From the collection of Wayne Stuart – unknown date, location, and photographer.
From the collection of Wayne Stuart – unknown date, location, and photographer.
Posts Tagged historical photos of Chicago Fire Department
Chicago FD history
Oct 14
This from Eric Haak:
Here are a few more images of the 5-11+ that Steve Redick posted earlier this week. The last image appears to be from a day or so later or during a re-kindle. With these images, you can tell the companies on scene by the map Steve provided. Photographer is unknown and they are from my personal collection.
Eric Haak collection
Eric Haak collection
Eric Haak collection
Eric Haak collection
Eric Haak collection
Eric Haak collection
Eric Haak collection
This follow up from Steve Redick relates to a rent post Chicago 5-11 at 1520 S Indiana in 1974:
I sent this out a while back and just got some additional info to share. Old time fan Chuck Bleck was working in the insurance industry at the time and prepared an extensive diagram of the fire and was kind enough to share it. Chuck also sent a copy of the report in Turnout magazine from the fire as well as some other good old CFD info.
Warren Redick photo
map by Chuck Bleck
** a note to our younger readers who might be wondering about the odd looking type of the two summaries above … they were created with a typewriter
This from Steve Redick:
Some great old stuff from dad’s collection.
A Mack bulldog pressure wagon at a 5-11 500 S Peoria 1/21/49
Warren Redick collection
5-11 62 & Halsted 12-30-52
Warren Redick collection
Engine 46 – 1919 Ahrens Fox
Chicago Engine 46 – 1919 Ahrens Fox. Warren Redick collection
2 – 1938 Pirsch Sedan pumpers
Warren Redick collection
1954 Mack delivery photo
Warren Redick collection
Eng 45 1916 Ahrens Fox
Warren Redick collection
These are just really some great shots. Enjoy
Steve
This from the collection of Steve Redick:
April 12, 1953, 5-11 with many dead, Haber Corporation 908 W North Ave
April 12, 1953 5-11 with many dead Haber Corporation 908 W North Ave . Steve Redick collection
March 13, 1965, 2-11 at Fulton & Damen in Chicago … Great shot .. I can see a 2 fog pressures as well as some great old buggies
March 13, 1965, 2-11 at Fulton & Damen in Chicago. Steve Redick collection
This from Steve Redick:
A classic image from my dad. I believe he took this when assigned to snorkel 4 at 25’s house, then at the academy. Notice the bell cutout in the grill. Don’t know the identity of these companies.
Another great shot Tower & Pressure 3 taken at a fire at 62 & Stony Island
Warren Redick photo
Warren Redick photo
Another coupla shots …Eng 48’s Pirsch taken at what was Engine 16 at 40th & Dearborn
High Pressure 1 across from Eng 1
These are great shots
Warren Redick photo
Warren Redick photo
Some additional notes from Mike K:
Great picture of Engine 48. When I started my career at Engine 19, we had an identical pumper. The rough ride of the back step on these old Pirsches force me to switch from Boxer shorts to Jockey shorts. Actally, when this picture was taken, the firehouse shown at 4005 S. Dearborn was not Engine 16’s quarters. It was Engine 48’s house. Engine 16 was located at 31st and Dearborn and the property was purchased by Illinois Institute of Technology and engine 16 was doubled up with Engine 48 at 4005 S. Dearborn.One of my Captain’s at Engine 19 was Captain of Engine 48 at that time and after repeated complaints to Commissioner Quinn that the single door firehouse was too small for two pumpers, he finally agreed. Thus, he ordered Engine 48 removed from service and gave the house to Engine 16. Captain Fletcher Thompson won his position, but found himself without a company to command.After losing his assignment at Engine 48, he became Captain of Engine 45 until transferring to Engine 19 about a year after I was assigned there.I’m not sure if Steve Redick is aware of the fact that 4005 Dearborn was originally Engine 48’s quarters, but his comment gives me the impression that Engine 48 was the “guest” at Engine 16.Mike K
This from Eric Haak:
These images were taken around 1950 by an aspiring photographer whose last name was Augustyn but I do not have a first name.The fire was on the Northeast corner of Diversey and Pulaski on the same lot as the Walgreens that is next to Engine 91’s house. The fire was in the Rainbo Lanes Bowling Alley. The truck closest to the building is Truck 35 and the one with its aerial up looks like Truck 13 although it is hard to read. The Water Tower is #2. Hope you enjoy them.
photo by Augustyn
Rainbo Bowling Alley fire in Chicago circa 1959. photo by Augustyn
photo by Augustyn
photo by Augustyn
photo by Augustyn
photo by Augustyn
photo by Augustyn
photo by Augustyn
More from Steve Redick:
Here is the final post from 1939, an excellent photo that was hanging for years in the office of Chief McAuliff of the insurance patrol. My dad had this displayed for years, and I really thought this was worth sharing. The best part is you get a shot of both the old and newer fireboats at work.
More from Steve Redick:
Here is the next installment. Details about FD dispatch and operations as well as a great two-page spread of the overall scene showing all the Ahrens Fox pumpers drafting. A one-of-a-kind historical event. … there’s still more to come
Grain Elevator Conflagration of 1939
Grain Elevator Conflagration of 1939
Grain Elevator Conflagration of 1939
Grain Elevator Conflagration of 1939
Chicago FD Ahrens Fox engines pumping at the Grain Elevator Conflagration of 1939
This from Steve Redick:
Recently I shared a brochure from Ahrens Fox. In it was a photo from the big grain elevator conflagration in 1939. I have shared two more press photos and part 1 of the Underwriters report on the fire. This is very cool stuff if you take the time to read through it. This was an amazing fire, and a classic big city response. It’s worth a good look … more to follow …
