Entries from the
1922 Larchmont Fire Department Day Book
The following are selected entries from the Day Book maintained by the career staff of the Larchmont Fire Department during 1922.
The Department relied on volunteer firefighters, supported by paid "drivers" whose primary duties involved driving the apparatus to fires and other situations as ordered by the Fire Chief George S. Towle. Chief Towle had been a volunteer Chief from 1905-1906, and then became a paid Chief from 1911 through 1935. Chief Towle was assisted by two Captains, James Guinney and John Drury. The "drivers" included:
- William Roth
- William Camp
- P. Byrnes
- E. Callohan
- G. Johnson
- William Cox
- Henry Donovan
- William Simpson
The Day Book presents life in the Village from the perspective of first-responders to emergencies. However, the drivers are also assigned other chores such as setting up election booths and errands for the volunteer companies.
One might also note that, while the Village was undertaking major projects such as the construction of the Municipal Hall and the development of the Library, and while many Village residents were quite wealthy as reflected in "Larchmont the Beautiful" which depicted the grand homes throughout the Village,
the paid staff of the Fire Department were casually hired and trained and poorly paid. As a result, many left their jobs during the year. One was fired for being drunk on the job, and one got lost on the way to a fire. However, the entries also present the dedication of Chief Towle and the two Captains. It is also noteable that William Roth, who was hired in May 1922, remained with the Department as a driver for 15 years, and his son Edward later became a career firefighter who remained with the Department for 37 years.
Other notable events include:
- April 3: A staff member at the Manor School is locked in a restroom, and rescued by the firefighters.
- April 27: The Robison's Hardware Fire
- May 23: A drill at Chatsworth School
- August 1: Results of the bond issue vote for Engine One
- August 7: Confusion reigns, as a real fire alarm is misunderstood as a test; a responding apparatus gets lost, and the Chief's car hits a street sign.
Village President McGeachin is revealed to be a "hands-on" Mayor. He visits local businesses with the Chief and relies on the Fire Deparment staff for a range of Village services.
Sunday, January 8 9:10 a.m. Steam boiler in Parish House gave away in heating plant and Frank Johnson sent 2 sunday school scholars to Fire Headquarters for help. Sent Chemical Car and 2 men, P. Byrnes and E. Callohan. Chief Towle notified and responded.
The 1915 American LaFrance Pumper, referred to as "Chemical Car." Seated at the wheel is J. Guinney who is also mentioned in the entries.
Wednesday, January 11 12:25 p.m. Mrs. Bingham on 20 Larchmont Ave called in and said the electric wires were burning. Chief Towle responded with the Chemical Car and P. Byrnes.
12:55 p.m. P. W. Drury notified Westchester Lighting Co wires were crossed at Walnut Circle and caused the trouble at No 20 Larchmont Avenue.
Tuesday, February 14 Put up election booth in the Town Hall for the election as requested by Mr. Wakeman.
Tuesday, February 21 5:45 p.m. Street Commissioner McGuire called in and said the Mack Truck of Street Department was stuck in a hole at the new play ground and needed help to pull it out. Called up Chief Towle and Chemical Car with G. Johnson to help him out.
Thursday, Feb 23 J. Drury day off - did not go on account of working on Chemical Car. Went to New York American LaFrance storeroom for clutch brake and lining.
Thursday, March 2 Returned to Colonial Market one case of Beer with 2 dry bottles of ginger ale for Hose Company to get credit for same. Notified Captain D Shaw of same.
Sunday, March 5 Mrs Eurpey called and said she had trouble with her furnace. Like to have a man sent over. Chief Towle and E. Callohan responded.
Sunday, March 26 3:35 p.m. Station 77 brush fire in Dillon Park. Called by Mr. Doherty. Chief Towle responded with a Chemical Car.
This is the 1915 Seagrave Motorized City-Service Ladder Truck referred to as "truck."
Monday, March 27 Howard Spofford interviewed by Chief Towle in reference to position as driver in the Fire Department. He was given road test in driving my Mr. Guinney in Chemical Car, Truck, and Brockway. Mr. Guinney reported driving good. He was ordered to report for duty on Thursday March 30, 1922.
Wednesday, March 29 Mrs. Hill called in and said there was a grass and rubbish fire behind her house. Chief Towle responded with Chemical Car. No alarm as entered.
620 p.m. Officer O'Loughlin reported a grass fire at Elm and Beach avenue. Station 75 put in for still alarm Sent Chemical Car and G. Johnson. Asst Fireman Miller in command. Returned at 6:45 p.m.
734 pm Officer O'Loughlin called again and reported the fire had started again in the same place Elm and Beach Avenue. Called up Chief Dalley and told me to call Chief Roetger and not to put out any station. Sent the Chemical Car and C. Johnson. Chief Roetger had some men with him and was in command. Notified Chief Hickey also. He did not come out.
Monday, April 3: Miss Hill of Manor School called in and asked for help in getting into bathroom where one of her servants were and dorr of bathroom locked. Sent 3 men and 24 foot ladder to go in the window and open door.
