Millville FD
Dedicated to providing high quality, professional services to those who live, work, invest or visit our city. Protecting lives and property from fire and harm through continuous fire prevention, education, code enforcement, emergency, and non-emergency services.
Emergency Call
Apparently, this system worked quite well until July 18, 1872. Here is an account of what took place on that ill-fated day as it appeared in a newspaper account.
(More history of the Hand Pumpers in Section 4, below.)
THE MULFORD AND REEVES LUMBER YARD FIRE.
Northwest corner Buck and Main Streets.
That the city is not in ruins is a wonder to all who witnessed the fire that visited us on Thursday last. The alarm was given shortly after 12 noon. The carpenter shop at the lumber yard was discovered to be on fire. Those first on the ground commenced to take from the burning building, the contents, consisting of carpenter tools, etc.
Three or four chests were removed and a few other things when the fire so enveloped the building that it was impossible to do any more good in that direction.
The wind was blowing strongly at the time and the combustible material burned with wonderful rapidity. Efforts were then made to save adjoining buildings.
In a few minutes the large barn of Mr. Furman Mulford caught fire, a portion of the contents had previously been taken out.
It was at once apparent that the building was doomed to destruction. The flames rushed wildly on and seemed to bid defiance to the exertions to the hundreds who were working with almost supernatural power to subdue them. Save the store was the cry. This the fine large building in close proximity was filled to its upmost capacity with several thousand dollars worth of all kinds of store goods. In the rear and adjoining the main building is an ice house built of brick, with a shingle roof. Buckets of water were thrown on the roof of the ice house and the engine used to keep the fire from catching on the west side of the main building. (Note: the building referred to above is now Vanaman’s Feed Store 1985), [Note 2: the building referred to above is now 4 Season’s Pizzeria 2017].
In the midst of the awful heat, the men who had assumed the duty of firemen (and who worked as well as regulars) stood and fought the raging element. At times it seemed as though the fire would get the best of them, but unconquered, they meant, if possible to conquer. Out on the roof, while the flames were cracking and the black smoke rising, they stood, threw on water and laid down carpet soaked in the same. While they were working so energetically, others were doing as much, although not in as warm a place to prevent the adjoining stables from catching fire. Occasionally however they would commence to burn, but were immediately extinguished by men who were mounted upon the roofs. These buildings filled with hay were the rear of Wilson’s Block and it was known if they got on fire this block would be burned and in fact, a large portion of the city. (Note: the stables referred to above, known as Clarks Livery Stable did burn on February 23, 1907 and the Wilson Building burned June 25, 1898).
Mr. Mulford’s residence, the finest building in the city and one of the finest in South Jersey, was saved by the wonderful exertions of the men.
Embers from the burning buildings were taken a distance of four squares by the wind. The Central Public School House was set on fire by a piece of burning wood. The fire was extinguished after burning a hole in the roof. This building is almost three squares from where the principle fire raged. About twenty five build- ings were on fire in different parts of the center of the city, but were, wonderful as it seems, not destroyed, as the fire gained headway. The office, carpenter shop, store house and a large quantity of lumber were destroyed.
Also destroyed were Mr. F.L. Mulford’s barn, a large number of splendid fruit trees valued very highly by Mr. Mulford, and his garden with its fine shrubbery and flowers.
A number of persons were overcome by the heat. The weather was oppressively warm and added to this was the heat from burning buildings. Mr. J.W. Newlin, J.B. Hampton, George Foster, Jonathan B. Rose, Charles Stratton, Irving Hall and many others fainted. Doctors W.L. Newell, E.B. Richmond, J.S. Whiticar, T. Sturdivant and assistants were on hand and administered to the sick. A number of ladies fainted and it required considerable time and exertion to save them. Mrs. F. Burrough had several fits, but under skillful treatment of a physician was restored.
Pickpockets pursued their nefarious business. George Foster while in a fainting condition, had his pocket picked of sixty-six dollars. Mr. Newlin lost nine dollars while in the same condition.
A number of merchants cleared their stores of the entire stock of goods. Those in the vicinity of the fire expected that the buildings would be destroyed.
The houses of the following persons were on fire: — P.G. Ludlam, Jonathan B. Rose, Jones Hotel, Hosen Sithens, Abraham Donnelly, J.Q. Smith, Lydia Shaw, Benjamin Downs, S.L. Garrison, John Dunham, R.S. Freland, J.W. Newland, J. Burrough, James Chamberlain, Wm. Powell, David Johnson, John Nabb, Clayton Sharp, F. Burrough, Benjamin Davis, Geo. R. Conover and others we have not heard of. Also the following stores and other buildings: — Second Ward Engine House, Kurtz’s Segar Manufactory, Tice House Buildings, Evan’s Harness Store, Central Public School Building and a number of others. The question will no doubt arise: How was the fire on each of the above buildings extinguished? We answer: On the roof of each was one or more persons and when these buildings caught fire, water was thrown on the fire.
