  Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1485 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 63.157.67.114 |
Marcena Taylor in 1938, Engine Co 34, Livernois and Warren, he later made Battalion Chief in 1969, retired in 1971. (I had a book handy, and I misread era as area, hence the edit.) (Message edited by Hornwrecker on August 24, 2006) | ||
The_rock Member Username: The_rock Post Number: 1374 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 68.42.251.225 |
I beieve that the current Detroit fireboat, the CURTIS RANDOLPH, was named after the first black firefighter to have died in the line of duty. I have never had that verified, however, other than he was a black firefighter for the city. | ||
Detroitteacher Member Username: Detroitteacher Post Number: 508 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 205.188.116.137 |
Nope, no one has it yet. Ealier time periods...just a hint | ||
Crew Member Username: Crew Post Number: 1016 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 146.9.52.31 |
1701 | ||
Detroitteacher Member Username: Detroitteacher Post Number: 509 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 205.188.116.137 |
1701?? Nah. A few years later than that!!  His initials are AB | ||
Detroitteacher Member Username: Detroitteacher Post Number: 510 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 205.188.116.137 |
Rock: Curtis Randoph died in October 28, 1977 at age 22 while on duty. | ||
Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1490 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 63.157.67.227 |
The transom of the Curtis Randolph  WSU/VMC Crappy drawing of the Detroiter, first DFD fireboat  DetNews Water cannon on fireboat, possibly the James R Elliot. That's one large piece of brightwork to polish.  WSU/VMC Does anyone know of any pictures of the James R Elliott? I can't find any so far. | ||
Detroitteacher Member Username: Detroitteacher Post Number: 512 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 205.188.116.137 |
Here is a pic of the RANDOLPH  (Message edited by detroitteacher on August 24, 2006) | ||
Detroitteacher Member Username: Detroitteacher Post Number: 513 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 205.188.116.137 |
Here is a pic of the John Kendall  | ||
Dfd Member Username: Dfd Post Number: 101 Registered: 09-2004 Posted From: 216.68.225.2 |
Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for all the stories, pictures, and maps. Alot to be proud of! Keep em comin'! | ||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 2767 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.43.15.105 |
The Battle was named after Detroit's first fire chief, Chief James Battle, 1865-1895:  The fire boat James R. Elliott was named after Detroit's 2nd Fire Chief:  Chief Elliott, 1895-1898:  And the John Kendall was named after the 3rd fire chief, Chief Kendall, 1898-1907:  The Curtis Randolph was named after the first African-American Detroit fire fighter killed in the line of duty:  | ||
Detroitteacher Member Username: Detroitteacher Post Number: 514 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 205.188.116.137 |
Ok, since you all are not playing Firefighter trivia...the first black firefighter for the City of Deteroit was Alfred J Brown. Although exact dates are unavailable, he began firefighting for C of D in the 1890s. | ||
Busterwmu Member Username: Busterwmu Post Number: 265 Registered: 09-2004 Posted From: 68.164.106.81 |
Curtis Randolph fireboat: Built in 1979. Can Pump over 11,700 gallons of water a minute. Apparently the Fireboat is extremely underfunded, as it rarely fits out before June. This year, it didn't come out till the fireworks. I believe The Rock is correct - I've heard the same story about who Curtis Randolph was, and why the boat is named for him. | ||
Dfd Member Username: Dfd Post Number: 103 Registered: 09-2004 Posted From: 66.161.214.251 |
Fire on Linwood 2002   | ||
Detroitteacher Member Username: Detroitteacher Post Number: 517 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 152.163.100.8 |
The Rock is correct about the name of the Randolph and why it was named the Curtis Randolph. That info also came from my dad. | ||
Detroitteacher Member Username: Detroitteacher Post Number: 519 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 64.12.116.204 |
Ok, mom thinks a firebrat reunion is a good idea. She said she'd help in anyway she could. She also said the Field Day would probably be the best bet for a time and locale. I'll contact the Fireman's Fund and see what help they can give... | ||
Dfd Member Username: Dfd Post Number: 104 Registered: 09-2004 Posted From: 66.161.214.251 |
Outstanding! | ||
