View Full Version : Coal Region Incidents
From time to time doing researchI find incidents of interest that happen in Schuylkill or Northumberland County in the Coal Fields. I send them along to a coupla buddies but thought the readers of CentralPaFire might enjoy them too:
August 15, 1933. Fire destroyed St. Aidan’s Roman Catholic Church at Ellengowan(1 mile south or east of Chendo). While Mahanoy City and Chendo rigs were there, fire was reported in Mahanoy City where three buildings were heavily damaged. Damage was about $50K. While at the first blaze, too many spectators vehicles blocked the MCFD rigs in, so they threw hose onto coal trucks and responded that way.(two different articles reported conflicting information-not even sure of the name of the church)
October 22, 1933, Firemen from Frackville/ Gilberton/Pottsville fought a blaze in the creek at Frackville by the Gulf Oil Company plant. (From Mike Glore):10/21/33 - 13:00 - Gasoline leaking from Gulf Oil Company tanks ignited in drain. Pottsville sent West End ('28 Ahrens-Fox??) and 11 boxes of Foamite from Yorkville Hose & Fire Co.
November 13, 1933, Mt. Carmel. St. Mary‘s Catholic Church heavily damaged $50,000 loss
November 28, 1933, Locust Valley (Mahanoy City) large barn destroyed loss $10,000.
December 11, 1933, Ashland. Four year old child playing with matches set fire that destroyed an apparel store of Samuel Bronstein and heavily damaged an adjacent haberdashery and grocery store. Loss $100,000
January 4, 1934, Mt. Carmel. Christmas tree started fire which destroyed eight house and left 36 homeless. Loss $60,000
January 30, 1934. Shamokin. Washington Grade School destroyed $75,000
February 12, 1934 -Minersville. St. George’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church destroyed loss $50,000
February 15, 1934- Tamaqua. House fire. Three year old rescued out the second floor window by a passerby. Loss $10,000
March 14, 1934, Exchange (Mt. Carmel) Four houses destroyed and a 9 year old girl perished. Loss $25,000
March 15, 1934, Chendo-Threat of a terrific gasoline explosion in the Mahanoy Valley, when fire broke out in a warehouse late yesterday and melted the supply lines attached to two storage tanks each containing 12,500 gallons of gasoline, faded early today when the flames died out after consuming the entire fuel supply.More than 30 families deserted their homes and fled to the hillsides when it was found the storage tanks, owned by the Tidewater Oil Company at Lower William Penn, would explode. Company officials estimated the loss at about $25,000.
April 2, 1934, Pottsville. Fire swept thru a 60’ coal conveyor at the plant of the Pottsville Steam Heating Company, tonight and for a time threatened to cut off the steam heat supply of more than 230 buildings in the central section of the city. Every fire company in the city, comprising 19 pieces of apparatus, was called out. Additional notes from Mike Glore of Pottville:Box 51 was struck for Railroad and Minersville Sts. at 20:44. The Good IntentFire Co. was one of thosethat would've lost heat as the firehouse was one of theSteam Heat customers. 19 pieces of fire apparatus is pretty surprising at that time - especially considering Greenwood Hill wasn't even in existence. Evenfiguring each engine company as a "two-piece" company, I only come up with 13...interesting. Today you'd get 11 pieces of fire apparatus and likely 6 squad/utility units on a true "general alarm," so the total number of fire vehicles really hasn't changed all that much.
April 18, 1934, Pottsville. Fire swept the Sheelar(?) Garage downtown. Loss $10,000. James Grace, 23, night watchman was found dead in the front seat of a car by suffocation. Four autos destroyed and 14 damaged. Again from Mike:Boxes 18 and 51 (again) were hooked at 03:42.Fire damaged the SheelerGarage and Liederkrantz Hall at Railroad and E. Race St. Fire records list watchman overcome by smoke, butfirst inclinationfrom the newspaper description is COpoisoning? Cause of the fire is listed as unknown.
May 5, 1934-Pottsville-frame school building at Raven run was destroyed with a loss of $30,000.
Mike adds this:May 7, 1934 - Branchdale - Still alarm at 15:15 - Branchdale fire chief requested helpon a brush fire that destroyed 10 homes.Pottsvillesent West End, Yorkville, and Humane.
May 14, 1934, Tamaqua. Mineshaft of the Greenwood Colliery Burns. $125,000 to $250,000 damage. 700 miners out of work.
May 16, 1934, Mine foreman killed and 5 others injured in explosion in mine shaft, Bast Mine. Philadelphia and ReadingIron and Coal Company
June 22, 1934,A mysterious explosion and fire caused damage estimated by fire officials at $5,000 to the rectory of the St. Peter’s and Paul’s Church at St. Clair on this date. One side of the structure was burned and the entire interior damaged.
bulldog369
07-28-2004, 15:24
October 22, 1933, Firemen from Frackville/ Gilberton/Pottsville fought a blaze in the creek at Frackville by the Gulf Oil Company plant. (From Mike Glore):10/21/33 - 13:00 - Gasoline leaking from Gulf Oil Company tanks ignited in drain. Pottsville sent West End ('28 Ahrens-Fox??) and 11 boxes of Foamite from Yorkville Hose & Fire Co.
I believe the Gulf Oil Company plant is the present day Jack Rich Oil Company which is located on Altamont Blvd. in West Mahanoy Twp. in the area of the I 81 mm 124 coverleaf...also believe that the response would have been 1 engine possibly 2 from frackville borough ( don't believe frackville had their ladder until much later), 1 engine from altamont(west mahanoy twp), 1 engine from englewood(butler twp.), 1 from gilberton, 1 from mahanoy plane...and as stated 1 engine from the city....i would definately have to check out what my great-grandfather had written about this fire if anything....
More Coal Region "goodies" gleaned from the papers:
November 5, 1934, Not a fire but interesting nonetheless. A peaceful march by the local Democratic party in the small town of Kelayres (in Northern Schuylkill County, 5 miles south of Hazleton-Lofty District) was brutally upset when machine gun and shotgun fire rang out from several houses. Five people were shot dead and another 14 injured. Local Republican boss Joseph Bruno, members of his family and one Tony Orlando were arrested on the charge of murder. This was the day before election day and a bitter rivalry and unrest had existed between the two parties. This incident eventually prompted state officials to make changes in laws governing political parties.
November 20, 1934, Kulpmont-Two fires within an hour of each other destroyed the high school and a grade school located two blocks apart. Both fires were started in the boiler room and ruled arson. Overall loss was over $100,000.
I was sitting here listening to Hosehead's post on Gamewell diaphones and typing up more coal region incidents:
December 21, 1934, TEN RESCUED IN SHAMOKIN FIRE. Fire threatened the Raker Building in the heart of Shamokin business district before firemen brought the blaze under control. Ten persons were rescued from smoke filled apartments above the first floor business establishment by firemen wearing gas masks.
December 30, 1934. Mt. Carmel area. Fire swept the entire 200 block of E. Pennsylvania Ave in Diamondtown with a loss of $75,000. Eleven families were left homeless when their houses and the local hotel was destroyed.
January 21, 1935, Gilberton. Twelve miners lose lives, 1,000 feet below the town. 71 minors injured, two critical at Gilberton Colliery, Phila & Reading Iron & Coal Co.
February 4, 1935, Pottsville. Machine and storage shop destroyed and seventeen trucks burned at the Hill and Souder(?) Corporation Colliery at East Bear Ridge. $60,000 loss.
February 1, 1935, Ashland-large garage and three trucks of the Whippoorwill Stripping between Morea and Frackville destroyed. Loss $30,000
March 19, 1935 Llewellyn. National House Hotel swept by fire $20,000 loss.
April 16, 1935, Shamokin. Three year old girl was burned severely playing with matches. The community ambulance taking her to the hospital collided with a loaded coal truck at Poplar and Pine Streets and was badly disabled. The child died later in the hospital after being transferred from the accident in a private auto.
April 23, 1935, Mt. Carmel. A spectacular fire destroyed a Ľ block square two story building housing the Motor exchange and 100 automobiles. A church and four houses were damaged. $300,000 loss estimated.
April 25, 1935, Pottsville. Carpenter and blacksmith shop and wash house of the West Shenandoah Colliery of the Reading Coal and Iron Co. destroyed. $20,000 loss plus ten automobiles damaged.
May 3, 1935, Schuylkill Haven. A three- story brick infirmary at the Schuylkill County Alms House under renovation collapsed without warning. Three workmen were crushed to death and seven others injured. Six men working on the third floor escaped injury when they rode the collapse down.
slant-40
08-27-2004, 23:11
Wonder how many of these alarms were sounded with the accompaniment of a Gamewell diaphone.
Somewhere on the Pottsville FD website I read an article which made mention of "a bull whistle at First & Norwegian Streets, later moved to a [sic] factory in town. I would guess this was a low-tone, possibly type C.
Any one out there heard of the Type C - larger bell (but not any longer) and much bigger piston. Has to kick some serious ass and eat up some equally serious air.
March 29, 1934, Shamokin. Three firemen injured in a $10,000 fire that destroyed the Raup Lumber Co.
March 12, 1934, Mt. Carmel-$100,000 fire when four buildings were destroyed and seven went homeless.
May 23, 1935, Pottsville. Plaza Hotel. Grease fire in the kitchen ran thru the ductwork into the roof. Loss $20,000 mostly from water damage.
June 15, 1935-Centralia. Half a block of businesses, two houses, three double houses, 20 homeless. Loss $50,000
June 30, 1935, Nanticoke. A picnic pavilion collapsed into a raging stream. Over 200 people were injured.
Not a fire, but fascinating: the Knox Mine Disaster. A crew followed a vein right up underneath the Susquehanna and poked through. A third of the flow of the river disappeared into the swirl until they plugged the hole with some 50 mine and railroad cars. The pictures are amazing. It pretty much put the final nail in the coffin for big mining in the region.
Your Christmas present. . .more interesting reading:D:
The Patriot, September 7, 1935
SHENANDOAH BOROUGH
MAY LOSE TWO FIRE TRUCKS
Pottsville, Sept 6th(AP)—Shenandoah Borough will lose two fire trucks unless a bond of $14,000 is posted with Schuylkill County Court before Monday.
The court granted a writ to the American LaFrance Fire Engine Company ordering the sheriff to seize the trucks unless the bond is posted.
The LaFrance Company claims $17,000 remains unpaid on the trucks purchased eight years ago.
October 9, 1935, Deer Lake. Frame skating ring burned to the ground. Fire took out the 11,000 volt P.P.& L. transmission lines and power was lost from Schuylkill Haven to Port Clinton.
October 19, 1935-Large abandoned breaker of the Hazlebrook Coal Company at Girardville was destroyed in a spectacular fire. The building was being dismantled when a torch exploded. Lack of water forced pumping meager streams from creek. Mahanoy city, Mahanoy Plane, Girardville, Raven Run, Shenandoah, and Ashland responded.
The Patriot, December 28, 1935
THREE FIRES IN
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY
Three Dwellings And Store Badly
Damaged at Mahanoy City
Pottsville, Dec. 29—Three Schuylkill County fires caused a loss of more then $17,000 yesterday and left several families homeless.
Three dwellings and a store were badly damaged in Mahanoy City, the costliest fire. At Seltzer City a frame dwelling was destroyed. In Schuylkill Haven, the garage of William Luckenbill was destroyed. (Several years ago “Dunk” Dohner repainted Engine 16, my 1947 Mack, at Luckenbill’s Garage in the Haven-wonder if this was the same place?)
December 2, 1935, Shamokin. During the early morning hours while shifting a cut of coal cars into the Neilson colliery near the West End of the city, Philadelphia and Reading Engine 1606 blew up in a terrific boiler explosion. The boiler was blown from the frame and running gear and thrown almost two hundred feet. The engineer and firemen, both horribly scalded by live steam were thrown hundreds of feet and found on a culm bank. Both died at the Shamokin Hospital. Windows were blown out and buildings shook for blocks from the incident.
December 5, 1935, Mahanoy City—Truck load of 3700 gallons of gasoline upset and took fire. Driver and companion jumped clear of rolling over truck and were unhurt. Resultant fire endangered a row of frame houses but were saved due to a high wind blowing the fire away from the row.
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More "goodies" gleaned from the papers:
December 7, 1935, Shamokin , West End. Twenty-nine homeless when six duplex houses were destroyed. Bitter cold, hydrants frozen Loss $15,000
January 25,1936, Kulpmont, fourteen homeless in a house fire. Loss $15,000
January 27, 1936, Centralia. Fire heavily damaged the basement of the Hinchey Night Club and destroyed two trucks and two cars with a loss of $3500
February 13, 1936, Kulpmont—The new home and private hospital of Dr. A. J. Ancerawicz, county coroner was destroyed by a $7,500 fire. Firemen were handicapped by low water pressure and near zero temperatures. Incendiary was suspected.
February 19, 1936, Hazleton. Convent of Mercy of St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church was destroyed. Weather at 10 below zero made for some very difficult firefighting conditions. Six firemen hurt but 26 nuns escaped unharmed. Loss $50,000
From February 23 to 26, 1935, a major mine fire occurred at the Susquehanna Colliery Co. in Williamstown. It was reported that over two hundred men battled this fire. Apparently the company went bankrupt. Exactly one year later on February 25, 1936, the abandoned coal breaker of the Susquehanna Colliery Co. was destroyed in a spectacular blaze. The building was being dismantled and set fire by torches. No loss given.
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
02-07-2005, 15:02
Although no exact date is published, these items were in the Shamokin " News Item" on Friday Feb 4, 2005:
BACK IN 1955
"Seventy four people were homeless as fire struck 16 frame houses on South Vine Street in Shamokin between Mulberry and Willow Streets. Two firemen were injured." ( This is the same section of the City where a recent fire destroyed one or two homes in the past two weeks)
"There was a Million Dollar blaze in Shenandoah. Fifteen businesses and 44 homes were lost in Borough's worst fire in 72 years."
April 4. Chendo-fire swept business district. Six businesses heavily damaged, 13 other business/apartments damaged. $100,000 loss. One fireman injured.
April 21, 1936-Orwigsburg-Dynamite stored in the basement of the Orwigsburg Hardware Co exploded destroying the building and a three story dwelling with a loss of $75,000. Two men in the building were killed.
May 7, 1936
A TRUCK LADEN WITH PANSIES
RUNS INTO A FUNERAL PARLORPottsville, May 7—A huge motor truck laden with pansies careened down two blocks of Pottsville’s steepest street, across a main street and plunged through the front of the Heiker Estate Funeral Home, yesterday, but no one was so much as scratched.
The drive shaft broke as Arthur Carpenter of Hackottstown, NJ, drove the truck of the Morgan Farm, Hackottstown, toward the flower shop. The runaway truck carried away the fence and a pole in front of St. Patrick’s rectory.
Blueeighty8
03-25-2005, 21:28
If you're interested in coal region disasters I recommend "The Breaker Whistle Blows"... It's about disasters in the coal regions of Pennsylvania.
Blueeighty8 wrote:
If you're interested in coal region disasters I recommend "The Breaker Whistle Blows"... It's about disasters in the coal regions of Pennsylvania. I agree. . .excellent book. However I must add that it isn't just about mine disasters. It is also about the labor troubles and advancements in the hard coal fieldspunctuated by those disasters. Good read.
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
04-11-2005, 21:27
From todays edition of the "Pottsville Republican"
A Century ago Today:
A fire that raged fiercly for two hours at the Shenandoah Borough dump yesterday afternoon was subdued by the Columboa Hose Company Squad.
and
The Washington Fire Company , Ashland put a new transfer wagon on the road. The team and wagon cost the company $1,000.00
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
05-26-2005, 17:18
From the Western End of the Anthracite Field:
May 16, 1930: " Fire of undetermined origin caused very serious damage to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Williamstown. Williamstown,Wiconisco and Lykens Fire Companies fought the blaze which originated in the vicinity of the center altar,and shot upward through the ceiling to the space between the ceiling and roof. Damage is estimated at about $ 40,000."
May 13,1955:" Pine Grove Hose, Hook and Ladder Company No.1 responded for a fire at Stump Brothers saw Mill, located in the Flat Hill area of Washington Twp. After fighting the fire for 1 1/2 hours it was brought under control. Damages were estimated at $ 10,000."
Gleaned from " THE PRESS AND HERALD" .
Now $ 40,000 damage in the 1930's was a Great Amount. The last time Dauphin County Firemans Assoc. had their Convention in Williamstown, the Memorial Service was held ay Sacred Heart.
Blueeighty8
06-27-2005, 17:11
HOBBES wrote:
Blueeighty8 wrote:
If you're interested in coal region disasters I recommend "The Breaker Whistle Blows"... It's about disasters in the coal regions of Pennsylvania. I agree. . .excellent book. However I must add that it isn't just about mine disasters. It is also about the labor troubles and advancements in the hard coal fieldspunctuated by those disasters. Good read.
Oh... :?I only readcertain chapters while we were doing a Videography about Centralia.Still. Good book.
July 5, 1936-Girardville—A small boy tossed a fire cracker into home of Colonel Bell Monahan starting a fire that did $30,000 damage.
September 25, 1936, Mt. Carmel. West End fire truck collided with a truck at Second and Poplar Streets. Four injured, three were firemen. Fire was at a frame duplex with a loss of $18,000.
October 1, 1936, Hazleton. Fire swept through the night club of John Brehm at Brehm’s Trove, Butler Valley(5 miles north of Hazleton) Loss $15,000. Building was destroyed before HFD apparatus arrived.
November 24, 1936. Mt. Carmel. Three houses gutted.
November 25, 1936, Pottsville. House gutted in Hillside. One elderly woman died. My good buddy Mike Glore from Pottsville was stumped on this one and had to do some serious digging! Here's what he came up with: 2.5 story single-family dwelling. Fire occured approximately 8PM 11/23/05 (Sunday). Home was owned by Mr. & Mrs. Reedy. Living in the home as well was Mrs. Reedy's mother, 84 year old Elizabeth Gable. Fire started in the first floor kitchen. Mr. Reedy, in the front 2nd floor bedroom,awoke to the smell of smoke. He and Mrs. Reedy couldn't descend the interior stairs due to the fire conditions on the first floor. They went to the rear bedroom to rescue Ms. Gable, who was said to be a rather large woman. They managed to get her to the front bedroom, but conditions deteriorated and Mrs. Reedy was seriously burned. The Reedy's got out onto the front porch roof and were rescued via ladder by neighbors. Ms. Gable was overcome at the window and subsequently died. The PFD was called and Good Intent responded on the still. There was no water supply on Hillside Road (extreme southwest corner of the City) at the time. The closest hydrant would have been on Hotel St., probably close to 3/4 of a mile away. They dropped the 100 gallon booster tank on the '29 Ahrens-Fox. On arrival, the home was fully involved. Additional companies were called, but the home was already beginnig to collapse. The fire actually burned itself out at 10AM on Monday, 11/24. Ms. Gable's body was located at noon that day.
The Chief is on vacation thisweek, but I'm going to have him go back through the archives to track this down in the City fire record - if it's there. I don't have it in my fire record. I'm going to pinpoint the location of the house (my father-in-law grew up on Hillside), but I'm pretty certain this was in the City rather than North Manheim Twp.The best part is, this fire took place only a couple hundred yards from my house and I never knew about it!I'd particularly like to get a run-down of the companies that responded as I don't believe a box wastransmitted. Today,Box 38 would be struck, Hillside Road and Calvary St. for a fire in the City on Hillside Road (if it were in N. Manheim Twp, it'd get 2 engines (Good Intent & American Hose), 1 truck (Phoenix), and a tanker (Mt. Carbon)).
November 27, 1936, Coaldale. Hissing steam was mistaken for smoke. Cry of “Fire!” in a theatre stampeded 250 kids. Several trampled and seven seriously injured to be hospitalized.
December 2, 1936, Kulpmont/Mt. Carmel. Five buildings on H. F. Rhoads property on West end of Kulpmont damaged or destroyed. Shed, garage, boiler house, two hot houses, damage at $15,000. High winds at the time.
December 24, 1936, Chendo(Yatesville). Boy, 4, dies as fire razes a new double house. Loss $20,000
December 30, 1936, Kulpmont-Fire destroyed the Wilson School-for third time in two years. Loss $60,000.
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
07-19-2005, 08:12
FROM THE " PRESS & HERALD":
July 4th 1930: The large furniture store of Foreman& Brothers at Wiconisco was completely destroyed by fire on the night of July 4th. A furniture filled warehouse, the store, garage,two automobiles and the adjoining Foreman dwelling were destroyed while another dwelling and nearby outbuildings were damaged by the blaze.
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
07-20-2005, 10:47
Not fire related directly but interesting:
From the Shamokin " News Item"
Back in 1948: A new drink was taking the nation by storm, despite the strained relations between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. The drink was called the " MOSCOW MULE ", a combination of Vodka, Lime Juice, and Ginger Beer served in a copper mug. They say the hangover is worse than a trip to Siberia.
WOW that must have been some stuff:drink::shock::shock::shock::boom:
Hosehead
07-20-2005, 13:13
Mmmm.....Moscow Mules...
These are still quite common in the area, and the best versions can be
found at Garrson's on Forster St. and Zembies at 226 N 2nd St, both
downtown Harrisburg. If you go to Zembies, tell them that I sent
you...
We now return you to our regulalry scheduled program..>LOL
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
07-20-2005, 16:21
OK Hosehead, What is Ginger Beer??
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
08-13-2005, 08:19
On the same note as the above post:
From the PRESS & HERALD:
AUGUST 15, 1930: Seven Hundred Eighty Nine Barrels of High Powered Beer was poured into the Mahanoy Creek and the permit of the Ashland Brewery was surrendered as a result of a raid by prohibition oficers on the brewery.
Bet there were unhappy dry customers then!!
More goodies gleaned during 1937 research. . .:D
January 3, 1937, Hazleton-The three story frame warehouse at 174-78 South Vine Street was destroyed with a loss of $15,000.
February 4, 1937, Wiconisco- Fire damages Isaac Mossop’s hosiery mill. First floor of the three-story building was damaged. Lykens and Wiconisco FD’s responded. Loss $3,000
February 2, 1937, Girardville- The landmark Girard Theatre was destroyed in a spectacular four hour fire. Only the “sound apparatus” in the 47 year old building was saved. Four story structure seating 1,000 was destroyed with a loss of $100,000. Firemen did a great job saved the surrounding houses.
March 23, 1937, Shenandoah-Fire damages three buildings in the business district with a loss of $100,000.
March 23, 1937, Girardville-Dynamite explosion wrecks the home of George Natress, Police Lieutenant of the Philadelphia & Reading Coal & Iron Co. (guess he wasn't too well liked:?)
March 10, 1937, Hazleton. Two-three story buildings(G.O. Praetorious and Charles Rice) were gutted in a 10 hour battle. Several firemen were overcome by smoke. Three families displaced. Loss $100,000. Two alarms. 14 degree weather
March 12, 1937, Girardville. Fire destroyed four houses and damaged three others. Loss $40,000. Gilberton, Lost Creek, Mahanoy City, Ashland and Girardville fought this fire.
April 25, 1937, Williamstown, Three miners killed when their drill hits dynamite left in the wall. Two others injured.
May 13, 1937, Lykens, Samuel Deitrich, 38, of Wiconisco, held for starting 15 forest fires along PRR tracks between Loyalton and Lykens on May 7th. One fire burned 1500 acres. Blames whiskey.
May 27, 1937, Schuylkill Haven. Three different houses were struck by lightning, one was destroyed during a severe storm.
May 13, 1937, Tamaqua, Fire swept three buildings in the business district with a loss of $16,000.
Two articles found in a pile of stuff on my desk. . .from 1935 and 1936:
September 9, 1935-Shamokin. Fire destroyed a three story brick business and apartment building downtown. One firemen was overcome. Loss at $100,000. Stock and several automobiles in the showroom of Penn-Reliable Furniture Co. destroyed as was contents of apartments above. Building had partial collapse. 16 families homeless.
September 29, 1936-Mahanoy City. Fire of undetermined origin damaged the 100’ long frame warehouse of J. J. Heiser Hardware Co. with a loss of $25,000. Well involved on arrival of 4 Mahanoy City companies. Firemen driven back numerous times by explosions of carbide, paint and other inflammables.
July 11,1937, Shenandoah-Two alarm blaze destroyed five garages and a building in a junkyard, seven trucks, a hearse, two truck and two houses Temperature at 93 degrees.
July 23, 1937, Scranton-Fire truck belonging to Jermyn Borough was returning from a company carnival at Lake Winola. The driver lost control of the rig on a steep grade on the Morgan Highway and crashed into a house. Of 12 firemen on board, one was injured seriously, four injured and seven shaken up badly. Scranton FD and PD had to extricate the victims. House and rig were both badly damaged.
September 2, 1937, Centralia-two story garage, truck and two cars destroyed. Fire started by thieves.
September ?, 1937, Auburn-Plane taking off from the Schuylkill County airport crashed and burned in a field. Two dead.
Not Coal Region, but close. . .
September 26, 1937, Hamburg, Electric Steel Casting Co. destroyed in a spectacular blaze with a loss of $100,000. The only thing that saved Hahn Motor Co, next door was a brisk wind away from Hahn.
October 4, 1937, Scranton. Fire destroys the Winton Colliery of the Barrett Coal Company. $20,000 loss (Steve, any relation?)
December 14, 1937, Mahanoy City. A $75,000 fire swept through buildings in the business district(no other particulars known listed in the Harrisburg papers)
December 15, 1937, McAdoo. Fire demolished three businesses buildings then spread to four houses badly damaging all of them. Bitter cold conditions and frozen hydrants hampered firemen. Loss $150,000. McAdoo and Hazelton responded.
December 18, 1937, Lykens Church badly wrecked by $5,000 fire. Transfiguration Baptist Church. Lykens and Wiconisco FD’s responded[/b]
January 13, 1938, Trevorton. Tressler Log Cabin Inn. Three story frame inn and gas station destroyed in spectacular blaze. Loss $80,000. Trevorton, Shamokin, and Sunbury fire companies responded.
January 27, 1938, Kulpmont-Combination garage and coal breaker destroyed in Brady. Large quantity of coal and a truck lost. Coal Twp. firemen saved surrounding dwellings. Loss in the thousands.
February 2, 1938, Shamokin. The large Neilson breaker was destroyed in a three hour fire with a loss of $350,000. 225 men were out of work. Owned by Merian Coal Mining Co. Coal Twp and Shamokin firemen worked hard to save the surrounding buildings.
February 7, 1938, Man perishes as fire razes cabin near Lykens
The (Harrisburg) Evening News, March 10, 1937
DISMANTLED BREAKER NEAR SHAMOKIN DESTROYED BY FIRE
Idle Structure Burns With $65,000 Loss as Workmen Are Taking Down Building
SHAMOKIN, March 10-Fire destroyed the abandoned and partly dismantled Enterprise breaker, once one of the largest in the hard coal fields, yesterday.
Built about twenty-five years ago at a cost of a quarter of a million dollars, the breaker was last operated by the Northumberland Mining Company several years ago. Recently the machinery was sold to Louis Weiner, Pottsville junk dealer, who was dismantling the plant.
The loss in the blaze was estimated at $65,000.
The fire broke out first on Monday, but was checked at that time. It broke out again yesterday an swept through the plant, located about three and a half miles from this town. Workmen said they believe a blaze from one of the torches being used to dismantle machinery had started the blaze.
The (Harrisburg) Evening News, May 4, 1937
FIREMAN KILLED
FOUR HURT IN TEST
Metal Ladder Touches High-Voltage
Electric Wire at Wilkes-Barre
WILKES-BARRE, May 4--One fireman was killed and four others were shocked, two severely, today when a fire ladder they were using in a class demonstration near No. 1 Engine House came in contact with a high-voltage electric wire.
More than twenty fellow firemen saw the victim of the accident, Lieut. Arthur Reed, attempt vainly to pull himself from the metal ladder as the 11,000 volts held him fast.
Those taken to Mercy Hospital were Arthur Shultz, Alfred Ulrich, William Zelinsky and Harry Williams, all local firemen.
Zelinsky was the only one of the firemen able to leap from the ladder. Others were held fast by the high voltage and severely burned. Zelinsky, although escaping serious burns, collapsed from shock. The hospital reported the conditions of Ulrich and Schultz as "serious."
Anyone on here, especially any of you Luzurne County guys know the outcome of this whole incident?
Found some more. . .
April 18, 1938, Williamstown. House and barn burn two miles west of town with a loss of $1500.
The Patriot, April 25, 1938
KILLED BY FIRE TRUCK
Scranton—A man tentatively identified as James Malley, about 38, Edella, Pa. was killed tonight when the automobile he was driving and a Scranton fire truck crashed at an intersection. The truck was answering an alarm to extinguish a rubbish fire.
April 27, 1938, Pottsville. Seven killed and ten injured in an explosion in the St. Clair Coal Co. shaft four miles from Pottsville.
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
01-10-2006, 13:18
FOR RAILROAD AND BEER LOVERS:
135 Years Ago- 1871: The last three cars of a freight train were derailed near Snydertown ( Sunbury area??). Hester Brown who was in charge of the Yuengling Ale Car , received severe cuts and bruises.
wardengine
01-11-2006, 09:02
totally awesome thread here.nice job finding all that history.i was amazed to read some of it and didn't know about some of the things that happened even in my backyard per say.keep up the great work
Ward, there'll be a lot more coming. Yesterday I found two almost back to back multiple death incidents involving mine explosions up your way. June-July, 1938. . .will post them as I type my notes
bear10retired
01-11-2006, 18:06
TODAYS PAPER HAD AN INTRESTING NOTE AS TO STOP CENTRAILIA 2. NOT SURE WHERE IT WAS BUT IT WAS UP THERE SOME WHERE... THATS ALL WE NEED IS ANOTHER COAL SEAM COOKING FOR CENTURYS IN NORTHEN PENNA...
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
01-12-2006, 10:24
Bear10: The location you are refering to is near Shamokin in Coal Township, Northumberland County. A coal company was preparing to reclaim a stripping operation and apparently went bankrupt or something. Earlier this summer a pile ofmulch caught fire at the site ( themulch was to be used in the reclaim operation). The first time local FF's were called there they had a large pile of mulch burning and spent considerable time and effort to extinguish it. Had been back numerous times on flareups each time with a smaller response now knowing what they were dealing with. Used heavy equipment to overhaul the pile and everything. Well every once and a while it still flares up and now apparently has a pile of culm ( coal refuse )burning. A couple of weeks ago the wind shifted and blew the smoke and odors directly into the City of Shamokin and I believe that in a period of two days their Chiefs had responded to 2dozen or so investigations. During that same period they had at least two other working fires. Just heard recently that owner or a contractor hired by the state is now on site extinguishing the burning pile. I believe the quote in the local news was " NO DANGER IN BECOMING ANOTHER MINE FIRE" Yeah Right!! Anyone familiar with the area it is along Rt 901 near the Village of Excelsior. Just a mile or two past the Eastern Industries Quarry. ( Sorry, had to plug my employer). It all adds up to just another story from the Coal Fields. Interesting side bar to the Centralia issue is the State has not renewed its contract with Columbia County to manage the closedown of the town. Much interest is now generated that the FINAL move out of the few remaining residents is soon coming. The town sits on a very LARGE deposit of premium Antracite Coal and they are one of the few places where the property owners owned the mineral rights on their property. There is only a couple of dozen people still left there in a community which once boasted over 5000 population. Their Fire Station houses an Engine and an Ambulance. Weird to pass by and see it, because of all the vacant lots surrounding it.
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
01-30-2006, 16:03
Not a Fire but real Coal region Stuff: ( from the NEWS ITEM )
1928: It was a cold day in Shamokin, too cold for 15 year old boys to be hitching rides on freight cars. One young boy decided to try the common practice for the first time and it almost cost him his life. The boy was trying to get off a moving freight car but felt the car was going too fast. The boy,holding onto the mounting ladder for dear life began to cry and Frank Maurey whose job on the Reading Line was to stop hoboes from riding the freights heard him. Maurey managed to signal the engineer to stop, and after calming him down took him to the Office of District Magistrate William Culton, who let the boy off with a reprimand.
A similar story in the same area ended less happily. A 16 year old boy who worked at the Potts Colliery hopped a freight every night to his hometown of Lavelle. This time the boy missed his footing as he tried to get off the train and slid under the moving car. He was killed instantly. The boy was the sole support of his family which included his mother, disabled father and 12 younger brothers and sisters.
Good stuff Tom, albeit sad. . .back in those days when not every family owned even one Model T this was quite a common practice to hitch rides. I remember my dad talking about how they hitched rides on the trolleys from John Harris down Market St. to home. They'd grab the rear rope that held the trolley to the wire and pull down on it.. . .no juice the car slows down. The motorman was up front and wouldn't see 'em.They'd hop on the rear cowcatcher or pilot, and duck down then let the rope back up so the trolley would re-engage the overhead wire. It was a lot harder before the "one-man" cars as they had to contend with the conductor who was generally on the end they wanted to ride on.:) Oh. . .man . . .for a time machine:D
After a month or two off from the library. . .I'm back at it again:D. More interesting items found:
February 22, 1938-Hazleton. The blacksmith and carpenter shops at the Spring Mountain Colliery of the Lehigh Valley Coal Company at Heanesville, where eight men were entombed eight hours the previous week, were destroyed by fire of undetermined origin early today. Both frame buildings stood near the breaker. The colliery firefighting force held the fire to those buildings. Of the eight men entombed one died in a rush of water which broke through the workings after the discharge of a blast.
May 16, 1938-Hazleton. Earnest Valente, a Hazleton police officer was riding on a running board of a car taking an injured boy to the hospital attempting to move traffic out of the way. He was thrown off while en route and killed.
June 2, 1938-Pittston. Ten men were killed and six injured in an explosion in the Red Ash Vein of Volpe Coal Company Butler Mine-Pittston Twp. 8 miles south of Scranton.
June 9, 1938-Chendo-a Mother and two children were blown out the front door of their house at 511 W. Arlington St. when a dynamite bomb detonated and wrecked their kitchen. (Tough town!)
Now include in our ever burgeoning files. . .
March 1, 1938, “Chendo”-Damage estimated at $35,000 was caused today by the second church fire in this anthracite community within twelve hours. The flames destroyed the roof and rear of St. George’s Lithuanian church. Earlier flames damaged the basement of the First Baptist Church.
Harrisburg Patriot, March 10, 1938
FRACKVILLE FIREMEN TIRE OF PAYING BILLSMembers of Good Will Hose Company of volunteer firemen told Borough Council they are tired of spending their own money for equipment. They asked to be repaid for $436.89 they said came from their pockets.
June 2, 1938, Avoca-Gas explosion at the Volpe Coal Company, Red Ash Vein near Scranton kills ten men.
June 9, 1938, Hazleton-Windy Hill, Drifton. Palatial summer mansion built by Eckley B Coxe, prominent coal baron destroyed with a loss of $75,000. Freeland and Hazleton FD’s responded. Low water pressure and lack of standard couplings on plugs caused major problems.
June 19, 1938, Mahanoy City-Mahanoy Township High School badly damaged the day before graduation exercises. Loss $235,000. Damage to the new wing housing the gym, classrooms and much expensive equipment. Mahanoy City, Frackville, Tamaqua, Chendo, Gilberton, Mahanoy Plane, Girardville and Ashland FD’s responded. Very spectacular blaze.
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
03-20-2006, 15:03
FROM THE NEWS ITEM:
1961: THE F&S BREWERY REVEALED IT WAS GETTING READY TO ANNOUNCE A NEW INVENTION- ONE THAT WOULD ALLOW THE TAPPING OF A BEER KEG WITHOUT THE USE OF THE PONDEROUS EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO DO THAT IN THE PAST.
NOT BEING THAT "OLD" WHAT WAS THE PONDEROUS EQUIPMENT??
July 1, 1938, Shenandoah-Fire swept apartment building, one dead.
July 10, 1938, Andreas-One dead and one critical when small plane goes down in a small creek near Andreas.
July 13, 1938, Explosion of dynamite that backfired at the mine of the Williamstown Colliery, Williamstown killed two by suffocation.
August 1, 1938-Moosic(Scranton) Two powder filled buildings of the Du Pont de Nemours Powder Co. were struck by lightning and KA-BOOM!!!!!!:boom: The resultant blast leveled the glazing plant which was struck first. One minute later the other building exploded.:boom: Windows in scores of buildings in Moosic and Scranton were blown out. Seven were injured and the blast was heard throughout the Lackawanna Valley.:boom:
August 4, 1938, Wilkes-Barre. Two story brick building of Mascari Brothers wholesale fruit merchants was destroyed. Loss $25,000.
August 20, 1938, Hughstown(Wilkes-Barre) A mine railroad steam locomotive exploded at the Pittston Anthracite Coal Company hurling one man 125 feet killing him.
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
05-08-2006, 15:22
1925:
FROM THE "SHAMOKIN NEWS-ITEM". Thirty three people were left homeless following a huge fire at the Aucker Building on South Sixth Street in Shamokin. Fast action by firefighters kept property damage down, and no one was seriously injured. ( published on May 5th 2006)
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
06-06-2006, 05:57
FROM THE SHAMOKIN " NEWS ITEM"
1931, May 31st.
The area was mourning the loss of five miners, killed in a gas explosion at the Richards mine.
In Sunbury, safecrackers hit the Coca-Cola Bottling plant, getting at least a thousand dollars. The robbers used nitroglycerine to crack the safe.
At Locust Summit, a group of retailers, some 400 in all, were given a firsthand tour of how the product they sold in the cities was prepared and mined. They were absolutely stunned by the magnitude of the mining operations as well as the effeciencies built into the system. They couldn't believe that water used to clean coal at the breakers could be reclaimed and used over and over again.
FROM THE SHAMOKIN " NEWS ITEM"
1931, May 31st.
At Locust Summit, a group of retailers, some 400 in all, were given a firsthand tour of how the product they sold in the cities was prepared and mined. They were absolutely stunned by the magnitude of the mining operations as well as the effeciencies built into the system. They couldn't believe that water used to clean coal at the breakers could be reclaimed and used over and over again.
I believe the Locust Summit operation was the biggest in the coal regions. The Reading Company consolidated a lot of their small operations into the St. Nicholas and the Locust Summit collieries. St. Nicholas still stands but LS was torn down some years ago. As I remember the LS operation was HUGE!
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
06-06-2006, 19:14
Dave: They just tore the Summit Breaker down in the past few years. It was reportedly a Marvel of Engineering in its heyday. One of the Older Gentlemen I get to see from Locust Gap ( just downstream from the Summit) is a Mt Carmel Twp Supervisor and always has a story for me from the BIG days from that area. At one time Locust Gap was a 24 hour community ( three shifts of miners) and the Gap actually at one time had 21 bar rooms in it. Now there is barely 50-60 houses left. The Mt. Carmel Twp high school was located there and was large facility to accomodate all the students from the boom times. It is always amazing to me when I travel that area of the world and I try to imagine what life might have been like during the Boom Era when COAL WAS KING!! I'll lave to look when I get to the office tomorrow, I have a link to a site that features a bunch of Old Breakers from that area and toward Scranton. Neat Stuff.
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
06-07-2006, 05:51
Hobbes: check out this site:
www.coalregion.com (http://www.coalregion.com)
there are a ton of links to coal region history on the LINKS SECTION.Somewhere there is a link to old coal breakers on a site called CAPT. CLINTS. Neat stuff.
Well since the gardens are dying a slow death, the bathroom has been gutted and rebuilt and numerous other projects about rapped up it was time I got my tail back in the library to finish up 1938. . .here's the latest from the hard coal fields:
November 19, 1938, Wilkes-Barre. Seven crippled children plus their chauffeur en route to a health center for treatment in a large automobile drowned when the car plunged into a mine cave-in when the road collapsed near the Station Colliery of the Glen Alden Coal Company, Wilkes-Barre Township. It took workmen 3-1/2 hours to recover the car and the bodies using a Central Railroad of New Jersey wrecking crane. All eight drown in the cave-in which was flooded.
November 29, 1938-Gilberton. Twenty-five were left homeless when fire destroyed five houses and threatened destruction of a nearby school. A stove exploded in one of the homes caused the blaze. Firemen required to dam up Mahanoy creek-200 yards away to obtain water to fight fire.
December 1, 1938-Scranton. A large building housing the The Scranton Wholesale furniture store, grain store and poultry business was destroyed, Loss $80,000
December 4, 1938-Tomhicken. Row of four frame houses destroyed-eighteen homeless-Hazleton and West Hazleton responded.
Boy how I love to read the old newspapers. Went to Nanticoke's website and found absolutely nothing on this interesting incident. . .Any of you Luzerne guys wanna comment? Guess I'll have to pull the Pittston or Wilkes-Barre papers and get the full story, eh?:)
The Patriot, January 17, 1939
HURT AS LADDER TRUCK,
FIRE ENGINE COLLIDE
Nanticoke(Jan 16th)- A hook and ladder truck and a fire engine collided at an intersection today enroute to a fire that destroyed the interior of a double house. Fireman Thomas Bartels, hurled from the ladder truck by the impact, was taken to a hospital with serious head injuries. The force of the collision carried the engine, valued at $13,000 over the sidewalk and against the home of Adam Oleszewski. The house was damaged and the engine wrecked. The ladder truck continued to the fire. One of several city dump trucks, commandeered to haul hose hit 13 year old Stanley Marcinkowski, Jr. sledding in the vicinity. He was treated for head injuries at the Nanticoke Hospital but his condition was described as good. After a four hour fight, the firemen put out the flames, started by a short circuit in a double dwelling, occupied by the families of Thomas Devine and John Allen. Firemen estimated the loss, including the damage to the fire engine at $35,000.
this is cool reading history this stuff thay should teach in schools
December 3, 1908: Worst structure fire in Centralia's history
The entire block surrounded by Locust Ave., Center St., Railroad St., and I believe Troutwine St. burned leaving 34 families homeless. Due to a drought water was turned off at the time to conserve. Firemen's clothing was catching fire on there backs as they tried to get people out of threatened structures. Damage was estimated at $75,000, and there was only a total of $5,000 worth of insurance amongst the residents on the block. Firemen from the Hookies and the Americans in Ashland assisted.
The entire article can be read at: http://rick_mc.home.att.net/centralia/pdf/CentraliaFireNewsDec41908.pdf
More Coal Region "Nuggets"
April 18, 1938, Williamstown, House and barn burn two miles west of town- Loss $1500
February 17, 1939, Pittston-Four firemen burned slightly in a fire that destroyed Easter Goods and damaged a Main St. candy store. Loss $25,000
March 9, 1939, Mt. Carmel-Major fire in a paper chute in the Mt. Carmel High School. The fire extended into the loft and ceiling joists of both floors. Loss $2,000. Firemen were very lucky to contain the fire where they did. 800 students got a half day off.
March 2, 1939, Scranton-Spectacular fire destroyed the 4 story brick building occupied by the Blue Jean Mfg. Co. 150 people thrown out of work.
April 10, 1963-Scranton-Fire ripped through three stores downtown $500,000 loss.
April 11, 1963-Lehighton-Major fire, high winds razed four big three story frame and brick buildings in Downtown. Loss-between $300,000 and $500,000 loss. Nine firemen treated for minor injuries. 250 firemen on the scene.
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
09-01-2006, 14:22
A COUPLE OF DANDIES. GLEANED FROM THE PAGES OF THE SHAMOKIN NEWS ITEM.
EXCERPTS TAKEN FROM A BOOK WRITTEN AND PUBLISHED BY NICHOLAS D. BRESSI. ( APPARENTLY MARION HEIGHTS IS CELEBRATING AN ANNIVERSARY AS THE WHOLE ARTICLE IS DEVOTED TO THAT COMMUNITY). The book is written to this occasion.
On a cold and Blustery 15th Day of November 1909, Marion Heights experienced one of the costliest fires in its brief history when a hotel and seven private residences burned completely to the ground.
Although a liitle late for those citizens but better than never, the newly organized Marion Heights Fire department welcomed the arrival of its first firefighting apparatus. The equipment, consisiting of two 50 gallon truck mounted chemical engines with 500 feet of hose arrived Dec. 29th. The equipment was temporarily housed in the basement of the Catholic Church.
The Charter members of the Fire company responded to their first call at the Scichetano Hotel on Jan. 12, 1910. The first notice of charter was published on Feb 21, 1910. Charter granted March 14, 1910.
In January 1917, a Marion Heights fireman became the object of some good natured ridicule following his narrow escape from suffocation in a cesspool. Responding to the alarm of a burning cow stable on this frigid day and unaware of an adjacent outhouse, he unknowingly stepped into the impurity. He was pulled out within a few minutes and rushed home for a good cleaning up. ( probabaly their first haz mat).
Chief22-2
09-01-2006, 14:39
Brings new meaning Tom to the phrase "he's in deep sh** this time".:big_grin:
bear10retired
09-01-2006, 15:02
He Was A Pooped Cycle (popcycle)....
'Bout time I posted here again. . .:drink:
May 25, 1939-Kulpmont-Five firemen were injured, one seriously in battling a $50,000 fire in downtown Kulpmont that leveled a store, apartment house and two adjoining buildings. Albert Rudziewicz, Kulpmont volunteer firemen, sustained internal injuries when struck by a wild hose. Firemen from five neighboring towns were summoned. The fire was of undetermined origin.
May 10, 1939-Orwigsburg. Four houses were destroyed and a fifth damaged on N. Liberty Street. Pottsville, Haven, New Ringgold also responded.
July 7, 1939, Scranton- Seven people were killed in a two car accident near here.
July 11, 1939-Minersville. Two different houses destroyed in Jonestown seven hours apart. MFD responded. Overall loss-$6,000
July 21, 1939, Wilkes-Barre- The most spectacular fire to date in this city destroyed the Robbins Lumber Co. lumber yard and threatened to wipe out South Wilkes-Barre. Loss was estimated at $200,000. 50,000 spectators were estimated to watch the fire. Help from Hanover Twp, Ashley and Nanticoke assisted the W-BFD. A deputy chief was injured by falling timbers and many other firemen were overcome by smoke. Flames were visible 30 miles away and numerous fires were started from blazing embers. It took 2 hours to bring it under control.
July 31, 1939, Hazleton—The rear portion of the frame church housing the St. Michaels’ Ukranian Church was gutted with a loss of $10,000.
August 4, 1939, Minersville—Fire heavily damaged the Emanuel Reformed Church. Fire of undetermined origin.
August 8, 1939, Wilkes-Barre—A very smoky fire destroyed the McCrory 5 & 10 and the Ansonia Hat Company with a loss of $150,000. Six firemen were overcome by smoke. There was also a loss of 1200 canaries!
August 13, 1939, Scranton—Blast and fire destroyed three house, 18 homeless.
August 23, 1939, Hazleton—Fire gutted a large three story printery. Night watchman found dead.
August 28, 1939, Chendo—Watchman dies in a blaze that heavily damaged the A & S Company warehouse.
August 30, 1939, Shamokin—A boy and a girl died in two separate fire incidents. The 8 year old Dolores Andrusco had her dress ignited when she stood too close to a fire at a potato roast. Albert Welker, 14, was badly burned in bed as fire wrecked his family home.
August 12, 1939, Mahanoy City—Five two story frame dwellings burned to the ground in a very spectacular fire.
September 1, 1939, Pottsville—Seven persons including three children were injured today when a fire truck responding to a fire alarm collided with an auto and then crashed into a house. Most seriously hurt was Benjamin Noll a fireman.
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
11-17-2006, 12:17
A few more to add from yesterday's " The Press and Herald" from Pine Grove.
November 16, 1906: An incipient fire was discovered in Barto's tin shop, Pinegrove, and by the prompt and heroic work of the bucket brigade, the fire was extinguished before much damage was done. The fire started by a defect in the soldering oven.
November 20, 1931: In order to be of more assistance to avaitors in their flights over the Pennsylvania Mountains, the state is having all the fire towers painted and numbered. Keefers tower in numbered 913. This number in yellow can be discerned from a considerable distance. Each alternate span is being painted black and yellow respectfully.
November 19, 1981: The Pick and Shovel Inn on Centre Street in Donaldson was seriously damaged by a fire which started in the early hours of Saturday morning. About 70 volunteers from seven different fire companies worked at the scene.
21EvilleVeteran
11-17-2006, 13:16
A current Fire Chief & I spent sometime in the "Pick & Shovel" . The music was good, the dance floor was full and the beer was cold. It was a hot place even before the fire.
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
11-17-2006, 13:30
Ah yes, those were the days!! :drink: and don't forget the peppermint :grin:
I just knew when I posted this you wouldn't be able to resist a reply
I knew I'd get a rise outta Mike Glore, brother historian of the Pottsville Fire Department on a couple of my latest postings. He writes:
August 12, 1939, Pottsville, Fire Apparatus Crash:
Crash occurred on a Friday afternoon at 19th & W. Norwegian Sts (Yorkville section - one block from their firehouse, in fact). The engine was proceeding west on Norwegian St. while the auto was proceeding south on 19th St. The engine and a pleasure car collided sending the engine into the porch of the Fred Weiss home. Charles Mager was the driver of the engine. Ben Knoll of the American Hose suffered head injuries. It was originally thought that he had a fractured skull, but x-rays proved negative. Also on the engine was Bob Graeff. He was treated for injuries to his chest and ribs.
The automobile was being driven by Ella Schaeffer of Good Springs. She received injuries to her right arm. Mahlon Schaeffer of Good Spring was also in the car and suffered back injuries.
Most seriously injured were two boys who were sitting on the porch of the Weiss home were injured: Paul Ney, 11, and John Joyce, 11. Joyce's injuries required the amputation of the large toe of his right foot. Ney was released from the hospital the next day where he treated for bruises and contusions to his legs.
Pottsville PD patrolmen McGlone and Witmer removed the injured to the hospital.
As is often the story in instances such as this...the rig was responding to what turned-out to be a false alarm.
In terms of the apparatus, I would figure that this would have been either American Hose's 1924 American LaFrance 450gpm pumper or their 1917 (1928 refurb) 750 gpm American LaFrance triple.
May 10, 1939-Orwigsburg. Four houses were destroyed and a fifth damaged on N. Liberty Street. Pottsville, Haven, New Ringgold also responded.
Fire began late on a Wednesday afternoon in a shanty to the rear of the Raymond Bair home on N. Liberty St. between Main and W. Mifflin. The cause was undetermined, but was believed to have been accelerated by flammable liquids stored in the shanty. The fire spread north to the homes of William Rutter and Arthur Lengel and to the south to the homes of James Hartnett and William Edwards. OFD Chief John Musig requested mutual aid due to the rapidly spreading fire. OFD had two engines in service. Schuylkill Haven Rainbow, Pottsville Humane, and New Ringgold responded. The companies directed seven streams on the fire at its height. There were a total of 17 people left homeless by the fire.
Humane of Pottsville's response would likely have been their 1921 Seagrave triple and/or their 1929 Buffalo hose & booster truck.
Harold Bartholomew of the OFD suffered a laceration to his head when control of one hoseline was lost.
In the decade prior to 1939, the 3 other major fires in Orwigsburg also occurred on Liberty St.:
The Brown Shoe Company was destroyed in the late 20's. This was in the same block as the fire in 1939.
The Orwigsburg Hardware Store was destroyed in 1936 on S. Liberty St. (double-fatal (2 males)).
The Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church was gutted in 1935
Interesting day at the library!
Thanks.
Mike
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
12-08-2006, 13:29
From the "PRESS & HERALD" Pine Grove.
December 11, 1931: Tower City, Schuylkill County Area
Fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed the engine house for the coal hoist at East Brookside shaft last week. The engine house is located south of the shaft and is much lower than the shaft opening so there was no damage to the shaft. The fire caused all of the Brookside operations to be idle as about 700 feet of rope from the hoist fell into the opening as the laggings of the hoisting drum burned through. As this rope obstructed the water hoist in the shaft, no water could be hoisted until it was removed. About 318 men employeed at the shaft were temporarily thrown out of employment.
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
12-20-2006, 18:28
From todays "POTTSVILLE REPUBLICAN":
50 Years ago- 1956.
"A row of seven homes in the 500 block of West Mahanoy Street in Mahanoy City were gutted by fire yesterday morning leaving 24 persons homeless. The unofficial estimate of damage was set in excess of $100,000."
Any of us who have been in the service for any amount of time can tell stories of tragedy near the Christmas Holidays. Lets be careful out there!!
October 18, 1939-Tower City. Three families were routed when a fire destroyed one double two story frame house and another single house. Six fire companies responded. Loss $8,000
October 15, 1939-Mt. Carmel. Fanned by a strong northwest wind, fire of undetermined origin destroyed six homes and a store and damaged seven others in the 200 block of East Ave. Fire gained considerable headway before brought under control by the Mt. Carmel fire dept. Overall loss $70,000.
October 25, 1939-Frackville. Fire swept through the abandoned Lawrence Colliery breaker in a spectacular fire. Loss was estimated at $30,000. Origin was undetermined. Fire broke out at 7:30 a.m. when 25 men were inside dismantling the building. Fire spread so rapidly firemen concentrated on keeping the nearby coal piles from igniting.
November 5, 1939-Lehighton. Fire destroyed the plant of the Lauchnor Brothers Machine Shops in East Penn Township. Loss was listed at $50,000.
November 16, 1939- Minersville. Three houses were gutted with a loss of $50,000. Two firemen injured. MFD and two companies from Pottsville responded.
Normally I'd hold this until I got around to typing my library notes but I found this one far too fascinating not to share right away.
March 4, 1940. At about 3:00 a.m. the 21,600 residents of the "City" of Shenandoah, Schuylkill County, Pa. were rudely awakened by deep rumblings within the earth under their town. Like a major earthquake, some major coal pillars were giving way and the entire town took the major hit that had been predicted to happen for years. It effected a 24 block area. Four thousand people fled their beds and ran into the street in their nightclothes. It was stated that this was the worst "mine settlement" or collapse in the history of the Southern Anthracite coal fields. 1500 people were temporarily homeless. Initial loss was set at $500,000 but quickly climbed to over the $1 million mark(this is 1940 dollars now) Over 600 buildings were effected in one way or another. Some were severely damaged others just knocked off foundations. Some sank from two to five feet. Several streets had fissures in them five feet wide and eight feet deep. The initial cave-in occurred at 3:00 a.m. but minor cave-in's were still occurring at 10:00 a.m. One school was cracked completely in half. At least one firehouse was damaged. Unbelievably. . .no one was reported injured or killed!
I knew nothing about this. . .see why I love the library!
Any of our coal region historians wanna add to this. . .comments are gladly solicited.
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
01-04-2007, 06:48
Found this in the backlog of stuff on the desk:
From: " The News Item " Shamokin, Pa.
Jan. 2, 2007 edition
30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEADLIEST FIRE IN CITY'S HISTORY
Shamokin--Today marks the 30th anniversary of the deadliest fire in Shamokin history.
In the early morning hours of Jan. 2, 1977. a fire engulfed Walnut Towers Inn, located along Walnut Street near Weis Markets. Nine people perished in the blaze, including owner John Luckens, who died in the elevator.
The inn's upper floors were demolished, leaving the basement and ground floor,which were renovated into what is now the Coal Hole, a restaurant and popular night spot.
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
01-04-2007, 07:01
From; " The Press & Herald " Pine Grove, Pa.
December 28,1906
The Commissioners signed the warrants for the pay of the various constables of the county who have acted as Fire Wardens in their respective districts during the past year. The constables act as Fire Wardens,and they receive 25 cents per hour for the time they are thus engaged. If they are unable to extinguish the fires without the assistance of others , they are empowered under the law to engage any number of assistants to aid in the work, the later receiving pay at the rate of 20 cents per hour. The amounts of the warrants due in the west end districts in which fires have been outened during the year: John Athey, Frailey Twp. $ 8.75. John Fry,Mahantongo, $ 7.65; J.H. Hummel, Pinegrove, $ 52.30; I.W. Seiler, Porter Twp, $ 5.25; Joseph Hummel, Tremont, $ 123.40; Levi Ditzler,Washington, $ 33.50.
Chief22-2
01-04-2007, 07:06
That Joseph Hummel was one busy forestry guy. At that pay rate, he spent 617 hours out there!
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
01-04-2007, 07:15
Maybe he had help????
Just reporting what is in the paper
Chief22-2
01-13-2007, 22:37
This is sort-of a coal region list of events from the past. They are items found in reading old newspapers of things that happened in "da walley":
8/2/1940 an exploding oil stove on Monday morning in the home of Raymond Rowe, North Second Street, Lykens, caught fire. Estimated damages were $50.
10/10/1940 Firemen from four towns fought a blaze which destroyed the flour mill of William E Bohner at Pillow on Tuesday night. Loss to the mill owner was estimated at $20,000.
6/16/1943 Mr Walter Sierer of Wiconisco was elected President of DCVFA at the annual convention in Steelton.
9/17/1943 The barn and chicken house on the farm of Peter Matter, a mile north west of Loyalton, were destroyed by fire of unknown origin last Friday. Estimated damages was $8,000.
10/1/1943 Howerter's Church, Leck Kill, was burned to the ground last Thursday.
10/15/1943 Fire on Tuesday afternoon broke out in a clothes closet on the second story of the frame home of Mrs. Amanda Grubb, Loyalton, occupied by herself and her son-in-law and daughter Mr. and Mrs. Elwood C. Hoover.
10/23/1942 Fire discovered in the basement of the Episcopal Church, Williamstown, Saturday evening resulted from an overheated furnace and caused $800 estimated damage.
3/31/1944 The Liberty Hose Company was called at 1 o'clock Wednesday to the home of Guerney Knorr, North Street, Lykens, where they extinguished the flames of a burning smoke house.
6/23/1945 Fire ignited by a lightning bolt during the Sunday night storm destroyed a barn, two sheds, and an auto on the farm of Mrs. Grant Hartmen (exact location unknown). Damage was estimated at $7,500.
6/30/1944 Teddy James, 9, of Wiconisco, narrowly escaped drowning in West Borough Park Pool when he was discovered submerged in water after a considerable time. Dr Herrold, assisted by Wiconisco Rescue Squad, labored over the boy for 1˝ hours before it was evident life was restored.
8/11/1944 A new fire truck, purchased by the American Legion of Williamstown, to be presented to LHC1 there, arrived recently.
January 2, 1940. Mt. Carmel. Four firemen injured, sub zero weather. Fire badly damaged the Knights of Columbus Hall and an adjacent store. Loss was $75,000.
January 7, 1940, Fire damages Lykens Baptist parsonage. Estimated damage $2,000-3,000
January 15, 1940. Pittston. Fire destroyed the church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and seriously damaged the rectory and two nearby dwellings. Loss estimated at $75,000. Only the foundation was saved.
January 21, 1940. Minersville. Greatest fire since 1912 struck this town. Destroyed were five buildings downtown. Loss $150,000. Eleven firemen were treated for exposure. Bitter cold. Fire swept through homes and stores. Pottsville and Llewellyn responded also. Firemen on scene 8 hrs.
January 22, 1940. Tamaqua. Two firemen killed as fire truck overturned responding to a chimney fire.
January 23, 1940, Lehighton. A run away truck virtually wrecked a filling station. It struck a parked auto and snapped off a gasoline pump, igniting the pump, the truck and 500 gallons of high test gas in an underground tank.
jrfire91
02-05-2007, 14:53
In the year 1969, the Good Intent Hose Co. #1 LLEWELLYN-
Had a devastating fire. Everything was lost. The station and the engine were destroyed. Neighboring fire departments (13 total) were called to extinguish the blaze.
March 14, 1940. Wilkes-Barre Township. Fire destroyed the 21 room W-B Twp High School. Six adjacent homes also damaged. Loss $100,000
March 22, 1940. Mauch Chunk-Three story furniture building, a house and part of a building housing a club were destroyed. Loss was $80,000. Worst fire here in years. Wind whipped flames, very cold, three hour fight. Six companies responded.
March 25, 1940. Mauch Chunk-Fourth major fire in 4 days. Three homes destroyed, four firemen overcome by smoke across from the Carbon County jail. Loss $10,000. (I don’t know what the other two fires were) Maybe someone else does?
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
02-20-2007, 13:37
From : "The Press & Herald"
February 15, 1907
While driving a mule at the Blackwood Colliery, John Brennan was thrown headlong into an abyss, which suddenly swallowed up the mine railroad he was traversing. He struck bottom after falling 80 feet. Looking up he saw the mule, caught between the sills and hanging by the harness, his four legs pawing the air. While gazing at the unusual spectacle, the harness gave way and the heavy animal took a second tumble toward him, but was saved again as the mule turned a somersault and fell down another declivity 60 feet. Both driver and mule were rescued, neither seriously hurt.
From the " News Item"
1948
The State Public Utility Commission approved the removal of the southbound track of the Reading Railroad between Shamokin and Sunbury.
Riverside Area Residents were up in arms because the PUC also okayed Blinker lights at a grade crossing in that area. Previously, the crossing had watchmen working three shifts per day.
June 22, 1940-Hazleton. Major fire destroyed the Campbell Building in the downtown business district. A reported explosion preceded the fire. Loss $50,000.
July 27, 1940-Girardville. Four persons were severely burned when fire destroyed a home and cremated the body of a woman whose wake ended just a few hours before the flames burned out the house. Occupants jumped from the second floor windows. Fire occurred at 5 a.m. A mother(the sister of the deceased) and son(a prominent local attorney) died the next day.
August 15, 1940-Scranton. Four men were killed when a shaft holding the pulley for a supply elevator in a building under construction sheared off sending the elevator they were riding plummeting four floors to the basement.
August 16, 1940-Tamaqua. Fire swept the two story frame building of the Amber Lantern Inn. Loss estimated at $5,000. Tamaqua FD and Park Crest FD responded. The inn was the scene of a triple murder on June 14, 1938. Another house was damaged.
August 22, 1940-Shamokin. Fire gutted the large three story Leader-Hamilton Building which housed a department store, drug store and twelve apartments. Twelve families were rendered homeless and the loss was $150,000.
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
03-14-2007, 11:43
From the Shamokin ' NEWS ITEM"
1926:
Shamokin: On Independence Street, throngs gathered at the American Legion Building to watch someone jump out of the second story window. The Rescue Fire Company was thinking about buying two safety nets.They wanted to test the nets and they had a taker to be the " net pilot". That was young George Welker , son of one of the fire fighters. Young Welker made the jump twice, and said it was fun, even though he bounced pretty high after hitting the net.
Side Note:
( The Shamokin Welkers', (and there are many), as far as I could ever tell are no relation).
September 2, 1940, Duryea. Fire and explosion destroyed the Shukrit Building and damaged four adjoining buildings. Loss $35,000.
September 10, 1940, Pittston. Elks Building heavily damaged. Fire spread to adjoining dwellings threatening the business district. Loss $40,000.
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
02-15-2008, 14:11
Had to dig a little to find this thread because of a few noteworthy items I found in the " Shamokin News Item"
BACK IN 1887:
The Independence Fire Company announced the purchase of two new horses to pull a newly purchased sprinkling machine. The idea was to water the streets of the borough down with the expectation that private citizens would help out by sweeping the dampened streets clean
Prohibition wasn't the law in the nation, but the feelings which ultimately led to the passage of that law were very much in evidence. For example, Shenandoah's Police Force shut down 85 drinking establishments in just one night. That, however worked no hardship on those seeking a place to have a drink since Shenandoah had one saloon for every 10 registered voters in 1887. :drink:
Morality was a big issue in this Victorian like era. The local newspaper ran a story about a man who left his wife in Chambersburg. neighbors tried to convince him to go home to no avail. At midnight a mob came to the mans boarding house. All mob members wore masks and carried a heavy rope and hot tar and feathers. They used the tar and feathers but the man escaped the rope and took off for part unknown. That led Shamokin Clergymen to observe that violence was not an effective tool in keeping families together.
Newspaper stories of the day ran mini-editorials right in the middle of the copy. An example from the Shamokin Herald: " Saturday was a general payday in Shamokin. As usual that led to a night spent in debauchery by a lot of men and boys in town. That might not happen if payday was on Monday".
Glad all those ideas didn't catch on eh??
Been way too long since I posted any goodies here. . .finally got back into the library. . .Just in time for Uncle Ed to close it:(
Throop, November 30, 1940. (Scranton) St. Bridgets Catholic Church almost totally destroyed.
Wilkes-Barre. December 25, 1940, Spectacular fire lit up the night sky and destroyed the old Exeter Colliery of the Payne Coal Company in Exeter, one of the oldest wooden structures in the coal regions. Loss was $300,000 and 900 men were thrown out of work.
The Evening News, January 6, 1941
FIREMAN ADMITS STARTING NINE SHAMOKIN FIRES
Shamokin, January 6th—Fireman Charles A. Shade, 36, was detained on arson charges today after he allegedly confessed starting nine fires during a five month period, one of which caused damage estimated at $200,ooo.
State Fire Marshal Edward Brouse and Shamokin Police Department made the arrest and announced that Shade had confessed.
The firebug activities reached their height New Years Day when three blazes were started. A neighbor saw Shade prowling in the vicinity of one of the fire sites before the blaze broke out and it was through his information that he was arrested.
Shade allegedly admitted starting a fire which destroyed the Leader Hamilton Building on August 21, ruining two stores and leaving twelve families homeless at a loss of $200,000.
The suspect was a member of the Rescue Fire Co.
February 12, 1941—Sunbury-Large frame former trolley car barns burned in spectacular fire.
February 18, 1941—Shepton. Frame Schoolhouse destroyed by fire. Fire started from a defective chimney. 39 children were marched outside unhurt.
February 19, 194--Wilkes-Barre. Fire swept through three of six floors of the Nelson Brothers furniture manufacturing plant with a loss of $125,000. This was the third fire over $100,000 loss in a week in W-B.(I don’t know what the other two were)
February 25, 1941—Pottsville. Apartment house fire in center of city. Three women narrowly escaped, two firemen overcome by smoke. Loss $30,000
March 26, 1941, Scranton. Large frame water cooler of the Scranton Electric Company destroyed in spectacular blaze. Fire could be seen 18 miles away.
March 27, 1941, Pottsville—Row of Houses. 21 families driven out. Seven houses destroyed, damage to fourteen others. Loss $50,000. another paper reported: Fire swept row of 10 houses, 6 destroyed, 4 damaged loss and an 81 year old lawyer died. Several firemen injured
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
02-16-2009, 16:11
Holy Cow. One year and a day from last post to this!!!
Hobbes, I thought of you first when I read that Steady Ed wanted to Restructure the Museum. :(
dotsresq
02-16-2009, 16:14
you mean the fire museum is owned by the state?
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
02-16-2009, 16:32
No Andy. The State Archives depository at the State Museum is under a Large proposed Budget Cut.
Hobbes has used this source to research Old Newspapers and items from all over the region which are located here.
dotsresq
02-16-2009, 16:49
oh. Thanks chief. I was hopin fast eddie wasnt in control of the fire museum.
Rescue Co. Man
02-16-2009, 16:54
oh. Thanks chief. I was hopin fast eddie wasnt in control of the fire museum.
You wouldnt want fast eddie in charge of the museum. It would have a fast food place in the engine room and you would have nothing but rusted out junk sitting in there! :grin:
June 17, 1948: Airliner crash near Wilburton #2. Several Hollywood stars were on board.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Airlines_Flight_624
No Andy. The State Archives depository at the State Museum is under a Large proposed Budget Cut.
Hobbes has used this source to research Old Newspapers and items from all over the region which are located here.
Actually Tom, I go to the State Library in the Education/Forum Building. At last count I believe they have over 80,000 reels of microfilm covering a vast selection of Pennsylvania newspapers. The Archives has it's own collection, some duplicated and others not of what the library has. I go in on Tuesday's since they are open from 9 am. until 8 p.m. Guess you could say I'm a real "glutton for punishment" for spending 11 hours hunched over a microfilm reader.:grin: I can normally cover one month of the Patriot, Evening News, Telegraph and the Sunday Courier. Believe me you need to go through all of them. Reading papers from 1941 is a far cry from reading the rags of today. And then of course guys like Jesse will send me a whole laundry list of dates to get articles of for "da Walley"fires. I copy everything Harrisburg and generally lower county and make notes of everything from Carlisle to Palmyra, Northern York into the coal regions and west through Perry. That's only the half of it. After I bring all of this home, I have to organize it, type up maybe four pages of notes and small one paragraph articles, and cut and paste it all together. If anyone is fascinated with this stuff, stop at the museum some Friday and I'll give you a tour of the archives. There is about four decades of research between my dad and me in there. . .and I don't think I'm half way done yet. Like I tell people, this is probably as close to a time machine as I will ever get.
This is what I was referring to about Fast Eddie:
Most State Library jobs could be history
Rendell's proposal would cut 50 of 57 positions, force 'rethinking' of role
Friday, February 13, 2009
BY CHARLES THOMPSON
Of The Patriot-News
The State Library could lose nearly all of its staff under Gov. Ed Rendell's proposed budget for 2009-10, and the proposed cuts are startling researchers who rely on the library.
Fifty of the library's 57 positions would be eliminated, with one person transferred elsewhere in the state Department of Education, which oversees the library.
That would leave a staff of six, presumably to maintain public access to the facility, which the administration has indicated it wants to try to keep open.
Rendell's spending plan would slash the library's budget in half, from $4.8 million this year to $2.4 million for the budget year starting July 1.
"The tough times we're in now mean we will need to fundamentally rethink the role of the State Library," said Mike Race, a Department of Education spokesman. "That said, there clearly are assets and services we want to preserve, including hours of operation in which the library is open to public use. [But] until a budget is finalized, we can't speculate on exactly how services might be impacted."
The State Library houses an extensive general and legal reference collection and is perhaps the state's leading repository of Pennsylvania and U.S. government reports, from election results to postings of salaries of all state employees.
It also contains a state-of-the-art rare-books room that preserves a collection of books and newspapers started by Benjamin Franklin.
