Archived Digital Text

Although a recommendation had been made as early as 1881 for fire protection in the area of the State Hospital, it took nearly ten years to realize this. On April 15, 1890, Wallkill Engine Company No. 6 was organized and accepted by the Common Council May 21, 1890 as part of the fire department. Initially, the hose carriage was kept in Wood's carpenter shop on Knapp Avenue. In March, 1891, the Waalkills requested construction of a fire house. A $2669 contract was awarded to Peter F. Miller in June. The company celebrated with a house warming February 10, 1892.
In May 1893, the Eagles received a patrol wagon. This was used to carry hose, and was at least once used as an ambulance. In the spring of 1894, a lot on Centre Street was purchased on which was erected a three story brick building to store the wagon. Also in 1894, a telephone was installed in the Eagle's house, the first station to be so equipped. While references to "Fire Police" appear as early as 1867, the Middletown Fire Police were officially organized July 29, 1896.
A third floor was added to the East Main Street fire house in 1900. The Firemen's Memorial Fountain in Thrall Park was unveiled October 17, 1907. This was largely due to the efforts of Joel B. Wheeler, at that time President of the Common Council and a member of the Phoenix. An appropriation for the statue was defeated, leading Mr. Wheeler to organize a fundraising committee. A total of $1,125 was quickly secured; $800 for the statue and $325 to raise it. A memorial plaque was added in 1937. During the scrap metal drives of World War II, some people had the rather bizarre notion to scrap not only the statue but the Civil War cannon in the park. Mr. Wheeler spoke against this reminding the Common Council, among other things, the statue was made of zinc.The scrap idea was quickly dropped.
In 1907, Middletown received its first and only steam fire engine. The story goes back to August 5, 1906, when Lehman Stern's new mansion on Highland Avenue was almost completely destroyed by fire due to lack of water pressure. (The house, designed by Frank J. Lindsey, was rebuilt. It was later converted to the Earle Nursing home. As of this writing, the mansion at 140 Highland Avenue is being tastefully restored to its former glory and will be let as condominiums.) The spectacular fire (well documented in post cards by Charles A. Ketcham and Alfred Henry Still) demonstrated the need for a steamer. The following year, voters approved the expenditure. After a committee examined the products of three manufacturers, an order was placed with American-LaFrance. A controversy arose over which company should receive the $5,327.50 machine; it was decided to be given to the McQuoids. It arrived via the 0 & W November 5, 1907, was tested the 13th and 14th, and was placed in service December 9, 1907. Also in 1907, the Excelsior's new Seagrave ladder truck was placed in service December 28.
The Monhagens were the first company to motorize. On December 1, 1909, an American Mors "triple combination" (hose