)^{nc private laws 1872-73}

Henry T. Clawson elected Chief of Department. (March 20, 1873)^{sent(d)21mar73}

Hook & Ladder house and apparatus moved from Metropolitan Hall. (circa May 27, 1873)^{sent(d)27mar73}

Robert Seawell's residence on New Bern Avenue burned. The afternoon fire was attended by the entire fire department, but the lack of water contributed to the near destruction of the structure. One Rescue Company member was injured by the breaking of a chair. The furniture of the house was saved, with soldiers aiding firefighters in that effort. (March 29, 1873)^{sent(d)30mar73}

Rescue and Hook and Ladder companies participated in Memorial Day parade. (May 10, 1873)^{sent(d)10may73}

City Commissioners order that the City Bell, also the Fire Alarm bell, be rung by the janitor for the convenience of 11 hour laborers, at the 6:30 a.m., 12 midnight, and 6:30 p.m. until the first of August, at which time the 10 hour system commenced. (by July 1, 1873)^{sent(d)01jul73}

Two houses on E. Hargett street burned. The 10:30 p.m. fire was attended by both engine companies. (June 16, 1873)^{sent(d)17jun73}

Officer's quarters at Camp Russell destroyed by fire. The 10:00 p.m. fire alarm was answered by all companies except the Rescue Company, which halted after they learned that there was not a sufficient water supply for their use. During the fire, a disturbance occured causing the Victor Company to leave the scene and return to their station. Members of the Bucket Company subsequently left the scene. The fire was fought by the Hook and Ladder Company and members of the Rescue Company. (September 13, 1873)^{sent(d)14sep73}

M. Rosenthal's store on Fayetteville Street burned. The 12:30 p.m. fire on the roof was extinguished without the aid of the fire department, that responds. (October 6, 1873)^{sent(d)07oct73}

Moses A. Bledsoe's cotton gin in southern suburbs destroyed by fire. The fire department responded, but was unable to save anything. (November 15, 1873)^{sent(d)16nov73}

1874

Tenement house on the old Fairgrounds outside of the city burned. The fire was contained by citizens and no alarm was sounded. (March 8 1874)^news10mar74

House near the old Fairgrounds burned. The Victor Company responded but was hampered by very limited water. Too small houses in the vicinity caught fire on their roofs, but the fires were extinguished with buckets. (March 12, 1874)^news13mar74

Henry T. Clawson elected Chief of Department. (March 17, 1874)^news18mar74

Dry goods and printing business at the corner of Fayetteville and Hargett street burned. The first arriving companies at the 9:30 p.m. fire were the hook and ladder and bucket companies. The Victor company soon has its hand engine working, and the hook and ladder members ascended the three story structure and were ripping away the ceiling to allow the streams better access. The Rescue company also arrived quickly, but the rubber hose kept bursting even as Engineer Joe Green tried only 40 pounds of pressure. Coats, handkerchiefs, and other things were used to patch the hose. The fire was extinguished before too much fire damaged occurred. The fire was intentionally set, and was the third time in the last 18 months that the building had been set ablaze. During the fire, a conflict of authority between the Mayor and the Chief of the Department, results in the arrest of the latter. The case receives an immediate temporary hearing, but was postponed until the next morning. The next day's hearing was postponed another week. (July 30, 1874)^{sent(d)31jul74; sent(d)01aug74}

Hook and Ladder Company visited fire companies in Petersburg, VA. (September 7, 1874)^{sent(d)09sep74}

W. H. Lyon's store on the corner of Blount and Martin streets suffered fire. An exploding kerosene lamp started the blaze that was extinguished by a clerk. The fire companies responded, but were not needed. (September 29, 1874)^{sent(d)30sep74}

City Commissioners authorized construction of two cisterns of 22,000 gallon capacity each. (November 30, 1874)^{sent(d)30nov74}

Chataigne's Raleigh City Directory 1875-76, page 10, listed fire department as follows. The information reflects the 1874 membership of the department:

• Chief Marshall - H. T. Clawson
• Asst. Chief Marshall - R. T. Booker
• No. 1 (c)- James N. Jones, Capt.
• No. 2 (c)- J. W. Butler, Foreman
• Rescue Steam Co. - R. H. Bradley, Capt.