Supporters of the library said it plays an important role during a recession as people without computers flood in to apply for jobs online. At lunchtime Thursday, the banks of public computer terminals were nearly full.
Like proposed shutdowns of the Scotland School for Veterans' Children in Franklin County or the Governor's Schools summer enrichment programs, this proposed deep cut is causing deep concern with devotees.
Joyce Barnhart, an amateur genealogist from East Pennsboro Twp., said the State Library can't be beaten for its breadth of research material and access to it.
She said most local historical societies run closed stacks, meaning the user needs to know exactly what he or she wants to request. The State Library, by contrast, lets users browse open stacks in its genealogy room.
"That way, even when I'm not quite sure what I'm looking for, I'll find something that can help me get started," Barnhart said.
Another boon to researchers is the library's collection of state newspapers -- from today's issues to those that haven't published for 100 years
"Just about anything in the state, I can find there," said Kathy Fisher, another genealogy hobbyist from Middle Paxton Twp.
State records show that visitors to the ornate library in The Forum accessed 215,000 items last year.
Rendell has said he is unhappy about many of his hundreds of proposed budget cuts and that he hopes for restorations of many funding lines when better times return. But he said he is focused on preserving public safety, social services and education.
The administration is grappling with a projected budget deficit of $2.3 billion by the end of the current fiscal year. The state has drawn less revenue as consumers have curbed spending and companies have cut jobs.
Workers at the library would not comment about their situation Thursday, saying they were advised by their supervisors to refer all questions to the Education Department press office.
State Library advocates have vowed a fight.
Glenn Miller, director of the Pennsylvania Library Association, said that even if the State Library keeps reduced public hours, the spending cut would weaken its role as one of four statewide resource libraries.
Those centers -- including libraries in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and State College -- are charged with building and sharing specialized collections that can't be replicated in local public libraries.
"It clearly is an important jewel in Pennsylvania's library system," Miller said.
CHARLES THOMPSON: 705-5724 or cthompson@patriot-news.com
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
02-16-2009, 19:31
Thanks for the Clarification Dave. Keep up the good work.
Blitz: A year or so ago, the " News Item " did a write up on the Crash. Thanks for the link. I have driven up and down that mountain several times since I read the article originally and have left my mind wander on exactly what it was like that day.
I don't know if it has been ripped out yet or not but part of the substation in the pictures on the Wikipedia site used to be there. Its been a while since I was down there.
February 25, 1941—Pottsville. Apartment house fire in center of city. Three women narrowly escaped, two firemen overcome by smoke. Loss $30,000
Coal region fire historian Mike Glore adds:
2/24/1941 - Box 57 - 09:23 - 218 N. 2nd St. - Occupant: Pearl G. Meil. Fire burned through hallway to the roof. Believed to be an arson fire.
March 27, 1941, Pottsville—Row of Houses. 21 families driven out. Seven houses destroyed, damage to fourteen others. Loss $50,000. another paper reported: Fire swept row of 10 houses, 6 destroyed, 4 damaged loss and an 81 year old lawyer died. Several firemen injured
Coal region fire historian Mike Glore adds:
3/26/1941:
This was one of the most serious row frame fires Pottsville ever experienced. It took place on a very narrow North 3rd St. in Pottsville' s 5th Ward. This street dead-ends at the location of the fire. Fire began around 23:30 hrs. and Box 52 was transmitted at 23:43. Fire involved the following properties:
818-820-822-824-826-828-830-832-834-836-838-840-842-905-907-909-911 N. 3rd St. Fire started in the basement kitchen of the Brennan residence at 834 N. 3rd St. A boy by the name of Harold Ruppert was in the house alone when the fire was noticed. He said that he was in bed and got out the 2nd story window onto the porch roof. As companies were responding, the glow could be seen from virtually all parts of the city. The fire ran the partition walls to the cockloft, which ran the length of 9 homes. The houses on the west side of 3rd St. (the odd numbered homes above) were damaged by radiant heat. The homes from 828-842 were completely destroyed. 79 individuals were left homeless. There was still row frames standing today that were involved in the fire back in '41.
Gustav A. Berner, attorney and city clerk, died at his home at 303 N. 2nd St. that same evening around midnight. It was believed that he suffered a heart attack. However, it was not a fire fatality related to the 3rd St. fire.
Chrismooney
02-18-2009, 20:30
Dave, Thanks for the great history!! I grew up in Luzerne county now work there I also posted the link in the luzerne county forum....... Thanks again for the great history lessons....
engine216
02-28-2009, 23:19
Found this a year or two ago while doing my research in the Sentinel and thought I would finally post it here.
March 1st
1977: At approximately 11:50 a.m., an inrush of water occurred in a section of the Porter Tunnel Mine, east of Tower City, in Porter Township, Schuylkill County, trapping miners inside. The water had come from a breach of an old bootleg mine. Nine miners working in the area of the accident escaped. Sixty-five miners in other parts of the mine also escaped. But there were ten miners trapped inside. Rescue efforts began immediately. On March 2nd, shortly after midnight, the body of a deceased miner was found. Another one was found around 5 a.m. Then a tapping sound was heard, leading to the discovery of trapped miner, Ronald Adley. Work began on his rescue as other search and rescue efforts continued. Adley was not freed until 8:05 a.m. on March 6th. Than that same day, at 9:30 a.m another body was recovered and another one was sighted. It took until 4:30 p.m. to recover that other body. Work continued, and at 8:20 p.m. on March 28th, three more bodies were found. The last two bodies were not found until 12:38 a.m. on March 30th. The deceased miners (alphabetical) were: Gary Lee Ginger, Mark Groh, Timothy Grose, Ronald Herb, Dennis Morgan, John Moyer, Ralph Renninger, Philip Sabatino, and Donald Schoffler.
Received this today from Mike Glore, noted Pottsville fire historian:
While beginning some preliminary work on the April "looking back" for the PFD, I hit this fire in Schuylkill Haven. While it didn't really fit into the time frames that I was reviewing, it looked like a pretty good job worth noting. I was going to hold-off and ship this closer to Easter, but I figured if I waited I'd forget!
4/17/1960 - 06:25 - American Hose, Yorkville, Good Will
The fire occurred early Easter Sunday morning at Angelo's Town Tavern at 11 W. Main St. and the Reading Restaurant at 9 W. Main St. These businesses were located in a three story frame building with apartments above, which stepped-down to two stories in the rear. Also damaged was the Palsgrove Hardware Store at 13 W. Main St. Schuylkill Haven Fire Chief Paul Hinnershitz said the fire was of undetermined origin, but began in the bedroom or bathroom in an apartment above Angelo's. Angelo Stramara, proprietor of the tavern, was alone in the upstairs apartment when he awoke at approximately 6AM to the smell of smoke. Stramara tried to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher, but was unsuccessful. He ran to the Reading Railroad Station across the street and phoned in the alarm. At about the same time, a newspaper delivery man, Charles Kubich, pulled the street box when he saw the building burning. Haven firefighters were met with heavy fire in the interior stairwell going to the second floor when they arrived. The upper floors of the building were completely gutted. The roof of the Palsgrove Hardware Store was also damaged. Damage estimates were approximately $75,000. It took 2 hours to bring the fire under control. Yorkville and Schuylkill Hose drafted from the Schuylkill River to supply water to the fire. Other than the Stramara's apartment, all others in the building were vacant.
Hinnershitz requested help from Pottsville, Orwigsburg, and Cressona. Pottsville sent American Hose (either their '48 ALF 1500 gpm pumper or their '52 ALF 750 gpm pumper), Yorkville ('49 Maxim 750 gpm quad), and Good Will ('52 GMC/American 750 gpm pumper). The guys from Haven can correct me, but I believe Schuylkill Hose would have had their 20's Seagrave and '49 Chevy/Oren, Liberty would have had both the L and B model Macks, and Rainbow would have had the classic-style Seagrave pumper and quad. Cressona # 1 would have had their '51 GMC/American that was very similar (aside from it being red) to Pottsville Good Will's rig, and Orwigsburg would have had their Ford/Oren. Good Will, Cressona I'm not sure about. I'm also not sure if one or both Cressona companies responded.
April 6, 1941, Scranton-Moosic. Packing house of the Dupont Powder Co. with nearly 1500 lbs of blasting powder exploded. No one in building at time. Windows blown out in Avoca. Building disintegrated.
April 14, 1941. Atlas. Fire in an old shanty at Exchange. Atlas FC were called. During the fire thieves broke into the Atlas FC social room on the second floor and stole $10 worth of cigars, cigarettes, candy and chewing gum and $15 from the register.
April 21, 1941-Pottsville Four story F. W. Woolworth Store gutted. Shoe store next door damaged. $50,000 loss.
May 13, 1941-Ashland. Kohinoor Coal Co. Large breaker in William Penn destroyed. Must of been a spectacular fire. $100,000
May 27, 1941-Mt. Carmel. One double house was destroyed and a second badly damaged. Nineteen left homeless. Vine St. $5,000 loss. Two explosions preceded fire.
Pottsville Fire Historian Mike Glore sends these gems along for the month of March:
10 years ago:
3/12/99 - Box 523 - 09:24 - 710 Mt. Hope Ave. 2 year old Jeffrey Slane died in the first floor of the 2.5 story end-of-row dwelling. His father, Timothy Slane, jumped from a rear 2nd floor window into the backyard to escape the fire. Fire began in a sofa on the east side of the 1st floor front room. Heavy fire was showing from the 1st floor front when Asst. Chief Witmier (then P3) arrived from 1/2 block away at Da-Mar Fire Protection. First-arriving E11 led-off with a 1.75" handline through the front door. L51 obtained some good dash-cam video of scene upon arrival. 710 sustained extensive fire damage. 712 sustained heavy smoke and check-for-extension damage. 714 sustained smoke damage. http://www.pottsvillefire.com/multimedia.htm (http://www.pottsvillefire.com/multimedia.htm)
15 years ago:
3/8/94 - STILL - 03:51 - 1239 Mahantongo St. - E11, 71, L51, T61. Multi-car garage to the rear of the dwelling was well-involved on arrival. Limited response (2 + 1) due to snow. E11 added as extra engine. Laid dual 3" supply lines from hydrant at 12th & Mahantongo.
20 years ago:
3/1/89 - Box 443 - 01:45 - 1530 Howard Ave. Arson fire caused approximately $100,000 damage to the large private dwelling. Slate roof caused some ventilation challenges. Neighbors reported hearing and "explosion" shortly before fire was discovered.
3/8/89 - STILL - 22:00 hrs. - 500 W. Bacon St., Palo Alto. Large wood-frame warehouse (Rags to Riches) containing textile waste and private dwelling destroyed. Phoenix, American Hose, Humane, Yorkville, and Good Intent responded. This was an old fashioned "big one" which featured plenty of fire, plenty of ice, and spread smoke throughout the city. Humane laid 5" across the bridge from the Pottsville Hospital to the scene. Good Intent pumped the hydrant in the City. There was some very good video of Phoenix's ladder pipe operation in front of the building, including footage of their aerial starting to "steam-up." Surprisingly by today's standards, only 8 companies fought this fire: 5 City companies, both Palo Alto companies, and Pt. Carbon. This is a photo of the building from the 1930's when it was a warehouse for Reiley's appliance store (located at 200 N. Centre St.). The private dwelling to the right was gutted also.
3/18/89 - Box 57 - 23:16 - 647 N. 2nd St. - 1st floor room & contents in vacant dwelling. Arson.
25 years ago:
3/5/84 - Box 25 - 08:56 - 512-514 Hotel St. Ginger Trabosh (28) and her son, Jason Haller (5) died in 512. The father, John Haller, sustained burns and lacerations when he jumped from the 2nd floor front bedroom window. Three other children ((Crystal (10), John, Jr. (3), and Alysia (7 mos)) were dropped to passerby Robert Weissmiller who caught them. An occupant of the home, Robert Carl, age 34, was sleeping on the first floor of the home when he awoke to discover fire on the first floor. The Hallers were upstairs. John Haller ran downstairs and both men tried to extinguish the fire using buckets of water. Haller ran back upstairs to his family and quickly became trapped. Carl ran out the first floor. The parents appeared at the 2nd floor window as Weissmiller called to them to drop the children. One by one they disappeared into the smoke and returned with a child. When the third child was dropped, flames began to appear at the 2nd floor ceiling. Haller yelled for his wife to jump and then hurled himself through another front bedroom window. When 10 year old Alyssa was dropped, her foot caught on the window sill and her body contacted the hot exterior of the burning building. She hung there for a second until Weissmiller jumped up and pulled her down. She was transported to the Pottsville Hospital by a passing Warner Cable Co. service truck driven by Michael Scribbick, Pottsville area, and was later transferred to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown. The home was well-involved when fire companies arrived (E71 arrived first-due). Fire destroyed the wood-frame duplex. The official cause is listed as "Unknown," but was believed to have been electrical in nature with origin in a wall on the southwest side of the first floor. When the bodies were discovered, Ginger Trabosh was approximately 3 feet from the bedroom window and her son was approximately 6 feet from the window. There were no smoke detectors in the home. The fire occurred during a snowfall. Occupants and losses: J. Haller (512) - $12,000; V. Wallace (514) - $8,000.
3/7/84 - Box 56 - 15:46 - 909-911 Fairview St. - Arson fire ran porches and front of the vacant homes. Loss: $2,000.
3/19/84 - Box 244 - 23:34 - 502 Jefferson St. Homeowner Richard Hallick came home to find his house on fire. He entered the front door and crawled into the dining room where he found his wife, Beverly Hallick, unconscious. He dragged her out through the kitchen door. The 2 story single-family dwelling was well-involved when companies arrived. The fire was caused when candles ignited curtains. Loss: $49,200.
30 years ago:
3/12/79 - Box 324 - 06:35 - 1316 Mahantongo St. Overheated chimney pipe caused $20,000 damage to the Patrick McGeever residence.
35 years ago:
3/1/74 - Box 65 - 13:30 - 437 Front St. B & L Body shop heavily damaged. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $6500
3/7/74 - Box 15 - 16:24 - 452-454-456 Adams. St. Heavy fire on arrival from the row of frame dwellings. Radiant heat also damaged the exterior of 15 S. Jackson St. Cause: Unknown.
3/28/74 - Box 76 - 03:36 - 1966-1968 W. Market St. Pottsville Patrolman James Greenberg was on routine patrol when he discovered flames coming from a second floor window at 1968 W. Market St., owned by Mrs. Jane Gallagher. Greenberg kicked open the front door and attempted to go upstairs, but was stopped by the flames, heat, and smoke. An unidentified neighbor arrived and informed Patrolman Greenberg that a woman, Stella Rhoades, was living in a third floor apartment in the house. Greenberg was unable to reach her. Arriving on scene with Yorkville's 1967 Maxim Quad (then P-61), firefighters Joe Burns and Todd March donned SCBA and entered the home. They located and removed Mrs. Rhoades, who was taken to Pottsville Hospital and admitted for smoke inhalation. Neither Mrs. Gallagher nor her daughter, Molly, were home at the time of the fire. The cause is listed as "unknown," but is believe to have started in the 2nd floor front bedroom of the home. The 2nd and 3rd floors were heavily damaged by fire with the 1st floor suffering smoke and water damage. 1966, owned by Mrs. Florence Lord, was also damaged. Fire loss: 1968 - $22,500; 1966 - $7,000. Greenberg, Burns, and March were all presented with citations by the City for the rescue.
3/31/74 - Box 41 - 03:02 - 1252-1254-1256-1258-1260 W. Arch St. Vacant row frames owned by the Pottsville Redevelopment Authority. 4 were gutted and 2 were heavily damaged. Cause: Unknown, but considered a "suspicious" fire. Loss: Unknown. West End returned later in the day for a rekindle.
40 years ago:
3/8/69 - Box 523 - 10:45 - 303-305 N. 9th St. Basement fire caused $4,860.68 damage to the dwellings. Cause: Unknown.
45 years ago:
3/27/64 - Box 27 - 16:50 - Saylor Planing Mill, Palo Alto. On a windy day, the lumberyard was destroyed that was located between Pottsville and Palo Alto. Box 27 was transmitted and all City companies responded. The Good Intent has good "Super 8" video of this fire.
50 years ago:
3/23/59 - STILL - 17:00 - 200 Block Second St., Pt. Carbon. Humane, American Hose, Yorkville. Fire destroyed two garages and heavily damaged the Nicholas Murray residence at 230 Second St. This home was the end of the row of 4 frame homes. The home at 228 Second St. received slight damage. PCFD Chief William Wilson had "Command." Good Will Pt. Carbon was at the hydrant at 2nd & Nicholas, Schoentown at the hydrant at 1st & Lawton, Citizens of Palo Alto at the hydrant at 2nd & Market, and Yorkville of Pottsville at the hydrant at 3rd & Grand.
80 years ago:
3/12/29 - Box 36- 01:30 - Rear 311 W. Market St. Occupant: Leader Furniture & G. Tailor. Cause: Careless smoking. Loss: $14,400
95 years ago:
3/18/1914 - Box 32 - 12:06 - 4th & Schuylkill. 2.5 story frame dwelling occupied by Diamond & O'Brien. Cause: Oil stove set fire to clothes in attic. Loss: $229.80.
3/22/1914 - Box 23 - 10:42 - Greenwood Hill. 3 story frame dwelling owned by Joseph Medlar and occupied by Medlar and Levy. Cause: spark carried in from fire in yard. Loss: $2023.50.
150 years ago:
3/31/1859 - 04:00. 3 frame houses completely destroyed on High (Race) St. above 3rd. Occupied by Mary Williams and others.
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
04-04-2009, 17:11
From www.newsitem.com (http://www.newsitem.com)
Published: Monday, March 30, 2009 10:24 AM EDT
• The Independence Fire Company announced the purchase of two new horses to pull a newly-purchased sprinkling machine. The idea was to water the streets of the borough down with the expectations that private citizens would help out by sweeping the dampened streets clean.
• Prohibition wasn’t the law in the nation a 100 years ago, but the feelings, which ultimately led to the passage of that law, were very much in evidence. For example, Shenandoah’s police force shut down 85 drinking establishments in just one night. That, however, worked no hardship on those seeking a place to have a drink since Shenandoah had one saloon for every 10 registered voters in 1887.
• Morality was a big issue in this Victorian-like era. The local newspaper ran a story about a man who left his wife down in Chambersburg. Neighbors tried to convince him to go home to no avail. At midnight, a mob came to the man’s boarding house. All mob members wore masks and they carried a heavy rope and hot tar and feathers. They used the tar and feathers, bu the man escaped the rope and took off for parts unknown. That led a Shamokin clergyman to observe that violence was not an effective tool in keeping families together.
• Newspaper stories of the day ran mini-editorials right in the middle of the copy. Here’s an example from the Shamokin Herald: “Saturday was general payday in Shamokin. As usual, that led to a night spent in debauchery by a lot of the men and boys in town. That might not happen if payday was on Monday.”
More great stuff from Brother Mike Glore. . .
I’m shipping this a day early due to the fire on Fairview St. 307 Fairview was damaged on April 29, 1975. Box 52 was transmitted at 02:24. Fire originated in 401 Fairview, which was vacant. Heavy exterior fire from 401 and 403 greeted companies on arrival. Fire extended from 401 to damage 307 as well. 401 was vacant with no fire loss indicated. 403 was owned by Robert Butler and suffered $3900 in damage. 307 was occupied by Joan Shappel and Catherine Brennan with damage totaling $2500. The fire was termed “suspicious” with the cause undetermined.
25 Years Ago:
4/27/84 - Box 55 - 12:58 - 726 N. 13th St. Owner: W. Solan. Cause: Plastic items placed on hot stove. Loss: $50,000.Firefighters arrived at the 3 story frame home to find heavy fire venting from the rear 1st floor kitchen area and the rear porch well-off. Box 55 was hooked by a passerby. Fire damage was largely contained to the first floor with heavy heat and smoke damage to the remainder of the home. Not a fire, but a noteworthy event: 4/30/84 - STILL - 19:10 and 5/1/84 - STILL - 12:50. Yorkville R63. Assistance requested by State Police for search and rescue on Sharp Mountain, Branch Township. 6 individuals died when their 4WD vehicle plunged down an open mine shaft.
30 Years Ago:
4/4/79 - Box 723 - 15:13 - 21 S. 21st St. - Occupant: Anthony Marasco. Cause: Vapors from drum of glue ignited. Loss: $1000.
35 Years Ago:
4/11/74 - STILL - 08:03 - Seider's Beer Hall, Gordon Nagle Trail. Yorkville, West End, Good Intent, and Greenwood Hill. A gas heater exploed in the 100 year old 1.5 story wood frame tavern. Firefighters arrived with the bulidng fully involved. The Cressona Fire Department also responded. On 2/22/74, Robert Dreher, Jr. of Frackville was shot to death at the tavern by David F. Seiders of Pottsville during an altercation. Seiders' father owned the tavern.
4/14/74 - Box 72 - 20:38 - 1944 Mahantongo St. Occupant: Jack Schuster. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $20,277.
40 Years Ago:
4/1/69 - Box 115 - 18:20 - 208-210 N. 2nd St. Occupants: June Schell and Josephine Joulwan. Fire began in the kitchen. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $2500.
4/5/69 - STILL - 23:40 - Scale house at railroad yard, St. Clair. Humane and Good Will St. Clair transmitted a general alarm for the fire. The top floor of the 2 story building was fully involved when fire companies arrived. Mill Creek Fire Company responded also. Flying embers also created a problem. Units began clearing the scene at 01:15. This was the first working fire for Alert, St. Clair's 750 gpm Mack CF pumper (the same CF they run now, refurbed in 1993). If I'm not mistaken, this was the first diesel pumper in Schuylkill County.
4/16/69 - Box 615 - 17:35 - Aetna Steel Company, Peacock St. Fire in the paint shop. Loss: $3650.
4/16/69 - Box 722 - 20:19 - 19th & W. Market St. Liberty Oil Co. building. Cause: Explosion & fire. Loss: $2710. This was Golca's Atlantic Gas Station. The building still stands today as DiCello Chiropractic. Edward Golca, the owner, and Michael Consugar of Minersville, were burned in the explosion. They were transported to the Pottsville Hospital in the firechief's car by Jerrry Brennan and Charlie Barone (Good Intent). Most of the fire damage was limited to the building's contents, with no structural damage. This occurred while the 6-County Firemen's Convention Committee was meeting at Yorkville Hose, so to say thatthere was a pretty heavy immeditate response would be an understatement! (66 members attended the meeting)
4/18/69 - STILL - 11:25 - Mercuri Barn at Hillside. American Hose, Good Intent, and Greenwood Hill. The barn was fully involved and was completely destroyed.
4/21/69 - STILL - 21:55 - Robert Boyer Paint & Body Shop, Palo Alto. American Hose, Greenwood Hill, West End.
50 Years Ago:
4/1/59 - Box 35 - 06:30 - 715 Mahantongo St. Occupant: C.J. Teeple. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $10,000 Heavy fire was showing from the top floor of this 3 story duplex OMD when companies arrived. Box 35 was "hooked" at 9th & Mahantongo. The third floor of 715 was gutted. There was no extension to 717. This building is still standing on Mahantongo St. I had a fire (unattended cooking) in the first floor apartment in the other half of the duplex apartment at 717 Mahantongo St. on 3/22/05.
4/6/59 - Box 57 - 09:15 - 644 N. 2nd St. Occupant: John Adams. Cause: Boy playing with matches ignited sofa. Loss: $200.
55 Years Ago:
4/4/54 - STILL - 11:34 - 309 N. 3rd St. Occupant: Frank Serick. Cause: Children set fire to bed onsecond floor. Loss: $600.
4/19/54 - STILL - 516 W. Norwegian St. Occupant: Mrs. Clay. Cause: Electrical wire circuit overloaded, set insulation on fire. Loss: $382.
65 Years Ago:
4/29/44 - Box 53 - 07:56 - 7th & Minersville St. Occupant: Mrs. Ray Adams. Cause: Unknown. Fire in cellar near furnace. Loss: $2243. The cellar of Adams' Cafe was gutted. The fire began near the stoker. Box 53 was pulled at 6th & Minersville St. It was reported that, "three waterlines and two booster lines" were used to extinguish the fire. Control was marked after nearly an hour. The same building was extensively damaged inanother April fire (that didn't fit into the time frames!): 4/20/1940 - Box 53 - 04:55. Fire started in the back of the refigerator. Loss: $3,044.
70 Years Ago:
4/12/39 - Box 51 - 01:55 - 448 N. Centre St. Bartlett Apartments. Occupants: Mr. D. Smith and Mr. Harrison. Fire started in kitchen of second floor apartment. Fire burned through to 3rd floor. Loss: $2000. Fire originated in the rear second floor apartment, vented out the windows, and spread to the third floor apartment. Heavy fire was showing from the rear of the three story OMD on arrival. The first floor was occupied by Freedline's Pottsville Stove Repair Company. Companies began clearing the scene at approximately 03:00. This is what East side of the 400 Block of N. Centre St. looked like at the time...lotsa potential back in the day!
75 Years Ago:
4/2/34 - Box 51 - 20:44 - Railroad & Minersville Sts. Steam Heat Plant. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $3500. The Steam Heat Plant was located where the Steam Heat Parking Lot is today at Progress and Laurel. The fire largely destroyed the office portion of the three story building along what was then Minersville St. (Laurel St. today in that stretch). It also destroyed the coal elevator tower and the woodwork surrounding it. The roof was completely burned away. On individual was injured: James McGuire of St. Clair, in pulling the box, used his fist to break the "doghouse" glass on Box 51 - Centre & Minersville St. The Steam Heat Plant supplied heat to 230 businesses and residences in the central business district. Fire hit the Steam Heat Plant 35 years earlier. Fire Chief George P. Powers was nearly killed when he fell into a shaft. He was pulled-out by William L. Stevenson, who went on to become Fire Chief, and several other firemen.
4/18/34 - Box 18 and 51 - 03:42 - Railroad & E. Race Sts. Occupant: Sheeler Garage and Liederkrantz Hall. Cause: Unknown. Night man, Joseph Grace, found in building overcome by smoke and died. Loss: $2500. Located on the northwest corner of present day Progress and E. Race St., the 2 story brick garage of R.W. Sheeler (1st floor) and the Liederkranz Social Club (2nd floor) was heavily damaged. The fire originated in the office of the garage on the first floor, just underneath the interior stairway. Box 18 at Centre & Market and Box 51 (again) at Centre & Minersville were both pulled. A telephone alarm was also received at City Hall. Joseph Grace, age 19, was an employee of the garage. After the fire was under control, he was located by firefighter Earl Snyder lying partially under an automobile in the garage. He had no burns on his body. Death was caused by "fumes and smoke." It was reported that he was breathing, but unconscious when he was taken to the hospital and was pronounced dead approximately an hour later. It was believe that Grace awoke to discover the fire, ran to the washroom to get a bucket of water, and was "overcome by monoxide gas." This was Fire Chief George Smith's first fire fatality.
80 Years Ago:
4/2/29 - Box 514 - 02:55 - 1508 Minersville (Mt. Hope Ave) St. Occupant: W. Petrosky. Cause: Defective flue. Loss: $2550. The fire destroyed the two story frame home. The Petrosky family was asleep when the fire was discovered. Two of the Petrosky children werecarried from the burning home to the home of a neighbor by Chauffer Eisenacher (aka "Knocker") of the Good Intent, who was the first to arrive atBox 514 . The home was heavily involved in fire on arrival. The building collapsed, catching several firefighters as it fell. William Curtier of the Humane was seriously injured and was admitted to the Pottsville Hospital with lacerations, bruises, and a possible fractured skull. Fire Chief Stevenson narrowly missed the collapse.
4/9/29 - Box 26 - 02:35 - Railroad & Union Sts. Occupant: E. Bergan. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $4000.
85 Years Ago:
4/24/24 - Box 64 - 11:30 - 316 Prospect St. Occupant Robert Horn. Cause: Defective flue. Fire traveled in partition walls in 2nd floor. Walls opened and fire extinguished with "chemicals." Loss: $100.
130 Years Ago:
4/23/1879 The old Mt. Carbon Rolling Mill was entirely destroyed by fire.
140 Years Ago:
4/15/1869 Two incendiary fires: One at Candy's Store on Railroad St. and one at the Ten Pin Alley to the rear of Town Hall.
Brother Mike Glore, Pottsville Fire Historian's post for May:
5 Years Ago:
5/5/04 - 20:07 - Box 511 - 323 N. 9th St. 2 rooms on 2nd floor. Fire out the second floor on arrival. 9-1-1 call received as well as pulled street box (511) at 9th & Laurel. Fire is also featured in the PFD banner at the top of the website home page
5/23/04 - 19:24 - Still - 11 River St., Cressona. Good Intent, American Hose, West End. Multiple Dwelling destroyed.
15 Years Ago:
5/1/94 - 22:12 - Box 63 - 125 W. Railroad St. 2nd floor room & contents.
20 Years Ago:
5/27/89 - 17:50 - Box 34 - 416 Boone St. Basement fire with minor extension. Companies were in the process of clearing-up from a minor kitchen fire at 543 E. Market St. (Box 18 - 17:38) when box was struck for Boone St. First-due engine was Humane's old, old E32 ('64 Seagrave 250 gpm/400 gal). We stretched first 1.5" line through the front door off E32 while E11 stretched a 1.5" line into the basement in the rear. If I remember correctly, a couple of E11 firefighters were zapped a little by some electrical wiring in the basement.
25 Years Ago:
5/5/84 - 09:26 - Box 216 - 375 S. Centre St. Owner: J. Kapsha. Cause: Coal-fired boiler exploded. Loss: $20,000.
This explosion was heard for blocks around and threw shards of glass and rubble across the street. Thomas Powell (aka “Pally” of downtown lore) was the only occupant in the building at the time. He was watching a western on television in his 2nd floor apartment when the explosion knocked the cabinets off his kitchen wall. Based on his history, his inebriation probably muffled the effects of the explosion a little!
5/9/84 - 19:05 - Box 51 - 216 N. Centre St. Kitchen fire in 2nd floor apartment. Occupant: M. Webb. Cause: Unattended Cooking. The occupant, Diane Webb, had fallen asleep with food on the stove. The resulting fire ignited a portion of the kitchen as well. Residents of the apartment building knocked some of the fire down with dry chemical extinguishers initially. Mrs. Webb was admitted to the Pottsville Hospital with smoke inhalation. Shortly before the box, at 18:30 hrs., Good Intent and Greenwood Hill extinguished a well-involved vehicle fire in the bus terminal parking lot off East Norwegian St.
30 Years Ago:
5/18/79 - 13:20 - Box 57 - 301-303 Fairview St. Cause: Careless smoking. Loss: $20,000. Fire began in the bedroom and quickly spread through the small apartment of Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Zweizig. Mrs. Zweizig had fallen off a chair and injured her head before the fire. The couple left their 7-month old son, Kenneth, at a neighbor's apartment as they proceeded to the Good Samaritan Hospital. It was there that they learned of the fire and returned to the building. All residents of the apartment building, including the Zweizig child, were safely evacuated. The Zweizig apartment was gutted and the remainder of the building suffered smoke and water damage. Asst Chief Dusel (Good Will) had "command."
35 Years Ago:
5/28/74 - 14:00 - Still - Stand-By in Minersville. Yorkville & Greenwood Hill. Companies on stand-by while building was on fire.
40 Years Ago:
5/5/69 - 11:10 - Box 45 - 220 N. 10th St. Occupant: Joan Vidal. Cause: Careless smoking. Loss: $400. Fire was confined to the second floor front bedroom of the home.
5/31/69 - 02:00 - Still - North Manheim Twp. Good Intent pavilion on fire at the company’s picnic grove at Hillside. American Hose, West End, Good Will and, of course, Good Intent. Companies pumped from a nearby swimming pool to obtain water. Unlike the pavilion today, this was an actual building - affectionately referred to as the "shack." The cause of the fire is – and will likely remain forever – “unknown.”
50 Years Ago:
5/7/59 - 12:01 - Box 25 - Centre & Mauch Chunk. Homan Gas Station. Gas explosion in sump pit. Pump motor caused arc, which ignited gas fumes. Loss: $350. The service station attendant and another youth were seriously burned in a flash fire in the grease pit at the Esso Service Centre (across from the Hope Tower, where Empire Glass had been). Burned were Ed Drummer, age 25, of 393 Hotel St. and James Sullivan, age 16, of 537 Hotel St. A 1957 model 4-door sedan was also damaged in the fire.
55 Years Ago:
5/30/54 - 07:15 - Still - 901 Fairview St. Occupant: Al Troutman. Fire started in bedroom on 2nd floor. Cause: Careless smoking. Loss: $4,940. This was a 2 story frame right on the corner of 9th & Fairview. The home is no longer there. This place was going pretty good on the 2nd floor, but the response was held to a still with 5 companies responding. The log doesn't list the companies, but the photo from the paper clearly shows West End's 1937 Ahrens-Fox 500gpm "Emergency Car" and Humane's 1929 Buffalo hose & booster truck.
60 Years Ago:
5/29/49 - 16:12 - Box 41 - 12th & Russell Sts. Reading Railway Co. Cause: Unkown. Old building in the rear of the Lehigh Valley depot. Loss: $500.
75 Years Ago:
5/1/34 - 15:35 - Still - Glenworth near Hillside. Occupant: Wm. Daubert. Chief, Good Intent, American Hose responded. An overheated stove caused the total loss of the William Daubert home. The fire also severely threatened the Elmer Dieter homestead. The semi-detached kitchen and several trees of the Deiter property were ignited, but tin siding saved the home proper. Strong winds were a contributing factor as the Daubert home burned to the ground. Surrounding brush also ignited on several occasions.
5/7/34 - 15:15 - Still - Branchdale. Brush fire caused 10 houses to burn down. Chief sent West End, Yorkville, and Humane. This fire began in the vicinity of Buck Run and swept in a southeasterly direction and virtually encircled Branchdale. It was driven by winds which were described as “gale like.” Fire companies from Pottsville, Minersville, Llewellyn, Branchdale, St. Clair, Forestville, Donaldson, and Tremont fought the fire. Fire Chief Smith of Pottsville initially sent Yorkville and West End to the scene and a short time later sent the Humane as well. Minersville companies were sent to the “School Row” area to protect a dozen or so homes there. Branchdale was positioned just southeast of the Phoenix Park Colliery to protect the school house and the homes along the street running north. Yorkville and West End teamed-up to stretch 1100 feet of 2.5” hose from the creek in town to the top of what was known as “Company Hill.” Traffic was stopped on what is now Route 209 as heavy smoke and driving flames almost trapped several motorists. Pottsville companies returned home at 21:30 hrs. No exact estimate of acreage burned was provided, but 10 homes were destroyed, the “Otto fanhouse” was destroyed as were the mule stables there, and 26 mine cars were burned. I believe the Otto fanhouse was part of the Phoenix Park Colliery. While responding along the Branchdale road (Rt. 209, I presume), a fire truck overturned a stove and heater standing on the side of the road where it had taken from the Renninger gas station and placed for safety. It was not reported which rig hit the appliances.
80 Years Ago:
5/5/29 - 15:45 - Box 42 - 702 W. Market St. Occupant: Shirt factory and home of J. Auerback. Cause: Electric Iron. Loss: $4,000. Auerback owned shirt factories in both St. Clair and Tamaqua as well as the one in this dwelling. The iron had been left on and, shortly after Auerback left the premesis, the ironing board evidently collapsed, setting fire to the stock.
5/19/29 - 01:45 - Box 51 - 2nd & Sanderson Sts. Occupant: Mike Dunn 12 family apartment house. Cause: Unkown. Loss: $23,000. There were 16 apartments in the building. This was a six story occupied multiple dwelling, straight out of the Bronx. It was known as "Dunn's tenement" and, more popularly, "Dunn's Flats." Shortly after the fire department arrived, heavy fire was showing from the windows and exposing both a similar building to the north as well as a frame dwelling to the south. Hoselines were operated from the roofs of surrounding buildings. It was estimated that 20 hoselines were in service with the pumpers having 2 or 3 lines off each and numerous streams from the "plugs from blocks around." After the main body of fire was knocked-down, firefighters advanced hoselines onto the porches of the involved building and operated directly into the various apartments. I'm sure most members - particularly the guys who have been around for a while - have heard stories of the "flats," and perhaps fought a fire or two there. Dunn's flats provided a good deal of work for PFD over a 60 year period. After numerous fires, the buildings fell to "urban renewal."
5/25/29 - 21:00 - Still - Assistance for Minersville. Yorkville, Humane, and American Hose sent by chief. This fire occured at the H. Bob shirt factory at the corner of Lewis St. & Delaware Ave. The fire burned several other buildings toward Front St. All 5 Minersville companies were in service. The 3 Pottsville companies sent 5 trucks, including 2 pumpers. One firefighter from the Mountaineer Hose Company was injured. He sustained a severe laceration of the eye. The fire was discovered by the night watchman at the Bob factory. The current location is the site of the large, vacant commercial building at the same corner.
90 Years Ago:
5/10/19 - 08:55 - Box 44 - 1316 Mahantongo St. Occupant: Wm. Quinlin. Cuase: Overheated stove. Loss: $3,050.
5/28/19 - 11:58 - Box 63 - W. Railroad St. Eastern Steel Co. Cause: Oil explosion. Loss: $2,000.
125 Years Ago:
Sat., 5/18/1884 - Fire at Mt. Carbon. Road side. Three houses were burned.
170 Years Ago:
Wed., 5/15/1839 - Fire broke out in one of the houses belonging to the Greenwood property, opposite Mr. Lyman's furnace on the canal.
More incidents found in the Harrisburg newspapers:
August 21, 1941-Trevorton. Fire of unknown origin caused several hundred dollars damage to the Deebwui(?) Skating Rink
November 11, 1941, West Scranton. Huge warehouse of the E.R. Johnson Co was destroyed in a spectacular fire. The building was three stories in the front and five in the rear. The building was unoccupied and damaged previously due to mine subsistence. A general alarm was sounded for the Scranton FD.
December 25, 1941, Peckville (Scranton) Supreme Anthracite Coal Co. colliery destroyed in spectacular fire. Loss $130,000.
January 5, 1942-Pittston. Lehigh Valley express train ploughed into a stalled car on the tracks in a blinding snowstorm. The train derailed, one killed, 13 injured.
January 7, 1942-West Scranton-fire swept through six stores, a meat market and beauty parlor. Three alarms, $100,000 loss.
January 8, 1942, Scranton (Covington Twp) O’Donnel’s Restaurant Destroyed. Ten degrees below zero.
January 9, 1942, Shamokin. Palatial house of Dr. and Mrs. R. H. Simmins, badly damaged by fire. Loss $25,000.
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
05-31-2009, 19:50
From www.schuylkill.com (http://www.schuylkill.com)
An Infamous Day in Schuylkill History!!!
Tragedy at the Red Church remembered
http://images.townnews.com/republicanherald.com/content/articles/2009/05/31/news/local_news/pr_republican.20090531.a.pg1.pr00explosion1_s1.253 4219_top2.jpgNICK MEYER/STAFF PHOTO Zion's Red Church is holding a memorial ceremony on June 2, 2009, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the propane truck explosion near the church.
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BY STEPHEN J. PYTAK
STAFF WRITER
spytak@republicanherald.com (spytak@republicanherald.com)
Published: Sunday, May 31, 2009 5:14 AM EDT
ORWIGSBURG — A truck on its way to deliver a propane tank to a mining operation in Saint Clair had a tragic and historic collision with fate 50 years ago this week.
A chain of events the morning of Tuesday, June 2, 1959 — a bus stop, a rear-end collision and a fire — led to an ear-popping explosion which sent the tank flying like a rocket. It shattered the stone wall at Zion’s Red Church and sent hundreds of pieces of jagged debris flying. The knife-like precipitation killed 11 people and wounded 11. Watch the video (http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1911416306?bclid=1377894836&bctid=24801368001")
“It’s the worst traffic accident that area has ever seen, without a doubt,” according to Dr. Peter Yasenchak, executive director of the Historical Society of Schuylkill County, Pottsville.
Dean Meyers, Pottsville, who lost his uncle in the tragedy, is a history buff who’s been researching all aspects of the accident since March. He flipped through microfilmed newspapers, interviewed relatives of victims and put together a timeline of what happened on the stretch of road in front of the Red Church that morning.
Here is that timeline, which includes information published in The Pottsville Republican and eyewitness accounts:
At 4:30 a.m., Joseph Warton, 48, Peckville, got behind the wheel of a Sun Gas Co. tanker truck, left Marcus Hook, Delaware County, and headed north. His destination: Correale Mining Co., Saint Clair. He was due to arrive there with a load of propane at 9 a.m., but never made it.
At 7:10 a.m., Walter Williams, 54, of Reading, started up a Branch Freight truck and left Reading en route to Phillip Van Heusen Co. in Pottsville.
Just after 8 a.m., Warton was following a school bus carrying 45 students on Route 122, which is now Route 61. The bus stopped at the George Herb home, just south of the Red Church. Little Marilyn Herb got on the bus as Warton stopped behind it. But Williams, who was behind Warton, hit the back of the Sun Gas tanker, according to Meyers and Yasenchak.
“I was about 50 or 60 feet behind the tank truck when I applied the brakes, but my foot slipped off the pedal and I collided into the rear of the tanker,” Williams said in the June 6, 1959, edition of The Pottsville Republican.
Meyers said the crash started a fire.
Had the propane gas truck exploded on impact, the death toll may have exceeded 100. There were two school buses near the scene. Another carrying 40 students was a behind the crash, Meyers said.
“There was no 911, no cell phones and no fire pagers in 1959. A passing motorist drove into town to turn in the alarm,” Meyers said.
At 8:15 a.m., state Trooper Earl Klinger was notified of the accident and responded, according to testimony he gave at a coroner’s inquest, Meyers said.
Despite the fire, emergency responders did not believe there was any danger of an explosion.
“It was 7,000 gallons stored under pressure. It was liquefied,” said Meyers, who found the figure in local newspaper articles.
“They figured it wouldn’t blow because the propane truck had safety valves,” Yasenchak said.
Adam Faust, now 78, of Orwigsburg and a clerk at Staples in Cressona, was a firefighter at the scene.
“At that time when it came to propane firefighting, if the safety valves were open and burning, we figured let it burn. The flames were shooting 10 to 15 feet in the air,” Faust said.
Using water and foam, Faust said firefighters worked to protect the buildings near the scene, including the Herb house.
“After about 30 minutes, I motioned back to shut down the foam. I’d just finished coating the house with a coat of foam again. And the next thing I knew, I woke up in the hospital on an oxygen tank,” said Faust, who was knocked out by the blast.
Meyers believes the explosion occurred at 8:45 a.m.
“This is based on a broken watch of one of the victims. I saw the actual photo of this watch,” he said.
Mark Schropp, 65, of Auburn and co-owner of Char-Mark Inc., South Manheim Township, was one of the 45 students on the school bus stopped at the Herb home. He works with propane today and has a theory as to why the tank exploded.
“The fire heated the tank so fast that it couldn’t get out of those valves fast enough. It created that much pressure that it blew the back end of that tank out. When that expands, it goes,” Schropp said Wednesday.
The blast pushed the tank truck northbound, then tore the tank away from the chassis. The tank struck the stone wall in front of the Red Church, then came to rest in a field, Meyers said.
“Propane expands into a huge cloud. And that was a huge fireball when it ripped loose. Some people said it went 300 feet up into the air. All that fuel was spent. It was like a rocket launch, except it was horizontal. It was like an artillery shell hit it,” Meyers said.
In the June 3 edition of The Pottsville Republican, Faust said all he remembered was a “blue streak of flame shooting up the highway.”
After shattering the stone wall, the tank came to rest more than 40 feet north of the church, Meyers said.
Fragments of metal and stone killed 10 people instantly. They were William J. Sterner, 18, Clifford D. Kriner, 42, and Earl Hillbish, 77, of Orwigsburg; Robert E. Wesner, 31, of Molino; Paul R. Myers Sr., 32, Wayne M. Wolfe, 18, Meyers’ uncle, Arthur Meyers, 46, all of Pottsville; Charles Ray Erb, 51, of Pottstown; James S. Leitzel, 53, of Shenandoah; and Leon E. Kimmel, 55, of West Brunswick Township.
Twelve others were reported injured and taken to area hospitals. They included Warton, Williams and Faust. The other nine were Walter Schwenk, 33, of Auburn; John Barnhart, 44, of Sunbury; George Reichert, 48, of Schuylkill Haven; Frank Fetterolf, 44, of Pottsville; Burd Bachman, 72, of Orwigsburg; Robert Koslosky, 26, of Port Carbon; Lauden Potts, 29, of Orwigsburg; Kerlin Bashore, 23, of Hamburg; and Albert Rovito, 42, of Kulpmont, according to Meyers.
“The concussion had knocked me down. I didn’t even hear it explode. They picked me up 42 feet away from the actual tanker. I spent four weeks in the hospital and came out without any ill effects from it,” Faust said.
“Some who got minor cuts and scrapes didn’t seek treatment and were never listed on any reports. The exact number of these ‘walking wounded’ is still unknown to this day,” Meyers said.
The blast also knocked out eight telephone poles and nine spans of cable, threw 200 pairs of cable out of order and cut telephone service to Deer Lake and Auburn for six hours, Edward R. Breisacher, business manager for Bell Telephone, Pottsville, said in the June 4 edition of The Pottsville Republican.
At 10 a.m., personnel from the Heffner and Lundbye funeral homes in Orwigsburg started the grisly task of picking up body parts and notifying next of kin.
The Pottsville Republican published a “retouched photograph” of one of the victims in an effort to help state police at Schuylkill Haven identify him.
“That was the head of Charles Erb,” Meyers said.
Route 122 was reopened to traffic about 5 p.m. that day, Meyers said.
At 11:58 p.m. June 9, Bachman died of his injuries at Pottsville Hospital, bringing the death toll to 11, Meyers said.
It’s possible the explosion could have been averted, according to an investigation of the incident conducted later in 1959 by Clark F. Jones, gases field engineer for the National Fire Protection Association.
The firemen at the scene should have applied water to the flaming cargo tank instead of the nearby home, Jones said in the Dec. 16, 1959, edition of The Pottsville Republican.
What the firemen apparently did not know was that the explosion was imminent, should the tank shell, made of relatively thin metal, crack under stress of the terrific heat generated by the flames at the rear of the truck, Jones said.
Commenting on the study, Warton said in the Dec. 16, 1959, edition of The Pottsville Republican: “While working for Sun Gas Company, I attended several fire and safety schools and they always told us that if the truck caught fire and the safety valves were opened and the flames were coming out of them, the tank could never explode.”
Jones made a series of recommendations to help prevent similar explosions in the future, including: “This incident illustrated the need for continued efforts to train people how to handle serious emergencies when leaking LP (liquefied petroleum) Gas is on fire.”
More great stuff from historian Mike Glore of the Pottsville Fire Dept:
15 Years Ago:
6/2/1994 - 00:50 - Box 412 - 4-6-8-10 N. 3rd St. Fire in the rear first floor of 8 N. 3rd St. extended into the rear alley andup the exterior of the building, driving into the facia of 6 N. 3rd St. This fire ran the walls in the third floor to the cockloftof the exposure building(s). Crews encountered heavy fire in the cocklofts of 4 & 6 N. 3rd St. Firefighter Jeff Fehr (R.I.P., brother) of the Good Intent received second degree burns about the shoulder when a flashover occurred in the first floor front of 6 N. 3rd St. as he was advancing the initial attack line onto the porch of the fire building. Crews vented the roof of 6 N. 3rd as well that of 4 & 6 N. 3rd. Firefighters had their hands full chasing fire in the walls and cocklofts of these multiple dwellings. 10 N. 3rd suffered minor fire damage and extensive smoke damage. 2 N. 3rd suffered smoke damage.
8 N. 3rd St. was a 2.5 story wood frame OMD
4 & 6 N. 3rd St. were 3 story brick/wood (Type III) OMD’s
10 N. 3rd was a 2.5 story brick/wood (Type III) OMD
The Good Intent and American Hose returned on 6/2/94 at 06:06 for a rekindle.
A little aside…Virtually every day, a group of guys from both the Phoenix and Good Intent that worked in and about town met at the Good Intent for lunch. As the weather was warm, the overhead door was usually open. "Bobby," one of our downtown locals, would come by almost every day and ask the same question: "Any fires today?" We'd invariably answer, "No, no fires today." Well, that afternoon following the 3rd St. fire equipment was hanging about the firehouse and placed on the front apron to dry. There was a heavy odor of burned wood and wet plaster hanging in the air. As the Good Intent is at 7 N. 2nd St., the fire buildings on N. 3rd St. were almost directly behind the firehouse. Sure enough, "Bobby" came by with his usual question, "Any fires today?" Almost in unison, we answered, "Oh yeah, big fire, right around the corner!" "Bobby" looked at us all with disgust and said, "Yeah, bunch of wise guys..." As he walked away, we looked at each other in disblief.
The buildings that burned in 1994 continued to provide some work while "vacant":
08/25/97 - 15:35 - Box 412 - 6 N. 3rd St. Minor fire in the basement handled with 1 - 1.75" handline.
06/08/02 - 23:08 - Box 36 - 6 N. 3rd St. Heavy fire was showing from the rear first floor of the building on arrival. After the fire had been knocked-down, firefighters from the West End were venting and checking for extension on the second floor when they located and removed an unconscious male victim. The victim was the owner of the buildings who did recover.
6/14/1994 – Box 214* - 04:08 – 400 Sanderson St. (Salvation Army). An attached, wood-frame storage shed was fully-involved on arrival. The masonry exterior of the Salvation Army building prevented extension to the interior. A little confusion with this one on dispatch as it was given out as "Anderson St." - on the other side of town - rather than "Sanderson St." In fact, Box 214 for Anderson St. was struck rather than Box522 for Sanderson St.. Everyone kinda realized that there is no Salvation Army building on Anderson St. The glow from the burning out-building settled any doubt.
30 Years Ago:
6/6/79 - Box 722 - 21:25 - 1942 W. Market St. Candles & Collectibles store and warehouse. Cause: Cigarette in trash can. Loss: $500.
6/20/79 - Box 553 - 14:06 - 717 N. 2nd St. Occupant: Guy Killian. Cause: Gasoline can upset and vapors ignited. Loss: $17,000. The fire began in the front corner of the basement of the middle-of-the-row frame dwelling. Fire was showing from the ground-level basement on arrival and heavy smoke from the first floor. The homeowner had been cleaning in the basement with a garden hose prior to leaving for work. He said that he felt the hose catch on something, turned to see the gasoline spilling, and then flames erupted. The gasoline vapors reached the gas water heater pilot light. The fire melted part of the natural gas meter in the basement, allowing the gas to free flow for a time in the basement. Fire extended to the first floor via floor heat registers. The other 5 homes in the row received some smoke damage. Several firefighters suffered minor injuries with none requirement transport to the hospital.
6/20/79 - Box 413 - 17:32 - 726 W. Arch St. Garage fire. Occupant: Francis Evans carpet contractor. Cause: Arson. Loss: $25,000. After having wrapped-up from the N. 2nd St. fire, the PFD was again faced with a working fire. Companies arrived to find the 6-bay garage at the corner of W. Arch & N. 8th Sts. well-involved. Fire was out several windows lining N. 8th St. 4 of the bays were rented by Mr. Evans for storage of floor covering materials, where the fire apparently originated. A car owned by Verna Prestileo of Pottsville was driven from one of the bays by Asst. Fire Chief Dusel (Good Will). There are some good slides of this fire in the PFD slide archives.
40 Years Ago:
6/16/69 - Box 413 - 08:54 - 9th & W. Market St. Adam Ochs gas station. Cause: Auto on fire in bay area. Loss: Unknown.
45 Years Ago:
6/26/64 - Box 78 - 04:26 - 22nd & West End Ave. Forest Gun Club. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $5,400. This fire occured early on a Friday morning. The fire was discovered by Leslie Freiler. After seeing smoke from the building, he notified Police Sgt. John Barket at City Hall, who transmitted Box 78. Firefighters arrived with heavy smoke showing from the single-story frame building. Firefighters vented the roof to allow a cautious fire attack to be initiated. The fire appeared to start in the bar area where damage was the heaviest. The building was badly gutted by the fire. Fire Chief Hoke requested assistance in the origin and cause investigation from Sgt. Michael Wisnewski, State Police Fire Marshal from the Reading barracks.
6/16/59 - Box 78 - 17:45 - 22nd & W. Market St. - Rapp Motor Co. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $100,000. The Rapp Motor Co. was located where Hadesty's Hardware is today. The fire was discovered by owner Max Rappaport. He and two other employees were sitting in the office when they heard what was described as a small crash or explosion. The stepped into the showroom to investigate and found a heavy smoke condition. When the fire department arrived, the fire had gained posession of the entire front of the building. The showroom windows failed and heavy fire was showing. As firefighters began hitting the fire, smoke banked down and forced throngs of spectators in the Acme Markets parking lot across the street to retreat. There was a fear that the fire might extend to the Ginther Tavern next door (west) to the fire building, but there was no damage to the bar. The bar was, however, gutted on 1/22/1992 in an arson fire when it was "The Third Base" bar. Four firefighters were injured in the Rapp Motors Fire: Fred Lewis, age 22, Good Intent - cut right hand; David Staller, age 24, West End - cut right foot; Dale Ward, age 26, Good Intent - severe sprain and cut of the right foot; George Hummel, age 38, Humane - injury to the right arm. The fire was placed under control at 19:00. At 01:15, Yorkville returned to the scene for a rekindle. A booster line was use to extinguish the flare-up. It was believed that the fire started in a parts room located in a loft behind the showroom. Two new cars - one a Lincoln, the other a Mercury - were destroyed. Four other cars in the service area were also damaged. There are several photos of this fire in the Pottsville Firefighting book.
6/23/59 - Still - 01:30 - Call for help from Schuylkill Haven. Chief sent American Hose, Yorkville, and Humane. A $50,000 fire destroyed a garage and warehouse at West Main St. and Parkway. Another garage was damaged. A two-story frame warehouse used to store television sets and related parts is believed to have been the origin of the fire. Also destroyed was a one story block and frame garage storing four cars and the tractor portion of a tractor trailer. The alarm was sounded from Box 35 at Main & Parkway (by the Atlantic Gas Station) when Robert Dohner, who has a shoe store across the street, saw the blaze. Asst. Chief Carl Feger had "command." The column could be seen for some distance. The fire was in the same area where the old Parkway Restaurant was located. This restaurant was destroyed by fire several years before. It was reported that the Pottsville companies were placed on stand-by in Schuylkill Haven.
6/30/59 - Box 53 - 14:10 - Centre & Minersville Sts. Eagle Hotel. Cause: Overloaded electric wires, cooking in room. Loss: $1700.
55 Years Ago:
6/3/54 - Still - 11:05 - 16th & W. Market St. Sunoco Gas Station. Cause: Gas station operator using gsa to fill carbeurator ignited and set fire to station. Loss: $1500.
6/20/54 - Still - 12:45 - City line at Mt. Carbon. Richards estate. Cause: Unknown, empty house. Loss: $1000. This is an interesting fire. This fire occured on a Sunday afternoon on S. Centre St. Mt. Carbon Fire Chief Arthur Moraco called City Hall for help when he learned of the fire. In addition to Mt. Carbon, 2 engines from the Good Will were sent as was one engine from the American Hose and the Citizens Fire Company of Palo Alto. Pottsville Asst. Chiefs Harry Rehman (Humane) and William Roth (Good Will) were on scene. The building was a 1.5 story wood frame dwelling which was reported to have been adjacent to the original Mt. Carbon Fire Company on Centre St. I'm guessing it would have been on the left (south) side of the firehouse along with the similar homes that are still there. However, based on the volume of fire described (the building collapsed, fire spread to the brush up toward Hillside Road, and a billboard near the house caught fire), no damage to any exposures was noted. There doesn't seem to be enough room for a dwelling to the right (north) of the firehouse, but that would fit with the billboard damage. 1500 feet of hose was used in fighting the fire. The fire also damaged PP & L, Bell Telephone, and Trans-Video wires, which left many customers without electricity, telephone service, or early cable TV service. The fire was placed under control at 16:30.
65 Years Ago:
6/2/44 - Box 25 - 16:59 - Rear 522 S. Centre St. Occupant: Frank Schoeneman Co. in Richards garage. Cause: Men storing beauty parlor supplies, dropped cigarette set storage boxes on fire. Loss: $460.
6/3/44 - Box 15 - 21:01 - 520 E. Norwegian St. Occupant: Mr. James Sulivan. Cause: Pan of fat caught on fire on stove. Loss: $150.
6/16/44 - Box 61 - 16:35 - 474 N. Centre St. Occupant Onyx factory. Cause: Overheated motor set fire to motor house in elevator shaft. Loss: $500.
6/18/44 - Box 17 - 09:50 - E. Race St. & Line Alley. Occupant: Mike Yaissle Garage. Cause: Unknown. Mike Yaissle left garage with his car 10 minutes before alarm. Loss: $500.
70 Years Ago:
6/28/39 - Box 19 - 09:45 - Line Alley. Yaissle estate. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $200.
80 Years Ago:
6/3/29 - Box 16 - 09:30 - 542 E. Market St. - Occupant: R. Bachman. Cause: Boy playing with matches. Loss: $128.
85 Years Ago:
6/2/24 - Box 19 - 04:15 - Line Alley. Occupant: Yellow Taxi. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $280.
90 Years Ago:
6/5/19 - Box 52 - 10:30 - 409 - 411 Harrison St. Occupants: Wm. Werner and Ed English. Cause: Oil stove. Loss: $300.
6/30/19 - Still - 09:10 - Assistance for Schuylkill Haven. American Hose & Good Intent sent by chief.
95 Years Ago:
6/6/14 - Box 63 - 19:15 - Peacock & Heffner St. Swift & Co. stable. Cause: Broken electric wire. Loss: $400.
110 Years Ago:
6/21/1899 - Box 61 - 14:50 - Double stable of W.E. Lecher on Peacock St. Loss: $3000.
120 Years Ago:
Thursday, June 13, 1889 - 00:010 - Fire at the Knickerbocker ice house, Mt. Carbon. Loss: $5,000.
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
06-09-2009, 06:17
This was published in the Sunday June 7, 2009 edition of the "REPUBLICAN HERALD/NEWS ITEM"
75 Years Ago - 1934
Tons of water are being poured into the No.19 slope of the Susquehanna Colliery Co. Mine at Williamstown in an effort to extinguish a fire, the extent of which is not definitely known. The fire, believed caused by an explosion of accumulated gas was discovered last night. The mines were shut down,throwing idle about 1,000 men.
50 Years ago - 1959
Schuylkill County led five other athracite producing counties last year in the production of 99 percent of all the anthracite mined in the Western Hemisphere. Schuylkill County was first with 35.7 percent of the total, Luzerne followed by 33.1 percent, Northumberland 12.7 percent, Lackawanna 10.2 percent,Columbia 4.3 percent and Carbon 3 percent.
More hard coal fields incidents gleaned from the Harrisburg papers doing research:
February 10, 1942, Wilkes-Barre. Four died and two in serious condition due to coal gas in house.
February 18, 1942, Shamokin. Main building of the National Ticket Co. destroyed in spectacular fire. $100,000 loss.
February 20, 1942, Kulpmont-Three double houses burned; 38 people homeless; loss $50,000
March 3, 1942, Kulpmont(again!) Two men held in investigation at $70,000 fire that wrecked five homes and damaged seven others. 24 homeless, 4 firemen injured, one seriously when he fell 24’ from a ladder.
March 9, 1942, Mt. Carmel. Home Bakery and two houses destroyed in $35,000 loss.
March 16, 1942, Hazleton (Zion’s Grove) Two story house destroyed. Woman and son leaped from second floor window. Husband not so lucky.
March 25, 1942, Chendo-31 persons were made homeless when fire gutted six houses at Chestnut and Columbus Sts. at 4 a.m. A number of nearby buildings were scorched. Five firemen were injured. Loss $15,000
March 28, 1942, Scranton—Twelve persons rescued from upper floors at a two alarm fire in the Conway(?) House, old central city hotel
ladder21lover
07-21-2009, 08:27
I look forward each month to read about past calls in coal country, especially from Mr. Glore. What happened to July's post?
Sorry. . .got "lost" in my email bin. As requested. . .more great stuff from Mike Glore. . .
25 Years Ago
07/19/1984 - Box 68 - 10:46 - 39 Peacock St. Gasoline vapors ignited in first floor closet. Housing unit was fully involved on arrival. The occupant of the unit, Francis Barnes, age 70, was critically burned. He died in the Lehigh Valley Medical Center on July 25. Barnes was injured when he opened the door of the first-floor closet containing a gasoline-powered lawn mower and a gas-fired hot water heater. In addition to the mower itself, the fire was also fueled by a 2.5 gallon gasoline can stored in the closet. 38 Peacock St. was also damaged. The units were and are still owned by the Pottsville Housing Authority. This was shortly before I joined the PFD. I snapped a couple of pretty good photos of conditions on arrival. Loss: $39,700.
This row of 11 homes on Peacock St. was the scene of two additional serious fires: 8/12/1989 - 20:14 - Box 68 - 33 Peacock St. This unit was gutted in a fire that began on the first floor and quickly spread to the second.
11/11/2005 - 15:09 - Box 68 - 32 Peacock St. When I was Asst. Chief, I had this fire on Veteran's Day. Arrived to find heavy fire venting from the second floor rear bedroom. Cause: Child playing with matches. Fire was held to the unit of origin with some exterior damage to the units at 33 and 31 in the rear. Humane obtained some good dash-cam video: http://www.pottsvillefire.com/images/Multimedia/Video/peacockst384K_Stream003.wmv (http://www.pottsvillefire.com/images/Multimedia/Video/peacockst384K_Stream003.wmv)
50 Years Ago
7/26/1959 - STILL - 02:25 - Minersville-Llewellyn Highway. Call for help. Occupant: Tim Harvey. Chief sent American Hose and Yorkville. Fire destroyed the Branch Township Gun Club, which was also the residence of Tim Harvey, the operator of the club, and several others. He was asleep in his first floor residence when his bird dog, Rex, began barking, alerting him to the fire. He then went through the remainder of the residential portion and alerted the other 6 occupants of the building. Harvey was burned about the upper torso while rescuing 90 year old Agatha Lawinsiveck. Also fleeing were Mr. & Mrs. James Unell and their three small children. Branch Township Fire Chief Christ Ulmer was unable to give a cause or damage estimate. The building was destroyed.
7/27/1959 - Box 53 - 14:40 - Rear 610 Sanderson St. 3 frame outbuildings. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $200.
55 Years Ago
7/3/1954 - Box 35 - 10:53 - 709 Mahantongo St. Occupant: Edward Nuss. Cause: Careless smoking. Smoking materials set bed on fire resulting in a room & contents fire. Loss: $150. Mr. Nuss and his wife resided in the third floor apartment. Smoke and water damaged the apartments of Mr. & Mrs. Charles Short on the first floor and Mr. & Mrs. Clark Hughes on the second floor. This building was a repeat customer. On 3/6/1976, Box 35 was struck at 16:11 for a fire also in the the top floor apartment in 709 Mahantongo. Daniel Lyons was killed in the fire. The cause...careless smoking.
60 Years Ago
7/22/1949 - STILL - 15:04 - 311 W. Arch St. Occupant: Mr. Barket. Children set fire to an old mattress in the basement. Loss: $143.
65 Years Ago
7/10/1944 - Call for help from Schoentown. Humane responded with Buffalo hose & booster truck.
70 Years Ago
6/23/1939 - STILL - 15:40 - Schuettler's bungalow near Atlantic Refining Company. Bungalow burned to the ground. Chief and Good Will responded. This would have been on Atlantic Avenue where the cottages are now.
80 Years Ago
7/18/1929 - STILL - 03:30 - Help requested by Mr. Romberger for a gas station on fire on the Schuylkill Haven Pike. Humae and Good Will weresent by Chief Stevenson. The gas station wasn't damaged, but the Ridge View Inn at Seven Stars was destroyed. It was believed that the fire was caused by an oil lamp exploding in the rear of the Inn. When firefighters arrived, they realized that there was no hope of saving the hotel. They then focused on protecting the gas station next door. Joseph Zagone - he and his family occupied the hotel - sustained serious burns of the arms, face, and legs while attempting to extinguish the fire. He was removed to the Pottsville Hospital. His condition was not indicated. It was also not indicated who exactly "Mr. Romberger" was who requested aid to the fire. There is no indication of any response by Schuylkill Haven companies.
7/26/1929 - STILL - 15:00 - Help requested by President of the School Board in Duncott. Humane sent by Chief.The Duncott School was destroyed. This was part of the Cass Twp. School District. It was a 2-story frame building, which burned to the ground. It was believed that the fire originated in the cellar. Humane sent 2 pieces of apparatus. This likely would have been Humane's 1921 Seagrave triple combination pumper and, I'm guessing, their 1929 Buffalo hose & booster truck. Also responding were the Mountaineer, Independent, and Good Will of Minersville.
7/30/1929 - Box 18 - 01:05 - Centre & Arch Sts. Occupant: Miller & Miller. Cause: Cigarette dropped in waste paper. Loss: $250.
90 Years Ago
7/10/1919 - STILL - 20:30 - Tumbling Run Hotel. Caused: Crossed Wires. Damage slight. Loss: $150.
7/15/1919 - Box 26 - 21:35 - 18 S. Centre St. Occupant: H. Little. Cause: Spontaneous combustion. Loss: $385.
95 Years Ago
7/17/1914 - Box 23 - 11:25 - Greenwood Hill. Stable owned by Mrs. Newton. Cause: Boys playing with matches. Loss: $275.
110 Years Ago
7/4/1899 - Box 62 - 15:00 - Fire at No. 333 Peacock St. House occupied by George O'Brien. Loss: $75.
150 Years Ago
Tuesday, 7/5/1859 - 07:00 - The stable of George S. Patterson & Co., West Norwegian St., was destroyed by fire.
Mike also shared this Gem . . .
Dave Pothering from the Good Intent, Llewellyn, had forwarded a bunch of great material for consideration for the Schuylkill County Firefighting book. Along with the photos and newspaper clippings, he sent a great video of the Llewellyn School fire on December 14, 1963 (Saturday).
The following fire companies were on scene: Llewellyn, Branchdale, Newtown, South Cass, Forestville, Tremont, Sheridan (yeah, that was a good run!), Minersville (Independent, Good Will, Rescue, New Minersville) and Pottsville (American Hose & West End). West End actually sent both rigs: the 1960 Seagrave 65' quint and the 1963 Seagrave 750 gpm pumper. As with Minersville's snorkel, I think this may have been the first working fire for West End's 1963 pumper. The Pottsville Republican featured the "new" engine in a photo on December 5, 1963.
In the video, you can see fire extending from the basement initially in the rear of the building's "throat" that would currently front Rt. 209. There are some great apparatus shots as well. Clearly seen arriving on scene is Forestville's 1962 (I think) Ford C/Hahn pumper, which was tragically destroyed in the firehouse fire of 10/27/08. I can also identify New Minersville's 1950's Ward LaFrance pumper and what I think is Independent of Minersville's 1950's GMC/Pirsch pumper. You can see West End's 1960 Seagrave 750 gpm/65' quint arriving and first trying to turn up Taylor St. off Rt. 209 and then backing out and heading up Shober St. (I think) off Rt. 209. You can also see the bucket of Rescue of Minersville's 1963 Ford C snorkel operating above the roof line of the gym.
Again, the gym portion of the building survived the fire and still stands today.
Enjoy the video - I know I did! And a big "thank you" to Dave and Mike Pothering for their help with the book project.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ek25LSD30fU
Thanks.
Mike
I wonder if there was a cause of fire determined.
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
07-22-2009, 10:27
Awesome Video!!!! My wife just remarked that it looks basically the same as when she went to school there after rebuild, In the early to mid 70's.
Also reminded me of my Dad and crews from that era on how major fires were handled without turnouts and in freezing weather. Dad always wore a Woolrich hunting jacket and insulated hunting boots in the colder weather. You younger guys missed out on a GREAT era of Fire fights, eh Hobbes.
The kid with the hat near the end, Almost every boy in school had one like that for the winter. WARM
Wondering who the guy in the white butchers coat is. I'll get my mother in law to look at this tonite.
And it certainly looks like Sheridan coming onscene near the end of the video with their new Ford AmericanLafrance pumper. Before it was painted that ugly GREEN. :(
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
07-22-2009, 10:38
Some great other goodies on that you tube link also.
Tom, my first thought of the guy in the white coat is maybe a teacher with a lab coat on. Be interesting if your mother in law knows. What a great video if only those old rigs could talk, what great stories they could tell. That old chevy pickup reminded me of F. X. Glober from Heckserville who in my mind was ahead of us in fire prevention. Back when I was a rookie I can remember him talking about it and others would laugh. If only he was around to see how far it has advanced over the years. Great job guys. Keep up the good work.
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
07-26-2009, 13:29
Ol' 53. Just showed my Mother in Law the video. When that occured she was in Pottsville Hospital just delivered her first daughter, my sister in law.
Her thought on the Guy in the white coat is an Artz, who had a butcher shop in LLewelyn with his brother at the time.
Just think how many other old movies of great events have gone to waste over the years just wasting away in peoples basements and attics. Forgotten forever.
Passing this along from Mike Glore:
For those following the "Looking Back" e-mails over the last couple of years, this should come as no surprise after last night's fire in the row frames on N. 3rd St...
Under the "Repeat Customer" heading:
10/16/1999 - Box 531 - 16:13 - 812 N. 3rd St. Room & Contents fire in 2nd floor back room.
And under the "very spectacular" heading...
03/26/1941 - Box 52 - 23:43 - 818-842 N. 3rd St.
