|
Logan Hose, No. 1
During the last year of the Civil War, a fire, which swept along the entire west side of Allegheny Street, from High to Bishop Streets, clearly demonstrated the necessity of a better form of fire control. Until this time, fire fighting duties were chiefly handled by the bucket brigade. In 1868 the borough purchased a hose carriage from the Schuylkill Hose Company of Philadelphia. Logan Hose company was organized with fifty-three charter members. John N. Lane was chosen foreman. Meetings were held in a stable that occupied their site on Howard street. Logan hose lasted until 1870, and then, because of a lack of appropriation by the Borough Council for maintaining the company, the organization disbanded.
Later in 1870 there was a reorganization, and on June 24, 1872, the company was chartered. There were ninety-four charter members. In 1871 E. J. Humes built the hose house anleased it to the borough.
During the 1870s, a great rivalry existed between the Logan Hose Co. & the Undine Hose Co. This resulted in quick response, as each company would race to be the "first" on scene. Far too often, though, the companies would swiftly arrive at a fire only to find that the Borough water system could not provide adequate water until they started the steam pumps at the spring, and the water pressure built up to a point that sufficient water could be trained on the fire. As a result, both companies would race to a fire with a full complement of equipment, only to stand by and watch the building burn to the ground.
By 1885 the Borough agreed to take over the maintenance of the department and both companies were placed under the direct control of the council. The Logan Co. continue to occupy its quarters on West Howard Street, where the borough Council also had its headquarters. New engines and other supplies were purchased at this time.
In December, 1890, the company purchased from the Silsby company, Seneca Falls, N. Y., one of their "best and latest improved" steam fire engines, "a powerful machine for throwing water."
Their equipment in 1895 consisted of a hose carriage and 500 feet of hose, a hose cart and 400 feet, hook and ladder truck. Other equipment included gum overcoats and boots for service, and for dress occasions they had handsome red and black uniforms consisting of regulation, long drab overcoats, helmets and belts.
Near the end of the ninth team century so many disastrous fires had occurred in the town that the council again we organize the department, creating one ahead and placing both companies under its management at fires. In 1897 council erected a new borough building and installed the Logan Co. therein. The borough purchased a more modern engine for the Logan Co.
By 1920 a further reorganization was made in the department and in the following year the entire company was fully motorized under the direction of Robert E. Kline, with George Carpeneto as his active assistant. In 1927 John J. Bower, Esq., was made fire marshal and devoted much of his time to the betterment of the service.
|
|
