Fire Department Chronology 1925-1949
Niles Center Volunteer Fire Company
Sharp Corner Volunteer Fire Department
Skokie Fire Department Chronology
1871 through 2006
Compiled by Lt. Ron Smith, Skokie Fire Department Historianfor the Skokie Historical Society
| 1871 - 1899 | | | 1900 - 1924 | | | 1925 - 1949 | | | 1950 - 1974 | | | 1975 - 1999 | | | 2000 - 2006 | | | Home |
1925 |
Ten firemen pay a $1.00 initiation fee.
April 9 - Fire breaks out in the garage of Turski's greenhouses. Two cars and a cow are saved. Fire Companies from Sharp Corner, Niles Center, Morton Grove, Wilmette, and Evanston battle the blaze.
June 1 - Peter Kirscht donates two shares of stock.
July 1 - The Niles Center Volunteer Fire Company is dissolved. All stocks are surrendered at $7.00 per share.
July 6 - Sophia Stielow donates two shares of stock.
NOTE: It appears that the Village of Niles Center begins to support the Fire Department at about this time. July 18 - George C. Weiland's barn is struck by lightning and starts on fire. Niles Center Fire Company responds but the pumper breaks down. Sharp Corner Fire Department hears the sirens and also responds. Sharp Corner is credited with saving the nearby house.
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1926 |
January 29 - Fire in the two-story Devonshire Manor Temple, located at Dempster Street and Niles Center Road, is noticed by a night watchman. Sharp Corner Firemen extinguish the blaze before the neighboring fire departments arrive. Two of the Sharp Corner Fire Department firemen suffer frozen ears and cheeks due to the sub-zero weather.
April 1 - Ivan M. Paroubek's home and bakery located at Niles Center Road and Lincoln Avenue narrowly escapes going up in smoke. The fire starts on the first floor and makes its way up to the second floor before it is extinguished by the Niles Center Volunteer Fire Department.
April 2 - Niles Center Fire Company expresses the need for a new fire engine with a chemical tank.
December - An Ahrens Fox Pumper with a 1000 gallon per minute capacity, 60 gallon tank is purchased, received, and is assigned 'Engine Co. #1'. Firemen may have driven the Ahrens Fox from Cincinnati. The Village of Niles Center pay for this engine. The Ahrens Fox Pumper is considered the Cadillac of fire engines and the same is still true today.
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1927 |
April 6 - Ahrens Fox Company is paid $150.00.
May 15 - The Sharp Corner Volunteer Fire Company responds to a chimney fire in a three-flat on Davis Street and Niles Center Road.
July - The last Niles Center Village Board meeting is held at the Engine House.
August 2 - The first Niles Center Village Board meeting is held at the new Village Hall.
October 3 - Niles Center Cabinet & Carpenter Shop is paid $72.22.
November 9 - E. Eifler Sheet Metal is paid $135.01.
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1928 |
A 500,000 gallon underground water storage tank is built on the south side of town. The water is supplied from Chicago.
January 9 - The Niles Center Fire Company receives $25.00 from the Village of Tessville.
March 9 - Foamite Corporation is paid $57.98.
August 6 - The Niles Center Fire Company receives $50.00 from the Village of Tessville.
November 7 - The Village begins paying firemen on a part-time basis at the rate of $1.50 for the first hour and $1.00 for every hour thereafter.
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1929 |
Spring - A fireman from Sharp Corner is injured fighting a fire at the new Sharp Corner School which is under construction.
March 20 - The edifice of the Jerusalem Lutheran Church burns. Fire Companies from Morton Grove, Niles Center, and Glenview battle the blaze.
August 1 - The Dells, a well-known roadhouse of Morton Grove, is destroyed by fire. Fire Companies from Niles Center, Morton Grove, Evanston, and Glenview attempt to save the building. Joseph Nicholson, a Dells employee, is overcome and rescued by firemen.
October 29 - "Black Tuesday" occurs which marks the start of the "Great Depression". |
1930 |
Niles Center's population is 5,007. |
1931 |
January 1 - The first short-wave radio equipped police car is purchased. This radio was also helpful with the Fire Department when they were on the street.
March 27 - Tenants in the three-story building at 4842 Elm Street are driven to the street in the early morning by a fire that completely destroys the back of the building.
April 20 - The Niles Center Fire Department consists of nineteen men with a 1926 Ahrens Fox 1000 gallon per minute Pumper, a U.S. Motor Truck with a 250 gallon Howe Pump and a 1923 Ford-Pirsch 90 gallon Chemical Engine. The Chemical Engine was previously owned by Sharp Corner Fire Department.