One of the most serious row frame fires Pottsville ever experienced took place in the same block on narrow North 3rd St. Fire began around 23:30 hrs. and Box 52 was transmitted at 23:43. Fire involved the following properties: 818-820-822-824-826-828-830-832-834-836-838-840-842-905-907-909-911 N. 3rd St. Fire started in the basement kitchen of the Brennan residence at 834 N. 3rd St. A boy by the name of Harold Ruppert was in the house alone when the fire was noticed. He said that he was in bed and got out the 2nd story window onto the porch roof. As companies were responding, the glow could be seen from virtually all parts of the city. The fire ran the partition walls to the cockloft, which ran the length of 9 homes. The houses on the west side of 3rd St. (the odd numbered homes above) were damaged by radiant heat. The homes from 828-842 were completely destroyed with some collapsing, the others sustained varying degrees of damage. 79 individuals were left homeless. There are still row frames standing today that were involved in the fire back in '41.
Nice job to everyone involved in the fire last night. Quick hose work in getting the main body of fire knocked-down in the 1st floor kitchen and getting to the 2nd floor. We put the first slice in the roof of 810 and had fire in the cockloft. By the time we pulled the roofing material, there was already water in the cockloft and most of that fire was knocked. I know how Pudge must have felt with smoke pumping from the cocklofts of a half-dozen row frames in one of the most inaccessible parts of the city!
one of the other youtube videos the tremont structure was january 11 1987. Seven homes destroyed
More great stuff from Brother Glore. . .
30 Years Ago
08/21/1979 – Box 741 – 13:32 – 1323 Oak Road. Occupant: Alfred Gitman. Cause: Painter burning paint off with a torch. Loss: $1000. A workman from Allen Long & Son Paint Co. of Lebanon was burning paint from the woodwork of the home when he ignited insulation and roof rafters. Once exposed, the fire was extinguished quickly.
35 Years Ago
08/16/1974 – Box 543 – 05:05 – 1300 Block W. Arch St. Homes owned by Pottsville Redevelopment Authority. Cause: Unknown. Loss: Unknown. The fire was termed “suspicious” and started in the basement of a vacant home. It involved a total of 3 vacant homes. There were no firefighter injuries. Units began clearing the scene at 07:15. Asst. Chief Jack Rose (Phoenix) had “command.” This was one of several fires to strike this block of W. Arch St. in the early 70’s. Growing up on N. 10th St., I was an interested spectator with a good view of most of those fires.
08/18/1974 – Box 52 – 01:05 – 400 Harrison St. Owner: Joe Sam. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $15,000. This home was vacant at the time of the fire. There was heavy damage to the 2nd & 3rd floors. This fire was also termed “suspicious.”
40 Years Ago
08/07/1969 – Box 83 – 20:55 – Plane Crash in Forest Hills. This caused a lot of excitement, but was of little consequence. Pilot Bennet Chotiner, age 28, of Hershey, became lost in the haze. He landed his Cherokee single-engine plane in a field just south of Calvary Cemetery. The pilot was not injured and the plane suffered minor damage.
50 Years Ago
08/26/1959 – STILL – 22:45 – Call for help from Brockton. Target Sportswear Co. Building struck by lightning. Chief sent Humane and American Hose. This fire began in the rear of the 1-story wood-frame building. The fire spread under the high peaked roof, where is presented a considerable challenge for firefighters. Most fire damage was confined to the rear and roof of the structure. 80 individuals were left temporarily unemployed. Along with the 2 Pottsville companies, Tamaqua sent 2 companies. Brockton, New Philadelphia, Middleport, and Palo Alto were also on scene. In October, 1958 the Target Sportswear plant in Dream City Park near Pt. Carbon was also destroyed by fire.
65 Years Ago
08/12/1944 – Box 22 – 19:49 – 525 Edwards Ave. Occupant: Earl Lourbier. Cause: Cigarette set fire to dresser and burned up partition of 3rd floor and roof. Loss: $4100. The family was alerted to the fire by the crackling of flames. The fire began in the 3rd floor bedroom. There was heavy fire in the roof area when firefighters arrived. This home still stands on Edwards Ave.
08/13/1944 – Box 32 – 20:45 – 240 Union St. Occupant: Mrs. Sadie Wenrick. Cause: Fire started in closet on 3rd floor due to spontaneous combustion, burned along ceiling and partition walls. Loss: $543. Another 3rd floor that was well-off when companies arrived. The fire was under control by 22:00. This was a 3-story wood-frame dwelling. This home – along with most of the north side of Union St. – is no longer there.
75 Years Ago
08/30/1934 – Box 18 – 03:55 – 19 N. Centre St. Leader Furniture Co. Cause: Unknown. Men working in building until 02:00. Loss: $12,200. While this fire was primarily contained to the basement in the rear of the building off N. 2nd St., it did extend up the partitions of the enclosed interior stairs to the 2nd floor. A still alarm consisting of Good Intent, American Hose, and Humane was first dispatched followed shortly thereafter by the Box. Firefighters used bars and hack saws to gain entry through the steel sidewalk access doors to the basement. There was one firefighter injury: Peter Elliot of the Good Will fell on glass and lacerated his ankle. 1st Asst. Chief C. Earl Manhart of the West End had “Command” in Chief Smith’s absence. 2nd Asst. Chief George Wollyung of the Yorkville was also on scene. This building still stands and is occupied by Juliette Bridal and has a “BRIGHTER” sign above the rear doors on 2nd St. from the days when it was still a furniture store.
80 Years Ago
08/07/1929 – Box 64 – 17:55 – 804 Water St. Occupant: G. Tassone. Cause: Sparks from chimney falling on shingle roof. Loss: $200.
08/12/1929 – STILL – 19:00 – S. 2nd St. Sherman Coal Co. Fire inside of slope. Loss: None.
95 Years Ago
08/24/1914 – Box 25 – 14:35 – Centre & Morris Sts. Stable owned by J.J. McKinstry. Cause: Unkown. Loss: $275.
115 Years Ago
08/22/1894 – Box 41 – 22:50 – Fire at M. Bierstein’s on Wood St. Damage: Appx. $1000.
Who can get to Wood St???
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
07-31-2009, 21:42
"40 Years Ago
08/07/1969 – Box 83 – 20:55 – Plane Crash in Forest Hills. This caused a lot of excitement, but was of little consequence. Pilot Bennet Chotiner, age 28, of Hershey, became lost in the haze. He landed his Cherokee single-engine plane in a field just south of Calvary Cemetery. The pilot was not injured and the plane suffered minor damage."
Hobbes: I wonder if this is the same person, DR. Bennet Choitner, now the Doctor who does eye surgery? Hear his ad on the R.J. Harris Show on WHP 580.
April 28, 1942, Tamaqua—Fire, explosion and cave in at the Greenwood Colliery-five killed.
May 23, 1942, Flash flooding from massive rains killed 24 people in White Mills/Hawley/Honesdale. Dyberry Creek rose 15’ in one hour. Honesdale split in half.(maybe not the coal regions but close enough)
July 8, 1942, Wilkes-Barre. Seven miners hurt in gas explosion at Exeter Colliery.
August 28, 1942, Near Shamokin on the Trevorton Rd. Six people were killed in a head on crash with a coal truck. All young people returning from a roller party at Herndon.
September 7, 1942, Wilkes-Barre. Three-12 year old boy scouts, sons of prominent Wilkes-Barre residents were killed three miles east of Mountaintop. The three were sitting on the westbound Lehigh Valley Railroad tracks watching an Eastbound train and were struck by a westbound train.
October 22, 1942, Forty Fort. Mine cave-in damages 100 house, 12 seriously in a four block area. Henry Mine of Lehigh Valley Coal Co. collapsed. Gas and water lines snapped, fissures opened in streets. Unknown injuries.
November 13, 1942, Kingston-Fire destroyed Stull Brothers Department Store with a loss of $200,000. Damage to adjoining Bower Chevrolet Co. buildings.
November 20, 1942, Mt. Carmel-Out of control coal truck sped wildly down Merrian Mt. Rd., clipped off three big trees and severely damaged the porches of 4 houses, then upset and buried a postman in coal.(No I’m not making this up!)
November 27, 1942, Pittston-Major mine subsidence damages 200 homes over a ˝ square mile area. Major damage. Area was last mined in 1868. Water and gas mains snapped.
November 29, 1942, Pittston-Second cave-in adding more extensive damage. Trolley and Railroad Bridge knocked out of service. Three houses, 3 stores heavily damaged. More gas and water mains snapped. Total so far: 275 houses, 130 families displaced. (Also Cocoanut Grove disaster-Boston Ma.)
December 1, 1942, Trevorton-Large Stevens Coal Co. breaker destroyed in a spectacular fire. Loss $170,000. Built in 1938, 250 men thrown out of work.
December 1, 1942, Pittston, 100 flee during third mine subsidence. Twenty homes effected, 4 damaged. Total 125 so far.
December 5, 1942, Nanticoke-overheated stove caused a fire that destroyed a house at Hunlick Creek(yes there is a place by this name) fatally burning two children and seriously injuring the mother and another child.
Chief22-2
09-06-2009, 20:40
Avondale Mine Fire
Plymouth, PA
September 6, 1869
A wooden breaker built over the shaft opening of the Avondale Mine in the Wyoming Valley, one mile below Plymouth, Pennsylvania, caught fire on the morning of Monday, September 6, 1869. The fire was caused by sparks from a ventilating furnace. The shaft under the burning breaker was the only exit from the mine, and it soon became a roaring inferno. The men working in the mine at the time became trapped. A bucket brigade was formed from a large water tank on the hill to the fire until the first fire apparatus arrived from Kingston. The engine was supplied with water by buckets until a trough was made from the water tank to provide a constant supply. Good Will Engine No. 1 from Wilkes-Barre arrived next and a steam fire engine Nay Aug arrived from Scranton about one o'clock. The Nay Aug was supplied by the Good Will engine at first, but later set up suction from a stream below the railroad, and sent a powerful volume of water into the shaft, which was covered with a mass of burning timbers. About the middle of the afternoon, the two streams from the Kingston and Scranton engines had about extinguished the flames. Scranton's stream was then moved to a side tunnel that led to the shaft, and poured water into the shaft from there until the fire was extinguished. During this time, the Good Will engine was keeping a constant stream on a huge mass of burning coal that had been in the chutes between the headhouse and railroad. Around 5 p.m., preparations were being made to enter the mine to search for survivors. The crowd at the entrance was hampering the efforts and policemen tried unsuccessfully to force them back. A stream of water from a fire engine soon drove them away. Teams were sent into the mine to clear the path for rescue efforts. Mine gases hampered efforts of rescuers and two rescuers were overcome died. After their death, no further attempts were made to enter the mine until the following day when ventilation could be set up. All attempts on Tuesday were still complicated by mine gases and it wasn't until Wednesday that the bodies of the miners were found. One-hundred-eight minders died from suffocation during the fire and two rescuers died later while attempting to reach them.
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back – September
by Mike Glore
5 Years Ago
9/22/2004 – STILL – 17:29 – 1113 Indian Drive, Wayne Twp. American Hose & Good Intent for RIT for a fire on the first floor of a private dwelling. Fire knocked on arrival by Wayne Township and Schuylkill Haven crews.
10 Years Ago
9/13/1999 – STILL – 32 Water St., New Philadelphia. Humane, Phoenix, Good Intent, American Hose for a fire involving four 3-story frame multiple dwellings. Fire began in basement of 32 Water St. Fire quickly spread to 26-28 Water St. and 24 Water St. Heavy fire conditions on arrival. Phoenix aerial ladder singed when fire vented from third floor as crews were leaving the roof.
15 Years Ago
9/6/1994 – Box 541 – 10:37 – 423 Fairview St. (Fatal). Fire originating in first floor middle room of a 2 story frame middle-of-the row quickly spread throughout the first floor. Pottsville Police Officer Joseph O’Donnell was in the block speaking with a neighbor when they heard the mother of the children screaming from the second floor of the home. He and the neighbor caught one 5 year old child dropped by the mother from a second floor window as heavy smoke poured from the home. The mother tried to go back into the home, but was blocked by the heat and smoke and then jumped herself. The mother was hospitalized with a head injury and burns. Asst. Chief Jack Messner arrived on scene with Officer O’Donnell and the father reporting one child (age 2) still in the home with heavy smoke from the home. A 1.75” handline was advanced by E71 firefighters through the front door with E11 personnel initiating primary search of the 2nd floor via ground ladder to side A. Fire was extending via the open interior stairwell to the second floor. Pushing the primary search through the bedrooms, a crib was located in the back bedroom. A search of the crib proved negative. “Venting for life,” the back bedroom window was taken which improved conditions briefly. A bunkbed was located and the initial sweep above and below was negative. Believing that the child had to be in that room, the bunk bed was swept again. Climbing onto the bottom bunk, firefighters located the child somewhat wedged between the mattress and the wall. The child was removed and CPR begun by EMS and fire personnel. The child was pronounced DOA. Fire damage was held to 423 with smoke damage to adjoining properties.
20 Years Ago
9/24/1989 – Box 14 – 11:46 – 115 W. Market St. Schuylkill Dental Associates. Dr. Stephen Muench. Fire heavily damaged first floor dentist’s office with smoke throughout the building. Roof opened in rear portion above first floor office area. Cause: Electrical dentistry equipment malfunctioned. Loss: $100,000.
An interesting note – while checking for extension and venting the smoke from the upper floors, crews exposed the cockloft to find the roof beams charred. As this location was remote from the fire, it was a little puzzling until it was discovered that this building was heavily damaged in what became known as the “Melody Bar Fire” in 1953 – 11/29/1953 – Box 18 – 04:58 – 113-115 W. Market St. Fire started in the basement occupied by the Melody Bar and caused $115,516 in damage. 12 businesses were affected as were 7 occupants of the apartments.
35 Years Ago
9/9/1974 – Box 54 – 20:40 – 722-724 W. Race St. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $34,000. 722-H. Leymeister, $17,000; 724-M. Reed, $17,000.
9/12/1974 – Box 57 – 13:10 – 500 Block N. 2nd St. Building owned by Pottsville Redevelopment Authority. Cause: Unknown. Loss: Unknown. Demolition crews were working at the vacant “Dunn’s Flats,” evidently touching-off the fire. It was possible due to the use of a cutting torch. Fire was confined to the shaft area and roof.
40 Years Ago
9/23/1969 – Box 15 – 07:37 – 411 E. Norwegian St. Occupant: Robert Reilly. Cause: 4 year old boy set mattress on fire. Loss: $6,175. Fire heavily damaged the 2nd floor.
9/30/1969 – STILL – 04:50 – New Street at Mt. Laffee. Occupant: Robert Speck. Chief sent Good Intent, Yorkville, and West End. Seltzer Fire Company also responded. Asst. Chiefs Curtier (30) and Bound (50) responded with the apparatus. Damage was confined to the partition walls on the 1st and 2nd floor.
45 Years Ago
9/18/1964 – STILL – 14:18 – Chestnut St., Mill Creek. Occupant: Mrs. N. Harris. Chief sent Good Will, American Hose, and Good Intent.
50 Years Ago
9/8/1959 – STILL – 11:35 – 1819 Mahantongo St. Occupant: Mrs. P.J. McCarron. Cause: Defective wiring. Loss: $1,067.
9/12/1959 – STILL – 20:55 – Acme Market, 6th & W. Market St. A motor in the basement had burned-out, creating a smoke condition in the building. Power to the unit was disconnected and the building vented. Not a very consequential event. To be continued in October…
9/18/1959 – Box 55 – 12:50 – 1407 Mt. Hope Ave. Occupant: Franklin Maurer. Cause: Spark ignited paint spray in cabinet shop. Loss: $1,050.
9/19/1959 – Pottsville hosted the 5th annual Schuylkill County Volunteer Firemen’s Association parade. The parade featured 18 bands, 80 pieces of apparatus, and over 1000 firemen in the line of march. 25 trophies were awarded.
55 Years Ago
9/23/1954 – Box 41 – 19:05 – 1230 Russell St. Occupant: H. Weiner Junkyard. Cause: Unknown. Building loaded with baled rags, could be spontaneous combustion. Loss: $5,800. The building was fully involved on arrival. This was one of many fires at the “Junky” over the years.
60 Years Ago
9/16/1949 – Box 71 – 16:37 – 1767 W. Norwegian St. Occupant: Mrs. Verna Fitzpatrick. Cause: Unknown. Fire started in stockroom on 2nd floor and burned up to roof. Loss: $600.
70 Years Ago
9/23/1939 – STILL – 10:30 – 5th & Mahantongo St. Yuengling’s ice cream plant. Cause: fumes from ammonia ignited when a line was cut and set tar and cork on fire. Loss: $3,000. An early “Haz-Mat” call. “Gas masks” (filter-type masks) were used were used to enter the plant. Several firefighters – unsurprisingly – were overcome. Fortunately, all were revived after being removed to fresh air. The plant is still there, but quite dilapidated. Anyone entering would immediately notice the thick cork insulation in this sizeable building. It brings to mind the tragic Worcester Cold Storage fire of 1999.
80 Years Ago
9/14/1929 – Box 41 – 20:30 – 1272 W. Arch St. Occupant: J. Weiner. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $2800. *see 9/23/1954 also…
90 Years Ago
9/15/1919 – STILL – 22nd & W. Market St. Occupant: Lehigh Valley. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $300.
130 Years Ago
Saturday, 9/13/1879 – Fire in a house occupied by Isaiah Boltz on High (Race) St. near Eleventh.
160 Years Ago
Sunday, 9/16/1849 – Fire at Dr. Carpenter’s stable in the rear of his residence.
Wednesday, 9/19/1849 – Fire in the building in the rear of Geise’s Hotel.
175 Years Ago
This is verbatim…not my words!!
Sunday, 9/26/1834 – “Between 3 and 4 o’clock in the morning, a fire broke out in several frame buildings standing in that part of the borough on the west which is the abode of a number of the colored population; the frame buildings, being three in number, were literally burnt to the ground; the property is owned by Mr. James Haggarty.”
Schuylkill Haven Tragedy Revisited – 50 Years Ago
by Mike Glore
On Sunday, September 27, 1959, the Montag family retired for the evening in their Lincoln St. home near Broadway, on what today would be known as “The Island.” 47 year old Vincent (Dick) Montag and his wife, 38 year old Hazel Montag, slept in the front bedroom on the 2nd floor of the single, 2 story frame home. Their son, Richard Montage, age 6, slept in the middle bedroom on the 2nd floor. His sister, Mathilda Ann, age 12, usually slept in the back bedroom. However, there was a threat of rain that evening. Since the roof above the back bedroom sometimes leaked, Mathilda decided to sleep in the middle bedroom with her brother.
Just before 9 o’clock, Mathilda awoke coughing . She immediately smelled and saw smoke. She woke her brother and got him to the bedroom window. She dropped him into the arms of two men who were visiting in the neighborhood, while a third man went to sound the alarm. Mathilda then went to wake her parents in the front bedroom and discovered fire in the back bedroom. She tried to go back to her parents again, but was unable to see them due to the heavy smoke. She then fled the building. Mr. and Mrs. Montag attempted to reach the children’s bedroom, but were turned back by the heat and smoke. They attempted to crawl to the window in the front bedroom and collapsed.
The Schuylkill Haven Fire Department received the alarm at 20:58. Upon arrival of the three borough companies, they were confronted with heavy fire in the rear of the second floor, extending into the hallway. Fire Chief Paul Hinnershitz had “command.” Led by Asst. Chief Carl Feger, Jr., firefighters donned masks – mostly all-purpose, filter-type – and began a search of the home. They located Mrs. Montag in the front bedroom, lying partly across her husband. She and her husband, both unconscious, were removed from the home.
Firefighters used artificial respiration as well as a resuscitator, but were unable to revive Mr. Montag. He was pronounced dead on the scene. His wife was hospitalized with first degree burns and was said to be suffering from “severe shock” and smoke inhalation. Mathilda suffered first degree burns to her leg. She was released from the hospital the following day. Richard was reported to have also suffered first degree burns, but was hospitalized in “good” condition.
Mrs. Montag was burned in a fire when she was age 8 (then Hazel Sterner) in her Dock St., Schuylkill Haven home. She was using stove polish to clean a stove when the polish ignited, burning her under the arm and on the chest. She extinguished the fire herself and called her mother home from work.
Mr. Montag was a World War II veteran, serving in the Italian campaign. A sergeant with the 339th Infantry Regiment, he was awarded a purple heart and two bronze stars. He was also a member of the Rainbow Hose Co., Schuylkill Haven.
The official cause of the fire was not listed.
Richard Montag, then age 6 and saved from the fire by his sister, also went on to join the Rainbow Hose Company. In fact, rising through the ranks, “Rick” went on to become Schuylkill Haven Borough Fire Chief in 1997.
On Sunday, November 22, 1959, the Montage home on Lincoln St. burned again. This time, though, it was part of a department-wide training session conducted by the Schuylkill Haven Fire Department. Firefighters from Rainbow, Liberty, and Schuylkill Hose used the various types of protective breathing apparatus at the time to conduct smoke drills in the fire-damaged home, searching for dolls placed in the home. Asst. Chief Carl Feger, Jr. of the Schuylkill Hose attended a state-sponsored fire training course and instructed the others in the use of the masks and how to “stay out of trouble” in smoke-filled buildings. At the conclusion of the drill, fire was permitted to consume the home. Fire apparatus was stationed around the home with a water supply established – including a portable pump supplying water from the Schuylkill River – to insure the fire did not spread to any nearby properties.
On Friday evening, November 20, 1959, the apparatus of the Rainbow Hose Company was officially housed in the new engine room, which was built at a cost of $35,000 adjacent to the existing firehouse, which was built in 1894.
NoHoseLikeLlewellynHose
09-16-2009, 05:18
Awesome Video!!!! My wife just remarked that it looks basically the same as when she went to school there after rebuild, In the early to mid 70's.
Also reminded me of my Dad and crews from that era on how major fires were handled without turnouts and in freezing weather. Dad always wore a Woolrich hunting jacket and insulated hunting boots in the colder weather. You younger guys missed out on a GREAT era of Fire fights, eh Hobbes.
The kid with the hat near the end, Almost every boy in school had one like that for the winter. WARM
Wondering who the guy in the white butchers coat is. I'll get my mother in law to look at this tonite.
And it certainly looks like Sheridan coming onscene near the end of the video with their new Ford AmericanLafrance pumper. Before it was painted that ugly GREEN. :(
The kid in the hat is now the Fire Chief of Llewellyn, which is me. Dad broke me in early. Ha ha
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
09-16-2009, 07:48
The kid in the hat is now the Fire Chief of Llewellyn, which is me. Dad broke me in early. Ha ha
Thanks for your post Chief. Just like many Senior FF's on here our Dads were positive influences to us in our formative years. Great end to the story.
Only one question remains, Who is the guy in the white butcher coat?? LOL
NoHoseLikeLlewellynHose
09-16-2009, 10:09
Thanks for your post Chief. Just like many Senior FF's on here our Dads were positive influences to us in our formative years. Great end to the story.
Only one question remains, Who is the guy in the white butcher coat?? LOL
I would agree it was probably Fluffy Artz, He was an active fireman in our company for quite a few years. I ask around to confirm with one of our older members who are very scarce anymore.
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
09-16-2009, 11:38
I saw this in yesterdays " Republican Herald " concerning Rt 901 that passes the Cass Twp. High School near the area where the video of the fire being discussed. Interesting article.
50 Years Ago 1959
Secretary of Highways Park H. Martin has authorized installation of flashing school warning signs along the state highway that passes Cass Township High School. Relatively new in Pennsylvania, the signs contain two amber lights arranged vertically, which flash alternately when a time clock lights a red number 15 designating the speed limit. The time clock will actuate the signal when children are going to and from school. When not actuated, the lights will not flash and the speed limit number will be blank. The township will pay for installation and operation of the signals.
BTW Thanks Chief for the update. Peg could't remember Mr Artz's first name. I'll bet she raises her eyes when I tell her it was Fluffy.
Chief could his first name be Floyd.Iremember as a kid there was a butcher who would go door to door in a bread like truck with fresh meats and groceries on it.
February 3, 1943-Scranton. Three story frame boys home-St. Mary’s Villa, Elmhurst, was destroyed in a spectacular fire. Fourteen boys and the superintendent were left homeless. Loss $15,000
February 23, 1943-Wilkes-Barre. Lehigh Valley Railroad mainline near Falls was snarled when two oil cars exploded and four other cars damaged. No loss nor cause given. Firemen from three companies battled blaze for two hours.
March 10, 1943-Pittston. Two lives lost in fire that destroyed twin two story frame houses.
March 20, 1943, Tower City. $28,000 blaze destroys Zion Evangelical Church and connecting parsonage at 4th & Grand in Tower City. Tower City, Lykens, Williamstown Muir, Wiconisco and Tremont all responded.
March 23/24, 1943-Wilkes-Barre. Most spectacular fire in 25 years destroyed the Brown Block in East Market St. between Jersey Central and Lehigh Valley Railroads. Loss $500,000. 30 fire companies responded. Walls collapsed in 3 hours. 27 firemen injured or overcome by smoke. J. B. Carr Biscuit Company, American Stores Warehouse, Franklin Beef Co and many offices also damaged or destroyed.
March 24, 1943-Pittston. Mine cave in rocks school, houses in six block area. No. 9 mine of the Pamotti Enterprise, 7:30 p.m. still “pulling” hours afterward. No injuries. Ended March 25. Destroyed three story 44 room Pittston High school. Four blocks bounded by Broad/Fulton/Carroll/Depew Sts. Ninety homes damaged Worst subsidence in years. Loss $400,000, 150 affected.
March 25, 1943-Tamaqua-Collison between a tractor trailer coal truck and a large freight truck. Both rigs caught fire. One driver critically burned.
March 30, 1943-Pittston. More cave-ins followed initial one. 235 houses damaged as well as Pittston Foundry.
More great stuff from Brother Mike Glore:
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back – October, 2009
10 Years Ago
10/16/1999 - Box 531 - 16:13 - 812 N. 3rd St. 2nd Floor rear room & contents. This was part of the stretch of homes on N. 3rd St. involved in the fire this past summer and way back in 1941.
10/17/1999 - Box 74 - 03:17 - 1821 Elk Ave. Fire originating in decorative hay bales on the front porch caused heavy damage to the front of the duplex. No significant extension to the interior.
25 Years Ago
10/23/1984 – STILL – 13:19 – Assistance to Norwegian Twp. , Exxon Chemical Company. Chief sent Yorkville, West End, and Humane.
30 Years Ago
10/26/1979 – Box 512 – 10:55 – 60 York Farm. Occupant: Edward Davis. Cause: Grease on stove ignited. Loss: $1,000.
35 Years Ago
10/15/1974 – Box 36 – 05:00 – 314 Mahantongo St. The Pottsville Club. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $325,000. Returned 14:45 - still alarm for rekindle.
First account of the origin of the fire from the Club Manager, Charles Robertson:
Between 3:30 – 4:00 a.m., Robertson arrived at the Club after breakfast at the Garfield Diner. He was checking on the day’s schedule when two armed men entered the club and forced him to open the safe. After doing so, he was struck on the back of the head with a gun. Before blacking-out briefly, he said he had seen one of the men attempting to set papers on fire behind the bar using a bottle of whiskey as an accelerant. When Robertson awoke, he said that he saw smoke behind the bar and the men were gone. Robertson left the Club in his car to turn in the alarm. He was heading north on Centre St. where he encountered Patrolman Ron Gontarchick of the Pottsville PD on foot patrol. He informed him of the fire and Gontarchick then transmitted the alarm. Robertson was hospitalized due to the head injury.
On arrival, firefighters were confronted with a large body of fire in the 1st floor bar area with heavy smoke from the building. The three story building was or ordinary construction. Fire spread through the interior to the upper floors and cockloft. Firefighters prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent apartments as well as the Ruch Funeral Home at 310 Mahantongo St. Rescue Hook & Ladder of Minersville responded with their 1963 Ford/Pitman 65’ Snorkel. The Snorkel was set-up in the rear of the building (where St. Patrick’s Church parking lot is today generally behind the American Hose engine room). Phoenix’s 1959 American LaFrance tractor-drawn 100’ aerial ladder truck was out-of-service due to mechanical issues. West End’s 1960 Seagrave 65’ quint was set-up and had the pipe flowing on Mahantongo St. Firefighter Andrew DeStefano of the Greenwood Hill was treated at the Pottsville Hospital for an eye injury.
While the cause of the fire was listed as “undetermined,” it was reported that investigators discovered multiple points of origin. I was in first grade at the Race St. School at the time of the fire. I remember watching the overhauling at the Pottsville Club from the school windows and schoolyard.
40 Years Ago
10/5/1969 – Box 15 – 03:05 – Rear 341 E. Norwegian St. Occupant: Wetzel Bros. and Dominic Mercuri. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $2,600.
Firefighters arrived on scene hearing cries for help from William Wetzel, age 28. Jack Flannery of the Good Intent and Tom Seitzinger of the Greenwood Hill went to his rescue. Flannery entered the first floor apartment via a back door off the porch. Crawling into the apartment heavily charged with smoke, he found Wetzel lying on the floor. Assisted by Seitzinger, he dragged the victim out through the back door. Wetzel was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital where he was treated for smoke inhalation. Attempting to gain entry from another door, Pottsville Police Officer John Pflueger kicked in a glass pane and was also treated at the Good Sam Hospital for an injury to the foot. The apartment was heavily damaged.
10/5/1969 – STILL – 04:50 – Call for help from Pt. Carbon. American Legion building. Chief sent Greenwood Hill, American Hose, West End, Good Intent, Yorkville, and Good Will.
Shortly after clearing the scene on East Norwegian St., the Port Carbon Fire Department requested assistance at a fire at the Port Carbon American Legion Post. Asst. Chief “Doc” Bound (West End) responded to Pt. Carbon with the Pottsville companies. Dennis McCabe (Good Intent) was operating on the third floor of the building when what was believed to have been a smoke explosion literally hurled him through a window. Tom Seitzinger (Greenwood Hill) and Bill Miller (Good Will) were operating on West End’s aerial ladder when McCabe came through the window. They grabbed McCabe, preventing a fall and more serious injuries. The SCBA that McCabe was wearing struck Miller on the head. Both McCabe and Miller were transported to the Good Samaritan Hospital. McCabe was admitted with abrasions. Miller was treated and released.
A very dramatic morning all-in-all for the PFD…
45 Years Ago
10/11/1964 – Box 216 – 19:15 – 374 S. Centre St., Scranton Electric Co. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $1,200.
10/29/1964 – Box 44 – 12:42 – 1107A W. Norwegian St. Occupant: Paul Donahue. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $1,229.
50 Years Ago
10/27/1959 – STILL – 22:00 – Box 42 – 22:05 – 6th & W. Market St. Acme Market. Cause: Unknown. Fire had terrific headway on arrival. Fire department did an excellent job in containing the fire, saving the English Lutheran Church and parish house. Loss: $150,000. Occupants and losses: Acme Store: $127,000; Art (Scoop) Felsburg (apartment): $23,000.
Art “Scoop” Felsburg, a tenant in one of two apartments on the top floor of the 2-story building called the Good Intent Fire Company directly to report the fire. Responding on the still alarm, Fire Chief Andy Hoke struck the box after encountering an advanced fire in the building. Firefighters were hampered by heavy smoke as they advanced into the store. In addition, the pressed metal ceiling of the store held significant fire between the store and the apartments above, resulting in a very labor intensive operation. The smoke condition in the surrounding area was significant, with smoke banking down Market St. as far as Second.
While no cause was officially determined, it was believed that the fire originated in a meat case in the rear of the building, possibly as a result of a defect in the refrigeration unit. The store employed ten individuals and was managed by Walter Kutney, Sheppton.
The Good Will Fire Company of Pt. Carbon sent an engine to stand-by in the City. The Sinclair Gas Company sent a truck to refuel apparatus on scene. While the firefighters prevented the fire from spreading to the English Lutheran Church next door, there was damage as a result of broken windows and fallen plaster. The Acme Building was owned by the English Lutheran Church and stood where the parking lot is for the Schlitzer-Allen-Pugh funeral home is currently. The funeral home itself was the English Lutheran Church. This was one of the early “big ones” of Andy Hoke’s career as Fire Chief.
11 firefighters were injured.
Admitted to the Pottsville Hospital: Ron Kriner (Good Will) – smoke inhalation; Joseph Selinko (Good Will) – smoke inhalation.
Treated at the Pottsville Hospital: Stan Kowalchick – laceration of ring finger; Richard Taylor – laceration of left hand; Michael Phillips – facial laceration and possible broken nose after falling over a hoseline.
Admitted to the Warne Hospital (2nd & Mahantongo St.): William Ebert (Good Will) – smoke inhalation; Lincoln (Abe) Fernsler (Humane) – smoke inhalation; John Hulet (Good Will, Pt. Carbon) – smoke inhalation (see photo below).
Treated at the Warne Hospital: John Pflueger – laceration of scalp; Elmer Geiger – rope burn of left hand; Joseph Neary – laceration of palm of left hand.
On a final note, Charles Barrone of the Good Intent had his shoes stolen from the fire engine. He had taken them off to don his boots. As he was preparing to leave the scene, he discovered his shoes missing.
55 Years Ago
10/23/1954 – Box 16 – 00:37 – 527-527 ˝ -529-531 E. Market St. Cause: Unknown. Fire started in basement of 529 E. Market St. and burned through floor of porch on outside of building, through partition walls to top of building. Loss: $9,373. Occupants and losses: 527 (Leroy Dalton): $263; 527 ˝ (Victor Adamco): $3950; 529-531 (Paraska Kachmar): $5160.
65 Years Ago
10/28/1944- Box 41 – 14:18 – 15:55 – 224 N. 12th St. Occupant: John Eichenberg. Cause: Unknown. Fire in back bedroom on 2nd floor. Loss: $500.
70 Years Ago
10/20/1939 - Box 36 – 11:54 – Centre & Mahantongo St. Necho Allen Hotel. Cause: Fat ignited in pan on stove, set grease in air duct on fire. Loss: $1,200.
75 Years Ago
10/19/1934 – Box 613 – 10:55 – 5 & 6 Eagan St. Occupant: Mrs. B. Thompson. Cause: Spark from chimney set wood shingle roof on fire. Loss: $150.</SPAN>
80 Years Ago
10/4/1929 – Box 35 – 19:25 – 909 Mahantongo St. Occupant: R. Williams. Cause: gas stove. Loss: $4700.
On Sunday, 10/6/1929, the Good Intent received a new Ahrens-Fox NS4 1000 gpm piston pumper. The rig cost $13,000.
95 Years Ago
10/1/1914 – Box 26 – 14:20 – Centre & Howard St. Swalm’s Garage. Cause: Electric charging system. Loss: $2892.08.
10/27/1914 – Box 26 – 04:20 – 3rd & Mahantongo St. Office and keg house owned by Yuengling. Cause: Pitch pot boiled over. Loss: $5076.
165 Years Ago
Sat., 10/10/1844 – A new stable belonging to Mr. McEwing, at the upper end of the borough, burnt to the ground. Loss: $500. No insurance
April 4, 1943, Pittston. More mine subsidence damaged Lady of Mt. Carmel Italian Roman Catholic Church on Upper William Street.
April 24, 1943, Trevorton, Furnace room and section of the large Deeben Building occupied by Franklin Frocks Dress Mfg, Corp, badly damaged in explosion and fire.
June 25, 1943, Wilkes-Barre. Terrific explosion occurred at the Franklin Collliery strip mine while drilling. Three killed, two others severely injured.
June 23, 1943, Scranton. Seven buildings including a church were damaged in a severe hail and electrical storm; railroad tracks washed out; basements flooded, and lightning struck the Moses Taylor Hospital ripping away all lighting rod roof damage.
November's Pottsville fires from Brother Mike Glore. . .
5 Years Ago
11/16/2004 – 01:35 – Box 412 – 307 W. Market St. An arson fire originating in the 2nd floor of the vacant 3 story multiple dwelling of ordinary construction caused heavy damage to the 2nd floor. The fire was discovered by Pottsville Police on routine patrol. Asst. Chief Kurt Shelhammer (Yorkville) had Command. St. Clair Tower 701 was requested and operated on Side A. West End had placed their 1992 E-One 75’ quint out-of-service at 18:30 hrs. the evening prior (11/15), after having sold the rig to the Rescue Hook & Ladder of Minersville.
25 Years Ago
11/8/1984 – Box 32 – 03:46 – 323 Schuylkill Ave. Occupant: J. Shauers. Cause: Arson fire on front porch. Loss: $500.
11/10/1984 – Box 17 – 08:34 – 321 E. Arch St. Occupant: J. Zukosky. Cause: Child playing with matches. Loss: $20,000. Greenwood Hill called back for rekindle at 10:30.
Arriving on scene, firefighters were confronted with a heavy smoke condition banked to the street from the 2 story end-of-the-row dwelling. The front window failed and heavy fire vented from the first floor, rolling under the porches. This alleviated the smoke condition somewhat. The fire was quickly knocked and contained to the building of origin. Asst. Chief Bill Horning (Phoenix) had Command. The home, which was directly behind the Pizza Hut on Rt. 61, was razed and is now a vacant lot.
An funny story from the perspective of the IC … Asst. Chief Billy Horning was taking his then-teenage daughter to work her part-time job that Saturday morning, prior to the alarm. As he began to descend East Arch St. from above George St., the smoke condition came clearly into view and it was obvious that he had a working fire on his hands. He turned to his daughter and calmly said, “Aww, Kelly, you’re gonna have to walk.”
30 Years Ago
11/22/1979 – STILL – 01:30 – Assistance to Mar Lin. Chief Sent Yorkville. Fire in vacant double home on Beechwood Ave. I believe that this is where the Mar Lin Post Office is currently.
11/25/1979 – STILL – 05:00 – Assistance to Minersville. Fire destroyed 3 buildings and damaged two others in the 200 block of Sunbury St. Chief sent West End, American Hose, and Good Will. Hopefully, the November edition of the Schuylkill County Firefighters Association Quarterly Newsletter will feature an article on the 30th Anniversary of this fire.
35 Years Ago
11/1/1974 – Box 514 – 11:25 – 1350 Seneca St. Occupant: Vince Hock. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $19,500. Returned 16:00 and 20:30 for rekindles. This private dwelling was rocking when the fire department arrived with heavy exterior fire to the rear.
40 Years Ago
11/7/1969 – Box 522 – 14:26 – 403 Laurel Blvd. Occupant: Charles Francis. Cause: Gas explosion. Loss: $600.
11/22/1969 – Box 67 – 14:10 – Mamies Ave. Occupant: Milton Williams. Cause: Melting paraffin wax caught fire. Loss: Unknown.
50 Years Ago
11/18/1959 – STILL – 20:45 – Call for help at Tumbling Run. Frame barn owned by William Guers. Chief sent Good Intent, Good Will, and Humane. 2000 chickens died in this fire. Loss was estimated at $12,000. Cumbola, Middleport, New England/Walker Twp., New Philadelphia, and Tuscarora fire companies were also on scene. PP& L power lines were damaged as flames reached close to 150’ in the air at the height of the fire.
11/13/1959 – Phoenix Fire Engine Company No. 2 accepted delivery of their new 1959 American LaFrance 900 series 100’ tractor-drawn aerial ladder truck. The rig cost $45,000. It was placed in service approximately a week later and officially housed on December 6, 1959. Company President at the time was John Pflueger. According to fire apparatus historian Walt McCall, this was the first tractor-drawn aerial delivered by American LaFrance on the 900 Series chassis. New York City purchased 13 virtually identical rigs in 1960 and 7 more in 1962, one of which was assigned to the famed Ladder 31 in the South Bronx. To show just how new this style of apparatus was, the Washington Fire Company of Ashland received their 1959 American LaFrance 85’ service aerial on 11/7/1959. This was of the older style 700/800 Series, while the Phoenix rig was of the much more modern 900 Series. Pottsville City Council on Tuesday, 11/10/1959 voted to fund the purchase of a life net for Phoenix’s new rig. The life net was purchased from Reading Fire Equipment at a cost of $440. This purchase was in lieu of a fire hose allotment, which the other companies received from the City. The aerial served for almost 45 years. It was refurbished and repowered in 1978 and refurbished again in 1992. It was replaced by the current 2004 Pierce/1991 LTI 110' tractor-drawn aerial.
60 Years Ago
11/13/1949 – Box 24 – 20:25 – Coal & Washington Sts. Penna. Railroad Company. Cause: “Bums slept in building, set building on fire.” Loss: $500.
65 Years Ago
11/1/1944 – Box 56 – 18:55 – 525 Fairview St. Occupant: Vincent Flemming. Cause: Unknown. Fire burned-out bedroom on 2nd floor. Loss: $500.
11/2/1944 – Box 36 – 15:47 – 20 S. 2nd St. John Puddu Shoe Store. Cause: Boy mixing shoe cement caused fire. Loss: $7,546.
80 Years Ago
11/7/1929 – Box 614 – 12:20 – 738 & 740 Water St. Occupants: James Bierman and Joseph Smith. Cause: Children playing with matches. Loss: $2,000. Fire Chief Sevenson had Command of this fire. Children playing with matches ignited dried leaves in an alley between the homes. This then ignited the weatherboards of the homes and spread quickly upward. Firefighters arrived with heavy exterior fire involving both homes. While damage was significant, the fire was knocked-down quickly with most of the damage confined to the exterior. First working fire for Good Intent’s 1929 Aherns-Fox 1000 gpm piston pumper.
11/30/1929 – Box 19 – 21:00 – 104 S. George St. Occupant: C. Langon. Cause: Overheated stove. Loss: $1850.
95 Years Ago
11/19/1914 – Telephone Alarm - 1423 Mahantongo St. 2.5 story frame dwelling owned by Nathan Beddel. Cause: “Boy lights match to find way and threw it away.”
120 Years Ago
11/23/1889 – 12:10 – Fire at the Northwester n Hotel. Cause: Explosion of coal oil lamp. Loss: About $500.
125 Years Ago
11/12/1884 – 02:00 – Fire at Heber DeLong’s Coffee Roastery on Division Alley. Loss: About $500.
135 Years Ago
11/30/1874 – A slight fire at Henry Somers’ Barber Shop, corner of Centre & High (Race) Sts. Cause: Overheated stove.
145 Years Ago
11/21/1864 – 23:30 – The machine shop and foundry of Mr. B. F. Pomeroy & Son, corner of Coal & Norwegian Sts. The main building was destroyed with its contents. Loss: About $15,000.
ladder21lover
11-06-2009, 13:12
Interesting story on the 1959 Phoenix Tiller. Does anyone know where it ended up when it was replaced? I thought I heard a Canadian purchased it, planned to repair it and put it on display. Has anyone heard anything on it in the last 5 yrs?
whitebuffalo
11-08-2009, 07:13
Interesting story on the 1959 Phoenix Tiller. Does anyone know where it ended up when it was replaced? I thought I heard a Canadian purchased it, planned to repair it and put it on display. Has anyone heard anything on it in the last 5 yrs?
i was told he was the same guy who bought my '58 lafrance from hokendaqua. i will try to contact him. interesting side note, i was told he drove mine from archbald all the way up. not too shabby.
Ain't it great. . .more goodies unearthed. . .
August 1, 1943, Pottsville-Flame destroyed the large abandoned wooden breaker of the Sherman Coal Company on the east brow of Sharp Mountain (outskirts of Pottsville.) Fire was visible for several miles. Flames made Pottsville “as light as day.” I would assume this happened at night.:) No loss given.
September 24, 1943, Minersville. Fourteen men killed when an explosion ripped through the fifth level of the Moffett Schrader mine at Forrestville.
September 26, 1943, Tamaqua-B.H. Dreher Lumberyard and adjoining store of C.F. Deiser Flour & Feed Co. plus J. Howard Williams(?) Hardware Co. all destroyed in a spectacular fire. Loss $100,000
November 16, 1943—Ashland. Three miners were killed when they were jolted out of the mine car they were riding up a steep slope inside the Potts Mine, 2 miles west of Ash. They fell 480’ to their death. Two others injured.
November 21, 1943—Tamaqua , Army transport plane crashes into mountainside near here killing 7 Army personnel and seriously injuring two.
December 24, 1943
ONE FIREMAN DEAD
Scranton-Fireman dies at blaze and sever others injured. A three alarm blaze destroyed the six story brick building of the University of Scranton which was being used by Army Air Force trainees.
F. Edward Katzwinkle, suffered a fatal heart attack as a result of dense smoke and zero temperature which coated the firefighters with ice forming from water sprays. Origin of the blaze and extent of damage were undetermined.
December 26, 1943, Hazleton-Three story brick business block at 224-226 West Broad St. Upper floors gutted.
August 1, 1943, Pottsville-Flame destroyed the large abandoned wooden breaker of the Sherman Coal Company on the east brow of Sharp Mountain (outskirts of Pottsville.) Fire was visible for several miles. Flames made Pottsville “as light as day.” I would assume this happened at night.:) No loss given.
Naturally I got a great response back from my Pottsville fire historian. . .Mike Glore adds his learned insight on the breaker fire:
This fire occurred at 01:30 on a Sunday morning. The fire department responded to a small fire earlier Saturday evening that was said to have started as a result of an acetylene torch being used by demolition crews. The Sunday morning fire began near the center of the breaker, remote from the earlier fire. Feeding on oil-impregnated timbers and years of coal dust, the fire spread rapidly through the breaker and was, by all accounts, very spectacular. It was said that it illuminated South Centre Street as though it were daylight. It was also reported that thousands of spectators gathered on Tumbling Run Road, Lawton's Hill, and Greenwood Hill to get a better vantage point to view the fire.
The breaker was located off Hillside Road, relatively high up on the mountainside. Based on the elevation, calls reporting the fire were received from around the greater Pottsville area. Firefighters stretched supply lines from as far as Centre & Mauch Chunk Streets (approximately 1/4 mile). Embers fell all along South Centre Street, but no additional fires resulted. All City apparatus responded when Box 25 was "hooked." As the fire burned and the timbers failed, the huge wheels crashed through the structure, one of them actually landing in the street. No injuries resulted. A concerted effort was made to protect the nearby homes and other ancillary buildings related to the breaker operation. There was no extension. One fire policeman was injured. George Schuler of the Phoenix Fire Company and Fire Police Captain tripped over a hoseline while trying to move the crowd back and fractured his ankle. The fire department remained on scene much of the day Sunday and returned at 14:30 hrs on Monday for a rekindle.
This would be just up from Womer's Garage on Hotel Street today. While most of the mountainside breaker site is now overgrown, you can still pick-out evidence of where it had been if you look closely enough. I tried to dig-up photos of the breaker, but unfortunately none of the pics that I found actually showed the structure. In fact, several of the photos appear to have been taken from the location of the breaker looking away! The PFD guys today would scratch their heads at having a fully-involved coal breaker to deal with in the City limits.
whitebuffalo
11-17-2009, 08:22
Naturally I got a great response back from my Pottsville fire historian. . .Mike Glore adds his learned insight on the breaker fire:
This fire occurred at 01:30 on a Sunday morning. The fire department responded to a small fire earlier Saturday evening that was said to have started as a result of an acetylene torch being used by demolition crews. The Sunday morning fire began near the center of the breaker, remote from the earlier fire. Feeding on oil-impregnated timbers and years of coal dust, the fire spread rapidly through the breaker and was, by all accounts, very spectacular. It was said that it illuminated South Centre Street as though it were daylight. It was also reported that thousands of spectators gathered on Tumbling Run Road, Lawton's Hill, and Greenwood Hill to get a better vantage point to view the fire.
The breaker was located off Hillside Road, relatively high up on the mountainside. Based on the elevation, calls reporting the fire were received from around the greater Pottsville area. Firefighters stretched supply lines from as far as Centre & Mauch Chunk Streets (approximately 1/4 mile). Embers fell all along South Centre Street, but no additional fires resulted. All City apparatus responded when Box 25 was "hooked." As the fire burned and the timbers failed, the huge wheels crashed through the structure, one of them actually landing in the street. No injuries resulted. A concerted effort was made to protect the nearby homes and other ancillary buildings related to the breaker operation. There was no extension. One fire policeman was injured. George Schuler of the Phoenix Fire Company and Fire Police Captain tripped over a hoseline while trying to move the crowd back and fractured his ankle. The fire department remained on scene much of the day Sunday and returned at 14:30 hrs on Monday for a rekindle.
This would be just up from Womer's Garage on Hotel Street today. While most of the mountainside breaker site is now overgrown, you can still pick-out evidence of where it had been if you look closely enough. I tried to dig-up photos of the breaker, but unfortunately none of the pics that I found actually showed the structure. In fact, several of the photos appear to have been taken from the location of the breaker looking away! The PFD guys today would scratch their heads at having a fully-involved coal breaker to deal with in the City limits.
a coal breaker in city limits, never happen again, hell the tree huggers even took away our "Coal Street".
ladder21lover
11-21-2009, 14:03
Does anyone know the day and year the former Brokhoff Dairy just outside of Pottsville went up? From what I recall they had a difficult time getting water to the scene due to its location and pulled it from the river.
Does anyone know the day and year the former Brokhoff Dairy just outside of Pottsville went up? From what I recall they had a difficult time getting water to the scene due to its location and pulled it from the river.
is that the building on the left coming from tumbling run, its the white buildng with the garages, or was the old dairy ripped down
airche bunker
11-21-2009, 22:21
The brokhoff dairy fire.i think it was the early 90's i think june of 92 or 93.it was a hot summer night.
whitebuffalo
11-24-2009, 16:06
Does anyone know the day and year the former Brokhoff Dairy just outside of Pottsville went up? From what I recall they had a difficult time getting water to the scene due to its location and pulled it from the river.
from what i remember there was an engine relay from the hydrant around rte. 61 and mauch chunk st. quite a lay, distance wise and elevation.
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
11-24-2009, 19:27
Ah Brokhoff's milk. My Aunt Phyllis used to get it delivered. Ernie??? was the route driver to the Lykens area. Couple of stores and houses he served. . Mmmmmm. I can still dream of peeling back the lid. Ice Cold whole milk. Cream on the top.
ladder21lover
11-24-2009, 19:54
Wow that is a long lay of hose. Was the entire City on the call or just the city units that cover that area of the township along with other coverage units?
johnfire
11-24-2009, 20:01
I am trying to remember who all was there. I have pictures that I took stashed away somewhere in storage since it was so long ago. I think most of the city was there.
What happened to all the big fires. . .
January 7, 1944, Clarks Summit-Scranton. Fire destroyed a building housing the carpentry and black smith shops and storage compartments a the Clarks Summit State Mental hospital. Damage $7K
Bet this one had people crying. . .
January 12, 1944, Scranton. Parodi-Cigar Co. Large three story building destroyed in three alarm fire sounded in rapid succession. 800,000 cigars destroyed. One firemen burned, 25 horses in a nearby stable led to safety.
January 19, 1944-Plymouth Boro -Fire destroyed Baron’s Department Store and Holland Shoe Store and damages several apartments in Wilkes-Barre suburb. Loss $75K. Two firemen injured. Fire was out of control for 9 hours.
January 25, 1944-, Scranton-Huge Valley View Coal Co. breaker at Inkerman destroyed in spectacular blaze. Loss $135,000. 150’ new addition was saved however. Jenkins Twp and Pittston FCs responded.
March 8, 1944, West Pittston. An area equip to two square blocks dropped buckling sidewalks, upheavals and some homes were damaged. Dome gas mains broken. Area of Park Street, York and Washington Aves. About 9 a.m.
March 9-10, 1944, West Pittston. Subsidence continues. Eight homes destroyed. Boy was buried to his waist in yet another subsidence in Pittston. (The month before a two year old girl was lost during a severe drop in the street. Her body was found three days later after a lot of digging.-I didn’t get the date on that one)
March 9, 1944, Moosic-One building of the DuPont Black Powder Mill (Belin Plant) was wrecked in an explosion caused by a lightning strike. No one injured and loss was $10,000. The explosion was heard six miles away and blew out windows in Moosic, Avoca, DuPont and Minooka.
March 22, 1944, Scranton-steam pipe exploded at the huge new bomber wing plant of the Murray Corp of America killing two and injuring five.
March 28, 1944, Hazleton. Work clothing and equipment for 1,000 miners hanging in a wash house was lost when the building was destroyed at the Hazleton Shaft Colliery. Loss $35,000
March 29, 1944, Wyoming. Fire destroyed warehouse, furniture store, offices and apartments of the Root Transfer Building at Wyoming near Pittston. Loss $300,000. One fireman hospitalized, 3 treated for burns/lacerations on the scene.
whitebuffalo
11-30-2009, 14:52
Wow that is a long lay of hose. Was the entire City on the call or just the city units that cover that area of the township along with other coverage units?
i am pretty sure a box was struck. with all the hose laid, and i am pretty sure the complex was heavily involved when the first due companies arrived. palo alto, mount carbon, and port carbon would be the three mutual aid companies if there were any, one would assume. maybe an extra ladder from somewhere. i am sure m. glore could shed some light on this fire.
whitebuffalo
11-30-2009, 14:54
What happened to all the big fires. . .
January 7, 1944, Clarks Summit-Scranton. Fire destroyed a building housing the carpentry and black smith shops and storage compartments a the Clarks Summit State Mental hospital. Damage $7K
Bet this one had people crying. . .
January 12, 1944, Scranton. Parodi-Cigar Co. Large three story building destroyed in three alarm fire sounded in rapid succession. 800,000 cigars destroyed. One firemen burned, 25 horses in a nearby stable led to safety.
January 19, 1944-Plymouth Boro -Fire destroyed Baron’s Department Store and Holland Shoe Store and damages several apartments in Wilkes-Barre suburb. Loss $75K. Two firemen injured. Fire was out of control for 9 hours.
January 25, 1944-, Scranton-Huge Valley View Coal Co. breaker at Inkerman destroyed in spectacular blaze. Loss $135,000. 150’ new addition was saved however. Jenkins Twp and Pittston FCs responded.
March 8, 1944, West Pittston. An area equip to two square blocks dropped buckling sidewalks, upheavals and some homes were damaged. Dome gas mains broken. Area of Park Street, York and Washington Aves. About 9 a.m.
March 9-10, 1944, West Pittston. Subsidence continues. Eight homes destroyed. Boy was buried to his waist in yet another subsidence in Pittston. (The month before a two year old girl was lost during a severe drop in the street. Her body was found three days later after a lot of digging.-I didn’t get the date on that one)
March 9, 1944, Moosic-One building of the DuPont Black Powder Mill (Belin Plant) was wrecked in an explosion caused by a lightning strike. No one injured and loss was $10,000. The explosion was heard six miles away and blew out windows in Moosic, Avoca, DuPont and Minooka.
March 22, 1944, Scranton-steam pipe exploded at the huge new bomber wing plant of the Murray Corp of America killing two and injuring five.
March 28, 1944, Hazleton. Work clothing and equipment for 1,000 miners hanging in a wash house was lost when the building was destroyed at the Hazleton Shaft Colliery. Loss $35,000
March 29, 1944, Wyoming. Fire destroyed warehouse, furniture store, offices and apartments of the Root Transfer Building at Wyoming near Pittston. Loss $300,000. One fireman hospitalized, 3 treated for burns/lacerations on the scene.
talk about a busy three months in the wyoming valley!!!!!!!!!!
More things from the second quarter of 1944:
April 9, 1944-Kingston. Large two story factory building of the Raker Paint Co. destroyed in a spectacular fire. General alarm brought Kingston, Luzerne, Forty Fort, Swoyersville, Pringle and Edwardsville. Loss $70,000. Two firemen injured.
April 13, 1944, Elwood City-Fire destroyed plant of United Tube Corp. Loss $150,000
April 27, 1944, Duryea-mine subsidence drops part of Main St. 15’ Water mains snap.
Harrisburg Telegraph, May 1, 1944
SCRANTON FIREMAN DIES
FIGHTING FOREST BLAZE
Scranton, May 1(AP)-Overcome by smoke while fighting a forest fire on the West Mountain here yesterday, Captain Thomas Evans, a member of the Scranton Fire Department for 31 years died en route to a hospital. Dr. Robert Flynn, deputy coroner, said death was due to asphyxiation.
The fire was one of several which burned in the wooded regions of the county. At West Avoca, Luzerne County, two vacant six row dwellings were destroyed by a woodland fire.
June 21, 1944-Forty-Fort. Fire damaged the W. J. Phillips Grocery store and meat market with a loss of $25,000
Harrisburg Telegraph, June 26, 1944
FIREMAN DIES
Trevorton-Alex Cooper, 72, one of the communities best known residents and businessman, veteran fireman and for more than 40 years chief of the Trevorton Fire Company, died Friday afternoon in his home from complications, following a succession of cerebral hemorrhages.
June 28, 1944-Exeter(Wilkes-Barre) Five girls drowned while bathing in Susquehanna. They were playing on a log which overturned in the rain swollen river throwing them into the stream.
More from Mike Glore. . .
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back – December
5 Years Ago
12/16/2004 – STILL – 07:24 – 9 Bosses Lane, Branch Township (Phoenix Park) Frame duplex. Yorkville and Good Intent for RIT and overhaul.
12/20/2004 – STILL – 36 Washington St., Middleport. 2 ˝ story private dwelling. Good Intent (RIT) & Phoenix (L21).
10 Years Ago
12/31/1999 – STILL – 04:40 – 18 E. Main St., Tremont. 3 story mixed occupancy, ordinary construction. West End (L51) and Yorkville (R63).
25 Years Ago
12/7/1984 – Box 75 – 20:10 – 1645 Elk Ave. Occupant: E. Miller. Cause: Stove accidentally turned-on. Loss: $20,000. Fire began in the basement with minor extension into the first floor. The occupant, Emily Miller, smelled smoke and opened the basement at which point she was greeted by heavy smoke. She immediately closed the door, which prevented the spread of the fire. Fire damage was largely confined to the basement with heavy smoke throughout the two-story single-family home. Asst. Chief Jack Conway (Humane) had “Command.” The fire began on top of an old electric stove in the basement laundry area that had accidentally been turned on.
30 Years Ago
12/17/1979 – Box 31 – 00:58 – 1306 Howard Ave. Occupant: Robert Cresswell. Cause: Overheated fireplace chimney. Loss: $3,500. Fire was located spreading through the first and second floors in the west wall of the home.
35 Years Ago
12/22/1974 – STILL – 03:20 – Call for help in Orwigsburg. Chief sent West End. Fire began at approximately 02:00 at Al'sTV at 202 E. Market St. and spread to the Masonic Building next door. Firefighters used a Bartush Signs crane to deploy an elevated master stream until West End arrived with their 1960 Seagrave 65' qunit. In addition to Orwigsburg and West End, Pottsville, Landingville, Deer Lake, Auburn, and Schuylkill Haven companies were also on scene.
40 Years Ago
12/20/1969 – STILL – 14:06 – Mill Creek. Joseph Vidusynski house. Chief sent American Hose, Good Will, and Humane. Fire began in the basement of the 1 ˝ story frame home in Lower Mill Creek. It was believed to have been the result of a malfunctioning clock radio. The basement of the home was gutted and the kitchen heavily damaged. Asst. Chief Harold Curtier (Humane) was the Pottsville Duty Chief. In addition to Pottsville companies, Mill Creek Hose, Alert Fire Co., St. Clair, and Good Will, Port Carbon were also on scene.
12/25/1969 – STILL – 18:55 – Call for help from New Philadelphia. West End and Yorkville stood-by and were then called-off. A lamp was the cause of this fire, which gutted the 2nd floor back bedroom of the home at 118 Water St. The fire was handled by New Philadelphia, Kaska, and Cumbola firefighters.
50 Years Ago
12/2/1959 – Box 62 – 03:22 – 467 Peacock St. Occupant: Anthony Pugikinas. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $1,650. The living room and dining room were damaged in this fire.
12/8/1959 – STILL – 09:50 – Call for help from Orwigsburg. Chief sent Good Intent and Humane. A 2.5 story frame building on Centre Square was destroyed with damage estimated at $20,000. The building housed a restaurant and snack bar on the first floor. The cook in the first floor kitchen noticed light wisps of smoke from the ceiling area. He and the owner of the building began investigating. They found heavy smoke in the stairway. When they opened the attic door, they found the attic well-involved in fire. The roof of the restaurant was burned away. Most of the damage was confined to the restaurant, but the adjacent frame building also received approximately $4,000 in damage. In addition to the Pottsville companies, New Ringgold, Schuylkill Haven, and Deer Lake assisted Orwigsburg firefighters.
12/22/1959 – STILL – 22:10 – Call for help at farm at Beaver Valley. Chief sent Good Will. Fire destroyed a frame garage appx. 14’ X 60’ four miles west of Cressona on Sweet Arrow Lake Road. Cressona, Summit Station, and Schuylkill Haven firefighters also fought the fire. The cause was an electrical short. </SPAN>
55 Years Ago
12/8/1954 – STILL – 13:33 – Call for help at Mt. Carbon. Fire at Andrew Romansky residence. Chief sent Humane, West End, and American Hose.
12/22/1954 – Box 41 – 06:04 – 202 N. 12th St. Occupant: Mrs. Joseph Moran. Cause: Hot stove set wood on fire in ceiling of first floor. Loss: $195.
12/30/1954 – Box 78 – 01:56 – 23rd & West End Ave. Young Republican Club. Cause: Hot fireplace set wood on fire on outside of building. Loss: $100.
60 Years Ago
12/16/1949 – STILL – 15:35 – Call for help in New Philadelphia. Theater on fire. Chief asked for help. American Hose responded.
12/18/1949 – STILL – 15:30 – 321 W. Norwegian St. Leiderkrantz. Cause: Hot stoker pipe ignited floor boards. Loss: $100.
65 Years Ago
12/20/1944 – STILL – 09:10. Sent officer Flanigan with American Hose fire truck to Branchdale. Pat McGovern Hotel on fire.
12/23/1944 – Box 55 – 17:56 – 1315 Seneca St. Occupant: E.J. Wallkin. Cause: Unknown, fire started in spare room on second floor. Loss: $200.
75 Years Ago
12/5/1934 – STILL – 17:50. Call for help from Palo Alto Fire Department. Garage on fire. Chief sent Good Intent.
12/11/1934 – STILL – 18:40. Call for help from Mt. Carbon Fire Department. House at Cape Horn burned down. Chief sent Humane and Good Will.
12/31/1934 – Box 54 – 12:25 – 811 W. Race St. Occupant: Joseph O’Donnell. Cause: Defective Chimney. Loss: $500.
80 Years Ago
12/16/1929 – STILL – 11:45. Assistance asked by Burgess of New Philadelphia. American Hose and West End sent by Chief.
85 Years Ago
12/5/1924 – Box 41 – 06:10 – Rear 211 N. 12th St. Occupant: Frank Edelman. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $900.
12/21/1924 – Box 41 (again) – 11:45 – 1212 W. Arch St. Occupant: William C. Bowers. Cause: Defective flue. Loss: $250.
90 Years Ago
12/29/1919 – STILL – 17:50 – E. Norwegian St. Occupant: E. Glasier. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $690.
95 Years Ago
12/17/1914 – Box 18 – 03:15 – Block bordered by Centre St., Norwegian St., Mahantongo St., and Second St. This was, in fact, “the Big One.” In fact, all things considered, this was probably the worst fire in terms of property damage and dollar loss in Pottsville history. The fire started in the Woolworth store in the middle of the block. The only building standing today that survived the fire is the Union Bank building at Centre & Mahantongo. This was a massive fire complete with cold, ice, etc. A chapter in the Pottsville Firefighting book is dedicated to this fire.
135 Years Ago
12/2/1874 (Wed) – 22:00 – Fire at Palo Alto. The Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company’s car shops. Loss was about $7,000. No insurance.
160 Years Ago
12/6/1849 (Wed) – The stable of George Cumming on Fourth St. Stable, horse, carriage, and harness were consumed.
Hosehead
01-02-2010, 16:35
From Mike Glore:
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back – January
10 Years Ago
1/23/2000 – STILL – 10:44 – 64 McKinley St., Schuylkill Haven. Good Intent & American Hose.
Fire gutted a 1.5 story single-family dwelling just above Stoyer’s Dam. Pottsville companies performed RIT and some overhaul.
15 Years Ago
1/29/1995 – Box 323 - 02:37 – 1536-1542 W. Norwegian St. 3-story row frames.
On this bitterly cold Sunday morning, fire originated in the basement of 1540 and extended via the interior walls to both 1538 and 1542. Cecilia C. Weiss, age 67, was at the 2nd floor front bedroom window of 1542 W. Norwegian St. calling for help when Asst. Chief Jack Messner (West End) arrived from his home a short distance away. Messner forced the front door of the home and ascended the interior stairs to the bedroom. He carried Weiss to safety through the heavily charged home. Ms. Weiss was unharmed. One firefighter was injured fighting the fire. This fire started a notable run of working fires in the first several months of 1995.
http://wsbf.org/hosehead/mike/january1.jpg
Heavy smoke pours from the homes. The original fire building is 2nd from the left.
http://wsbf.org/hosehead/mike/january2.jpg
Looking up West End's aerial as firefighters access the roof.
http://wsbf.org/hosehead/mike/january3.jpg
The smoke was banked in the street on arrival. The home on the left is the one from
which Ms. Weiss was removed.
25 Years Ago
1/19/1985 – Box 115 – 09:03 – 202 N. 2nd St. Occupant: E. Martin. Fire heavily damaged the 2nd floor apartment. Cause: Child playing with matches. Loss: $33,000. As in 1995, this fire started a notable run of working fires in the first several months of 1985.
http://wsbf.org/hosehead/mike/january4.jpg
Firefighters access the roof from the rear fire escape on an adjoining building on Downing St.
http://wsbf.org/hosehead/mike/january5.jpg
West End ('77 Seagrave quint) and American Hose('84 American LaFrance pumper) nose to nose on 2nd St.
1/22/1985 – STILL – 12:27 – Assistance to Cumbola. Apartment building on Wood St. Chief sent Yorkville.
1/22/1985 – Box 324 – 20:10 – Rear of 1105 W. Norwegian St. Garage heavily damaged. Owner: George Yeastedt. Cause: Wood burning stove overheated. Loss: $10,000. The garage contained a boat, motorcycle, and various tools that were heavily damaged. Firefighters prevented the fire from extending to the attached garages on either side.
1/23/1985 – Box 35 – 07:51 – 808-810 Mahantongo St. Cause: Electrical heat tape shorted. Loss: $90,000. Occupants and losses:
808 – Owner J. Purcell - $50,000
810 – A. Crawford and A. Gudinas Apts. - $40,000
Electrical heating tape on the basement water pipes in 810 shorted, causing fire to originate in the basement ceiling. It then spread vertically through the interior walls to the third floor of the original fire building and also to the third floor of 808. There was heavy damage to the second and third floors as well as the roof of 810 and to the third floor of 808.
http://wsbf.org/hosehead/mike/january6.jpg
Several handlines are stretched into the homes on Mahantongo St.
http://wsbf.org/hosehead/mike/january7.jpg
Heavy smoke begins to push from the rear.
http://wsbf.org/hosehead/mike/january8.jpg
An overall view of the apparatus in the 800 block of Mahantongo St.
1/31/1985 – Box 542 – 13:12 – 802 Harrison St. Occupant: E. Johns. Cause: Overheated chimney pipe. Loss: $10,000.
http://wsbf.org/hosehead/mike/january9.jpg
Firefighters from West End and Yorkville operate in the rear of 802 Harrison St.
30 Years Ago
1/8/1980 – STILL – 19:06 – South Main St., Shenandoah. Multiple buildings destroyed. Chief sent Phoenix, Humane, and Good Intent.
1/25/1980 – Box 16 – 00:03 – 567 E. Arch St. Occupant: Howard Dietrich. Cause: Electrical short in heater cord. Loss: $6,000. Fire resulted in the death of 14-month old. Michael Dietrich.
*** One or both of these fires are to be reviewed in the January issue of the Schuylkill County Firefighters Association Quarterly booklet.
1/30/1980 – Box 43 – 07:34 – 212 W. Arch St. Loss: $7,000. Box was "hooked" at 3rd & Arch by a passing firefighter for a fire in the attic. On 9/9/2000 at 14:01, Box 43 was again transmitted for a mattress fire in the attic of 214 W. Arch - the other half of the frame duplex. While venting the exposure (212), the roof rafters were still found to be charred from the 1980 fire.
35 Years Ago
1/18/1975 – STILL – 13:45 – Rt. 61 North of E. Race St. Gasoline tanker slid off highway and into a culvert during a snowstorm. The truck, owned by Jack Rich Inc, was filled with 6400 gallons of gasoline. Gasoline spilled from the truck into storm inlets and across Rt. 61. Rt. 61 was closed between East Arch St. and Mill Creek Ave. The truck was removed by Mutz’s Towing about 3 hours after the accident. American Hose, Good Intent, Good Will, Humane, and West End were on scene.
40 Years Ago
1/10/1970 – STILL – 10:57 – Call for help in Middleport. Bernitsky Coal Breaker on fire. Chief sent American Hose and West End. Temperatures were in the teens when fire broke-out at the 80 foot breaker at approximately 22:00 hrs on a Saturday night. Firefighters were on scene until 06:30 the next morning. In order to get water to supply West End’s ladder pipe, the American Hose followed a bulldozer almost 200 yards to a dam, at which point they had to chop the ice to set-up drafting operations. The bulldozer was used to open the snow-blocked access road. Middleport, Kaska, New Philadelphia, Port Carbon, and Cumbola fire companies were also on scene.
1/19/1970 – STILL – 08:49 – Kull’s Garage on fire in Mill Creek Manor. Chief sent Humane, West End, and Good Intent. Two antique cars and five other vehicles were destroyed in the fire. All five St. Clair companies and the Mill Creek and Diener’s Hill fire companies were also on scene.
45 Years Ago
1/23/1965 – STILL then Box 12 – 00:28 – Anderson St. off E. Norwegian St. 2 vacant/condemned properties. Cause: Unknown. Loss: Unknown.
