Historic York County Photos

[BubbaG]

In an effort to blatantly plagurize the Dauphin County threads, I thought I'd start a thread of York County photos.

I don't know how many York County guys we have reading, but please feel free to add your photos to the thread.

My collection will be heavy with City photos, but I'll have a few county shots to add into the mix.

The first shot, below, is the Eagle's 700 series American LaFrance pumper. Note the twin Sirenlites above the windshield.

[BubbaG]

Second shot for tonight, since I'm just starting the thread.

Here's an FWD pumper from Liberty of North York. Anyone with additional details, please feel free to add them.

[BChief29]

[align=justify]Lewisberry's First Engine [/align]


[align=justify]
[/align]
[align=center]Horse Drawn Hand Pumper[/align]
[align=left]Thishistoric piece of equipment can be seen at the York County Fire Museum located in York City at the corner of W. Market St. and Carlise Ave.[/align]

[BChief29]

[align=justify]Old Fire Station [/align]


[align=justify]
[/align]
This is the old fire house located at 108 W. Front St., Lewisberry. This picture was taken in 1960. The vehicles in order from left to right are: 1840 horse driven hand pumper, 1953 Ambulance, 1947 Chevy Pumper and 1952 Ford Tanker. Today, the building still exists and is used as apartments within feet of the current fire house.

[Chop-Chop]

BubbaG-

These are for your viewing pleasure.........

Eagle 7 Combination Wagon. I dont have any details on this rig....

[Chop-Chop]

Here is one of a York City steamer. I"m not sure which one it is, as I could never really researched it to deeply. It is an early HAND DRAWN steamer and is from a York PA photographer. Maybe we can solve the mystery on here......????

[Chop-Chop]

Last one for tonight for you York County guys.........Early Union 3 York PA spider hose carriage. I just picked this one up a few weeks ago and havent done any research as to the date.

[BubbaG]

Great images guys.

Chop-chop, the Eagle rig is sitting on the ramp of the station at 341 West Jackson Street, on the corner of Jessop Place. That must have been taken when the station was fairly new, as there no homes around the station yet. I'll have to consult the "red book" to see what their first rig (purchased for them) was.

The station in the steamer photo isn't familiar to me, once again I'll have to look in the "red book" to see if I can glean any info.

The Union photo is interesting too - I'm not familiar with the station facade in the background.

[BubbaG]

Here's an early 1900's image from a postcard in my collection of a Laurel horse outside of the stables at the rear of the station. I don't know if this is the current stables with a different facade, of if this is the stables that had caught on fire.

[mlmummert]

The picture is taken in front of the former Vigilant fire station. A picture of this station can be found on page 66 of the York City history book published in 1976. It is labeled "Third home of the Vigilant, 1834-1871".

According to page 65, the engine pictured is the First Button steam engine, which was delivered on August 7, 1868. A drawing of this engine is on page 65.

It can then be concluded that this photo was taken sometime between 1868 and 1871.

A sand stone marker is barely visible between the 2 third floor windows. This stone is now incorporated into the front of the current Vigilant/Union station (Station 2). It was found in the basement of the former Vigilant station by former Chief Kroll when it was being prepared for demolition in 1973 to make way for the current station. This story is told on page 104 of the history book.

Matthew Mummert

Chop-Chop wrote:

Here is one of a York City steamer. I"m not sure which one it is, as I could never really researched it to deeply. It is an early HAND DRAWN steamer and is from a York PA photographer. Maybe we can solve the mystery on here......????

[BubbaG]

Here's tonight's photo.

These are three paid firemen from the York City Fire Department posing with their filter masks, aluminum helmets and cotton duck turnouts. c.1960s

Also note the good ol' inch-and-a-half line with the Rockwood or "navy" nozzle.

[Powerbox]

Bubba..Just a few notes about North York's FWD. This was a 1949 Model F-50-THP 500 gpm pumper. It was purchased while Joe Eisenhart was chief and started the "trend" in York County that many followed in the early 50's, including Mt Wolf, Stewartstown, Fawn Grove, Yoe, Seven Valleys and York New Salem.This is a fairly early picture of it as in the mid 50s a Federal Model 17 Beacon Ray was added to the topof thewindshield. It remained inservice until the early 70s when it was sold to Dale Ness andreplaced by a1965 American LaFrance purchased from theElkins Park Fire Co. in Montgomery Co. PABubbaG wrote:

Second shot for tonight, since I'm just starting the thread.

Here's an FWD pumper from Liberty of North York. Anyone with additional details, please feel free to add them.

[BubbaG]

Thanks John.

I'm going to post two for tonight. First is a photo of three York City staff cars heading southbound on North George Street, approaching the square, during some sort of firemens parade.