Dfd Member Username: Dfd Post Number: 105 Registered: 09-2004 Posted From: 66.161.214.251 |
Engine 23   | ||
Detroitteacher Member Username: Detroitteacher Post Number: 522 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 205.188.116.137 |
Funny seeing that picture of the hose brought back to mind another story. I won't mention any houses, but one of them lost a hose. Fell right off the back of the truck. Not sure if it was human error or what. The drove back (luckily they didn't need the hose) and there it was all lined up in the street like Hansel and Gretl's breadcrumbs. No one took it or bothered to move it. I can just imagine being in the car behind them. One of the guys said folks kept waving at them but they just thought the people were being friendly. They blamed it on the rookie, of course (all in jest, he didn't get in trouble). | ||
Dfd3117 Member Username: Dfd3117 Post Number: 1 Registered: 08-2006 Posted From: 152.163.100.8 |
The Fallen Firefighter Memorial Rig Open House is on Wednesday August 30,2006 in Howell. The body is being completely re-built out of Aluminum while the original skin will be saved. It is a 1937 Seagrave Safety Sedan and started as Eng. 13 or Eng. 21. | ||
Detroitteacher Member Username: Detroitteacher Post Number: 528 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 64.12.116.204 |
Thanks for the bump and the reminder aboput the memorial Rig, Dfd3117. Welcome to our little (ok, it's getting much bigger) thread of happy memories and great conversation. Anything you'd like to share about the job, this is the place! | ||
Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1501 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 65.140.157.228 |
This is the second iteration of Engine 1/Ladder 1/Headquarters. This one was built in 1889 and lasted until 1929 when the current HQ was built.  Photograph from the 1920s, WSU/VMC  The following are some photos at the Marquette County FFs' page on the DFD, that I resized and cleaned up/retouched a bit. Possibly Eng 1 from 1890s.  Hose Co 1 ?  Ladder 1  http://marquettecountyfirefighters.net/DFD.htm | ||
Dfd Member Username: Dfd Post Number: 106 Registered: 09-2004 Posted From: 216.68.225.2 |
What a shame to build such a nice firehouse and then tear it down 40 years later | ||
Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1504 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 66.2.148.15 |
These photos are from a fire that happened on the 400 block (between Cass & 1st) of Michigan Ave sometime in the 1930s. Probably Engine 1/Ladder 1 responding and it looks like Rescue 1 in the second photo (big-ass bell on hood).  A view of the gawkers  WSU/VMC Looking at the first photo there is a sign that says "theatre", and the tool store signs look like they were formerly a marquee. I've looked at the old theatre db, and nothing shows up for this block, only the Loop Theatre on the other side of the street. | ||
Dfd Member Username: Dfd Post Number: 107 Registered: 09-2004 Posted From: 216.68.225.2 |
Excellent pictures! Thanks for posting them. | ||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 2771 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.43.15.105 |
Using my 1925 directory, the John R. Sullivan Furniture Co was located at 450 Michigan but the Loop Theater was not listed. Jumping to 1935, the Loop Theater was at 420 Michigan but the Sullivan Furniture store is gone. I can't vouch for the accuracy of the directory listings, but that would place the fire between those years. 1935 has a Lyric Theater listed at 419 Michigan Ave (the Lyric Hotel in 1925). Also on that block in 1935: Cass intersection 407 Lyric Lunch 411 Peoples Hotel 415-417 Nathan's Loan Office 419 Samuel Manster, lodging house 421 Lyric Theater 423 Abraham Katz, pawnbroker 427 vacant 429 S & G Grocery Co 431 Liberty Clothing Co 433 vacant 435 vacant 437 Samuel Reznik, 2nd hand clothing Abbott Ave begins | ||
Walkerpub Member Username: Walkerpub Post Number: 89 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 67.68.10.171 |
Windsor Fire Hall Postcard #1: The Windsor Fire Hall was located on the north side of Pitt Street between McDougall and Windsor Avenues, across from the old City Market. Note the horse-drawn firefighting equipment of the day. Early in Windsor’s history, fires were frequent and often raged out of control due to an inadequate water supply; Windsor’s most reliable fire-fighting equipment in the early 1860’s was the volunteer bucket brigade.  | ||
Walkerpub Member Username: Walkerpub Post Number: 90 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 67.68.10.171 |
