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CHAPTER XXVIII.
FREMONT—IMPROVEMENTS.
Building of the City Hall—Laying of the Corner-store—Birchard Library—City
Parks—Fire Department—
Street Paving.
THE stranger is given a favorable impression of this city's public spirit and enterprise while passing from the depot to the centre of business. He rides over a Medina paved street, thickly shaded on both sides by thrifty maples. He passes between a quiet park and large, substantial public school buildings and a moment later is in presence of another park on which is located a very fine library building, and an elegant stone front three-story structure for public uses. An old cannon mounted in the centre of this park is a reminder of historic associations. Front street, the main business thorough-fare, presents the appearance of activity and thrift. The good opinion formed is slightly marred, however, by the very noticeable absence of plate-glass store-fronts. Commercial blocks are generally large and in other respects present a good appearance. But it is the mission of history not to comment on what is nor to suggest what ought to be, but only to narrate what has been and to reproduce the story of the growth of what is.
This chapter comprehends so many distinct topics that it is not convenient, nor would it be desirable to preserve anything like chronological arrangement. The subject which naturally comes first to mind is public buildings.
THE CITY HALL.
It is rather a remarkable fact that prior to 1878 this city did not own a public hall. Union hall, Birchard hall, and Opera hall had all been open to the public for meetings, entertainments, etc., but were and are controlled by individuals. The pressing need of a building for the accommodation of the fire department, city officers, and public meetings of a general character was long felt, but no action looking towards the consummation of such an improvement was taken until in 1877, when the city purchased of its individual owners the square formerly included in the old fort. The terms of this purchase are given elsewhere. On June 7, 1877, the city council, consisting of Colonel William E. Haynes, W. B. Sheldon, C. R. McCulloch, James Park, jr., J. B. Dickinson, and A. Young; Mayor J. S. VanNess, and Clerk W. W. Stine, unanimously
Resolved, That the city of Fremont build the first story of a city hall building, and that it be ready for the fire department as soon as practicable.
464 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.
In accordance with their resolution work was immediately commenced and by September the foundation was ready for the cornerstone. The occasion of laying the cornerstone, September 14, 1877, was made the most memorable in the history of Fremont. In obedience to common custom, the ceremonies proper were under charge of the Masonic fraternity. The same day was appointed for the reunion of the Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and a home visit of the esteemed colonel of that regiment, and President of the United States. Elaborate preparations had been made by the citizens for the accommodation of distinguished guests and great crowds of people, who came from every direction. The day is well remembered. A National salute roused people from their slumbers, and a cloudless sky gave promise of a perfect day. Morning light revealed a brilliancy and elaboration of decoration never before equaled in our history.. Flags fluttered in every direction, and artistic banners bearing patriotic sentiments, added beauty to profusion. Most noticeable was a splendid arch thrown over Croghan street, with the inscription, "Welcome to the Twenty-third O. V. I.." On the keystone was painted Masonic symbols and over this was an immense gilt eagle, measuring eight feet from tip to tip. To the right of this central arch was a representation of a camp scene, and to the left Ohio's coat of arms. Over the en_ trance at each corner of Fort Stephenson park was an arch, that at the southwest corner bearing the inscription, "Colonel Hayes, the Soldier and Statesman;" at the southeast corner, "Colonel Rosecrans: He Came at His Country's Call ;" at the northwest corner, "Colonel Scam won, Ever at His Post;" at the northeast corner, "Colonel Comly: Honor to the Brave."
At least twenty thousand people thronged the streets by ten o'clock, and many of the most distinguished men of the Nation participated in the ceremonies. Nine bands of music entertained the crowds, and the brilliant uniforms of Knights Templar added impressiveness to the day's scenes. Ten o'clock was the hour appointed for laying the cornerstone. Masons began to assemble at half-past eight, and at half-past nine the Grand Lodge of Ohio was in session in Brainard lodgeroom. At the same time war veterans and members of the Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry were holding a reception in Birchard Hall, where, at to o'clock, President R. B. Hayes, General Phil. Sheridan, Senator Stanley Matthews, General J. D. Cox, Secretary McCrary, and General E. P. Scammon arrived, and from there walked to the City Hall foundations while the Masonic procession was parading the streets in the following order:
Light Guard Band.
Walbridge Light Guard.
Masonic Commanderies.