1875

City Hotel caught fire. The 11:00 a.m. blaze, started on the roof by a spark, was promptly extinguished by the fire companies. (February 6, 1875)^news07feb75

Victor and Bucket companies participated in funeral process of Bucket Company member Charles Brown. (March 7, 1875)^news10mar75

J. J. Litchford's residence on New Bern Avenue burned. The 8:00 a.m. fire, started on the roof by stray sparks, was extinguished before consuming the entire house. (April 25, 1875)^{sent(d)27apr75}

Rescue and Hook and Ladder companies participated in postponed Memorial Day parade. (May 12, 1875)^{news06may75; news11may75}

Rescue Fire Company travelled to Charlotte on the occasion of the Mecklenburg Declaration Celebration. (May 21, 1871)^{sent(d)22may75}

Fire alarm system changed, with city divided into four fire divisions, with the City Bell tapping the corresponding number upon alarm. (by May 28, 1875)^{sent(d)28may75}

Apparatus note: Rumsey and Company hand engine purchased for Victor Company. Cost was about $1,7000. Company was located in Seneca Falls, New York. (by June 13, 1875)^news13jun75

Joseph H. Greene elected Chief of the Department. His title was Chief Engineer. (October 8, 1875)^{sent(d)09oct75}

Bakery on Fayetteville Street burned. The 10:00 a.m. fire was fought by the four companies, with the Rescue steamer drawing water from two blocks away from a cistern at Davie and Fayetteville Streets. (October 31, 1875)^{sent(d)02nov75}

Apparatus note: Hose reel purchase authorized for Rescue Company, along with Bucket Company truck and additional hose and buckets for companies. (December 9, 1875)^{sent(d)10dec75}

1876

Cottage Hotel outhouses burned. The buildings included a kitchen where a mentally challenged woman lived. The 25 year-old daughter of the hotel proprietor perished in the morning fire. (March 5, 1876)^news06mar76

Apparatus note: Rumsey and Company sued the city for payment of Victor Hand Engine. Officials ordered debt paid. (March 9, 1876)^news10mar76

Commercial building on Fayetteville Street burned. The structure was occupied by a druggist, a clothier, and a job office. The fire was controlled about 2:00 a.m. (April 4, 1876)^news04apr75

Sealed bids opened for construction of four cisterns. (April 22, 1876)^{sent(d)19apr76}

Rescue and Hook and Ladder companies participated in Memorial Day parade. (May 10, 1876)^news11may76

Apparatus note: Bucket Company paraded new hand-pulled truck. (May 19, 1876)^{sent(d)20may76}

Stable at corner of Edenton and Harrington streets burned. The fire was discovered about 2:00 a.m. and has made such headway that only one of the mules was rescued. Two other mules and some wagon parts and provisions were destroyed. Citizens tried to extinguish the fire despite the presence of very little water. The Bucket Company was only group of firefighters to respond, and they arrived quickly. It was believed if the hand or steam engine had been present, they could not have helped due to the lack of water. Damage was estimated at $500 and $600. (August 22, 1876)^{sent(d)23aug76}

City charter changed with Raleigh now governed by board of Aldermen. ^no26apr42

1877

Hothouse and stable near Confederate Cemetery destroyed by fire. The 9:30 p.m. fire was caused by a furnace used for heating the plants in the hothouse. (January 4, 1877)^obs05jan77

A. W. Fraps' ice house in the rear of saloon between Fayetteville and Salisbury Streets burned. The house was destroyed, but the fire was prevented from spreading by the fire companies. (March 3, 1877)^obs04mar77