Where there were no ladders, water was drawn up with ropes. Clothes lines, tin kettles, water buckets, jars etc., came in to requisition and did good service. When the principle fire was subdued, the men on the roofs felt relieved, but did not leave the posts for two or three hours.
Councilman Lewis Mulford telegraphed to Vineland, Camden and Bridgeton for assistance. A probability of an extensive conflagration and the fact that we were illy prepared in the way of fire apparatus prompted him to send for this help. One of the Camden Fire Companies got their steam fire engine to the depot in that city, but hearing that the fire subdued came no farther.
Gen. W.J. Sewell the popular superintendent of the W.J. Railroads, offered if necessary to send a special train for the accommodation of the Camden Fire Company. A large number of citizens of Bridgeton started immediately, on hearing the news, to assist in subduing the fire. The hook and ladder company from that city came in town about four o’clock.
They were received with cheers, which were given heartily as an appreciation of their desire to assist. Mr. Mulford, the greatest sufferer from the fire, waved his hat and cheered. At the same time we noticed tears running down his cheeks.
The hotels and business places were closed during the afternoon. A number of those who had worked hard, imbibed considerably of the “ardent”. Their maneuvers afterward, indicated they had taken a little too much. It is said that whiskey, Jamaica ginger and other stimulant were furnished in abundance.
We didn’t get any nor even see the “critter” so we can only tell what we heard. Suffice it to say that something, (we think a desire to save the city) prompted the men to work like Trojans; and that they did excellent service, all are thoroughly convinced.
There is no doubt that the fire was the work of an incendiary. It is not perhaps generally known that a fire was discovered about 10 o’clock A.M., of the same day, in the lumber yard. Yet, such was the case. It was extinguished without any damage. The scoundrel was determined to carry out his infamous and diabolical plans, and after the workmen left the shop, made a fire in the second story, and in five minutes the building was in flames. Not content with the mischief already done, the horrors of the day not fully satisfying the desperados, devilish nature, at nine o’clock in the evening, he again kindled a fire in an old barn of Mr. Milford, in the same neighborhood. Fortunately it was discovered, or the results would have been terrible.
The loss of Mr. Mulford’s Lumber Yard was about $8000, on which there was an insurance in the Cumberland Insurance Company of $2000. F.L. Mulford’s barn about $3000. Insured in the Millville Mutual & Fire Insurance Co., for $1000. Mulford and Hogates Store and F.L. Mulford’s house damaged considerably, but the loss was fully covered by insurance.
On the day of the fire, a wagon load of timothy hay which was standing in the alley in the rear of T.B. Stratton’s residence, at the request of Mr. A.J. Marsh, was taken to a vacant lot near the railroad.
On Friday evening an individual fired said hay and took to his heels. The fire was fortunately discovered and immediately extinguished. The rascal who lighted the hay ran to the woods. Efforts to catch him proved unavailing. It is the opinion of some that it was done to create more excitement, not to do any great damage, as the hay fire was designed to attract the people to that locality where mischief would be done in another quarter. It would have been a sad moment for the incendiary if he had been caught, whatever his motives were.
The advent of this great fire must have caused the city council to give consideration of additional fire equipment.
The following dated notes were taken from Council Minutes.
Dec. 6, 1872 – The Committee on fire engines reported they had ordered two hand engines.
Feb. 7, 1873 – The bill of Rumsey and Company, Seneca Falls, N.Y. for two fire engines was ordered paid in the amount of $1043.60.
July 7, 1876 – The committee on fire apparatus be empowered to select a site for an engine house on the west side of the bridge.
May 4, 1877 – Bill from Mulford & Reeves, Engine House $153.89. Francis Reeves lot $40.00
June 1, 1877 – Councilman Sharp moved that the committee on fire apparatus be authorized to purchase 250 feet of small hose and 400 feet of the large size and two hose carriages.
Nov. 3, 1877 – Bill paid Gutta Percha Rubber Mfg. Co. for hose carts and hose $542.50.
Jan. 25, 1879 – City of Millville and R.D. Wood would build water plant on Sharp Street, drawing water from Union Lake at a cost of $39,000. (This would greatly change firefighting operations in Millville).
Nov. 7, 1879 – City Council authorizes the committee on fire apparatus to secure a suitable place for the new hose carriage on the east side of the bridge.
Dec. 5, 1879 – Council committee on the hose carriage reported that it had been placed in Mr. Mulford’s Barn. (Location north side of Smith Street between Second and Third Streets. This building became Millville’s first fire house).