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1932 |
February 21 - Fire damages an apartment building at 8736 Trumbull.
March 15 - A gas station at Harms Road and Lincoln Avenue is badly damaged by fire.
April 4 - Chicago Uniform & Cap Co. is paid $137.75.
April 10 - Chief Michael H. Schmitz is arrested by Federal prohibition agents for violation of prohibition. He is released because he may be needed as fire chief, to command in case of a fire.
July 19 - A large explosion occurs in Wilmette at the Kutten Brothers Coal & Oil Company. The Niles Center Fire Company responds. An oil tank explodes early in the morning awakening people within a mile radius.
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1933 |
February 15 - Club Walton in Morton Grove is struck by fire. The caretaker's wife and child are killed in the blaze. Fire Companies from Niles Center, Morton Grove and Evanston battle the blaze.
July 19 - A large still explodes at 9044 East Prairie and burns a barn. Two men are seriously burned in the explosion.
July 27 - Fire destroys the Tessville Box Company located at 7000 Lincoln Avenue. A nearby house is also destroyed. Fire Companies from Niles Center, Morton Grove, Evanston, and Chicago fight the blaze.
September - The water tower at Elmwood Street and Niles Avenue, built in 1912, is removed. Skokie is now connected to the Chicago water system.
October 3 - The Village purchases one thousand feet of fire hose, thirteen fire helmets, and six raincoats for the firemen.
October 15 - A man is revived by the use of the Inhalator carried by the Niles Center Volunteer Fire Company. This is the first "save" made by the emergency medical device. But it is not until 1948 that a fire department ambulance service is established.
November 8 - The Niles Center Volunteer Fire Company purchases fourteen fire shirts for $24.70.
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1934 |
April 13 - A man is burned to death in his auto after hitting a truck at Devon Avenue and Crawford Boulevard in Lincolnwood. The Niles Center Fire Company extinguishes the blaze.
April 14 - Fire damages the home of Charles Holmes at 8202 Kildare Avenue. The Niles Center Fire Company confines the fire to the front of the home.
August 15 - Lighting causes $60,000 in damages to the Hughes Oil plant at 3349 Howard Street. The offices, sheds and seven trucks are destroyed in the blaze. Fire Companies from Niles Center, Evanston, and Chicago work for hours to contain the blaze and prevent it from reaching the gasoline storage tanks.
September 8 - Gangsters burn the Dells, a popular nightclub located at Dempster Street and Austin Street in Morton Grove. Fire Companies from Niles Center, Niles, Evanston, Glenview, and Park Ridge fight the blaze.
November 28 - The body of 'Baby Face' Nelson is found on Harms Road north of St. Paul's Cemetery.
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1935 |
March 24 - Six people die and fourteen people are injured when roadhouse "Club Rendezvous", also located at Dempster Street and Austin Avenue is severely damaged by fire. People were trapped due to electric door locks. Fire Companies from Niles Center and Morton Grove fight the fire. A young woman from Niles Center dies in the blaze.
March 24 - Twenty-six towns, including Niles Center, adopt a Mutual Aid System under the auspices of the Cook County Fireman's Suburban Association.
October - Fire Chief Michael H. Schmitz's chicken coop catches fire and neighbors wake him so he can put it out.
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1936 |
May 21 - The Niles Center Fire Company responds to Lincolnwood's call for help to battle a blaze at in the 3700 block of Lincoln Avenue - the yards of Andersen Asphalt Company. Children of Fire Captain Andrew Proesel rescued five kittens from the building.
October 13 - Two fires break out simultaneously in apartment buildings shortly after midnight. The first fire was at 4856 Elm Street. The Niles Center Fire Company calls for assistance from Morton Grove and Evanston to fight the second blaze at 8247 Knox Avenue. The residents at the Elm Street fire were forced to jump from the windows.
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1937 |
June 9 - The Village proposes a new fire station at Niles Center Road and Cicero Avenue subject to referendum. Voters later turn down the proposed bond issue - 894 to 558. At the same board meeting, Village Trustees authorize the purchase of a Pirsch Ladder Truck for the sum of $12,300.00 - payments to be made yearly over four years.
November - The Pirsch 60 foot ladder truck equipped with a 750 gallon per minute pump, 100 gallon tank is purchased and is assigned 'Truck Co. #1'. The ladder truck made a tour with Peter Pirsch the builder to demonstrate the new electrically powered aerial ladder. This truck was painted white with blue and gold stripes and was named to commemorate Peter Blameuser, II.
December 5 - The Niles Center Volunteer Fire Company members are:
Firemen are identified as:
|
1938 |
January 21 - Village residents vote down a referendum to issue bonds for a new firehouse to be built on the east side of the village.