9:10 a.m. Mr. Tinker of Gamewell Alarm Company called up and gave orders to send the motor of whistle to the Westinghouse Company to be repaired.
Monday, April 10 Called up City Employment Bureau 129 Worth Street New York City on orders of Chief Dalley. Got a man for the vacancy interviewed by Chief Dalley at Fire Headquarters at 8:15 pm and hired as driver in the Department to start Tuesday April 11 of 1922. Name of new man Wm. Cox 523 Pacific Street Brooklyn.
Tuesday, April 11 Mr Guinney had William Cox out in the Chemical Car Truck - Brockway for road lession in driving. Reported him o.k. for the first time out.
Saturday, April 15 Mailed check for 7 days pay $31.25 to C. Johnson 691 Crescent Street Astoria N.Y.
Friday, April 21 7:30 p.m. Chief Towle gave orders to have 8 lengeths of hose on the Brockway at 8:10 am Saturday monring to go to the Bonnett Avenue dump and a shutoff nozzel. Street Department would take care of it on orders of President McGeachin.
Thursday, April 276:55 a.m. Received call from J. Grivel that Robinson's Hardware Store was on fire. Station 56 put for full alarm.
9:35 Chift Towle gone to Robinson's Store look over the Fire ruins on the Brockway. Wm. Cox driving.
Friday, April 28 Chief Towle requested Village Attorney Rogers to prepare an ordinance prohibiting the storage of sternum, turpentine, varnish, and alcohol.
Monday, May 1 2:03 p.m. Received call from the Victoria Hotel was on fire. Put in Station 51 full alarm and some time later Chief Towle ordered the second alarm put in.
Saturday, May 13 5:15 p.m. Chief Towle took President McGeachin on Chemical Car to Boston Post Road to Mr. Isbister's property to inspect the conditions of rear of building on Post Road and Shop near Keystone garage.
Wednesday, May 17 10:00 a.m. Mrs Dresser of 10 Centre Avenue called in said there was a Brush Fire near her house. Chief Towle responded with Broackay. Wm. Roth driving. Notified Asst. Captain Miller also.
Tuesday, May 23 Fire drill held in Chatsworth Avenue Public School. Pictures taken of same. Pupils got out in one minute. Drill considered very satisfactory. Chief Towle ordered the above entry.
Wednesday, May 31 5:45 p.m. Officer Keresey borrowed a stretcher to carry a laborer to the Village Hall who had dropped dead at the waterfront.
Sunday, June 11: 5:15 p.m. Wind storm and rain started in trees. Electric lights and telephone poles blown down in sevaral places. Truck and Chemical Car and Brockway out helping to clear up roads and take trees out of roadway under the directions of Chief Towle, Dalley and Roetger.
5:45 p.m. Police Captain Hyndes called the Pumping Engine to go to Red Lion Inn as there was a very bad acccident three from the electric storm. Police Department called to assist and aid.
6:20 p.m. Tarpaulin left at Mrs Doland's house on Wendt Avenue on orders of Chief Towle.
Friday, June 16 New hydrant installed at the corned of Addison and Chatsworth Avenue.
Tuesday, June 27 Mr. Forsdorf of American LaFrance Fire Engine Company at Headquarters. Made an inspection of Chemical Car as to what it needed to put it in first-class condition including painting. He is to forward an estimate of cost of same from the factory.
Thursday, June 29 Permit issued to Charles Taylor 70 Chatsworth Avenue to carry fireworks. Fire Headquarters notified by the Village Clerk.
Saturday, July 22 10 p.m. Captain Lucas of Hook and Ladder Company called up and said he wished to have the Truck at Yale Inn from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon as members of the Company are going to sell tickets for the Automobile Drawing.
Tuesday, Aug 1 Special Election for new apparatus. Vote 56 for 2 against.
Monday, August 7 9:00 a.m. Called up Gamewell Fire Alarm Company to send a man up to look the transmitter over. It was working properly.
12:45 p.m. Called up Chief Towle told him that the Gamewell Man wanted to put out a test. Put on Button 3 Whistle blow 5 blasts. Bell struck 3 blows.
12:50 p.m. Put in same Button, Whistle blow all right 3 blasts.
1:05 p.m. Mrs Shurtz 2 Locust Avenue called in said her house was on fire. Station 65 put in. Pumper did not respond - got confused on whistle - thought the test was still on. Wm. Cox drove Steamer - got confused on location - drove to Locust Avenue and Weaver Street. Chief Car collided with Police sign Post Road and Larchmont Avenue.
Friday, August 11 American LaFrance Fire Engine Company had a Pumping Engine at Fire headquerters for the Chiefs to look over as per arrangements with Chief Dalley.
Wednesday, Aug 16 11:00 a.m. Howard Spafford took away his own winter uniform coat going to a parade in Long Island.
8:00 p.m. Chief Towle detailed two Hook and Ladder men with an extinguisher and pipe pole to cover the show given for the Free Library Fund at the L.Y.C.
Thursday, August 17 4:55 p.m. Received a call from the Quaker Ridge Ice office that Wilson's Delivery Motorcycle was on fire in front of their office. Put in 2 taps and one round of 59. Chemical car responded returned at 5:20 p.m. used 40 gallon tanks.