Millville’s first fire house. Mulford’s Barn, Smith Street between Second and Third Streets. Circa 1879. Photo Dale Wettstein collection.
The Vineland Times Journal, Millville News, of April 30, 1880 rendered an account of a fire at “Foundry”. This fire fully demonstrates the need of a thoroughly organized fire company.
Referring once again to the Records of the Millville City Council, we discover the following dated facts.
May 14, 1880 – Council ordered a fire company organized. Marshall Hunt granted $350.00 with which to provide hats and belts for the company which is to number forty men.
Charles W. Hunt, Millville’s first fire chief. Circa 1880. Photo Dale Wettstein Collection.
July 9, 1880 – Mr. Dunham presented City Council a petition asking Council to exempt members of the fire company from Poll Tax of $1.00 per year.
Aug. 6, 1880 – Resolution whereas a number of our citizens having organized a fire company and having volunteered their services at all fires occurring in the City of Millville, therefore be it resolved by the Common Council of the City of Millville that all members of said company shall be exempt from paying Poll Tax while they are members of said company.
Feb. 4, 1881 – Mr. Charles Hunt, Fire Marshall, presented the following report to the honorable Council of the City of Millville – “In presenting my annual report, I am pleased to state that I have as your honorable body directed me, did on the 14th day of May, 1880, organized a fire company consisting of forty members. During the past year we have had twelve fires, two of which our fire company was in active service. I would respectively suggest the importance of having a suitable building to keep the hose in so as to void the trouble we experienced on Sunday last from the hose being frozen.” (First annual report after the formation of the Resolution Hose Company No. 3 which much later became the Millville Fire Department. Also, Marshall Hunt’s suggestion of a suitable place to house the hose was instrumental in the building of the new City Hall Fire House at Second and Sassafras, dedicated early 1882.)
Feb. 3, 1882 – Fire Marshall Hunt’s Second Annual Report to City Council reported nine fires in the previous year that had come to his notice. They did little damage, chief of which was “Moore’s Blacking Mill.” The Fire Department consisted of forty one members equipped with hats, belts and gum coats, one hose carriage, five hundred feet of three inch leather hose and two hose carts, one thousand feet of gum hose, four hundred and fifty feet of two inch good, fifty feet of bad, three hundred and fifty feet of one and one half inch good. Two hundred feet of bad. One small engine (Millville) with seventy five feet of leather hose. One suction engine (Progress) good. One suction engine (Diligent) which needs repair, eight lanterns, two jacks, two axes and five ladders of lengths from 14 to 22 feet. Balance on hand at last statement was $19.21. Amount of money expended during year – Two lanterns for hose carriage, $5.40 and oil and rotten stone was $1.48. Balance on hand was $12.33.
May 5, 1882 – Total cost for building new City and Fire House at Second and Sassafras, $4292.83.
Millville Fire House and City Hall at Second & Sassafras. Built in 1882. Photo Dale Wettstein Collection.
July 7, 1882 – To J.S. Bishop for varnishing hose carriage $10.45. S.P. Clark for painting engine $20.
Sept. 1, 1882 – On motion of Mr. Dunham, committee on fire apparatus was instructed to purchase a barrel of Neats foot oil for Hose Company (used to keep leather hose in good condition).
Dec. 1, 1882 – On motion of Mr. Dunham, the fire committee was instructed to have the “Diligence” engine painted and the committee instructed to sell same.
Hand pulled hose reel and hook and ladder. Resolution Hose Company No. 3 sometime between 1881 and 1895. James Own Photo.
April 1, 1883 – Fire Marshall Hunt presented his annual report. “To the Honorable Council of the City of Millville – I have the honor to submit the Annual Report of the Fire Department of the City of Millville for the year ending March 31, 1883. The company is composed of good reliable men, a portion of them having been in service for a number of years. They are prompt in responding to alarms and take an interest in sustaining the welfare and reputation of company and department.”
“Since my last report submitted Feb. 3, 1882, there have been twenty six fires that have come to my notice. The company responded to seven; the remaining nineteen being still alarms. At the Window Light Glass Factory fire, a portion of the gum hose burst. I have had to repaired and put in as good condition as possible.”
“I would herewith recommend to consideration, by your honorable body, the necessity of purchasing, as soon as convenient, one four wheel hose carriage, the same to be placed in the Third Ward. I came in receipt of the hose ordered by your fire committee on date of March 31, have examined and put the same in service considering it as being an excellent and valuable addition to the department.”
