1860-1869

1900

Four fire companies protecting 1.8 square miles and 13,643 residents.

Fleming's Warehouse at corner of Wilmington and Cabarrus streets burned. Two homes and a stable also destroyed, due to lack of water pressure. Alarm reported shortly before 10:00 a.m. from Box 27. Loss about $25,000. Warehouse, at least three stories and built 1885, and contents burn, also partially destroying neighboring property. Caused by defective flue. The contents continue to smolder and the fire department receives two or three still alarms, to continue wetting the remains. [MF] (February 28, 1900)^no29feb00

Engine house at A&M College burned. The fire was discovered at 11:50 p.m.. Flames were fought by college students. Chief Mahler takes the Capital Company hose wagon to the scene, but no water was present in the building reservoir and the hose was not used. The building was allowed to burn down, and efforts were made only to prevent the spread. By 1:30 a.m., the fire was dying down. Loss $200. [UF] (March 7, 1900)^{no07mar00, 08mar00}

Old ice factory near Union Depot burned. One of the horses of the Capital Hose Company, which extinguishes the fire, drops dead in the stable after returning to quarters. The cause of death was supposed as a ruptured blood vessel while responding to the fire. [UF] (June 3, 1900)^no05jun00

Fire department members attended but did not compete in North Carolina State Firemen's Association tournament in Wilmington. (July 11-13, 1900)^nojul00

Holman Mill on Fayetteville Road burned. The fire was reported at 11:00 p.m. The mill was located outside the city and several hundred yards from a fire hydrant. Firefighters responded promptly, but can only assist with saving property in and around the building. Two colored firefighters were slightly hurt by a piece of falling tin. The mill has burned three times prior, the last time about two years ago. Both the mill and the gin were destroyed, with only seven bales of cotton saved. Loss about $2,000. [UF] (July 18, 1900)^no19jul00

Chief Mahler travelled to northern cities to investigate paid departments. The plan suggested for Raleigh had each of three hose companies retained in their present forms, but with a paid foreman and ten members in each company. Each man would receive a salary of about $100 a year, with the foreman making more. Gongs would be placed in the homes of each of the ten members. (August 1900)^no17aug00

Victor Company attended North Carolina Colored Firemen's Association tournament in Salisbury. Convened at the courthouse, the proceedings were called to order at 9:30 a.m. Hand engine and hose reel contests took place on the second day, and the remaining competitions took place on the third day. The Victor Hose Reel Company won first place in the hand hose reel contest, completing the 150 yards in 33 1/3 seconds. The company also won first prize in the grab race. (September 11, 1900)

Four fire companies operated during fiscal year ending February 28, 1900:

Department answers 39 alarms with total losses of $30,498.63, with insurance covering $25,022.13 as of February 28, 1900.^ar

City directory dated 1899-1900 summarized fire department as:

• Committee on Fire Department: C. C. McDonald, Chairman; Mayor A. M. Powell, J. S. Correll, G. M. Spence
• Chief: L. A. Mahler
• Assistant Chief: Walter Woollcott
• Hook and Ladder Company No. 1
• Rescue Company No. 1, 22 members
• Capital Hose Company No. 3, 25 members
• Victor Company No. 2, 27 members
• Total membership: 90 members
• Eleven paid and part paid members

1901

Raleigh Knitting Mills in western part of city destroyed by fire. The 12:30 a.m. blaze, near the Seaboard Air Line Railway track, also destroyed a boxcar of goods. Loss was nearly $25,000. The facility was in the process of moving to a new, nearby building. The blaze was believed caused by sparks from a passing locomotive. [MF] (February 15, 1901)^no15feb01

Building on South West Street burned. Alarm received at 5:20 p.m. from Box 36. Damage $300. Cause unknown. Owner L. G. Rogers. Occupant Annie Richardson. The alarm was received just after Senator James D. McNeill, who was president of the State Firemen's Association, turns in an alarm, to give an exhibition to visiting firemen and legislators. He was meeting with fire chiefs from around the state, in regard to legislation for fire companies. [UF] (March 4, 1901)^{ar, no06mar01}

Lonnie H. Lumsden elected Chief of Department. (June 8, 1901)^no09jun01

Fire department members attended North Carolina State Firemen's Association tournament in Charlotte. (July 24-26, 1901)^nojul01

