FORT MADISON FIRE MUSEUM
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Fort Madison Phoenix Fire Company
7 early fire companies served Fort Madison until early 1920 when went to two fire stations with paid firemen.
Phoenix Hose Company #1 was located on alley behind Jackson School at 311 Oak. Each of the 7 companies were normally 30 volunteers and was a competitive appointment to be added when one left. When voting on a new member - one black ball in the ballot box - was all they needed to not allow a new member.
Other companies at 10th & H - 14th & H - 18th and H and 27th and L plus the Central Fire Station at 803 Avenue E and Rolla Hook & Ladder in same location. Also when ATSF came to town in 1888 they had their own fire company.
In 1918 when built NEW West End station only had one application for paid fireman on January1, 1919 when was to open. By later that year had Andrew S. Gaylord as captain, Charles Thrasher, assistant, Harold Thrasher, driver and Fred Hooten as one hose man.
FMFD has came a long was since the first horse drawn 1833 SilsbybFire Engine and the 1913 motorized version.
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Fort Madison Fire & Rescue
Current day Fort Madison Fire Department
Fort Madison Fire Department poses for a group portrait around 1900. Two law firms occupy the second floor of the bank building on left side of the photograph. More patrons can be seen in the bank lobby through the windows.
Historical Pictures
The 1873 Silsby Fire Pumper in the 1950 Tri-State Rodeo parade. Passengers and team owner unidentified.
1906 Rolla Hook and Ladder Company No 1 with the 1873 Silsby steam pumper fire engine.
Fort Madison Fire Department station #1 with a new firetruck and the old 1873 Silsby steam pumper in the driveway.
West End Engine House, station #2, Fort Madison, IA. Circa 1918.
Fort Madison's 1873 Silsby fire engine is fired up on the hillside in this photo.
The Fort Madison Central Fire Station in 1911 with Roby & Don pulling the 1873 Silsby Fire Engine.
Fort Madison Fire Dept. Hose Co. #2
