Fire Buffs promote the general welfare of the fire and rescue service and protect its heritage and history. Famous Fire Buffs through the years include New York Fire Surgeon Harry Archer, Boston Pops Conductor Arthur Fiedler, New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia and - legend has it - President George Washington.


Friday, March 20, 2009

CHITTENDEN HOTEL - 1893

On Nov. 24, 1893, Springfield firefighters provided mutual aid to the City of Columbus for a blaze that consumed the Chittenden Hotel and Henrietta Opera House. ``The fire takes from Columbus her best theater, her best hotel and a number of flourishing business enterprises,'' the Daily Democrat of Hamilton, Ohio, reported the next day.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

OX TEAM - 1800s

"In the days of Fire Chief Simpson the Simpson Lumber Company horses were used in emergencies saving the city the expense of so many horses. Mr Simpson operated a lumber yard in a central location and one year when there was epizootic among the horses an ox team was used by the fire department the hose cart was too heavy for man power." - Excerpt from Benjamin F. Prince history book, 1922

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

OLD STATION 9

Photo: Springfield News-Sun

Old Fire Station No. 9 at
17 West State St., Springfield, Ohio, closed Jan. 1, 1975
as part of a reorganization of the fire division. It housed Engine 9, Truck 9. The firefighters and equipment were transferred.