Second, since we're talking about the FWD engines, is a photo of Citizen's of Fawn Grove's FWD pumper. I think this photo was taken on the hill at the fire school, but I'm not sure about that.

[HOBBES]

Surprised to hear there were quite a few FWD's in York Co. I can only think of a 1936 tractor under Ladder 1 in Harrisburg as the only FWD up this way. Good job Bubba Any idea what the horses name was?

And that Eagle chemical rig's got the lines of a Morton. . .what a gorgeous shot!

[Powerbox]

There were at least seven FWD's in York County, I know North York's was the first and I guess Mt Wolf had two, one was a 1951 F-60 THP and then they bought another in the 70's I believe. As far as I know, there were only two in Lancaster County...Leacock and Intercourse.

Heres a little York Co. Fire Trivia..I know most old Yorkers know that Union #3 in the City always had white fire trucks after "The Spider"...but did you realize that during the horse drawn days they were the only city station with WHITE horses!!

[SGTC13-1]

From our website here is the first engine for the Grantley Fire Company.

1927 Buffalo on the ramp at the station.

[firefighter3939]

nice pics guys. i enjoy looking at rigs from back in the day just shows me how young i really am.

[BubbaG]

OK, here's tonight's selections from the archives.

First shot is of a hand-pumper in the square in downtown York. The old market sheds are still visible in the background, and the large brick building behind the shed is the current jewelry store on the southeast corner of the square.

I believe that this is the Laurel's hand pumper, but I'm not 100% sure on that



Second shot was a recent York County classic, Rescue 19's old Met Ed(?) truck converted to a rescue.



As always, feel free to add your input folks!

[SGTC13-1]

Grantley's 1942 Mack Engine

[BubbaG]

OK gang, two more photos for tonight.

First, an undated photo of a Laurel fireman posing in his parade uniform.



Second photo, and engine from Windsor, I believe parade staging at a county convention parade in Red Lion.

[HOBBES]

Interesting shot of the Windsor engine. . .kind of a different slant on "black on red" paint jobs. Bubba. . .remember when the black vinyl pump panels were a little "en vogue".

[wardengine]

eagle # 7 of york

1926 american lafrance 750gpm

also found on youngstown ohio site

[BubbaG]

HOBBES wrote:

Bubba. . .remember when the black vinyl pump panels were a little "en vogue".

Oh yeah. One of the big manufacturers really pushed that, but I don't remember which one. Pierce maybe?

[BubbaG]

OK, two more images for tonight.

First up is another postcard image of fire horses, three this time. I'm 98% certain this is the rear of the Goodwill fire station on East Market Street in the City:



And from my color county photos, here's Red Lion's former Rescue 34. I believe that this is a Ford/Gertenslager, but I'm not 100% certain on the body maker:

[wardengine]

laurel fire co # 1 of york boyd fire apparatus

[BubbaG]

OK folks, two more shots for tonight.

First is a photo of some sort of "muster" at Kiwanis Lake in York City. Several City units are pumping, and I believe both aerial trucks are set up and flowing water. I have a series of shots from this event.

In the foreground is presumably a Reliance of West York engine pumping. Behind that is a 700 series American LaFrance, probably a City rig. Not sure what's behind that, but the white rig in the background appears to be the Union of York City's 500 series American LaFrance.



Second shot is the former Truck 2 from Shiloh, West Manchester Twp., leaving Dairyland Square for a county convention parade in Red Lion.

[truck18]

BubbaG wrote:

OK, two more images for tonight.

And from my color county photos, here's Red Lion's former Rescue 34. I believe that this is a Ford/Gertenslager, but I'm not 100% certain on the body maker:

I have listed a 1971 Ford/Gertenslager for Red Lion that was sold to Friendship, Chambersburg. I wonder if that would be the one!

[BubbaG]

That sounds right, Darin.

Two more photos for tonight.

Here's a photo of the Vigilant of York City's hand pumper in front of one of their earlier stations. Interesting items purposely posed on the tub:



And my color photo for the night, here's Wrightsville's old C model Mack at the fire school loading up after a training session:



As always, feel free to jump in with info and photos guys!

[wardengine]

[LeroyWatkins]

BubbaG wrote:

Here's tonight's photo.

These are three paid firemen from the York City Fire Department posing with their filter masks, aluminum helmets and cotton duck turnouts. c.1960s

Also note the good ol' inch-and-a-half line with the Rockwood or "navy" nozzle.

Looks like a ghostbuster

[Chop-Chop]

BubbaG wrote:

That sounds right, Darin.

Two more photos for tonight.