Another interesting run:
On Tuesday, 1/19/1965 at approximately 15:10, fire broke-out in the engine compartment of City Councilman and Director of Public Safety Robert Dewald’s car at 18th St. & Second Ave. Patrolman John Pflueger, on routine patrol, discovered the fire and turned-in the still alarm. Fire Chief Andrew Hoke and Yorkville responded. Damage was confined to the engine compartment.
50 Years Ago
1/3/1960 – STILL – 19:15 – Call for help. East Mount Carbon. Owner: Robert Wetzel. American Hose, Humane, and Chief responded. Cause: Overheated chimney.
1/8/1960 – Box 56 – 02:05 – 603 N. 7th St. Occupant: Catherine Bowden. Cause: Careless smoking. Stuffed furniture caught fire. Loss: $200.
60 Years Ago
1/16/1950 – Box 35 – 15:25 – 514 Mahantongo St. Apartment building. Occupants: Mrs. Kramer and Mrs. Ed Bergan. Cause: Unknown. Fire started in kitchen on 1st floor and burned into dining room. Loss to furniture in Bergan apartment and smoke in Kramer apartment on 2nd floor. Loss: $11,000. Fire Chief George Smith directed firefighters as they stretched one 2.5” “plug stream” and five booster lines to extinguish the fire. This building was also damaged on March 9, 2005 during the fire which destroyed the apartment buildings at 516 and 518 Mahantongo St. It was damaged again by fire during the demolition of the 516 & 518 buildings on 4/20/2005.
65 Years Ago
1/1/1945 – Box 42 – 18:28 – 713 W. Market St. Occupant: John Buehler. Cause: Unknown. Fire started in cellar and burned up through partition wall. Loss: $935.
1/25/1945 – STILL – 08:58 – Call for help at Cressona. Chief sent Humane.
1/26/1945 – Box 513 – 18:45 – Rear 813 N. 3rd St. Occupant: Esther Ruch. Cause: Thawing water pipe set fire to building. Fire went up partitions to the roof. Loss: $1,100.
70 Years Ago
1/2/1940 – STILL – 22:00 – Call for help at Mussolino breaker on Indian Run road. Yorkville responded.
1/12/1940 – Box 53 – 00:12 – 7th & Sanderson Sts. Store. Cause: Fire started at hot air register on 1st floor. Loss: $268.
1/17/1940 – Box 24 – 21:02 – Line Alley and East Arch St. Occupants: Scranton Electric and Leidick Plumbing. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $8,500.
1/21/1940 – STILL – 05:00 – Sent help to Minersville. Fire on Sunbury St. between 3rd & 4th Sts. Humane and West End responded. I believe this was referred to as the “Peckman Fire.” It was where the Shandri News Agency is now in that block.
75 Years Ago
1/7/1935 – STILL – 23:45 – Call for help at New Philadelphia. Chief sent American Hose.
1/27/1935 – STILL – 15:45 – 304 S. Jackson St. Occupant: Miss M. Dicus. Cause: Overheated furnace set partition on fire. Loss: $116. Chief injured eye.
80 Years Ago
1/21/1930 – Box 63 – 18:55 – Peacock St. Eastern Steel Co. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $800.
1/25/1930 – STILL – 22:45 – 8 S. Centre St. Occupant: R.C. Green & Sons. Cause: Bad wiring. Loss: $1,000.
90 Years Ago
1/6/1920 – Box 25 – 13:30 – 411 S. Centre St. Occupant: W. A. Douglas. Cause: Children playing with matches. Loss: $408.
1/9/1920 – Box 51 – 02:55 – 411 N. Railroad St. Occupant: S. Seaman. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $670.
115 Years Ago
1/20/1895 – Box 51 – 01:50 – Fire at the Steam Heat Plant on Railroad St. Loss: $5,000.
125 Years Ago
Thursday, January 29, 1885 – 03:00 – A slight fire at the residence of George M. Roads, Esq. “This was a very cold night; ask the boys about it!”
130 Years Ago
Saturday, January 10, 1880. A slight fire at the coffee roastery, between Coal and George St.
160 Years Ago
Wednesday, January 28, 1850 – Alarm of fire. Partial burning of Rosengarten’s residence on Callowhill St.
170 Years Ago
Thursday, January 20, 1840 – 22:00 – Engine house erected by Heywood and Miller, near Young’s Landing on Salem vein; Total loss.
Hosehead
01-02-2010, 16:49
From the above listing:
1/22/1985 – STILL – 12:27 – Assistance to Cumbola. Apartment building on Wood St. Chief sent Yorkville.
From early in my junior years at Good Will Cumbola...
I remember coming home from Freshman year of High School during this job, which was still going well at 4 PM. If I remember, this was a one story building, formerly the Cumbola Gun Club, which was cut up into apartments. False ceilings kept the fire in check for several hours, as occupants reported smelling smoke late the previous night or early morning. Eventually someone called for help once the fire made its presence known. It did not take long for it to take off from that point.
The 1980 or 1981 FMC of Good Will Cumbola was only a few years old at the time, a 1000 GPM.
Manpower was a concern at this job, as it was the middle of a work day. For some reason I remember Cumbola's engine at the intersection of Wood St and Route 209 pumping in shuttle up the long, steep hill two blocks from the location of the fire, so they must have taken some time to get out.
At the time the bus was dropping us off (at that corner) the smoke was still very heavy and was banking down the hill hiding a lot of homes on Route 209. One friend on the bus lived at the Wood/209 corner, and initially the smoke led us to believe that it was his house, even though this was roughly two blocks away from the fire building.
I love digging this stuff up. . .
July 9, 1944, Plymouth (Wilkes-Barre) General alarm fire started from spark from a passing locomotive swept through the Plymouth Mills and Grain Co. and the Frantz Auto Co. showroom and garage. Loss of $100,000, Plymouth, Edwardsville, Hanover Twp, Larksville and Wilkes-Barre FD’s responded.
July 16, 1944, Wilkes-Barre-Car inspector was fatally burned in a fire involving a tank car filled with hi-test aviation gas in the Penobscot yards of the Central RR of New Jersey. Four other railroad cars also damaged.
July 24, 1944-Wilkes-Barre-Two mine workers killed instantly in a 100’ fall into the Huber Shaft of Glen Alden Coal Co. Accident caused by lumber they were carrying got caught on the side of the mine shaft and threw them.
July 26, 1944-Mt. Carmel-Two women and three children die in house fire that leveled the home.
August 15, 1944, Shamokin. Massive early morning explosion severely damaged the Independent Fire Company firehouse at Market and Arch Streets. Raymond Kaseman, company steward found dead of asphyxiation in the wrecked second floor kitchen. All burners of the gas stove were turned on. Another member sleeping in the second floor parlor escaped serious injury but was banged up considerably. SPD Patrolman Emmitt Goldman was severely burned about the hands and face when caught in a fireball. Two other company members severely cut by glass when trying to make entry to nearby Millers Auto Supply Store believing the explosion had occurred in that building. Box 44 was struck but fire was minor.
October 4, 1944-Pittston, Twelve houses damaged, six seriously in yet another collapse.
October 29, 1944-Wilkes-Barre. Fire destroyed the YMCA’s 40 bedroom railroad dormitory at the Lehigh Valley RR’s Coxton Yard with a loss of $40,000
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
01-17-2010, 09:18
You just cannot make some of this stuff up. Before you read the post put yourself in the mindset of the local FF's responding to a Fire Call at their local Brewery. Trying to save their precious favorite beverage. Then after the fire finding the saved product Heavily Guarded.
My mind has run the gamut on this laughing at the possible outcomes at the time.
From the "REPUBLICAN HERALD", Thursday Jan 14,2010 rdition. 75 YEARS AGO- 1935
Fire discovered in the boiler room of the Pure Springs Brewery at Fountain Springs recently caused damage amounting to $ 75,000. The blaze was discovered by Engineer George Sharpe of Ashland and the alarm was answered by two companies from Ashland, Fountain Springs and Gordon Fire Comapanies. The brewery built in several sections some of which were damaged and ruined was valued at $ 100,000 and was operating continuosly since repeal. There was a large amount of beer saved. That in the vats in a section not touched by the flames was not damaged and the keeged beer was rolled to safety and guarded closely while the fire was in progress.
Jeez, Tom, why do I have this image of Hosehead with a scowl and very serious look on his mug, one eyebrow raised the other at an acute angle, standing in front of a huge pile of kegs, armed outstretched trying to encompass the entire lot. . .:shocked::grin:
November 15, 1944, Tamaqua-three men killed instantly in explosion which destroyed the dynamite mixing house at Atlas powder Co. plant at Reynolds-First explosion since 1931 when three men were killed as well.
December 17, 1944, Sugar Notch (Wilkes-Barre)-Welsh Presbyterian church badly damaged by fire that started from an overheated furnace. Sugar Notch and Ashley Fire Depts responded.
December 21, 1944, Wilkes-Barre-Five families homeless when fire seriously damaged an apartment house, a general store and a paper concern. Two firemen were injured fighting the blaze. No loss given.
ladder21lover
02-15-2010, 17:02
Will there be a February walk down memory lane?
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
02-15-2010, 18:16
There was a good article about FF's Glore and Kitsock in a recent edition of Republican Herald concerning their books.
http://republicanherald.com/news/county-s-firefighting-history-captured-in-book-1.610766
ladder21lover
03-10-2010, 15:46
AHHHH! I hope this isn't the end of Pottsville's memories! I can't go another month without any look backs!
21Truck, let me explain the problem. Brother Glore sent February's and March's incidents. Both were so profusely illustrated each had a second section. I don't know how to post photos. Mike sent the photos to Hosehead seperately and I deferred posting the info on here for the computer geek. I dunno where the hang up is. . .Kevin probably didn't have time. Sorry to whet your appetite but hopefully Kev will find a little time and post them.
Dave and Kevin have been great about posting the monthly Pottsville Fire "Looking Back" series. Although I'm sure they don't mind, I really should take the responsibility to get the posts up. Dave is also right that the photos can be a bit of a pain. So... I'll post the text version of the "Looking Back" series.
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back – February
15 Years Ago
2/3/1995 – Box 14 – 01:32 – 122 W. Market St. Room 409. 3rd floor room & contents. This and the 2/7 fire were in the former “Tony’s Market” building, which is now the Roma Pizza parking lot at 2nd & W. Market. This was a 3-story building of ordinary construction. The first floor contained Tony’s Market – a downtown institution operated by Tony Tranquillo (Humane Fire Co.). The upper 2 floors were single-room occupancies (SRO). Companies arrived to find fire venting from the 3rd floor room of origin – which also happened to be the room which exited onto the fire escape from the third floor (a little problematic for the rest of the 3rd floor occupants to say the least and slightly illegal!). Quick knock-down. Fire held to the room of origin. Cause: Cigarette left on chair.
2/7/1995 – Box 14 – 14:55 – 122 W. Market St. (again) Room 404. 2nd floor room & contents. I don’t like to tell “I” stories with the “Looking Back” incidents as that’s not what these are about and it’s not my style, but this one I like. We arrived with reports of fire on the second floor. I stretched a 1.5” handline from E11 to the second floor. As I was putting my mask on at the landing, smoke was banking in the hall and fire was beginning to lap out from the top of the doorway to the room about mid-way down the hall. I couldn’t help but think that this is what all those Bronx fires of the “War Years” must have been like day after day after day. As I started to stretch the line down the hall, I heard a “go ahead, Mike, you got it.” I turned to see Joe Neary – by then in his late 60’s, a World War II vet, and a 40+-year veteran of the Pottsville Fire Department – crouched low under the smoke on the landing in his turnout gear humping hose in . How many times he must’ve crawled low under the smoke with no mask to push a line down a hallway. Those guys were the “greatest generation” in more ways than one! I turned to open the nozzle and all I could think was how proud and grateful that I was for having had the opportunity to work with guys like Joe. As for the fire, it was relatively inconsequential. Several seconds of water and it was history. Fire originated in a closet in the room due to a discarded cigarette (again). Fire was discovered when Tony Tranquillo smelled smoke in the first floor market. He and another occupant attempted to use a fire extinguisher prior to fire department arrival.
2/22/1995 – Box 76 – 17:28 – 2159-2161-2163 W. Market St. Fire started in the attic of 2161 W. Market and spread horizontally, damaging the attics of 2157, 2159, 2161, and 2163. 2165 and 2155 received smoke damage. Damage was estimated at $100,000. Palo Alto, Mar Lin, and Port Carbon companies were put on stand-by for the City. The owner of Pope Motor Company, Andy Pope, was the first to call 911 after spotting smoke from the homes.
2/24/1995 – Box 245 – 04:23 – 300 Jefferson St. Former mansion, which housed an extended family of 10 individuals. This was a very large, turreted stone home which dated back to 1863. Heavy fire was showing from the first floor front of the home (side A) on arrival, which fronted and overlooked Route 61. Supply lines were stretched to hydrants on Pulaski Drive and Washington St. The home sustained $100,000 in damage. The fire was caused by a cigarette dropped in a first floor sofa. Asst. Chief Jack Messner (West End) had “Command.” The home was built by Benjamin Bannan, the publisher of the weekly Miner’s Journal newspaper, later the Pottsville Journal. His wealthy attorney brother, John Bannan, built the Cloud Home on South 2nd St. Legend had it that the two brothers would wave to each other from their respective homes, both perched high in the City. This was the first round for fire at 300 Jefferson St. Stay tuned…
25 Years Ago
2/5/1985 – Box 41 – 22:56 – 308 N. 12th St. Occupant: L. Shappe. Cause: Child playing with matches. Loss: $10,000. Fire and smoke were showing from the third floor bedroom of this 3-story frame middle-of-the-row. Fire was quickly knocked-down, before it could spread into the cockloft. A 9-year old boy was trying to find his way through his bedroom with a match after his bedroom light had burned-out. He dropped the match onto his bed, igniting the fire. The boy suffered minor burns on his hands and arms trying to extinguish the fire. His mother heard a commotion upstairs and found the boy carrying a pot of water from the 2nd floor bathroom to his third floor bedroom. 308 was also hit by fire on 09/10/1956. Box 41 was struck for a fire originating in the second floor front bedroom that caused $1,357 in damage. In this row of homes, 310 was the scene of a fire on 9/12/07 at 13:43. The first floor was damaged by fire originating in the kitchen. Shortly after Schuylkill Hose returned from the RIT assignment for this fire, fire erupted in their engine room which destroyed the engine room and their three rigs.
2/8/1985 – Box 73 – 21:00 – 2064 Mahantongo St. Turning Point MH/MR Group Home. Cause: Careless smoking. Loss: $63,000. Joseph Connors, age 30, was found dead on 1st floor. Two others injured. This was a very large 2.5 story home of ordinary construction located on the corner of 21st & Mahantongo St. Robert Deitrich, MH/MR advisor and former Dean of Students at Pottsville High, was at the home with 6 residents at the time of the fire. He was upstairs when the smoke alarm sounded. He came downstairs to find the recreation room on the first floor well-involved. Deitrich led four residents to safety. He had to be restrained from going back into the home. Firefighters arrived with heavy fire from the first floor of the home. Connors was found in a first floor room. Firefighters located and removed Paul Keip, age 55, from the second floor of the home. He evidently collapsed at the top of the interior stairwell. He was taken to the Lehigh Valley Hospital Burn Unit where he was in critical condition. The cause of the fire was careless smoking in the 1st floor recreation room. The fire occurred on a very windy and bitterly cold Friday evening.
2/19/1985 – Box 741 – 18:26 – 1970 Howard Ave. Owner: D. Coogan. Cause: Pot of grease on the stove ignited. Loss: $5,000.
30 Years Ago
2/7/1980 – Box 38 – 08:32 – Hillside Road and Calvary St. Occupant: Richard Smith. Cause: Overheated coal furnace. Loss: $21,000.
2/24/1980 – Box 78 – 17:28 – 2211 W. Market St. Burger King Restaurant. Cause: Grease ignited in exhaust duct. Loss: $5,000.
35 Years Ago
2/8/1975 – STILL – 02:15 – 32 properties on East Centre St. in Mahanoy City. Chief sent Yorkville, West End, Greenwood Hill, and Good Will. In service 4 ˝ hours. The Citizens Fire Company building occupies much of the block that was destroyed by fire in 1975.
2/26/1975 – Box 242 – 01:51 – 105-107-109 S. George St. Occupants: S. Castiglione, John Haller, Edward Haag, and H. Williams. Cause: Overheated stove pipe. Loss: $6,000. Man found dead in 3rd floor bedroom of 109 S. George. As has been noted in the past, 109 S. George St. has a tragic history in terms of fire in Pottsville. On 11/10/1957, Box 28 was struck at 19:28 for a fire which heavily damaged 109. That fire started in a 2nd floor bathroom when an oil stove used to heat the bathroom was either knocked-over or exploded. 6 members of the Saylor family were made homeless. Three firefighters were injured at that fire. On July 17, 1965, a two-year old girl was died in the third floor of 109 S. George St. as a result of a fire in the home.
40 Years Ago
2/5/1970 – STILL – 03:45 – Call for help. Beibleheimer house in Lower Mill Creek. Chief sent Good Will, Humane, and American Hose.
2/5/1970 – STILL – 17:55 – Call for help. Firehouse in Llewellyn. Chief sent Yorkville, American Hose, West End, and Good Intent. Mrs. Mary Pothering was among a group of Girl Scouts and parents waiting in front of the firehouse to board a bus to go to Hershey. The group noticed smoke from the building and Mrs. Pothering quickly turned-in the alarm. The fire apparently began in the rear of the frame and block structure. At the height of the fire, radiant heat damaged the Reedy Gas Station and the homes across the street. At the time of the fire, the firehouse was located just off Rt. 209 behind Reedy’s. The entire building was destroyed including the Good Intent’s 1953 American LaFrance 700 Series pumper. Attempts by three members to remove the truck were unsuccessful. Minersville’s snorkel was used to protect Reedy’s. In addition to the four Pottsville companies, Independent, Mountaineer, Good Will, and Rescue of Minersville, Forestville, South Cass, Branchdale, Phoenix Park, Tremont, and Clover of Hecksherville were also on scene. Three firefighters were injured. After the fire, the Good Intent Hose Co. of Llewellyn utilized Yorkville’s 1929/1935 Mack/Hahn city service truck to respond to calls until they received their replacement 1970 Ford C/Ward LaFrance pumper.
45 Years Ago
2/16/1965 – Box 57 – 15:08 – 660 N. 2nd St. Occupant: Helen Zelinsky. Cause: Child set attic on fire with cigarette lighter. Loss; $100.
2/21/1965 – Box 522 – 06:41 – 400 Block of Laurel St. 4 frame dwellings owned by the Pottsville Redevelopment Authority. Cause: Unknown. Loss: Unknown.
2/27/1965 – Box 112 – 00:08 – 421-423-425-427 Wheeler St. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $26,924. Returned at 14:22 and again on 2/28 at 11:40 to wet-down debris. Occupants and losses:
421 – Russell Daub - $8,500
423 – Lawrence Walters - $2,662
425 – Emmet Dalton - $11,200
427 – John Dalton - $4,562
Fire was believed to have started in the Walters home at 423 Wheeler. In addition to the heavy fire conditions in the frame homes, firefighters also had to content with temperatures around 13 degrees and brisk winds of 25 to 30 miles-per-hour. Water pressure problems also hampered firefighting operations. A relay was established with Yorkville pumping from East Arch St. off George. The last unit left the scene around 06:00. Injured firefighters were Harold Workman, burned right hand and right ear; Edward Lord, injury to right eye; Thomas George, back injury due to fall on ice; Benjamin Rosenberger, cut thumb; James Bevan, cut finger of right hand; David Meyers, smoke inhalation.
2/28/1965 – Box 57 – 20:05 – 439 Fairview St. Occupant: James Torpey. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $12,600. Two rooms on the first floor of the home were heavily damaged, along with one room on the second floor with lesser damage after fire spread through the partition wall.
55 Years Ago
2/12/1955 – Box 45 – 09:40 – 810-812-814 Vine St. Cause: Fire started in partition wall near chimney in 814; burned-through to 812 & 810. Loss: $6,866.
60 Years Ago
2/7/1950 – STILL – 17:38 – 612 N. 2nd St. Occupant: Clarence Hopkins. Cause: Hot waterback in kitchen stove exploded, set fire to floor and wall. 3 year-old child injured and died in hospital. Loss: $100.
2/14/1950 – STILL – 19:20 – 710 W. Norwegian St. Occupant: Edward Carey. Cause: Candle set fire to curtains and bed on 2nd floor. Loss: $100.
2/21/1950 – STILL – 04:40 – 202 S. Centre St. Occupant: Homer Knapp. Cause: Hot chimney set fire to floor joists in basement. Loss: $1500.
65 Years Ago
2/3/1945 – STILL – 22:00 – Yorkville responded to call for help. Breaker on fire on Gordon Nagle Trail.
2/4/1945 – STILL – 22:00 – Humane responded to call for help at Dr. Gwinner’s at Mechanicsville.
70 Years Ago
2/18/1940 – Box 76 – 14:50 – 21st St. Occupant: Speedway Carriers. Cause: Explosion of gasoline tank on tractor. Loss: $5,000.
2/22/1940 – Box 51 – 20:11 – 412 N. 2nd St. Rubinsky apt. Cause: Fire started at flue pipe in cellar. Loss: $600.
75 Years Ago
2/9/1935 - STILL – 18:30 – 120 Mahantongo St. Occupant: Sanitary Cleaners. Cause: Unknown. Fire in cellar ceiling, “looks like electrical wiring.” Loss: $799.
80 Years Ago
2/9/1930 – Box 18 – 04:51 – Centre & Arch St. Occupant: Leon Miller. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $29,000.
2/12/1930 – Box 613 – 05:45 – 572 Peacock St. Occupant: E. Parush. Cause: Defective flue. Loss: $100.
85 Years Ago
2/15/1925 – STILL – 04:50 – Assistance asked by Squire Daley of Cumbola. American Hose sent by Chief.
2/23/1925 – STILL – 21:45 – Eastern Steel Company. Cause: Overheated motor. Loss: $2,500.
2/26/1925 – Box 18 – 19:25 – 12-14-16 S. Centre St. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $49,536. Loss by occupants:
12 S. Centre – Outlet Clothing Co. - $4800.
14 S. Centre – M. Lillienthal - $36,036.
16 S. Centre – Leeds Hotel (Hoppes & McMahen) - $8700.
2/28/1925 – STILL – 22:15 – Assistance requested by citizens of Orwigsburg. Humane triple and Good Intent combination sent by Chief.
90 Years Ago
2/3/1920 – Box 53 – 02:30 – 601 Minersville St. Occupant: M. Sophy. Cause: Crossed wires. Loss: $270.
2/10/1920 – Box 26 – 18:10 – Centre & Mahantongo Streets. Cause: Electric wires. Loss: $41,433.04.
Woolworth Company - $31,439.28
Wm. Prifers - $1583.78
J. Raring - $6910
Post T.P.A. - $175
R.A. Fertig - $834.98
Leiderkrantz - $195
C. Reed - $20
J.W. Geary - $175
Miss M.D. Garretson - $100
Fire broke-out in the basement of the Woolworth’s portion of what was known as the Raring-Prifer building. Fire completely destroyed the stock of the store in the basement and on the first floor. Fire was placed under control at 21:30 hrs that evening. Portions of the first floor collapsed into the basement. Firefighters prevented the fire from entering the Raring’s Shoe Store next door. The Prifer Cigar Store was heavily damaged. Firefighters faced a very heavy and very prolonged smoke condition while fighting the fire. 10 hoselines were utilized operated both from “plug streams” – directly off the hydrant – and lines from three pumpers. Reports were that the steamers were stationed around the block, but weren’t utilized. It was reported that West End’s new pumper was not yet in service at the time of the fire. Fire Chief William Stevenson had “command” while past-chief Lynaugh was positioned in the Raring exposure building.
Woolworth’s was a fire magnet in Pottsville. It was believed to have been the building of origin of the “Great Fire” of 1914 on the west side of Centre St., and burned in 1941 and again in 1950 while on the northeast corner of Centre & Mahantongo.
2/20/1920 – STILL – 23:50 – Assistance for Pt. Carbon. Humane and American Hose sent by Chief.
125 Years Ago
Monday, 2/16/1885 – 15:00 – Fire at Bright’s Hardware Store, Centre St. The entire stock in the store was ruined.
130 Years Ago
2/20/1880 – 19:30 – The stable at the Children’s Home at Agricultural Park was destroyed by fire.
140 Years Ago
Sunday, 2/12/1870 – 04:00 – Fire at No. 275 Centre St. Occupied by Lewis Schloss, hatter & furrier, and No. 273, occupied by Mr. Kuhn as a clothing store; Mr. Schloss’ loss was $3500 and Mr. Kuhn’s loss was $2000.
180 Years Ago
Monday, 2/8/1830 – Between 3 and 4 o’clock, the burning of a house on Flowery Field.
Wednesday, 2/10/1830 – A frame building on the Landing was destroyed.
Thursday, 2/11/1830 – Between the hours of 4 and 5 o’clock, fire at Clinton Row.
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back
March
5 Years Ago
03/09/2005 – Box 322 - 13:44 – 516 Mahantongo St. Fire destroyed the three-story frame occupied multiple dwelling (OMD) on a very cold, very windy March afternoon. Fire extended to the attached, similar frame OMD at 518 (“B” exposure), destroying that property also. 514 (“D” exposure) – a three story occupied multiple dwelling of ordinary construction – suffered fire, smoke, and water damage. Asst. Chief Jim Mistisshin arrived on scene with a basement fire in 516. Fire rapidly spread up the interior walls and void spaces. Schuylkill Haven was on scene for RIT and then put to work as the fire extended to the exposures. Englewood was dispatched to assume RIT duties. Minersville Ladder 519 was also requested and operated on S. 6th St. on the “B” side. Port Carbon was also requested for an engine. There was some interior collapse of the original fire building, which resulted in a defensive operation.
We’ll re-visit these buildings next month as well…
514 was the scene of a serious fire on January 16, 1950 – Box 35 – 15:25. Fire heavily damaged the first floor apartment of Edward Burgan.
15 Years Ago
03/16/1995 – Box 245 – 00:26 – 300 Jefferson St. (again). Firefighters arrived to find the rear portion of this former mansion well-involved in fire. In addition, fire extended to the roof area of the 1 story garage just behind the building. The first fire at the Bannan House was determined to be accidental. This fire, however, was ruled arson with multiple points of origin identified to the rear of the home. After the first fire, the historic mansion was deemed repairable, with damage estimates at $100,000. After the second, fire, however, the mansion was destroyed. Two firefighters were injured: Firefighter John Steinhart (West End) fell down an interior staircase and suffered a back injury. Firefighter Dean Meyers (Good Intent) fell through a skylight on a one-story addition to the rear of the home. He escaped out a ground floor window. He was not seriously injured.
20 Years Ago
03/30/1990 – Box 15 – 10:42 – 755 E. Norwegian St. Fire heavily damaged the second floor rear of the two-story end-of-the-row dwelling.
25 Years Ago
03/10/1985 – Box 513 – 02:37 – 429-431-433-435-437-439 Morgan Ave. Cause: Careless smoking. Loss: $295,280. West End returned on 3/12 for hazardous conditions caused by a wall collapsing. Occupants and losses:
429 L. Cuff $75,000
431 D. Davis 41,250
433 R. Salm 69,750
435 G. Vesay 49,280
437 H. Wilson 30,000
439 M. Alves 30,000
Fire originated in the two-story frame duplex at 429-431 Morgan Ave. Firefighters arrived with heavy fire showing from 431 and rapidly extending. The duplex was separated by a very narrow alley from the row of 4 2-story frame dwellings at 433-435-437-439. Fire extended to the row frames and quickly ran the cockloft to the end of the row. Because of the grade of the lot, all the dwellings presented as 3 stories from the rear. With the duplex becoming heavily involved, the operation switched to a defensive mode on that particular building. However, interior operations and extensive roof work were necessary to check the fire extending through the row frames. In all, 20 individuals were left homeless by the fire. One resident, Ralph Salm, 70, of 433 Morgan Ave. was treated for smoke inhalation. Firefighter Thomas Sippel (Yorkville) was treated for a minor head injury. Firefighter Manuel Alves (Phoenix) was treated for a cut hand. Alves lived at 439 Morgan Ave, which was also damaged by fire, smoke, and water. Asst. Chief Dave Leibel (Good Will) was the Duty Chief that night.
Jimmy Majors was the dispatcher on duty at City Hall that night. I think I have this story right (If not, Joe, let me know). Joe Spotts (Humane) brought coffee in to Jim and stayed to chat. Shortly thereafter, Jim received a call reporting a disturbance in the 500 block of Morgan Ave. with the complainant reporting something to the effect: “I don’t know what they’re doing… there’s glass breaking, yelling, screaming, and now someone is yelling ‘fire.’” Jimmy turned to Joe and said, “I don’t know for sure, but we might have a fire.” Jimmy dispatched police to the location. Shortly after, the police officer announced, “I don’t know about a fight, but you’ve got a helluva fire going there.” With that, Jimmy struck the box and Joe drove Engine 33 to the scene.
03/20/1985 – STILL – 05:30 – Assistance to Mar Lin. Kane Steel Company on Route 901. Chief sent West End (Ladder 51) and Yorkville (Truck 61). This is pretty-much the same 300’ building that exists today. Fire spread to the insulation and roofing material, running the length of the building. Needless to say, this resulted in a fairly spectacular fire. Companies drafted from the west branch of the Schuylkill River to obtain a continuous water supply. 24 warehouse employees were left without work temporarily. The Minersville Fire Department was on scene as well.
03/31/1985 – Box 553 – 17:30 – 800-20 N. 2nd St. Pottsville Housing Authority. Cause: Child playing with a lighter. Loss: $60,000. 15-month old Valerie Hook found dead in playpen on the first floor of the home. Firefighters arrived with heavy fire showing from the front of the 2 story end-of-the-row dwelling. This home was situated on the terrace above 2nd St. As the heavy fire was knocked-down in the front, firefighters initiated a primary search from the rear. Another child, Frank Williams, Jr., age 2, was located by firefighters in the kitchen of the home under a table, unconscious and suffering from extensive burns. He was transported to the Lehigh Valley Hospital Center in critical condition. This child did survive. The adjacent housing unit at 800-21 was also damaged. The fire was investigated by Chief March, City Police Detective Joseph Murton (Sr), Asst. Chiefs Jack Conway (Humane) and Dave Leibel (Good Will), as well as the PSP Fire Marshall.
30 Years Ago
03/05/1980 – Box 46 – 00:03 – 13 N. 11th St. Unoccupied house. Cause: Overheated chimney. Loss: $10,000.
03/23/1980 – Box 16 – 12:09 – 440 E. Market St. Occupant: Clara Schock. Cause: Child playing with matches. Loss: $5000.
35 Years Ago
03/03/1975 – Box 543 – 10:06 – 14th & Laurel Blvd. United Metal Receptacle. Cause: Forklift on fire. Loss: $1,700.
40 Years Ago
03/08/1970 – Box 62 – 05:15 – 403-405 Peacock St. Occupant: Francis Rossman. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $9,600. An unidentified woman reported the fire directly to the Good Intent Fire Company. At about the same time, a police officer on routine patrol spotted the fire and transmitted the general alarm. The fire started in 405, which was unoccupied. Rossman occupied 403, which was actually owned by Edward Rossman of Camden, NJ.
45 Years Ago
03/22/1965 – STILL then Box 36 – 20:20 – Rear 2nd & Mahantongo St. Liberty Oil garage. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $2,300. This service station was located behind the apartment building, which was located at 201 Mahantongo St. This is the location of the Mahantongo Parking Deck today. The rear of the service station was heavily damage with some minor damage to the rear balcony of the apartment building.
55 Years Ago
03/23/1955 – Box 18 – 15:49 – 210 N. Centre St. Capital Bowling Alley. Cause: Motor on pinball machine on fire. Loss: $625
60 Years Ago
03/09/1950 – Box 613 – 18:05 – 583 W. Railroad St. Occupant: Walter Ostrowski. Cause: Chimney built too close to floor joist. Loss: $542.
65 Years Ago
03/21/1945 – Box 31 – 00:55 – 1217 Howard Ave. Occupant: M. Whitby. Cause: Fire in kitchen, bad electric refrigerator. Loss: $15,107. The family awoke to the smell of smoke. Upon investigating, they discovered fire in the kitchen of the home. Firefighters used one “plug stream” and two booster lines to fight the fire. Fire damage was held largely to the first floor; however the rest of the home suffered extensive smoke damage.
70 Years Ago
03/24/1940 – STILL – 02:00 – 1016 Mine St. Occupant: George Lord. Cause: Fire started near flue pipe in partition wall. Loss: $660.
80 Years Ago
03/04/1930 – 04:30 – Assistance for Port Carbon. Chief sent Good Will and Humane.
03/08/1930 – Box 51 – 15:15 – Centre & Laurel Sts Park Hotel. Cause: Gasoline explosion. Loss: $7,644.
03/12/1930 – Box 62 – 00:20 – Peacock St. Eastern Steel Company. Cause: Bad Wiring. Loss: $2,000.
03/23/1930 – Box 53 – 03:35 – 6th & Minersville Sts. Occupant: R. Zammer. Cause: Incendiary. Loss: $2,000.
85 Years Ago
03/28/1925 – Box 53 – 23:50 – 418 Minersville St. Occupant: Joseph George. Cause: Crossed wires. Loss: $200.
90 Years Ago
03/14/1920 – Box 33 – 16:30 – 1618 W. Norwegian St. Occupant: P. Wending. Cause: Defective flue. Loss: $290.38.
03/18/1920 – Assistance for East Mines. American Hose and Humane sent by Chief.
03/29/1920 – Box 57 – 18:25 – 726 N. 2nd St. Occupant: Wm. Schugler. Cause: Lamp of incubator exploded. Loss: $225.
95 Years Ago
03/27/1915 – Box 44 – 19:15 – 13th & W. Norwegian Sts. 2 ˝ story brick building owned by the Auman estate and occupied by Samuel Stoudt. Cause: Clothes in closet set on fire by candle. Loss: $150.
120 Years Ago
03/24/1890 – Fire at the Good Intent Engine House; Cause: Someone throwing lit cigar in waste basket. Loss: $20.
155 Years Ago
Thursday, 03/03/1855 – Fire at the machine shop of Mason & Company.
Thanks Mike and welcome aboard!:drink:
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
03-11-2010, 06:51
Thanks Mike and welcome aboard!:drink:
Ditto's !!!!!!!!
ladder21lover
03-11-2010, 14:40
Thank you so much! My thirst has been quenched!!
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back
April
5 Years Ago
(A busy month…)
04/12/2005 – STILL – 15:10 – 11 Hill Road, Foster Township.
West End, Yorkville, American Hose. Fire destroyed a 2-story frame occupied multiple dwelling.
04/16/2005 – Box 28 – 00:06 – 108 S. Jackson St.
Fire heavily damaged the 2nd floor rear of this private dwelling. Fire was venting from the rear 2nd floor window when companies arrived. A handline up the interior stairwell made quick work of the fire.
04/20/2005 – STILL – 13:37 – 6 Coal St., Port Carbon.
Good Intent, Humane, American Hose, Yorkville, West End. A very challenging fire at the vacant Pottsville Bleach & Dye plant. Heavy fire conditions in the lower level presented a very heavy and very persistent smoke condition that made finding the seat of the fire in the large commercial building difficult.
04/20/2005 – Box 322 – 14:36 – 516 Mahantongo St. (again).
As the fire in Port Carbon was finally being brought under control, the City box was struck for the buildings that were heavily damaged by fire in March. Returning from the Port Carbon fire, it looked like a thunderstorm approaching from the west over downtown with a very heavy smoke condition. 516 Mahantongo was again heavily involved in fire. Fire was spreading rapidly through the now-exposed frame buildings at 516 and 518 and was extending into the ceiling in 514. American Hose arrived with Squad 72 and placed their deck gun in service to knock-down the fire between 514 and 516. A handline was quickly deployed into 514 to check the eastward (“D”) spread of the fire. Numerous mutual aid companies assisted as several Pottsville companies were still committed to the Port Carbon fire. Minersville, Mar Lin, St. Clair Alert, Schuylkill Haven Liberty, and Cressona No. 1 operated on scene.
04/20/2005 – STILL – 22:18 – 6 Coal St., Port Carbon. Vacant Pottsville Bleach & Dye Plant.
Phoenix, Yorkville, Good Intent, American Hose. Fire rekindled and was showing from the roof when companies arrived. The fire was brought under control quickly and necessitated extensive overhaul.
04/29/2005 – STILL – 00:40 – 139 N. 3rd St., St. Clair.
Phoenix responded to assist St. Clair with this room & contents fire.
These incidents are detailed (including photos) at http://www.pottsvillefire.com/2005incidents.htm (http://www.pottsvillefire.com/2005incidents.htm)
15 Years Ago
04/08/1995 – STILL – 01:34 – Rt. 61 & Mt. Carbon. Getty Mart.
Good Intent, American Hose, Humane, Good Will, and Phoenix. Companies arrived to find the 1-story convenience store fully involved. Mt. Carbon also assisted on scene. A 5” relay was established from S. Centre St. in Mt. Carbon. Good Intent returned at 07:28 for a rekindle. This was during a spate of working fires in the beginning of 1995. I can still remember Phoenix Ladder 21 arriving first-due with a very calm, matter of fact initial report: “Ladder 21 on scene…it’s fully involved.”
04/22/1995 – Box 67 – 23:41 – Route 61 North. Davis Building.
Companies arrived to find fire showing from several 2nd floor windows on the Route 61 (“A”) side of the building. The building exists today much as it did then with entrances to the first floor occupancies off Route 61 and entrances to the 2nd floor occupancies from the parking lot in the rear (“C”). With no hydrants close-by, a 5” relay was necessary to obtain water from Mill Creek Ave. as well as Nichols St. The entire second floor became fully involved in what was one of the more spectacular commercial fires since the Reiland’s Potato Chip Factory fire on January 18, 1984. Alert, St. Clair, Port Carbon, and Mt. Carbon assisted on scene. Port Carbon was sent to the hill above in the rear as several brush fires were ignited due the embers and heavy fire venting across the rear parking lot. Alert, St. Clair, Engine 701 pumped a hydrant on Nichols St. to feed a 5” supply line to the scene. Mt. Carbon Tanker 537 was utilized as an interim water source until a positive supply was obtained. In this area of Route 61 in Pottsville, there really aren’t any hydrants that are relatively close as in most parts of the City. The water supply issue was compounded when a civilian vehicle ran over Humane Engine 32’s 5” supply line and the hose became entangled in the vehicle’s wheel well. The cause was electrical. A staple through a wire apparently existed for 27 years from the time the building was constructed. It was finally time for it to go. Asst. Chief John Wollyung (Yorkville) had command.
The Good Intent was purchasing new 5” and 1.75” hose at this time from Sampson Fire Equipment. This was also at the time of the civil war in the former Yugoslavia. The salesman from Sampson remarked that driving Route 61 through Pottsville was like driving through Sarajevo with all the burned-out properties… the Getty Mart to the south, the Bannan mansion overlooking Rt. 61 on Jefferson St., and the Davis Building to the north.
20 Years Ago
04/15/1990 – Box 55 – 13:45 – 13th & Mt. Hope Ave.
This Easter Sunday fire caused moderate damage to the first floor garage of this 2-story frame building. Living quarters on the second floor received some smoke damage.
30 Years Ago
04/14/1980 – Box 28 – 23:34 – 429 Greenwood Ave. Occupant: George Heffner. Cause: Arson. Loss: $8,000.
35 Years Ago
04/04/1975 – Box 57 – 12:12 – 650 N. 2nd St. Occupant: John Adams. Cause: Unknown. Loss: Unknown. The fire was confined to the flooring in the basement of the home and was under control within an hour.
04/09/1975 – Box 543 – 15:15 – 14th & Laurel Blvd. Owned by the Pottsville Redevelopment Authority. Cause: Unknown. Loss: Unknown.
04/10/1975 – Box 531 – 00:43 – 416 Spring Garden St. Occupant: Sharon Ratcliff. Cause: Gas range. Loss: Unknown. A CO2 extinguisher was used to knock-down this kitchen fire. Firefighter Mike Braukus (Yorkville) was admitted to the Pottsville Hospital with a bruised hip and possible head injury after falling from the apparatus. By all accounts, Mike had a very close call that night.
04/29/1975 – Box 52 – 02:24 – 401-403-307 Fairview St. Cause: Arson. Fire jumped street. Loss: $6,400.
401 – Vacant - $0
403 – Robert Butler - $3,900
307 – Joan Shappel & Catherine Brennan - $2,500
While on routine patrol, Pottsville Police Officer Robert Dusel (Good Will) discovered the fire. He immediately transmitted the alarm. The rear of 401 Fairview was heavily involved in fire, which had spread to the exterior wall of 307 Fairview as well. These homes were separated by a narrow N. 4th St. Dusel discovered Ms. Catherine Brennan on her back porch at 307 screaming that she was unable to escape. Dusel entered 307 and located Ms. Brennan. He had soaked a blanket with water and used it to cover himself, Ms. Brennan, and her dog as they escaped. Her
son, Robert, age 14, was able to escape under his own power. Ms. Brennan and her son were treated at the Good Samaritan Hospital for smoke inhalation. Dusel was treated for burns sustained from melting tar having dripped on him. Two cars owned by Thomas Laubach were also involved. One was damaged while the other was destroyed. The fire was investigated by Chief Hoke and PSP Fire Marshal Edward Gleason of the Reading barracks. It was found that the fire began in the rear ground floor of 401 and quickly spread through the frame home. Venting in the rear, the combustible exterior siding created a heavy fire condition on arrival. The Butler home was attached and suffered fire, smoke, and water damage. Mr. Butler and his family were displaced.
307 Fairview is no longer there after having been heavily damaged by fire on March 3, 2009: http://www.pottsvillefire.com/incidents.htm (http://www.pottsvillefire.com/incidents.htm)
45 Years Ago
04/10/1965 – STILL then Box 45 - 16:45 – 235-237-239 N. 10th St. Fire started in basement of vacant home and burned up to the roof. Cause: “Unknown, probably set.” Loss: Unknown.
50 Years Ago
04/11/1960 – STILL – 23:40 – Tumbling Run – Frame home and outbuildings. Cause: Unknown. American Hose, Good Intent, and Humane responded.
04/17/1960 – STILL – 06:26 – Call for help at Schuylkill Haven. American Hose, Yorkville, and Good Will responded. In service for 2 ˝ hours. Angelo’s Towne Tavern at 11 W. Main St. and the Reading Restaurant at 9 W. Main St. destroyed. Easter Sunday fire.
55 Years Ago
04/05/1955 – Box 36 – 08:10 – 2nd & W. Norwegian St. Cause: Unknown. Fire started in Mrs. Harvey’s bedroom on the 2nd floor. Mrs. Harvey badly burned. She died in Pottsville Hospital at 20:55 hrs. the same day. Loss: $9,568. Occupants & losses:
Rose’s Cigar Store (currently Kep’s) - $6436.00
Mrs. Isabel Harvey - $932.00
Mrs. Dutton - $1,200
Bob Baker - $1,000
65 Years Ago
04/29/1945 – Box 513 – 01:51 – 323 Morgan Ave. Occupant: Mrs. Hoptak. Cause: Unknown. Man who was in house and 2 firemen burned. Man died in Warren Hospital. Benedict Ringualsky, age 29. Surprisingly, there wasn’t much more information on this fire.
70 Years Ago
04/20/1940 – Box 53 – 04:55 – 7th & Minersville Sts. Occupant: Ray Adams. Cause: Fire started in kitchen in back of refrigerator. Loss: $3,044.
80 Years Ago
04/08/1930 – Box 18 – 23:58 – 213-215-217 N. Centre St. Occupants: W. White, Tom Saistokas, and Keron Balikan. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $15, 659.
Fire was discovered in the old Boehmer building at 215 N. Centre St., which was occupied by the Coney Island Restaurant and the Dollar Cleaning Company. The W. A. White property to the north (“D” exposure) and the Majestic Theater to the south (“B” exposure) received some fire, smoke, and water damage. Fire in the rear shattered the windows of the White building and spread to the cornice. The fire in the rear of the restaurant was discovered by one of the proprietors, Thomas Sarantakos. An attempt to extinguish the fire using a garden hose proved unsuccessful. Soon, heavy fire was showing from the rear of the building. Box 18 was hooked fire by Paul Schultz, proprietor of the Paul Schultz Candy Co. in the same block. Shortly thereafter, Box 51 – Centre & Minersville Sts. Was also pulled. Eight hoselines were run into the rear of the buildings. 215 was gutted with some interior collapse having occurred. Firefighter Francis Glaser, 529 S. Centre St., was treated at the Good Samaritan Hospital for smoke inhalation. Sam Friedman, manager of the Capitol Theater located on the opposite side of the street, had all of the theater’s flood lights turned on in order to illuminate Centre St. and the front of the fire buildings.
This was the second fire in a month in the Boehmer building. On March 17, fire in the dry cleaning establishment – caused by spontaneous combustion – resulted in a $75 loss.
85 Years Ago
04/04/1925 – STILL – 05:50 – 439 N. Centre St. Occupant: T. Charlton. Cause: Gas line leaking. Loss: $275.
04/04/1925 – STILL – 19:45 – 107 W. Market St. Occupant: H. Rabenau. Cause: Cigarette dropped. Loss: $100.
04/16/1925 – Box 71 – 15:00 – 232 N. 12th St. Occupant: M. Diamond. Cause: Overheated motor. Loss: $270.
90 Years Ago
04/08/1920 – Assistance to Pine Grove. American Hose and West End sent by Chief.
The hair house (not a misprint) and tool shop of the Gensemer & Salen Tannery, located in the “annex” portion of Pine Grove, were destroyed. American Hose made the run to Pine Grove in 40 minutes. One company from Schuylkill Haven also responded. While this portion of the tannery was destroyed, much of the sprawling complex was saved. The tannery would become the scene of a massive fire some 35 years later.
The new auto steamer of the West End was loaded on a flatcar at the Pottsville depot, but was not needed. Chief Stevenson responded to Pine Grove to summon any additional aid needed.
04/30/1920 – Box 18 – 22:00 – 17 N. Centre St. Loss: $4,230. Occupants & losses:
E.J. Miller - $930
Miss S. Hillen - $1,800
Miss Donaldson - $1,500
These businesses were located in the Imschweiler building. The fire began in the southwest corner of the Donaldson store on the first floor and spread upward to the top floor. A large stock of millinery items were damaged or destroyed. Chemical lines were primarily used to fight the fire.
95 Years Ago
04/10/1915 – Box 71 – 01:27 – 17th & W. Market St. Frame dwelling occupied by George Fisher. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $480.
130 Years Ago
Friday, April 9, 1880 – A slight fire at a house No. 1235 W. Market St., occupied by Joseph Fisher.
135 Years Ago
Friday, April 30, 1875 – A slight fire in a house occupied by a Mr. Kearns, on Second St.
140 Years Ago
Friday, April 1, 1870 – A slight fire at the “Pittsburgh Liquor Store,” No. 275 Railroad St.
150 Years Ago
Saturday, April 4, 1860 – An alarm of fire caused by the burning of a smoke house in the Middle Ward.
155 Years Ago
Thursday, April 26, 1855 – The brewery of George Laurer, situated just beyond the “Orchard” on the margin of the Schuylkill River; owing to the difficulty of obtaining water the building was consumed.
Friday, April 27, 1855 – The large warehouse at Mt. Carbon, occupied by John S. Miller and B. T. Taylor, was destroyed; loss on the building about $3,000; the stock of oil and flour, $7,000.
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back
May
5 Years Ago
05/25/2005 – Still – 03:38 – 312 S. 2nd St., St. Clair. Assisted St. Clair with a fire originating on the first floor of a 2.5 story middle-of-the-row dwelling. Quick knockdown by first arriving units. Good Will Engine 41 and Phoenix Ladder 21 on the initial alarm. Good Intent Engine 11 and Humane Engine 32 for RIT.
05/28/2005 – Box 643 – 20:13 – 826-828 Water St. Fire originating on the rear porch of 828 Water quickly engulfed the rear of the 2.5 story frame duplex. Companies arrived with heavy fire to the rear on arrival. While there was some extension to both the first and second floor rear of the original fire building, the attics of both homes were heavily damaged. Roofs opened and extensive overhaul. 828 was razed following the fire while 826 was repaired. Minersville, St. Clair, and Port Carbon were placed on stand-by in the City. Asst. Chief Glore had command.
Pictures and video at: http://www.pottsvillefire.com/2005incidents.htm (http://www.pottsvillefire.com/2005incidents.htm)
05/31/2005 – Still – 10:08 – Rt. 61 & E. Norwegian Sts., Bus Terminal. A Trailways Bus was reported to have a bomb on board. The area was evacuated and traffic brought to a virtual standstill in the downtown district until it was confirmed that there was no bomb on the bus. The tip originated with the FBI. Companies were dispatched for stand-by and traffic control.
10 Years Ago
05/11/2000 – Box 37 – 05:13 – 206 W. Union St. Fire heavily damaged this 2-story frame end-of-the-row dwelling. The adjoining home was also damaged. Companies arrived with heavy fire showing from the rear porch area of the original fire building.
15 Years Ago
05/03/1995 – Box 44 – 23:21 – 1223 W. Norwegian St. Fire originating in the front room of the second floor apartment of the 3-story frame stand-alone gutted the room with heavy heat, smoke, and water damage throughout.
25 Years Ago
05/11/1985 – Box 541 – 02:36 – 439 Harrison St. Vacant house. Cause: Arson. Loss: $1500.
30 Years Ago
05/02/1980 – Box 144 – 03:15 – Nativity High School auditorium. Cause: Electrical short in wall light wiring. Loss: $308,705. Still alarm: 16:27 same date; Greenwood Hill returned to wet-down roof.
Fire heavily damaged the stage area and roof of the school hours after students had presented a production of the play “Camelot.” Companies arrived to find heavy fire from the rear windows and smoke pushing from the roof line. Extensive roof work was needed as fire extended to the insulation between the roofing material and the metal roof deck. The stage area and all props, etc. were destroyed. Fire did not extend to the classroom areas. One firefighter was treated for a hand injury.
05/19/1980 – Box 412 – 22:38 – 3rd & W. Market Sts. Tea Garden Chinese Restaurant. Cause: Grease filter fell on stove. Loss: $1000.
35 Years Ago
05/12/1975 – Still – 11:58 – 6 N. Centre St. Bohorad’s Store. Cause: Smoke Scare. Returned – Box 14 – 15:04 – Cause: Unknown. Loss: $900.
40 Years Ago
05/21/1970 – Box 114 - 10:00 – Centre & Norwegian Sts. Hollywood Theater. Cause: Acetylene torch. Loss: Unknown. Workers were renovating the building as part of the Penna. National Bank expansion. They used extinguishers to control the fire until the Fire Department arrived.
50 Years Ago
05/06/1960 – West End had taken delivery of their 1960 Seagrave 65’ quint. The rig featured Seagrave’s relatively new “K” cab, a 750 gpm pump, and a 500 gallon water tank. The rig cost $45,880.
05/07-08/1960 – As part of the second annual Schuylkill County Fire School, a demonstration was held at the Patterson School Building at 12th & W. Market St. featuring the “revolutionary” new Snorkel. Firefighters were elevated to the roof line of the school in the bucket. Based on the timing and location of the demonstration, I’m sure it was to coincide with a preview of West End’s new quint as well. Three years later, Rescue Hook & Ladder of Minersville would place in service a 65’ Snorkel on a Ford “C” chassis. This rig would see service for nearly 30 years.
55 Years Ago
05/29/1955 – Box 17 – 17:06 – Lawton & E. Race Sts. Owner: Sol Johnson. Cause: Lightning struck old barn. Loss: $2031. 2-story frame garage/workshop was heavily damaged. Firefighters operated in a heavy downpour as storms moved through the area.
60 Years Ago
05/11/1950 – Box 514 – 15:23 – 1407 Mt. Hope Ave. Occupant: Franklin Maurer. Cause: Paint remover on fire in upholstery refinishing room. Loss: $500. Michael Oler, Mar Lin, and William Coulson, York Farm, were slightly burned in the fire. Asst. Chief Jack Carlin had “command.”
05/15/1950 – Box 614 – 17:30 – Temple St. Seltzer Packing Co. Cause: Sparks from smoke house set fire to frame building. Loss: $2800. Six plug streams and four booster lines were used to fight the fire in the one-story building, which was destroyed. Asst. Chief Aloysius Wollyung (Yorkville) had “command.” The smoke house was to the rear of the company’s main building. Fire doors separating the two, which were quickly closed, prevented the fire from extending into the main plant. Leo Kolenick of 277 Wallace St. pulled the box at North & Walnut upon discovering the fire.
65 Years Ago
05/21/1945 – Box 19 – 20:14 – E. Norwegian & Coal Sts. Cause: Unknown; fire started on 2nd floor where C & I (Coal and Iron) men were storing old records from building at 210 S. Centre St. Man smoking, dropped cigarette and covered same with records, causing fire. Loss: $44,800. Occupants and losses:
Dohn Provision $20,000
P & R, C & I Co. 20,000
Pottsville Casting Co. 4,000
Reading Passenger Station 800
05/23/1945 – Still – 01:10 – 2042 W. Market St. Occupant: Mrs. Monahan. Cause: Unknown; Fire started in cellar way and burned up through partition walls. Loss: $1068.
70 Years Ago
05/26/1940 – Still – 20:30 – Call for help at Mar Lin. Chief sent Yorkville. No further information.
75 Years Ago
05/23/1935 – Box 19 – 10:03 – E. Norwegian & Railroad Sts. Plaza Hotel. Cause: Fat on stove ignited and set air shaft on fire. Loss: $15,785.
80 Years Ago
05/08/1930 – Box 61 – 17:25 – 622 N. Centre St. Occupant: Mrs. J. Nash. Cause: Spontaneous combustion. Loss: $700.
05/10/1930 – Still – 02:50 – Assistance for Orwigsburg. American Hose sent by Chief. Fire gutted the Sharadin Bakery, “on the main street in town.” Schuylkill Haven also sent two pumpers, one of which pumped from a dam ˝ mile away. It was reported that the next day, children found catfish about the property which were drawn through the hoselines.
05/16/1930 – Still – 02:45 – Assistance for Mar Lin. West End and Yorkville sent by Chief. No further information.
05/19/1930 – Still – 09:00 – 1713 Mahantongo St. Occupant: Mrs. C.F. Lewis. Cause: Defective fireplace. Loss: $200.
05/23/1930 – Box 17 – 05:40 – George & E. Arch Sts. Occupant: K. Knowlton. Cause: Spark from engine. Loss: $450. Fire was discovered at the home of Kenneth Knowlton. He was the son of City Councilman Percy Knowlton. A spark from a passing locomotive is believed to have ignited a small fire on the rear porch of the home. The fire quickly spread to the porch roof and into the rear bedroom, where Mr. Knowlton and his five year old daughter were sleeping. Mr. Knowlton awoke to fire and smoke in the room. He carried his daughter and ran to the front bedroom to arouse his wife and other daughter. They all then fled the home. During the night, the older of the two girls became ill and slept with her mother. The two girls normally slept together in the rear bedroom and it was believed that a tragedy may have been averted. Fire Chief Stevenson had “command.”
Humane’s 1921 Seagrave triple combination pumper was heading south on North 3rd St. toward Market. As it entered the intersection, the view of driver Edward Stevens was obstructed by a trolley car stopped on Market St. just west of the intersection. Believing the intersection was clear, he entered just as West End’s White triple combination pumper, driven by George Hood, had come around the trolley car. The front of Humane’s rig impacted the left rear fender of West End’s pumper. The West End engine struck the curb in front of the Library and overturned. The three men on board were thrown from the rig. The Humane engine also struck the curb and crashed into the Library building. Unbelievably, George Hood was thrown from West End’s rig and landed in the awning of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, next to the Library. West End’s rig was demolished. Humane’s engine sustained approximately $2,000 in damage and was repaired at the garage of the Schuylkill Motors Company under the supervision of Earl Sourber, foreman of the Humane and experienced automobile mechanic.
Those injured in the accident were:
West End: Stan Quinn – dislocated right knee, cuts, and bruises.
William Matthews – broken left foot, cuts, and bruises.
George Hood – cuts and bruises, “shock”
Humane: Edward Stevens – cuts and bruises
Also on-board the Humane engine at the time were: Harry Koenig, John Koenig, William Curtier, Wesley Curtier, Patrolman John Hulet, John Knell, James Bushar, and William Harrison.
It may well be that these two rigs were each company’s second-out pieces. Humane at the time would have had their 1929 Buffalo hose and booster truck, which was the first-out piece. West End would have had their 1928 Aherns-Fox piston pumper at the time as well. While I don’t know that the Fox was their first-out piece at the time for certain, it may explain the relatively small number of members on the West End engine involved in the crash. At that time of day and with the West End’s neighborhood history, three guys seem low. That’s just a little conjecture, though. Humane’s route is interesting as well. One has to consider that the whole Centre & Minersville St. area was configured much differently than it is today.
On Super Bowl Sunday, 1985, the 3rd & W. Market intersection struck again. Good Intent’s 1975 Hahn pumper struck American Hose’s 1984 American LaFrance pumper in that intersection while both were responding to an automatic fire alarm at United Metal Receptacle. While there were no injuries, both rigs sustained considerable damage.
90 Years Ago
05/19/1920 – Box 65 – 12:15 – 397 & 399 Front St. Occupants: H. Urfill and F. Moser. Cause: Sparks from locomotive. Loss: $100.
05/25/1920 – Assistance for Schuylkill Haven. American Hose and Humane sent by Chief.
95 Years Ago
05/17/1915 – Box 26 – 01:32 – Centre & Howard Sts. Lion Theatre moving pictures. Cause: Spark from fan motor. Loss: $425.
05/22/1915 – Box 36 – 02:15 – 3rd & Mahantongo Sts. 3 story brick dwelling owned and occupied by P.J. O’Hara. Cause: Child playing with matches. Loss: $30.
05/25/1915 – Box 43 – 13:08 – 3rd & W. Arch Sts. M.H. Klick Laundry. Cause: Lighting alcohol gas generator. Loss small. Catherine Torpy was burned and died the next day.
115 Years Ago
05/30/1895 – Box 26 – 17:45 – Fire in the Esterly Building, S. Centre St.
130 Years Ago
Saturday, 5/8/1880 – A slight fire at Miss Annie Grogan’s millinery store, Centre St.
135 Years Ago
05/15/1875 – Fire in a house on Norwegian St. occupied by a man named Wee; Damage slight.
ladder21lover
05-01-2010, 10:20
I always anticipate these montly look backs! Hopefully the pitures can return. It would be cool to see the pictures that involved Nativity BVM.
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back
June
It’s a relatively light “Looking Back” this month, but there is one particularly interesting historical note… The Schuylkill Historical Fire Society acquired the old Gamewell system that was installed in City Hall from the Historical Society of Schuylkill County this past month. The fire alarm telegraph system was installed in Pottsville in1890. The first box alarm received for a fire was in June of 1890 – 120 Years Ago.
5 Years Ago
6/10/2005 – STILL – 17:40 – 126 St. John St., Schuylkill Haven. Arson fire in vacant private dwelling. Companies provided RIT. American Hose and Good Intent.
06/12/2005 – Box 54 – 711 Mine St. Room & contents fire on the third floor. Asst. Chief Shelhamer had command.
06/13/2005 – STILL – 13:56 – 403 Walnut St., MarLin. Basement fire. West End, Yorkville, Humane.
06/24/2005 – STILL – 20:35 – 2 Gallo St., Minersville. Companies provided RIT. Yorkville, Good Intent, American Hose.
06/26/2005 – Box 54 (again) – 21:06 – 514 W. Race St. (Rear on Mine St.). Single-story block garage well-involved on arrival. Cause: Fireworks. Asst. Chief Glore had command.
10 Years Ago
06/21/2000 – STILL – 19:19 – 918 5th St., E. Norwegian Twp. (Schoentown). Equestrian Rescue. Missy, a 28 year old quarter horse, fell 10 feet down into a shaft after sinkhole opened in the yard. After a three hour rescue effort, Missy was removed from the shaft utilizing rigging slings and a backhoe. Yorkville and Good Intent assisted the East Norwegian Township Fire Department.
25 Years Ago
06/03/1985 – STILL – 11:22 – Assistance to E. Norwegian Township. Trax Tavern in Lower Mill Creek. Chief sent Yorkville. Fire erupted in the second floor as a result of a faulty light fixture. Fire spread above the second floor ceilings through many void spaces. The owners of the Tavern, who lived in the building, were left temporarily homeless. Interior operations coupled with the heat of the day resulted in two firefighters being treated for heat exhaustion: Alan Zelinsky, 18, of Mill Creek, and David Williams, 18, of St. Clair. There was a good pic in the newspaper of Yorkville R63 removing Zelinsky via stokes from the first floor roof.
30 Years Ago
06/22/1980 – Box 15 – 14:29 – 429 E. Market St. Occupant: Mohl Family. Cause: Child playing with matches. Loss: $7,500. The fire originated in a bedroom closet. The family was not at home when the fire was discovered by City Police Chief Harold Butts. One firefighter from Greenwood Hill was admitted to the Good Samaritan Hospital with smoke inhalation. Asst. Chief Earl Blum (West End) had “Command” shortly before his term ended June 30 of that year.
06/28/1980 – STILL – 03:00 – Assistance to Palo Alto. Fire in 5 row homes in the 200 Block of E. Bacon St. Chief sent Greenwood Hill, American Hose, and Phoenix. Fire began in 250 W. Bacon St. and spread rapidly to the adjoining homes. Two of the homes were vacant and the other three were occupied. Three firefighters were injured. Palo Alto Fire Chief Michael Ferugio had “Command.” Port Carbon and Rainbow of Schuylkill Haven also assisted on scene.
35 Years Ago
06/10/1975 – Box 33 – 20:57 – 1546 Mahantongo St. Occupant: Carl Campbell. Cause: matches in a laundry chute. Loss: $702.
50 Years Ago
06/29/1960 – Box 54 – 02:00 – 613 W. Race St. Garage and workshop. Occupant: Oscar Cooper. Cause: Faulty electrical wiring. Loss: $500. An automobile in the garage was removed, but sustained some damage as a result of the fire.
70 Years Ago
06/14/1940 – Box 14 – 12:50 – 512 E. Arch St. Occupant: George DeNapoli. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $150.
85 Years Ago
06/25/1925 – STILL – 05:30 – Assistance for Schuylkill Haven. Humane, with two pieces of apparatus, was sent by the Chief. Two buildings in the heart of the Schuylkill Haven business district were destroyed and two others significantly damaged. Fire started in the Michel Bakery, which was located in the rear of 3, 5 & 7 Main St. Arriving with advanced fire conditions in the buildings, Fire Chief Christ Schumacher requested aid from surrounding fire departments. In addition to the Humane of Pottsville, Orwigsburg and two companies from Cressona also responded. Two rigs drafted from the Schuylkill River, to the rear of the buildings.
90 Years Ago
06/07/1920 – Box 513 – 14:15 – Rear 726 Seneca St. Occupant: M. Roehrig. Cause: Sparks from burning rubbish. Loss: $360.
95 Years Ago
06/13/1915 – Box 33 – 20:14 – 6th & Minersville Sts. Sol Barket Knitting Mill. Cause: Electric wiring short circuited. Loss: $219.86. I think there was an error on this box number. It probably should have been 53.
06/30/1915 – No alarm – 1704 Mahantongo St. Cause: Exploding can of solazine. Miss Katherine Boland died from burns.
120 Years Ago
Saturday, June 7, 1890 – Box 41 – 15:30 – House at the corner of 10th & W. Market Sts. Damage was slight. This was the first alarm sent in over the Gamewell Telegraph Fire Alarm.
Monday, 06/09/1890 – Box 51; Test sent in by the Fire Apparatus Committee of Borough Council.
125 Years Ago
Thursday, 06/11/1885 – 18:25 – Burning of a shed adjoining the Court House, janitor’s residence.
Sunday, 06/14/1885 – 00:50 – Indendiary fire; 7th & W. Norwegian Sts. Frank Bannan and Alex Strouse stables; Bannan’s loss: three cows, two heifers, three carriages, one sleigh, one truck wagon, harness, etc. Strouse loss was trifling.
Thursday, 06/18/1885 - 00:50 – Indendiary fire; South 11th St. above Market causing the loss of Martz’ s stable; No. 13, store and residence of Herbert Halpe; No. 14, occupied by Mrs. Strohm; No. 15, occupied by the Heintzleberger family; No. 16, occupied by Albert Good; the stable owned by J. Siegle; Estimated loss: $5,000.
135 Years Ago
06/11/1875 – 23:00 – Slight fire at the residence of Mr. Adam Eiler, on West Norwegian St.
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back
July
5 Years Ago
07/11/2005 – Box 76 – 12:50 – 2109 W. Market St. Fire originating in the kitchen extended to the second floor via the interior walls and caused heavy damage to the three story frame middle-of-the-row dwelling. Asst. Chief Joe Spotts (Humane) had “Command.”
07/21/2005 - STILL - 17:50 - Silver Creek Road, Blythe Twp. Good Intent, Humane, and American Hose. Fire destroyed a frame duplex. Manpower depleted quickly due to heat and humidity.
http://pottsvillefire.com/2005incidents.htm (http://pottsvillefire.com/2005incidents.htm)
07/22/2005 – Box 322 – 16:20 – 5th & Mahantongo. Yuengling Brewery. Carbon burning in filtration system in pressure vessel. Asst. Chief Joe Spotts (Humane) had “Command.”
15 Years Ago
07/12/1995 – Box 54 – 14:19 – 609-611-613 W. Race St. Fire originating in the 2nd floor ceiling of the 2.5 story frame middle-of-the-row extended to the attic of the original fire buildings and the exposures on the “B” and “D” sides. Companies arrived with heavy fire from the rear attic dormer. Roof(s) opened. Hazy, hot, & humid
afternoon.
http://wsbf.org/hosehead/mike/07121995.jpg
A view from the rear (C side) shortly after the exterior fire was knocked-down.
http://wsbf.org/hosehead/mike/07121995a.jpg
Race St. (A side) after L51 crew opened the roof(s).
Last time dual 3” supply lines were forward-laid as a supply line in Pottsville. Engine 11 was 5” equipped shortly after this fire. All City engines were then so equipped. See below...
http://wsbf.org/hosehead/mike/07121995b.jpg
07/23/1995 – Box 28 – 17:57 – 502 Greenwood Ave. Arson fire originated under the rear porch of the large 2.5 story frame home. Minor extension to the kitchen on the first floor of the home.
20 Years Ago
07/05/1990 – STILL – 07:10 – St. Jude Polymer Plant, South Broad Mountain Ave., Frackville. Humane E33 and American Hose E71 were dispatched shortly after the initial alarm for 5” supply line. Numerous city firefighters then transported virtually the entire foam supply (AFFF) from the city to Frackville later in the morning (appx. 10:00). Several 2.5 story frame duplex homes directly across the street from the original fire building were also heavily damaged.
07/27/1990 – Box 14 and Box 26 – 19:11 – 6 S. Centre St. Fire gutted the third floor apartment above the Dolores of Goubaud clothing store. The downtown fire attracted a huge crowd on that Friday evening. The newspaper described it as, “a carnival atmosphere.” Schuylkill Haven E732 and R727 assisted on scene, while Port Carbon E631 stood-by on scene. Asst. Chief Ed Slane (Greenwood Hill) had “Command.”
http://wsbf.org/hosehead/mike/07271990.jpg
Photo from George & E. Norwegian by the late Jack Flannery with a good column over downtown Pottsville.
http://wsbf.org/hosehead/mike/07271990a.jpg
L21 with the pipe prepared on Centre St.
25 Years Ago
07/23/1985 – Box 541 – 02:37 – 439 Harrison St. (again). Vacant house. Cause: Arson. Loss: Unknown.
07/23/1985 – STILL – 13:47 – Assistance to North Manheim Township. Vacant mobile home at Seider’s Trailer Court. Chief sent West End and Yorkville.
35 Years Ago
07/14/1975 – Box 722 – 17:48 – 1942 W. Market St. Occupants: Sauers and Olenick Bros. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $43,000.
07/22/1975 – Box 541 – 03:58 – 525-527-529-531 Harrison St. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $24,250.
07/30/1975 – Box 33 – 16:11 – 1606 Mahantongo St. Occupant: Dr. Tannis. Cause: Gas tank. Loss: Unknown.
40 Years Ago
07/02/1970 – Box 511 – 00:25 – 10th & Laurel Blvd. P.P. & L. substation. Cause: Lightning strike. Loss: Unknown.
07/06/1970 – Box 26 – 03:40 – 213-215 S. Centre St. Owner: Abe Cramer. Cause: Unknown. Loss: Unknown.
07/11/1970 – STILL – 08:57 – Call for help at Pine View Acres. Chief sent Good Will and Humane.
45 Years Ago
… a busy and tragic two weeks…
07/17/1965 – Box 17 – 23:40 – 109 S. George St. Cause: Candle. Loss: $840. Fire resulted in the death of baby girl in 3rd floor bedroom. The occupants of the home were Mr. & Mrs. Carl Snyder and five children. Firefighters arrived to find the attic area of the home heavily involved. The mother had gone down to the neighbor’s first floor apartment to warm a bottle for her seven week old infant boy. The father was playing in a orchestra in Harrisburg at the time of the fire. The first floor apartment was occupied by Mr. & Mrs. William Smith. Firefighters John Warner and George Moyer rescued the infant from the second floor of the home. Two year old Laura Lee Ward was in the third floor bedroom where the fire originated. After the main body of fire had been knocked-down, she was located and removed to the Pottsville Hospital by firefighter Al Dusel. The roof of the fire building was also opened. Fire was contained to the attic of the home with the lower floors receiving smoke and water damage. This was Fire Chief Andy Hoke’s first fire fatality since becoming Chief in 1958.