Alderman Alfred Upchurch's reisdence at corner of E. Hargett and Bloodworth street burned. (March 17, 1877)^obs17mar77

Telegraph office opened in Raleigh. Bells were planned for each engine and hose house, to notify the fire companies of alarm locations. Unknown if plans were implemented. (by April 6, 1877)^obs06apr77

Rescue and Hook and Ladder companies participated in Memorial Day parade. (May 10, 1877)^obs10may77

Unoccupied residence on Salisbury Street destroyed by fire. (July 6, 1877)^obs07jul77

Mill and factory just west of the North Carolina Railroad depot burned. The Railroad warehouse and depot were saved. (July 24, 1877)^obs25jul77

Horton residence in second precinct caught fire. The attached kitchen was destroyed. (September 5, 1877)^obs06sep77

Street Commissioner under direction of Chief of Fire Department instructed to build three more cisterns. Two dozen caps and belts also ordered to be purchased for the Victor Company. (September 18?, 1877)^obs18sep77

Victor Company travelled to Fayetteville. (September 21, 1877)^obs22sep77

Apparatus note: Two hose reels reported purchased at a cost of $200 each. (November 2, 1877)^obs03nov77

Home on Halifax Street burned. Employees of the nearby Raleigh and Gaston Railroad shops arrived first and were subsequently assisted by firefighters. (November 2, 1877)^obs03nov77

Cottage on Salisbury Street burned. The structure was destroyed despite the best efforts of firefighters. (November 5, 1877)^obs05nov77

Homes and stables on Wilmington Street destroyed by fire. Flames spread to a nearby residence, and then to a second residence. (December 9, 1877)^obs11dec77

Home on Salisbury Street destroyed by fire. Structure was the fifth and last owned by Joel D. Whitaker to have been burned. (December 19, 1877)^obs19dec77

Several bales of cotton at Central Depot burned. (December 19, 1877)^obs20dec77

Joseph H. Green was Chief of Department. ^{Branson, 77-78, p291}

1878

Phoenix Chemical Fire Company formed. The first foreman was John Ferrell. Their uniforms consisted of red shirts, blue navy cap, red belt, and black pants. (by January 24, 1878)^{obs24jan78; obs26jan78}

Apparatus note: Champion hand-drawn single-cylinder chemical engine delivered to Phoenix Company. The apparatus was pulled by four or five men. (after January 26, 1878)^obs26feb78

Grand Firemen's Test conducted on the city lot on Davie Street. With around 2,000 people present to watch, a pair of crudely constructed buildings were set alight. The Rescue, Victor, and new Phoenix engines were all dispatched to the scene, each the same distance away. The bell was tapped at 8:15 p.m. The Phoenix engine arrives at 8:16 p.m. and starts a stream at 8:16 p.m. The Victor engine arrives at 8:17 p.m. and starts a stream at 8:18 p.m. The Rescue engine arrives at 8:18 p.m. and starts a stream at 8:20 a.m. (February 11, 1878)^obs12feb78

House near Fayetteville and Davie Street burned. One person was killed. (February 25, 1878)^obs25feb78

Rescue engine house to have doors configured in the manner as those of the Chemical engine house, where opening the door will ignite the gas (lamp), and closing the door will extinguish it. The newspaper reporting this item noted that the engine house did not include accommodations so the engineer can sleep at the building, but it should. (March 14, 1878)^obs14mar78

Fire Commissioner member Dr. Hogg reporteded on public cisterns and fire engines:

The water depth and actual amount was computed, along with the estimated flow of both the Rescue (300 GPM max) and Victor (250 GPM max) engines. He also noted the weights of the fire engines:

• The Rescue engine weighed 6,000 pounds, the hose carriage 2,200 pounds, and other equipment 760 pounds.
• The Victor engine weighed about 3,400 pounds, the hose carriage 1,600 pounds.
• The Phoenix engine weighed 2,520 when fully loaded. (March 1878)^obs