Erie of Sandusky.
Shawnee of Lima.
DeMolay of Tiffin.
Grand Lodge of Ohio.
Mayor and City Council.
Other Guests.
After marching through the principal streets they halted at the City Hall foundations, where President Hayes, General Sheridan and a number of other distinguished men and a dense crowd of spectators had already assembled. It was with difficulty that the marshals succeeded in forcing back the crowd to get sufficient standing-room for the Masons. Their efforts were watched by General Sheridan with a merry twinkle in his eye. Not only the adjacent streets and a large pile of bricks lying near, but the high bank along the park and even the roofs of buildings were crowded with eager spectators. The heavy cornerstone lay ready and in
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its foundation was the usual box of mementoes.
The cornerstone is inscribed as follows, on the east side:
A. L. 5877, A. D. 1877. SEPT. 14.
G. A. WOODWARD,
Grand Master of Masons of Ohio.
J. C. JOHNSON,
Architect.
D. L. JUNE & SON,
Builders.
The following is the inscription on the north side:
FORT STEPHENSON.
1813. Col. GEORGE CROGHAN.
1877. R. B. HAYES,
President of the U. S.
J. S. VANNESS, Mayor.
CITY COUNCIL.
C. R. MCCULLOCH,
J. W. PARK, JR.,
WM. E. HAYNES,
WM. B. SHELDON,
A. YOUNG.
J. B. DICKINSON.
The following articles are deposited in the cornerstone:
Silver coins of 1877, programme of the day, copies of the Democratic Messenger, Fremont Journal, and Fremont Courier, School Report for 1877, photograph of Colonel Croghan, list of notables present, population of the city, list of churches and pastors, photograph of City Hall, picture of Fort Stephenson, copy of invitation to promenade concert and programme, copy of premium list of Sandusky County Agricultural Society for 1877.
Time of the organization of the Masonic bodies of the city of Fremont, Ohio.
Fort Stephenson Lodge, No. 225, Free and Accepted Masons.
Brainard Lodge, No. 336, Free and Accepted Masons.
Fremont Chapter, No. 54, Royal Arch Masons.
Fremont Council, No. 64, Royal and Select Masters.
Address of Isaac M. Keeler, delivered before Brainard Lodge, February 22, 1876.
Masonic Calender City of Fremont, 1877.
Masonic Circular of Invitations to Lodges.
The city programme of the day, and report of the meetings held on Wednesday and Thursday.
The ceremony was conducted by C. W. Woodward, of Cleveland, G. M. of Ohio, in accordance with the ritual of the order, assisted by A. T. Brinsmade, D. G. M.; R. E. Richards, D. G. S. W.; R. H. Rice, D. G. J. W.; O. Bale, P. M.; G. H. Bell, P. M.; C. Doncyson, P. M.; W. W. Ross,
P. M.; O. E. Phillips, P. M.; J. C. Johnson, P. A.; Rev. G. W. Collier, D. G. C.; I. M. Keeler, D. G. T.; W. H. Andrews, D. G. S.; S. P. Meng, D. G. S. W.; E. S. Thomas, D. G. J. W.; J. F. Heffner, D. G. S.; W. G. Hafford, D. G. S.; T. F. Heffner, D. G. T.
There was no speech-making, but at the close of the ceremony President Hayes mounted the stone and said:
Ladies, gentlemen, and fellow-citizens: For the purposes of the city of Fremont we erect here on this ground made illustrious by the victory of Colonel Croghan in his gallant combat with the British, a City Hall. The cornerstone has now been laid. The ceremonies in connection with it are now ended and I am requested to announce that the further public exercises of the day will take place immediately after dinner, at the park in front of the courthouse.
At the close of Hayes' announcement loud calls were made for Sheridan, but he quietly slipped away without making any public response.
The ladies of Fremont distinguished themselves on this occasion by spreading a magnificent dinner. We append the Journal's comments:
The members of the regiment then proceeded to Opera Hall, where they partook of an elegant dinner provided for them by the ladies of Fremont.
The hall was grandly and tastefully decorated, and the long tables were loaded with the very best the season afforded, and which the skill, and the pains, and the money of the citizens of Fromm*
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could procure, and the whole was arranged in such excellent taste that it looked like a banquet good enough for a feast of the gods.
