History
|
In January, 1871, the village purchased a hook-and-ladder apparatus and placed it in charge of the marshal, the villagers at large being the working force whenever the machine was called into service. The original fire house stood on Mason between Butler and Water streets. Shortly afterwards 200 pails were bought at public expense, and distributed in convenient places for use in case of fire. In 1873 a Babcock extinguisher was purchased, and a fire department organized with 30 members, of which James M. Pond was chief engineer, and A. H. Gardner first assistant. The extinguisher, which cost $2000, proved a failure, and was replaced with a hand-engine and hose-cart, which then did efficient service. The engine company had 12 members, A. H. Gardner being the foreman. J. P. Hancock is the foreman of the hose company, which is also provided with a hook-and-ladder apparatus. It had 8 members. The chief engineer of the department was John Wilson.
|
|
|
By 1881, the city’s engine company had 32 members with a hand pumper and hose cart. A photo, circa 1910, shows the Saugatuck fire department posing with two hose carts. Although horse-drawn hose carts existed, Saugatuck’s carts transported hose to a fire scene using only manpower. The carts were in use for 50 years, before being replaced by a Ford truck.
|