Here's a photo of the Vigilant of York City's hand pumper in front of one of their earlier stations. Interesting items purposely posed on the tub:

Man Bubba that is one great picture. From my perspective, being an avid collector, I'd love to have the stove pipe sitting on the top of the tub and that great early helmet sitting just under the middle. Correct me if I"m wrong, but wasnt a lot of the early artifacts of the Vigilants lost in a fire?

[BubbaG]

Chop-Chop wrote

Man Bubba that is one great picture. From my perspective, being an avid collector, I'd love to have the stove pipe sitting on the top of the tub and that great early helmet sitting just under the middle. Correct me if I"m wrong, but wasnt a lot of the early artifacts of the Vigilants lost in a fire?

I think a lot of the Vigilant's items, including their early records, were reportedly lost in one of the flood to strike downtown York. The Vigilant's homes were all withing a block of the Market Street bridge.

And yes, the hat and helmet would both be rare items for any collection.

The photo is actually scanned from a book in my collection. I wish I had just the photo!

[BubbaG]

OK, it's running late, so just one photo for tonight.

This photo was taken from the area of the Court House, and shows a procession of firefighters marching east in the first block of East Market Street. Other photos in the series show various horse-drawn apparatus:

[truck18]

BubbaG wrote:

OK, it's running late, so just one photo for tonight.

This photo was taken from the area of the Court House, and shows a procession of firefighters marching east in the first block of East Market Street. Other photos in the series show various horse-drawn apparatus:

I love seeing these old parade photos. A shame you would probably never get fire depts to turn out, and march like that photo. Marching in such straight lines, in step. Most depts now a days would only have enough for 2 rows, but man, 7 rows, 8 in a row!!!!! Of course, I must say, I haven't been to a state parade in a bunch of years. but it would be nice to see a bunch of depts turn out, and just march, one man driving each rig with all the others marching. Hmmm, I gotta bring that up for our parade this year.

Hughesville, first full week in June, our fire company carnival, Saturday ummm, 5pm I think, fireman's parade, lot of stuff from Lycoming and surrounding areas. Just a plug for us, then lots of good food and fun afterwords.

[BubbaG]

OK folks, here two more for tonight....

First up, this is a photo of a fire at Logan Motors in (I believe) the 900 block of South Queen Street in 1956:



Second is a photo of a GMC/Darley pumper from the Goodwill of Jacobus, posed in the lot behind their station, probably some time in the 1980s:

[BubbaG]

OK folks, two more photos for tonight, and the last of the color county rigs photos that I had scanned. I'll have to go back in the archives for more.

First up, is a photo of the Resolution Fire Company's station in the first block of South George Street. This sat on the southeast corner of Mason Avenue, on the corner of the Christ Lutheran Church lot. This company went out of existence some time in the mid to late 1800s. I know that the Vigilant bought their tower bell:



And the last of batch #1 of the color county rigs, this is an engine from New Bradgeville at a state convention parade in Gettysburg:



Jump in anytime readers!

[SGTC13-1]

Late 1950's photo of the entire Spring Garden fleet. Includes Grantley, Victory, and Friendship.



Another shot.

[BubbaG]

Nice shots, Chuck.

I got the opportunity to scan a few more photos today, so here's two photos for tonight...

First up is a fleet photo from York City, sometime in the mid 1960s. The 1964 American LaFrance tiller is in the photo, but the 1968 Engine is not:



Sorry for the size on that one, but it's the only way to really post it and do it justice.

Here's an interesting shot I just recently snatched off of ebay. It's a post card, but the price was a bit too steep for me. It's a photo of the Rescue of Dallastown with their early rigs in the bays:



Anyone know where this station was?

[HOBBES]

Nice shots Bubba.

The Dallastown rigs look like hand pulled. Possibly a wagon and steamer?

[Bloodhound]

What year was the LaFrance tiller officially retired? and was today's truck B the 1st due truck at one point?

[BubbaG]

HOBBES wrote:

The Dallastown rigs look like hand pulled. Possibly a wagon and steamer?

I'd guess a steamer and a wagon too, but I'm picking up a footboard with a bell mounted under it on the rig in the bay to our left.

[BubbaG]

Bloodhound wrote:

What year was the LaFrance tiller officially retired? and was today's truck B the 1st due truck at one point?

From 1950 until I think 1/1/80, there were two trucks in service in York City. Truck A and Truck B shared the city until Truck B was taken out of front line service as a city cost-cutting item. The first Truck B was a 1950 ALF midship mount, and was replaced with the 1976 Mack/Thibault/Hammerly.

There were few other trucks around in those days, and it was not unusual for one of them to respond far outside the city. Truck B was first due to Pleasant Acres in Springettsbury Township for a number of years.