Restaurant burned at State Fair. About 3:30 a.m., a wooden building containing a small restaurant was discovered aflame. It was located in the center of the Midway, between the booth of the "Alligator Boy" and a "snake show." Many heard screams from the burning building and efforts were made, but failed, to open the door. After the fire was out, the body of a young boy was found. There was also a report of $350 stolen from the "Alligator Boy" both, as well as foodstuffs stolen from a restaurant by some of the hundreds of "Midway people" at the fire. Unknown if fire department responded, or was even notified of the blaze. [UF] (October 25, 1901)^no26oct01

Watauga Building at A&M College burned. Fire was discovered about 11:00 p.m. and destroyed the combination dining hall, kitchen, and dormitory for fifty students. No residents were injured. Flames were discovered on the kitchen floor, appearing to start near the range and subsequently spreading with "remarkable rapidity." Three streams of water were turned onto the building from the college's water supply, with the "valiant students" organizing themselves into brigades. The Raleigh Fire Department was also summoned and responds with " the hook and ladder truck" and " hose wagons," but ends up being "of little assistance." The "brilliancy of the flames" was visible for miles and hundreds of people gather at the college, located a half-mile from the city limits, to watch the fire. Loss was $10,000. [MF] (November 29, 1901)^{ncsuscr, no01dec01}

Raleigh Water Company sold to Wake Water Company. ^rt07sep15

1902

Fire department hosted North Carolina State Firemen's Association tournament. Over thirty-two fire companies participated in the tournament, from cities and towns including Burlington, Charlotte, Concord, Durham, Elizabeth City, Fayetteville, Goldsboro, Greensboro, Henderson, High Point, New Bern, Rocky Mount, Salisbury, Salem, Southern Pines, Spencer, Washington, Wilson, and Winston. Raleigh's Hook and Ladder Company broke a "world's record" in their contest, competing against Greensboro. The Capital Hose Company also broke a "world's record," competing against Charlotte, Concord, Raleigh's Rescue Hose Company, Salem, Spencer, and Tarboro. The Capital Hose Company also won the Championship Reel Race after all other companies failed to "make a proper connection." The tournament also marked the last public appearance of the Rescue Company's 1870 steam fire engine. At the corner of Fayetteville and Davie Streets, company members competed in the "long distance" contest. To commemorate the victories of the Capital and Hook and Ladder companies, a barbecue was held on August 14 at the State Fair building. Over 300 people were present, including the Rescue, Capital, and Hook and Ladder companies as well as state, county, and city officers and other distinguished citizens. The menu consists of pig, chicken, and other meats, Brunswick stew, potato salad, tomatoes, and other trimmings. Ice-cold water, "huge tubs of lemonade," and other liquid refreshments were present. Finally, the " cigars in profusion" topped off the dinner. Some speeches were made and some sports events engaged in, including ball games and a race between two horses. (July 23-25, 1902)^nojul02

Victor Company hosted North Carolina Colored Firemen's Association tournament. The Victor Company hosted the event in Metropolitan Hall. The approval for the building was approved on August 1, along with a request for "25 uniforms consisting of cap, shirt, belt, and trousers at a cost not exceeding $62.50." The program:

Tuesday, August 26
9:00 a.m. Convention called to order by President J. S. Plummer. Prayer by William M. Walters, Rocky Mount, N.C. Address of welcome by Mr. C. L. Lumsden of the Capital Hose Reel Company. Response by L. R. Randolph, Washington, N.C. Regular order of business.

Wednesday, August 27
9:00 a.m. Street Parade
11:00 a.m. Hand Engine Contest - First place $25, second place $15
2:00 p.m. Hook and Ladder Contest - First place $25, second place $15
3:30 p.m. Championship Hand Reel Contest - First place State Belt
5:00 p.m. Chemical Contest - First place $5, second place $2.50
8:30 p.m. Oriental Dramatic Company presents a drama in three acts, "Saved from the Wreck."

Thursday, August 28
10:00 a.m. Hose Wagon Race - First place $20, second place $10
11:00 a.m. Hand Reel Contest - First place $30, second place $15, third place $5
2:00 p.m. Grab Reel Contest - First place $20, second place $10, third place $5
3:30 p.m. Special Feature Races - Wheelbarrow race $2, foot race $2.50

Among the many committees contributing to the organization of the event were the Governing Committee, the Music Committee, the Soliciting Committee, the Executive Committee, the Provision Committee, the Track and Water Committee, the Reception Committee, the Entertainment Committee, the Public Comfort Committee, and the Auditing Committee. Monetary contributors included the Capital Hose Company ($25), the Rescue Hose Company ($15), First Baptist Sunday School ($6), Captain S. E. Linton ($5), House of Ruth No. 1 ($5), House of Ruth No. 2 ($5),Jerusalem Lodge No. 6 ($5), Saint Ambrose Church ($4), the Victor Ladies ($3.80), Saint Matthew's Church ($1.25), and E. A. Johnson ($1). The parade took place on Fayetteville Street with enormous crowns lining the sidewalk.

