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Evanston Fire Department history – Part 2
On May 2, 1875, the Evanston Fire Department (EFD) faced one of its earliest challenges when they responded to a fire at the First Presbyterian Church located at Lake and Chicago Streets. Despite arriving promptly, the firefighters were unable to save the building due to a critical miscommunication between those on the scene and the engineer at the Waterworks engine-house. The firefighters mistakenly believed they had received confirmation from the engineer to increase water pressure when they heard what they thought was an acknowledgment—a sound that was actually a train whistle from the nearby C&NW Railway. By the time a messenger was dispatched on horseback to clarify the situation, the church had already been consumed by the flames.
This incident prompted the establishment of a telegraph line connecting the village hall with the Waterworks later that month. Although communication improved over time—eventually transitioning to telephones in the 1880s—the tragic events surrounding the First Presbyterian Church fire were far from forgotten. Tragically, the church was rebuilt only to succumb to another fire in February 1894.
The legal foundation for the EFD was laid on May 25, 1875, with an ordinance officially establishing the department, which came into effect on May 29th after publication in the local newspaper. However, the roots of the department can be traced back to January 7, 1873, when the Village Board of Trustees accepted the Pioneer Fire Company for service.
In January 1875, the C.J. Gilbert Hose Company was formed and, after six months of evaluation, was accepted by the village board in August 1875, becoming one of Evanston's two volunteer hose companies alongside the Pioneer Hose Company No. 1. Each company was equipped with a hand-drawn, two-wheeled hose cart—one built by Silsby, the other by G.W. Hannis—and 1,000 feet of 2-1/2-inch hose. Their arsenal also included various nozzles, tools, and other essential gear. William Gamble, the foreman of the Gilbert Hose Company and a local grocer, served as the village Fire Marshal from November 1876 to May 1878. Similarly, W.R. "Bob" Bailey, the foreman of the Pioneer Fire Company and a butcher, held the position from May 1878 to July 1883. Bailey's Meat Market & Ice House was among the businesses destroyed in the Willard Block fire of 1872.
For nearly six years, from January 1875 until April 1881, the EFD consisted solely of these two volunteer companies. All equipment and supplies were village-owned, and both companies maintained their gear and conducted monthly meetings on the first floor of the village hall. Annual celebrations, such as the Firemen’s Balls, were highlights of the community calendar, with the Pioneers hosting theirs on St. Patrick’s Day and the Gilberts on New Year’s Eve. The tradition of these gatherings has faded into history, leaving behind only stories of friendly rivalry and camaraderie.
Each company had a leadership structure comprising a foreman (company commander), a first assistant foreman, a second assistant foreman, a third assistant foreman, a secretary, and a treasurer—all elected annually by the company members. Prospective members required unanimous approval from existing members. Most members hailed from local businesses or their staff.
The Pioneer Hose Company No. 1 earned a reputation as one of Illinois' elite hose companies, frequently participating in state competitions. Their uniforms were elaborate, featuring navy blue caps, red flannel shirts adorned with black trim and a number "1" on the front, along with black belts trimmed in white. They often secured the latest equipment and had their foreman appointed as the village fire marshal. In contrast, the C.J. Gilbert Hose Company, formed by a group of former Pioneer members, refrained from participating in state competitions, lacked formal uniforms, and were viewed as less prestigious within the department.
Like many volunteer fire departments of the era, the two companies maintained a friendly rivalry, engaging in playful antics after extinguishing fires. They also raced to be the first to arrive, the first to deploy water, and the first to put out the flames. Unfortunately, the Village Board occasionally favored one company over the other, such as appointing the Pioneer foreman as fire marshal or favoring one company with new equipment. These decisions often left the Gilberts feeling undervalued.
Despite the rarity of fires in Evanston, both companies experienced notable incidents, particularly on January 2, 1879. At 9 PM, firefighters braved freezing temperatures—reportedly as low as -20°F—to respond to a fire at Dempster Hall, a dormitory on the Northwestern University campus. Built in 1854, it was one of Evanston's oldest buildings. Three hours later, the vacant dormitory lay gutted, and the exhausted firefighters returned to their stations. That night wasn't over yet, as another alarm sounded at 2 AM, this time at the Northwestern Gas Light & Coke Company facility at Clark and Maple. Firefighters managed to contain the damage, destroying coal sheds, coal, and tar barrels, but not before indulging in playful water fights. Thankfully, modern-day firefighters have grown out of such antics.
Two significant fires occurred in early 1879 near Church and Wesley Streets. One destroyed the home of Northwestern professor Kistler while saving the furniture and library. Another devastated the mansion of Charles Browne, founder of North Evanston, though firefighters salvaged the furniture, library, and two neighboring homes. These fires stirred discontent within the EFD, prompting demands for better compensation, additional equipment, and proper attire. The village trustees eventually provided coats, gloves, and boots, but not enough for both companies. Foreman Bob Bailey allocated the gear, favoring the Pioneers, further fueling tensions. When a new play-pipe was acquired, the Pioneers proposed a muster competition, offering it as a prize. The Gilberts declined, fearing it would set a precedent for future disputes.
On New Year’s Eve 1880, the two companies faced a challenging fire at the residence of prominent citizen John H. Kedzie. Cold weather hindered turnout, but those who responded battled fiercely, saving furniture but losing the house. This event sparked renewed demands for better conditions, which went unmet. On May 23, 1881, both companies disbanded en masse, marking the end of volunteer firefighting in Evanston.
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