The 1964 ALF tiller was placed out of service around the time when the new ALF tiller was delivered, as it was a trade-in to ALF. The new ALF tiller was eventually returned to ALF, and the new tower was built and accepted by the City of York.

[BubbaG]

OK, we're up to the third page already. We have a few to go to catch the dauphin County thread!

Anyway, here's some shots for tonight.

First shot is an inside view of the Vigilant station from the horse drawn era. Sitting in front is the chemical wagon, and you can clearly see the designation "Chemical A Y.F.D." on the foot board. Behind the chemical wagon is the hose wagon, with the steamer in the back. All of the harnesses are hanging, ready for the call...



Next is a shot of Air 16 sitting at the fire school...

[Nozzle Nut 62]

Seven Valleys' 1972 Ford/Hahn 750/500 engine. Replaced in 1996 with the 1980 Seagrave. Made my first interior attack off this piece.

[Nozzle Nut 62]

Seven Valleys 1980 Seagrave 1000/1000 Engine. Replaced in 2003 with the current 1988 Spartan/Grumman, the former Engine 13. I personally miss this one terribly.

[Nozzle Nut 62]

The current Engine 62, 1988 Spartan/Grumman 1250/750. Formerly Spring Garden Engine 13.

[Nozzle Nut 62]

The NOW FORMER Tanker 62, 1967/1989 Hahn/Wilson refurb 1000/2000. This piece was voted by the line officers and board of directors as out of service until replaced Monday night.

[Nozzle Nut 62]

Pics of the 1950 FWD will be coming... Have to borrow them and scan them.

[BubbaG]

OK, my PCs are messing with me tonight, but lets see if I can get two photos posted tonight.

First shot is of a city rig, I think it's one of the 500 series ALFs, in the station during a tour, with a dalmatian mascot sitting in the rig:



Second shot is a brush rig from Jefferson, I believe pre-staged at a county convention parade in the parking lot of Dairyland Square:

[BubbaG]

Well, the weekend wqas quiet, so I guess it's time to kick-start the thread.

First shot is another one of the series of the parade in the first block of East Market Street:



Second shot is a brush truck from Delta/Cardiff, Station 57. I believe it is staged at Dairyland Square for a county convention parade in Red Lion:



Keep posting folks, I don't want to be the only one!

[HOBBES]

Nice shot of the parade.. . since you have the original, is that a turret pipe on the back of the first wagon?

[Can Man 213]

Wellsville ( 66 ) Keeping it in the FORD family. Engine 66-2 46' Ford

[align=center][/align]
[align=center][/align]
[align=center][/align]
[align=center]1957 Ford Tanker.[/align]

[BubbaG]

HOBBES wrote:

Nice shot of the parade.. . since you have the original, is that a turret pipe on the back of the first wagon?

Yes. Those rigs are from the Royal Fire Company, and thier hose wagon had a turret nozzle mounted on the rear left side.

[BubbaG]

Two for tonight.....

First up, another interior shot of the old Vigilant station, this time in the motorized era. In front is their 500 Series ALF, and their Ahrens-Fox sitting behind it:



Second shot is a tanker from the Bair Community Fire Company of West Manchester Township, leaving Dairyland Square for a county convention parade. BCFC no longer exists:

[engine216]

Ok I am going to jump in here asI found these two pic's on my computer that Iforgot about.

This is a 1919 American LaFrance engine from the Goodwill Fire Company #5 of York.

[engine216]

The second pic is and old ladder from the Rex Hook & Ladder Company #1 of York.

It is a 1941 American LaFrance JOX 100' Aerial Ladder.

[BubbaG]

Thanks Jesse, that's a nice shot of the JOX.

OK, two shots for tonight. I'm running out of some shots, and I don't have my primary PC back yet, so my posts may have to slow down a bit until my PC comes back home.

First up is a shot of a multi-structure fire from the 1940s. The fire is in the 900 block of East Princess Street, and most of these buildings still remain. The Vigilant's 500 Series ALF is seen sitting on what is now Tremont Street, and the back end of the ALF JOX ladder truck can be seen through the trees at right:



Second shot is Wrightsville's old rescue sitting at the fire school for training. If I remember, this was a joint training session with folks from Lancaster County:

[engine216]

Not a problem BubbaG. I enjoy looking at this thread, some very nice pics on here. I know when I saw rhe pic of the ALF JOX, I found it to be a very unique looking piece. I know it was the first time I had seen one of them. Was the JOX widely built by ALF?

[Powerbox]

1924 Brockway on the ramp of Pleasurville's original station at 2606 North Sherman Street.

[Powerbox]

The second shot is of the mid 1940's Chevy Pumper. Note the annex added to the original fire house.