The Evolution of the Evanston Fire Department: A Historical Perspective
Following the devastating Lincoln Avenue schoolhouse fire in March 1894, the city of Evanston took significant steps to improve its emergency response capabilities. At a cost of $4,000, a Gamewell Fire Alarm Telegraph system was installed between November 1894 and February 1895. Initially equipped with 20 fire alarm boxes, this system marked a major advancement in public safety. By 1905, the number of active boxes had grown to 37, and by 1935, it reached 51. In 1958, the old telegraph system was replaced by a more modern network of 80 emergency telephones from Western Electric, further enhancing communication across the city.
Beyond allowing citizens to report fires, the fire alarm telegraph played a crucial role in internal communication within the department. Firefighters, especially officers or the chief’s driver, could send updates from the scene to the chief's home, fire stations, waterworks, and the police switchboard. This two-way communication allowed for quick coordination, ensuring that firefighters were always informed about new incidents or critical developments during emergencies.
In the same year the telegraph system was activated, the Evanston City Council allocated another $4,000 to acquire the department’s first steam fire engine. Built in Cincinnati by Ahrens Manufacturing Company, a subsidiary of the American Fire Engine Company, the engine was named “City of Evanston No. 1.†It was a second-size Metropolitan steamer, equipped with a two-horse hitch and capable of pumping 600 gallons per minute. The engine was put into service at Station #1 in April 1895, just two months after the telegraph system was fully installed.
Since no additional horses were available, the two used for the Babcock chemical engine were reassigned to the steam engine, leaving the chemical unit in reserve until more horses could be acquired—something that didn’t happen until 1899.
J. A. "Dad" Patrick, a former Waterworks engineer, was hired as the fire department’s engineer in 1895. He was responsible for operating the steam engine. In 1896, Edward Mersch joined as an assistant engineer, supporting Patrick and taking over when he was unavailable. During the steam era, engineers were highly valued, often earning the second-highest salary in the department, just behind the chief. Even as late as 1904, the assistant engineer of Engine Co. 1 earned as much as the company officer—a testament to the importance of their role.
Civil Service regulations were introduced for city employees in 1895, and only five fire department members—Jack Sweeting, George Hargreaves, Carl Harms, Edwin Whitcomb, and J. A. Patrick—qualified under the new system. The position of fire marshal remained exempt. Jack Sweeting was promoted to captain of Engine Co. 1 around this time. Five new firefighters, including Assistant Engineer Ed Mersch, were hired after passing Civil Service exams. Like soldiers on duty, all firefighters were required to be available at all times, though they were allowed short meal breaks and occasional furloughs.
In 1897, a combined fire and police headquarters was built at the northwest corner of Grove and Sherman. Funded by a $40,000 bond approved in 1896, the building featured four large bays for fire apparatus and a fifth bay as a garage for the city’s first horse-drawn police ambulance. The facility was abandoned in 1949 and later demolished. For over 25 years, the land served as a parking lot for the Valencia Theatre before becoming the site of one of Evanston’s first high-rise office buildings, originally known as One American Plaza. Construction began in December 1975 and was completed in 1977, marking a new chapter in the city’s development.
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