This row of frame homes was the scene of a fatal fire on February 26, 1975. Box 242 was transmitted for a fire that heavily damaged 105-107-109 S. George St. 21-year old Edward Haag was killed in the third floor of the apartment he occupied with his wife and two children. The Box at George and Adams Sts. was pulled at 01:51. The row of homes was razed following this fire.
07/23/1965 – Box 53 – 18:05 – 501-503-505-507 Minersville St. Owned by Pottsville Redevelopment Authority. Vacant buildings. Heavy fire showing on arrival. Losses not recorded.
07/24/1965 – Box 53 – 00:50 – 527 Laurel Blvd. Occupant and losses not recorded.
07/27/1965 – Box 15 – 04:20 – 400 E. Norwegian St. Occupant: Albo and Ritz store. Cause: Defective refrigerator unit. Loss: $3,325.
07/28/1965 – Box 14 – 03:04 – 2nd & W. Market Sts. YMCA. Cause: Arson. Loss: $13,000. Fire was set in a pile of chairs near the elevator shaft in a third floor hallway. The night man at the “Y,” Larry Mugford, discovered the fire and ran to 2nd & W. Norwegian Sts. where he pulled Box 114. He then went through the building knocking on doors to arouse the occupants. The dormitories were on the 5th and 6th floors of the building. Occupants were rescued over the aerial ladders of the Phoenix on N. 2nd St. and West End on W. Market St. Additional occupants were removed via the exterior fire escape on the N. 2nd St. side of the building. In all, 35 occupants were removed from the building. Two occupants, Abraham Friedman, age 74, and Frank Ferris, age 50, were admitted to the Pottsville Hospital for smoke inhalation. One of the roomers was arrested and charged with setting the fire as he stood across the street and watched the firefighting and rescue efforts.
50 Years Ago
07/08/1960 – Box 22 – 17:17 – Outbuildings rear of 543-545 E. Norwegian St. Owners: Chas. Klinger and Charlotte Spitzner. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $100.
55 Years Ago
07/21/1955 – STILL – 10:40 – 510 Jefferson St. Occupant: J. Barret. Cause: Children set garage on fire. Loss: $1,350.
60 Years Ago
07/27/1950 – STILL – 13:00 – 403 S. Centre St. Empire Glass Co. Cause: Gas from sewer ignited in boiler room, blew out windows. Loss: $225.
65 Years Ago
07/21/1945 – Box 26 – 16:20 – Centre & Mahantongo Sts. Necho Allen Hotel. Cause: Fat on stove caught fire in coffee shop kitchen. Loss: $300.
70 Years Ago
07/30/1940 – Box 57 – 16:22 – 704 N. 2nd St. Occupant: Besare Bonadid. Cause: House struck by lightning. Loss: $190.
75 Years Ago
07/02/1935 – Box 613 – 18:14 – 351 Peacock St. Occupant: Martin Comodeco. Cause: Burning paint with blowtorch set fire to house. Loss: $275.
07/02/1935 – Box 42 – 19:45 – 8th & W. Market St. Occupant: S.W. Smith. Cause: Child set fire to fireworks stand. Loss: $220.
07/04/1935 – Box 613 – 05:15 – 593 W. Railroad St. Occupant: Chas. Drebushenko. Cause: Used candle in cellar, forgot to bring candle upstairs. Loss: $887.
07/17/1935 – Box 55 – 02:20 – 1351 Seneca St. Occupant: Alfred Fisher. Cause: Unknown, “Looks like it was set on fire.” Loss: $607.25.
80 Years Ago
07/15/1930 – STILL – 15:00 – Assistance for Snyder’s Hot House, Llewellyn. West End and Yorkville sent by chief.
07/30/1930 – STILL – 11:15 – Assistance for Mt. Carbon. American Hose and Good Intent sent by chief.
85 Years Ago
07/16/1925 – STILL – 15:00 – 215 N. Centre St. Majestic Theatre. Cause: Defective picture machine. Loss: $75.
120 Years Ago
07/08/1890 – Box 41 – 13:45 – Fire at D.G. Smith’s warehouse on 12th St. Loss: $1,000.
140 Years Ago
Friday, 07/15/1870. “A fire broke out in the carpenter shop of Jacob Gutha, on Railroad St. and spread rapidly to the adjoining buildings, occupied by Mr. Meisse, Lewis Harris’ rag shop, John Engle’s paint shop and Kalbach & Shoener’s chair manufactory, and Aug. Doerflinger. Loss: $6,000.”
150 Years Ago
Sunday, 07/08/1860. 02:00. The distillery building of P. Womelsdorf & Co. on the St. Clair Road. Loss: “About $4,000.”
155 Years Ago
Wednesday, 07/18/1855. Slight fire at the brewery of D.G. Yuengling.
Wednesday, 07/18/1855 . The northwest corner of the forge shop attached to Vastine’s Orchard Iron Works.
160 Years Ago
07/04/1850. Slight fire at the residence of Mrs. Easterly, 3rd & Callowhill Sts.
Here's a few I gleaned from the Harrisburg papers for 1945:
January 8, 1945-Scranton-Three alarm blaze destroyed the Central Building in downtown business district. Nine firemen overcome by smoke.
January 27, or 28, 1945-Olyphant-The Gradada Threatre severely damaged by fire. Four families were rescued by firemen over ladders from apartments over theatre.
January 28, 1945, Nanticoke-general alarm fire leveled three story frame building of Junior Order of American Mechanics in West Nanticoke. Destroyed were two apartments(second floor), a large market(first floor) and the lodge halls on the third floor. Loss $225,000
July 1, 1945, Moosic-An explosion of black powder destroyed three small buildings at the Belin Works of E.I Dupont near here. No one was injured. Cause undetermined, loss $30,000.
July 23, 1945- St. Clair. Driver of a truck loaded with five tons of dynamite was crushed to death in his cab when the vehicle went out of control on a steep hill. It then struck two other trucks and smashed into a house. Amazingly the cargo did not explode.
August 2, 1945-Wilkes Barre-Six men were burned and gassed, two seriously in an explosion of gas in the Upper Balto Vein of the Henry Colliery, Lehigh Valley Coal Co. at nearby Plains.
August 29, 1945-Wilkes Barre-Four boys hurt when gasoline tank exploded. Blast shook S. Wilkes-Barre.
September 10, 1945-Two miles east of Pine Grove. Bus swerved to miss a car and crashed into a tree. 12 injured.
October 28, 1945-Forty fort-gas ignites from truck being fueled sparked huge fire that destroyed old Mathes Motor Co. warehouse. Loss $500,000
December 16, 1945, Wilkes-Barre-Gas explosion destroys Fela’s Grill, Lee Park, Hanover Twp. Loss $80,000. 5 injured, major incident, general alarm fire.
December 25, 1945, Scranton. Fire of undetermined origin swept through Rocky Glen Park Amusement Center $75K loss
December 30, 1945, Hazleton-fire damaged 3 story building of Pane Produce and K.R.S. Sportsware. Ice and freezing temps hampered firemen.
Great stuff Mike. . .as usual. . .Thanks!:drink:
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
07-05-2010, 12:33
"155 Years Ago
Wednesday, 07/18/1855. Slight fire at the brewery of D.G. Yuengling."
Not often you can read a fire report over a 150 years ago while being able to still consume their fine products still today!!
I agree with Hobbes, GREAT STUFF!!
Remember the St Jude fire well. Probably the biggest in Frackville and the longest call I was on. St Jude recycled plastics mostly soda bottles. Plant was approx 200 by 400 with 300by 200 stacked full of cardboard boxes filled with used bottles. When I arrived fire was blowing across the street to the front of homes. Police officer crawled under flames to check houses. i asked our chief if he called for a second alarm, his reply do you think we need it? A short while later I met another ass't he stated were going to lose the whole block. My reply Yep. I still remember the look on his face. Many units from our county, Foam bank from Luzerne and foam truck(crash truck) from the gap. All homes across the street are still there.
ladder21lover
07-05-2010, 21:11
On the St. Jude fire, wasn't Phoenix also on that call? Mike said 33 and 71 were initially sent but I think 21 was eventually sent as well. On the Centre St fire 3 weeks later, I see 2 box alarms. Just curious as to why. I know for that location is in the second ward so the 26 box is the right one, so I guess an address across the street (going north) was given at first putting it in the 1st ward.
Good questions...
No, Ladder 21 did not make the run to St. Jude's. They did have the rig crewed in quarters that morning, though.
Two street boxes were pulled almost simultaneously for the fire at Dolores' on S. Centre St. That's why two boxes were recorded. Dispatching at that time was still being done from City Hall.
Mike Engine 11 should have been at St. Jude. You know the one that had a white roof. LOL! I believe from the date that would have been the lime yellow one? Wasn't the red with white roof Hahn an 88?
No, Engine 11 didn't go to St. Jude...although all the AFFF foam from the rig did go! It was the '88 Hahn at the time (with a white roof!). The only two engines from Pottsville were E33 and E 71 - again, both 5" LDH-equipped. E11 wasn't LDH-equipped a the time. The foam from the various Pottsville companies was loaded into POV's and transported to Frackville when the request was made.
ol'53, outta curiosity, how good is Frackville's water system?
Fair at the time of St. Jude but you had to know what to hit. Many improvements by water co over last 20 years. overall very good now.
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back – August
5 Years Ago
08/30/2005 – STILL – 21:30 – 385 Wayne St., East Norwegian Twp. Trailer Gutted. Good Will & Humane for RIT.
10 Years Ago
08/17/2000 – Box 524 – 01:44 – 710 Seneca St. Room & Contents fire.
25 Years Ago
08/02/1985 – Box 541 – 15:11 – Rear 602 Harrison St. Garage Fire. Cause: Neighbor burning trash. Loss: $600.
08/17/1985 – Box 63 – 00:37 – 137 W. Railroad St. Vacant House. Cause: Arson. Loss: Unknown. Fire discovered in northwest corner of the basement and quickly controlled. Asst. Chief Jack Messner (West End) had Command.
08/28/1985 – Box 713 – 02:45 – 500 N. 18th St. Occupant: T. Selinko. Cause: Pot of grease on the stove. Loss: $83,750. Companies arrived to heavy fire showing from the single-family dwelling. Thomas Selinko suffered third degree burns while trying to extinguish the fire. His wife and two daughters escaped unharmed.
08/29/1985 – Box 541 – 02:01 – 432 Harrison St. Owner: H. Curtier. Cause: Arson. Loss: $5,900. Frame double-garage to the rear of the home was fully involved on arrival.
30 Years Ago
08/07/1980 – Box 644 – 19:27 – 510 N. Centre St. Vacant Leavitt’s Furniture Store. Cause: Arson. Loss: $32,000. This building – now the Northtowne Apartments – was a repeat customer for the PFD over the years. This fire originated in the basement and sub-basement and caused heavy damage to both levels. Fire resulted in a prolonged smoke condition. Asst. Chief George Moyer (Greenwood Hill) was the Duty Chief. Rainbow Hose (Schuylkill Haven) Rescue 727 was on scene for the cascade system. This building was also the scene of serious fires on January 26, 1933 and June 3, 1973.
35 Years Ago
08/02/1975 – Box 26 – 23:58 – 110-112 S. Centre St. Kerwick Store and Miller Uniform Shop. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $17,000. Fire began in or near the Dewee’s Gift Shop in the basement. Businesses in the basement and first floor received fire and heat damage. Smoke damaged the upper floors of the building.
08/27/1975 – 05:00 – 602 E. Norwegian St. Fire damaged a chair, carpeting, and door frame of the apartment occupied by Diane Belten and Nancy Wydock on the first floor.
08/27/1975 – Box 72 – 17:34 – 1819 Mahantongo St. Carmen Dicello garage. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $275.
45 Years Ago
08/17/1965 – Box 523 – 01:56 – 816 Minersville St. Owned by Gordon Reed Agency. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $3,500. The rear of the building was heavily involved in fire when companies arrived. Building was occupied by Lorraine Reed and her three children.
55 Years Ago
08/08/1955 – Box 64 – 03:07 – Rear 731 Water St. Wm. Bevan, old breaker. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $1,000.
08/20/1955 – Box 512 – 18:54 – 412 N. 2nd St. Occupant: F. Motto. Cause: Cigarette set fire to pull-out bed. Loss: $100.
08/28/1955 – STILL – 05:15 – 1515 Mahantongo St. Occupant: Suender’s residence. Loss: Dryer on fire caused lots of smoke in building. Loss: $518.
65 Years Ago
08/08/1945 – Box 16 – 04:38 – 612-614 E. Norwegian St. Occupants: Jim Rose and Gus Schuettler. Cause: Unkown, fire started on front porch. Loss: $10,000. Companies arrived with heavy fire showing from the front of the frame duplex. One occupant, James Rose, suffered a laceration when he jumped from a 2nd floor rear window to escape the fire. The fire was extinguished using, “…2 water lines and 3 booster lines.” It was suspected that some unknown person set the fire on the front porch of one of the homes. The homes still stand today…interestingly, with asbestos-tile siding.
08/21/1945 – Box 43 – 14:33 – 211-213 W. Arch St. Occupants: Mr. Golanics and Mr. Russell Little. Cause: Cigarette or match thrown in gutter set leaking gas from auto on fire. Loss: $722.
70 Years Ago
08/15/1940 – Box 41 – 01:05 – 14th & Arch Sts. H. Weiner & Co. Cause: Spontaneous combustion in rag storage house. Loss: $1,400.
75 Years Ago
08/16/1935 – Box 67 – 20:25 – Nichols St. Spur Oil Company. Cause: Bad motor ignited gas fumes in pump house. Loss: $300.
80 Years Ago
08/31/1930 – Box 18 – 09:45 – 10 N. Centre St. Bob Ton Store. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $20,666.
90 Years Ago
08/18/1920 – STILL – 17:00 – Peach Mountain. Occupant: H. Martz. Loss: $1,150. Good Intent, American Hose, and Chief responded.
100 Years Ago
08/24/1910 – Box 41 – 21:08 – 12th & W. Market Sts. 2 ˝ story frame dwelling owned by Mrs. Pfromm, occupied by Mr. Miles. Cause: Lighting a new fire in stove.
120 Years Ago
08/15/1890 – Box 61 – 09:25 – Fire at Railroad & Centre Sts. Property owned by Squire Buckley. Loss: $500.
150 Years Ago
Sunday, 08/18/1860 – 01:00 – Fire at the stable of Mr. Geo. Bell, on Church Alley; a loft full of hay and thirteen sleighs were consumed. Loss: $800.
Mike
The Selinko residence is also a repeat customer for the P.F.D. I remember two big fires there.
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
08-01-2010, 11:58
Mike: I am still chuckling about the July 27,1990 post. I did not know you could use the phrase " Carnival Atmosphere" in the same paragraph with Ed Slane!! LOL
Truely one of the Great Friends I have made along the way in the Volunteer Fire Service. In the early 90's He and Orv Paulsgrove assisted by Jim Misstichian taught a Fire Fighter class in Eville and we have been freinds since.
07/27/1990 – Box 14 and Box 26 – 19:11 – 6 S. Centre St. Fire gutted the third floor apartment above the Dolores of Goubaud clothing store. The downtown fire attracted a huge crowd on that Friday evening. The newspaper described it as, “a carnival atmosphere.” Schuylkill Haven E732 and R727 assisted on scene, while Port Carbon E631 stood-by on scene. Asst. Chief Ed Slane (Greenwood Hill) had “Command.”
Gus: You may have stumped me with that 500 N. 18th St. I cross-referenced it by both address and owner/occupant. I couldn't find anything else for that 500 address. Do you remember approximately when the fire occurred? This is the closest that I could get: 04/16/1958 - Box 74 - 03:40 - 514 N.18th St. Occupant: J.P. Modesto. Cause: Unknown. Fire started in bedroom on 1st floor. Loss: $28,000. A $28k fire loss in 1958 was a pretty good job.
Tom: Whenever we discuss that fire, the term "carnival atmosphere" always comes-up. If I remember correctly, Eddie Slane didn't have his white bunker gear with him that evening. He commanded the fire "incognito" in black bunker gear!
Mike
I don't remember the dates but there were two fires there .I knew the family really good.
I also remember Humane blitzed one of the fires with their deck gun threw the front window while we were going in the back door,blew the fire our way.
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back
September
· Thanks this month to Dave Derbes of the Historical Society of Schuylkill County with his help in researching some locations.
10 Years Ago
09/09/2000 – Box 43 – 214 W. Arch St. 2.5 story frame duplex. 3rd floor attic. Fire originated in bed/mattress. An inspection of the attic of the exposure building revealed heavy charring of the underside of the roof deck not consistent with the fire spread…another “repeat customer:”
1/30/1980 – Box 43 – 07:34 – 212 W. Arch St. Attic fire. Loss: $7,000.
15 Years Ago
09/15/1995 – Box 54 – 16:16 – 607 W. Race St. Fire in attic quickly knocked. Cause: Child playing with matches. This was the end-of-the-row dwelling in the row involved in fire on 07/12/1995 (609-611-613 W. Race). This was also one of those infamous, “Headquarters to P1” calls before any dispatch was made. The information given was a, “…report of smoke coming from a gable.” The reply from P1 was, “Do you mean a roof gable?” Dispatcher: “That’s correct.” P1: “Put the box on!”
09/30/1995 - Box 115 - 04:22 - 209 N. 2nd St. 13-year old Jared Samuels was asleep in his rear, second floor bedroom when he was evidently awakened by a fire that had started as a result of an electrical short in the wall of the kitchen directly below. He ran through the house yelling to arouse his mother, father, niece, and two brothers. He collapsed as he tried to descend the interior stairwell to the first floor. Pottsville PD arrived on scene with heavy smoke pushing from the front of the three story, semi-detached home of ordinary construction. Heavy fire was showing from the rear. Occupants jumped from both the first and second floor windows to escape the fire, with some sustaining minor injuries. A chaotic scene greeted arriving companies as there wasn't an accurate count as to how many individuals resided in the home. Initial estimates were that between 7 and 10 individuals may have been in the dwelling. Beginning a primary search, firefighters quickly found Jared at the top of the interior stairs to the second floor. He was removed and ALS interventions begun. He was flown to Lehigh Valley where, sadly, he died at 17:00 hrs that day. Both primary and secondary searches revealed no additional victims. Fire gutted the first floor and and heavily damaged the second floor of the home. The fire also extended to 207 N. 2nd St. and damaged the rear portions of the 2nd and 3rd floors.
25 Years Ago
09/01/1985 – Box 15 – 04:55 – 547 E. Market St. 2-story garage. Cause: Careless smoking. Loss: $1000.
09/18/1985 – STILL – 01:50 – Assistance to North Manheim Township; Tire pile on Gordon Nagle Trail. Chief sent Humane, West End, and Yorkville. In service: 12.5 hrs. 8 companies in all fought the fire including several tankers. The tires were owned by Willie Webb’s Tire Service on Rt. 61 south of Pottsville (and formerly of 8th & Mt. Hope Ave. until a very spectacular fire in March, 1982). It was estimated that, “a couple hundred thousand tires” were involved out of the estimated 1 million plus tires on the site. Front end loaders from North Manheim Township and Fidler Brothers Construction cut “fire breaks” in the tire pile. This is the location of the soccer fields today. Humane and American Hose were called back at 18:10. In service 17.5 hrs.
09/19/1985 – Box 75 – 08:33 – 1634 West End Ave. Occupant: R. Orlosky. Cause: Electrical short. Loss: $44,500. A “routine” room and contents fire in a second floor middle bedroom turned anything but that day. It was reported that when the door to the bedroom was first opened, it was forced closed by the pressure of the super-heated products of combustion. When it was opened a second time, the fire literally “exploded” into the hallway blowing several firefighters down the interior stairs and cutting off some in the second floor hallway. Three firefighters were injured: Asst. Chief Jack Messner (West End), James Major (West End), and Bob Roth (Good Will).
30 Years Ago
September, 1980 – Humane received and placed in service a Seagrave model WB custom pumper equipped with a 1250 gpm pump and 500 gallon water tank. It was purchased at a cost of $86,000. This rig caught a lot of fire during its nearly 30 years of service. The engine was sold this past year to a fire department in Georgia.
09/08/1980 – Box 613 – 13:41 – 577 Peacock St. Occupant: Benedict family. Cause: Cigarette fell under bed. Loss: $30,000. Darlene Williams, age 26, found dead in 2nd floor bedroom. Fire was blowing from the 2nd floor front when companies arrived. A line up the interior stairwell made quick work of the fire. The victim was located in the room in which the fire originated.
09/19/1980 – STILL – 07:57 – Assistance for Norwegian Township; Fire in vacant dwelling on East Mines Road. Chief sent Good Will.
09/29/1980 – Box 15 – 20:06 – 434 E. Norwegian St., 3rd floor apartment. Cause: Careless smoking. Loss: $6,000.
35 Years Ago
September, 1975 – Good Intent placed in service a Hahn custom pumper with a 1000 gpm pump and 600 gallon water tank. The rig was received on August 21, 1975. It was purchased at a cost of $56,000. This engine is currently in service with the Locust Gap Fire Company in Northumberland County.
Wednesday, 09/03/1975 – Former Pottsville Fire Chief George Smith passed away at his home at 433 Harrison St. He was 87 years old. He served as Fire Chief for 28 years, from 1930 – 1958. He was a member of the Good Intent Fire Co. since 1911 and was a veteran of Pottsville’s “Great Fire” of 1914. Prior to becoming Fire Chief, he was employed by the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company.
09/03/1975 – Box 551 – 03:20 – 404-406 Fairview St. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $8,400. Fire began in the vacant home at 406 Fairview, which was extensively damaged. Asst. Chief Jack Rose (Phoenix) was admitted in satisfactory condition to the Good Samaritan Hospital with smoke inhalation. Occupants and losses:
404 – Helen Perkins $2400
406 – Vacant 6000
09/04/1975 – Box 33 – 15:40 – 1322 Mahantongo St. Duffy’s Apartments. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $2000.
09/28/1975 – Box 64 and 67 – 03:55 – 400 Blk Front St. Pottsville Ice Company. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $20,000. Considerable damage was done to the second floor of the building which was rented by a furniture concern and was stocked with furniture.
40 Years Ago
09/01/1970 – Box 66 – 23:44 – 445 Nichols St. Occupant: Chester Mengle. Cause: Overheated stove pipe. Loss: $1,189. Fire damaged the living room on the first floor.
09/02/1970 – Box 35 – 19:08 – 8th & Schuylkill Ave. Pottsville School. Cause: Arson. Loss: $100. Fire confined to the window frames on the first floor rear.
09/23/1970 – STILL – 15:45 – House in Palo Alto. Chief sent American Hose and Good Will. Fire began in a clothes closet in the home. Firefighters were met with a very heavy smoke condition on arrival.
55 Years Ago
09/07/1955 – STILL – 21:28 – 420 N. Centre St. Pottsville Bar and Fixture. Cause: Rubbish caught fire and burned through door in basement. Loss: $518.
9/07/1955 – Box 18 – 22:28 – 2nd & Market Sts. YMCA. Cause: Unknown. Fire started in hallway from top floor to roof. Loss: $11,900.
60 Years Ago
09/09/1950 – Box 25 – 05:36 – Centre & Morris Sts. Amvets Social Club. Cause: Cigarette set davenport on fire in bedroom on 2nd floor. Loss: $3400.
09/25/1950 – STILL – 06:26 – 220 Harrison St. Occupant: Irvin Steckley. Cause: Using gasoline to make fire, ignited and set fire to carpet. Loss: $125.
80 Years Ago
09/12/1930 – Box 613 – 23:15 – 555 Peacock St. Occupant: Thomas James. Cause: Oily rags. Loss: $398.
09/15/1930 – STILL – 04:00 – Assistance for Palo Alto. American Hose sent by Chief.
09/28/1930 – STILL – 15:05 – Assistance at Pine Hill Coal Co. American Hose and Humane sent by Chief.
90 Years Ago
09/20/1920 – Box 54 – 04:13 – 718-720-722 Burd Alley. Occupants: Sam Seaman, J. Govalovich, A. Starr, G. Bower, C. Freeman, J. Sirocco. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $1875. Burd Alley ran roughly between Minersville St. and Laurel Blvd. from 4th to 9th. This location would have been approximately to the rear of the Pottsville Provision on N. 7th St.
95 Years Ago
09/22/1915 – Box 26 – 04:25 – 18 S. Centre St. Edgar Kline restaurant. Cause: Fat boiled over on stove. Loss: $326.74.
09/23/1915 – Box 36 – 04:45 – 3rd & Mahantongo Sts. George Boone stable. Cause: Incendiary. Loss: $125.
09/23/1915 – Box 64 – 20:00 – Water and Temple Sts. Joseph Butler dwelling. Cause: Spontaneous combustion. Loss: $113.90.
100 Years Ago
09/19/1910 – Box 62 – 11:30 – Peacock & Burnish Sts. Frame dwelling owned by O’Brian estate, “occupied by a Polish family.” Cause: Overheated stove pipe in kitchen. A shed on the property was heavily damaged and the home was damaged by radiant heat. An interesting side note with this fire… it was reported that the telegraph fire alarm was out-of-order for some time. The indicators at several firehouses received the incorrect box. It was also reported that for several months, there had been times when telegraph alarms weren’t received in some firehouses. The system was “only” 20 years old in 1910.
135 Years Ago
09/02/1875 – 01:00 – Fire in the store of E.S. Johnson, corner of Centre & Norwegian Sts. Damage: $300.
09/18/1875 – 04:00 – A fire was discovered in the saloon called, “The Pig and Whistle.” The damage was slight. Police Officer Shaw discovered a smoke coming from the saloon, which was located on Mahantongo St. across from the Union Hall. He forced the door open and found the woodwork around the stove on fire. He extinguished the bulk of the fire.
145 Years Ago
Wednesday, 09/06/1865 – 19:00 – The stable of J.J. Conner on Lyon Street was destroyed.
180 Years Ago
September, 1830 – Pottsville Chief Burgess Francis B. Nicols accepted a draft of $697.80 for the purchase of a new engine equipped with hydraulic valves giving it the ability to, “draw water up from a stream.” This engine was to be purchased for the Schuylkill Hydraulian Fire Company, which was organized in April, 1929 and officially recognized by Pottsville Borough Council in April, 1930. This was the forerunner of the Phoenix Fire Engine Co. No. 2.
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back - PART I
October
10 Years Ago
10/17/2000 – 19:40 – Box 71 – 1653 W. Norwegian St. 2 1/2 story frame duplex. 2nd floor room & contents. This fire came in while we were attending the Schuylkill County Fire Chiefs’ Association meeting at the Office of Public Safety on Centre St. Dispatcher Supervisor Tara Dolzani pulled the shades aside at the front of the conference room and pointed vigorously to the Pottsville group. We all kinda looked at each other and remarked, “She looks pretty serious…” Then the pagers activated. Asst. Chief Spotts (Humane) had command.
20 Years Ago
10/29/1990 – STILL - 00:30 – New Street, Mt. Laffe (New Castle Twp.). Fatal structure fire. Single-story frame home fully involved on arrival. Search of debris revealed one adult male deceased. Good Will assisted Norwegian Twp, Wadesville, and St. Clair companies.
25 Years Ago
10/8/1985 – Box 525 – 07:59 – 901 Davis Ave. Occupant: A. Oakhill. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $25,000. Firefighters arrived with a working fire in the basement of a 2.5 story end-of-the row. The basement of the home was heavily damaged with minor extension to the first floor.
10/9/1985 – Box 523 – 01:54 – 730 Mt. Hope Ave. Vacant building. Cause: Arson. Loss: $5,000. On arrival, fire showing from the 2nd floor rear bedroom of a 2.5 story frame duplex. Quick knockdown.
30 Years Ago
10/22/1980 – Box 14 – 07:07 – 207 N. Centre St. Town & Country Upholstery & Antiques. Cause: Foam rubber ignited by electric heater. Loss: $8,000. Chief (P1) requested for an odor of smoke in 205 N. Centre St. Unable to locate the source in that building, the chief discovered heavy smoke in 207 and struck the box. The fire was confined to a workbench area in the rear of the store.
10/24/1980 – Box 342 – 11:35 – 10th & Schuylkill Ave. Garage of Joseph Stangel. Cause: Overheated chimney pipe. Loss: $8,000. Garage being used as a woodworking shop was well-involved on arrival.
35 Years Ago
10/7/1975 – Box 32 – 03:37 – 4th & Schuylkill Ave. Vacant house. Cause: Unknown. Loss: Unkown. Fire was termed “suspicious.” The rear of the first and second floors of the home was damaged. Companies cleared the scene in one hour.
10/31/1975 – Box 541 – 00:20 – 533 Harrison St. Building owned by Schuylkill County. Cause: Unkown. Loss: Unknown.
40 Years Ago
10/20/1970 – Box 214 – 13:30 – Chas. Frantz house on Pottsville-Port Carbon Highway. Small fire in bedroom. Cause: Unkown. Loss: Unknown.
10/27/1970 – STILL – 11:10 – Coal breaker at Palo Alto. Chief sent Greenwood Hill, West End, Good Intent, and American Hose.
10/31/1970 – Box 47 – 12:11 – 221 N. 11th St. Occupant: Preston Wallace. Cause: Trash caught fire. Loss: $350.
45 Years Ago
10/11/1965 – Box 216 – 19:15 – 374 S. Centre St. Scranton Electric Co. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $1,200.
10/29/1965 – Box 44 – 12:42 – 1107A W. Norwegian St. Occupant: Paul Donahue. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $1,229. A curtain had ignited in the home. Fire confined to the room and contents.
55 Years Ago
10/21/1955 – Call for help – 11:16 – Frame building at Tumbling Run in Mt. Carbon. American Hose and Greenwood Hill responded.
65 Years Ago
10/21/1945 – STILL – 14:38 – 16th & W. Market Sts. Boulevard Market. Cause: Children set fire to old papers on back porch. Loss: $213.
75 Years Ago
10/25/1935 – Box 27 – 19:05 – 648 Mauch Chunk St. Occupants: Bankes & Son. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $9,400. The front of this building, which was 2 stories, contained a garage with apartments above. The rear of the building, which was 3 stories in height, was the warehouse portion. The occupant of one apartment, Earl Thoman, and his wife were eating supper when they discovered the eastern end of the warehouse in flames. The alerted the occupants of the other apartment and escaped. Port Carbon and Palo Alto companies also responded and assisted on scene. George Bausum, Humane, injured his hand when he fell while stretching hose. This building still stands, although it has been reconfigured and the garage portion no longer has apartments above. It is Kline Auto now.
This address was also the scene of a serious fire on 11/19/1972: Box 214 - 00:18 - 648 Mauch Chunk St. Occupant: John Carey. Cause: smoldering cushion placed on rear porch. Loss: $9500.
Also, on 04/27/1971, Box 214 was struck for the Bankes Moving and Storage warehouse on Anderson St. at 02:20. The building was gutted. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $35,000. Companies returned at 18:25 for a rekindle. This building also still stands at 339 Anderson St.
80 Years Ago
10/11/1930 – See Part II
90 Years Ago
10/16/1920 – Box 18 – 13:40 – 107 N. Centre St. Occupant: G. Moyer. Cause: Linseed oil barrel exploding. Loss: $850.
10/25/1920 – Box 53 – 17:40 – 6th & Minersville Sts. Occupant: Mrs. Butterworth (no, that’s no made-up!). Cause: Fat boiling over on stove. Loss: $100.
100 Years Ago
10/14/1910 – Box 24 and 25 – 19:05 – South Coal St. Stable owned by W. Lewis, Occupied by Frank Day. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $900.
10/16/1910 – Box 41 – 01:05 – 12th & Arch Sts. Stable owned by Isaac Seaman. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $325.
10/31/1910 – Telephone alarm – 11:45 – 705 W. Arch St. 2 ˝ story frame dwelling owned by Jacob Smith, occupied by Joseph Marberger. Cause: Defective flue. Loss: Unknown.
125 Years Ago
Thursday, 10/15/1885 – 05:10 – fire at Seltzer’s stockyard, Jalappa. Loss: Two large stables, two horses owned by Wm. Seltzer, two horses owned by Conrad Seltzer, one horse owned by Frederick Seltzer, two horses owned by A.W. Seltzer, twenty-three hogs, two Alderny cows, forty tons of hay, a cargo of oats, fifteen sets of harnesses. Origin of fire unknown. Loss: About $12,000.
135 Years Ago
Tuesday, 10/29/1875 – Fire at Palo Alto.
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back - PART II
80 Years Ago
On December 17, 1927, in the Jalappa neighborhood, a serious fire caused by a defective flue damaged or destroyed properties at 754, 756, 758, 760, and 762 Water Street as well as 302 and 304 Prospect St. Box 614 and 64 were transmitted for the fire which resulted in $34,792 in damage. Destroyed was the frame warehouse of the Pottsville Storage and Transfer Company. Fire loss for this building totaled $17, 617. Following this fire, owner George D. Young rebuilt a new, “fireproof” building of masonry construction on the northeast corner of Water and Prospect Streets. This building still stands today.
During the latter part of the Prohibition era (18th Amendment to the Constitution – 1920-1933), a portion of the "new" Storage and Transfer building was utilized by the U.S. Department of Prohibition. It was here that the Prohibition Department warehoused all of the beer, wine, liquor, etc. confiscated in the area. Also in the warehouse was a sizeable quantity of furniture and other household goods.
On Saturday morning, October 11, 1930, three Prohibition agents were discarding what was a larger than usual quantity of seized alcohol due to a recent raid on a big still in the area. Their method of disposing of the alcohol and “benzoil” (perhaps benzyl alcohol or benzoyl peroxide) was to simply pour it down the drain that was located within the building. They had done this countless times before. It was estimated that thousands of gallons of “booze” were disposed of in this fashion. The floor drain in the building emptied into the culvert and flowed under Water Street and into Norwegian Creek. Norwegian Creek flows along Railroad St., through the City, and empties into the Schuylkill River.
Around 9:00 a.m., an unknown person walking along Railroad St. near Water St. discarded a match or some other smoking material into the creek. Instead of extinguishing the material, the water erupted in a mass of fire. The fire quickly traveled back through the Water St. culvert. Agent Edward Ward, who was in charge of the confiscated liquor, heard the roar of the fire and quickly sensed the heat coming from the drain. He warned the other two agents, Dee and Snyder, and they made their way to safety. They had just cleared the building when an explosion occurred. A fire quickly ensued. Norwegian Creek is approximately 600 feet from the Prospect and Water Street building.
Back at Water and Railroad Streets, the fire blazed from the stream and along its banks, igniting an old, dilapidated building that was owned by the Ulmer Packing Company. Damage was done to Water Street itself as the explosion in the sewer line actually buckled the street in places. Fire Chief William L. Stevenson arrived in response to the still alarm and was confronted with a river of fire leading to a serious fire in the Storage and Transfer building. He quickly sounded a general alarm. Box 61 was transmitted at 09:20. Hose lines were placed in service to both fight the warehouse fire and to contain the fire in the stream, culverts, and the frame building on the Ulmer property. With the noxious smoke being generated by the contents of the warehouse, firefighters donned all-purpose, filter-type masks in an attempt to close with the flames.
Fire apparatus that would likely have been on the box included the following: Good Intent: 1929 Ahrens-Fox 1000 gpm piston pumper; Phoenix: 1919 American LaFrance Type 31 75’ aerial ladder; Humane: 1929 Buffalo hose & booster truck and 1921 Seagrave 500 gpm pumper; Good Will: 1922 White (manufacturer AND the color!) triple combination pumper; West End: 1928 Ahrens-Fox 900 gpm piston pumper; Yorkville: 1927 Mack AB5A city service truck and White triple combination pumper; American Hose: 1924 American LaFrance 450 gpm pumper.
After a tense battle, firefighters gained the upper hand with the structural fires while much of the fuel supply had burned-off the stream and culverts. The home of William Pugh and his family was located to the rear of the warehouse. The rear of the home was slightly damaged, but the family had moved much of their furniture from the residence when the scope of the fire became evident. Fire loss from the incident totaled $19,500.
Residents of the Jalappa section were incensed that this condition was allowed to exist and the dumping of the alcohol was allowed to occur. Mr. Young was immediately arrested for violating the City’s “gasoline ordinance,” which prohibited the storage of inflammable material unless it was confined in tanks three feet beneath the ground. After a hearing at police headquarters, he was fined $10 and ordered to have removed all remaining alcohol from his building. Director of Public Safety J. Ronald Wilson vowed to undertake an inspection of all properties where inflammable or explosive materials might be stored to insure compliance with the law.
On Sunday evening, October 12, the U.S. Department of Prohibition agents out of the Philadelphia office arrived in Pottsville and removed all remaining liquor and other inflammable material from the warehouse on Water St.
It could reasonably be asked if the ignition of the alcohol may have been incendiary in nature – particularly in light of the strong sentiment regarding Prohibition and the “Feds” at that time. No evidence could be found to support this. If it was truly accidental, one can imagine the shock of the individual who discarded the smoking material into the creek. Who could have imagined the water erupting in fire!
While the contents of the Pottsville Storage and Transfer Company building suffered significant damage, the construction of the new building following the 1927 fire was such that it likely prevented another devastating fire involving neighboring buildings. This building was a repeat customer for the fire department some 43 years later: December 4, 1973 – Box 64 – Prospect & Water Sts. – Pottsville Storage and Transfer Co. Cause: Unknown. Fire heavily damaged the contents on the second floor of the three story building. Loss: $24,000
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
09-30-2010, 11:31
FANTASTIC STORY Mike.
Imagine Illegal Alcohol in Schuylkill County during the Prohibition. LOL
And to quote Street Supt. Danny Kelly, " On days like these, Water Street lives up to its name". Hopefully it will be a quiet rainy day for the PFD and Streets Dept.
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back
November
5 Years Ago
11/11/2005 – Box 68 – 15:09 – 32 Peacock St. Companies arrived with fire showing from the rear second floor of the 2-story middle-of-the row dwelling. Fire knocked with line up the interior stairwell from E32. E41 knocked exterior fire extending to the exposure B side. Roof opened. Fire caused by a child playing with a lighter in the closet. Rear bedroom gutted with extensive damage to the remainder of the second floor. Pottsville Housing Authority complex. Schuylkill Haven RIT also on the box. Asst. Chief Glore had Command.
11/18/2005 – Box 25 – 18:56 – 408 S. Centre St. Companies arrived with heavy fire showing from the 2nd floor rear of this 3-story end-of-the-row multiple dwelling. Crews forced entry into the second floor apartment. Line up the interior stairwell from E71 knocked the main body of fire with an additional line from E71 controlling the fire extending via the combustible exterior siding in the rear. L21 opened roof. Minor extension to the B exposure via the exterior. Cause: Arson. Asst. Chief Spotts had Command.
15 Years Ago
11/19/1995 – Box 36 – 03:22 – 221 Howard Ave. Companies arrived with heavy fire blowing from the 2nd floor front dormer of the 3-story middle-of-the-row dwelling. Fire impinging on the electrical service resulted in an impressive light show. This short, 200 block of Howard Ave. was the scene of three serious fires in a 5 year period. In addition to the 1995 fire: 11/2/1993 – Box 36 – 14:36 – 207-209 Howard Ave – apartment building destroyed; 2/10/1991 – Box 36 – 03:22 (note the time compared to the 1995 fire!) – 211-213 Howard Ave – 2nd floor fire in 2.5 story duplex converted into one residence.
20 Years Ago
11/30/1990 – Box 26 – 00:20 – 115 S. Centre St. Arson fire in vacant building. Call received for the Landmark Building for smoke inside. Investigation revealed a light to moderate smoke condition inside with a distinct “wood smoke” odor and no visible fire. We popped the roof scuttle and quickly discovered smoke pouring from the roof of the vacant building next door. Fire contained to the area of origin and involved debris and some exposed framing on the third floor.
25 Years Ago
11/23/1985 – Box 51 – 20:48 – 215 N. Centre St. Coney Island Restaurant and 2nd floor apartment. Cause: Electrical short. Loss: $21,000.
30 Years Ago
11/27/1980 – Box 51 – 09:21 – 219 N. Centre St. 3rd floor apartment. Cause: Pan of grease on the stove. Loss: $1,500.
11/30/1980 – Box 115 – 15:38 – 219 N. Centre St. 2nd floor rear vacant apartment. Cause: Arson – two boys threw smoke bomb in window. Loss: $10,000.
35 Years Ago
11/24/1975 – Box 112 – 01:37 – 406 E. Race St. Occupant: Ellen Kirkland. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $500.
40 Years Ago
11/7/1970 – Box 522 – 14:26 – 403 Laurel Blvd. Occupant: Charles Francis. Cause: Gas explosion. Loss: $600.
11/22/1970 – Box 67 – 14:10 – Mamies Ave. Occupant: Milton Williams. Cause: Melting paraffin wax caught fire. Loss: Unknown.
45 Years Ago
11/5/1965 – Box 53 – 17:45 – 512 Sanderson St. Owner: Pottsville Redevelopment Authority. Cause: Suspicious nature. Loss: Unknown.
11/11/1965 – 17:55 – Call for help at Darkwater (New Castle Twp.), 3 houses on fire. Chief sent Good Intent, Good Will, American Hose, West End, and Yorkville. Complete loss.
55 Years Ago
11/20/1955 – Still * - 11:05 – 516-518-520-522 W. Norwegian St. Cause: Fire started at chimney on 1st floor and burned up partition wall to roof. Loss: $8,940. Occupants and losses:
516 – Clarence Wallaner $2,131
518 – Wm. Clay 4,136
520 – J. Bowman 1,890
522 – Myrtle Daniels 783
This fire was panned in the February, 1957 Report on Pottsville by the National Board of Fire Underwriters: “At one fire during 1955 in which four buildings were involved, a total of 5 engine companies were at the fire but no box alarm was transmitted and no ladder truck responded.” On the still alarm were West End, American Hose, Good Intent, Good Will, and Humane. This stretch of homes would be in the block where the Michael Close High Rise currently stands.
60 Years Ago
11/18/1950 – Box 51 – 10:45 – Railroad and Wynne Sts. Home Utilities. Cause: Hot ashes from cleaning furnace set fire to wood and packing cartons. Loss: $27,100. Companies arrived to find heavy smoke showing from what was at the time one of the oldest garage-type structures in Pottsville. The building contained a large Christmas stock of appliances, cabinets, as well as a Formica shop.
11/30/1950 – Box 18 – 17:35 – E. Market and Logan Alley. Eat Well Restaurant. Cause: Fat on stove ignited and set fire to inside of 1st floor. Loss: $5,100. Fire spread to the partition wall and began traveling to the upper floors before it was checked with several booster lines. This restaurant was located in the Davis Hotel building.
65 Years Ago
11/7/1945 – Still – 14:00 – Call for help. Schuylkill County Saddle Club on Gordon Nagle Trail on fire. West End and American Hose responded. The clubhouse – a 1-story, double-frame structure – was destroyed, but the barn where 19 riding horses were kept was undamaged. The barn was approximately 75 feet away from the clubhouse. Loss: $5,500. Cause: Overheated stove pipe used to dry-out newly laid linoleum. Cressona F.D. also on scene.
11/17/1945 – Still – 14:10 – Call for help at upper Mill Creek. 3 houses on fire. American Hose responded.
70 Years Ago
11/17/1945 – Still – 16:40 – Centre & Norwegian Sts. Store, Rubinsky estate. Cause: Fire started in show case in stairway in rear of building, spontaneous combustion. Loss: $674.
85 Years Ago
11/3/1925 – Box 71 – 07:10 – 116 N. 18th St. Occupant: John Sipple. Cause: Clothes chute. Loss: $198.
11/17/1925 – Box 74 – 23:15 – 1800-1802 Elk Ave. Occupants: Michael Hobbs and Albert Ney. Cause: spontaneous combustion.
Loss: $7,883. Mary Hobbs, the oldest daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Michael Hobbs of 1800 Elk Ave., returned home from a “moving picture show.” Upon opening the front door of the home, she was greeted by heavy smoke and began screaming. Her screaming alerted the other 8 members of the family who were in the home at the time. They escaped via the upper-floor windows. The fire began in the basement and heavily damaged the interior of the home. Firefighters saved the Hobbs family piano.
90 Years Ago
11/19/1920 – Still – 13:25 – Assistance for Cressona. American Hose sent by Chief. Fire originated in the Thomas Bossum residence on Front St. This home was opposite the Evangelical Church and parsonage, which was built in 1895. The Bossum home, along with the homes on either side owned by Howard Kulp and Gus Schwartz respectively, burned to the ground. The Evangelical Church also burned to the ground. Several other surrounding homes suffered varying degrees of damage. Fire loss was placed at over $37,000. The fire was placed under control at 15:45. Pottsville Fire Chief Stevenson accompanied the American Hose. A pumper from Liberty of Schuylkill Haven drafted from a creek. At this time, there was no municipal water supply in Cressona. Citizens were irate following the fire and pressed Borough Council for “fire plugs,” an alarm system, and standardized hose couplings. I believe this location was where Front St. narrows at Railroad – where the church is currently.
95 Years Ago
11/2/1915 – Box 73 – 12:30 – 22nd & W. Norwegian Sts. Elizabeth Carl bake oven. Cause: Spark from fire while baking. Loss: $10.
11/15/1915 – Telephone alarm – 05:45 – 403 Minersville St. Frank Quaglatio dwelling. Cause: Incendiary. Loss: $20.
11/18/1915 – Box 33 – 03:20 – 403 Minersville St. Frank Quaglatio dwelling. Cause: Incendiary. Loss: $5000. Quaglatio was a local shoemaker. He was away visiting his wife, who was seriously ill and hospitalized in Philadelphia. Mr. and Mrs. Drew resided next door at 405 Minersville St. Mrs. Drew heard individuals in the Quaglatio home. Shortly after, she smelled smoke and,` upon investigation, discovered the fire. Her husband, Edward, ran to the Humane Fire Company to rouse someone as a John Sherry “hooked” Box 53. Fire companies arrived to find the Quaglatio home heavily involved. American Hose and Humane were first on scene. Chief Lynaugh had “Command.” The Drew home was also damaged as was the residence and factory of Sol Barket at 401 Minersville St. Interestingly, there was no written connection to the “incendiary” fire at Quaglatio’s home three days earlier.
11/18/1915 – Telephone alarm – 18:10 – Anderson & Worman Sts. Anthracite Bleachery Co. Cause: Oiling machinery while hot. Loss: $1,376.83.
11/19/1915 – Telephone alarm – 03:20 – 1514 Minersville St. Rose Tanowski stable. Cause: Incendiary. Loss: $70.16.
100 Years Ago
11/7/1910 – Telephone alarm – 17:00 – West Arch St. Frame dwelling owned and occupied by J. Geo. Nichter. Cause: Defective flue. Loss: Unknown.
125 Years Ago
Monday, June 22, 1885 – 22:20 – Fire at Edward Sweeney and Daniel Hill’s stables, Mauch Chunk St.
140 Years Ago
Thursday, November 24, 1870 – An alarm of fire, caused by the burning of the canal boat, “Fawn,” at Atkins’ Furnace.
This fire kicked-up while I was researching the November "Looking Back." No PFD response, but a good job for the SHFD...
Looking Back
60 Years Ago
Schuylkill Haven
Shortly after midnight on Saturday, November 18, 1950, Mr. Clair T. Miller of 108 E. Liberty St., Schuylkill Haven, was passing the Parkway Diner - which was located at end of the Parkway on East Main St. - when he noticed flames in the kitchen of the diner. He stopped and met the owner of the diner, Arthur Fehr of Fredericksburg, locking the front doors and leaving. He yelled to him, “Your kitchen is on fire!” As Mr. Fehr ran to transmit the alarm, Mr. Miller ran into the kitchen and attempted to fight the fire. He was quickly overcome with smoke and retreated.
At 00:30, the Schuylkill Haven Fire Department received the alarm of fire. The three SHFD companies arrived to find heavy smoke showing from the restaurant portion of the 1-story frame building which was covered with asbestos exterior shingles. Fire Chief Claude Sausser had “Command.” Firefighters managed to contain the fire to the restaurant portion of the building. There was also a ballroom as part of the building. The fire was finally placed under control at 03:00. Companies were called back to the scene for a rekindle at 07:00 as 15 tons of coal stored in the basement flared-up.
Schuylkill Haven fire apparatus that would likely have responded include Rainbow Hose Company’s 1920 Hahn pumper and city service ladder truck. Both these rigs were extensively refurbished in 1936. Schuylkill Hose Company operated a 1948 Chevrolet/Oren 500 gpm pumper and a 1929 Seagrave 500 gpm pumper. Liberty Fire Company operated a 1948 L Model Mack 750 gpm pumper.
It was determined that the fire did, in fact, originate in the kitchen. It was reported that it was caused by “cooking fats” or an “electrical short.” In addition to Clair Miller, two other firefighters were injured: William Quinter of E. Main St. and Carl Fey of 34 William St. were both treated for lacerations. Fire loss was estimated at $50,000.
February 11, 1946- Scranton-One story frame and stucco building of the Taylor Garment Mfg. Co. was destroyed. Loss $25K. Incendiary was cause.
March 6, 1946-Scranton-$75,000 fire destroyed terminal and workshop of Palmer’s Transfer Co. Four tractors and large truck also lost.
March 10, 1946-St. Clair-1,000 tons of coal and other buildings and property destroyed in a spectacular fire that destroyed Repplier Coal Co. breaker. Loss $500,000
April 8, 1946-Trevorton. The Zion Lutheran Church on Market Street was struck by lightning. The bolt hit the belfry tower, descended through the roof, breaking plaster in the auditorium and reducing the large swinging doors in the vestibule to splinters. The Trevorton Fire Company responded but no fire resulted. Loss $1,000.
April 12, 1946-Tremont. Seventy year old Immaculate Conception Catholic Church destroyed in $50,000 fire.
April 24, 1946-Pottsville. 29 cars of Jersey Central freight derailed at Stony Creek. (SE of Pottsville.)
May 22, 1946-“Chendo”-Capital Theatre and two other buildings destroyed, 2 firemen hurt $100,000 loss. 13 companies called.
May 23, 1946, Lykens-fire in house in South Street. $4,000 loss
July 16, 1946, Scranton-$100,000 blaze swept three stores, office building of Scranton Catholic Diocese. Seven firemen injured. Three alarms. Five trapped in the upper floors were rescued via ladders. Building was gutted.
August 5, 1946, Scranton-Five cityfiremen including Chief Thomas Emmans? and Assistant Chief David Davis were injured fighting a two alarm blaze in a Central City apartment building.
August 19, 1946, Scranton-$100,000 fire destroyed the five story Wayne Milling Co. along with a large amount of cattle feed.
September 28, 1946, Wilkes-Barre-three hour fire burned Wilkes-Barre ?? abattoir –N. Pa. Ave. Twelve head of cattle also lost.
December 2, 1946, Mt. Carmel-Flames raging unchecked 310’ below surface in main shaft of the Locut Gap colliery of Phila & Reading Iron & Coal Co. 1200 miners out of work. Fire quelled in 4 days.
December 27, 1946, Wilkes-Barre-Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church in Hanover Township destroyed with a loss of $35,000
March 10, 1946-St. Clair-1,000 tons of coal and other buildings and property destroyed in a spectacular fire that destroyed Repplier Coal Co. breaker. Loss $500,000
Thanks to Brother Glore for doing some "homework" . . .
03/10/1946 – This coal breaker was built in 1925 and employed 580 individuals at the time of the fire. The breaker was located just north of St. Clair. The fire began in the “coal dump shed” approximately 100’ west of the breaker at approximately 18:45 hrs. The fire then followed an enclosed conveyor line to the top of the breaker, “faster than a man can walk.” Firefighters arrived to find the breaker itself well-involved in fire. 3 St. Clair companies, “several” from Minersville and Pottsville, and the Hecksherville (Clover) Fire Company responded. Note that I do not have a record of the Pottsville Fire Department response, although it would seem likely. Firefighters could only prevent the fire from spreading to other buildings on the property as well as approximately a dozen frame homes 200 yards east of the breaker. It was believed that the fire started as a result of workmen using an acetylene torch earlier in the day in the coal dump shed in order to repair the conveyor. All that remained after the fire was a mass of twisted steel and scorched machinery.
April 12, 1946-Tremont. Seventy year old Immaculate Conception Catholic Church destroyed in $50,000 fire.
4/12/1946 – The fire was discovered in the sacristy at approximately 16:25 hrs. Father Martin Coleman and several altar boys saved the vestments and other articles from the sacristy. Fire companies from Tremont, Pine Grove, Branchdale, Llewellyn, and Williamstown fought the fire. The fire was declared out at 18:00 hrs. The sacristy, measuring approximately 20’ x 24’ was gutted and the attic area above damaged. The sanctuary and altar were not damaged by fire, but did suffer smoke and water damage. The cause was determined to be a defective flue.
May 22, 1946-“Chendo”-Capital Theatre and two other buildings destroyed, 2 firemen hurt $100,000 loss. 13 companies called.
5/22/1946 – This was a “big one.” Approximately 200 patrons were in the Capitol Theater on the southwest corner of Main and Coal Streets in Shenandoah on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 22, 1946 to see the dramatic film, “Tomorrow is Forever.” Shortly after 15:00 hrs, movie goers noticed an orange hue in the upper left portion of the screen area. Soon, fingers of flamed began to reach along the curtains. In an instant, the stage curtains were a mass of flames. In what likely saved lives, patrons began a relatively calm and orderly exit from the theater. Also, thinking quickly, projectionist Edward Fanelli immediately turned on all the lights in the theater as soon as he had seen the first signs of fire on the stage. Those leaving first, immediately notified doorman Walter Juck of the fire. He ran to the corner of Main and Coal Streets and “hooked” Box 35.
Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke banking into the street from the theater. Fire spread rapidly through the three story frame theater, which also had apartments above. Seven families occupied those apartments. Those who were home at the time escaped via the interior stairs. Mrs. C. Dobson, however, was unable to escape her apartment due to the heavy smoke which spread rapidly through the building. She was rescued by firefighters via a ground ladder. All nine pieces of fire apparatus of the Shenandoah Fire Department responded to the scene. Realizing the advanced fire conditions that he and his department were facing and with the fire spreading to the attached exposures to the south, Fire Chief Edward Murphy began to call for mutual aid. Fire companies from Mahanoy City, Shenandoah Heights, Frackville, Girardville, Centralia, William Penn, Gilberton, and Lost Creek responded to assist the Shenandoah Fire Department. It was estimated that between 18 and 25 fire engines fought the fire.
The rear portion of the Capitol Theater building along Coal Street and Ferguson Street began to collapse. Fire also began to march south into the adjacent frame buildings. The efforts of firefighters and the help of a brick fire wall that separated Joseph’s Baby Land and Baraniak’s Electric Shop allowed the fire to be checked at that point. The fire was placed under control at 20:15, but a fire companies remained on scene throughout the night.
Following the fire, nothing but a shell remained of the Capitol Theater building. A 9000 square foot area at Main and Coal was a charred mass of debris. At the height of the fire, smoke could be seen for miles around. In addition to the Theater, the following businesses were affected: Charles Deranch Jewelry Store was destroyed, but most of the stock was saved; The two Joseph Stores, operated by Joseph Kress, were heavily damaged and some stock was saved; The Baraniak Electric Shop suffered mainly water damaged; The Jacob Schautawi Ice Cream Parlor and Luncheonetter suffered water damage; Helen’s Beauty Shop, E.W. Shoemaker Law Office, Baltimore Life Insurance Company office, and the Capitol Theater Office, all on the upper floors of the Capitol Theater building were destroyed. The seven families occupying the apartments above the Capitol Theater were left homeless and lost all of their possessions.
Several firefighters were injured, with two being hospitalized: Elmer Weikel, Mahanoy City, smoke inhalation; Tallison Phillips, Shenandoah, lacerations to the forehead and abrasions to the left foot. Also injured were: James Breslin, cut by glass; Stanley Sacavage, laceration; Thomas O’Haren, leg injuries; Edward Jones, hand cut by glass; Louis J. Malloy and Vincent Kisharavage, hand injuries; Leo Flaherty, foot injuries; John Lawlor,, hand and ankle injuries; John and George Zahorchick, abrasions.
While the official was cause was not determined, Fire Chief Murphy believed it was a result of defective wiring in the theater. The Theater’s seating capacity was 1400 persons. It was agreed at the time that had the fire occurred on a Saturday afternoon when attendance would have been much greater – particularly in terms of children - the evacuation may have been more problematic.
Best wishes for a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back
December
5 Years Ago
12/22/2005 – STILL – 08:41 – 13 Main St., Kaska. Good Intent, Phoenix, American Hose. Fire gutted a wood-frame duplex as the result of an improvised heating system.
10 Years Ago
12/10/2000 – Box 61 – 11:55 – 629 N. Centre St. Fire heavily damaged a 2.5 story single-family dwelling. Fire originated in the basement and extended to the upper floors via the balloon construction. Asst. Chief Spotts had Command.
12/13/2000 – STILL – 01:15 – 757 S. Rt. 183, Wayne Twp. All-American Auto. American Hose and Good Intent. Fire destroyed the large commercial building on a bitterly cold morning. Fire companies from 11 municipalities – including some from Berks County – provided aid. The fire was placed under control at 03:43.
12/13/2000 – STILL – 18:40 – 70 Argo Road, North Manheim Twp. Argo Willow Lake Plant. Good Intent, American Hose, West End. Fire originating in lint accumulation spread throughout the ductwork in the plant and extended to the roof via the roof-top vents. Extensive roof work was required to remove the vents, flashing, and roofing material to expose the fire.
12/28/2000 – STILL – 04:21 – 1614 Rt. 61 South, North Manheim Twp. Paradise Restaurant. Good Intent and American Hose provided RIT for Schuylkill Haven companies at the arson fire, which heavily damaged the restaurant. This is the current site of the Manheim Diner.
15 Years Ago
12/21/1995 – Box 523 – 20:45 - 804-806 Mt. Hope Ave. Fire originating in the basement in 806 heavily damaged the home. Fire extended via the common wall to 804. There was also heavy smoke damage to both homes. The fire was caused by an ember from a coal furnace igniting combustible materials on the basement floor. Seven individuals were left homeless as a result of the fire. This 2-story wood-frame duplex used to have an attic until it was consumed by fire, which originated in Webb’s Tire Service at 800-802 Mt. Hope Ave. on March 27, 1982.
20 Years Ago
12/1/1990 – Box 551 – 20:30 – Rear 515 Harrison St. A large one-story frame garage was fully-involved on arrival. This “garage” had actually been equipped and furnished as a bar.
25 Years Ago
12/26/1985 – STILL – 19:33 – Assistance to Norwegian Twp. – Trailer home on Peach Mountain Road. Chief sent Humane and Good Will.
35 Years Ago
Andy Hoke retires after 17 Years as Fire Chief. Todd March is sworn-in as Fire Chief on the evening of December 15, 1975 at 7:00 p.m. Then, eight hours later…
12/16/1975 – Box 522 – 03:17 – 805-805 ˝-807 Laurel Blvd. 805 and 805 ˝ vacant. 807 Occupant: Ted Starinsky. Loss: $500. The fire damaged the second and third floors of 805 ˝ and 807 and damaged the roof of 805. The fire was considered suspicious.
12/18/1975 – Box 57 – 11:19 – 705-707-709 N. 2nd St. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $4200. Occupants and losses:
705 – Ann McCartney $ 500
707 – Carl Deiter 3700
709 – Vacant
Fire began in the 2nd floor rear bedroom of 707. The second and third floors of 707 were heavily damaged, the third floor of and the second floor of 705 were also damaged. Photos of this fire appear in the Pottsville Firefighting book.
40 Years Ago
12/22/1970 – Box 32 – 05:25 – 20th & W. Norwegian St. Yorkville Hose & Fire Company social quarters. Loss: $30,000.
The bar itself, ceiling, and paneling of the grillroom were heavily damaged. Work on this new grillroom had just been completed during the fall months. The fire evidently set-off the company’s burglar alarm, which was a “hot line” directly to City Hall. Desk Sergeant Edward Santai dispatched Patrolmen John Muschock and William Mehling to the scene first. The fire was under control within 90 minutes.
45 Years Ago
12/25/1965 – 17:55 – Box 38 – Hillside, Cressona Road. Marlin Lehman barn. Cause: Undetermined (suspicious). Complete loss.
12/27/1965 – STILL – 15:00 – Call for help in Shenandoah. Fire in business district: Strand Theatre and office building. Chief sent American Hose, Good Intent, and West End. In service 6 ˝ hours. This fire is featured on the cover of the Schuylkill County Firefighting book. In all, five businesses were destroyed, the Strand Theatre was gutted, and 30 individuals were left homeless by the fire. Twelve people – including an 81-year-old woman and 11 firefighters were injured. The initial call was transmitted to the Shenandoah Fire Department at 13:32 from Box 23. Fire companies that provided aid included West Mahanoy Township, Gilberton, Frackville, Girardville, Ashland, Pottsville, Minersville, Tamaqua, Mahanoy City, and Hazleton. The fire originated in the Oppenheimer Building on the northeast corner of Main and Oak Streets. The cause of the fire was traced to an overheated flue connected to a bucket-a-day coal stove in the basement of the Sunshine Corner Shop.
50 Years Ago
12/9/1960 – 04:59 – STILL – Call for help at Reading Railroad Yard, St. Clair. American Hose, Good Will, Good Intent, Yorkville, Fire Chief and Asst. Chief responded.
12/15/1960 – STILL then Box 43 – 13:05 – 409 W. Arch St. Occupant: Mr. G. Marx. Cause: Child ignited gas range. Loss: $500.
12/18/1960 – Box 24 – 01:50 – Mauch Chunk & Hamilton Sts. Amor Fraterno lodge. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $70,000.
State Trooper Michael J. Turick, on routine patrol, was driving past the building when he noticed smoke. He called City Hall and the box alarm was subsequently transmitted. The 3 story building, of ordinary construction, was well-involved on arrival. The Steward, John Riley, of 425 Mauch Chunk St., suffered burns to his scalp and right arm. The bar closed at 1:00 a.m. It appeared that the fire started in the grill area. The fire spread rapidly through the false ceilings and partitions. Numerous streams were used from the exterior including one operated from the roof on the Orchard School next door. The occupant of the third floor apartment, Vera McLaughlin, was vacationing in Florida at the time of the fire. She lost all of her possessions in the fire. All companies were released from the scene by 06:15 with the exception of Good Will, Phoenix, and Yorkville. The last company cleared at 10:00.
A number of firefighters were injured:
Thomas Seitzinger, Greenwood Hill: cut right thumb.
Joseph Brahler, Good Intent: cuts to the right hand.
Roy Seitzinger, Good Intent: smoke inhalation.
Joseph Winicaties, Yorkville: cut right hand.
Good Goodman, Phoenix: cut hand.
Franics Schweikert, Greenwood Hill: superficial burns to the face.
Al Dusel, Good Will: Soot in the eyes.
The former Schuylkill Pediatrics office building now occupied the site where the Amor Fraterno club had stood. Photos of this fire appear in the Pottsville Firefighting book.
12/28/1960 – STILL – 04:45 – Call for help at Ney’s Farm, Glenworth. Yorkville, Good Intent, and West End responded. The fire was discovered by the owner, Sylvester Ney, when the glow from the fire lit-up his bedroom. As his sister phoned Pottsville City Hall, Ney went into the barn and saved a North Manheim Township tuck. With no water in the vicinity, the fire companies used their booster tanks to prevent the fire from spreading to the Ney home and other nearby buildings. The chopped holes in ice in a nearby pond, but were unable to secure a water supply. Destroyed in the barn was a snowplow and grader owned by the Township. The barn was also leased by John Becker of Pottsville, a general contractor. A large 1960 truck and scaffolding were destroyed as was a large inventory of tools and supplies. The total loss was estimated at $75.000.
55 Years Ago
12/11/1955 – Box 56 – 14:15 – 719 Fairview St. Occupant: T. E. Jenkins. Cause: Children playing with matches set clothes on fire in closet. Loss: $500.
12/22/1955 – Box 51 – 15:19 – 112 E. Minersville St. Occupant: Mrs. Thomas McGovern. Cause: Cigarette set bed on fire. Loss: $252.
12/25/1955 – Box 45 – 23:37 – 9th & Grant Sts. Boltz Factory. Cause: Motor on deep freeze on fire set off sprinkler system. Loss: $5000.
60 Years Ago
12/2/1950 – Box 24 – 12:51 – 22-24-26 S. Centre St. Cause: Unknown; fire started in basement of Woolworth’s store. Stock men worked in basement until about 22:00. Alarm sent-in at 00:51. Loss: $302,300. Occupants and losses:
22 – Raring Shoe Store $ 57,300
24-26 – Woolworth 230,000
24-26 – O.R.C.-U.S. Government 15,000
Woolworth’s building went from being 4 stories to being 1 story following this fire. Woolworth’s was a “repeat customer” for the PFD with this building having been the scene of two other serious fires. Woolworth’s former building had been the origin of Pottsville’s “Great Fire” of 1914.
12/26/1950 – Box 53 – 06:50 – 610 Minersville St. Occupant: Jesse Green. Cause: Oil stove set fire to building in front bedroom on 3rd floor. Loss: $1,200.
65 Years Ago
12/31/1945 – Box 24 – 00:26 – 409 S. Coal St. Occupant: Mrs. Thomas. Cause: Fire started in front bedroom on 1st floor, broke windows, and up front of building. Loss: $1,000. To give some perspective, this would have been in the general vicinity of where the billboard is located currently on the southwest corner at Mauch Chunk and C.A. Lord Blvd. (Rt. 61).
70 Years Ago
12/4/1940 – Box 65 – 13:55 – 335 and 337 W. Railroad St. Occupants: Ulmer’s Packing Co. and Leonard Schuettler. Cause: Bad chimney set old stable on fire. Ulmer’s had office in this building. Schuettler’s house caught fire from Ulmer’s building through partition to roof. Loss: $3,009.
12/4/1940 – STILL – 18:09 – 301 Laurel St. Sheridan Apartments. Cause: Bad chimney set fire to partition wall and burnt from 1st floor to roof. Loss: $564. This building stood where Humane’s satellite station is now.
12/8/1940 – STILL – 18:00 – 15 N. Centre St. Weiss Store. Cause: Heat from city steam pipe opened sprinkler head causing water damage. Loss: $2,100.
75 Years Ago
12/27/1935 – STILL – 23:10 – Call for help at Seltzer City. Chief sent West End.
12/28/1935 – Box 74 – 18:25 – 232 N. 18th St. Occupant: Morris Shafer. Cause: Spark from cellar furnace, hole in pipe. Loss; $200.
80 Years Ago
12/6/1930 – Box 25 – 04:20 – Centre & Mauch Chunk St. Loyal Order of Moose Lodge. Cause: Cigarette dropped on golf course. Loss: $2,127.
85 Years Ago
12/24/1925 – Box 18 – 02:33 – 100-102-104 N. Centre St. Occupants: M. Refowich, J. Pfacines, and Gellert Bros. Cause: Unkown. Loss; $22,284.28.
95 Years Ago
12/5/1915 – Box 66 – 16:20 – 119-121 Mill Creek Ave. John Killerman dwelling. Cause: Defective flue. Loss: $441.90.
12/13/1915 – Box 53 – 02:10 – 313 Minersville St. Carmen Tucci store and dwelling. Cause: Defective flue. Loss: $346.26.
12/15/1915 – Box 51 – 12:48 – Centre & Minersville Sts. Joseph Smith store and dwelling. Cause: Spontaneous combustion. Loss: $1,556.44. There were approximately six customers in the Sample Shoe Store at 318 North Centre Street when a fire was discovered in a small shed to the rear of the store. When the occupants fled the building shouting, “fire,” a resident of the block ran to Box 51 at Centre and Minersville Streets and transmitted the alarm. Fire extended from the shed to the rear of the shoe store and several surrounding buildings when the fire department arrived. As all the buildings were of frame construction, it was feared that a conflagration comparable to the “Great Fire” of a year earlier was in the making. They directed several streams on the rear of the buildings to knock-down the heavy exterior fire. “Chemical” lines were used inside the shoe store to check any extension there. Firefighters made what would be considered even today a “good stop.” While there was extensive smoke damage to the shoe store and surrounding buildings, the work of firefighters greatly reduced the amount of fire damage. Today, this would be the location of the former Nathan’s Furniture Store.
100 Years Ago
12/9/1910 – Box 24 – 12:30 – Pottsville Hospital (Coal & Mauch Chunk Sts.). Fire in 2 story brick laundry building. Cause: Chemical action of chloride lime on rags. Loss; $1,774.
12/25/1910 – Box 18 and 26 – 05:00 – East Norwegian St. Mrs. Smith dwelling, Quick Lunch occupied by Peter Valias, residence of G.L. Schmink, florist store occupied by Guy Payne, Pool & Barber Shop occupied by Patrick Higgins, Order of Owls Social Rooms and saddler shop of C.F. Seltzer. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $14,625.50.
115 Years Ago
12/28/1895 – Box 24 – 03:50 – Fire at the Orchard Flour Mills on Mauch Chunk St. Loss: $13,000.
120 Years Ago
12/2/1890 (Tuesday) – Box 42 – 09:00 – Fire at the houses of Jonathan Reber and Mr. Entwistle on Race St. between 6th & 7th Sts. Cause: Water-back in range exploded. Loss: About $3000.
125 Years Ago
12/9/1885 (Wednesday) – Midnight – Fire at the stable of John Gillan, Morris’ Addition, back of the Clay Monument.
155 Years Ago
12/16/1855 (Sunday) – The fire at Palo Alto resulted in the destruction of the engine house of the Schuylkill Valley Railroad and the injuring of several locomotives, property of the Reading Railroad. The total loss was about $12,000.
