In compliance with a petition signed by over a half a hundred residents a meeting was called by Coucilman William Burkert in an old stable
on the corner of Sixth and Vine streets on October 4, 1898, for the purpose of organizing a fire company in that section of town.
Nearly a hundred members signed the roll on the night of the organization of the new company. After a brief discussion, it was decided to
call the company “the Fourth Ward Hose Company.” Mr. Burkert was elected first president: James Freeze, vice president: R. M. Sturgeon,
secretary: Joseph Delcamp, treasurer: W. K. Lord, Peter Jennings and J. H. Reed, trustees.
The “crab,” a two-wheeled hose-carriage owned by the Anthracite Steam Fire Company was presented to the new company on November
12, 1898. The occasion was celebrated by a big parade which was participated in by the members of the Anthracite Steam Fire Company,
and the Citizens’ Hook and Ladder Company, the latdder a company which existed for a short time only. The parade covered the principal
streets and terminated at the home of the Anthracite Company, where William F. King, of the latter company, made the presentation.
On November 16, 1898, William Alsop was chosen foreman, and William Mellon, assistant.
The “crab,” being the only piece of apparatus owned by the company during its first three years, at a meeting held December 23, 1901, it
was decided to purchase a combination hose wagon and chemical engine. The changing of the name was the subject of considerable
discussion at this meeting. George Snell suggested adopting the name, “American Hose and Chemical Fire Company”: Peter Jennings
suggested “Humane Hose and Chemical Fire Company,” and Joseph Carl suggested, “Reliance Hose and Chemical Fire Company.” As a
result of a spirited contest Snell’s suggestion was adopted.
The handsome combination hose-wagon and chemical engine then in use was purchased in the spring of 1902 at a cost of $1,750, which
money was contributed by the members of the company and the general public.
The money was raised during the famous 1902 strike, and considerable credit is due to the purchasing committee composed of William
Burkert, John Cannon, Joseph Carl, Charles Jennings, Frank Delcamp, John Harris, W. K. Lord, and Irvin Zeiger.
The company and no horses when this engine was purchased, and it was hauled to fires with two black mules, driven by John Steinbach.
The first team of horses was purchased the same year as the chemical engine and was a handsome pair of black horses. The sum of $650
was paid for the team; Irvin Zeiger was elected the first driver.
In 1905 the handsome two-story brick structure, now occupied by the company, was completed, and stands today.
In the same year a four-wheeled, hand-drawn hose carriage was purchased by members of the company from W. W. Wonder, of Reading.
Mr. Wonder was the assistant state fire marshal, and had also served as secretary of the State Firemen’s Association since the beginning of
the association. The entire cost of the carriage was $525.
As the years advanced, in order to keep in touch with the evolving methods of fighting fire, and the rapid growth of the city which demanded
more fire fighting apparatus, it was decided to add to the splendid equipment already owned, and automobile chemical engine and hose
truck. The following were appointed to a committee to purchase the truck: John Cannon, Phillip Wagner, Sr., Frank Delcamp, Louis
Knoblauch, William Osterman, W. K. Lord, Warren Smith, D. D. Dyke, Fred Wagner and Joseph Carl.
A Pierce-Arrow car was purchased and arrived in Mount Carmel and was housed on July 4th, 1912. By dint of much hard work the
committee managed to raise the entire sum needed to pay for the engine, $2,900, among the members, and did not find it necessary to
appeal to the public.
The first chauffeur was Emerson Reiner. The chauffeur was a paid man and was on duty at the hose house from 7 p.m. until 7 a.m.
The American Hose and Chemical Fire Company at that time was in a prosperous condition financially, although the only income was an
annual appropriation of $600 from the borough, and fifteen cents month dues paid by members. All money needed which exceeds the
regular income was raised by means of picnics, etc. The horses earned their living in drayage work.
The membership in 1913 was 148 persons.
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