Upon the wall on the left hung a large portrait of President Hayes in the centre of a waving scroll inscribed "Union Forever," and immediately below, in one grand group, were the names of all the States of the Union, each on a separate shield, the whole creating an impression at once pleasing and gratifying to the friends of the President.
At the further end of the hall, in addition to the fine landscape painting in the centre, there was on either side, in beautiful lettering, a list of the battles fought by the Twenty-third and associated regiments. Among them were the following: Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, Kearnstown, Cloyd Mountain, Clark's Hollow, Lynchburg, Opequan, Antietam, South Mountain and Giles' Court House.
The proceedings of the afternoon were devoted exclusively to the veterans. The occasion was the subject of so much newspaper comment at the time, and the unreserved efforts of our citizens resulted in such triumphant success, that a partial record of the day deserves a place in this volume.
At 1 o'clock P. M. the Twenty-third regiment, preceded by the Light Guard band, of Toledo, were conducted to the city park by the committee of arrangements, the mayor and city council, followed by other bands and a vast concourse of people. President Hayes marched with them. In the line behind him was led his old warhorse, twenty-seven years of age, and enjoying the so well-earned ease and rest on the farm of his former rider.
The speaker's stand was tastefully decorated, and not far from it stood a beautiful evergreen monument surmounted by a cross, in honor of the gallant dead.
The platform was soon reached and filled. General Sheridan escorted Mrs. Hayes, and that lady was assigned a prominent position.
It is seldom that so many men whose names are familiar to the people are gathered upon one platform as were to be seen on the speakers' stand:
President and Mrs. Hayes, Secretary McCrary and wife, Chief Justice Waite, General Phil Sheridan, General W. S. Rosecrans, General J. D. Cox, General S. S. Carroll, General J. H. Duvall, Generals F. H. Devol, Scammon, Barnett, Kennedy, Swayne, Buckland, and Gibson, Senator Matthews and Major McKinley.
The public square was soon packed full by a dense crowd of spectators, and thousands were unable to get within hearing distance. It is estimated that about fifteen thousand were present in and around the square during the afternoon exercises, and the crowds down town did not seem sensibly diminished.
As soon as the Twenty-third regiment, the several bands, speakers and others were as comfortably seated as the circumstances would permit, and the crowd had partly quieted, General R. P. Buckland came forward and said:
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:—You will now please come to order. The exercises of the afternoon will commence by the introduction of Chaplain Collier, to whom you will listen for a few moments.
Chaplain Collier then stepped forward and said:
It seems to me that these exercises could be commenced appropriately by taking off our hats, rising, and joining in singing:
"Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below,
Praise Him above ye Heavenly Host,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost."
Let every one that can sing, sing this song of praise to the giver of all good.
The vast multitude then stood and sang those solemn words with more than usual interest, after which they were led in prayer by Chaplain Collier.
After prayer General Buckland introduced Hon. Homer Everett, who delivered the welcoming address on behalf of the home committee of arrangements.
The orator of the day was Hon. William McKinley, whose polished address was
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highly eulogized by the daily press of the State.
We now come back to the City Hall building. The first story was completed at an expense of two thousand eight hundred dollars, and paid for from receipts from rents, and without special taxation. Under authority of a special legislative enactment, the council resolved to submit to a vote of the people the proposition of issuing bonds to the amount of twelve thousand dollars, bearing seven per cent. interest, for the purpose of completing the building. The vote was taken on the 18th of March, 1878, and almost unanimously carried, and the bonds issued accordingly.
The following were the municipal officers under whose management the building was brought to completion: Council —William E. Haynes, James Kridler, S. P. Meng, James Park, jr., D. Reinick, William B. Sheldon, J. P. Thompson, and C. N. West; J. S. Van Ness, mayor; William Kridler, jr., clerk; M. D. Baldwin, solicitor; J. W. Moore, marshal; J. S. Rawson, engineer; E. Underhill, chief of fire department; and J. C. Johnson, architect.
The building was completed in February, 1879, and dedicated on the 21st of that month to the use of the public. The occasion was one of general enjoyment. The fire company had charge of the ceremonies, and Chief Underhill presided at the dedicatory meeting. Professor W. W. Ross delivered an address, and Hon. Homer Everett recited the growth of the fire department.