Financial Statement
Balance Feb. 3, 1882 $12.33
Expenditures
March 10 2 brooms .60
Mar 13 3 cakes polishing soap .55
July 16 snap, hook 4 rings .60
Sept. 28 2 brooms .60
Nov. 13 Box for oiling hose 2.21
Jan. 13 13 dust brush .45
Feb. 8 1 gal. oil .50
Feb. 16 water pot .50
Freight on hose .62
Amount for expenses 6.43
Balance on hand 5.90
“In conclusion, permit me to return my thanks to your honorable body and committee of fire apparatus for their support given to the requirements of the Fire Department. Also to the officers and members of the Resolution Hose Company No. 3 for promptness in responding to alarms and their untiring interest in the work and cooperation with management of the department. Charles M. Hunt, Chief of Department.”
April, 1884 – Daniel Gifford elected fire chief.
April 12, 1884 – Millville City Council – Mr. Dunham brought up the matter of the inefficiency of the fire department because of the want of proper hose and means of giving an alarm of fire; the present gong being almost entirely useless. After discussing the project of a new carriage, hose and fire alarm bell; on motion of Mr. Westcott, the Fire Committee was instructed to purchase 500 feet of hose and ascertain the cost of a new hose carriage and fire alarm bell and report at the next meeting.
Horse drawn hose carriage. Circa 1895. Nate Garrison, driver. Horses named George & Harry. Photo collection of James Owen.
May 2, 1884 – The Fire Committee reported they had purchased 500 feet of leather hose at $1.12 per foot and two branch pipes (nozzles). They had found no second hand hose carriages, but had concluded it would be better to purchase a first class one which could be done for $300 or $400. The committee also submitted letters from different bell founders in regard to a fire alarm bell. Mr. Dunham moved a bell weighing 1500 pounds be bought. Amended by Mr. Westcott, making it 1600 pounds which was accepted and carried.
Fire bell preserved at Millville Fire Station (Buck and Oak Street). Cast in 1884. Retired 1957. Dale Wettstein photo.
Mr. Wood, through the president, contacted council and made the following proposition – “He would exchange corner of Columbia Avenue and Foundry Street for Diligence Hall property, provided a building would be built at former place and one room of same be set apart for him to furnish as a reading room for the use of the laboring people in that part of the city.” (Apparently proposition never accepted as new Diligence Hall, Third Ward Hose House was built on old site on Church Street in 1885.)
June 227, 1884 – Bill for fire bell $319.15, plus freight.
Aug. 15, 1884 – On motion, the fire marshall was instructed to place the new hose carriage in the Third Ward. (Old Diligence Hall).
Oct. 3, 1884 – Bill for Hose carriage paid to Reading Fire Apparatus Works, Reading, Pa. $450.
Feb. 6, 1885 – The Committee on Diligence Hall advised the destruction of same and the building of a new one large enough for all purposes of the Third Ward.
May 11, 1885 – The Committee on Third Ward Hose House (Diligence Hall) reported estimates from several contractors and asked for an appropriation of $3000 with which to build a suitable house of 27 X 40 feet. After some discussion, it was granted and the building erected.
An invitation to Council from Resolution Hose Company No. 3 inviting Council to their 5th Anniversary entertainment May 14 was unanimously accepted. R.W. Meridith was paid $37.00 for lamps for carriage.
Dec. 4 1885 – Invitation to house warming of Third Ward Hose House on Dec. 17 accepted with thanks.
Third Ward Hose House. Built in 1885. Photo collection of James Owen.
Mar. 5, 1886 – The application of the Hose Company for a lamp in front of the Hose House on Middle Avenue referred to Lamp Committee.
Mar.23, 1886 – Daniel Gifford elected Fire Marshall (also Chief of the Resolution Hose Co.).
Aug. 20 1886 – R.W. Meredith of the Hose Company made a statement of an opportunity to secure a hook and ladder for two of the old city hand engines and $300. A motion was made for the exchange.
Oct. 1, 1886 – A communication from Resolution Hose Company inviting Council to participate in a parade in housing of the new ladder truck was accepted. Bill paid Rumsey & Co., Seneca Falls, N.Y. for hook and ladder truck for $300.
Horse drawn ladder wagon. Circa 1895. Photo collection of James Owen
May 13, 1887 – A request from the Resolution Hose Company was read in which they desired the conformation by Council of the election of George Yeiter as Chief. An amended motion was made: Providing there be no conflict in the law governing the Fire Marshall and Chief of Department. Amendment was carried and motion prevailed. An invitation from Resolution Hose Company to attend their 7th Anniversary accepted.
End of Part 1.
Ed. Note: We take for granted the protection of the fire companies, not realizing the struggles that were and are so necessary to have started them as well as their continuation. The notations from the Minutes of the Millville City Council drive home the personal and financial efforts required to establish this protection for the community. (This statement carries through to present day)
We wish to acknowledge and thank the below listed sources for the information contained in this segment of the article.