Thursday, August 24 Chief Towle gave the Engine Company #1 permission to use the Pumper in a parade tonight to advertise the Carnival starting August 26th to September 4th.
Wednesday September 6 9:05 a.m. Received a telephone call there was a man under a tractor Post Road near Dean Place and wanted help. Sent Chemical Car with block and tackle and put in a still alarm. Notified Chief Towle. He responded and ordered truck out also.
Thursday, September 7 4:05 p.m. Mrs Elbrodt of 44 Larchmont Avenue called in and said her gas pipes were leaking and the electric wires caught fire. Sent Chemical Car and 2 men. They shut off gas and electricity and sent for plumber and electrician.
Sunday September 10 Loaned to Engine Company for their Clam Bake:
- 3 dozen glasses
- 1 pitcher
- 1 dozen silver spoons
- 9 silver forks
- 9 wooden handle forks
Tuesday September 19 Hose Company held drill at the Belvedere Hotel. Had Chemical Truck and Brockway out.
Thursday October 12 Henry Donovan appointed driver in Fire Department. He was given road test to driving by J. Guinney and reported o.k. to Chief Towle by J. Guinney.
Sunday October 22 Henry Donovan, appointed as driver in Department on October 12, 1922 resigned on Ocober 22, 1922 from Department.
Monday October 23 Called up City Employment Bureau to get man to fill vacancy in Department. They sent a man for an interview. When conditions were explained, job did not seem to appeal to him.
Thursday October 26 William Simpson employed as driver in Fire Department. Sent here from City of New York Employment Bureau. Interviewed by Chief Towle and hired.
Friday November 3 11:37 a.m. Mrs. Gerlach called in and said her gas range was on fire. Put in Station 58 Still alarm. Sent Chemical Car and 3 men. Chief ordered gas range moved away from wall.
Thursday Nov 9 President McGeachin informed the Chief that it will be impossible to get more than the two streams of 1/8 40 lb. nozzel pressure for a fire in Larchmont until filters are cleaned of accumulated matter of last 8 years.
Friday November 10 6:10 p.m. Received call from Central Automobile of fire 139 Post Road. Called Chief. Operator called again at 6:13 said some one called him and said there was a fire a 139 Post Road. Put in station 17 for full alarm.
Saturday November 11 10:30 a.m. Robinson's Hardware Store given a notice by Chief in accordance with Ordinance Section 102.
Sunday November 12 Mrs. Formis of Pine Brook Drive and Shadow Lane called in and said there was a brush fire near her house. Chief responded with Chemical Car, Roth, and Simpson.
Monday November 13 1:35 p.m. Mr. Fish called in a said he had a fire under his stone crusher in Larchmont Park. Chief respond with Chemical Car and Simpson.
Tuesday November 14 Gamewell Fire Alarm Construction started installing new fire alarm system, in New Building.
Thursday November 16 8:30 a.m. William Simpson asked for permission to go to Post Office. He returned at 11:55 a.m. slightly under the influence of drink. Chief Towle talked to him and warned him not to have it occur again.
Monday November 20 Water shut off by Water Department from 11:00 p.m. to 2:45 a.m. 3 hours and 45 minutes putting in new shut-off gate at Chatsworth and Larchmont Avenues.
Wednesday November 22 William Simpson dismissed from the service for intoxication by Chief Towle and paid $31.50 for 7 day's pay. Money furnished by Chief Towle and reported to Mr. Wakeman.
Thursday December 7 Mr. Wakeman wants to be advised as to action of Fire Council in reference to check for 1/2 month's pay from September 1st to September 15th Department, period of vacation of Edward Callohan.
John Messer sent up from the City Employment Bureau for position as Driver. Chief interviewed him and chief said he would look up his references.
Monday December 11 Received one ton of store coal from New Rochelle Coal Company and one tone of Buckwheat Coal. Put in Village Hall Cellar.
Wednesday December 13 9:30 a.m. Chief blew hydrant at Forest Park and Hall Ave, also Schaefer Hydrant at 10:00 a.m. In attempting to turn off hydrant found that the valve did not seat. Reported to Managing Clerk who sent a man from the Water Department to look after it.
Saturday December 16 Street Commissioner notified Fire Department he had to remove three trees at the New Building and the fire alarm wires going to Whistle Tower would have to be moved over to New Building as they were in the way of moving the trees.
Sunday December 17 President McGeachin informed Chief Towle that the care and maintenance of the Fire Hydrants would be attended to by the Water Department.
Wednesday December 27 The following new black rubber coats put into commission on apparatus:
- Chemical Car - 10 new rubber coats
- Truck - 10 new rubber coats
- Pumping Engine - 4 new rubber coats
- Chemical Car - 2 pair of rubber pants
- Truck - 2 pair of rubber pants
Friday December 29 8:00 a.m. Bell test. Bell did not strike. Hammer frozen from sleet storm. Roth broke the ice from hammer and it struck all right. Whistle OK.
Do you have material or suggestions
for the 1922 Year in Review? Let us know, at info@larchmontgazette.com.
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