Professor Ross, in his address, said:
The total cost of the building, including steam heating apparatus and furniture, is fourteen thousand one hundred and seventy-eight dollars, and inclusive of the city stables adjoining, about sixteen thousand dollars, the bonded indebtedness incurred being twelve thousand dollars. No one, I think, who surveys this structure can question that every dollar of this money has been judiciously and economically expended, that for the cost we have an admirable City Hall building. There is another occasion for congratulatory pride, in that the architect who conceived and designed it is one of our own citizens, with a reputation, however, fast becoming State and general. To him our thanks are due for the tasteful conception and successful completion of his design. I ought, however, in justice to him, to say that his ideal was necessarily qualified by the expenditure it was thought wisdom to ask at the hands of the people. For the first time in the history of our city we have a city hall, with good acoustic properties, commodious and attractive, and whose free use is guaranteed to our citizens on all appropriate occasions, for meetings, lectures, festivals, and entertainments under the auspices of home organizations. For years our city officials and our fire department have been without suitable accommodations. Hereafter they will be occupants of the most beautiful structure in our city.
The uses to which this building this evening is dedicated are among the most vital to the interests of our city, both moral and material. The City Hall building is to the city what the Capitol building is to the State and the Nation. We have in our country three forms of government, National, State, and municipal, all of them possessed to some extent of legislative, executive, and judicial powers. The vast growth of American cities occasioned by the influx of population both from the country and foreign lands, is rapidly throwing upon our city governments a responsibility even greater and more delicate than that devolving upon the State government itself.
The first floor of the building is used by the fire department and for a city prison. On the second floor are offices for the city clerk, mayor, city engineer, city solicitor, and a council chamber. The third story is a commodious, well seated hall, for public meetings, entertainments, etc. The front is of Amherst stone, tastefully ornamented. This building excels in architectural beauty any other structure in the city.
BIRCHARD LIBRARY.*
Birchard Library derives its name from the late Sardis Birchard, of Fremont, who was its founder. Early in the year 1873 Mr. Birchard indicated to several citizens that he was about to set apart, in property and money, the sum of fifty thousand dollars for the purpose of establishing a free library for the benefit of the city of
* By E. Bushnell, D. D.
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Fremont and the county of Sandusky. He designated the following gentlemen to act as a board of trustees, viz: The Hon. K B. Hayes, L. L. D., General R. P. Buckland, L. Q. Rawson, M.D., Rev. E. Bushnell, D.D., James W. Wilson, M. D., Col William E. Haynes, Thomas Stilwell, M. D., Hon. E. F. Dickinson, ex-officio, being mayor of the city of Fremont, and William W. Ross, A. M., ex-officio, being superintendent of the public schools of Fremont.
These gentlemen held their first meeting at the office of the mayor on the evening of July, 1873. At this meeting measures were taken to secure a fitting room in which to open a library, to procure a suitable librarian, and to effect a corporate organization.
February 13, 1874, the board of trustees met, and adopted articles of association, forming themselves into a literary and benevolent association under the name and style of "The Birchard Library." All the trustees affixed their names and seals to the articles, and ex-Governor R. B. Hayes was elected president; Dr. J. W. Wilson, treasurer, and W. W. Ross, secretary.
By the articles of association, and according to the wish of Mr. Birchard, the mayor of Fremont and the superintendent of public schools of the same are ex-officio trustees of the library. Any vacancy which may occur among the other trustees, is to be filled by appointment of the Court of Common Pleas of Sandusky county. Or, if the court shall fail to appoint, a majority of the trustees present at a regular meeting may do so.
Birchard Hall was selected as a fitting place to locate the library for the present. Jessie E. McCulloch was chosen librarian, and Governor Hayes, Rev. Dr. Bushnell and W. W. Ross were appointed a committee to select and purchase books.
Mr. Birchard having deceased in January, 1874, his executors at sundry times transferred money and property to the possession of the treasurer of the board to the amount of the bequest. The library was opened June 2, 1874, with one thousand six hundred and eighty-three volumes. By June 2, 1875, there were four thousand two hundred and five volumes.
In order to secure a permanent site for a library building, and also to aid the city of Fremont in securing the historic site of Fort Stephenson as a park, the library board paid nine thousand dollars towards the purchase of the square now occupied by the Library Building and the City Hall, and known as Fort Stephenson Park. The board became part owners of the same, and have erected their building on a portion mutually agreed upon.