Windsor Fire Fighters # 2: Windsor firefighters pose with their newly acquired Walkerville-built 1910 W.E. Seagrave fire truck, and its horse-drawn 85-foot aerial ladder. Seagraves turned out hundreds of fire trucks for fire departments across Canada and the United States from its factory (which is closed but still stands) on Walker Road in Olde Walkerville.  | ||
Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1508 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 66.19.24.174 |
Thanks Mikem for filling in with the details. I forgot to include a photo of the current HQ, from a shot of looking down Washington Blvd, 1960-ish.  wsu/vmc | ||
Dfd Member Username: Dfd Post Number: 108 Registered: 09-2004 Posted From: 66.161.214.251 |
Can't you just see 5 or 6 rigs coming out of there! Great picture. | ||
Lowell Board Administrator Username: Lowell Post Number: 2901 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.167.211.213 |
Three from Highland Park. Headquarters at City Hall on Gerald East of Woodward.  Hamilton at Puritan.  Sturtevant west of Hamilton  Isn't this sadly ironic in view of Esteban's post today... | ||
Dfd Member Username: Dfd Post Number: 109 Registered: 09-2004 Posted From: 66.161.214.251 |
Hi Lowell, Sad isn't it. Is the station on Gerald the only one open? | ||
Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1517 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 66.2.148.144 |
Nothing sadder than a burned out firehouse, or is it ironic? This is the map for Ladder 5/Repair Depot from the 1921 Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, at Erskine and Russel, just north of Eastern Mkt. Russell School is just to the north of it.  Ladder 5 details here: http://www.detroitfirefighters.net/ladder_companies.htm I looked at the 1949 aerial survey, and this place is a gravel parking lot then, mostly full of trucks from the market. | ||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 2781 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.43.15.105 |
Isn't that the current location of Sala Thai?  Built 1888?  Ladder No 5?   | ||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 2782 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.43.15.105 |
Engine 13 was originally located at Russell and Ferry but moved to new quarters in 1951. Ironically on March 2, 1970, they were called back to a fire which destroyed their former home:  The photo shows Boat Tender 1 (Larned & Washington) and Ladder 7 (2nd & Burroughs) helping at the scene. The station was being used as a tire shop at the time. | ||
Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1523 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 66.2.148.40 |
 culma/wsu Finally found it, I should have counted up from Eastern Mkt, instead of down from Mack. The earlier aerials were a bit grainy, though they showed some activity. | ||
Mtm Member Username: Mtm Post Number: 73 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 134.67.6.11 |
Hornwrecker, Hate to say this but the view of HQ is north on Washington Blvd. from about the vacinity of Cobo Hall. I don't think there are any Engine Houses on Woodward, itself. | ||
Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1530 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 66.19.20.183 |
Mtm, Woodward? Your above post is the first mention of it on this page. Anyway, these photos are from 2/9/59 fire at the Packard factory. I can't find any other info on it.    all from wsu/vmc | ||
Mtm Member Username: Mtm Post Number: 74 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 134.67.6.11 |
Hornwrecker, Mea culpa! In zooming between reading postings here and other stuff, I misread your Washington as Woodward.  | ||
Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1538 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 66.2.148.3 |
The firehouse for the Brightmoor Twp FD, on 15105 Burt St, near 12th St(?), 1926. The street south of this is Outer Drive.  | ||
Dfd Member Username: Dfd Post Number: 110 Registered: 09-2004 Posted From: 66.161.214.251 |
The buildings with a "D"....does that stand for dwelling? | ||
Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1541 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 66.2.149.31 |
D = single family residence F = multiple family dwelling/apartments S = store A = automobile garage There is a very large index for all of the codes and symbols that they use, ranging from construction details, fire-proofing, etc.... The maps also show locations of all fire mains and sizes, type of fire plugs, and pretty much anything that you can think of related to fire safety of the buildings. Any thoughts on the direction of this thread? Keep going as is, or should I start taking requests for firehouse maps? I've indexed all of them that I can find, and put into a db, so I can jump around and not have to do them in order. | ||
