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Waukegan Fire Department history (part 1)
The Waukegan Fire Department graciously shared their rich history with us for our website. Below is the first part of their fascinating journey:
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**The History of Waukegan Fire**
In **1849**, the first Hook and Ladder Company was established in what was then called Little Fort. Although it wasn't officially recognized as a village by the General Assembly until February 12, 1849, the community quickly took steps toward improving its fire response capabilities. On March 31, 1849, the citizens voted to rename the settlement from Little Fort to Waukegan, marking the beginning of a new era.
By **1850**, the town was actively seeking ways to enhance its firefighting infrastructure. On May 3rd, a committee was tasked with determining the cost of acquiring a fire engine and finding a suitable building to shelter the Hook and Ladder Company from the elements.
Fast forward to **1852**, the village board authorized the mayor to secure a bond for purchasing a fire engine from Chicago. Additionally, they ordered 300 feet of hose pipe from Charles E. Peck of Chicago. However, by **1853**, the newly acquired fire engine proved ineffective during trial runs, prompting the board to consider alternatives. Consequently, in **1854**, the village decided to invest in a new fire engine from L. Button & Co. of Waterford for $825.00. This was a powerful, 32-man-operated machine. Later that year, on December 14, the village approved payment for the freight of the new engine, and on December 30, they allocated $50.00 for the first six months' rent of a building owned by S.W. Dowst.
In **1855**, the village invested further by approving $371.00 to purchase land from Joseph Wallon for constructing a dedicated firehouse. James Wiseman was tasked with cleaning up the old fire engine, ensuring it was in working order, and arranging for its transportation to Chicago if needed. By October 20, Wiseman confirmed the delivery of the obsolete engine to Chicago, where it was accepted and the bonds were returned.
The **1859** legislative session brought significant changes. On May 13, the board mandated that all eligible male residents contribute three days of street labor annually, or pay 75 cents per day as an alternative. Interestingly, all volunteers in the fire department were exempt from this requirement. Later that year, on June 23, the State of Illinois granted Waukegan a special charter, leading to a successful incorporation vote on February 23, 1859, with 407 votes in favor and 122 against.
Moving into **1860**, the city focused on fire prevention by passing an ordinance prohibiting the construction of wooden buildings within certain areas. This initiative aimed to reduce the risk of fire spreading rapidly through the densely populated downtown district.
By **1870**, the Fire Department faced challenges due to extreme cold conditions, prompting the January 3 meeting to approve heating for the Engine House to ensure the fire engine and hoses remained functional.
Further advancements came in **1874** when the August 18 meeting authorized the acquisition of a Selsby Steam Fire Engine and a hose cart. Later that month, a special council session approved the purchase of the Arnold Lot for building a new engine house. However, public pressure led to a reversal of this decision, and instead, the council approved the purchase of a Silsby Fire Engine, along with 250 feet of rubber hose and a hose carriage, totaling $4,800.00.
The following years saw continued progress. In **1875**, the city began exploring ways to integrate its water supply system with fire hydrants. By **1876**, the Fire Engine Co. #1 received uniforms, and the city installed a telephone line connecting the Engine House to the City Engineer's residence.
As the century progressed, so did the Fire Department. In **1882**, a cistern was constructed in the Engine House basement to provide water for the steam engine. Additional improvements included repairs to the Engine House and Lockup in **1884**, and a tax levy in **1888** earmarked $3,000 for Fire and Water services.
Tragedy struck in **1889** when Central School burned down, forcing the council to approve the use of church basements for temporary school facilities.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Fire Department continued to evolve. Notable milestones include the remodeling of the Central Fire Station in **1912** and heightened demands for improved fire protection following the Manufacturers Terminal fire in **1918**.
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This historical account reflects the resilience and adaptability of the Waukegan Fire Department as it navigated challenges and embraced technological advancements over the decades.