In January, 1878, a communication was received from the president of the board (at that time President of the United, States), suggesting the propriety of erecting a library building during the ensuing summer. After full consideration of the matter at several meetings, on the 14th of April, 1878, a building committee was appointed, consisting of E. Bushnell, R. P. Buckland and William E. Haynes. Under their direction the building was erected during the summer and autumn, at a cost of six thousand three hundred and sixty-nine dollars and thirty-one cents. Early in the year 1879 the library was removed from Birchard Hall to the new building.
The building is provided with a spacious gallery, which is used as a museum, and now contains many articles of interest secured through the kindness of ex-President Hayes, Hon. Mahlon Chance, Rev. A. Phelps, of Painesville, Mrs. Judge Ferris, of Washington, District of Columbia, and others. Room is devoted to
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such articles as may belong to the Pioneer Association, of Sandusky county.
To the present writing (October, 1881) no changes have taken place in the board of directors, except such as have resulted from changes in the mayoralty of the city. The position has been occupied by J. S. Van Ness, Charles H. Bell and E. Loudensleger. The librarians have been Jessie E. McCulloch, Miss F. G. McCulloch, and Mrs. Hattie Ross, the present incumbent (October, 1881).
The number of books in the library in June, 1880, including public documents, was six thousand and seventy-five. The number drawn during the year preceding June 1, 1880 was sixteen thousand four hundred and eighty-five.
The whole square of Fort Stephenson Park is in process of improvement under the direction of the city's board of park commissioners. The library building is heated by steam conveyed through underground pipes from the boiler of the city Hall building.
The financial condition of the library is such that current expenses can hereafter be met, and additions of from three to five hundred volumes can be annually made.
CITY PARKS.
Towns, like individuals, during the period of early growth, should prepare for the contingencies of full maturity. Villages, surrounded by or rather scattered over spacious commons, do not need places of outdoor resort and amusement. But far different is it with a city whose inhabitants are compelled to spend the day in close rooms or dusty shops. It is highly important that for such attractive resorts should be provided where an occasional hour can be spent in health-giving exercise and the indulgence of aesthetic appetite.
Fort Stephenson, the most finely situated and most interesting of Fremont's four parks, occupies the ground included in the old stockade. The history of its purchase has been given in a previous chapter. The site is naturally elevated, and the improvement of surrounding streets has made it necessary to construct an abutting wall on all four sides. This improvement was completed in 1881 at a large outlay of money. The library building stands near the western side, the city hall at the northeast corner, and heavy stone stairways at each of the other corners leading to circling walks. En the centre stands mounted "Old Bess," an enduring monument of an heroic day. This old cannon has often spoken
What bloody carnage then befell
The foes of great Ohio.
She was returned to Fremont in 1852, through the efforts of B. J. Bartlett. At the 2d of August celebration of that year a local poet apostrophized as follows:
Perhaps like Hamlet's ghost you've come
This day, to celebrate the fame
Of Croghan's honored, worthy name—
The hero of Ohio.
Court-House Park occupies the square opposite the courthouse. This space was set apart for a park mainly by Platt Brush, and is so recorded in the Brush addition to the town of Lower Sandusky, made in 1840. Two small or fractional lots have since been added to the original reservation, making the park co-extensive with the square. The tract is enclosed by a substantial fence, and is well shaded by thrifty maples. A band stand and speakers' stand for public meetings have been placed near the centre.
Two other parks are the gifts of Sardis Birchard. One is a small three-cornered tract at the corner of Buckland and Birchard avenues, and named Diamond Park. The other is an important addition to the public property of the city. The tract is large enough for any public gathering, and is highly favored
470 HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.
in respect to topography. It is well shaded by native forest trees, and already possesses many of the elements of an attractive, quiet resort. Its location is in the extreme western part of the city, far removed from the annoying bustle of business, but within easy walking distance from any of the upper avenues.
These parks are annually growing in value as the city grows up around them. All except one have been donations of liberal spirited citizens for the public good. The other was fortunately purchased at a low sum, considering its commanding location and proximity to the business centre of the city.
STREETS AND STREET IMPROVEMENTS.