The firemen present a "gorgeous spectacle" in their bright-colored uniforms, with red, white, and blue the predominate colors. Many wore red shits and some had blue trousers as well. The fire companies parading were Warrenton Plummer Engine Company No. 2, Winston Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, Rocky Mount Excelsior Hook and Ladder Company, Concord Hook and Ladder Company, Fulton Hook and Ladder Company of Tarboro, Athletic Hose Reel Company of Salisbury, Enterprise Hose Reel Company of Henderson, Winston Hose Reel Company of Winston, Red Hot Hose Reel company of Wilson, Salamander Hose Reel Company of Washington, Dibble Hose Company of Washington, Statesville Hose Reel Company, Henderson Hook and Ladder Company, and Raleigh's Victor Hose Wagon Company.

Immediately after the parade, the hand engine contest commenced at 12:30 p.m. at the intersection of Fayetteville and Davie Streets. Only one company entered and Warrenton Engine Company No. 2 shot water 100 yards in 37 seconds. They were awarded the $25 prize. At 2:30 p.m., the hook and ladder contest started on Wilmington Street. The 100 yard course was designated from Christ Church to the "unfinished colored church" at the corner of Morgan Street. A large grandstand was been erected, with a ten-cent admission charged. The Winston company won the hand- pulled contest and $25 award, with Concord and Tarboro following second and third respectively. The Rocky Mount company was ruled out after an accident. An individual foot race followed, won by Thomas Dulin of Hook and Ladder Company 2. The Championship Reel Race was ran about 5:00 p.m. Four companies from Henderson, Salisbury, and Winston competed in the 300-yard contest. The Winston Red Hots captured the silver cup.

The final day of the convention opened with the hose wagon contest. With only one entry, the Victor Hose Company completed the 300-yard run in 45 and 2/5 seconds. Reported the newspaper "the Raleigh wagon made a splendid run, and the buttsman and coupler jumped in perfect style and made the attachment of the hose with a hitch. The horses were excellently handled by the driver." The prize was $20. Raleigh also won the hand reel races with a 30 second time laying 150 yards of hose. Charlotte took second prize and Salisbury was third. The last races were the grab reel contests, won by a Winston company. (August 26, 1902)

The following companies operated during fiscal year ending March 1, 1902:

Department answered 59 alarms with total losses within City limits $2,823, with insurance covering $2,064 as of March 1, 1902.^ar

1903

Infirmary at St. Mary's College destroyed by fire. At 5:30 p.m., flames were discovered under the wood-frame building. The Raleigh Fire Department was immediately notified by telephone and two hose wagons responded. They took 1,800 feet of hose to connect to the hydrants within the city limits. Meanwhile, some 250 boys from A&M College arrived, and offered assistance. They helped save most of the furniture and personal effects from the building. The building was destroyed within thirty minutes. The loss was estimated at $1,500. Recounted alumni Peter Valaer, class of 1906, in the Agromeck: "Once we were lined up to be marched into the mess hall for supper [and] we saw dense smoke rising in the vicinity of Saint Mary's and we heard a rumor that Saint Mary's was on fire. We broke ranks and headed there as fast as possible, being quite fleet of foot in those days. I was one of the first to get there. The Saint Mary's Hospital was on fire-- from top to bottom-- and their rooms were filled with sick girls. Then I remembered there was a typhoid epidemic there at that time. On arrival we began hauling out girls from the building, laying them on the campus grass and rushing in the building for more. The excitement was intense and confusion reigned. The matron in charged checked on the blanket-covered girls and announced that "Mary" was still in one of the back upstairs rooms. Ward Shannonhouse, our famous pitcher at that time, dashed into the now furiously burning building. I followed him. Ward shoved me back saying that it was no use in more than one being burned to death, and up the burning steps he dashed, returning a few seconds later with the precious and beautiful Mary, wrapped in a burning blanket. Ward was also on fire and had hardly stumbled out of that burning inferno when the whole building collapsed into a huge burning mass. All the girls that were in the hospital had been saved, although some suffered small burned. I also had a small burn, which I was proud of because the girl's swarmed around me to give me first aid, and it was perhaps the happiest moment of my life. O. Max Gardner, who was on the scene, seeing all the attention that I was getting, said in disgust, just like a darn freshman having all the luck. It was a glorious night (only a building lost)but no one was seriously hurt and the lives of a number of girls [were] saved. The fire department arrived late and couldn't get the water started, to it was a happy thing that N.C. State College* was so near. The last thing I remember was a number of us were group and sang "good Saint Mary's, farewell (good night)to you, one last look into your eyes so blue," etc. When I got to my room I was very hungry because we had missed our supper that night. In my room I wrote the fire story of Saint Mary's in the Red and White (the monthly school paper). There was no doubt we saved the lives of most of the girls we hauled out because most of them in the hospital were quite sick and helpless. In our honor Saint Mary's gave us a party. We wore baby blue ribbons, badges and Saint Mary's colors, and the girls wore red and white dresses. It was a very happy occasion for N. C. State College." [MF] (January 9, 1903)^no10jan03