Fire companies participated in Memorial Day parade. (May 10, 1878)^obs09may78

Rescue and Victor Companies demonstrated at State Fair. (October 18, 1878)^obs19oct78

Joseph H. Green elected Chief of Department. (by June 8, 1878)^obs08jun78

Jy Jackson's store on Hargett Street burned. The 1:00 a.m. fire was fought by the Rescue steamer, which exhausted three cisterns in a short time. If the Friday night fire had been bad enough, speculated the newspaper report, the whole square between Hargett Street and Metropolitan Hall would have been swept away. (December 20, 1878)^{obs21dec78; obs22dec78}

Bradley Building on Fayetteville Street opposite the Post Office destroyed by fire. (December 31, 1878)^obs01jan79

Branson 1877-78 directory, page 305, listed fire company membership as follows:
 

Victor No. 1 (colored fire co.)	Hook and Ladder Co.	Rescue Fire Co. No. 1	Bucket Company
James H. Jones, Foreman Nelson Taylor, Asst. Foreman Wm. Hicks, Secretary Daniel Jones, Treasurer Henry Harrison and Alfred Haywood, Pipemen Thos. Burgess, Hose Director H. C. Jones, Chaplain Edward Jones, Sergeant-at-Arms Sylvester Dunston, Chairman of Finance Committee	Thomas L. Love, Foreman Thad. Bosher, Asst. Foreman James M. Towles, Sr, Secretary ______, Treasurer	Samuel Merrill, Foreman W. J. Weir, Asst. Foreman T. R. Fentress, Jr., Secretary Thomas W. Blake, Fin. Secretary and Treasurer Frank Brannon, Hose Director J. M. Carver, Asst. Hose Director William Price, Engineer W. H. Adams and W. Z. Blake, Asst. Engineers	Harris Hogans, Foreman Russell Spencer, Asst. Foreman J. W. Winslow, Secretary Ephraim Johnson, Treas. George Cole, Chaplain Frank Phillips, Sergeant-at-Arms

1879

Buildings on Hillsboro Street near the bridge burned. The building and contents of Lews & Jones store, where the fire starts, were destroyed. The water supply was limited and the unusually cold weather caused it to freeze in the hose. One person, William Lewis, was seriously injured. He was sleeping in the store and barely escaped. The adjoining store of Mr. Jolley was also burned, and two adjoining residences were seriously damaged. The 3:00 a.m. fire was under control at 5:00 a.m. (January 7, 1879)^{obs07jan89, obs08jan89}

Contracts awarded for building five fire cisterns to contain 30,000 gallons each. (by January 23, 1879)^obs23jan79

Two houses destroyed by fire. A third house was heavily damage. (May 12, 1879)^{obs12may79; obs13may79}

Phoenix Chemical Engine Company received and distributed uniforms consisting of "a gray brown shirt trimmed with red, bearing the word 'Phoenix' across the breast; a cap of dark blue, navy shape, and a white belt piped with red." The company has thirty uniformed members and "two boys." (June 19, 1879)^no20jun79

Colored firefighters from Charlotte, Warrenton, and Goldsboro visited Raleigh. They were hosted by the Victor and Bucket companies at Metropolitan Hall. (July 16, 1879)^no16jul79

Apparatus note: Rescue Company received a pair horses. Until this time, private horses were pressed into service for parades or some fires. (By October 4, 1879)^{obs13may79; obs(d)06sep79; obs22sep79; obs04oct79}

Fire alarm system modified with city split from four to five divisions. The fifth division, indicated by a continuous ringing of the city bell, indicated one of the blocks bordering Fayetteville Street. (by November r, 1879)^obs04nov79

Rescue Company engine house expanded. The 28 x 25- foot, single-story brick extension in the rear of the building houses added stalls for two horses, a sleeping room for four firefighters, a storage room, and other space. (After November 18, 1879)^{obs14aug79, hale's weekly, 18nov78}

Joseph H. Green was Chief of Department. [Unconfirmed]

Abbreviations

Sources