Another Chapter in the History of the Evanston Fire Department On Thursday, March 11, 1909, at noon, the Evanston Fire Department rushed to a fire at the Villa Celeste, a grand South Evanston estate owned by P. Leonard ("Guy") McKinnie at 721 Sheridan Road. Chief Carl Harrison, following standard procedure, directed firefighters to use soda-acid chemicals from one of the chemical engines to douse the attic fire. His aim was to limit water damage to the rest of the mansion. However, the fire had spread deep into the walls and ceilings, making it difficult to pinpoint and extinguish the source. As the fire intensified, firefighters deployed over 3,000 feet of hose—two 2-1/2-inch lines from Engine 1, a direct line from a nearby hydrant, and a line from the chemical apparatus—to battle the blaze. Despite their efforts, the flames continued to spread through the attic and third floor. Water began seeping into the lower levels, prompting neighbors to enlist kids from Lincoln School to help the McKinnies evacuate their valuable art pieces and antiques. It quickly became apparent that the fire was outpacing their efforts. Frustrated, McKinnie pleaded with Chief Harrison to summon the reserve steam engine from Fire Station #2 on Chicago Avenue. He even volunteered to send his own horse-drawn carriage to fetch it. Harrison declined, explaining that the problem wasn't water pressure. For six grueling hours, the firefighters fought valiantly, but by evening, the Villa Celeste was largely destroyed. Six firefighters sustained injuries during the ordeal: Even after the initial firefighting efforts ended, the fire reignited around 11:30 PM, forcing firefighters back to the scene for another hour. In total, the damage amounted to $40,000—the fourth highest fire loss in Evanston's history at the time. Only three prior fires caused more destruction: the tragic Mark Manufacturing fire in 1905, the Lincoln Avenue schoolhouse fire in 1894, and the Willard Block fire in 1872. Chief Harrison later remarked, "Dozens of engines couldn't have saved the house... the only way to stop it would have been to sink the whole thing into the lake." While the fire was finally extinguished, tensions ran high among the community. McKinnie and other wealthy South Evanston residents renewed calls for Evanston to consider annexation by Chicago, arguing that better resources were needed. Fire Marshal James Horan of the Chicago Fire Department dismissed the idea, pointing out that Chicago itself lacked proper fire coverage in many areas. He noted that Chicago urgently needed upgrades elsewhere, particularly at the Stock Yards. Tragically, Horan’s assessment proved accurate. On December 22, 1910, he and 20 others died when a wall collapsed during a fire at the Stock Yards. The events surrounding the Villa Celeste fire served as a stark reminder of the challenges facing both cities—and the critical need for improved fire safety measures. As I reflect on this story, I can't help but think how far firefighting has come since then. Today, we have advanced equipment and protocols to handle such situations, but the dedication and bravery of those early firefighters remain inspiring. It's humbling to realize how much we owe to their sacrifices. Paper cosmetic packaging tube,cosmetic packaging paper tube,cosmetic paper tube packaging Shenzhen Xinhaichang Paper Products Co., Ltd. , https://www.xhcpackaging.com
Evanston Fire Department History – Part 17
The Burning of Villa Celeste
Â
In 1892, the Village of Evanston absorbed South Evanston, forming the larger city we know today. Those in favor of the merger believed that uniting would prevent either village from being swallowed by Chicago. Their fears seemed justified when Rogers Park, just to the south, joined Chicago in 1893. Some residents of South Evanston, particularly Alderman Pat O’Neill, pushed for Evanston to seek annexation by Chicago, arguing that larger cities could provide better public services, especially fire protection. Chicago made an offer in 1894, but Evanston voters rejected it. The annexation question seemed settled—until it wasn’t.
Next Article
Safety First
Prev Article
Working fire in Des Plaines, 12-12-19