The city in general is laid out in squares, with streets of convenient width. It was, of course, impossible to adhere to rigid regularity in this particular, on account of the turnpike angling through the center in one direction, and the river in another. Few of the streets are numbered. Nearly all bear historic names. The names of the two chief commanders on Fort Stephenson day are perpetuated in the names of the streets passing the two points of attack, Croghan on the north and Garrison on the south. The most beautiful avenue leading westward bears the name of a man who spent fifty years of his life here, and who proved his town love by bequeathing to the city's interests, and for the use of her citizens, more than seventy thousand dollars' worth of property. One of the branches of Birchard avenue is Buckland avenue, named in honor of a man yet living, the story of whose life is told elsewhere.
On the opposite side of the city are Justice street and Rawson avenue. Many other streets and avenues are named in honor of historical characters or honored citizens.
Nothing gives a town so much freshnessand beauty as well shaded streets. A fertile soil has contributed to the rapid growth of trees in all parts of the city. Almost every street and avenue is fringed with an unbroken line of maples on both sides. Much credit is due in this connection to General R. P. Buckland, who set a worthy example and followed it with influential precept.
Croghan street is travelled more by heavy vehicles than any other highway in the city. It was found necessary, a few years ago, to substitute for ordinary limestone macadamizing more substantial paving material. In 1874 the council resolved to pave this street with Medina (New York) stone, and provide for effectual sewerage. The paving was completed at a cost of twenty-four thousand dollars.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.*
The first effort in this direction was an ordinance passed by the town council May 12, 1843, when R. P. Buckland was mayor, and David E. Field recorder. It was entitled "An ordinance relating to fire buckets." By this ordinance owners and occupants were required to procure for each house a leather bucket, holding not less than two and a half gallons; and to keep it at or near the front door of the house, for the use of the inhabitants in case of fire, and to be used for no other purpose. The initials of the owner's name were required to be painted on the outside of the bucket, in plain letters. This ordinance was promptly obeyed, and for a time these black leather buckets formed a conspicuous appendage to every house.
March 13, 1844, under the administration of the same mayor and recorder, an ordinance was passed "To organize the fire department;" that is, a hook and ladder company.
On the 26th of the same month, the same mayor, recorder, and trustees ap-
* Written by Hon. Homer Everett.
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pointed Stephen C. Smith chief engineer, Robert Caldwell first assistant, Michael Huffman second assistant.
Under this ordinance a hook and ladder company was organized, which did service until 1853, a period of about ten years.
An engine to be worked by hand was contracted for in January, 185r, and on the 3d of March, 1853, an ordinance was passed to organize engine company number one, and hook and ladder company number one.
The old organization gave place to the new.
During the time of this purchase and the organization of these companies, Brice J. Bartlett was mayor, and T. P. Finefrock was recorder of the village, and Mayor Bartlett was zealous and efficient in bringing about the organization.
After the great fire of 1835 in New York, premiums were offered by insurance companies for plans of steam fire engines. In 1841 one was built from plans by Mr. Hodges, but it was too heavy and was finally abandoned. The honor of a successful invention was reserved (as many other great affairs are) for an Ohio man.
Early in 1853, and probably about the time we purchased our hand engine, A. B. Latta, of Cincinnati, introduced his steam fire engine into successful operation in the Queen City.
July 5, 1865, the city council, namely, A. J. Harris, George Williams, Oscar Ball, Charles Thompson, and Frederick Fabing; D. W. Krebs, recorder; H. Everett, mayor, passed an ordinance authorizing F. I. Norton to buy a steam fire engine, subject to the approval of the council.
This movement resulted in the purchase of the steamer which was named McPherson, and a quantity of hose which was delivered, tested, and accepted about the 1st of October following. The cost of engine and hose amounted to about six thousanddollars. This engine was almost destroyed when the engine house burned, but was repaired or made over and is now in service.
January 6, 1874, the city council bought what is now known as steam fire engine number one, manufactured by Clapp & Jones, for four thousand dollars.
The council, at this time, consisted of Jacob Bauman, Fred Fabing, George Greiner, James Kridler, Joseph Stuber, and F. J. Geibel; E. F. Dickinson, mayor.
The hand engine has for several years been on the east side of the river. Until 1870 each engine was managed by a separate company, and all were volunteers.
In the year 1870 the department was reorganized and all the engines and companies were placed in the charge of a chief engineer, E. H. Underhill, who has since remained in charge, except a short time when Peter Stine was chief, and another when Captain M. E. Tyler was chief engineer.