Office of Superintendent of Fire Alarm Telegraph placed under control of Chief of Fire Department. (May 6, 1903)^cm

W. A. Howell elected Chief of Department. Later replaced by assistant chief Walter Woollcott. (May 6, 1903)^cm

Fire Commission recommended to Board of Alderman that three men sleep at each engine house, to be furnished with bedding, to be paid, and to be on duty from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. (June 5, 1903)^cm

Fire department attended North Carolina State Firemen's Association tournament in Durham. The Capital Hose Company again broke a "world's record," winning the Championship Reel Race. Also competing was a junior reel team. To fund the attendance of the junior team, a lawn party was held at the Catholic parsonage on July 27. Miss Emma Roberts was voted "most popular young lady" and receives a rocking chair donated by Royall & Bordern. Gordon Harris was voted "most popular fireman" and receives a box of cigars from Mr. L. B. Peagram. The Southern Air Line Railroad provides lights and receipts total $25 after expenses. (July 23-25, 1902)^nojul02

Capital Hose Company wagon overturned on New Bern Avenue. The one-horse racing wagon, recently purchased and being driven for practice, occurred at corner of New Bern Avenue and Person Street at about 7:00 p.m. Three firefighters were hurt. [AI] (July 29, 1903)^no30jul03

City barn and stables at corner of Salisbury and Davie Street burned. Alarm received at 7:55 p.m. from Box 312. Companies No. 1, No. 3. and Hook and Ladder responded. Three streams and 1,800 feet of hose used. Four mules were rescued from the stables. The lower part of the building was not damaged, with only the roof requiring replacement. Loss $225. [UF] (October 12, 1903)^{ar, no14oct03}

Hill's city directory dated 1903 summarized fire department as "

• Chief - Walter Woollcott
• Assistant - M. W. Crocker
• Ladder Company No. 1, Morgan near Salisbury - W. W. Parrish, foreman
• Rescue Company No. 1, Fayetteville near County Courthouse - R. E. Lumsden, foreman
• Capital Hose Company No. 3, Morgan near Salisbury - J. F. Jordan, foreman
• Victor Hose Company No. 2 (colored), corner Blount and Hargett - William H. Palmer, foreman.

Sanborn fire insurance map dated July 1903 summarized fire department as

• paid and volunteer
• Chief, Assistant Chief, and 100 men
• eight horses
• three fire engine houses
• all drives paid and on constant duty
• extra paid man at each house from 9 p.m. until morning
• Gamewell fire alarm system
• 32 boxes, storage battery system, four-circuit repeater
• 37 volunteer members have gongs in their rooms
• three two-horse hose wagons
• 1,000' 2 1/2" cotton, rubber-lined house and cut-off nozzles with each wagon
• one two-horse hook and ladder truck
• one Gould steam fire engine in reserve
• 1,000' of standard hose
• [hydrant] pressure from tank 50 pounds, fire or direct pressure 60 to 100 pounds
• city population 20,000. 

1904

Four buildings in Louisburg burned. The fire started at 3:05 a.m. Upon receiving the news in Raleigh, preparations were made to send the Rescue Steam Company by train. Before the train left, word was received that the fire has been checked. The fire was controlled at 6:00 a.m. [MA] (January 22, 1904)^no23jan04

Building on E. Davie Street burned. Alarm received at 1:28 a.m. from Box 24. All four companies responded. Five streams, and 2,850 feet of hose used. Damage $4,110.50. [MF?] (February 5, 1904)^ar

Abbreviations

Sources