February 14 - The new Pirsch Ladder Truck sees its first large fire at 8017-8021 Keating - a three-story apartment building. The fire causes $2,500 in damage.
May 14 - A fire in an apartment building at 8413 Monticello Street causes considerable damage to the basement and first floor. An infant son is rescued by a neighbor.
May 18 - Niles Center celebrates its Fiftieth Anniversary. August 10 - Lincolnwood makes a donation to the Niles Center Fire Department for services over the last year. However, Lincolnwood contemplates establishing its own fire department. (It took another 40+ years to do so.)
|
1939 |
June 21 - Lighting strikes a Rapid Transit Train and sets it on fire. Several people are injured in the rush to leave the train. Niles Center Fire Department extinguishes the blaze.
October 18 - Hundreds of people watched the Fire Companies from Niles Center, Morton Grove, Niles, Des Plaines, and Glenview battle a very large fire at Dempster Street and Harlem Avenue. August Geweke loses his barn, two sheds, a warehouse filled with onions, and two horses.
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1940 |
Niles Center's population is 7,172.
November 15 - Niles Center changes its name to Skokie. On this day, Adam Harrer, Niles Center's first Fire Chief and first Mayor, dies.
November 27 - Nine families are made homeless due to a fire in the Blameuser building located at 5116-5118 Oakton Street. One of those left homeless was Oscar Siemsen, a Skokie fireman. Fire Companies from Evanston and Morton Grove assist.
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1941 |
April 5 - Fire damages the Tower Tavern at 9925 Ridge Road (Gross Point Road). The Skokie Fire Department battles the blaze for two hours.
July 22 - A fire in the basement of an apartment building at 4849 Lee Street is extinguished.
August 4 - Five horses are burned to death in a stable fire located on Golf Road and Harms Road. Two of the horses were champions. Several others were severely burned and ran wild in the forest preserve.
December 7 - Japanese warplanes attack Pearl Harbor. December 8 - The United States declares war on Japan. December 11 - The United States declares war on Germany and Italy. |
1942 |
February 27 - The Fire Chief, Michael Schmitz, teaches residents how to battle Incendiary Bombs in case of an air-raid attack.
|
1943 |
February 5 - Thirteen new firefighters are added as auxiliary firemen.
April - Skokie Village trustees vote to purchase helmets, boots, and coats for $400.00 to outfit the new men.
September 14 - Fire breaks out in the basement of a home at 7650 Karlov Avenue damaging the basement and the first floor.
|
1944 |
February 14 - Fire destroys the Forest View Riding Stables Arena in Morton Grove. The Fire Companies from Skokie, Morton Grove, and Glenview battle the blaze.
July 18 - The Douglas Aircraft building (600' x 100') burns to the ground at O'Hare Airport. Fire Companies from Skokie (Truck #1), Des Plaines, Park Ridge, and Chicago battle the fire.
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1945 |
January 1 through July - Andrew Proesel is voted Skokie Fire Chief. February - Many residents turn out to see the firemen fight a large fire that threatened the Niles Center Home Laundry and Niles Center Recreation Rooms (bowling alley) on Floral Avenue.
July - The Village of Skokie adopts rules governing Exams, Appointments, Promotions, and Removal of Firemen.
July - Michael Schmitz is reappointed Skokie Fire Chief. He holds this position until September of 1947.
August 6 - The first atomic bomb is dropped on Hiroshima. August 9 - The second atomic bomb is dropped on Nagasaki. August 14 - The Japanese surrender. All business in the Village of Skokie is halted as Skokie celebrates 'VJ' Day. |
1947 |
July 20 - The Village of Skokie authorizes the conversion of the Fire Department from part-time to full-time status.
July through September 1947 - Michael Schmitz is reappointed Skokie Fire Chief.
September - Richard Houren is appointed Skokie Fire Chief. He holds this position through August 1949. September 26 - Village referendum requests $168,000 for construction of a new fire station on the east side of the Village and for improvements to the Floral Avenue - Station #1. The referendum is approved by a vote of 1,222 to 445. The new station will be built at 8340 Hamlin Avenue at an estimated cost of $125,000.
September 30 - The Village of Skokie creates a position of Honorary Fire Chief for Michael H. Schmitz in appreciation of the forty-five plus years of service.
October 1 - The Village of Skokie appoints U.S. Naval Lt. Commander Richard G. Houren to Chief of the Skokie Fire Department. His appointment runs through April 30, 1948, with a salary of $3,900. Houren has twenty years of fire service experience in the Chicago area, with four years in the Navy during World War II. He was Assistant Fire Marshall in Hawaii and Fire Marshall in Newport, Rhode Island Naval Bases.