In 1872 the east side company was merged. It consisted of about thirty men who had been paid one dollar and a-half each, for every fire they attended.
The present organization consists of twenty men, including officers—one chief, and one first, and one second assistant chief. The men are paid five dollars per month, and the chief one hundred dollars a year.
The total cost to the city for maintaining the fire department now, after deductting earnings of the horses at outside service, is about one thousand five hundred dollars a year.
The steam engines are kept together, well stored and cared for in the basement of the City Hall building.
Insurance agents and firemen from abroad say this is the cheapest and most efficient organization in the State. These excellencies are largely to be accredited to
472 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.
the tact, steadiness, and energy of the present worthy chief, E. H. Underhill.
This brief outline enables us at once to see the progress made in means to resist the destroying element, and prevent the destruction of life and property. We have progressed from the leather bucket to the steam fire engine in thirty-five years. Though we may be so fortunate as to have no fires, still it will be wise to maintain the organization, for no one can tell how soon it may be needed. Again, the expense is fully compensated in easier and cheaper insurance on our property, resulting from our ability to cope with fire if It does occur.
The duties of a fireman are akin to those of the soldier. He encounters privation, hard labor, and danger, for the benefit of others for little pay. His service is in a degree patriotic, and he seeks his reward in the sense of doing good and hoping to be honored by those he serves.
The foregoing is a brief history of the fire department as it stood in 1879. On the 25th day of October, 1881, we find many improvements and additions which greatly facilitate the working of the department, and improve its promptness on call. There are now two steam fire engines in the town, one manufactured by Clapp & Jones, and the other made by Button & Son. Two thousand feet of hose are constantly kept dry and in good order. Four hose carts are always ready, as is also a fine hook and ladder truck, well furnished with excellent extension ladders. There are four sets of swinging harness, so arranged and hung on each side of the tongue of the carriages and engines to be moved, that when the horse takes his place the harness drops upon him, and he is buckled in and hitched in a moment.
The steam fire engines are constantly, day and night, kept heated with steam upto a pressure of from five to ten pounds to the square inch. There is no hose-tower in which to dry the hose of this department, and for a long time, especially in winter and rainy weather, much difficulty was encountered in keeping the hose in order and preserving the sections ready at all times for use.
Dr. Charles F. Reiff, the present efficient chief of the department, has obviated the difficulty in drying and preserving the hose by an ingenious invention of his own. The apparatus consists of a small boiler, which generates steam, heats an air chamber, and forces the hot air through the hose when it is screwed on to an attachment tube the size of the hose. With this contrivance, the hose are kept in good order, and are well preserved, ready for use at all times. The same chief has invented an ingenious method of kindling fire under the boiler the moment it moves, without the aid of a hand to look after it. This is done by two small vials of chemicals inserted in an augerhole in a block of wood and placed under the kindling and coal. The vials are surrounded by a cord, which is attached to a chain fastened to the floor by a staple or rivet in the rear of the steamer. The moment the steamer is moved forward the cord breaks the vials, and a powerful combustion is caused by the mingling of the chemicals within them, and the fire is strongly burning in an instant. These inventions, with many conveniences introduced by Chief Reiff, have greatly improved the fire department of Fremont.
The department now keeps and uses four black horses, which are well kept in a room adjoining that in which the engines are stored, and always ready.
At the present time the force of men engaged in the fire department of the city, and their pay, is as follows: Charles F. Rieff, chief of department, salary one hun-
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dred dollars per year; A. M. June, engineer, salary one hundred dollars per year; John Fend (who is also assistant chief), William Lang (stoker), George Fend, Robert F. Hidber, Frank Myers, George Grable, Stephen Cook, Ed Schwartz, Charles Miller, John Donaho, William Burgess, Charles Bump, and Philip Dutt, the whole force consisting of seventeen men. These minute-men are paid one dollar and fifty cents for each fire they attend, and thus far have proved
prompt and efficient under the present organization.
The alarm bell over the city hall is so arranged that it can be rung by cords on both the inside and outside of the engine-room. The engine-room has also connection by telephone with every part of the city. These, with a published and posted signal for alarms, enables the people and the department to act with great promptness and efficiency whenever the devouring element makes its appearance.