Posted 13 years ago
dlski
(4 items)
ca 1875-1884 Hyde Park, Chicago, Illinois, Hyde Park Fire Department
Nickel plated custom die referred to as the “Fire Hydrant” badge due to being shaped like an old wooden style hydrant used in the 1800’s, with black enamel lettering “OAKLAND VOLUNTEER HOSE COMPANY”
From the book "Badges of America's Heroes" by Donald Skalsky
Neat badge. I have in my personal collection a Presentation Trumpet presented to the first fire marshal of Hyde Park, Illinois "George w. Binford", December 25th, 1874. I have been looking for more info on this gentleman. Just wonder if he helped fight the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Also have a presented Fire chief's Lantern, from Chicago Engine Company #13 to Battalion Chief John Hannon, also originally a volunteer fireman from Hyde Park, Ill. But in 1903 is the first chief officer into the Iroquois Theatre Fire, just down the block from engine company #13 station. He is mentioned numerous times in books written about this infamous fire. With a fatality count of 603 people, it stills hold the record for the US worst fatal one building fire. I would appreciate any info. We have our own fire memorabilia web site called http://www.oldfirestuff.com . Please check it out. Pat H.
Hello,
Thank you for sharing information about the Hyde Park items you have. Unfortunatly, I do not have any additional history on them. If you ever decide to sell any of them please let me know. You might want to check out my book "Badges of America's Heroes". Don