Below is an original picture from April 1885 when the Dunmore Independent Hose Company No. 1 was permanently renamed after being founded as the Columbia Hose Company. The Firehouse was Located on South Blakely St.
Fire Cart Racing in 1905
- The picture above was sent to the Dunmore IHC #1 by Paul Jenkins, of Shawsville, Virginia.
- Paul states that his Great Grandfather, Fred B. Jenkins, who was born and raised in Dunmore from 1885-1959, is one of the fireman racers.
- Thank you to Paul for sending us the picture!
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Fire Company Organized
Bucket brigades were relied upon to fight fires in Dunmore until 1885. On March 25th that year a number of boys organized the Columbia Hose Company. They procured quarters in a small frame building in the rear of the Keystone garden. Victor Burschel was made foreman. The following month a permanent organization was effected, the name changed to Independent Hose Company No 1 of Dunmore. A wheeled hose cart made by the members of the company was the first equipment of this company. Young men from the upper part of the town shortly afterwards organized the Neptune Chemical Company, procured a two-wheeled chemical cart. Later on, however, the company was changed into a hose company as the chemical equipment was inadequate. These two companies were recognized by the town council and in 1887 Jabez B Dante was elected chief. In 1901 the O S Johnson Hose Company was organized in the lower part of the town. This is now known as the T F Quinn Hose Company. The John B Smith Hose Company was organized in 1893 with a membership of 50. Quarters were purchased on Chestnut Street, the company was named after the late John B Smith. In 1892 the Electric Engine Company was organized, with 50 members, secured quarters in the Petersburg section. In 1912 the Eclipse Hose Company was organized in the northeast section of the town. At first it was known as the A D Spencer Hose Company. The name was changed to Eclipse following a reorganization. The fire department of the borough has had the following chiefs: J B Dante, F E Wagner, Victor Burschel, James J O'Hara, J J Teevan, John D O'Neil, Luther Wert, John L Decker and Frank J Murphy. The drill team of the Independent Company has brought honors to Dunmore, having won prizes at Bloomsburg, Mahanoy City, Mt Carmel, Shenandoah, Hazleton, Pottsville and other places. In the fire of November 24, 1891, the Neptune Company's quarters were destroyed as well as its apparatus. The first equipment for the John B Smith Company, a two-wheeled hand-cart, was donated by a number of prominent citizens.
Article Resource:
Thomas Murphy's 1928 History of Lackawanna County
Click HERE for a great article which illustrates how Dunmore Independent Hose Co. No. 1 members assisted the Scranton Fire Dept. at a devastating 1906 fire.