175 Years Ago
12/5/1835 (Saturday) – A fire broke-out in a double frame house, near the residence of Mr. George W. Cummings on Norwegian St. In spite of the prompt and vigorous exertions of our firemen and citizens, the house was reduced to ashes. The tenants lost all their furniture and clothing, with the exception of articles of little value and had barely time to save themselves and their children. A subscription has been taken-up for the relief of the sufferers.
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
11-29-2010, 19:18
Thanks Mike for your latest history lesson and a Merry Christmas to you and yours also.
I judged a county convention parade in Port Carbon with Gene Bendigo in the 70's. Had the pleasure to work with Andy Hoke. What a Guy!! Also with Jack Wertz of Mahanoy City. Thought of him today as I was reading about the fire there last night. A couple of Guys from Philly and Allentown judged also. Neat stuff for a young kid !!!! Memories forever.
One more thing, when Andy retired didn't he become some kind of an advocate for Miners with Black Lung disease?
ladder21lover
11-30-2010, 19:46
Hey Mike! I love how you take a look back down memory lane as I mentioned a few months ago. After reading so many of your posts, I am curious as to why a lot of out of city calls say Chief sent Company X and Company Z but very few show Station 20 leaving town? Also, I was wondering if you have an answer to this. By looking at the west side of Station 20 you can see different colored bricks (brighter towards the rear), was the building added on to at some point and was a home attached to the west side of the building (up front) because you can see lines where a building may have existed? Thank you in advance.
Tom: You may be correct about Andy Hoke’s post-retirement activities, but I’m not really familiar with that. He was a neat guy – great storyteller. Jack Wertz had seen his share of big jobs in Mahanoy City and vicinity as well.
Ladder 21: Good observation. I’ve been asked about the mutual-aid policy for both the ladder trucks and the engines on several occasions. In terms of the engines, it was indicated that historically they rotated on mutual-aid requests. If one examines the fire record, however, that really doesn’t hold-up. Just when you think you’ve identified a pattern, it’s lost. The bottom line really was that it was the decision of the Fire Chief or Asst. Chief on duty based on the location and nature of the call. It’s probably as structured now as it’s ever been geographically – particularly in terms of RIT. However, the mutual aid chief will get what he asks for or what he specifies on his run cards.
In terms of the ladder trucks, it’s even more interesting. You’re right that prior to about 1980, Phoenix pretty-much never left the City with one notable exception: 6/8/1972 – 03:26 – Assistance to Shenandoah – Humane and Phoenix.
When Phoenix received their 1959 American LaFrance 900 Series 100’ tractor-drawn aerial ladder, not only was it the first 100’ aerial in the County, but also one of only six aerial devices in the County. There were several quads and city service ladder trucks in the County, but few aerial devices. The aerial ladder stayed in the City to protect the City. Mutual-aid requests for laddering capabilities then and prior were met with Yorkville’s 1949 Maxim 750 gpm quad or 1929 Mack/Hahn city service ladder truck.
Then, in 1960, West End of Pottsville received a 65’/750 gpm Seagrave K Model quint. This rig became a genuine workhorse and took-in many jobs throughout Schuylkill County. The logic kinda remained the same – the 100’ aerial stayed in the City while the 65’ aerial responded to mutual-aid requests.
In the late 1970’s, two things happened to change the dynamic. First, Todd March became Fire Chief in 1975. Second, and perhaps more importantly, West End received a 1977 Seagrave 100’/1000 gpm quint. The working height of the aerial argument was essentially a non-issue. In order to provide some degree of fairness, it was decided that Phoenix would respond to mutual-aid requests East and North of the City while West End would respond to mutual-aid requests South and West of the City. This framework – while not without controversy at times – generally continues to this day. In fact, after all these years, on two occasions this year mutual aid chiefs had indicated their understanding that Phoenix, “wasn’t allowed to leave the City, “ or “wasn’t allowed to respond south.”
The first time that both Pottsville ladder trucks operated at the same mutual aid fire was on 3/8/1996 when West End’s 1992 E-One 75’/1500 gpm quint and the Phoenix 1959/1992 ALF 100’ tractor-drawn aerial operated at the Cressona Knit knitting mill fire on Schuylkill St. in Cressona Boro. Both ladder trucks have operated at the same mutual aid fire a couple of times since, most recently at the Wynn-Ann fire on Sunbury St. in Minersville. In fact, it’s actually a little easier for that to take place now as the Pottsville run cards have two aerial devices on each alarm through the fourth as well as what could be considered a “Ladder Task Force.” Backfilling is or should be relatively easy. This allows the mutual-aid IC to get what he needs on-scene immediately.
As to why Phoenix went to the 1972 Shenandoah fire, I’m not really sure. Perhaps it was a specific request for the 100’ aerial or perhaps West End was out-of-service. Minersville’s 65’ Snorkel was also at that 1972 Shenandoah job.
Hopefully that provides a little historical insight on the responses that you’ve seen…
Ladder 21: In regard to the second part of your question dealing with the Phoenix Fire Company building... Yes, there was a home next to it on the left (west) side. I've been trying to find a good shot of the firehouse with the house next to it, but I couldn't come up with much. What I did find was an aerial shot from the mid- to late-1950's. The area around the firehouse has changed dramatically over the years. For those who may not be familiar, it's the long building with the arched doorway in the row of homes in the lower right (compressed pic, click for larger view).
4871
ladder21lover
12-06-2010, 16:38
Grerat photo, Mike! The lanscape looks very different today. Other than the homes and the firehouse, the only building that is still recognizable to me is the building that now houses Brewer's Outlet.
Here's a few more I found in the Harrisburg papers working through the first quarter of 1947:
December 31, 1946, Ashland-$100,000 fire swept two establishments, three others damaged. Thirteen people homeless. 12 degree weather, frozen hoselines. Fire less than one month from previous fire that did $65,000 to businesses. One firemen overcome by smoke.(apparently I missed that fire-or it never got in our newpapers!)
January 15, 1947-Plymouth. Fifteen miners were killed in a gas explosion in Glen Alden Coal Co. Nottingham Colliery.
January 22, 1947, Girardville-$350,000 blaze destroyed 10 buildings damaged 3 others in G-ville. Two firemen overcome by smoke, at 3 a.m. blaze. Fire alarm cut, strong wind, lack of water. Ashland FD, Frackville, Lost creek, Gilberton, Mahanoy City, Chendo and Wm. Penn.
February 5, 1947-Nuangola Station. Fire swept three room Stivers School. Mt. Top and Wanamie FC’s responded.
February 13, 1947-Scranton-Jessup. Flames swept the warehouse and garage of Waddell Coal Company. Loss $40,000.
February 23, 1947, Scranton-In sort of a bizarre incident, an explosion of a pocket of gas in Central City burned riders on a trolley car then threw flames high into the air. Incident spectacular but not major.
March 2, 1947, Wilkes-Barre-Large very smoky fire severely damaged the three story Neisner Brothers Store on S. Main St. People in upper floors rescued via ladders. Ten stores overall damaged to some degree. Loss $700,000.
March 23, 1947, Sunbury-Breaker of the Western Lehigh Coal Company in Beaver Township destroyed in spectacular fire.
A follow-up to Dave's 12/13 post...
December 31, 1946, Ashland-$100,000 fire swept two establishments, three others damaged. Thirteen people homeless. 12 degree weather, frozen hoselines. Fire less than one month from previous fire that did $65,000 to businesses. One firemen overcome by smoke.
Fire was discovered at 08:30 that morning in the William Wenner's Ice Cream and Confectionary Store at 1008-1010 Center St. It was burning in the wall along the chimney line, which adjoined the Workmen's Supply Store at 1012-1024 Center St. Fire spread quickly through these two businesses, along with the apartments above. Mutual aid was requested. Shenandoah sent 2 companies. Also responding were fire companies from Girardville, Locustdale, and Centralia. Firefighter James Neary of the Washington Fire Company of Ashland was overcome by smoke as fought the fire in the apartment of his daughter, Mrs. Edward Campbell. The cause of the fire was traced to an overheated chimney. The fire was placed under control at 10:30.
January 22, 1947, Girardville-$350,000 blaze destroyed 10 buildings damaged 3 others in G-ville. Two firemen overcome by smoke, at 3 a.m. blaze. Fire alarm cut, strong wind, lack of water “Ashland FD, Frackville, Lost creek, Gilberton, Mahanoy City, Chendo and Wm. Penn.
At 2:00 a.m. on the morning of January 22, 1947 there were seven patrons who were preparing to leave Cantwell's Hotel at 132-134 East Main Street in Girardville following, "last call." One of the patrons smelled smoke. They, along with the proprietor, searched the building thoroughly but found nothing. As the odor became stronger, one patron, Joseph McDonald, stepped outside to examine the surrounding buildings. He quickly spotted smoke coming from the roofline of the Grumm property at 130 E. Main St. He kicked-in the Grumm's door and alerted the sleeping family to the fire. The other patrons then began evacuating neighboring buildings. Shortly after the alarm was sounded, fire broke through the roof. Temperatures were near zero. A bitterly cold wind quickly spread the fire through the adjoining frame buildings. Directly in the path of the advancing flames was the firehouse of the Girard Hose Company at 120 E. Main St. Firefighters removed two engines and an ambulance ahead of the fire, however the borough's fire alarm system was rendered inoperative. The Rangers Hose Company and Girard Hose Company realized the magnitude of the fire they were facing an called for mutual aid. The Phoenix and Polish American Fire Companies of Shenandoah were the first to arrive. They were quickly followed by companies from Ashland, Gilberton, Frackville, West Mahanoy Township, Mahanoy Plane, and Mahanoy City. One pumper obtained water from the Mahanoy Creek to battle the flames as several fire hydrants were found to be frozen. Residents of the 200 block of E. Main St. began to remove furniture and other personal belongings from their homes as they feared a conflagration was developing. As more equipment and firefighters arrived, however, battle lines were drawn in the 100 block of E. Main St.
As dawn was breaking on that frigid morning, firefighters managed to gain the upper hand. Everything in the vicinity was ice-encrusted, including the firefighters and their equipment and hoselines. Burned to the ground were the properties at 136, 138, 132-143, 130, 128, 126, 124, 120-122, 116-118, and 114 E. Main St. The 120-122 property was the home of the Girard Hose Company. Gutted by the fire was 112 E. Main St. Extensively damaged was 108-110 E. Main St. Damage totaled $350,000. Firefighters Harry Longlance and Francis McKeon of Girardville were overcome by smoke. They were treated and released. The fire was said to have been the most destructive in Girardville's history to that point. The official cause was not determined, but an defective chimney was suspected. Girardville Fire Chief Thomas Kelly of was not able to attend the fire as he was confined to bed due to illness.
Other major fires in Girardville to that point were:
2/23/1929 - Crystal Restaurant, W. Main St., and several homes. Loss: $200,000.
2/22/1937 - historic Girardville Opera House destroyed. Loss: $100,000.
4/15/1943 - 21 homeless as fire destroyed the new Girardville Theater and 6 homes. Loss: $51,600.
Best Wishes for a Safe and Prosperous New Year!
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back
Part I
January
5 Years Ago
1/13/2006 – Box 612 – 02:43 – 227 Wallace St. An electrical fire erupted in this occupied, frame private dwelling and began spreading through the partition walls and ceiling. Quick knock once the fire was exposed.
1/22/2006 – STILL – 17:44 – 201 Beechwood Ave., Mar Lin (Norwegian Township); Humane (E32), Yorkville (E62), and West End (L51) responded for a single-story frame garage, which was heavily damaged.
10 Years Ago
1/27/1996 – STILL – 17:05 – 200 Mill Creek Ave., East Norwegian Twp. Single-story private home gutted. Good Intent responded in place of Good Will and Humane. Those companies were committed on pump details in the City. This fire followed a period of heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and then a rapid thaw and rain. This resulted in serious flooding all over the region.
20 Years Ago
1/27/1991 – Box 41 – 11:46 – 1227 W. Market St. Fire was showing on arrival from the rear of the first floor apartment. Quick knock by West End (L51), who had a short run from their firehouse a few doors away!
25 Years Ago
1/10/1986 – Box 32 – 04:45 – 323 Schuylkill Ave. Arson fire damaged a vacant 2.5 story dwelling of ordinary construction. Companies arrived with heavy smoke showing and fires burning on all three floors. Fire under control at 05:15.
1/20/1986 – STILL – 07:00 – 660 E. Main St., Hegins. Humane responded. Fire destroyed the three story frame building that housed the Prima Pizzeria and apartments above. Also gutted was the adjoining three story frame apartment building at 664 E. Main St. Humane E33 (1980 Seagrave 1250 gpm pumper) requested for 5” supply line. Frackville Good Will’s aerial ladder and Schuylkill Haven Rainbow’s snorkel were also on scene.
30 Years Ago
1/5/1981 – Box 51 – 18:00 – 110 E. Race St. Occupant: Schoeneman Beauty Supply. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $49,600.
1/13/1981 – Box 114 – 22:10 – 2 N. 3rd St. Office and apartment building. Cause: Electrical short in basement ceiling. Loss: $13,700.
1/31/1981 – Box 25 – 22:30 – 567 S. Centre St. Occupant: Charles Evans. Cause: Short in extension cord. Loss: $800.
40 Years Ago
1/1/1971 – STILL – 06:20 – Mazloom’s Hotel, New Philadelphia; Chief sent Greenwood Hill, Good Intent, and Yorkville. Mazloom’s was located at 59 Valley St. (Rt. 209) exactly where it is today. At the time, however, it was a 3-story double-frame building. The fire occurred during a snowfall with freezing temperatures. Yorkville responded with their 1949 Maxim quad (rather than their ’67 Maxim) as it had four wheel drive. The building was completely destroyed.
1/19/1971 – Box 43 – 02:47 – 3rd & W. Race Sts., Pottsville Showcase – this was a “Big One.” See Part II for details…
1/24/1971 – Box 27 – 00:55 – Mauch Chunk St., Phillips and Jones Corp. Cause: Arson, Molotov cocktail; Loss: $2,500.
1/26/1971 – STILL – 03:10 – Bur-Ben Hotel, Llewellyn. Chief sent Yorkville, West End, and Humane. A neighbor, Anthony Schultz, notified PSP Schuylkill Haven of the fire and alerted the neighborhood by firing three shots from a rifle. Mountaineer Hose of Minersville was also on scene.
1/30/1971 – STILL – 18:45 – Mill Creek, Town & Country Store. Nature: Bomb – 4 sticks of dynamite. The Town & Country Store was located where Hollywood Video and the State Store are located today. An unnamed customer was looking at luggage in the store when, upon opening a suitcase, he/she discovered the bomb. The bomb consisted of 4 sticks of dynamite attached to a detonator and an alarm clock. The clock stopped at 17:35, which would seem to indicate that the device was not wired correctly. Store supervisor Terry Schivona immediately phoned the Schuylkill Haven State Police Barracks. The Good Will Fire Company of Pottsville, along with Director of Public Safety Robert Dewald and the Lions Ambulance were call to stand-by until the bomb disposal unit from Ft. Indiantown Gap dismantled the device. Two weeks prior, the store had received a written bomb threat.
45 Years Ago
1/19/1966 – STILL – 16:00 – Clinton St. T. Davis garage. Cause: Unknown; Loss: Unknown. Good Will, Humane, and Good Intent.
1/23/1966 – STILL – 04:15 – Call for help in Mechanicsville, 1000 Pottsville St. Occupant: Somaitis; Cause: Defective light fixture. Chief sent Greenwood Hill, Good Intent, and American Hose. Damage was confined to the kitchen and basement.
50 Years Ago
1/31/1961 – STILL – 17:05 – Boulevard & Mill Creek Ave. Sam Williams house trailer. Cause: Overheated oil burner. Loss: $300.
55 Years Ago
1/3/1956 – STILL – 19:35 – 318 Sanderson St. Occupant: Joseph Thomas; Cause: Blowtorch set fire to building in partition wall on first floor; Loss: $327.
1/5/1956 – STILL – 21:58 – 217 Mauch Chunk St. Occupant: Joseph Mackowski; Cause: Hot chimney set fire to partition wall. Loss: $300.
1/12/1956 – STILL – 13:15 – 1717 W. Norwegian St. Occupant: Isadore Liner; Cause: Cigarette set fire to sofa in basement; Loss: $1,237.
1/22/1956 – STILL – 17:22 – 1631 W. Market St. Occupant: Joseph Mieldazis; Cause: Rubbish near furnace ignited. Loss: $430.
60 Years Ago
1/1/1951 – Box 57 – 16:25 – 512 N. 2nd St. Dunn Apartment House. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $3000.
1/20/1951 – STILL – 18:05 - 1023 Mine St. Occupant: Willis May; Cause: Stove pipe set fire to timber in partition wall. Loss: $150.
65 Years Ago
1/10/1946 – Box 41 – 16:35 – 1309 W. Market St. Occupant: Lewis Shaneman; Cause: Unknown (storing old furniture in basement). Loss: $150.
1/14/1946 – STILL – 11:10 – Rear 905 W. Market St. Seasholtz estate barn. Cause: Burning paper in alley, spark set old barn on fire. Loss: $150.
70 Years Ago
Fire Chief George Smith received a $10/month raise in salary for the year 1941 bringing his total annual salary to $2100.
1/10/1941 – Box 18 – 23:11 – Centre & Norwegian Sts. Rubinsky Estate store. Cause: Garbage in old elevator shaft on fire, burnt to roof. Loss: $635.
75 Years Ago
1/10/1936 – Box 34 – 22:00 – 612 Schuylkill Ave. Occupant: Mary Rabuck. Cause: Fire started in basement washroom (no one home at time). Loss: $2,195.
80 Years Ago
1/10/1931 – STILL – 08:30 – Assistance to Oak Hill Coal Company (Duncott). Chief sent Good Will, West End, and Yorkville.
1/12/1931 – Box 18 – 18:30 – 14 N. Centre St. Occupant: C.P. Golamis. Cause: Overheated gas stove. Loss: $1,500.
1/26/1931 – Box 51 – 04:50 – 412 N. 2nd St. Occupant: M. Joulwan. Cause: Pan of fat. Loss: $415.
1/30/1931 – STILL – 03:45 – 801 W. Market St. Occupant: Mrs. J. Hunter. Cause: Cigarette. Loss: $175.
85 Years Ago
1/4/1926 – Box 26 – 04:00 – 16 S. Centre St. Occupant: Leed’s Hotel, Endicott and Johnson, and Hoppes and McMann. Cause: Defective wiring. Loss: $37,065.07. This location would be the current Turning Point building at 16-18 S. Centre St. Leed’s Hotel was located directly above the Endicott & Johnson Store. Police Officer Collins discovered smoke coming from the building while on routine patrol. He first entered the Endicott & Johnson store. Finding no fire there, he went upstairs to Leed’s Hotel. He kicked-in the door and found a fire raging in the main dining room. As the fire department arrived, fire began to break through the roof. The downtown area was soon illuminated by the flames. The building was owned by Israel Rubinsky. The Raring Shoe Store was also damaged. Fire Chief Stevenson had “Command.”
1/29/1926 – Box 511 – 01:03 – 918-920 W. Race St. Occupants: Wm. Heffner and Wm. Evans. Cause: Defective flue. Loss: $235.
90 Years Ago
1/6/1921 – STILL – 12:45 – E. Norwegian & Railroad Sts. Occupant: J. Fredericks. Cause: Explosion of can of coal oil. Loss: $325.
1/18/1921 – Box 51 – 02:15 – 439 N. Centre St. Occupant: Charlton Motor Co. Cause: Cigarettes. Loss: $250.
1/18/1921 – Box 37 – 06:55 – 224 Pierce St. Occupant: J. Racla. Cause: Defective flue. Loss: $125.
1/19/1921 – STILL – Assistance to Palo Alto. American Hose sent by Chief.
100 Years Ago
1/6/1911 – Box 18 – 19:05 – Centre & Market Sts. Lodge hall and business houses owned by Amanda Foster. Cause: Lighted cigarette or match. Loss: $160. “20:40 – Same location. Second alarm was not needed. Some excited person caused it. Woman cried “fire” while fighting with husband.”
130 Years Ago
Wednesday, January 15, 1881 – Fire destroyed the slaughter house of Frederick Schall on the Cressona Road.
140 Years Ago
Thursday, January 5, 1871 – 20:00 – Fire in Morris’ Addition; the stable of ex-Sheriff Wynkoop, with two horses, carriage, etc. were consumed.
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back Part II
40 Years Ago
Pottsville Showcase
January 19, 1971
Ernest Eichenbaum operated the Pottsville Showcase and Equipment Company near the lower part of Minersville and Laurel Sts. The building in which he operated became a victim of progress and was razed as part of the Minersville Street Redevelopment Project. In 1964, he moved his business to the very large, very imposing three-story building of ordinary construction that was located at 300 N. 3rd St. – on the northeast corner of the intersection at 3rd & W. Race Sts. This building was originally built as a soap factory. It had also housed the Hoffman Furniture Store. It later served as an automobile dealership, first as Reber Chevrolet and later as Troutman Pontiac. The Showcase building stood less than a block from the new Humane Fire Company firehouse at 3rd St. and Laurel Boulevard. Humane’s original firehouse at the foot of Laurel Street at 3rd also became a victim of the Minersville Street Redevelopment project. A parking lot and Humane Alley separated the firehouse and the Showcase building. The Pottsville Showcase and Equipment Company supplied furnishings and other necessary equipment for restaurants, bars, etc.
Francis Cremia worked at the relatively new Post Office in the 400 block of North Centre St. Early that Tuesday morning, he and several other Postal employees decided to head to a local diner for their night shift meal. As they exited the Post Office shortly after 2:30 A.M., they were met by the biting cold. Temperatures at that early morning hour hovered near 0 degrees. They rounded the corner at 3rd and Laurel Boulevard – directly in front of the Humane Fire Company – and discovered smoke pouring from the nearly half-block long Pottsville Showcase building. Cremia quickly raced to turn-in the alarm. At 02:47, Box 43 began to bang-in on the Gamewell house gongs in the eight Pottsville firehouses as well as at City Hall. In short order, the cold, silent night air was pierced by the wailing house sirens.
Driving Good Intent’s 1958 Oren 750 gpm pumper, Foreman Dennis McCabe wheeled the engine onto to North 3rd Street from West Market. Smoke was hanging heavy in the area from the fire two blocks away. As he crossed West Arch Street, a wind shift dropped the smoke level down to the street. McCabe inched the rig forward until he approached the intersection with West Race. He left room for Phoenix’s 1960 American LaFrance 100’ tractor-drawn aerial ladder truck to position in front (or A Side) of the building. Thankfully, it was a relatively short ride in the open cab and open tiller seat of the Phoenix’s ladder truck that bitterly cold morning!
Fire Chief Andy Hoke arrived on scene and realized quickly that he was going to be facing the largest fire to that point in his 12 year career. His Assistant Chiefs at the time of the fire were Bill Stephenson (Good Will), Donald “Doc” Bound (West End), and Jake Gerace (Yorkville). Wearing self-contained breathing apparatus and some filter-type masks, firefighters tried repeatedly to press an interior attack. As firefighters forced entry and vented, conditions rapidly deteriorated and it became apparent to Hoke that the building would be doomed. Firefighters were withdrawn from the building and exterior operations begun. At 03:10, Hoke transmitted a second alarm. This brought the remaining apparatus still in City fire stations to the scene. 2.5” supply lines were laid from virtually every hydrant in the vicinity.
West End positioned their 1960 Seagrave 65’/750gpm quint on the north (B Side) of the fire building in the parking lot. West End’s 1963 Seagrave 750 gpm pumper obtained a water supply and pumped to the quint. Firefighter Timmy Ellison climbed the extended aerial to operate the ladder pipe. He hydraulically vented the small window just below the roof peak leading to the attic area. Firefighter George Glore positioned himself on the aerial ladder below Ellison to facilitate communication between the tip and the turntable. After operating the pipe along the roofline, the biting cold and smoke condition took their toll on Ellison. He yelled to Glore that he was going to come down to take a blow. When they arrived on the turntable, Glore proceed to the tip. Arriving at the tip and squinting through tearing eyes, Glore lowered the pipe from the roof line. Reaching out, he tightened the pattern on the Akron Black Widow fog tip to a straight stream and drove the stream into the inky smoke that was now churning from the attic window. Firefighters rotated at the tip throughout the night – most eventually equipped with self-contained breathing apparatus. By 03:40, fire was showing from numerous windows in the building. By 03:50, fire had broken through the roof.
Firefighters poured water into the building from various access points. The water quickly froze everywhere. Chief Hoke knew that his men were taking a beating. He also knew that all of his firefighting resources were at the scene. He requested mutual aid from the Schuylkill Haven Fire Department. Schuylkill Haven companies were stationed at the Good Intent Fire Company and the nearby Humane Fire Company. Eventually, firefighters from the Rainbow in Schuylkill Haven made their way from the Humane to assist and relieve Pottsville firefighters. In one instance, Haven firefighters assumed the operation of a 2.5” handline by simply placing their hands into the gloves worn by Pottsville firefighters that were frozen to the nozzle.
The Humane Fire Company was used to rehab firefighters who were literally frozen in their turnout gear. Humane Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary members used electric hair dryers to thaw the turnout coat closures of the firefighters. Having the new Humane building so close allowed freezing and weary firefighters to thaw-out and get a cup of coffee and a donut prior to returning to the fireground.
Throughout the night, firefighters continued to pour water on the blazing Showcase building. Phoenix operated their ladder pipe on the 3rd St. side (A Side) of the fire building. Yorkville firefighters raised their Bangor ladder to the exposed 3-story occupied multiple dwelling of ordinary construction on the southeast corner of 3rd & W. Race St (D Side). A handline was advanced to the roof of that building to direct into the Showcase. This apartment building was undamaged and still stands today. Also exposed in the rear (C Side) was a large 2.5 story private dwelling and garage on the northwest corner of 2nd & W. Race St. This home was not damaged by the fire as firefighters had hoselines in position to protect it from the flying embers. Several garages in the rear alley (C Side) also escaped fire damage.
The lower level of the Showcase building was used as garage space and was rented by residents of the neighborhood. Of the nine vehicles in the garage at the time of the fire, seven were destroyed. The Showcase truck and one automobile were saved. At one point, when the interior of the building began to collapse, car horns began sounding from the garage area creating a prolonged annoyance.
City Street Department crews were also on scene to spread anti-skid material as there was a very large ice accumulation. Pennsylvania Power & Light crews secured power to the Showcase building. Salvation Army personnel provided hot coffee.
The fire was placed under control at 07:00 that morning. However, it continued to flare-up for some time. For the next day and half, fire companies rotated being on scene and pouring water into the smoldering ruins. The last water was applied on Thursday morning, January 21.
Wrapping-up from the scene provided an additional challenge for firefighters as all apparatus and equipment were ice-encrusted. The Good Intent kept a bottle of whiskey on their 1958 Oren pumper to provide instant warmth at bitterly cold fire scenes. That morning, however, Engineer Dale Ward used the whiskey on the windshield of the pumper to thaw the ice in order to return to quarters. Phoenix did not return to quarters until noon that day. The stories of the firefighting efforts and the battle against the elements that night have become legendary in the Pottsville Fire Department. The “Showcase” fire was for that generation of firefighters what the “Chip Factory” fire (Reiland’s – 9th & Laurel) was for the next generation or what “Pierce Street” is for my generation. Andy Hoke cited the Pottsville Showcase fire and the Pottsville Club fire (300 Blk. Mahantongo) in 1974 as the two most challenging fires of his 17 year career. The Schuylkill County Adult Probation offices currently occupy the site where the Pottsville Showcase building had stood.
The cause of the fire is officially listed as “undetermined.” However, there was always speculation that this may have been the work of one of Pottsville’s most prolific serial arsonists who was dubbed, “The Rabbit.” That’s a story for another time…
Mike
I was not a member of the department in 71 but I remember the showcase fire.I was a senior in high school and my father owned the Yorkville Quality Shoppe.were Grandmas is today, and I got a phone call in the middle of the night from my dad telling me not to go to school but I had to open up the restaraunt for him.Don't know what time it was but all of sudden two frozen quads pulled up and frozen firefighters were getting off the trucks.When they came into the restaraunt we had to get a hammer and knock the ice off the buckles on the coats,when the coats were finally taken off they stood up by themselfs.We supplied breakfast for the firefighters that day.
That's a great story, Gus! You know, that's what I find so fascinating about the Pottsville Showcase Fire...there are so many individual stories like that floating around. I just talked to Chief Engineer Sibbett at the American Hose about their apparatus positioning at the fire, too. Thanks for sharing.
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
01-02-2011, 11:09
Mike, as always, Great Stuff. Check part 1 however the 1996 flooding was 15 years ago not 10. It was my first month as Chief and I'll never forget it!!!
Gus, The commentary was wonderful. I to remember times when the coats stood by themselves. :)
Good catch, Tom. I slid 1996 in under the wrong header...shoulda been 15 Years Ago.
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
01-02-2011, 16:32
Gus: My wife and her sister often talked of eating lunch at the Quality Shoppe in Minersville. Brought up some stories from them of their youth.
Another “Thank You” to Dr. Pete Yasenchak, Dave Derbes, and the Historical Society of Schuylkill County for their help with a few very old locations!
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back
February
5 Years Ago
02/11/2006 – 09:56 – Box 47 – 1122 W. Market St. Fatal Structure Fire
The male occupant, Arthur Keller, 43, of the first floor apartment in the 3-story occupied multiple dwelling was bedridden and on a home oxygen system. A fire erupted on or near the bed. Unable to escape, he quickly called 9-1-1. Companies arrived with the apartment well-involved and heavy fire showing from the first floor windows. A quick knock was made by first-arriving Ladder 51. Tragically, Mr. Keller was found deceased in his bed. Firefighters removed a male occupant from the 2nd floor rear porch via ground ladder. Asst. Chief Glore had Command.
Humane E32 dash-cam video…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nAqCifrNuQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nAqCifrNuQ)
2/17/2006 – 21:02 – 244 – 520 Jefferson St. A stovetop fire quickly spread to the cabinets above. Fire knocked with one line in the front door. Kitchen heavily damaged in the 2.5 story duplex. Asst. Chief Spotts had Command.
15 Years Ago
2/8/1996 – 17:52 – Box 37 – 225 Pierce St. Fire spread via the exterior (D Side) wall of the 2-story frame dwelling, which was of balloon-frame construction. Fire stopped on the second floor at the top of the interior stairwell. Extensive overhaul required.
2/23/1996 – 18:00 - STILL – East Mines Road (Ann St.), Norwegian Twp.
Good Will, Humane, and West End were dispatched for “smoke in a structure.” With nothing more remarkable on dispatch, it could be reasonable to think that the smoke condition might be the result of unattended cooking or perhaps an oil burner based on the time of day and the season. That presumption was quickly squashed when Captain John Conway of the Humane arrived with Engine 33 (1980 Seagrave 1250 gpm) and advised that he was leading-off with the deck gun! The 2.5-story frame dwelling was heavily involved on arrival. Based on the grade of the lot, the home actually presented three stories on the A (Ann St.) side. Asst. Chief Mistisshin had Command. Good Intent and American Hose were added to the call to establish a water supply from a hydrant in East Mines. Mt. Carbon’s tanker was also requested.
20 Years Ago
2/10/1991 – 03:22 – Box 36 – 211-213 Howard Ave.
A fire was intentionally set under the first-floor interior stairwell in the 2-story occupied multiple dwelling of ordinary construction. Fire quickly spread up the stairwell and involved the apartments on the second floor. On occupant of the second floor apartment was a book collector and his apartment contained $15,000 in books, which lined the walls. In addition, a metal covering lined the walls above the book cases. This resulted in a tremendous and prolonged heat condition which punished crews entering via the second floor balcony. As conditions deteriorated, crews were withdrawn from the interior and from the roof. When the main body of fire was knocked-down, interior operations resumed. In all, 10 individuals were left homeless by the fire. Two garages on the first floor of a portion of the building were also destroyed. Damages exceeded $100,000. Companies were out 4 hours. Asst. Chief G. Witmier had Command. This was the first of three serious fires to strike this block in a five year period.
25 Years Ago
2/8/1986 – Box 62 – 17:44 – 467 Peacock St.
While driving my mom west on Peacock St. that cold evening, I remarked that it looked like smoke drifting across the street. She replied that it was snow blowing from the rooftops. As we got closer, I could clearly see smoke curling from the eaves of a 2.5 story frame dwelling. I said, “That’s not snow!” as I quickly curbed the car. I called City Hall (622-3600) from a neighboring home. No cell phones or 9-1-1 then! Fire gutted the 2nd floor rear bedroom of the home. Asst. Chief Jack Conway (Humane) had Command.
30 Years Ago
2/16/1981 – Box 57 – 16:22 – 649 N. 2nd St. Occupant: Carl Deiter; Cause: Overheated gas heater vent; Loss: $2000. Rear wall ignited as a result of the heater vent. Fire was showing from the rear wall on arrival. Most damage confined to the exterior of the home. Fire under control in 20 minutes. Asst. Chief Cerullo (American Hose) had command.
35 Years Ago
2/4/1976 – Box 613 – 03:02 – 562 Peacock St. Occupant: Kurt Schock; Cause: Electrical short circuit; Loss: $1200.
2/5/1976 – Box 242 – 02:25 – 113 S. George St. Occupant: Beulah Harrison; Cause: Unknown; Loss: $4000. Fire from the rear of the home was spotted by a police department patrolman on routine foot patrol downtown. He notified Sgt. Herbert Harris who responded to the scene. Sgt. Harris awakened Ms. Harrison and other neighbors by sounding the siren on his patrol car and banging on doors. The fire began on the exterior of the home in the rear and spread to the interior. Fire placed under control in 1 hour. 111 S. George St. was vacant and undamaged.
2/16/1976 – STILL – 11:43 – Airplane crash at Joe Zerbey Airport. Chief sent Yorkville. Single-engine plane took off, turned right sharply, and appeared to stall at about 200’. The plane spun into the ground nose-first. The pilot, Thomas L. Frye of Ringtown, was DOA. Frye was also a flight instructor.
2/26/1976 – Box 541 – 10:20 – 525-527 Harrison St. 2 vacant houses. Cause: Explosion. Loss: Unknown. These homes were in the process of being demolished when fire erupted in the rear of the properties. An empty gasoline can was found. Neighbors reported hearing and explosion and then seeing an individual fleeing down the embankment behind the homes. These homes were also involved in a serious fire on November 6, 1972.
40 Years Ago
2/2/1971 – STILL – 03:31 – Roeder Hotel in Friedensburg; Chief sent West End and Yorkville. The large 2.5 story frame building was located just a short distance from the Friedensburg firehouse. Mrs. Clara Roeder, the only occupant of the building at the time, awoke to find smoke filling the hallways. Mrs. Roeder sounded the alarm at 01:50. Firefighters relayed water through 1800 feet of hose from Reed’s Dam. Assisting Friedensburg firefighters were companies from Schuylkill Haven (2), Summit Station, Cressona, Orwigsburg, Landingville, Pine Grove, as well as Pottsville. Pottsville received a call for a ladder truck at 03:31 (West End) and for a pumper at 04:05 (Yorkville). The temperature was -2 at the time of the fire. It was estimated that 125-150 firefighters were on scene. The building was completely destroyed. The Roeder Hotel was located on Rt. 443 at the corner of Front St. It was actually on the opposite side of Front St. from the Friedensburg Fire Company.
2/3/1971 – STILL – 12:55 – Call for help. Norman Kauffman house trailer on E. Savory St. in Palo Alto; Chief sent Good Intent, Greenwood Hill, and Good Will.
2/4/1971 – Box 45 – 10:10 – 804 Grant St. Occupant: Mrs. Violet Bowers; Cause: Unknown; Loss: $1,535.
2/8/1971 – STILL – 19:07 – Call for help. Centeleghe house in Mt. Carbon. Chief sent Greenwood Hill and American Hose.
2/9/1971 – Box 56 – 17:00 – 443 Fairview St. Occupant: Elwood Jamieson; Cause: Unknown; Loss: $2,463. Fire was confined to the third floor of the 3-story middle-of-the-row.
2/18/1971 – STILL – 09:35 – Steve Horbal building in Schoentown. Chief sent Good Will, West End, and Good Intent. In service 2 ˝ hrs. The two story frame apartment house was located at 3rd & Front St. in Schoentown. The occupants of the building escaped unharmed. Low water pressure hampered firefighters. Port Carbon Fire Chief Bill Bensinger received the initial alarm of fire. In addition to the three Pottsville companies, the Good Will Fire Company of Pt. Carbon also assisted the American Fire Company of Schoentown.
45 Years Ago
2/22/1966 – STILL – 10:22 – Call for help in Cumbola – 3 houses on fire. Chief sent American Hose, Good Intent, and West End. Fire destroyed a 2.5 story frame duplex and a 2.5 story frame dwelling along Water St. Companies from New Philadelphia and Port Carbon also assisted Cumbola firefighters. 10 individuals were left homeless as a result of the fire. Temperatures were in the low 20’s when the fire occurred. Firefighters obtained water from a nearby hydrant as well as a creek running to the rear of the homes. Cumbola Fire Chief Albert Lubinsky had “Command.” These homes were located a short distance from the War Memorial on Water St.
55 Years Ago
2/6/1956 – STILL – 17:06 – Rear 917 W. Market St. Occupant: Al Sterner; Cause: Tar ignited laying linoleum floor, set fire to partition; Loss: $1,229.
2/22/1956 – STILL – 13:52 – Call for help from Palo Alto; Chief sent Greenwood Hill.
65 Years Ago
2/12/1946 – STILL – 02:35 – 12 N. 11th St. Occupant: Mrs. J. Sweeny; Cause: Boy set bed on fire; Loss: $100.
2/24/1946 – Box 73 – 18:30 – 2100 W. Norwegian St. Yorkville School House; Cause: Unknown; Loss: $1,000. On that Sunday evening, children sledding nearby discovered smoke coming from the school building. They ran to the home of Harry Kahler at 2101 W. Norwegian St. He phoned City Hall. Patrolmen Storch and Sgt. Witmer immediately responded to the call. Upon their arrival, Storch called for the box via radio. Yorkville firefighter George Houser was first on scene and reported heavy fire burning in the basement store room. Firefighters broke the basement windows and poured water in. The first grade classroom of Miss Emily Gray was also damaged. Yorkville firefighters Charles Ginther and Francis Showers stood fire watch throughout the night. The cause was undetermined. Fire began in the storage room in the southeast corner of the building. School was closed the following Monday as a result of the fire.
70 Years Ago
A busy Monday morning…
2/24/1941 – Box 53 – 06:55 – 514 Minersville St; Occupant: A. Barkett; Cause: Bad wiring between 1st & 2nd floors, fire burned through partitions to roof; Loss: Unknown. Interior of the Barket home was heavily damaged. The adjoining home at 516 was also damaged by fire, smoke, and water. Fire under control in 1 hour.
2/24/1941 – Box 57 – 09:23 – 218 N. 2nd St; Occupant: Pearl G. Meil; Cause: Fire burned through hallway to roof, looks like an arson job; Loss: Unknown. Fire gutted the three story rooming house of ordinary construction. Mrs. Elizabeth Paully, age 73, jumped from her second story window to the arms of men waiting below in order to escape the flames. This building was built around 1900 and still stands today.
75 Years Ago
2/5/1936 – Box 51 – 02:43 – Minersville & Railroad Sts; Occupant: John Couter; Cause: Man lived on 2nd floor built fire in stove, used coal oil; Loss: $125.
2/19/1936 – Box 76 – 04:05 – 2053 W. Market St; Occupant: Lawrence Ziegler; Cause: Unknown; Loss: $1,400.
90 Years Ago
2/3/1921 – STILL – 14:45 – Centre & Harrison Sts; Cause: Overheated stove; Loss: $250.
2/15/1921 – STILL – 24:00 – Call for help. Assistance at E.P.L.H.&P. car barn in Palo Alto; Chief sent American Hose.
2/22/1921 – Box 57 – 01:15 – 316 N. Centre St; Occupant: H. Smith; Cause: Hot coal from kitchen stove; Loss: $658.
100 Years Ago
2/12/1911 – Box 23 – 01:30 – 426 S. Centre St; 3 ˝ story brick dwelling owned and occupied by Mrs. Cummings; Cause: Drunk throwing lighted match in waste paper; Loss: Unknown.
2/25/1911 – Telephone alarm – 15:30 – 342 Mahantongo St; Blankenhorn dwelling; Cause: Defective flue; Loss: Slight.
120 Years Ago
Tuesday, 2/17/1891 – Box 51 – 17:00 – Fire at Jacob Weber’s furniture store; Loss: About $700. (Located at 132 Laurel St.)
130 Years Ago
Friday, 2/4/1881 – Slight fire at the residence of Patrick Kearns, 5th & Lyon Sts. (Lyon St. had been Callowhill St. and is now known as Arch St. This home would be 501 W. Arch St. today)
Sunday, 2/20/1881 – Slight fire at Conrad Stoffregen’s residence. (209 W. Railroad St.)
135 Years Ago
Friday, 2/25/1876 – 04:00 – House occupied by John Mullen, near the People’s Railway Depot (Centre St.); Cause: Defective flue.
145 Years Ago
Wednesday, 2/14/1866 – The stable of Frederick Heiken, between Market & Norwegian, west of 9th, was destroyed by fire.
170 Years Ago
1841 – No alarms or fires (for the entire year!)
Mike in regards to 1841. Must have had one hell of a fire prevention program that year.LOL Keep up the good work really enjoy each monthly report.
ladder21lover
01-29-2011, 17:41
In regards to the fire on 2/5/1976 @ 0225, just how routine was it to be on foot patrol that early in the morning?
Mike,two comments
The fire in 1971 in Friendsburg a member of Yorkville Hose went around with the torch off P611 a.k.a. truck 61 and thawed out the pumps on some of the pumpers in service at the fire.
2/19/1936-box76 04:05 2053 W. Market St. is where I live now!
ol'53 - Thanks. That 1841 kinda caught me by surprise, too.
ladder21: I can't speak definitively, but during that time period I don't believe that the foot patrols downtown at that hour were all that unusual. If I'm not mistaken, I believe the Pottsville Club fire in 1974 was first reported to a patrolman downtown as well. That was another early-morning fire.
gus: Good story about the Roeder Hotel fire. It was bitterly cold. My dad said that they were served "summer sausage" sandwiches for breakfast that morning. Also, I'll try to dig-up some more info on that 1936 fire now that I know the "connection!"
Thanks Mike
When I bought the house my dad told me their was a fire but did not know much about it as he was only 14 then.
Here's a few more for ya, lads:
March 31, 1947,Wilkes-Barre, Jenkins Township(Sebastopol section)- Large barn fire. The resulting fire burned the long distance telephone cables throwing all teleprinter service out of service for the entire NE, United States for radio and newspapers. Fire then spread to a large wooded area. Jenkins Twp, FD extinguished the fire.
April 1, 1947, Minersville-Dynamite stored at a sawmill outside town exploded injuring several persons and shattering windows in buildings 15 to 20 miles away. The explosion badly damaged to nearby houses.
April 10, 1947, Pittston (Exeter)-Gas explosion kills 9 miners. Schooley Shaft of the Knox Coal Co. near Wilkes-Barre
April 15, 1947,Girardville-Predawn dynamiting of the Girard Estate’s office building, tore the building loose from its foundation and broke windows in 22 nearby houses. The company had closed all bootleg operations on their land holdings. Hmmmmmm
April 30, 1947, Shamokin-fire gutted the basement of a shirt factory at Franklin and Chestnut Sts. Loss $30,000.
May 13, 1947, Pittston-300 mentally ill patients were let to safety by firemen as fire destroyed a wing of the Ransome(Ranshaw?) Home and Hospital (6 miles N. of Pittston) FD’s from Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Pittston, West Pittston, Exeter, Duryea Township responded.
May 14, 1947, Scranton-Fire of undetermined origin early today destroyed the Mid Valley Distillery in Archbald and damaged three other buildings; a hardware store, market and dwelling. Damage estimated at $200,000.
May 27, 1947, Near Valley View-Heavy rains burst dam inside Markson Coal Co. forcing 300 men to flee and drowning 2 mules. 2200 miners idled took two weeks to pump out and repair.
June 25, 1947, Wilkes-Barre-Explosion and fire heavily damaged Teen Timers, Inc. wearing apparel factory packing and shipping building on Cary Alley. $100,000 loss.
Chrismooney
02-05-2011, 17:05
Dave thanks for more great history. (May 13 1947) The Ransom home and Hospital was in Ranson Twp PA. (Newton-Ransom) The fire was noted in the Clarks Summit State hospital history here http://www.asylumprojects.org/index.php?title=Clarks_Summit_State_Hospital and on some Enumeration Districts for the 1930 census on this web page near the bottom http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~palackaw/census/1930censusEDs.html I believe the Newton-Ransom twp fire Dept. (Lackawanna county station 8) was not yet formed.
Gus: This is a follow-up to the February, 1936 fire at your house...
2/19/1936 – Box 76 – 04:05 – 2053 W. Market St; Occupant: Lawrence Ziegler; Cause: Unknown; Loss: $1,400.
Living in the single-family home at the time was Lawrence Ziegler along with his wife and three children: Mary, Georgine, and Madelyn. He awoke around 3:30 a.m. that cold morning to an odor of smoke and began to investigate. He found smoke and flames in the kitchen of the home. He immediately returned to his bedroom to wake his wife. Together, they ran to the rear bedroom and roused their three children. The smoke became much heavier in the home as the fire began to spread. The family managed to escape and ran to a neighbor’s home. With the family safe, telephone calls were placed to the Yorkville Hose Company, just a couple of blocks away on West Norwegian Street, and to Police Headquarters.
Yorkville firefighters arrived with their 1922 White pumper and 1927 Mack AB5A city service truck. They were greeted with fire showing from the first floor rear of the home. Chemical lines were quickly placed in service. Firefighters attempted to place a two-and-a-half inch “plug line” in service, but the connection was made difficult due to the freezing conditions – temperatures were below zero at the time of the fire.
As fire spread through the first floor of the home and as obtaining a positive water supply was proving difficult, Box 76 was transmitted. As the other six fire companies began to arrive, additional booster lines were placed in service until several plug streams were established. Once a couple of two-and-a-half handlines began to operate; the fire was quickly knocked down.
The fire was placed under control shortly before 06:00. The home was heavily damaged, but the family was thankful for their narrow escape. Fire Chief George Smith officially listed the cause as “undetermined,” but it was suspected that an overheated kitchen stove may have sparked the fire.
Just a side note: Yorkville’s 1927 Mack city service truck was originally equipped with a chemical tank. It was refurbished by Hahn, including the addition of a booster system and water tank. There is a conflict as to the date of the refurbishment. Yorkville records seem to consistently list the first refurb as 1937. However, the Fire Underwriters report lists the refurb as 1935. So, I’m not sure if, at the time of this fire, the city service truck was booster equipped or not. Kinda insignificant, but one of those things that torments a fire service historian!
Mike
Thanks for the info.
Tom Sippel aka Gus
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back - Part I
March
5 Years Ago
03/26/2006 – 02:26 - STILL – Front & Railroad Sts., Cressona; Cressona Textile Waste. Commercial Structure Fire; The very large, appx. 150’ x 300’, textile waste recycling facility fully-involved on arrival. This building had been the Reading Railroad roundhouse in Cressona. West End, Humane, and Good Intent responded. There was a large mutual aid response, including tankers from Berks County. Looked like the sun coming up on the approach!
West End Ladder 51 dash-cam footage…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz662Zx3C8E (wlmailhtml:{F3C2DF7E-C0FD-4973-A68D-6ABBAAF0570C}mid://00000262/!x-usc:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz662Zx3C8E)
10 Years Ago
03/20/2001 – Box 25 - 10:10 – 430 S. Centre St. Pick-A-Pack beverage store. 2nd Alarm transmitted at 10:40. SHFD RIT, St. Clair Ladder 703, Pt. Carbon Engine 59-11 also on scene. This large building of ordinary construction was a fixture on South Centre St. and had been the State Police Barracks in Pottsville. The occupied multiple dwelling on the “B” side also suffered fire, smoke, and water damage as well as damage in the rear from a collapsing wall.
15 Years Ago
03/08/1996 – 06:50 – STILL – 87 Sillyman St., Cressona. Cressona Knit. Good Intent (E11), West End (L51), Phoenix (L21). It was suspected that the fire began when the motor on one of the machines operating in the building caught fire. Employees thought they had extinguished the fire, but then found a nearby electrical panel box on fire. The building was approximately 41,000 square feet. West End was on the initial alarm (Rainbow was out-of-service). Phoenix and Good Intent dispatched appx. 08:30 as the plant became heavily involved and nearby exposures were threatened. Damage was estimated at $1 million. This was an historic event – the first time both Pottsville ladder trucks operated at the same mutual aid fire. St. Clair Ladder 703 was also on scene.
30 Years Ago
03/10/1981 – STILL – 22:55 – Assistance to Palo Alto. Vacant homes at 152-154 E. Bacon St. Chief sent Phoenix and Greenwood Hill. The 2nd and 3rd floors and roof of the vacant duplex were heavily damaged. Palo Alto Fire Chief Mike Ferugio and “Command.” Fire placed under control at 01:15. The fire rekindled about 04:00. The Palo Alto Fire Department handled the rekindle. Good Will of Port Carbon and Rainbow of Schuylkill Haven (Cascase) were also on scene.
3/16/1981 – Box 39 – 17:55 – 612 Schuylkill Ave. Apartment building. Cause: Child playing with matches. Loss: $10,500. Fire originated in the kitchen in the basement apartment of Mr. & Mrs. Peter Plefka. The kitchen was gutted and the rest of the apartment suffered heavy damage. The upper floors sustained heavy smoke damage. The adjoining homes at 610 and 614 Schuylkill also sustained smoke damage. Firefighter Ken Fisher of the West End fractured a finger on his left hand when his hand got caught between two storm windows. Firefighters arrived to find fire showing form the basement door and window and heavy smoke from the rest of the home. The fire was under control in 20 minutes.
35 Years Ago
03/06/1976 – Box 35 – 16:11 – 709 Mahantongo St. John Yrickonis apartments. Cause: Smoking in bed. Daniel Lyons found dead. Loss: $5,000. The fire began in Lyons’ third floor apartment in the three-story occupied multiple dwelling of ordinary construction. That apartment was gutted. 10 other individuals in the building were left homeless as the lower floors suffered smoke and water damage. The fire was placed under control in approximately 30 minutes. Firefighters found Lyons deceased in his apartment. Units began to clear the scene at 05:30. Firefighter Norman Nickle, age 21, of the West End was admitted the Good Samaritan Hospital with smoke inhalation. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because Nickle is currently serving two consecutive life sentences after pleading “No Contest” to charges in a double homicide at 700 N. 13th St. on March 4, 2008.
03/09/1976 – Box 67 – 03:40 – E. Railroad St. Warlock’s Motorcycle Club. Cause: Electrical short circuit. Loss: Unknown.
03/12/1976 – Box 26 – 03:27 – Railroad & Union Sts. Reading Co. Freight Station. Cause: Arson. Loss: $500.
40 Years Ago
03/04/1971 – Box 47 – 14:50 – 1135 W. Norwegian St. Occupant: Edith Joulwan. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $6,500.
03/05/1971 – Box 71 – 21:22 – 1632 W. Norwegian St. Occupant: Joseph Bowler. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $26,000. Fire Chief Hoke was dispatched to the home at 18:20. Mr. Bowler reported that he had a fire in his kitchen as he was making French fries. The cooking oil ignited. The fire was extinguished by Bowler, but he was admitted to the Pottsville Hospital with burns to the face and smoke inhalation. At 21:22, a fire of undetermined origin broke out which damaged the kitchen and 2nd floor bedrooms. Companies were out 2 hours.
At 23:40 hours that same night, a panel truck owned by Don Horning caught fire in front of his house at 1635 West Norwegian St. The fire was confined to the engine compartment.
03/25/1971 – Box 27 – 04:25 – Rear 611 Mauch Chunk St. Occupant: Frank Dileher. Cause: Unknown; Loss: Unknown. A suspicious fire was extinguished in the basement of the Schuylkill Electric Building. Tarpaper and asphalt shingles were on fire at the base of a stair tower in the building. Fire under control in 20 minutes.
03/26/1971 – Box 16 – 03:40 – Charles & E. Market Sts. Owned by Schuylkill County. Cause: Unknown; Loss: Unknown. A suspicious fire was confined the basement of the vacant dwelling. Booster lines and one 1 ˝ line were used.
55 Years Ago
03/02/1956 – STILL – 09:14 – 412 Fleet St. Occupant: Wayne Hill; Cause: Fire started near furnace in basement; Loss: $673.
03/23/1956 – Box 56 – 00:32 – 909 Fairview St. Occupant: Della Confehr; Cause: Fire started in kitchen rubbish can; Loss: $1,277.
03/24/1956 – STILL – 17:45 – 405 Howard Ave. Occupant: Walter Jones; Cause: Fire started in back of radiator on 1st floor, burned through joist; Loss: $117.
03/27/1956 – STILL – 732 N. 3rd St. Occupant: Dorothy Mazzio; Cause: Hot ashes from bucket-a-day coal stove thrown on wood floor, set building on fire; Loss: $617.
60 Years Ago
03/28/1951 – STILL – 14:30 – 1251 Mt. Hope Ave. Occupant: Arthur Carey; Cause: Unknown, fire in closet on 2nd floor; Loss: $1,000.
65 Years Ago
03/16/1946 – STILL – 23:15 – Call for help in Branchdale; Coal breaker on fire. Chief sent Yorkville.
70 Years Ago
03/26/1941 – Box 52 – 23:43 – 818-820-822-824-826-828-830-832-834-836-838-840-842/905-907-909-911 N. 3rd St. Yes, this was a “big one.” See Part III.
80 Years Ago
03/27/1931 – Box 33 – 06:00 – 1611 Mahatongo St. Occupant: Otto Farquar; Cause: Overheated stove; Loss: $10,400
85 Years Ago
03/06/1926 – Box 27- 08:25 – 509 Mauch Chunk St. Occupant: C. Trout; Cause: Oily rags; Loss: $1,150.
03/08/1926 – Box 22 – 19:45 – 521 Greenwood Ave. Occupant: Elmer Derr; Cause: Matches; Loss: $225.
03/16/1926 – Box 64 – 13:35 – 618 W. Race St. Occupant: R.D. Macaskil; Cause: Hot ashes; Loss: $175.
03/25/1926 – Box 41 – 17:25 – 104 N. 10th St. Occupant: Penn Knitting Mill; Cause: Overheated motor; Loss: $10,230.78. The Glenn Knitting Mill was located at the base of the 10th St. steps at 10th & W. Market St. The fire was discovered by Joseph Weinland of N. 10th St. who turned-in the alarm. Smoke was pouring from the building when companies arrived. The fire quickly broke through the roof. Throngs of spectators watched the fire from the hillside above the building and from the 10th St. steps that ran along and above the factory. Firefighters managed to prevent the fire form extending to the homes of Mrs. Siegle and Mrs. Frank Keiser, which adjoined the mill to the east. The mill was owned by E.I. Elliott, H.D. Petry, and R.C. Horn. Fire Chief Stevenson had “Command.”
90 Years Ago
03/06/1921 – STILL – 15:00 – 15:00 – Centre & Norwegian Sts. EPLH&P Co. Trolley car on fire; Cause: Overheated stove; Loss: $3,230.
03/18/1921 – Box 55 – 04:55 – Mt. Hope and 7 N. 13th Sts. Occupants: Sam Meyers and J.F. Super; Cause: Unknown; Loss: $3,230.
3/29/1921 – STILL – 20:30 – George & E. Norwegian Sts. Occupant: Pottsville Foundry and Stove Co. Cause: Sparks from core oven; Loss: $100.
95 Years Ago
03/09/1916 – Centennial Hall. North Centre St. See Part II
100 Years Ago
03/05/1911 – Box 18 – 03:10 – East Norwegian St. Higgins Barber Shop, Order of Owls Lodge Rooms, Emma Smith dwelling, G.F. Seltzer Saddler Shop, G.F. Schrink dwelling, and Fred Coleman saloon and dwelling; Cause: Careless handling of matches or smoking material; Loss: $10,108. The first alarm was turned-in from Box 18 at Centre & Market. Chief Lynaugh had “Command.” Companies were out 4 hours. Asst. Chiefs Bray and Stichter were also on scene. I believe this was the unit block of East Norwegian St. on the south side.
115 Years Ago
03/23/1896 – Box 18 – 19:50 – Slight fire at Schaal’s Packing House, Railroad St.
125 Years Ago
03/03/1886 – 12:30 – Slight fire at the residence of Wm. Reese, corner of Railroad and Race Sts. Also fire at house owned by Roland Kline, Fishbach.
03/08/1886 – 16:00 – Fire in a stable occupied by N.C. Morrison, on Arch St. below 4th.
135 Years Ago
Sunday, 03/19/1871 – 05:30 – The Old Town Hall. At the time of the fire, the building was occupied as follows: The basement by John Snyder, as a lager beer saloon; the first floor, by M.R. Nichols, dry goods and grocery, and R.E. Holt, as a drug store; the second floor was the main hall room and was used for balls, etc. and was the armory for the Gowen Guards and Light Infantry; the third floor contained two lodge rooms, and were occupied by all the Odd Fellows Lodges in town and a few of the other Lodges. Mr. Snyder’s loss was about $30,000, on which he had $20,000 insurance; the stock of Holt’s Drug Store was saved; most of the lodges lost everything; Mr. Slater’s loss on the building was partially covered by insurance. The origin of the fire is unknown. The erection of the Town Hall was commenced in 1839 by the Town Hall Association, Mr. Charles Gillingham being the builder. A year later, the building was sold under a mortgage to Mr. Bray and Mr. Bancroft, who then engaged Mr. Adam Eiler, who completed the building at a cost of $34,000. Eleven years prior to the fire, Mr. George Slater bought the building. Mr. Ralph Shaw was the first one to give the alarm.
This location today would generally be 202-204 N. Centre St. – the Salvation Army Thrift Store. After the Old Town Hall burned, Centennial Hall was built on the site. After Centennial Hall burned in 1916, the existing building was built on the site around 1920.
140 Years Ago
03/12/1871 – Fire at Palo Alto, between 01:00 and 02:00; the houses occupied by Patrick Ward and Joseph Gephart; both houses were entirely consumed.
03/26/1871 – The stable of Mr. Wm. Buechley, at his planning mill on Coal St., was entirely destroyed by fire.
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back Part II – 95 Years Ago
Centennial Hall – March 9, 1916
On March 19, 1871, fire destroyed the Old Town Hall building which was located in the middle of the block on the east side of the 200 block of North Centre St. Following the fire, a new building was constructed – Centennial Hall. Centennial Hall was three stories in height and was of ordinary construction. The building came to house the Garden Theater and several stores.
On Thursday night, March 9, 1916, Police Officer John Schnering was walking his beat on Centre Street at approximately 2:00 A.M.. Most of the world’s attention at that time was on the war raging in Europe. What concerned Schnering at that moment was likely the bitter cold and biting wind – March had indeed come in like a lion. He was walking south on North Centre Street. After crossing the street at Race, he noticed what he thought to be a light left burning in the Garden Theater on the opposite side of the block. He crossed the street to investigate. As he approached the building, he noticed smoke coming from the entrance and hallway of the Garden Theater and also from the south window of the Rouse and Rosenzweig clothing store in the building. He quickly raced to turn-in the alarm.
House gongs and punch registers came to life in the seven Pottsville firehouses and in City Hall – then located in the unit block of North 3rd St – as Box 18, Centre & Market, was transmitted. At this time in Pottsville, the transition had begun from horse-drawn to motorized fire apparatus. Companies began to fire-up the internal combustion engines on their hose and chemical wagons and pumpers. Horses were hitched to the remaining steamers and to Phoenix’s aerial ladder truck. Fire Chief Lynaugh and responding companies could see the column of smoke from throughout the city.
Police officers Miller, Schnering, and Madara raced to evacuate residents from the apartment buildings just off the corner of Centre & Arch Streets. The forced the door to one building and removed several families. John Coyle of Philadelphia had been employed in Pottsville for several weeks and was staying in town. Upon hearing the alarm, he helped the police officers in evacuating the neighboring buildings. While in the corner apartment building, he was overcome by smoke and fell down a flight of steps, suffering a severe laceration above his eye and bruising about the body.
Firefighters immediately deployed “chemical lines,” but conditions deteriorated rapidly. Smoke began to churn from the upper floors as the fire spread. Soon, two-and-a-half inch lines were run from nearby fire hydrants and began to bore into the windows of the building. Realizing that the building was doomed, firefighters focused their efforts on preventing extension to the exposed buildings on either side. In a short time, fire had broken through the roof. With the wind whipping, flying embers began to pose a serious problem.
As the wind was blowing generally from the northwest, the homes along Railroad Street to the rear were immediately threatened. Residents had foreseen the danger and had moved their possessions from the homes. Soon, fire had taken hold on the roofs of four dwellings to the rear of Centennial Hall. Firefighters repositioned apparatus and hoselines to protect the exposed homes in the rear. Despite their efforts, the homes at 205 – 211 Railroad Street had the roofs burned off and the top floors gutted. In addition, the roofs of 201 and 203 Railroad Street were also destroyed.
At least 10 hoselines were stretched, with at least 3 or 4 operating in the rear. Water pressure issues were eased when fire department pumpers were placed on the hydrants to pump the handlines. Firefighters also accessed the roofs of the surrounding buildings and used this vantage point to direct several streams. As firefighters struggled to knock-down flames in Centennial Hall and the exposures, flying brands set fire to a few sheds and roofs on the east side of Pottsville, near Greenwood Hill. One flying brand was said to have measured 9 ˝ inches long and approximately 4 inches thick. Residents of the neighborhood extinguished these fires.
The night watchman at the Pennsylvania and Reading Railroad “Lower Shops” – which generally would have been located on the southeast corner of Rt. 61 and East Norwegian Street today – discovered smoke in the carpenter shop. He investigated to find that embers had set fire to the wooden framework around the glass skylight and was consuming that portion of the roof area. Fearing that the fire would spread to the stored lumber and oil, he tried desperately to move some lumber. As more and more pieces of burning debris fell on him, he quickly retreated and began to sound the alarm by blowing the shop’s steam whistle. When word reached Chief Lynaugh, he quickly sounded a second alarm. Firefighters arriving at the Lower Shops had some difficulty accessing the roof of the building. Adding to their problems were the frozen lines on their chemical engines. Once these two problems were overcome, the fire was quickly extinguished with no additional damage to the Shops.
Eventually, firefighters began to make headway on the blazing Centennial Hall. The front wall of Centennial Hall began to separate from the building. In an instant, the entire front wall of the building crashed down onto North Centre St. in a huge cloud of smoke and debris. Bricks were scattered everywhere. Firefighters had been positioned well away from the building. There were no injuries reported as a result of the collapse.
The fire was placed under control by 07:30 that morning. Fire Chief Lynaugh – having been on the line without a break since the first alarm – arrived at City Hall at approximately 07:40. He said that he literally “hugged” the cast iron radiator in City Hall for almost an hour. He later returned to the fireground to begin an origin and cause investigation. Due to the amount of damage, the exact cause of the fire was undetermined. Chief Lynaugh suspected that the fire originated in the Rouse and Rosenzweg store as that is where the main body of fire was when he arrived. Chief Lynaugh said that it was one of the most difficult fires that he had ever fought.
One firefighter, Lester Wiegand of the Good Intent, suffered a serious fall while fighting the fire. He complained of pain in his left arm all day Thursday. Thursday evening he went to the doctor. It was discovered that he had a broken wrist.
Companies had returned to quarters throughout the morning, after they had sufficiently thawed their frozen equipment. At 23:35 that evening, the fire in Centennial Hall rekindled on what was left of the third floor. Word was quickly sent to City Hall. Chief Lynaugh arrived with smoke and sparks flying from the top of the building. A plug stream was deployed and, after some difficulty in accessing the location, extinguished this fire. Soon, two other fires were discovered burning in the building. These two were handled with the plug stream. As a precaution, Fire Chief Lynaugh assigned men to a very cold firewatch that night.
Following the fire, the current building housing the Salvation Army Thrift Store was built on the site around 1920. The building originally housed a bowling alley.
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back Part III – North 3rd St.
70 Years Ago
On March 26, 1941, all eyes were fixed on newspapers describing Nazi Germany’s occupation of Europe and the bombs raining on London and other cities in Great Britain. Hitler had dispatched Erwin Rommel and his “Afrika Korps” to bolster Italian forces in North Africa. Japan had expanded its empire in the Pacific and Asia. In Pottsville, Fire Chief George Smith was waging his own battle with illness that Thursday night and was confined to bed. First Assistant Chief Vincent Haverty had agreed to remain available to respond to any fire calls that may be received in Chief Smith’s absence. Chief Smith then could obtain needed rest in his Harrison Street home. Little did Asst. Chief Haverty know, but he had drawn the short straw that night!
Several blocks to the north of Chief Smith’s residence in Pottsville’s 5th Ward, 10-year old Harold Ruppert was home alone at 834 North Third Street. He lived in the home with his uncle, Clarence Brennan, and his aunt, Miss Elizabeth Brennan. He was in bed that evening when a fire erupted in the vicinity of the basement kitchen of the three story frame, middle-of-the-row dwelling around 11:30 p.m. Smoke began to fill the home. Young Harold awakened to the choking smoke and escaped by climbing out the second floor front window and onto the porch roof.
Once fire had vented from the basement kitchen, it quickly engulfed the rear of the home. Due to the grade of the lot, this home and others in the row actually presented four stories in the rear. Box 52 was “hooked” at 11:43 p.m. The fire burned like a torch high on the north end of the 5th Ward. Responding companies as well as Asst. Chief Haverty realized that they would be severely challenged based on the volume of fire on the approach as well as the access issues on North 3rd St. – essentially a dead-end terrace. Their fears were quickly realized as they arrived to find at least three of the homes completely engulfed in fire.
These homes were built early in the 20th Century. The row of three story homes extended from 814 to 842 N. 3rd (15 homes). Also attached from 812 – 802 N. 3rd were – and are – a row of two story frame homes (6 in all). All of the homes generally measured 14’ wide by 44’ deep. Seriously exposed by the fire across the street were two frame duplexes at 905-907 and 909-911 N. 3rd Street.
First arriving companies placed their booster lines in service with little impact on the fire. As was common firefighting practice at that time, 2.5” hose lines were run directly from nearby hydrants and played on the fire. Pottsville’s 5th Ward fire company – Humane – had a 1929 Buffalo booster and hose truck that was specifically designed for this type of initial fire attack. Radiant heat prevented firefighters from closing with the flames. Hoselines were also stretched into Dunn Alley to the rear of the properties. As virtually all the hydrants in the vicinity were supplying water to hoselines, water pressure problems quickly developed.
With flames raging from at least 7 homes, heavy smoke began to push and bank-down from the top floors of the remaining three-story homes in the row. Radiant heat began to take its toll on the two exposed duplexes across the street. Windows were breaking and the porches and weatherboards began to smoke. As residents used garden hoses to prevent their homes from igniting, firefighters quickly joined them and directed their streams on these homes as well. To combat the water pressure issue, fire department pumpers were placed directly on hydrants and in-line with the 2.5” hose. Streams from the nozzles became solid and powerful, finally driving deep into the flames now marching south (D side) along the block. When questioned about the water supply issues during the fire, Supervisor Clayton from the water company estimated pressure at the time at the 3rd & Spring Garden St. hydrant to be 75-85 psi and at 3rd & Fairview St, hydrant to be 140 psi.
Firefighters utilized all available ladders to access the roofs of the homes as well as the upper floors. In addition to advancing lines into the smoke-filled homes, firefighters also assisted in removing furniture and other household items to spare them from the flames. Soon, the west sidewalk on 3rd St. was choked with furniture.
Asst. Chief Haverty soon realized that he had another problem on his hands. As the fire cracked and whipped from the fully-involved frame homes, extending fifty feet in the air at times, flying brands and embers soon began to rain down on North 2nd St. to the east, below the fire, and also on North Centre St., even further below and east of the fire. Chief Haverty sent personnel to check on any spot fires that may be occurring. Alert residents and neighbors prevented any additional fires from breaking-out as a result of the embers.
With effective streams operating on the involved homes and firefighters operating in and on the exposed homes to the south, the fire’s progress was slowed. However, in a very short span of time, tremendous damage was done. The seven homes from 842 – 830 were burned to the ground. The homes from 818 – 828 N. 3rd suffered varying degrees of damage. Five of these homes were severely damaged. 22 families – totaling 79 individuals – were left temporarily homeless.
Many of the families affected had no fire insurance. It was reported that the cost of fire insurance for these particular homes had proven to be far too expensive for the homeowners. A “Relief Fund” was established through the Greater Pottsville Federal Savings and Loan Association at 117 Mahantongo St. A huge community outpouring resulted in thousands of dollars having been collected. Within days, $400 went to each affected family to help with immediate needs. The National Red Cross also sent representatives to help with the relief effort.
Due to the extent of the damage, the cause of the fire was undetermined. However, based on interviews with residents and neighbors, the fire was suspected to have been the result of a defective flue. Fire damaged totaled $51,000.
Fire apparatus that should have been available at the time of the fire would include:
Good Intent – 1929 Ahrens-Fox 1000 gpm piston pumper and 1937 Ahrens-Fox VC 500 gpm pumper.
Phoenix – 1939 Hahn/1919 American LaFrance 75’ tractor-drawn aerial ladder.
Humane – 1929 Buffalo hose & booster truck and 1921 Seagrave pumper.
Good Will – 1922 White triple combination pumper and 1933 Indiana/Pirsch 500 gpm pumper.
West End – 1928 Ahrens-Fox 900 gpm piston pumper and 1937 Ahrens-Fox VC 500 gpm “Emergency Car.”