Detroitteacher Member Username: Detroitteacher Post Number: 571 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 205.188.116.137 |
I'd like to see anything fire related...memories, maps, pics, whatever. | ||
Dfd Member Username: Dfd Post Number: 111 Registered: 09-2004 Posted From: 66.161.214.251 |
Does the "D" on those buildings mean Dwelling? OK firebrats lets hear some funny stories from your dad. Like slipping on the ice in front of the guys (or the chief), or the hose unloading by itsself in an earlier post.  | ||
Dfd Member Username: Dfd Post Number: 112 Registered: 09-2004 Posted From: 66.161.214.251 |
sorry about asking the same question twice. I didnt refresh the screne. | ||
Detroitteacher Member Username: Detroitteacher Post Number: 572 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 205.188.116.137 |
I told most of my funny stories. Many pranks by the guys to each other... One fav is when they, during inspection, had changed everyone's uniforms to a smaller size. They all looked like goofballs standing there and no one could change in time. The chief wasn't happy. I probably can think of more and will post them as they come to me. | ||
Dfd Member Username: Dfd Post Number: 113 Registered: 09-2004 Posted From: 66.161.214.251 |
I heard about a fireman (not Detroit) that had 2 tons of coal delivered to another firemans driveway. | ||
Detroitteacher Member Username: Detroitteacher Post Number: 577 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 205.188.116.137 |
That wouldn't be shocking from the stories I've heard dad tell. Growing up in a the firemen's neighborhood, we saw plenty of that type of stuff going on. Sand, firewood, snow. Everyone snowblowed (not sure if it's a word, but it is now) and plowed their snow and the snow from the street into a fellow firefighter's drive. It looked like a mountain. I do have a personal story as well as one from my dad (we were both on the scene). One of the rooms at the school (it was vacant at the time) where I work caught fire. It was on the first floor. We have plexiglass/bullutproff/unbreak able glass on the first floor windows. This rookie took an axe and was going to break the window to get in (don't know why the door wasn't an option). He hit the window with the axe and fell backward like a cartoon. The window didn't even crack. All the guys stood by and watched him do this. Dad was the Cheif on scene and he was laughing so hard. He gave the rookie a lesson on windows and trying to break them. The rest of the guys then went in through the door and put the fire out. It may have been funnier had you seen it up close and heard all the guys razzing this poor rookie. Later, they gave him a piece of the window (it had melted and they took it out, I saved it and gave it to the guys to give to this rookie). He took it all in stride. | ||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 2789 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.43.15.105 |
Two-alarm fire today on W Chicago near Meyers:   | ||
Mtm Member Username: Mtm Post Number: 82 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 68.43.29.171 |
Okay, Guys, I've been searching history sites, etc. but I can't seem to find out which rig, responding to a false alarm in icy conditions in the 60's, rolled over. I believe that one firefighter was killed and his brother, Andre, who was in same unit was left brain damaged. I remember it clearly because, if Dad hadn't busted-out for band practice, he would have been on the back of the rig and might have been lost. I think it was Engine 47 or 56 because it was close to home but I can't find ANYTHING from that far back. Our family has pretty decent guardian angels because Dad made it out of several pretty close ones... | ||
Dfd Member Username: Dfd Post Number: 114 Registered: 09-2004 Posted From: 66.161.214.251 |
What was on fire? Good pictures! | ||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 2801 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.43.15.105 |
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pb cs.dll/article?AID=/20060901/U PDATE/609010463 | ||
Dfd Member Username: Dfd Post Number: 115 Registered: 09-2004 Posted From: 66.161.214.251 |
Looks like Ladder 17. What was the other Ladder? | ||
Dfd Member Username: Dfd Post Number: 116 Registered: 09-2004 Posted From: 66.161.214.251 |
Mikem, Do you have a digital trunking scanner? | ||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 2803 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.43.15.105 |
Three Ladder Cos were there: 17, 22, and I didn't catch the third - possibly 21? No I don't have a scanner. | ||
Admin Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 601 Registered: 09-2003 |
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