To whom it may concern,I’ve enjoyed seeing the historical photos posted on the Chicago Area Fire site. While researching my family history, I’ve come across some interesting photos. I recently received advice about sending them here to get some expert opinions. I am trying to figure out the date and other details for these photos (3 attached). Based on what I know about my great-grandfather’s years of service, I believe these 3 photos may depict firemen between 1918 and 1924. This assumption is based on the the fact that his fireman’s badge has 1918 inscribed on it, and that he was in the Curran Hall Fire of 1924. Possibly the men shown in the photos are from Engine Company 5.I am not very knowledgeable about the uniforms and engines and other details from this period, so I’m wondering whether anyone who may have expertise and may be able to offer some additional insights.Thank you,Anne
Fire truck 1920s
Fireman 1920s possibly Capt John Brennen
Historical group photo
#1 by Anne on August 13, 2015 - 8:30 PM
Thanks so much David and Dennis. I really appreciate the information. The dates you provide and other details fit with the information I had from my research so far. My great-grandfather, John Brennan, was one of those two fireman at Curran Hall, along with Michael Devine. Based on resemblances to other photos I’ve obtained (from the Chicago Tribune), they could possibly be the two men to the far left in the last photo, but it’s hard to say. But it sounds like these photos must have been taken between 1922 and 1924. Thanks for also clarifying the badge number meaning. I could be mistaking this badge then with my uncle’s. I’ll follow-up with the museum to see if there is a list of badge numbers. I’m also curious to know whether there might be more photos available in the museum archives.
#2 by David on July 28, 2015 - 10:04 AM
Not much to add here, as Dennis already wrote the first photo shows definitely High Pressure Co. 1 which went into service during 1922. Running on a 1918 Mack “Bulldog” chassis it was Chicago’s first hi-pressure apparatus. Water Tower 1 was placed into service at about the same time. In fact both rigs were an answer to the lack of deluge guns on ground apparatus which became evident during the 1922 Burlington building conflagration.
#3 by Dennis on July 27, 2015 - 11:09 AM
Corrections: should read ” current home to Engine Co. 5 and Truck Co. 2″.
#4 by Dennis on July 27, 2015 - 11:04 AM
Anne, first off thank you for sharing such great photos. Now down to business. The Chicago fire department uses badge’s with numbers on them and those numbers are reused over and over. The # 1918 is the badge number no relation to the year. Father JOhn McNalis at the Fire Museum of Greater Chicago can help you out with information on the badge. The 1st photo is what we call a High Pressure rig. Its a special piece of apparatus that was manned by a few fireman. I believe the one pictured is High Pressure Co. 1 which at the time was part of a 2 piece company called Water Tower 1 which I think is the reason the guys have helmet’s that have ” 1″ on them. I think that vehicle is a 1918 Mack Shop# G-26(which was assigned to them from 11/41922 to 1926). The 2nd photos I believe is Engine 5 with a 1921 Seagrave D-5(which was assigned to them from 5/9/1921 till they moved out of this house on 8/17/1928). and the 3rd photo I believe is a group shot outside the firehouse. All 3 pictures I believe were taken at the firehouse that was once located at 326-28 S Jefferson St. (Built-1871, torn down in 1928. This firehouse was sold to IGOE Corporation in exchange for a lot at 324 S. Desplaines which is now the current home to Engine Co. and Truck Co. 2. Engine Co. 5 lost 2 members at the Curran Hall fire of April 18th, 1924 which was located at 1363 S Blue Island which ironically is across the street from the present firehouse of Engine Co. 18 and where the TV Show ” Chicago Fire ” is filmed. I hoped this helped. If anyone else has anything to add or correct please feel free to do so. One last thing I would guess these photos were all taken on the same day and be between May 1921 till August 1928.