Yorkville – 1927 Mack AB5A/1935 Hahn city service truck and White triple combination pumper.
American Hose – 1924 American LaFrance 450 gpm pumper
Today, the homes from 824 south remain standing. 824 – 814 are the remaining three story homes that were involved in fire in 1941. All of the two story homes (812 – 802) are also still standing. The PFD has been in that block several times, most recently on 7/26/2009 when fire damaged 808-810-812 N. 3rd. A room and contents fire erupted in the second floor rear bedroom of 812 N. 3rd on 10/16/1999.
I believe that this was the most serious row frame fire that Pottsville ever experienced with 13 homes being directly affected. It was also perhaps the second most destructive residential fire in Pottsville history. The worst residential fire would appear to have been on Friday, June 20, 1873 when fire destroyed the block bordering N. 2nd, Laurel, N. 3rd, and High (Race) Streets. 34 buildings were destroyed and more than 20 families were left homeless. Minersville, St. Clair, and Mahanoy City fire companies responded to a request for aid. Following this fire, two notable buildings were built in this block. In 1889, the Humane built their firehouse at N. 3rd & Laurel Sts. On the northeast corner of N. 3rd & W. Race Sts. the Kopitsch Soap Factory constructed a new building – later in the 20th Century to be used by the Pottsville Showcase Equipment and Supply Company.
Knowing the construction features of the homes in the 800 block of North 3rd St. and the access issues that neighborhood presents, I cannot help but think of how heroically firefighters in 1941 must have fought with no self-contained breathing apparatus, no radio communication, little on-board water, smaller capacity pumps, limited hoseline selection, rudimentary aerial equipment, and no power saws. Just think of arriving at the Fairview St. fire of January 6 this year with none of the equipment that we take for granted…
Finished researching 1947:
September 24, 1947, Schuylkill Haven-Elderly couple die in 2-1/2 story frame house fire. Loss $2,000. Fire started from clogged flue.
October 8, 1947, Mt. Carmel-Fire damages top floor and roof of Mt. Carmel Brewery. Mt. Carmel FD, Strong and Atlas Fire Cos responded. The rig of the American Hose and Chemical collided with a car while responding. A woman passenger in the car was injured.
October 14, 1947-Wilkes-Barre-Luzerne Co. deputy coroner-Charles E. Howell, age 79, was standing outside his funeral home when a fire truck(Dept unknown) passed him responding to an alarm. He stepped off the curb to see better and was struck by a pumper of the Niagara Company of Pittston and dragged about 30 feet. They reported him in grave condition. (unknown if he died or not-and no puns intended)
November 1, 1947, Scranton-Flame swept large two story stone structure, plant of Scranton Sportswear Co. Mfg., Archies Market, and Endicott-Johnson Shoe Store. Several women were carried out from the second floor apartments. Spectacular blaze. SFD, general alarm sounded.
November 28, 1947, Scranton-Two dozen spectators were hurt, another dozen shaken up when the roof of a large shed they were all standing on collapsed at a football game between Scranton Central and Scranton Tech. (Tech won 12-6)
December 8, 1947, Pottsville-Fifth day of a mine fire out of control at Primrose. M & S Coal Co.
December 9, 1947, Scranton/Justus-Six light planes destroyed when fire swept a hanger at the Mid-Valley Airport at Justus. Justus & Montdale FC’s responded.
December 11, 1947, Wilkes-Barre-Two explosions ripped through a tunnel of the Franklin Mine of Lehigh Valley Coal Co. killing 4 and injuring 3.
December 17, 1947, Scranton-Fire swept through the freight house of the Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley (Laurel Line) loss unknown.
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back
April
Mike Glore
5 Years Ago
04/09/2006 – STILL – 07:37 – 35 N. 2nd St., Cressona. Good Intent and American Hose (RIT), West End Ladder 51. Fire heavily damaged the second floor and attic area of a 2.5 story multiple dwelling.
10 Years Ago
04/05/2001 – Box 522 – 11:30 – 419-421 Laurel Blvd. Two, 3-story frame dwellings heavily damaged. Companies arrived with the rear of the homes well-involved. Asst. Chief Spotts had command.
4/6/2001 – Box 43 – 19:56 – 106 N. 3rd St. Fire originating in overstuffed furniture damaged the 2nd floor apartment.
15 Years Ago
4/13/1996 – Box 341 – 17:25 – 737 Schuylkill Ave. 1-story single-family dwelling heavily damaged.
20 Years Ago
4/6/1991 – Box 14 – 01:43 – Losch Plaza, Progress Ave. As the former commercial building was being converted into office space, a fire erupted. The fire was quickly knocked-down, but resulted in a very heavy smoke condition. Firefighter H. Reed from West End Ladder 51 depleted his air supply and became lost in the large, open building. He made it to a window and was removed without incident. A “Mayday” before we were officially using the term. Asst. Chief G. Witmier had command.
30 Years Ago
04/11/1981 – Box 615 – 02:55 – 351 Peacock St. Vacant dwelling destroyed. Cause: Arson. Good Will returned at 12:15 that date for a rekindle. This home was owned by Thomas Placek of 337 Peacock St. The frame home was fully-involved on arrival with flames 50’ in the air. Radiant heat damaged 347 Peacock St. as well. Companies were out 3 hours. 351 Peacock St. was involved in fires on 9/12/1980 and 10/7/1980 as well.
35 Years Ago
04/18/1976 – Box 51 – 06:53 – 413-415 N. Centre St. Vacant buildings owned by the Pottsville Redevelopment Authority. Cause: Arson; Loss: Unknown. These vacant, 3 ˝ story buildings were located next to Pottsville City Hall. Companies arrived with heavy fire involving the rear of the buildings and heavy smoke showing from the front on Centre St. Firefighters operated on the roof of City Hall (B Side). While there were some cracked windows as a result of the radiant heat, City Hall suffered no fire damage. As a precaution, Mayor Robert Allen and City Clerk John Quirk moved some records from the north side of the building. A fire wall prevented extension to the Amalgamated Clothing Union Building on the D Side. Companies operated for approximately 3 ˝ hours, with the fire having been placed under control at 08:00. Eight firefighters were injured: Pat Canfield (Greenwood Hill) – hand lacerations; Charles Fitzgerald (American Hose) – head and shoulder injury; Larry Reed (West End) - possible broken toe (caught in the aerial ladder); David Meyers (Good Intent) – laceration of the arm; Joe Conway (Humane) – puncture of the foot; Dennis Spotts (Good Will) – possible broken nose; Bob Zombro (American Hose) – 2nd degree burn on the neck; Harry Russel (Humane) – laceration of the finger. This was Chief March’s first “big one” in the Downtown district.
04/25/1976 – STILL – 23:30 – Call for help from Middleport. House and garage on 2nd St. on fire. Chief sent Good Will and Greenwood Hill
04/26/1976 – STILL – 14:30 – Call for help in North Manheim Twp. Bungalow cottage at Tumbling Run on fire. Chief sent Good Will, Good Intent, and Greenwood Hill.
04/30/1976 – Box 733 – 05:00 – 1915 W. Norwegian St. Occupant: Mrs. Ann Croley; Cause: Unknown; Loss: $10,000.
40 Years Ago
04/03/1971 – Box 33 – 09:10 – 1530 Mahantongo St. Occupant: E.T. Marsh; Cause: Unknown. Loss: $2,000. James Scheuren, age 11 of 1808 Mahantongo St., was making his morning rounds delivering newspapers. He was on the basement level of the occupied multiple dwelling. He heard Edward T. Marsh calling for help from a northwest corner room. The boy ran to a neighboring apartment to alert them. They went next door to tell that occupant, who then telephoned City Hall. The janitor, Vincent Verlosky, arrived from his Norwegian St. home, opened the door to the Marsh apartment, and was immediately greeted by smoke. He used a garden hose in an attempt to knock-down the fire. The fire was confined to the bedroom of the three room apartment. The bed where the fire originated was completely destroyed. Marsh was taken to the Pottsville Hospital for smoke inhalation.
04/25/1971 – Box 16 – 23:35 – 577-579 E. Market St; Occupants: Mr. Ebert and Louis Yeich; Cause: Unknown; Loss: $1,200.
04/27/1971 – Box 214 – 02:20 – 337 Anderson St. Bankes Warehouse and house; Cause: Unknown; Loss: $35,000. Returned 18:25 for rekindle. Companies arrived with heavy smoke pumping from the 2.5-story warehouse of ordinary construction, measuring appx. 40’ x 106’. The building contained a large amount of household furnishings. The fire was reported by William Umberger, a neighbor on Anderson St. Companies were out approximately 5 hours. Firefighter George Glore (West End) was slightly injured at this fire. While advancing a 1.5” handline up the exterior stairs that had run up the B side of the building, the 2nd floor window let go just off the landing. He suffered minor cuts. It was suspected that an overhead door was opened on the first floor, causing a smoke explosion. This building, built in 1940, still stands today.
50 Years Ago
04/04/1961 – STILL – 17:09 – 213 S. 16th St. Occupant: Joseph Elliot; Cause: Motor of exhaust fan; Loss: $1,687.40.
60 Years Ago
04/21/1951 – STILL – 17:50 – 239 Pierce St. Occupant: Joseph Matz; Cause: Small boy set fire to paper at corner of building and burned up timber partition to roof; Loss: $200.
65 Years Ago
04/22/1946 – Box 25 – 03:08 – Centre & Mauch Chunk Sts; Moose Home; Cause: Electrical wires shorted and set fire in partition wall; Loss: $6,303.85.
Tuesday, 4/30/1946 – Club 65 of Greenwood Hill – former Air Raid wardens from World War II (Pottsville Sector 6, Post 5) - held a meeting to discuss the formation of a fire company on the East Side of Pottsville. The meeting was held at 20:00 at the Phillips & Jones Clubhouse in Deer Lake. Subjects discussed were the actual formation of a fire company on the Hill, purchase of ground, selection of a name, application for a charter, election of a treasurer, and ways and means. From this meeting came the Greenwood Hill Fire Company # 65 (1946 – 2009).
70 Years Ago
04/21/1941 – Box 18 – 23:30 – Centre & Mahantongo Sts; Woolworth Store; Cause: Painters using paint remover in the front of the building. Some unknown person walked in the doorway and lit a cigarette causing the paint remover to ignite. Fire burned through the store from front to back on the first floor and up through the partition walls; Loss (to all properties and businesses affected): $113,000.
Companies arrived with heavy fire showing from the first floor display windows of the Woolworth store. Several 2.5” handlines were used to knock-down the main body of fire. The first floor store was gutted. Much of the stock in the basement was damaged by water. The offices and businesses on the upper floors were heavily damaged by smoke. There was some fire extension to the second floor via the partition walls. Fire Chief George Smith had “Command.” Eight firefighters were injured including Lloyd Martz (Good Intent), who was also a member of the School Board and for whom the famed “Martz Hall” is named. He suffered a laceration to the hand as he fell while entering the store and fell onto the broken display windows. As mentioned previously, Woolworth’s was a bit of a fire magnet in Pottsville. It was believed to have been the origin of Pottsville’s “Great Fire” of 1914 when it was located on the West side of Centre St. between Norwegian and Mahantongo. After the fire, the store moved to the Northeast corner of Centre & Mahantongo. Here it was the scene of a serious fire on 2/10/1920, which caused $41,433.04 in damage. Then was the fire of 1941. On December 2, 1950, a massive fire heavily damaged the building and resulted in $302,300 in damage. It was following this fire that the Woolworth building went from 4 stories to one story! The original building (albeit one story) still exists as a doctor’s office today.
75 Years Ago
04/21/1936 – STILL – 19:50 – Call for help in Orwigsburg. Fatal explosion and fire at hardware store; Chief sent Good Will, Humane, and American Hose. The Orwigsburg Hardware Company and the home of Dr. E.L. Kloch were completely destroyed. These buildings were located on S. Liberty St., just south of the Town Square. John Waltman, 60, Orwigsburg – manager of the hardware store – and David Atkins, 27, Pottsville – treasurer of the Pottsville Supply Company – were killed in the explosion and fire as they were preparing to leave the hardware store. Arthur Aulenback – manager of the Pottsville Supply Company – was seriously injured. The hardware store fire loss was estimated at $75,000 and that of the Klock home was estimated at $25,000. 50 years before this fire, the entire block where the hardware store had stood was also destroyed by fire.
04/25/1936 – Box 41 – 11:55 – 1272 W. Arch St. Isaac Weiner building; Cause: Burning wood from metal set auto tire pile on fire and junk building; 100,000 lbs of cotton waste as well as automobile tires were in the building at the time of the fire. The entire western side of the City was blanketed by smoke. Loss: $10,000. This was one of several good jobs at “The Junkie” – as well as a couple after the business moved to Rt. 61 South!
80 Years Ago
04/01/1931 – Box 51 – 01:15 – 417 N. Centre St. Occupant: King’s Highway Restaurant; Cause: Matches; Loss: $275.
04/04/1931 – Box 37 – 16:10 – 221 Pierce St. Occupant: Melvin Weiss; Cause: Matches; Loss: $275.
04/12/1931 – Box 63 – 04:15 – 164 Railroad St. Occupant: A. Deeb; Cause: Unknown; Loss: $2,150.
100 Years Ago
04/15/1911 – Box 57– 21:03 – North 2nd St. Flats; Cause: Spark from match; Loss: $2,985.43. In their apartment on the 4th floor, Mrs. William Biever struck a match in order to locate an Easter basket for her child. She evidently set fire to nearby packing materials. Mrs. Biever and her child escaped the apartment as someone ran to pull Box 57 – 2nd & Fairview. Companies arrived to find heavy smoke banking from the 4th floor. Advancing several chemical lines into the building, firefighters found heavy fire in the Biever apartment. Eating a good deal of smoke, firefighters managed to knock the fire down within half an hour. They remained on scene for 2 hours. Some extension was found via the partition walls. Throngs of Easter shoppers were downtown at the time of the fire and migrated to the scene on N. 2nd St, at times hampering the efforts of the fire department. Fire Chief Lynaugh had “Command.” Asst. Fire Chief Bray was also on scene. “The Flats” in the 400 Block of N. 2nd St. in Pottsville’s 5th Ward kept firefighters busy for many years.
As near as I can tell, this was the first working fire in the “City of Pottsville.” The City Charter was approved by the Courts on March 22, 1911 and officially presented to Borough Council on April 15, 1911 for adoption. Pottsville then became a Third Class City.
04/27/1911 – Telephone Alarm – 09:55 – George & E. Norwegian Sts; Derr Foundry Company; Cause: Defective wall in core oven; Loss: Unknown.
125 Years Ago
04/20/1886 – 04:00 – Fire at Port Carbon; Good Intent and American Hose responded. Fire originated in the 3-story home and business of ordinary construction owned by Uriah Gaine on the southeast corner of Coal & Pike Sts. Fire spread to the 2-story frame bakery and ice cream parlor of George Gwinner on Coal St. 2 other 2-story frame buildings adjoining the Gwinner property on Coal St were also destroyed. Pottsville companies returned at 07:00.
130 Years Ago
04/08/1881 – Fire at Fishbach; Residence of Mr. Hasnauer.
140 Years Ago
04/17/1871 – 04:00 – The paint shop of Mr. Wm. Buechley at his planning mill on Coal St. was entirely destroyed by fire. This would be the current (approximate) location of the Giant supermarket.
145 Years Ago
04/12/1866 – 18:00 – The stables of Thomas Dornan, Isaac Moyer and Alexander Cake on Callowhill St. near George (East Arch St. today) were destroyed by fire. This was the last fire at which the Good Intent’s hand engine worked.
160 Years Ago
04/09/1851 – Slight fire at the E.W. McGinnis foundry. The roof was damaged.
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
03-30-2011, 16:47
Mike: Thanks as usual for your monthly contribution.
Saw in the paper recently your banquet was again a great success in spite of the guest speaker takin it to the dogs!!! LOL
Mike must have been working that night. . . or maybe in the doghouse. We missed him. :drink: Yeah, the speaker certainly kept the audience collared with few paws between the tails he spun. . .
We nearly got a real show when a certain Mack expert and aficionado from Berwick, who will go un named almost dropped his trousers just to prove he had bulldogs printed on his underwear.
Yep, unfortunately I was working that weekend (in fact, a 34 hour stretch). By all accounts it sounded like a "howling" good time. Wish I coulda been there. On the bright side, with the new schedule change I should be able to make the re-dedication and open house on May 14.
coalregionfire
03-31-2011, 16:35
Some pictures from Satursday Event:
http://coal-region-fire.smugmug.com/2011SPECIALEVENTSANDPARADESPIC/SCHUYLKILL-HISTORICAL-FIRE/ANNUAL-BANQUET-3-26-2011/16360104_6tiDL#1230023105_teWLs
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back
May
10 Years Ago
05/13/2001 – Box 441 – 21:47 – 522 W. Arch St. Fire originating in the first floor rear of a single-family, frame dwelling heavily damaged both the first and second floors. Asst. Chief Stefnic had Command.
15 Years Ago
5/20/1996 – STILL – 17:23 – 340 S. Second St. A smoke investigation revealed multiple fires set in the large, vacant 2.5 story frame dwelling. Good Intent (E11), Humane (E32), and Phoenix (L21) were on the Still Alarm.
20 Years Ago
05/02/1991 – Box 115 – 02:36 – 221-223 N. Centre St. Fire originating in the apartments above the E.T. Trophy Shop caused very heavy damage to the 3 1/2 story buildings. Fire entered the void spaces and ran the walls and ceilings of the occupied apartments. The fire eventually consumed much of the roof. Companies were out approximately 5 hours. The buildings were demolished following the fire.
25 Years Ago
05/03/1981 – Box 414 – 13:15 – 8-10-12 N. 7th St; Cause: Child playing with matches. Loss: $9,750. Companies arrived with heavy smoke showing from the attic area of the 2.5 story row frames. Fire originated in 10 S. 7th St. with extensive damage to the top floors of the homes.
35 Years Ago
05/10/1976 – Box 18 – 05:20 – 552 E. Arch St. Vacant House. Cause: Arson. Loss: Unknown. Companies arrived with fire showing from the third floor rear. The third floor was gutted with exterior damage to the rear of the home. The vacant dwelling was owned by Clarence Post. Companies were out 1 ˝ hours. One firefighter was slightly injured.
05/27/1976 – Box 341 – 12:16 – 732 Schuylkill Ave. Occupant: Anthony Juranis; Cause: Unknown; Loss: $15,000. Companies arrived in response to the mid-day box to find heavy smoke from Side A and heavy fire from the rear first floor and rear porch of the 2.5 story frame home. Fire originated in the kitchen and gutted the first floor with extension to the second floor rear. One adjacent home at 734 received smoke damage.
40 Years Ago
05/10/1971 – Box 68 – 21:28 – Centre & Peacock Sts. Owned by the Redevelopment Authority; Cause: Unkown; Loss: Unknown.
05/22/1971 – STILL – 04:10 – Centre & Races Sts – Capitol Theater; Cause: Unknown; Loss: $200.
45 Years Ago
05/30/1966 – Box 75 – 16:25 – 16th St. & Cherry Alley; Owned by Handa & Son Realty Corp., New York. Cause: Unknown, fire was of a suspicious nature; Loss: $1,500.
50 Years Ago
05/01/1961 – STILL – 20:42 – Pennsylvania Railroad Machine Shop off Rt. 122 (Route 61) at Mt. Carbon (North Manheim Township). Cause and loss unkown. In service 3 Ľ hours. Returned 5/2 at 01:10 and again at 19:15 for rekindles. Constructed in the early 1900’s, the old Pennsylvania Railroad Roundhouse at Mt. Carbon was vacant at the time of the fire. It had been used as a car shop for a time and had most recently been used as a scrapyard by A.F. Golin. That enterprise had vacated the building about a year and a half prior to the fire. Pottsville Director of Public Safety Robert Scheipe was at City Hall that evening when a number of calls began to pour in reporting a fire at the building. Fire Chief Andy Hoke dispatched the Good Intent, American Hose, Humane, and Yorkville fire companies. Responding companies could clearly see the huge loom-up as they proceeded south through Pottsville. A railroad yard hydrant was utilized as was a fire hydrant on South Centre St. in Mt. Carbon Borough. Yorkville Hose firefighters with their 1949 Maxim 750 gpm Quad obtained water from the Schuylkill River and fed the Multiversal deluge gun of the Good Intent (1958 Oren 750 gpm pumper). Traffic along then-Route 122 was detoured. No injuries were reported. Some remnants of the scrap operation – notably old tires and newspaper – added to the fire load. With the tremendous radiant heat from the fully-involved railroad building, firefighters played water on the former Elmer Johnson Service Station located across the highway. Greenwood Hill returned for rekindles. At approximately 22:30, heavy rain began to fall. The fire drew throngs of spectators. The old Roundhouse would have been approximately where the Mt. Carbon jug handle off Route 61 is today.
05/05/1961 – Box 615 – 01:35 – Peacock St. near Centre; Abe Cramer, Inc. warehouse. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $100.
05/12/1961 – Box 612 – 01:05 – Rear 841 N. Centre St. Andrew Micklo barn. Cause: Unknown; Loss: $500.
55 Years Ago
05/19/1956 – STILL – 20:14 – 406 N. Centre St. Occupant: Penn Furniture and Mrs. Mary Mooney. Cause: Unknown – fire started in bedroom of 2nd floor apartment; Loss: $1,877.
05/19/1956 – STILL – – Call for help in Pine Grove. American Hose and Humane responded. The Garden State Tanning, Inc. complex was located on the east side of North Tulpehocken St., between the highway and Swatara Creek. The night watchman was making his rounds and discovered the fire around 03:15 that Saturday morning. The complex was of both ordinary and wood frame construction. Much of the building was 2-stories in height, with some portions being three stories. The main building measured 1000 feet in length (that’s not a misprint!). Companies arrived with heavy fire showing and spreading rapidly due both to the tremendous fire load and building construction. Several explosions took place during the fire, which were attributed to the paints and other chemicals used in the manufacturing processes. The entire complex was completely destroyed.
18 fire companies responded in addition to the two Pine Grove companies including Suedberg, Ravine, Muir, Tremont, Orwin, Tower City, Williamstown, Cresson, two companies from Pottsville, two companies from Schuylkill Haven, two companies from Minersville, Auburn, and Summit Station. In all likelihood, Humane and American Hose were sent to deliver what was serious pumping capacity at the time – American Hose with their 1948 American LaFrance 700 series 1500 gpm pumper and Humane’s relatively new 1953 Seagrave 70th Anniversary Series 1000 gpm pumper. Hose, Hook, and Ladder of Pine Grove’s 1947 Mack pumped continuously for 35 hours (again, not a misprint!) and was then shut-down for brief servicing. North End of Pine Grove’s 1939 Ford/Darley 500 gpm front-mount pumper was also a veteran of this fire.
The cause of the fire was not determined, but was believed to have started in the buffing department. The only buildings in the complex that were spared were the maintenance shop, a small warehouse, and former extract plant. This was likely the largest fire in the borough of Pine Grove’s history. It was also one of the largest building fires in Schuylkill County history. This is generally the location where the Penn Dye and Finishing Company is today.
05/28/1956 – STILL – 06:32 – 437 Wheeler St. Occupant: Dan McGinley; Cause: Starting car caused explosion, dynamite attached to the motor. Man injured and sent to the hospital. Chief sent Good Will. Dan McGinley, age 60, was a local coal mining contractor. At 06:25 that morning, Mr. McGinley went into his garage to start his company pickup truck. McGinley put the truck in reverse. As he began to back out of the 2-bay garage, and explosion ripped through the engine compartment. The unconscious McGinley was removed from the truck by responding police officers, Clair Fessler and John Barket. He suffered burns to both legs and lacerations to his face and hands. Sgt. Edward Crowthers, a demolition and explosive expert from the Pennsylvania State Police, investigated the blast. He confirmed that one stick of dynamite was attached to the truck’s battery.
75 Years Ago
05/13/1936 – Box 53 – 17:40 – 425 Minersville St. Occupant: George Hilton; Cause: Unknown, “looks like it was set on fire.” Loss: $629.
115 Years Ago
05/11/1896 – Box 72 and Box 73 – 00:30 – Fire at Weissinger’s Hotel and the stock yard of David Neuser, corner of Coal and Nichols Sts. Loss: Appx. $11,000.
120 Years Ago
05/12/1891 – Box 26 – 23:05 – The stable of Mrs. Sarah Whitney on Second St.
05/30/1891 – Box 26 – 17:45 – Fire at Wingert’s Drug Store; damage slight.
130 Years Ago
05/31/1881 – Two alarms: Residence of David McLaughlin and the second alarm was false.
135 Years Ago
05/13/1876 – 23:30 – The barn of Samuel Heffner, which stood nearly opposite the People’s Railway Depot. The barn was entirely consumed with it its contents: three cows, one bull, which were burned to death. One horse and two mules were also burned.
150 Years Ago
In response to President Abraham Lincoln’s call for volunteers to defend the union, a large number of active members of the Good Intent Fire Company enlisted on May 8, 1861. They, along with members of the Schuylkill Hydraulian (Phoenix) Fire Company, the Rough and Ready (American Hose) Fire Company, and the Humane Hose and Steam Fire Company became part of the famous “First Defenders” and marched to protect the National Capitol. The Schuylkill Hydraulian’s formed themselves into the Union Guards of Pottsville and were the first out of the gate, departing Pottsville via train to Harrisburg on April 24 where they were greeted by Governor Andrew Curtain. Interestingly, the Rough and Ready/American Hose’s files indicate that, “From May, 1861 to April, 1864 no records of meetings was kept because of the entire company having joined the service of the North during the Civil War.”
Looking Back
45 Years Ago
Minersville
On Saturday night, May 28, 1966, Minersville Box 32 was “hooked.” Companies arrived at 416 New Castle Street to find smoke showing from the first floor of the home. Fire originated in furniture in the living room. Firefighters began to knock-down the first floor fire as other firefighters ascended to the porch roof. Wearing masks, Fire Chief Andrew Sulyma, firefighter Joseph Hudock, and firefighter George Ulmer rescued 55-year old Lawrence Recla from the second floor front bedroom of the home. Recla was immediately removed to the porch roof and given oxygen. He was transported to the hospital suffering from smoke inhalation. The first floor living room was heavily damaged.
Looking Back
65 Years Ago
Shenandoah
Approximately 200 patrons were in the Capitol Theatre on the southwest corner of Main and Coal Streets in Shenandoah on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 22, 1946 to see the dramatic film, “Tomorrow is Forever.” Shortly after 15:00 hrs, movie goers noticed an orange hue in the upper left portion of the screen area. Soon, fingers of flamed began to reach along the curtains. In an instant, the stage curtains were a mass of flames. In what likely saved lives, patrons began a relatively calm and orderly exit from the theater. Also, thinking quickly, projectionist Edward Fanelli immediately turned on all the lights in the theater as soon as he had seen the first signs of fire on the stage. Those leaving first immediately notified doorman Walter Juck of the fire. He ran to the corner of Main and Coal Streets and “hooked” Box 35.
Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke banking into the street from the theater, which was located diagonally across from the Rescue Hook and Ladder firehouse. Fire spread rapidly through the three story frame theater, which also had apartments above. Seven families occupied those apartments. Those who were home at the time escaped via the interior stairs. Mrs. C. Dobson, however, was unable to escape her apartment due to the heavy smoke, which spread rapidly through the building. She was rescued by firefighters via a ground ladder. All nine pieces of fire apparatus of the Shenandoah Fire Department responded to the scene. Realizing the advanced fire conditions that he and his department were facing and with the fire spreading to the attached exposures to the south, Fire Chief Edward Murphy began to call for mutual aid. Fire companies from Mahanoy City, Shenandoah Heights, Frackville, Girardville, Centralia, William Penn, Gilberton, and Lost Creek responded to assist the Shenandoah Fire Department. It was estimated that between 18 and 25 pieces of fire apparatus fought the fire.
The rear portion of the Capitol Theatre building along Coal Street and Ferguson Street began to collapse. Fire also began to march south into the adjacent frame buildings. The efforts of firefighters and the help of a brick fire wall that separated Joseph’s Baby Land and Baraniak’s Electric Shop allowed the fire to be checked at that point. The fire was placed under control at 20:15, but a fire companies remained on scene throughout the night.
Following the fire, nothing but a shell remained of the Capitol Theatre building. A 9000 square foot area at Main and Coal was a charred mass of debris. At the height of the fire, smoke could be seen for miles around. In addition to the Theater, the following businesses were affected: Charles Deranch Jewelry Store was destroyed, but most of the stock was saved; The two Joseph stores, operated by Joseph Kress, were heavily damaged and some stock was saved; The Baraniak Electric Shop suffered mainly water damaged; The Jacob Schautawi Ice Cream Parlor and Luncheonette suffered water damage; Helen’s Beauty Shop, E.W. Shoemaker Law Office, Baltimore Life Insurance Company office, and the Capitol Theatre Office, all on the upper floors of the Capitol Theater building were destroyed. The seven families occupying the apartments above the Capitol Theatre were left homeless and lost all of their possessions.
Several firefighters were injured, with two being hospitalized: Elmer Weikel, Mahanoy City, smoke inhalation; Tallison Phillips, Shenandoah, lacerations to the forehead and abrasions to the left foot. Also injured were: James Breslin, cut by glass; Stanley Sacavage, laceration; Thomas O’Haren, leg injuries; Edward Jones, hand cut by glass; Louis J. Malloy and Vincent Kisharavage, hand injuries; Leo Flaherty, foot injuries; John Lawlor,, hand and ankle injuries; John and George Zahorchick, abrasions.
While the official was cause was not determined, Fire Chief Murphy believed it was a result of defective wiring in the theater. The Theater’s seating capacity was 1400 persons. It was agreed at the time that had the fire occurred on a Saturday afternoon when attendance would have been much greater – particularly in terms of children - the evacuation may have been much more problematic.
The Capitol Theatre Building was re-built following the fire and re-opened in 1947. The building still stands. If you happen to drive by, notice the difference in the brickwork between the left portion of the building and the right (corner) portion and parapet. The theater itself closed in 1980.
5107
Working over the aerial ladder of the Rescue Hook and Ladder Company of Shenandoah, firefighters advance lines to the roof of the exposure buildings and direct a stream into the upper floor. Shenandoah Evening Herald. (click to enlarge)
5108
Looking northwest at the intersection of North Main and Coal Streets, firefighters directly streams into the upper floors of the Capitol Theater building. Shenandoah Evening Hearld. (click to enlarge)
Looking Back
Minersville
100 Years Ago
On New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1, 1911, a celebration was held at the Kosalavage house on Sunbury Street, between 4th and 5th. This home also served as a rooming house. It was said that after celebrating throughout the day, a number of “foreigners” from throughout the region congregated at the home for a “last call.” This gathering began to break-up after midnight on Monday, January 2. One of the revelers, who had perhaps imbibed a great deal, returned to his room around 2:00 a.m. He inadvertently knocked-over an oil lamp, which quickly set fire to the nearby combustible materials. He fled his room and the building, but no immediate alarm of fire was sounded.
Dr. Monahan, whose home and office was directly across the street from the Kosalavage dwelling, arose to some commotion outside and noticed smoke issuing from the building. The alarm was then transmitted. Minersville’s telegraph fire alarm had been installed in 1910. Dr. Monahan ran across the street and kicked-in the door and escorted Mr. and Mrs. Kosalavage – both only partially clad – from the building. Dr. Monahan immediately asked the Kosalavage’s if their children had been removed from the building. He was assured that they were safe. Residents were evacuated from the adjoining dwellings as well. All awaited the arrival of the four Minersville fire companies: Mountaineer, Independent, Good Will, and the Rescue Hook and Ladder. Mountaineer was equipped with a hose carriage and an 1866 Amoskeag third-size steamer. Independent was equipped with a four-wheel hose carriage. Good Will arrived with an 1897 Muskegan chemical wagon. Rescue was operated an 1875 hand-drawn rig, which may have been an early chemical wagon.
The companies arrived with smoke beginning to push from the rooming house and the neighboring dwellings. Firefighters were repeatedly assured that all occupants had escaped the fire. Chemical lines were immediately deployed as two-and-a-half inch lines were stretched from nearby hydrants. The fire began to take possession of the Kosalavage home and extend to the adjacent homes.
Suddenly, the father of the children began to shriek wildly and ran back into the home. His wife collapsed where she was. Firefighters quickly removed Mr. Kosalavage, but not before he was seriously burned about the face and hands. As flames began to pour from the windows of the home, firefighters and onlookers began to realize the tragedy that was now taking shape. The Kosalavage’s had recovered enough from whatever stupor that they were in to realize that their children were still in the now heavily involved building.
Firefighters placed ladders to the involved home and drove hose streams into the flames. In addition to their efforts to knock-down the flames in the Kosalavage home, firefighters also battled flames now raging in the adjoining homes. While three homes were gutted, firefighters managed to prevent the flames from damaging the other neighboring buildings.
After several hours, firefighters had the main body of fire knocked-down. Conditions were such that they were able to enter the Kosalavage dwelling. Reluctantly, they began the task that all firefighters dread: They searched the home for the children. In short order, the true scope of the tragedy would be known. The five Kosalavage children, three boys and two girls, had perished in the fire. The children ranged in age from 2 months to eight years.
Firefighters, by-standers, and most especially Dr. Monahan were devastated. All were convinced that had they been aware that the children had not yet escaped the home, they could have been rescued early in the fire. By the time it was discovered that the children were still inside, it was too late. Mr. and Mrs. Kosalavage were removed to the Pottsville Hospital for treatment.
The five children were buried at the Lithuanian Cemetery on Friday, January 5. 500 people joined in the funeral procession from the Lithuanian Church on 3rd St. to the Cemetery.
The parents of the children were largely condemned following the fire and the funeral for, first, their evident lack of the concern for the safety and welfare of the children and, second, for the level of intoxication of the adults in the home at the time of the fire. The local newspaper, however, had a different take on the second charge. The newspaper took direct aim at the American public and the encouragement it gives to “drunken revelry.” It also cited law enforcement for its lax enforcement of the existing liquor laws. Prohibition was still eight years away, but the Temperance movement had taken a firm hold by this time.
Based on a preliminary review, it appears that this was the deadliest fire in Minersville’s history.
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back – Part I
June
10 Years Ago
06/26/2001 - STILL - 23:00 - Route 61 South near Penske; Major gas leak. Contractors working on the Route 61 upgrade project struck an 8" natural gas line. Companies used numerous unmanned master streams while operating at the extremely large, extremely loud release. Good Intent, American Hose, Yorkville, Humane responded. Also on scene were units from the Mt. Carbon, Schuylkill Haven, and Orwigsburg Fire Departments as well as Schuylkill County EMA. Route 61 was closed for an extended period until gas company personnel could sleeve the leak. Fire apparatus was refueled on scene.
25 Years Ago
06/27/1986 - STILL - 05:20 - Pottsville Bleach & Dye, Route 61 South, Schuylkill Haven. Good Intent E 11 requested with high-expansion foam to assist the Schuylkill Haven Fire Department with a fire involving a filtration tower at the plant. This was a prolonged operation due to the nature of the combustible materials in the filtration system and access difficulties. The Jet-X foam nozzle was utilized from the bucket of Rainbow's Snorkel 725. One of the very few times the high expansion foam was used on an incident. An evacuation of nearby homes resulted in approximately 150 residents being temporarily displaced. The initial alarm was received at 19:20 hrs on Thursday, June 26. Friendship Fire Co. of Orwigsburg also assisted the Schuylkill Haven Fire Department.
As a side note, William Dewald (Yorkville) was sworn-in as Pottsville’s new Assistant Fire Chief on Thursday, June 26, 1986 as well.
30 Years Ago
06/16/1981 – STILL – 14:20 – Pottsville Gas Company, N. Centre St. Propane gas leak from tank truck. Good Will, Humane, Good Intent. In service 6 ˝ hours.
06/30/1981 – Box 32 – 19:02 – 327-329 Schuylkill Ave; Vacant Houses; Cause: Arson. Loss: Unknown; Returned at 20:15 for rekindle. Companies arrived with heavy fire from the second floor of these stone homes. The fire began on the exterior of the home near a rear door. It quickly spread through the interior. The rear of the 1st and 2nd floors were heavily damaged. The fire was placed under control in half an hour, but American Hose returned at 20:15 for a rekindle. Following an investigation by Chief March and Police Sgt. Robert Dusel, it was determined that the fire was intentionally set by a 7-year old boy.
35 Years Ago
06/09/1976 – STILL – 07:50 – 215 Howard Ave; Occupant: David Meyer; Cause: Trash can in kitchen. Loss: $500.
06/19/1976 – STILL – 02:00 – Man fell down 20’ deep pit at the sewage treatment plant in Mt. Carbon. Chief sent Yorkville and American Hose. Daniel Strausser of Port Carbon was injured in the fall. Rainbow Hose of Schuylkill Haven also assisted on scene with their rescue truck.
40 Years Ago
06/03/1971 – Box 71 – 09:12 – 16th & W. Market St; Brok-Sel Market shed. Cause: Unknown. Loss: $150.
06/11/1971 – Box 34 – 19:40 – 8th & Schuylkill Ave; Owned by the City of Pottsville; Cause: Unknown; Loss: Unknown.
06/15/1971 – STILL – 19:22 – Call for help: Apartment house in New Philadelphia; Chief sent Yorkville, West End, and American Hose. This didn’t seem to be as serious as it may have appeared.
06/26/1971 – Box 221 – 20:40 – Centre & Mahantongo Sts; Pomeroy’s Department Store; Cause: Electrical failure; Loss: $3,260.55.
45 Years Ago – See Part II
06/06/1966 – Box 67 – 09:43 – Boulevard (Rt. 61) & Mill Creek Ave; House trailer occupied by Sam Williams; Cause: Oil heating unit; Loss: Unknown.
06/08/1966 – STILL – 16:15 – Weiner’s Junkyard (off 12th & Arch); Hoist crane; Cause: Unknown; Loss: $5,575.
06/10/1966 – Box 412 – 15:20 – 400 W. Market St; Occupant: Tom Joulwan; Cause: Defective oil water heater; Loss: $898.82.
06/25/1966 – Box 19 – 00:34 – Railroad (Progress Ave.) & E. Norwegian Sts; Plaza Hotel building; Owner: Ryland Lord; Cause: Unknown; Loss: $27,500.
06/25/1966 – Box 412 – 04:55 – Rear 209 W. Market St; Frame garage; Cause: Unknown (suspicious); Loss: Unknown.
50 Years Ago
06/01/1961 – STILL then Box 68 – 00:56 – Peacock St. near Centre; Abe Cramer, Inc. warehouse; Cause: Unknown; Loss: $1,500. (2nd (and final!) fire at this building in less than a month). Fire destroyed the 1.5 story frame warehouse, which was located between Centre St. and Heffner St. on Peacock. The warehouse was vacant at the time of the fire. A still alarm at 00:56 brought Fire Chief Andy Hoke to the scene. He arrived to find the warehouse well-involved in fire and pulled the box at Centre & Coal Sts. to transmit the general alarm. The fire, of suspicious origin, was placed under control in 90 minutes.
On a different note (that can, perhaps, be summarized as history repeating itself!)….
A minor controversy erupted in the PFD during this time in 1961. After several complaints and evidently a near-miss or two, Director of Public Safety Robert M. Scheipe ordered fire trucks to stop driving the wrong way on West Norwegain Street to get to the east side of town. This directive was handed-down on or about May 9, 1961. Specifically, he ordered the American Hose to go west on West Norwegian to Fifth, then north to Market Street before heading east. On Wednesday morning, May 31, the Fire Department was dispatched to a tar buggy on fire near the Good Samaritan Hospital on East Norwegian St. Driving American Hose’s 1952 American LaFrance 700 Series 750 gpm pumper and following the Councilman’s directive, Motor Pump Operator John Mauger found it necessary to stop at 5th & W. Norwegian St. and locate two residents to have them move their vehicles from the corner so that he could turn onto 5th. He said this delayed their response. Then, when he turned east on Market Street, he found traffic to be very heavy heading east. It was necessary for him to jump lanes on W. Market Street from 4th to 2nd. Mauger also noted that children at the Garfield Elementary School at 5th & W. Norwegian could also be viewed as a hazard. Mauger complained that all the circumstances made this run more hazardous than simply going 3 blocks to wrong way on W. Norwegian St.
As American Hose driver John Carlin was heading east on W. Market St. in his private auto to get the Company’s second engine – the 1948 American LaFrance 700 Series 1500 gpm pumper – he noted that their first engine was hung-up at the corner of 5th & W. Norwegian and also that traffic was heavy on West Market heading east. Carlin, not wanting to be blocked, drove to 5th & Norwegian with the engine but turned south on 5th and proceed to Mahantongo. Carlin said that as he proceeded east on Mahantongo St., he became blocked by traffic at Centre Street, which delayed his response. It was noted that City Police were to ticket parking violators at the intersection at 5th & Norwegian and also that the City was to remove parking meters from that area to allow for better travel for the fire apparatus.
To further complicate the call for the tar buggy at the Good Sam Hospital, a Pottsville Fire Department rig struck an automobile owned by Theresa S. Brennan of 1329 W. Norwegian Street. The private auto was parked on Tremont Street near East Market. Neither the apparatus nor the company was identified.
It doesn’t end there… The Pottsville Fire Police complained that the Pottsville Police Department was not responsive to the complaints that they filed with the PD for action as a result of their duties. Mayor Michael Close and Chief of Police Wollyung promised full cooperation.
60 Years Ago
06/15/1951 – Box 43 – 15:07 – 226 N. 3rd St; Occupant: Loretta Moran; Cause: Cleaning fluid ignited, set fire to living room on 2nd floor; Loss: $1,350.
65 Years Ago
06/09/1946 – STILL – 21:00 – 1803 W. Market St. Occupant: Mrs. Lynn; Cause: Fresh-made fire in bucket-a-day coal stove set fire to overalls hanging near stove. Loss: $191.40.
70 Years Ago
06/18/1941 – Box 71 – 17:17 – 1610 W. Norwegian St. Occupant: Frank Yeager; Cause: Bon fire set old rotten roof on fire (old barn); Loss: $200.
80 Years Ago
06/14/1931 – STILL – 00:45 – Assistance for Mt. Carbon, Standard Oil Company warehouse; Humane and American Hose sent by Chief. This was the last mutual aid request answered by Fire Chief William Stevenson as Fire Chief George Smith was soon to be appointed. The fire was discovered by members of the Highway Patrol. The upper portions of the warehouse were gutted. Mt. Carbon Fire Chief Moracco had “command.” A tremendous smoke condition stretched north through Pottsville, reaching as far as Minersville (Laurel Blvd.) Street. This was the result of a large stock of new tires stored in the warehouse. Companies cleared the scene at 03:30 hrs. Firefighter Lamar Herring suffered minor facial burns. Firefighter Arthur Schimpf suffered a lacerated finger, which needed 5 stitched to close. Both were members of the Pottsville Fire Department.
85 Years Ago
06/18/1926 – STILL – 12:05 – 546 E. Arch St. Occupant: B. Martz; Cause: Crossed wires; Loss: $150.
06/29/1926 – STILL – 18:30 – Assistance at Scott’s Hotel near Seven Stars. Humane and Good Will sent by Chief. It was believed that a spark from a passing Pennsylvania Railroad locomotive ignited the gasoline filling station of the Gulf Refining Company at Seven Stars, between Pottsville and Schuylkill Haven. The gas station was destroyed along with a barn and the home of the station manager, Henry HIllibush. Schuylkill Haven and Cressona companies were also on scene. Telephone lines were also burned in the course of the fire, resulting in service interruption for approximately 3000 residents.
Schuylkill Haven companies were kept busy the following day as well as the Stanton Knitting Mill on Haven St. in Schuylkill Haven was destroyed on June 30.
90 Years Ago
06/15/1921 – Box 25 – 20:10 – Hotel St. Occupant: Surface Motor Company; Cause: Backfiring of automobile; Loss: $14,800.
100 Years Ago
06/21/1911 – Box 19 – 11:00 – Coal and E. Norwegian Sts. Thomas Shappel Lumber; Cause: Spark from bon fire; Loss: $25.
125 Years Ago
06/04/1886 – 21:45 – Fire at Minersville; Good Intent and American Hose responded with engines. At noon that Friday, June 4, the borough of Minersville’s municipal water supply was shut-down at the reservoir near Hecksherville so that obstructions could be removed from the piping. The work was laborious and took quite some time. At the time, Minersville was said to have one of the best water distribution systems in the area. With no water in the system, however, the town was on edge.
Around 20:30 hrs, a fire was discovered in Sandy Jeffrey’s stable on 2nd St. near Laurel (approximately 2 blocks from the Washington House Hotel). The Borough’s four fire companies arrived promptly, but with no water supply they faced a monumental task in stopping the fire. The only company that was said to go in service was the Rescue Hook & Ladder Company. I’m guessing that Rescue may have had a “Chemical” wagon at the time with an on-board water supply. Interestingly, there were no steam fire engines in Minersville yet – perhaps owing to the high quality of the water distribution system. Companies were equipped with hose wagons.
Immediately upon discovery of the fire, a messenger was sent on horseback to notify the workmen that the water supply needed to be restored. By the time he arrived, the workmen had completed their task and restored the water service. However, it would take some time for water to again fill the entire system. Chief Fire Marshal Robert Shoener requested 2 steamers from Pottsville to pump from the creek in town. The Good Intent and American Hose steamers made the 4 mile trip in a little over ˝ an hour. Good Intent responded with their 1883 third size Manchester Locomotive Works (i.e. Amoskeag) steamer and American Hose responded with their 1875 Clapp & Jones steamer.
As the fire gained in intensity, Minersville firefighters and local residents improvised. They utilized two nearby wells from which water was drawn to form a “bucket brigade.” In this manner, they were able to soak the exposure buildings. Firefighters also began to tear-down high-board wooden fences in the vicinity that were beginning to smolder. While the fire did also destroy a cottage on the opposite side of the street from the Jeffrey stable, firefighters and residents were able to contain the fire. The Good Intent steamer was put to work, pumping from the stream at 2nd and Lewis Sts. The “Goodies” supplied a Minersville hoseline.
After the fire had been largely extinguished, a Minersville Borough Councilman suggested that the Borough hire the Good Intent steamer to stand-by until the water service was completely restored. His suggestion was vetoed. The need for a steamer in the borough was better understood over time. On October 14, 1887, the Mountaineer Hose Company purchased the Good Intent’s old 1866 Amoskeag steamer for $1200. In July, 1883, the Good Intent had put in service a third size steamer built by the Manchester Locomotive Works (Manchester took over the Amoskeag steam fire engine line in 1876). The “Mounties” steamer made its first appearance when Cal Price’s Cigar Factory at Coal and Water Sts. in the Borough caught fire. The Mountaineer Hose Company still maintains this steamer today. It is truly a local fire service treasure.
06/20/1886 – 02:15 – Fire at Joseph Shablein’s carriage factory in Bannan’s alley.
06/27/1886 – Fire at the house of James Ryon, Fishbach.
130 Years Ago
06/01/1881 – Slight fire at the residence of Peter Pugh, Harrison St. Cause: Burning of a quilt.
Also, an alarm was received from Ulmer’s Packing Company.
06/16/1881 – Fire at the junk shop of Lewis Harris and Joseph Harris the baker on Railroad St. Loss: Harris’ loss was $500 and Miller’s loss was about $1,000.
140 Years Ago
06/07/1871 – Fire destroyed an old log building in Jalappa.
155 Years Ago
06/17/1856 – A house on East Mahantongo Street occupied by Samuel Mann, of the Pottsville House for dining and sleeping purposes; Damage was slight.
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back – Part II
June, 1966
06/06/1966 – Box 67 – 09:43 – Boulevard (Rt. 61) & Mill Creek Ave; House trailer occupied by Sam Williams; Cause: Oil heating unit; Loss: Unknown.
The box was struck for a house trailer at 50 Mill Creek Ave. adjacent to the Pottsville Park Plaza. The trailer was owned by Sam Williams and occupied by Mrs. Anna Alonis, 46, who was disabled. Companies arrived with heavy smoke from the trailer. Firefighters immediately entered the trailer and rescued Mrs. Alonis via a window in the home. She was transported to the Pottsville Hospital and admitted suffering from smoke inhalation. Firefighter John “Jack” Conway, who was directly involved with the rescue of Mrs. Alonis, was also transported to the Pottsville Hospital and treated for smoke inhalation. The interior of the trailer home suffered heavy damage. The fire was believed to have ignited when Mrs. Alonis attempted to light an oil burner.
06/08/1966 – STILL – 16:15 – Weiner’s Junkyard (off 12th & Arch); Hoist crane; Cause: Unknown; Loss: $5,575.
06/10/1966 – Box 412 – 15:20 – 400 W. Market St; Occupant: Tom Joulwan; Cause: Defective oil water heater; Loss: $898.82.
After a little lull in the action, 5 Fires in about a 12 hour stretch…
06/24/1966 – STILL – 15:00 – A brush fire was extinguished in the vicinity of 12th St. & Laurel Blvd. (near the Ost & Ost complex).
06/24/1966 – STILL – 17:10 – A brush fire was extinguished at the Gluntz Farm on the Mar-Lin Road.
06/25/1966 – Box 19 – 00:34 – Railroad (Progress Ave.) & E. Norwegian Sts; Plaza Hotel building; Owner: Ryland Lord; Cause: Unknown; Loss: $27,500.
Police Officers Frank Metzinger, Robert Freiler, and Lt Robert Rehnert noticed smoke near the roof of the 4 story Plaza Hotel, which was built in 1930, at 118 E. Norwegian St. They immediately transmitted the alarm and began to evacuate the 49 guests from the hotel. The fire department arrived with heavy smoke in the hotel. Donning both self-contained breathing apparatus and filter-type masks, firefighters found fire running the walls from the second floor to the roof. In all, approximately 6 rooms in the hotel suffered fire damage. Fire also burned through the roof in one portion. The cause of the fire was officially listed as undetermined, but it was suspected that an electrical fire developed somewhere in the wall between the first and second floors. Firefighters and police officers successfully evacuated all the guests from the hotel. One guest, Mr. Charles McGlynn, 65, was treated for smoke inhalation at the Pottsville Hospital. One firefighter, Larry Fox of Yorkville Hose, was also treated at the Pottsville Hospital for smoke inhalation. Fire Chief Andy Hoke said that several other firefighters also suffered ill effects from the smoke, but hadn’t sought treatment. The building was owned by G. Ryland Lord. The building still stands today, occupied by the Hong Kong Buffet on the first floor.
While the Plaza Hotel fire was in progress, a call was received for a television on fire in the Bowers residence at 429 E. Market St. The Greenwood Hill Fire Company was released from the Plaza fire to respond to E. Market St. City Police Detective Lt. John Becker, who lived in the next block, helped remove the television from the home and doused it with buckets of water. The fire was under control by the time the engine company arrived.
06/25/1966 – Box 412 – 04:55 – Rear 209 W. Market St; Frame garage; Cause: Unknown (suspicious); Loss: Unknown.
Firefighters from the Good Intent were still at the firehouse at 7 N. 2nd St. rehashing the Plaza Hotel fire when the box began to strike. From the engine room, they immediately noticed a flickering reflection in the display window of the storefront directly across the street from the firehouse, which seemed to be originating in the alley next to the firehouse. Investigating, they discovered a wooden fence and the shingled corner of a garage on fire to the rear of 209 W. Market St. The garage was owned by Kenneth Lohr of that address. The fire was quickly knocked down.
During this period, Andy Hoke was the City Fire Chief. His Assistant Chiefs were: Bobby Ventresca (American Hose), Tom Seitzinger (Greenwood Hill), Jerry Brennan (Good Intent).
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
05-29-2011, 07:27
Mike: Again great stuff. Especially loved the Minersville story on the steamer. We had the Mountaineer Boys bring it to our 100th anniversary in 1989. We had made a trip there to meet with them personally inviting them to bring it. We were treated like Old Friends on our first visit and learned a lot of Mountaineer/Minersville history and war stories. It is an experience which I will never forget.
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
06-28-2011, 06:04
Fire call boxes still in use
by thomas leskin (staff writer tleskin@republicanherald.com)
Published: June 28, 2011
http://republicanherald.com/polopoly_fs/1.1167886.1309232298!/image/1999471222.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_240/1999471222.jpg (http://republicanherald.com/polopoly_fs/1.1167886!/image/1999471222.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_490/1999471222.jpg)
A fire box hangs on the wall at the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society in Shenandoah.
http://republicanherald.com/polopoly_fs/1.1167885.1309232297!/image/1507568368.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_240/1507568368.jpg (http://republicanherald.com/polopoly_fs/1.1167885!/image/1507568368.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_490/1507568368.jpg) Andy Matsko/staff photo Tom Donathan, fire alarm supervisor for the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society, explains how the fire box system works Wednesday at the society's museum, Shenandoah. The boxes are still used in many parts of the county.
SHENANDOAH - In the age of smartphones, tablet computers and Wi-Fi, a technology introduced in the 1880s is still used in parts of the county.
According to Tom Donathan, fire alarm supervisor at the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society, the only municipalities in Schuylkill County that still use fire call boxes are Pottsville, Shenandoah, Mahanoy City, Tamaqua, Cressona and Saint Clair.
In spite of their fading popularity, Donathan believes they are the fastest way to alert companies to a fire.
"You will know in 15 to 20 seconds where you're going with these," Donathan said. "Speed is a big thing."
Although much of the county has already gotten rid of the boxes, Donathan said the benefits of keeping the systems is that when properly maintained they can operate with no electricity since they have a backup battery. Moreover, if one part of the circuit breaks or if lines are broken, it will send a signal through a ground return.
He also touts their usefulness for non-English speaking people - a dispatcher who knows a foreign language is not needed to send fire trucks to the right place - and for people unfamiliar with an area and its landmarks.
"They pull the box and you know where it is," he said. "There's no language barrier."
Nevertheless, Scott Krater, 911 director for Schuylkill County, believes that while the call boxes have their advantages, they have run their course in history. Although easy to use, Krater said new technology and practices serve all the same purposes while being more efficient.
New gadgets can also breach the language barrier. The county has a contract with a company called Language Line, which interprets any language the dispatch center needs.
"We also have technology now with people calling from a cell phone or land line that can identify the particular area they are calling from," Krater said. "We don't even need to know what municipality they're in since we have technology that gives a general location."
He said one shortcoming of the call boxes is they don't allow the communications center to gather more details about a particular incident.
Krater said if a telephone call comes into the center, they also send out a page with all the pertinent information about who needs to go and who's responding.
"Any fire company would also like to know what they're going to," Krater said. "If you pull a street box, you don't know what's happening."
Krater said that by dialing 911, the caller can tell the communication center the additional information the fire companies require, like the size of the blaze and if EMS is needed. The new page system alerts all area fire companies where a fire is and if additional companies are needed to respond.
He said if the call only came through the call box, only the fire company nearest the box would be alerted, and the size and severity of the situation would be unknown.
"The fire companies also spend an awful lot of money on their pagers, $200 to $300 per pager," he said.
Krater said that in an age where everything is connected worldwide, the box alarms are a great backup to calling 911 and serve a nostalgic purpose.
In spite of their usefulness, the alarm box system had one very serious flaw, their vulnerability to false alarms.
Donathan said there haven't been a lot of false alarms in Schuylkill County, but Krater believes that is why most municipalities have done away with the old systems.
Donathan said that in the county, a large number of the systems were removed because they were not property maintained and had a high cost of repair associated with them.
In Saint Clair, there are still boxes in use from the 1880s that have not needed repair or replacing.
Donathan said it is a misconception that parts for the old systems are scarce.
"That's one of the political ploys to get them pulled, the fact that you can't call Gamewell up and order parts anymore," he said.
With a large collector market, there are parts available for all the systems no matter how old they are, he explained.
The Schuylkill Historical Fire Society has enough parts and equipment at the museum and in storage to keep the systems running for years to come.
The largest in the county is still Pottsville's system with 99 boxes. Shenandoah has 42 boxes.
Weighing about 80 pounds and made of cast iron, most of the early fire call boxes built in the 1880s are nearly indestructible, Donathan said.
The newer boxes from the middle 1900s are made out of aluminum and weigh about 35 to 40 pounds.
For the upkeep of the boxes, the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society is publicly active in assisting all boroughs in the county in maintaining their equipment and Gamewell Fire Alarm Systems, as Schuylkill County remains the last bastion of Gamewell Fire Alarm Systems in Pennsylvania.
Society members restored Pottsville's and Shenandoah's street boxes as community projects.
The society has also sponsored fire alarm maintenance programs in Cressona and Saint Clair to train fire department members on proper maintenance of their systems.
Donathan said the historical society canvases cities that have pulled their systems and tries to get them to donate their equipment that was either removed or never installed. This way, parts can be donated to the boroughs whenever needed to keep the systems up and running.
The historical society also maintains them by painting the boxes, putting new fire stickers on them, putting up pole wraps and assists in replacing spans of wire.
As fire call boxes become a relic, advancing technology aims to save even more lives than was possible in the past.
"As a county, we offer 911 service that we feel is a good service and serves public well," Krater said. "The commissioners also back us 100 percent with funding when need it."
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Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back
July
5 Years Ago
Mucho mutual aid to start…
07/12/2006 – STILL – 14:27 – 129 Cherry St., Port Carbon. Fire damaged the first floor of a 2 ˝ story middle-of-the-row. Phoenix L21 and Yorkville R63 on the first alarm. Good Intent E11 and American Hose E71 for RIT.
07/17/2006 – STILL – 02:48 – 427 Bear Creek Street, Auburn. Fire destroyed the very large, 3-story former Auburn Shoe Factory along with a nearby occupied multiple dwelling. The fire resulted in a sizeable response from throughout southern Schuylkill County and northern Berks County. Pottsville sent West End L51, Good Intent E11, and American Hose E71.
07/18/2006 – STILL – 06:23 – 1213 Center Turnpike, West Brunswick Twp; Fire destroyed one unit in the Sunrise Self-Storage facility. Good Intent E11 and American Hose E71 for RIT.
07/21/2006 – STILL – 12:34 – 58 Silver Creek, Blythe Township; Good Intent E11, Phoenix L21, and American Hose E71 dispatched for a house trailer fire. Pottsville units were recalled prior to arrival on scene as Valley companies put a quick knock on the fire. The fire did, however, result in one fatality.
10 Years Ago
07/01/2001 – STILL – 17:03 – 6 Alliance Street, New Philadelphia. Fire destroyed a 2 ˝ story frame duplex as a result of a lightning strike. Pottsville sent Good Intent E11, Phoenix L21, and Humane E32.
25 Years Ago
07/09/1986 – STILL – 10:40 – Cass Township, St. Nicholas Church Hall. Around 10:30, smoke was noticed pushing from the rear of the very large, 1-story wood-frame reception hall on Route 901. The fire, pushed by a steady breeze, spread quickly through the building. By 11:15, the roof had begun to collapse and the building was fully-involved. The loss was placed at $500,000. Yorkville Truck 61 (1967 Maxim quad) responded to the scene. Other companies in service at the fire were South Cass, Minersville, Mount Pleasant, Mount Carbon, Newtown, Forestville, and Schuylkill Haven. The hall was rebuilt and still serves as a popular local venue for wedding receptions and other events.
30 Years Ago
07/12/1981 – Box 32 – 14:25 – 506 Schuylkill Ave. Vacant Home; Cause: Arson; Loss: $12,600. Companies arrived with fire showing from the rear of a 2 ˝ story stand-alone frame dwelling. If I remember the story correctly, this fire occurred during the South Cass Fire Company’s Campfire parade and several rigs returned to Pottsville from there. The fire was placed under control in 30 minutes. 4 firefighters suffered minor injuries.
07/17/1981 – Box 35 – 16:34 – 622 Mahantongo St. 3rd floor apartment; Cause: Children playing with matches; Loss: $1,500. Companies arrived with smoke showing from attic of the 2 ˝ story end-of-the-row. Fire placed under control in 15 minutes. Asst. Chief George Moyer (Greenwood Hill) had command.
35 Years Ago
07/16/1976 – Box 22 – 04:15 – 547 Adams St. Occupant: Eugene Leininger; Cause: Unknown; Loss: Unknown. A garage was destroyed. Companies on scene 45 minutes.
07/18/1976 – Box 67 – 06:52 – Dairy Queen Restaurant, Rt. 61 & Mill Creek Ave. Cause: Electrical short circuit; Loss: $85,000. That Sunday morning, an employee was outside the restaurant cleaning the picnic area and noticed smoke coming from one of the exhaust vents. About the same time, a PA State Police Trooper on his way to work noticed smoke and flames from an exhaust vent in the rear of the restaurant. Asst. Chief Bob Dusel (Good Will) received the call as a “smoke investigation.” He dispatched Good Will (1963 GMC/American 750 gpm pumper) and Good Intent (1975 Hahn 1000 gpm pumper) to the area. He quickly arrived to find heavy smoke pouring from the restaurant and had the Box transmitted. Fire heavily damaged the restaurant. Companies were out 1 ˝ hours.
07/25/1976 – Box 112 – 02:57 – 406 E. Race St. Occupant: Kirkland family; Cause: Arson; Loss: $500. The fire started in paper placed under the asphalt shingles on the exterior of the home near the kitchen. Asst. Chief Jack Rose (Phoenix) had command.
45 Years Ago
07/11/1966 – Box 41 – 11:45 – 14th & Laurel Blvd. United Metal Box Company; Cause: Fire in ductwork from ovens in paint shop; Loss: Unknown.
07/21/1966 – Box 523 – 20:15 – 809 Minersville St. (Mt. Hope Ave.). Frame building owned by the City of Pottsville; Cause: Defective chimney; Loss: Unknown. This home, located very close to the Pottsville Mission, was occupied by Mrs. Ruth Murphy and her 9 children. The home had been condemned by the City and was marked for demolition as soon as the family could obtain other housing. Fire originating as a result of the defective chimney quickly spread throughout the frame dwelling. The family was able to escape unharmed. The home was gutted. Firefighter Charlie Dragna (Good Intent) was treated for smoke inhalation at the Pottsville Hospital.
50 Years Ago
07/08/1961 – STILL – 09:25 – 710 Seneca St. Occupant: Joseph Julian; Cause: 3 year old boy playing with lighter in clothes closet; Loss: $200.
07/29/1961 – STILL – 12:15 – 9 N. 22nd St. Occupant: Louis Tepper; Cause: Fire in rumpus room, believed caused by lightning; Loss: $500.
55 Years Ago
07/30/1956 – Box 71 – 15:07 – 1651 W. Norwegian St. Occupant: Pete Daley; Cause: Burning rubbish in furnace, ignited excelsior on floor; Loss: $791.
Also that afternoon, Yorkville Hose (1949 Maxim Quad) assisted in the rescue of Charles Stanchick, age 13, of 2172 W. Norwegian St. from an abandoned strip mining pit on the north side of Sharp Mountain after he had fallen approximately 50 feet into the pit. The youth was seriously injured and transferred to Thomas Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia by the Pottsville Lions ambulance with a State Police escort. The trip took 1 hour and 40 minutes.
70 Years Ago
07/18/1941 – Box 26 – 11:50 – 115 Railroad St. Occupant: Mrs. Johnson; Cause: Electric refrigerator caught on fire; Damaged refrigerator and kitchen; Loss: $200.
75 Years Ago
07/05/1936 – Box 56 – 04:00 – 605 Fairview St. Occupant: Bob Yurchikonis; Cause: Fire started on 3rd floor, possible fireworks; Loss: $3,000. Off-duty Pottsville Police Officer William Witmer noticed flames from the building from his home. He transmitted the alarm from 5th & Morgan Ave. No sooner were the four rounds from that box complete, that the box at 7th & Fairview Sts. was also pulled for the fire. The top two floors of the building were gutted. The beer garden on the first floor of the home suffered heavy smoke and water damage. The exterior of the homes at 603 and 607 Fairview were also damaged. I think this same building still stands on Fairview St. with a storefront-type first floor, an altered second floor roof line, and no third floor.
80 Years Ago
07/01/1931 – Fire Chief George Smith (Good Intent) assumes command of the Pottsville Fire Department. Chief Smith was sworn-in by Mayor Dengler and enjoyed an annual salary of…$1,980.
Chief Smith replaced Chief W.L. Stevenson (American Hose) who had served for 15 years, beginning in 1916. Interestingly, Chief Stevenson didn’t retire. While Stevenson was the choice of the Board of Fire Trustees in 1931, City Council decided to move in a different direction and hired Chief Smith. At that time, the Fire Chief served a three year term. Chief Stevenson served 5 terms as Chief. It was anticipated that Stevenson would be offered a position with the Commonwealth upon his leaving city employment. Stevenson was likely not terribly surprised by these developments. He had become Fire Chief when City Council elected not to retain Chief Lynaugh (Good Will) in 1916.
In a few years, Chief Smith came to be afforded protection by Pennsylvania Law. Paid members of fire departments in cities of the Third Class were to serve an indefinite term of office with removal only for cause.
Chief Smith served until 1958…when he retired. Andy Hoke (Greenwood Hill) then became Fire Chief.
07/17/1931 – Box 513 – 14:25 – 732 N. 3rd St. Occupant: Leon Benjaman; Cause: Wire to electric heater shorted wires; Loss: $100. Fire Chief George Smith’s first working fire. Firefighters arrived with smoke in the basement and found fire burning in the walls. The fire was exposed and extinguished with “chemical lines.”
85 Years Ago
07/02/1926 – Box 41 – 21:30 – 1014-1016 W. Market St. Occupants: George Shadel, Samuel Smith, and Carl Weimer; Cause: Sparks falling on stand of fireworks; Loss: $3,571. On Thursday, July 1, 1926, the ban on the sale of fireworks in the City of Pottsville was officially lifted. A day later, a fire erupted in the fireworks stand of the S.W. Smith Store at 1014 W. Market St. Companies arrived with fire involving the Smith Store and heavy smoke from the 2 ˝ story duplex. The fire was placed under control in 45 minutes. The buildings, owned by H.L. Hay, were heavily damaged. Fire Chief Stevenson suffered a bruise above his eye when he was struck in the head by a stream of water when a hoseline was unexpectedly opened. Neighbors complained that they attempted to phone the fire department to report the fire for “up to 20 minutes” to no avail. The fire department arrived promptly, however, once the telegraph fire alarm box was pulled. It was unknown what had caused the problem with the phone lines. I believe that this may be the same 2 ˝ story duplex that stands at 1014-1016 W. Market St. today.
07/22/1926 – Box 51 – 16:30 – Centre & Wynne Sts. Cause: Crossed wires at machine filling gas tank; Loss: $607.
90 Years Ago
07/04/1921 – Box 32 – 04:40 – 701 Schuylkill Ave. Occupant: C. Hawk; Cause: Unknown; Loss: $900. The fire began in the interior stairwell and spread rapidly to the upper floors. Heavy smoke was showing on arrival. The fire was placed under control in 1 hour.
95 Years Ago
07/19/1916 – Box 72 – 12:00 – 20th & W. Market Sts; Frame building occupied by Frank Keiser; Cause: Unknown; Loss: $1,179.
100 Years Ago
07/09/1911 – Box 42 – 17:15 – 502 ˝ W. Arch St. Mrs. Supowitz dwelling; Cause: Boiling-over pan of grease; Loss: Unknown.
07/25/1911 – Box 62 – 01:20 – Peacock & Burnish Sts. Eastern Steel Company tool house and office; Cause: Spontaneous combustion; Loss: $600.
115 Years Ago
07/04/1896 – Box 26 – 21:05 – Fire at H. Royer & Son’s dry goods store, corner of Centre & Howard Ave.
125 Years Ago
07/25/1886 – Fire at the house occupied by Mrs. Fient, on Pierce St.
135 Years Ago
07/31/1876 – 02:30 – Fire at Yorkville; The store of Albert Hoeffner and Mr. Sell; Mr. Hoeffner’s loss: $5,000; Mr. Sell’s loss: about $1,500.
145 Years Ago
July, 1866 – The Good Intent received a new third size (appx. 600 gpm) steam fire engine from the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company of Manchester, NH. This is the steamer that is presently owned by the Mountaineer Fire Company of Minersville.
150 Years Ago
07/29/1861 – 16:00 – A new, two-story frame dwelling near the water basin on East Norwegian St. was burned down; A Mr. Sullivan was going to move in that day.
155 Years Ago
07/31/1856 – The new blacksmith shop of Benjamin F. Pomeroy on Coal St. was completely destroyed by fire in less than half an hour.
165 Years Ago
07/11/1846 – Four wooden buildings on George St. The buildings belonged to Mr. Clemens and Mr. Parvin, and were occupied by Isaac Higley, John L. Menning, Nicholas Madara, and Jacob Olewine. This deserves to be quoted: “A woman living in one of the houses was so terrified, that she left the building without taking care of or knowing where her child was. From her manner, a gentleman from the crowd, becoming uneasy relative to it, went into the burning house and found in the room next to the roof, which was then rapidly burning, the child laughing, while fire was falling rapidly around it.”
Tom: See 85 Years Ago in the July "Looking Back." Communications are, of course, light years ahead of where they were in 1926, but it's interesting nonetheless in terms of the fire alarm telegraph's reliability...
Schuylkill County - 75 Years Ago
Saturday, July 4, 1936 - Girardville - An unoccupied 2-story frame house on the Colonel Monahan Estate on East Main St. was destroyed. The building was well-involved at the time of the 10:30 a.m. alarm. Lost were a number of artifacts from the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and, "the World War." All were destroyed.
Monday, July 6, 1936 - Frackville - Fire broke-out in the home of Elwood Mengel on South Lehigh Ave. at 01:00. The fire was confined to the partition walls in the rear of the home. Damage was estimated at approximately $100.
Mike. a good job as always. Thanks for the info on us north of the mountain boys. I have wanted to do a company history for Frackville with a spotlight on calls but never found the time even with being retired. I will have to add it to my goal list.
