More historical information from the Waukegan Fire Department. This content includes some repetition from the previous post, but also adds new insights and details about the early years of fire protection in the city.
1800’s through 1929
Waukegan, one of the oldest communities in Illinois, has a rich history that dates back to 1673 when Jesuit missionary Father Pierre Marquette and explorer Louis Joliet visited the area along Lake Michigan, where the Pottawamie Indians had settled among the tree-covered bluffs. Trappers and traders soon followed, establishing a trading post and stockade known as “Petite†or Little Fort in the early 1700s. Eventually, the French abandoned the fort, and the first permanent settlers arrived from Chicago in 1835. The town quickly grew with factories, stores, and new homes. In 1841, Little Fort became the county seat, replacing Libertyville, and by 1846, its population had grown from 150 to 750.
By 1849, the population reached 2,500, and the town was officially recognized as a port by the U.S. government. With this growth, the name "Little Fort" no longer seemed fitting. On March 31, 1849, the village changed its name to Waukegan, derived from the Pottawamie term for "Little Fort," Waukegance.
The town's location near Lake Michigan made it an attractive place for early settlers due to its access to trade routes. Produce and grain from farms in Lake and McHenry Counties were shipped via Lake Michigan to Chicago. The arrival of the Illinois Parallel Railroad (now the Chicago and Northwestern) in 1855 brought more manufacturing jobs to the area.
A Need for Fire Protection
As Waukegan expanded rapidly, the need for fire protection became increasingly clear. Warehouses, factories, hotels, and numerous wooden houses required a reliable firefighting force. On December 27, 1849, the Waukegan Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 was formed as the city’s first volunteer fire department. The company consisted of 21 volunteers who used a small hook and ladder wagon, axes, and leather buckets to fight fires. They received only a rebate on their poll tax as compensation. A 25-cent fee was imposed on those who missed roll calls or meetings.
Many of the early firefighters were prominent members of the community. Meetings were held at local businesses until a permanent facility was built in the early 1850s. The first foreman was J.D. Davis, who was succeeded by J.H. Hill on January 7, 1850. Other officers included E.S.L. Bacheldor, William M. Case, W.C. Tiffany, and William Hallowell. Their first fire occurred on December 11, 1850, at the Kirk foundry on County Street.
Equipment and facilities were a major concern for the department. A committee was appointed in May 1850 to assess the cost of a fire engine and find a suitable building. Two years later, the city purchased a fire engine from Chicago and 300 feet of hose. This led to the formation of the first engine company. In 1853, the department adopted its first uniform—red shirts with blue collars and cuffs, blue caps with gilt buttons, and black leather belts.
The First Fire Engine
The first fire engine purchased from Chicago proved ineffective. After several test runs, the Regular Bucket Brigade #1 reported that it was not suitable for emergencies. Waukegan returned the engine to Chicago, and the city refunded the bonds used to purchase it. In 1854, the village authorized $825 for a 32-man power fire engine from L. Button and Company of Waterford. It was delivered in December 1854, and the first payment of $275 was made by subscription. A month later, the council approved $50 for six months’ rent on a new building for the company.
In 1855, the village purchased a lot from Joseph Wallon and authorized $450 for the construction of a new firehouse. The hook and ladder and engine companies met jointly in 1856, electing W.H. Hill as Chief Engineer. He was later succeeded by James S. Barker and then Horatio James.
In 1859, Waukegan became a city after receiving a special charter from the state of Illinois. The vote to incorporate passed with 407 votes in favor and 122 against. At the first city council meeting, the fire department’s chief officers were elected by the firemen themselves.
The city continued to grow, and in 1859, a resolution required all male residents aged 21–50 to provide three days of labor on the streets. Those who couldn’t work could pay 75 cents per day. Firefighters were exempt, which created a shortage of workers. In response, the council urged the fire department to reduce its size while maintaining efficiency.
In 1860, a fire limit ordinance was introduced, banning the construction of wood buildings. Later, the city insisted on firewalls and brick buildings in the downtown area. In 1866, the department was divided into three sections: an engine company, a hose company, and a hook and ladder company. C.G. Buell became the first Chief Engineer, serving until 1872.
White Benchtops,White Benchtops Kitchen,White Stone Benchtops,Do White Stone Benchtops Stain
mac group stone pty ltd , http://www.macgroupstone.com.au