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1948 |
The Cook County Inspection Bureau rates Skokie's Fire Department's effective fire protection rating as a Class 9.
NOTE: The Cook County Inspection Bureau provided a rating to measure the effectiveness of local fire departments in protecting its citizens. A low rating number is an effective fire department whereas a high rating number indicates the department is in need of improvement. A Class 1 rating is the highest level and Class 10 rating is the lowest level. February 1 - Fireman Al Suckow is involved in a scuffle at the Engine House and is removed by the police. He is suspended from his duties.
February 12 - At 13:30 hours, the 1926 Ahrens Fox - 'Engine Co. #1' catches on fire while pumping while working a fire at 9353 Ridgeway. It is common for this Engine's exhaust to start the wooden floorboards on fire.
May 5 - A 1940 Plymouth Car is purchased to be used as the Fire Chief's Car and is assigned 'Ambulance Co. #1' or 'Car 138'. The ambulance was a 1940 used police car with the rear seat removed. The patient was placed through the trunk. The ambulance was equipped with an inhalator.
June 15 - Village President Arthur E. Simmons and Fire Chief Richard G. Houren break ground for the new Fire Station #2 on Hamlin Avenue.
June 20 - A small arson fire was set at the rear of Floral Avenue - Station #1 and the station mascot, a duck, was poisoned.
June 29 - The first fire department radio is installed in the Chief's/Ambulance car.
October 18 - A lean-to is built on the north side of the Floral Avenue - Station #1.
November 19 - Mayor Simmons recommends the Police and Fire Commission review its policy on hiring men over the age of thirty-five. Several men who served in World War II turned 36 years old during the war and could not take the test. In addition, other men served as volunteers for many years and were not given any time for that service. Mayor Simmons feels that men who serve the community deserve a chance at a job.
|
1949 |
January - The base pay for a fireman is $255 a month.
January - The Hamlin Avenue - Station #2 is opened.
January 2 - The third floor of an apartment building located at 8402 Monticello Street burns due to a Christmas tree fire.
January 16 - Eight new men report for duty at Hamlin Avenue - Station #2. Pursuant to a lawsuit filed by three G.I.s who were over 35 years of age but were in the war and could not be hired until they were discharged. The Village Attorney advises that the new men should not be permitted to report for duty until a court decision is rendered.
January 18 - In a heated battle during a Village of Skokie Board meeting, four new members are sworn in as firemen. The new members are:
This brings the firefighting force up to ten men including Fire Chief Richard Houren.
January 28 - The American LaFrance Pumper with a 1000 gallon per minute capacity, 150 gallon tank is delivered and is assigned 'Engine Co. #2'. The 1947 model American LaFrance pumper cost $14,400. It was purchased from the U.S. Government Army Surplus at the Great Lakes Training Center.
January 29 - All personnel and equipment move from the Floral Avenue - Station #1 Engine House to an Elmwood Street temporary station. Ladder Truck #1 moves to the Hamlin Avenue - Station #2.
January 30 - The City of Evanston discontinues fire protection to the northeast corner of Skokie.
February 1 - Four new hires appointed on January 1, 1949, are placed on duty.
February 3 - The Mayor praises the Skokie Fire Department for their efficient work at a blaze at Skokie Valley Wholesale. The fire started when the oil burner exploded.
February 3 - Last day for Northwestern University students in the sleeper program. The 'Sleeper Program' employed college students trained for fire fighting to make night fire calls in exchange for free room and board.
February 11 - An emergency phone system is installed to directly connect Floral Avenue - Station #1, Hamlin Avenue - Station #2 and the Police Station. This line is called the Zero Line.
April 20 - An extra-alarm fire in Morton Grove at National Food is rung. Skokie Fire Department Engines # 1 and #3 respond.
April 29 - Firemen and equipment move from the temporary Elmwood Street station back to the remodeled Floral Avenue - Station #1.
May 10 - The Fire Department's first television is donated by George Miller of National Cap & Screw.
July 16 - The first rotation and transfer of personnel between stations.
July - Firemen complain to the Mayor about Chief Houren and the sleepers from Northwestern University.
August - Herman Maierhofer is appointed interim Fire Chief.
August - Edward Steek is appointed Fire Chief. He holds this position until August of 1959.
August 15 - Fire breaks out on the third floor of Kunkel's Drug Store building located at Brown Street and Lincoln Avenue causing damage to an apartment and the doctor's office on the second floor.
August - A homeowner sets fire to his home at 7140 Carpenter Road. He suffers second- and third-degree burns to his face and hands.
October 8 - The Edens Super Highway is dedicated.
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