There are several “repeat customers” and many fire-damaged buildings that were repaired and are still standing with this month's "Looking Back"… Perhaps that’s a testament to leather lungs, booster lines, and – in one very notable instance – a functioning sprinkler system!
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back
August
5 Years Ago
08/12/2006 – Box 35 – 22:41 – 14 S. 8th St; Fire in the basement of a 2-story end-of-the-row quickly knocked.
08/14/2006 – Box 35 – 01:16 – 14 S. 8th St; This time, fire was blowing from the 2nd floor front windows of the 2-story end-of-the-row on a very narrow South 8th St. Fire extended to the B exposure via the cockloft. 2nd alarm transmitted. Minersville E521 to the scene replacing Greenwood Hill E81. Asst. Chief Stefnic had Command.
30 Years Ago
08/02/1981 – Box 441 – 04:58 – 604 W. Arch St. Storage Building; Cause: Arson; Loss: $10,000. A converted 3-story home was being used for storage by owner George Blum. Fire originated on the exterior in the rear and extended to the second and third floors. Heavy fire was showing from the rear on arrival. Asst. Chief George Moyer (Greenwood Hill) had command.
08/25/1981 – STILL – 10:30 – 9th & W. Market St. West End and Yorkville for an escaped prison who had become trapped on the embankment. 30 year old Gary Lee Boyer of 905 Mt. Hope Ave, Pottsville, had just learned from District Magistrate William Purcell that he was going to be committed to Schuylkill County Prison for lack of bail. The hearing at Purcell’s 905 Mahantongo St. office was a result of Boyer’s outstanding warrants for various motor vehicle violations and criminal mischief. As Boyer was led from the building in handcuffs, he broke free from police officers as he was reaching in his pocket to give his car keys to a friend. He ran east on Mahantongo to 8th St. and then north on 8th St. to Arch. As police closed-in, the handcuffed Boyer climbed a very steep rock embankment on the north side of West Market St. behind the Bob Yanek and Son Service Station. He crouched below a rock overhang on the cliff where he froze. The aerial on West End’s 1977 Seagrave 100’ quint was extended. Firefighters Evan Williams (American Hose) and Mike Braukus (Yorkville) climbed the aerial ladder and placed a life belt around Boyer. They debated whether to lower Boyer to the ground via rope or have him climb down the aerial ladder. The aerial ladder was repositioned. Braukus had descended and Jack Messner (West End) climbed the ladder. Boyer was maneuvered onto the ladder and began a slow climb down – still handcuffed – escorted by Messner. Upon reaching the ground, he was quickly taken away by police and returned to Magistrate Purcell’s office…where he then faced an additional charge of escape. He was committed to Schuylkill County Prison in lieu of $8,000 bail.
08/29/1981 – STILL – 09:42 – Assistance requested by MarLin for a fire at the Exxon building; Cause: Reprocessing grinder ignited from a welder; Chief sent Yorkville, West End, and American Hose.
35 Years Ago
08/12/1976 – Box 214 – 19:35 – Mauch Chunk & Anderson Sts. Murphy Trucking and Oil Company; Cause: Cigarette in trash can; Loss: $300.
08/19/1976 – Box 112 – 02:52 – 406 E. Race St. Occupant: Kirkland Family; Cause: Arson (again); Loss: $500. Fire began on the exterior in the rear and spread to the 1st floor kitchen and 2nd floor bathroom. This was the 3rd arson fire at this location and the 2nd within a month. No one was home at the time of the fire. Heavy damage was done to the rear of the home.
45 Years Ago
08/28/1966 – Box 77 – 11:15 – 1541 Howard Ave. Occupant: Victor Muncy; Cause: Unknown; Loss: $37,500. While Mrs. Muncy was at church and Mr. Muncy was at his office on Oak Road that Sunday morning when fire erupted in the television set in the living room of the home. The living room was gutted with heavy heat, smoke, and water damage to the remainder of the home. It was unknown who had turned-in the alarm. Asst. Chief Al Brennan (Phoenix) had Command.
50 Years Ago
08/29/1961 – Box 54 – 12:48 – 718-720 W. Race St. Occupants: Harry Hostettler and George Urch; Cause: Unknown; Loss: $6,000. The Box at 7th & Race was pulled when smoke was discovered pouring from the attic area of the 2.5 story frame row homes. Firefighters arrived to an ugly mid-day fire, but managed to confine fire damage to 718 and 720. A bedroom and the attic of the 720 home of George Urch were gutted. The attic area of Harry Hostetler’s 718 home was heavily damaged. The homes at 714 (William Best) and 716 (Nicholas Dodd) suffered smoke and water damage. This stretch of row homes also provided some steady work in the early 1970’s:
3/8/1972 – Box 54 – 15:29 – 724 W. Race St; Occupant: Marlin Reed; Cause: Gas leak rear of kitchen stove; Loss: $1,788.
3/24/1972 – Box 54 – 14:58 – 14:58 – 718 W. Race St; Occupant: Harry Hostettler; Cause: Unknown; Loss: $250.
2/3/1973 – Box 54 – 11:58 – 722 W. Race St; Occupant: Harvey Leymeister; Cause: Fire in mattress & box spring; Loss: $1,325.
9/9/1974 – Box 54 – 20:40 – 722-724 W. Race St; Cause: Unknown; Loss: $34,000; 722 – H. Leymeister - $17,000; 724 – Marlin Reed - $17,000.
55 Years Ago
08/10/1956 – STILL – 06:45 – 405 Howard Ave. Occupant: Walter Jones; Cause: Wires in receptacle in wall burned floor and partition wall; Loss: $361. This was one of six – yes, six – working fires at this home in a five year period in the 1950’s. Then, on 11/14/1978, another working fire at the Walter Jones home at 1956 3rd Ave. with damage totaling $20,000.
60 Years Ago
08/19/1951 – Box 51 – 05:55 – Centre & Minersville St. Eagle Hotel; Cause: Man smoking in bed set bed clothing on fire; Loss: $300.
65 Years Ago
08/14/1946 – Box 18 – 03:18 – Logan Alley; Pottsville Supply Company; Cause: Spontaneous combustion in rope and twine storage; Loss: $2,000. This rather “ugly” 5 story building still stands between East Market St. and East Norwegian St. Pottsville Police Sgt. William Reinhard and Patrolman Andrew Scheithauer were in the vicinity when they heard the sprinkler water motor gong sounding. They found the building to be locked with no evidence of fire or smoke. They drove to the home of George Urch on West Race St. (see fire of 1961), an employee of Pottsville Supply Company. When the three arrived back at the business, they detected a strong odor of smoke. Ptlm. Scheithauer ran to Box 18 at Centre and Market Sts. Chief George Smith arrived with the Fire Department to find the five story building heavily charged with smoke. Wearing filter-type masks, firefighters pressed into the building and located fire burning in the rear of the 3rd floor of the, largely held in-check by the sprinkler system. Four booster lines were used to complete extinguishment while six “plug streams” were readied in case the fire extended further. The fire was confined to the third floor rear. Heavy water damage was done from the 3rd floor down to the basement. Police and Fire Department personnel were confident that a conflagration was averted thanks to the sprinkler system and early detection of the alarm. The building adjoined the Hippodrome Theater in the block.
08/21/1946 – Box 57 – 15:55 – 717 N. 2nd St. Occupant: Jos. Lynaugh; Cause: Unknown; Loss: $948.61.
08/24/1946 – Box 36 – 18:12 – 313 Mahantongo St. Elks Lodge; Cause: Unknown, fire started on 4th floor and burned out top floor; Loss: $7,659.82. The 3rd floor apartment in the building was occupied by Club Steward William McDonald and his family. A stairwell led from the 3rd floor apartment to the 4th floor attic, but the door to the stairwell was always kept closed. McDonald and his family were eating their supper, unaware that a fire was burning above them. Steward Fritz Heinkel of the Pottsville Club across the street noticed smoke pouring from the roof of the Elks building. He ran to the building and alerted the family. In the meantime, Michael Carey, who lived in an apartment at 4th & Mahantongo St., also noticed the smoke and ran to 3rd & Mahantongo St. to pull the box. Firefighters arrived and pressed the attack into the attic. The roof was opened and soon flames were blowing from the vent hole. The fire also burned through the roof in several other places. Extensive overhaul was necessary to complete extinguishment. It was suspected that the fire was burning for some time before discovery. This building still stands…minus the 4th floor attic.
08/29/1946 – STILL – 15:10 – 2026 West End Ave. Occupant: Mrs. DeLong; Cause: Man burning rubbish, spark set awning and weatherboards on fire; Loss: $110.
70 Years Ago
08/05/1941 – STILL – 19:23 – 14th & W. Arch St; Harry Weiner’s Junk Yard; Cause: Unknown, fire started on 2nd floor of rag shop; Loss: $4,300. As apparatus of the Pottsville Fire Department were lining-up on Nichols St. in preparation for the Good Will Fire Company block party parade, an employee of Ost & Ost Machine Shop on Laurel Boulevard notice smoke and flames from the rag shop in the Weiner’s Junk Yard complex. He telephoned City Hall and work was promptly relayed to the companies on Nichols St. The parade began immediately…but headed directly to the junkyard! The rag shop was heavily damaged. This was one of many fires at “the Junky” over the years. Firefighter Al Lennox (Humane) suffered a fractured wrist and was transported to the Pottsville Hospital by West End’s 1937 Ahrens-Fox 500gpm “Emergency Car.” West End stood a fire watch well into the night. No box was actually transmitted for the fire.
75 Years Ago
08/04/1936 – Box 53 – 01:02 – 505 Minersville St. Garage of Peter Lamm; Cause: Mr. Lamm struck match and ignited fumes from gasoline; Loss: $405.
80 Years Ago
08/11/1931 – STILL – 13:35 – New Philadelphia called for help; 4 houses badly damaged; Loss: $20,000. Chief sent Good Intent and Yorkville. The fire began as an electrical short in a partition wall in one of the frame row homes on Valley St. Companies arrived with heavy smoke from the eaves of the homes. The roofs were opened and extensive overhaul was necessary to extinguish the fire. The occupants were Bernard Zubris, Michael Wilewsky, Mrs. Agnes Dunalavage, and Jerome Phillips.
90 Years Ago
08/20/1921 – Box 63 – 02:30 – 250 W. Railroad St. Occupant: J. Garko; Cause: Sparks from engine; Loss: $550.
95 Years Ago
08/17/1916 – Box 42 – 13:15 – 906-908 Sillyman St. Occupants: Wm. Treon and W. Shugars; Cause: Cigarette; Loss: $900.
08/29/1916 – Box 18 – 05:35 – 116 E. Norwegian St. Occupant: Wm. Shugars; Cause: Cigarette; Loss: $71.
100 Years Ago
08/19/1911 – 09:30 – Telephone Alarm; York Farm Patch; 2-story dwelling owned by Lehigh Valley Coal Co. and occupied by a foreigner; Cause: Defective flue; Loss: $10.
150 Years Ago
08/02/1861 – 14:00 – A frame house below Mount Carbon; also a slight fire at the residence of Henry Boyer, on Church Alley above Second St.
165 Years Ago
08/16/1846 – The stable of Mr. Brooks on Norwegian St; the building was consumed.
Looking Back
65 Years Ago
Cressona
On March 18, 1946, Sergeant George Thrush returned to his wife and daughter at their 64 Front Street home after being overseas for two years serving in the Army during World War II. He had served for an extended period in Hawaii. His daughter, Sylvia Gaye Thrush, age 10, was in the 5th grade in Cressona Elementary.
On Wednesday evening, March 27, 1946, Sylvia had gone to bed at her usual time in the second floor rear bedroom in the brick home. Still enjoying George’s homecoming, Mr. andMrs. Thrush had gone to visit a neighbor across the street. At approximately 11:00 p.m. a fire erupted in the first floor kitchen of the Thrush home, directly below Sylvia’s bedroom.
The fire was discovered by neighbors when they noticed smoke and flames in the kitchen. The alarm was quickly sounded. As the child’s parents and neighbors arrived, the first floor of the home was now heavily charged with smoke. The fire department arrived with heavy fire in the rear. Numerous attempts relatives, neighbors, and firefighters to enter the home to rescue Sylvia were thwarted.
After the main body of fire was knocked-down, Sylvia waslocated on her bedroom floor and quickly removed from the home. Artificial respiration was applied immediately and while en-route to the hospital by George Sterner, an ex-serviceman. Tragically, the child was pronounced dead at the hospital. The interior of the Thrush home was heavily damaged.
If addressed correctly, I believe this home would have stood on the east side of Front St. between Ash and Oak. This is now part of the Winstain property. This would fit with M/M Thrush visiting neighbors, “across the street.”
Looking Back
55 Years Ago
Ryan Township
Norman Fisher of Mahanoy City was working on a fish pond on Sunday afternoon, September 9, 1956 when he discovered smoke pouring from the 2-story wood-frame home of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Pryce in R.D. Barnesville. Mr. and Mrs. Pryce and their 6 children, ages4 to 15, were attending a family reunion at the time. Fisher ran to the home of John Mlynek and telephoned the alarm. The Ryan Township Fire Company and the Good American Fire Company of Mahanoy City responded. Companies arrived to find the home well-involved in fire. The home was completely destroyed.
Cressona follow-up...
With regard to the 1946 Cressona fire posted above, a little detective work by Cressona Asst. Chief Jim Krammes and I - along with the recollections of some senior Cressona Fire members - revealed that the Thrush home was actually located at 55 Front St. in Cressona. This home still stands today at the corner of Front & Ash Sts. as it did on that tragic evening 65 years ago.
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back
September
5 Years Ago
9/3/2006 – Box 341 – 23:32 - 610 Schuylkill Ave; Companies arrived with smoke showing from the 2.5 story EOR. Fire in the basement coal bin quickly knocked.
10 Years Ago
9/11/2001 – Never Forget
20 Years Ago
9/5/1991 – Box 322 – 15:57 – Yuengling Brewery, 5th & Mahantongo Sts; Fire erupted in Class A storage just outside the gift shop. The fire was quickly contained and damage was minimal. Not a serious fire, but certainly an iconic building!
30 Years Ago
09/24/1981 – STILL – 11:44 – Chief sent Yorkville and Good Intent to the area of Tumbling Run Road for a building collapse in which a man was trapped. James Purcell of Pottsville was operating a forklift on the upper floor of the Beer City Warehouse off Brokhoff’s Road when the floor collapsed, pancaking through the second floor and ending on the ground floor. He was buried among thousands of beer and soda containers, crates, and sections of reinforced concrete from the floors. It took 15 minutes just to locate him in the rubble. Purcell was lying next to the forklift, which narrowly missed crushing him. He was conscious and was extricated in approximately half an hour. He was admitted to the Good Samaritan Hospital in “guarded” condition with a broken leg. Rescuers worked with additional sections of flooring hanging above them. If I’m not mistaken, this was the first actual rescue call for Yorkville’s “new” Rescue 63 (1981 International/Swab).
35 Years Ago
09/06/1976 – Box 243 – 05:49 – 111-113 S. George St. Vacant buildings owned by the City of Pottsville; Cause: Unknown; Loss: Unknown. Both homes had been previously damaged by fire on 2/6/1976 and were boarded-up. Companies arrived to find heavy fire from the rear of the homes. Fire spread to the second floors. Firefighters prevented the fire from extending to 392 Greenwood Ave., which was separated from the fire buildings by a 4’ alley. The cause was incendiary, as determined by PSP Fire Marshal Postupak and Chief March. During the fire, American Hose E71 was diverted to E. Arch and Jackson Sts. for a smoke scare. Asst. Chief Jack Rose (Phoenix) had command.
09/09/1976 – Box 81 – 20:53 – 86 Sherwood Road, Forest Hills; Occupant: Dr. Chadaga; Cause: Unknown; Loss: $5,000.
09/10/1976 – Box 47 – 14:00 – 1237 W. Market St; Occupant: Robert Makely; Cause: Pot of grease on the stove; Loss: $500.
09/21/1976 – Box 245 – 02:25 – Pulaski Drive & Baber St; 2-story, 6-bay garage owned by H. Leon Lawrence; Cause: Unknown; Loss: $10,000. Fire originated in a 1-story shed attached to the main building. The shed contained a large amount of wood. Fire spread to the large, frame garage. Companies arrived with heavy fire conditions within the garage and the shed fully involved. The garage contained wood, paneling, and other construction materials. This resulted in a very heavy and prolonged smoke condition. The building’s owner, Mr. Lawrence of 320 Jefferson St., was a retired general contractor. Companies were on scene for 4 ˝ hours. I’m pretty sure this was the fire during which Good Intent’s driver/operator Bill Stock famously took the company’s 1975 Hahn 1000 gpm pumper across the fairly long expanse of the old Washington St. bridge over Route 61 to access the fire…a 15 ton fire engine crossing a bridge with a 5-ton weight limit! They made it…
09/22/1976 – Box 17 – 00:31 – 438 E. Market St; Cause: Arson, fire in hallway; Loss: Unknown. The Box at George & E. Arch Sts. was pulled at 00:30. Chief March arrived with responding companies, but could locate no fire in the area. Companies returned to quarters and Chief March returned to City Hall. Shortly before 01:00, he received a call at City Hall from a resident at 438 E. Market St. who indicated that a small fire was extinguished in the hallway of that occupied multiple dwelling. Meanwhile, City Police received a call from another resident, Danny Clark, who said that wallpaper outside his apartment had been smoldering, but had self-extinguished. Residents and neighbors said that they had seen an individual running from the building earlier. It is unknown if this same individual perhaps set the fires and actually pulled the street box.
09/24/1976 – Box 25 – 11:34 – Moose Lodge at 394 S. Centre St; Cause: Spark from incinerator chimney; Loss: $5,000. Fire erupted in the stair tower of the Moose Lodge. Portions of the tower collapsed during the fire. Firefighters arrived with heavy smoke from the tower portion of the building. Eventually, fire was showing from the eaves. The top portion of the tower was removed following the fire. It was rebuilt during the Hope Tower renovation.
40 Years Ago
09/26/1971 – Box 52 – 13:42 – 515 N. 3rd St; Occupant: Allen Lebo; Cause: Acetylene torch; Loss: $1,267. The fire was confined to the second floor. Allen and his wife, Helen, were treated at Good Samaritan Hospital for burns to their hands and feet. Asst. Chief Donald “Doc” Bound (West End) had command.
45 Years Ago
09/03/1966 – Box 615 – 00:25 – Aetna Steel; Cause: Paint Explosion; Loss: $1,500.
09/24/1966 – Box 53 – 21:23 – 500 Blk. Sanderson St; Three frame buildings owned by the Redevelopment Authority; Cause: Unknown; Loss: Unknown. The homes at 509-511-513 Sanderson St. were vacant at the time of the fire and were scheduled for demolition as part of the Minersville St. Redevelopment Project. The homes were heavily involved as companies arrived. Yorkville and Humane returned at 02:50 on 9/25 as fire rekindled in 509 Sanderson. Firefighters literally tore the building down to fully extinguish the fire. Asst. Chiefs Al Brennan (Phoenix) and Tom Seitzinger (Greenwood Hill) directed operations that Saturday evening and Sunday morning.
50 Years Ago
09/18/1961 – STILL – 22:20 – Rear 1316 Mahantongo St; Benjamin F. James garage; Cause: Boys set gasoline on fire; Loss: $100. Fire damaged the door and a portion of the interior of the garage. Three boys were seen running away from the area two minutes before the fire was discovered. Chief Hoke, West End, and Yorkville were on the still.
They got away with it the first time, so…
09/20/1961 – STILL – 21:16 – Rear 1316 Mahantongo St; Benjamin F. James garage and auto; Cause: Boys set gasoline on fire; Loss: $175. Same story…
55 Years Ago
09/02/1956 – Box 17 – 04:09 – 417-419 E. Market St; Cause: Unknown, fire started on porch on 2nd floor and burnt through partition; Loss: $7,683; Occupants and losses: 417 – E.J. Rehnert - $3,053; 419 – M. A. Farres - $4,630. The alarm was phoned-in by Ruth McCall of 421 E. Market St. when she discovered fire on the rear porch of 419. Companies arrived with heavy fire involving the rear of 419 E. Market. Fire extended to the rear roof and partitions of 417 E. Arch. The fire was placed under control in 1 hour. These two homes still stand…and 419 still has a 2nd floor rear porch.
09/10/1956 – Box 41 – 21:03 – 308 N. 12th St; Occupant: J. Becker; Cause: Fire started in front bedroom on 2nd floor; Loss: $1,357. The fire was confined to the 2nd floor front bedroom with the remainder of the home suffering smoke and water damage. Mrs. James Becker was hospitalized when she suffered a fall during the fire. The fire was placed under control in 45 minutes. This home was another “repeat customer:”
2/5/1985 – Box 41 – 22:56 – 308 N. 12th St. Occupant: L. Shappe. Cause: Child playing with matches. Loss: $10,000. Fire and smoke were showing from the third floor bedroom of this 3-story frame middle-of-the-row. Fire was quickly knocked-down, before it could spread into the cockloft.
09/19/1956 – Box 32 – 12:29 – 405 Howard Ave (again!); Occupant: Walter Jones; Cause: Unknown, fire started in a small room on the 2nd floor; Loss: $3,748.
09/20/1956 – STILL – 21:28 – 209 Howard Ave; Warne Hospital annex; Cause: Floor joist on fire, too close to chimney; Loss: $110.
60 Years Ago
09/12/1951 – STILL – 13:30 – Greenwood Hill responded to call for help in Mechanicsville.
09/14/1951 – STILL – 03:38 – Centre & Mahantongo, Pomeroy’s Store; Cause: Freezer unit on fire, set fire to side of wall in kitchen on 2nd floor; Loss: Fire damage and water loss from sprinkler system - $5,012.
09/14/1951 – Box 18 – 15:50 – Railroad & E. Market Sts, Hippodrome Theater; Cause: Unknown, explosion and fire in basement of theater; Loss: $13,165.
09/15/1951 – Box 53 – 08:48 – 704 Sanderson St; Occupant: John Rich; Cause: Cigarette set fire to sofa on 2nd floor; Loss: $175.
70 Years Ago
09/11/1941 – Box 511 – 13:19 – Rear of 409 N. 9th St; Empty house owned by Mrs. Thomas Jones; Cause: Children set fire to empty building; Loss: $200.
80 Years Ago
09/26/1931 – STILL – 05:00 – Cape Horn (N. Manheim Twp near Penske); Empty house; Cause: Bums had fire in house; Loss: $2,000; Good Intent and Yorkville sent by Chief.
85 Years Ago
09/10/1926 – Box 613 – 11:50 – Rear Eagan St; Occupant: R.M. Griffith; Cause: Unknown; Loss: $2,000.
90 Years Ago
09/20/1926 – STILL – 12:00 – 4th & Howard Ave, Italian Church (St. Joseph’s); Cause: Candle falling on altar. Loss: $200.
95 Years Ago
09/02/1916 – Box 33 – 10:15 – 1403 W. Market St; Occupant: Miss A. Nabholtz; Cause: Overheated stove; Loss: $40.
100 Years Ago
09/21/1911 – Telephone Alarm – 13:30 – 431 Peacock St; 2-story frame dwelling owned by Mrs. Fox and occupied by a foreigner; Cause: Defective flue; Loss: $10.
125 Years Ago
09/02/1886 – 14:30 – Fire at Woll’s stable, Minersville St. between Centre & Railroad.
165 Years Ago
09/12/1846 – Fire at Mt. Carbon; House occupied by John Glace, which was consumed, together with all his furniture and clothes; the fire also communicated to the two frame buildings belonging to Mr. Donahoe and Mrs. Lanagan, which were also consumed; Loss: $2,000, no insurance.
09/28/1846 – Fire at the Gate Vein stables; property occupied by Adam Eiler as a carpentry shop, an stable of B.F. Pomeroy; Mr. Eiler lost all his carpentry tools and lumber, etc.
Mike,the call to Brokhoffs was the first rescue call for the original Rescue 63
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back
October
5 Years Ago
10/06/2006 – STILL – 12:42 – 127 E. Savory St., Palo Alto; Good Intent (E11), American Hose (E71), Phoenix (L21), Yorkville (R63). Fire originating in the basement of the 2-story frame duplex extended to the first floor and traveled via the balloon-frame construction to the second floor. Fire heavily damaged half of the duplex with the other half suffering heavy smoke damage.
10/11/2006 – STILL – 17:55 – 100 S. 4th St., Minersville; West End (L51) and Yorkville (R63) provided RIT as Minersville Fire Department units operated at fire that heavily damaged a 2.5-story frame dwelling.
15 Years Ago
October, 1996 - The Good Intent Fire Company of Pottsville celebrated its 150th Anniversary the week of 9/29 – 10/5 with various events throughout the week. That week was both historic and tragic…
10/2/1996 – STILL – 21:20 – 82-84 S. Coal St., Port Carbon. Phoenix (L21), Humane (E33), and Yorkville (R63). Two neighborhood juveniles, ages 11 and 14, started a fire in trash on the 2nd floor rear porch of the 3-story apartment building that Wednesday evening. The fire quickly spread to engulf the porch and extend into the interior of the building. Firefighters arrived with heavy fire conditions and what may have been a smoke explosion that buckled the exterior wall and blew-out windows on the A side of the building. 24 tenants occupying 8 apartments were able to escape the flames. One was slightly burned when he attempted to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher. As fire spread through the cockloft, crews were removed from the building and exterior operations initiated. Fire damage was estimated at $90,000. The building was repaired and stills stands today. Port Carbon Asst. Chief Mike Welsh had Command.
10/2/1996 – Box 54 – 22:15 – 626 W. Race St. 7-year old child killed. Companies returned on 10/3 at 11:02 hrs for a rekindle in blown-in insulation.
Humane Engine 33 (1980 Seagrave 1250 gpm pumper) was operating at the fire in Port Carbon. The company’s Engine 32 (1990 Ford/Pierce 1000 gpm pumper) had just returned from fire training at the Schuylkill County Fire School in Frackville when Box 54 on the northeast corner of 7th & W. Race Sts was “hooked” in Humane’s “first-due” district. By this time, there were only a handful of pulled street boxes per year in Pottsville. Virtually all of those were malicious false alarms. A pulled street box for an actual fire had become extremely rare. When the alarm was dispatched for an activated street box at that location, the immediate reaction was that it was likely to be a malicious false alarm. That quickly changed when it was announced that multiple calls were being received for a house fire with entrapment at 626 W. Race – only a few feet from the corner fire alarm box. Engine 32 arrived as fire began venting from a 2nd floor rear bedroom window. Crews advanced a handline via the interior stairs and initiated a primary search based on reports of at least one child unaccounted for. Firefighters Barry Zombro (West End) and Geoff Miller (Good Intent) located 7-year old Paul G. Kreiger, Jr. on the floor in his second floor bedroom. They removed him and it was immediately determined that he had perished in the fire. Fire damage was confined to the 2nd floor and attic of the home with the other half of the frame duplex (624) having suffered smoke and water damage. Fire Chief Todd March, State Police Fire Marshal John Burns, and City Police Detective Joe Murton determined that the fire began when one of the children in the home was playing with matches. The child’s mother escaped the home with 3 younger siblings. 1996 marked the third consecutive year in which a child died in a fire in Pottsville. Firefighter Barry Zombro sadly passed-away in 2010 after a courageous battle with cancer. Firefighter Geoff Miller is now a career fire captain with the Penn Township Fire Department in Hanover, York County (IAFF Local 2045). The homes at 624-626 W. Race still stand. However, the rear 2nd floor bedroom portion of 626 was removed after the fire.
30 Years Ago
10/16/1981 – Box 41 – 16:51 – Market Square Apartments; Fire in bedroom; Loss: $500.
35 Years Ago
10/6/1976 – Box 214 – 01:45 – Garage at 724 Anderson St; Cause: Arson; Loss: $500.
10/18/1976 – Box 531 – 13:51 – 325 Spring Garden St; Occupant: Elizabeth Tamburelli; Cause: Defective chimney; Loss: $2,500. Mrs. Tamburelli’s 2-story end-of-the-row home was also damaged on January 27, 1943 when fire originating in the basement of 323 Spring Garden extended to both 321 and 325. Her fire loss in 1943 was $100. On April 24, 1994 at 22:45, Box 531 was again transmitted for a mattress fire in 323 Spring Garden St.
10/27/1976 – Box 35 – 02:14 – 720 Mahantongo St; Occupant: John McGowan; Fire in dining room; Loss: $500. City Police Officers Robert Dusel and Robert Garland carried the McGowan’s two children – ages 4 ˝ years and 20 months – and led Mrs. McGowan to safety as they were cut-off by smoke on the second floor of the home and couldn’t find the stairs. The fire began in clothing on the dining room table. Damage was confined to the dining room.
45 Years Ago
10/12/1966 – Box 14 – 10:55 – Centre & W. Market Sts; Jay Jewelry; Cause: Light bulb exploded in show window; Loss: $12,500. Manager Howard Stott was working in the display window of the store rearranging articles when the bulb exploded. Damage was confined to the display window and merchandise. No injuries resulted.
50 Years Ago
10/8/1961 – Box 25 – 20:13 – 418 S. Centre St; Owner: Wm. Knoll; Cause: Apparently set, strong owner of kerosene; Loss: $1,000. The family that had lived in the apartment moved-out the afternoon before the fire. Companies arrived with heavy smoke on the second and third floors and fire involving the kitchen in the second floor rear. Firefighters wearing SCBA conducted a search of the apartment, which was negative. Asst. Fire Chiefs William Clay (West End) and Fred Curtier (Humane) turned-over a glass jug containing kerosene to Fire Chief Hoke and PSP Fire Marshals John Ripker and Michael Wisniewski.
55 Years Ago
10/10/1956 – STILL – 10:55 – Call for help at Blythe Township High School, New Philadelphia; Chief sent Asst. Chief Mauger and American Hose. *** See Part II***
10/11/1956 – Box 41 – 16:10 – 220 N. 11th St; Occupant: Lewis Poda; Cause: Neighborhood boys set rubbish on fire in basement; Loss: $1,028. Fire damage was contained to the basement of the 2.5 story middle-of-the-row with smoke throughout. This row of homes no longer exists. However, you can see where the basements had been along the embankment where 11th St. used to run between Arch and Race streets. We used to play in the remains of these foundations when we were kids.
10/17/1956 – STILL – 11:15 – 1407 Mahantongo St; Occupant: H. Lightstone; Cause: Floor joist on fire on 3rd floor near fireplace; Loss: $2,800.
60 Years Ago
10/7/1951 – Box 16 – 19:29 – 424 Wheeler St; Occupant: Harry Cartwright; Cause: Oil stove ignited, set fire to kitchen and dining room; Loss: $4,500.
10/11/1951 – STILL – 14:00 – Call for help in Mechanicsville. Greenwood Hill responded. A furnace explosion occurred in the newly constructed, by not yet occupied, home of Fred Marconi on Pottsville St. A small fire resulted, which was quickly extinguished. Extensive damage was done to the basement of the 1 ˝ story frame home.
Also on October 11, 1951, the Greenwood Hill fire company voted to purchase three “smoke masks” at a cost of $500.
75 Years Ago
10/2/1936 – Call for help in MarLin; Small breaker on fire; Chief sent West End.
90 Years Ago
10/6/1921 – Box 63 – 17:30 –Railroad & Heffner; Occupant: Dunlap & Jones; Cause: Sparks from cupola; Loss: $7,500. Box 63 – RR & Heffner - was pulled for the fire at the foundry. Heavy smoke could be seen from throughout the city. The foundry was located at N. Centre & W. Railroad Sts., roughly where the bar/old Yale Electric building is now.
10/14/1921 – STILL – 00:35 – Assistance for Auburn; American Hose and Humane sent by Chief. A fire, that was believed to have been caused by a spark from a passing locomotive, broke-out in the shipping department of the Delaware Seamless Tube Company. The shipping department was destroyed with damage estimated at $35,000. Hamburg, Schuylkill Haven, Pottsville, and a Pennsylvania Railroad engine with 1000’ of hose assisted Auburn firefighters. The Pottsville companies returned at 06:00. I believe American Hose would have responded with their 1917 American LaFrance triple combination hose, chemical, and pumping engine. Humane may well have had in service their 1921 Seagrave triple combination pumper at the time.
95 Years Ago
10/14/1916 – Box 73 – 19:12 – 2158 W. Market St; Occupant: L. Scheibelhut; Cause: Lighted lamp; Loss: $400.
10/26/1916 – Box 64 – 19:55 – Front & Water Sts; Occupant: H. Meade; Cause: Defective flue; Loss: $250.
100 Years Ago
10/24/1911 – Box 42 – 09:00 – 9th & W. Market Sts; Rettig Brewing Company pitch house; Cause: Boiling over of pitch pot; Loss: None.
125 Years Ago
10/18/1886 – 17:30 – Fire at the Northeast Ward Hotel stable, Isaac Moyer’s stable, and August Ruff’s stable. These properties would have been located at or near 105 and 109 N. Railroad St. at the time.
145 Years Ago
10/1/1866 – 23:00 – The warehouse and stable of Henry Schaffner, dealer in rags at Jalappa, was destroyed. Schaffner also owned a saloon in Pottsville.
10/25/1866 – 03:00 – Fire destroyed the slaughterhouse of Charles Heffner at the upper end of W. Market St. Loss: $3,000. Heffner’s butcher shop was located at 313 W. Market St.
155 Years Ago
10/1/1856 – 22:00 – The coach factory of Albright & Burkhard in Morris’ Addition was entirely destroyed; Loss: About $4,000. As near as we can tell, this factory may have been in the area of Morris St. near the railroad – generally near the rear of Kelly Printing Company today. As of 1867, it appears that Albright and Burkhard split with separate carriage factories in Pottsville.
175 Years Ago
10/11/1836 – The scale house on the West Branch Railroad was entirely consumed by fire.
Thanks to Dr. Pete Yasenchak of the Historical Society of Schuylkill County for his help in identifying many of the businesses that existed well over 100 years ago.
Looking Back – Part II
55 Years Ago
New Philadelphia
The Blythe Township High School was located in New Philadelphia off Alliance St. – the current home of the Simon-Kramer Cancer Institute. In 1956, the building consisted of a “new” and “old” wing. The new wing was constructed in 1936. The school was used as both a Junior and Senior High School with 125 students enrolled in the Junior High program and 175 enrolled in the Senior High program. 11 teachers were employed at the school. Seven classrooms occupied the top floor of the two-story “old” portion, while four classrooms, the office, and the library occupied the first floor. The old portion of the building was to the front of the school building, directly behind the football stadium bleachers. Students attending the school were from New Philadelphia, Middleport, Cumbola, Kaska, Valley Furnace, Silver Creek, Brockton, and Tuscarora.
On the morning of October 10, 1956, Ronald Rolans, an 8th grade pupil in the school, was using the lavatory in the old wing of the school. He heard a “crackling” noise coming from the ventilator in the lavatory. He thought that perhaps the custodial staff was building a fresh fire in the furnace.
Rolans returned to the classroom of teacher John Kehlor. As he was about to take his seat in the rear of the classroom, he discovered that the partition wall was hot to the touch. He told his classmate, David Kowalsky, and they then discovered smoke curling where the wall met the ceiling. They ran to tell Mr. Kehlor of their discovery. Kehlor immediately pulled the school fire alarm. With most students thinking it was a routine fire drill, the school was evacuated very quickly and in an orderly manner.
As the Good Intent Fire Company of New Philadelphia was summoned, the school’s custodial staff attempted to battle the blaze with fire extinguishers and several hoses. The fire, however, was rapidly spreading through the void spaces in the partition walls. As the heat and smoke within the school worsened, the custodians had to retreat. The Fire Department arrived with smoke pouring from the roof. Fire department personnel immediately faced a challenging situation. They had an advanced fire condition in the fairly large building and no nearby fire hydrants. New Philadelphia firefighters immediately called for mutual aid.
Fire Chief Albert Lubinsky of the neighboring Good Will Hose Company of Cumbola was painting on a 40 ft. ladder when word of the fire reached him. He was horrified and thought the worst – that the children were still trapped in the building. He immediately went to the firehouse to accompany the Good Will’s 1954 Ahrens-Fox pumper to the scene. Mutual aid companies began to arrive from throughout the area. Pottsville sent the American Hose with their 1948 1500 gpm pumper. The following additional communities sent one pumper each: Minersville, Cressona, Tuscarora, and Mechanicsville. Palo Alto sent two pumpers.
The closest fire hydrant was approximately 400 yards from the school building. Firefighters, however, noted negligible water pressure from this hydrant. As arriving fire apparatus emptied their booster tanks on the blaze – at the time, most carrying only 100-300 gallons - a relay operation was established to obtain a positive water supply from a more distant hydrant. The Pottsville American Hose pumper steamered a hydrant on Water Street in the borough. This hydrant was almost half a mile from the school building. American Hose supplied a 2 ˝” line to the Minersville pumper that then relayed water to fire apparatus on the scene. It wasn’t specified which Minersville fire company responded, but the Good Will’s 1955 American LaFrance 1000 gpm pumper was virtually brand new at the time and may well have made the run. The Good Will of Port Carbon pumper made two trips back into the borough to refill its booster tank. This was likely Port Carbon’s 1952 Ford/Darley 300 gpm pumper.
Fire Chief Claude Sausser of Schuylkill Haven had men and equipment standing-by in case they were needed. New Philadelphia firefighters had informed him that they had sufficient equipment on scene, what they needed was more water.
The fire quickly spread through the old portion of the school and began to vent from the windows. Soon, the heavy column of smoke coming from the roof gave way to flames as fire burned-through the roof assembly and roof deck. It was clear that the old portion of the school was doomed. Acting aggressively, firefighters physically breached and removed a wall separating the old and new portions of the school building. Using the available water, firefighters worked successfully to cut-off the spread of the fire.
Eventually, the interior and roof of the old portion of the school was consumed. The solid masonry walls remained standing. Fire damage to the new portion of the building was greatly reduced thanks to the efforts of the firefighters on scene. It did suffer serious smoke and water damage, however. Damage was estimated at approximately $500,000. Lost in the fire was the school’s State Championship football trophy from 1939 when Blythe defeated Clearfield 12-0.
Senior members of the student body were credited with removing and saving many personal and school items from the new portion of the school including coats, lunches – many of which were then given to the firemen – and chemicals and expensive textbooks from the school chemistry and biology laboratories. Hot coffee and sandwiches were also provided to the firefighters by members of the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross. Traffic and crowd control was handled by a State Police trooper along with the New Philadelphia and Port Carbon police departments.
After the fire was extinguished, the water supply issue became a very hot topic. The local newspaper editorial called it embarrassing that a fire hydrant was not located more closely to the school. Firefighters said that they by-passed at least seven hydrants until they found one with an adequate water supply. Firefighters believed that the damage to the old portion of the school could have been reduced had sufficient water been available immediately. The Blythe Township Water Authority offered no comment on the water supply issues.
Contrary to statements from the school board at the time, the portion of the school destroyed by the fire was eventually rebuilt. If one visits the site today, perhaps the most prominent reminder of the fire is a fire hydrant located a very short distance from the building.
Looking Back
50 Years Ago
Mahanoy City
Robert Wagner operated a gas station across the street from the Liadrakis Building at 137-139 E. Center St. Shortly before 18:00 hrs. on Sunday, October 8, 1961, Wagner was working in his gas station when he noticed smoke coming from the first floor of the Liadrakis Building, which housed the Econo Wash Laundromat. Wager immediately ran to Box 37 – Second & Centre Sts. – to sound the alarm.
On arrival, firefighters discovered fire burning in the floor and wall in the rear of the first floor where the washing equipment was located. They immediately evacuated the building of all tenants. Firefighters stretched lines into the building and opened the walls and floors to check the spread of the flames. As fire began to extend to the Elks Building next door, firefighters also opened walls and ceilings there. Once exposed, the fire was extinguished.
Twelve occupants were temporarily displaced. It was believed that a cigarette or match was dropped on the floor in the rear of the Laundromat. This then fell between the wooden floor boards where it smoldered for some time. Fire then began to spread along the floor and upward via the partition walls. Mahanoy City Fire Marshal William Wertz, Jr. had “Command.”
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
09-30-2011, 08:22
Mike, as always Great Job. Thanks for our monthly fix of good old Coal region Lore.
Funny thing though about Fire Hydrants, A lot of people see them and if they are near their house they have a sense of security. However, in alot of older communities and even parts of some cities if its an old one the feed mains are at best 4" and in the event of a working fire are ineffective for large flows.
Especially in the coal region the old water companies only worried about delivering drinking water to peoples homes. After all no fires would ever occur there!! LOL
Was William Wertz any relation to Chief Jack Wertz of Mahanoy City?
Just think how the parents would have been if this fire occured after the "Our Lady of Angels Fire" instead of almost two years prior!
I remember seeing a movie on that when I was in school in the later 50's or early 60's. Scary images for a kid who attended school in an older building.
http://www.olafire.com/
Mike as always a great job. Keep up the good work.
Tom in the late 1970's I worked at Hahn with a William Wertz who was related to Jack. I don't remember how they were related. I knew Jack well and saw him almost daily when he loaded my truck at Blaschak Coal. When he retired in the early 80's he sold me his turnout gear. I used that coat well into 2003. Imagine the stories it could tell after so many years of service.
Chief21Dauphin, ret.
09-30-2011, 09:29
Mike as always a great job. Keep up the good work.
Tom in the late 1970's I worked at Hahn with a William Wertz who was related to Jack. I don't remember how they were related. I knew Jack well and saw him almost daily when he loaded my truck at Blaschak Coal. When he retired in the early 80's he sold me his turnout gear. I used that coat well into 2003. Imagine the stories it could tell after so many years of service.
I only met Jack one time. As a Young FF Gene Bendigo asked me to help judge a county convention in Port Carbon. Being from out of county I helped judge the in county rigs.
Met Jack and was amazed at some of the stories he told while we sat in the judging room. AT the time Jacque Wertz was our Assistant Chief in Eville. ( Note spelling difference). Also Andy Hoke, Pottsville Chief was there too. Saw some interesting rigs back then. Yorkville's Maxim Quad and a L model MACK from Kline Twp. that had a Porta tank strapped over the hose bed. Quite an innovation for the time. Wouldn't even wanna guess haw long ago that was.
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back
November - Part I
5 Years Ago
11/1/2006 – STILL – 10:34 – 105 S. Jackson St., Port Carbon; Good Intent (E11), Humane (E32), Phoenix (L21), and Yorkville (R63) assisted on a kitchen fire at the private dwelling.
11/11/2006 – STILL – 04:44 – 126 W. Market St, Orwigsburg; Fatal structure fire in an occupied multiple dwelling. Good Intent (E11), American Hose (E72), and West End (L51) along with additional Southern Schuylkill Mutual Aid companies assisted the Orwigsburg Fire Department. Orwigsburg firefighters arrived to find heavy fire from the first floor of the very large three-story building of ordinary construction that once housed the historic Orpheum Theater. OFD firefighters and Schuylkill Haven police officers rescued a female occupant via ground ladder from the second floor. Another female occupant perished in the fire. The front (“A” side) wall of the building collapsed very early in the fire. An early recognition of the deteriorating condition of the wall by OFD Chief Dave Hardinger resulted in companies being withdrawn and a collapse zone established. This prevented a loss of life and a loss of firefighting equipment. The building was consumed. Two tanker shuttles were utilized to provide a water supply as part of the Borough’s municipal system was out-of-service for maintenance. Companies were on scene for an extended period for overhaul and for the origin and cause investigation. Sadly, the second occupant rescued died approximately one month later. Orwigsburg police officer Warren Firing Jr., Robert Phillips and Greg Meisner of the Schuylkill Haven Police Department and Orwigsburg firefighters Thomas Bonner and Frank McDonough were commended for their heroism during the fatal fire at the former movie theater.
10 Years Ago
11/9/2001 – STILL then General Alarm – 10:44 – 300 S. Hotel St. (Sharp Mountain). A very large brush fire erupted on the eastern ridge of Sharp Mountain with a huge column of smoke visible from throughout the city. A still for Good Intent and American Hose was upgraded to a general alarm for city-wide manpower and off-road vehicles. Mt. Carbon, St. Clair, and DCNR assisted immediately. Eventually, due to extensive mop-up operations, brush crews from throughout the county were requested.
15 Years Ago
11/11/1996 – Box 524 – 10:44 – 704 Seneca St. On this Veteran’s Day, companies arrived with heavy fire from the third floor rear of the 2.5 story middle-of-the-row dwelling. Companies managed a quick knockdown with minor extension to the adjacent homes.
30 Years Ago
11/25/1981 – Box 14 – 12:19 – 116 ˝ W. Market St; Apartment above Roma Pizza; Cause: Unknown; Loss: $10,000. Fire began in bedding in the third floor rear apartment occupied by Mrs. Estelle Ritter. Companies arrived with smoke from the third floor. Lines were quickly stretched via the interior stairwell to the fire floor. The room in which the fire occurred was heavily damaged and the rest of the third floor sustained smoke damage. The fire was placed under control in 20 minutes. Interestingly, Roma Pizza on the first floor remained open throughout the incident.
35 Years Ago
11/10/1976 – Box 221 – 02:45 – Railroad St. & Howard Ave; Dillow’s Garage; Cause: Arson; Loss: $500.
11/27/1976 – Box 512 – 18:45 – 16th & Mt. Hope, Van Heusen building. A water flow alarm was received from the Van Heusen plant (currently the John S. Clarke Elementary Center). Companies arrived with heavy smoke throughout the building and water flowing. The fire was located burning near a fabric-cutting table on the southern end of the building. The sprinkler system held the fire in check. The fire was placed under control in 15 minutes, but it took an hour to clear the smoke from the building. Van Heusen, at the time, was one of the largest garment-producing plants in the country. Chief March was on scene along with Asst. Chiefs Rose (Phoenix), Conway (Humane), and Dusel (Good Will). PSP Fire Marshal Tom Slane assisted with the investigation. This building will show-up again in December’s “Looking Back” in 1981.
11/28/1976 – Box 32 – 10:13 – 309 Schuylkill Ave; Occupant: Wrona Family; Cause: Unknown; Loss: $1,000. On that Sunday morning, fire was discovered burning in a second floor bedroom. M/M Wrona and their four children escaped unharmed. Companies arrived with heavy fire from the bedroom, which was gutted. The rest of the 2nd floor sustained severe heat and smoke damage, as well as water damage on both the first and second floors. The fire was placed under control in 30 minutes. Asst. Chief Jack Rose (Phoenix) had “Command.”
40 Years Ago
11/25/1971 – STILL – 15:45 – Knitting Mill in Auburn; Chief sent West End, American Hose, and Yorkville. The Thanksgiving Day fire was believed to have started on the first floor where the electrical service entered the very large, 2 ˝ story mill building that was built in 1897. 35 people were employed in the mill, which manufactured outer-wear. Fire companies from Orwigsburg, Port Clinton, Landingville, Deer Lake, Summit Station, Liberty and Schuylkill from Schuylkill Haven, as well as the Pottsville companies assisted the Auburn Fire Department. Auburn Fire Chief Lee Rothermel had “command.” The fire was placed under control at 20:00 hrs, but firefighters remained on the scene until 01:00. This was a pretty big job (as you can guess by the photo), but coverage of the fire was somewhat overshadowed by a holiday snowstorm that stranded hundreds of motorists on Interstate 81 in the County as well as a double-fatal accident on Rt. 61 near the Molino intersection with Rt. 895 involving a tractor-trailer and a straight-frame delivery truck that collided head-on and erupted in flames.
Perhaps the funniest story my dad told of the Auburn Knitting Mill fire was Pottsville Asst. Chief Donald “Doc” Bound’s attempt to secure a water supply for West End’s 1960 Seagrave 65’ quint. Doc (also of the West End) approached two Liberty of Schuylkill Haven firefighters who were operating a deluge gun. He “demanded” that they surrender their lines so that they could be redirected to West End’s ladder pipe. Now, Doc was a veteran fire officer and was well-respected. He was also a colorful individual. He couldn’t have been surprised when the Liberty firefighters suggested that, rather than obtain their lines, he could simply go fornicate with himself! Doc stormed away grousing.
45 Years Ago
11/16/1966 – Box 44 – 17:35 – 1323 W. Norwegian St; Occupant: Kathleen Meyers; Cause: Overheated hot air furnace; Loss: $227. Box 44 at 13th & W. Norwegian Sts. was pulled for the fire that began in the basement and ran the partition wall to the 2nd floor.
11/17/1966 – STILL – 03:03 – 110 Main St., Mt. Carbon; Occupant: Andrew Motto; Chief sent Good Will, Yorkville, American Hose, Humane, Good Intent, and West End. Fire erupted near the heater in the first floor living room of the three story frame home. Mt. Carbon Fire Chief Howard Merrick was greeted with heavy smoke pushing from the home when he arrived. The occupant, Mrs. Motto, was at work night shift at the Mt. Carbon Brewery when the fire erupted. The first floor was gutted with heavy smoke and water damage throughout. The home is no longer there, but used to stand just to the east of the 1-story commercial garage just down from the Mt. Carbon Fire Company building on Main St.
50 Years Ago
11/8/1961 – Box 68 – 09:25 – 120 W. Railroad St; Occupant: Mrs. Veronica Lorenz; Cause: Defective flue to chimney; Loss: $800.
55 Years Ago
11/9/1956 – STILL – 15:38 – 416 Minersville St; Occupant: R. Edwards; Cause: Terracotta pipe ran through 1st floor to chimney on 2nd floor, set floor on fire; Loss: $150.
11/10/1956 – STILL – 10:00 – 710 Fairview St; Occupant: Bruce Heffner; Cause: Flue pipe through partition set fire to partition wall; Loss; $100.
60 Years Ago
11/3/1951 – STILL – 18:41 – 219 N. 11th St; Occupant: Harry Cotler; Cause: Ceiling joist on 1st floor at chimney hole; Loss: $240.
*** See Part II for the 11/6 & 7 fires***
11/6/1951 – Box 18 – 18:58 – 117-119 E. Norwegian St; Cause: Cigarette set fire to clothing in closet. Fire burned to next building roof. Fire from 119 burned through to 117. Loss: $14,601; Occupants and losses:
117 – Reese Furniture Store - $9,066.00
119 – Terminal Drug Store - $5,535.00
11/7/1951 – Box 18 – 06:43 – 18 N. 2nd St; Americus Club and Pallus Pool Room; Cause: Fire started under bar and burned through floor on 2nd floor. Fire burned through floor to ceiling of Pool Room. Loss: $2,750.
65 Years Ago
11/2/1946 – STILL – 13:00 – 200 Chestnut St. in Mechanicsville; Occupant: Al Birch; Chief sent Humane.
11/23/1946 – Box 25 – 00:52 – Hotel and Morris Sts; Occupant: Harry Carl; Cause: Unknown, fire started in auto on 1st floor; Loss: $1,440.
75 Years Ago
11/10/1936 – STILL – 13:00 – 319 Laurel St; Occupant: Anna Omlor; Cause: Overheated heater set partition wall on fire; Loss: $350.
11/19/1936 – Box 53 – 18:12 – 413 Minersville St; Occupant: Dewald Fisher; Cause: Oil stove; Loss: $1,242.
11/24/1936 *** See Part III for the Fatal Fire on Hillside***
80 Years Ago
11/22/1931 – STILL – 19:50 – Lone Star, south of Mt. Carbon; Occupant: James Satterwhite, Reading Railroad; Cause: Unknown; Loss: $1,200; American Hose sent by Chief.
90 Years Ago
11/13/1921 – Box 18 – 23:30 – 200 N. Centre St; Occupant: J. Harris; Cause: Cigarettes; Loss; $100.
95 Years Ago
11/15/1916 – Box 18 – 11:55 – 11 S. Centre St; Occupant: P. Brennaman; Cause: Boiler; Loss: $100.
11/30/1916 – Box 24 – 01:20 – Coal St; Occupant: Penna. & Reading Coal & Iron Co; Cause: Incendiary; Loss: $1,800. Early that Thanksgiving morning, fire was discovered burning in the coal chutes across from the P & R freight shed. A passerby ran to Box 24 at Centre & Howard Ave. to transmit the alarm. Companies arrived and deployed 2.5” handlines to prevent the fire from reaching the offices and trestle on the property. Two lines were deployed from the west and one each from the east and south sides of the chutes. Phoenix firefighters forced entry into the exposed offices and removed all records and documents important to the company. While the coal chutes were destroyed, the remainder of the property was spared. The fire was placed under control in 45 minutes, but companies were on scene for an additional hour and a half overhauling. This was the first call for Good Will’s 1916 White (make AND color!) hose and chemical truck. The rig was not yet officially in service. It was purchased through John Yaissle of Pottsville at a cost of $4,625. As near as I can tell, the coal chutes would have been located where the Ramada Hotel parking lot is now along South Progess Ave. between Howard Ave & Union St.
100 Years Ago
11/23/1911 – Box 25 – 09:25 – 511 S. Centre St; 3 story brick dwelling owned by Robert Scherzinger and occupied by Mrs. Connors; Cause: Lighting candles over corpse set fire to rugs; Loss; $130.
130 Years Ago
11/18/1881 – 19:00 – Fire at the residence of Thomas Daubert, Coal St; Mrs. Daubert was burned and died three hours later.
135 Years Ago
11/26/1876 – A frame building on N. Centre St., occupied by Mrs. Anna Dean as a millinery store; Mrs. Carrie Kauffman, tobacco store and dwelling destroyed and damaged; John Bernard’s hotel was badly damaged.
155 Years Ago
11/11/1856 – 02:00 – A house, owned and occupied by Henry Drone, was destroyed by fire at the upper end of Port Carbon road.
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back – Part II
60 Years Ago
Box 18 was transmitted twice within a 12 hour period for two serious downtown fires…
Joseph Kevel owned and operated the Terminal Drug Store on the first floor of 119 E. Norwegian St. Shortly before 19:00 hrs on the evening of Tuesday, November 6, 1951, Kevel began to smell smoke in his store. He walked the length of the store, but could not locate anything. As the odor became more pronounced, he walked out the back door. Glancing up, he immediately discovered heavy smoke pushing from the 2nd floor apartment of Mrs. Veronica Hahn. He ran back into his store and telephoned City Hall to report the fire. The Police Desk Sergeant loaded the code wheel for Box 18 (Centre & Market) on the Gamewell fire alarm telegraph and sounded the rooftop sirens at city firehouses.
Kevel ran up the front stairwell to the second floor apartment. He pounded on the door and roused Mrs. Hahn’s16-year old daughter. She was in the front of the apartment (toward Centre St.), seemingly unaware that a fire was burning in the rear. He led her to safety. Mrs. Hahn was not at home at the time of the fire. The third floor was unoccupied.
Fire Chief George Smith arrived with the companies to find smoke pushing from the upper floors of the Drugstore at 119 E. Norwegian. Smoke was also evident from the third floor of the adjacent Reese Furniture Store at 117 E. Norwegian. Firefighters made their way up the interior stairs to the second floor apartment of origin. Crawling low under a heavy smoke condition, they discovered fire burning in the bathroom and hallway of the Hahn apartment. As they knocked the fire down on the second floor, it was also discovered that fire had entered the rear partition walls and had extended to the third floor and was breaking-through the roof. Additional lines were stretched.
Soon, the smoke from the third floor of the Reese Furniture building next door began to intensify. Chief Smith ordered firefighters into that building. They found fire running the interior walls of that exposure. Walls and ceilings were opened and hoselines were stretched to check the spread of the fire there.
The fire was placed under control in 1 hour, but companies remained on scene overhauling for some time. Extensive salvage work in the Reese Furniture Store limited the water damage to the inventory. An investigation revealed that the fire originated with an improperly discarded cigarette having ignited clothing in a closet. These buildings stood where the KNBT (National Penn) Bank parking lot on East Norwegian St. is today.
Shortly after 6:30 the next morning, Wednesday, November 7, 1951, Driver Tom Devitt of the Good Intent Fire Company was walking on North Second St. toward the firehouse when he noticed smoke pushing from the windows on the second floor of 18 N. 2nd St.- the home of the Americus Club. The Club featured a bar located above the Royal Palm Sports Center (Pallus Pool Room) on the first floor. He immediately ran to the firehouse and phoned City Hall. Meanwhile, another passerby also noticed the smoke and alerted a Pottsville Police patrolman. The officer then ran to Centre & Market Sts. and pulled Box 18.
The Good Intent’s 1937 Ahrens-Fox 500 gpm pumper arrived from the company’s quarters across the street in the same block and the booster line was quickly deployed. Fire was discovered burning in the bar area of the Americus Club. As additional apparatus arrived, multiple booster lines were pulled. A positive water supply was obtained from the hydrant which was then located virtually in front of the Good Intent’s firehouse at 7 N. 2nd St. An additional line was laid from the hydrant at 2nd & W. Market Sts.
Battling through the dense smoke, firefighters knocked-down the fire in the bar area. They soon discovered smoke pushing from the ceiling of the pool hall below on the first floor. As pike poles were pushed into the ceiling of the pool hall, flames were discovered having burned through the floor from above. This fire was quickly extinguished. The fire was placed under control in 45 minutes. The bar area of the Americus Club was extensively damaged. The first floor pool hall suffered fire, smoke, and water damage.
This building still stands at 18 N. 2nd St. It is now home to Recovery Edge Peer Support.
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back – Part III
75 Years Ago
Hillside Fatal
Mr. Harry Reedy and his wife, Minnie, had built their home around 1930 on the north side of Cressona Road where Hillside Road branches off. The 2 ˝ story frame home had a stucco finish. Like other single-family homes in the sparsely-populated neighborhood on the very edge of the Norwegian Township line, it was much longer than it was wide. The Reedy’s lived in the home with Mrs. Reedy’s 84-year old mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Gable.
On Sunday evening, November 24, 1936, the Reedy’s retired to bed early at approximately 8:00 p.m. Mrs. Gable also retired at the same time. The Reedy’s slept in the front bedroom on the second floor, while Mrs. Gable slept in the rear bedroom on the second floor – directly above the kitchen. A short time later, Mr. Reedy awoke to a strong odor of smoke in the home. He aroused his wife and together they entered the hallway. They were immediately met with heat and smoke coming up the interior stairwell.
Both made it to the back bedroom where Mrs. Gable was sleeping. She was now somewhat disoriented as heavy smoke had filled her bedroom. Flames began to break-through the baseboards as it became evident that a serious fire had originated in the kitchen below. Mr. Reedy, who was partially disabled, and his wife, coughing and gagging, began to carry/drag Mrs. Gable toward the front bedroom. Mrs. Reedy was burned about arms and shoulders as the heat, smoke, and flames intensified. They managed to get Mrs. Gable – a larger woman – to the front bedroom. With conditions deteriorating and their strength sapped, Mr. and Mrs. Reedy were unable to lift Mrs. Gable to the window.
The couple reluctantly left Mrs. Gable on the bedroom floor and climbed onto the front porch roof. They began to yell and scream frantically for help. Neighbors Harry Reedy - nephew of Mr. Harry Reedy, the owner of the stricken home - Enoch Cookson and his nephew, Wayne Campus, and George Hochgertle all responded to the pleas for help. They immediately secured a ladder and removed Mr. and Mrs. Reedy from the porch roof. Other family members and neighbors placed frantic calls to Pottsville City Hall to summon the fire department.
After Mr. & Mrs. Reedy were removed, Wayne Campus immediately climbed the ladder to the porch roof. By this time, fire had taken firm possession of the first floor and had rapidly spread up the interior stairs. Heavy smoke began to envelope the home. Campus could hear Mrs. Gable pleading for help, but was unable to enter the bedroom. The windows of the home began to fail and flames shot-up the sides of the building. Campus retreated to the ground below.
Upon receiving the call for help, Fire Chief Smith immediately dispatched the Good Intent Fire Company to the scene. The Good Intent’s picnic grove was - and is - located only a short distance across the street on Hillside Road from the Reedy home. Chief Smith and the Good Intent arrived to find the home fully-involved in fire. Particularly frustrating was the fact that there were no municipal fire hydrants in the vicinity nor were there any natural water sources from which to obtain a water supply. All the company could do was place the booster line in service on its 1929 Ahrens-Fox 1000 gpm pumper. The 100 gallons of tank water had little effect on the fire. Chief Smith called for three additional Pottsville fire companies, but he knew that not only was the Reedy home doomed, but also that Mrs. Gable had likely perished in the fire.
As firefighters worked to prevent the fire from extending to neighboring homes, the Reedy home began to collapse. The fire burned throughout the night. By daybreak on Monday morning, the rubble that was once the Reedy home continued to smolder. Soon, firefighters were able to search for Mrs. Gable. At noon that day, they found her body near the front of the home in the rubble in the cellar.
Mrs. Reedy was transported to the Warne Hospital (then located at 2nd & Mahantongo Sts.) to have her burns treated. Mr. Reedy was uninjured. Chief Smith believed that the fire began on the kitchen stove on the first floor and spread quickly throughout the home. The closest fire hydrant at the time was ľ of a mile away on Hotel Street in Pottsville. The homes in that area relied exclusively on wells for their domestic water.
After a little detective work and what appears to be confirmation via the Schuylkill Parcel Locator, I believe this home was located where the relatively new, 2-story private dwelling with yellow siding is located today. It’s addressed as 2 Hillside Road. This is on the north side of the intersection where Hillside Road meets Cressona Road. Immediately to the east of this home is a 2 ˝ story frame home that was likely a twin to the Reedy home. Most notable is the fact that there is now a fire hydrant located in front of where the Reedy home had stood.
I have to thank my friend and noted fire service historian Dave Houseal for bringing this fire to my attention. It hadn’t appeared in the fire record. He discovered it in the course of his research. What is ironic about it is the fact that my home today stands virtually a stone’s throw from where the Reedy home stood and I never knew that a fire and a fire fatality had occurred at that location. Thanks, Dave!
Mike always thought Roma had the best pizza in the city. I can picture people picking up their orders. Oh that its a fire upstairs enjoy your pizza, thank you come again.
Looking Back
35 Years Ago
Ashland
At 11:45 p.m. on Sunday night, November 28, 1976, an employee of Moyer’s Bowling Lanes in Ashland noticed smoke pouring from the vacant 2 ˝ story frame home at the corner of 5th & Walnut Sts. Fire Chief Tom Towers arrived with the Washington and American companies. After forcing entry into the home, they discovered fire running the walls as the building was of the balloon-frame construction. Soon, smoke was banking from the eaves and attic area of the home. Lines were stretched and the windows were vented. Washington’s 1959 American LaFrance 700 Series 85’ aerial ladder was positioned in front of the fire building. As the aerial was raised, fire began to vent from the attic window.
Firefighter John Halko was advancing a handline over the rear porch roof. As he neared the second floor window, the smoke banked-down heavily. He was forced to retreat and, being unable to see, fell from the porch roof approximately 15 feet to the ground. Halko was transported to the Ashland Hospital for treatment. After being at the hospital for a short time, he signed-himself out with the intention of returning to the fireground.
As firefighters poured water into the home from various points, fire continued to weaken the structure. Suddenly, at approximately 01:15, a loud crack preceded the collapse of the roof and walls of the building. With fireground accountability not yet a structured practice, it wasn’t clear just how many firefighters were operating at the fire and, more critically, how many may have been caught in the collapse. Ambulances were immediately summoned from Centralia, Frackville, and Shenandoah.
Soon, firefighters were beginning to be removed from the collapse area. Most seriously injured was Joseph Cuthie, who was operating on a ground ladder when the wall collapsed. He was immediately transferred to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville in serious condition. Firefighters John Woods and John Stepanchick were hospitalized in fair condition in the Ashland Hospital. Firefighters John Flynn, Thomas Canfield, and Paul Hardnock were treated and released at the Ashland Hospital. Five of the six firefighters were removed from the scene on stretchers.
Following the collapse, firefighters continued to pour water into the burning in the rubble of the home. A bulldozer was brought in to clear a portion of the rear wall in order to check for any additional victims of the collapse. Thankfully, none were found. Firefighters remained on scene until 03:00. At that point, a fire watch was posted for the remainder of the overnight hours.
The home in which the fire occurred was owned by James Kramer and was vacant for almost 10 years. Kramer, at various points, had worked on remodeling the home. During the long process, however, the home was frequently broken-into and was viewed as a hazard by the neighbors. Arson was suspected as the cause of the fire. Certainly a close call for the brothers in Ashland.
Pottsville Fire Department
Looking Back
December
Mike Glore
5 Years Ago
12/3/2006 – West End (L51), Yorkville (E62), Good Intent (E11), and American Hose (E71) assisted the Minersville Fire Department on a working fire in a 3-story frame duplex on New St. in Minersville Borough.
10 Years Ago
12/6/2001 – 03:14 – STILL – 406 E. Main St., Schuylkill Haven; West End (L51), Good Intent (E11), and American Hose (E71) assisted the SHFD. A 2.5 story frame duplex was gutted. One male adult was killed in the fire and an adult female who had jumped from a second story window was critically injured. Humane (E32) provided stand-by coverage in Schuylkill Haven.
12/8/2001 – 07:29 – STILL – 400 E. Bacon St., Palo Alto Borough; Phoenix (L21), Yorkville (R63), and Good Intent (E11) assisted Palo Alto and Port Carbon on a fire that gutted a 1-story single-family dwelling. Collyer’s Mansion conditions within the dwelling resulted in extensive overhaul – including the use of a bulldozer. This fire was not unlike the fire in New Philadelphia on Valley St. on 10/22/2011.
15 Years Ago
December, 1996 – American Hose placed in service a 1996 E-One 2000 gpm custom pumper dubbed the “Chrome Pony II.”
12/20/1996 – 07:30 – STILL – 114 Tuscarora St., Palo Alto Borough; Phoenix (L21), Good Intent (E11), American Hose (E71), and Yorkville (R63) assisted the Palo Alto and Port Carbon Fire Departments on a fire in a 2-story private dwelling. Good Intent firefighters Sean Kelly and Jared Witmier found and removed the family’s unconscious dog from the home. The dog was removed to a veterinary hospital and survived the fire.
20 Years Ago
12/20/1991 – 03:58 – STILL – Jerry’s Northeast Auto, Route 61 South, North Manheim Twp; Good Intent and American Hose operated with the Schuylkill Haven and Mt. Carbon Fire Departments at a fire that heavily damaged a garage on the property.
12/29/1991 – STILL – 23:14 – Christ Lutheran Church, 252 Dock St., Schuylkill Haven Borough; American Hose (E71), Yorkville (R63), and Good Intent (E11) assisted the SHFD and numerous other fire companies. The historic church was completely destroyed. Pottsville Ladders 21 and 51 were both out-of-service at the time. West End was awaiting delivery of their 1992 E-One 75’/1500gpm quint and Phoenix was awaiting the completion of the refurbishment of their 1978/1959 American LaFrance 100’ tractor-drawn aerial ladder. St. Clair L703 and Frackville L362 operated at the fire.
The fire originated near the altar where an electric organ and Christmas trees decorated with electric lights were placed. The first alarm was transmitted at 23:05. Fire Chief Kenneth “Butch” Reed arrived with smoke showing from the eaves of the church. An interior attack was pressed and the roof opened toward the rear altar area of the church. As the fire rapidly gained headway, an evacuation was ordered at 23:30. Apparatus was moved from the collapse zone and exterior operations initiated. The sanctuary was built in 1905. The parish center attached to the rear of the church was built around 1951. The sanctuary was completely destroyed. The parish building suffered some fire damage as well as very heavy smoke and water damage. The loss was placed at over $1 million. Of 24 stained glass windows in the church, 22 were destroyed. The 2 remaining windows had slight heat damage. 100 firefighters and 22 fire companies were involved in the incident. The fire was placed under control at 01:00. 10 homes were evacuated during the course of the fire. 2 firefighters were injured. The fire was investigated by State Police Fire Marshal Tom Slane.
One personal recollection from the fire that was particularly eerie was the sight of heavy fire consuming the rear roof of the church and embers blowing over the steeple as the power was cut. The neighborhood went dark and air horns sounding the evacuation pierced the air as we arrived on Dock St. For pics, see Frank Wesnoski's set at: http://phillyfirenews.exposuremanager.com/g/schuylkill_haven_church_fire (wlmailhtml:{F3C2DF7E-C0FD-4973-A68D-6ABBAAF0570C}mid://00000199/!x-usc:http://phillyfirenews.exposuremanager.com/g/schuylkill_haven_church_fire)
1/31/1991 – STILL – 04:34 – Peach Mountain Road, Norwegian Twp; A 3-story vacant house and out-building were destroyed by fire. Companies arrived with the home heavily involved and collapse beginning. Properties involved were on an old farm owned by Chris Loftus of Pottsville, approximately 2 miles from the City line. Cause: Undetermined (suspicious); St. Clair, Wadesville, Mar Lin and Seltzer fire companies also responded. An extensive relay of 5” hose from St. Clair Alert Engine 701 to Pottsville Humane Engine 33 was utilized for water supply. Humane and Good Will returned again at 17:12 on 1/31 for a rekindle. Good Will returned at 19:42 on 1/31 for another rekindle. Asst. Chief Joe Spotts (Humane) had Command. Thanks to Frank Wesnoski for jogging my memory with this one and to Chief March for pulling the fire report info. For photos, see Frank Wesnoski's set at: http://phillyfirenews.exposuremanager.com/g/norwegian_twp_peach_mountain_rd (wlmailhtml:{F3C2DF7E-C0FD-4973-A68D-6ABBAAF0570C}mid://00000199/!x-usc:http://phillyfirenews.exposuremanager.com/g/norwegian_twp_peach_mountain_rd)
25 Years Ago
12/25/1986 – 01:55 – STILL – 350 E. Savory St., Palo Alto Borough; American Hose (E71) and Good Intent (E11) assisted the Palo Alto and Port Carbon Fire Departments on a fire that destroyed and 1.5 story private dwelling.
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