[1856]

	
Notice To Property Holders The property holders, residents in this 
village are requested to meet at the Court House on Friday the 6th 
inst., at 7 o'clock P.M. to consult upon the propriety of purchasing 
Two fire c???? Fire Engines for the use of the Village, in place of 
the Engines formerly decided upon by the Board of Trustees, who are 
now awaiting the action of the Tax payers before making a final 
decision in regard to a purchase. A general attendance is requested. 
CHAS. ESSLINGER. President.
Manitowoc Tribune, Feb. 5, 1856


The Board of Trustees have taken the preliminary steps for re-organizing 
and supplying the Fire Department with suitable apparatus. The present 
Board of Trustees is composed of men of enterprise, and the resolution 
introduced by Mr. Van Valkenburg, authorising immediate action with 
reference to this matter, was passed unanimously. We shall take occasion 
to speak of this subject again.
Manitowoc Tribune, June 5, 1856


[1857]

	
THE TORRENT FIRE COMPANY No. 1.-organized on Wednesday, 14 of January 
by electing the following officers; Foreman: W.H. McDondald, 1st 
Assistent: G.C. Wimpf, 2d Assistent: ??e Beigel, Secratary (sic): ?. 
H. Schmidt, Treasurer: A.C. Gibson. The next meeting will be held on 
Wednesday the 21st day of January 1857. ?.H. Schmidt Sec.
Manitowoc Tribune, Jan. 15, 1857


[1858]

	
BADGER ENGINE Co. met last evening and elected the following officers. 
Foreman, G. W. Woodin, 1st Assistant, M. Soler, 2d Assistant, F.H. Damon, 
Secretary, F.W. Borcherdt, Treasurer, W. Barber, Company adjourned till 
Friday, 18th inst.
The Daily Tribune, June 11, 1858


[1859]

	
FIRE COMPANY.-The members of Badger Engine Company, No. 1, were out 
on Tuesday evening last, and proved themselves worthy of the name of 
firemen.-Their "machine" worked capitally, and they worked well 
themselves. This company is entitled to the good wishes and countenance 
of the whole community. At a meeting of the Company, on Tuesday evening, 
C.G. Esslinger was elected Secretary, -a good choice.
Manitowoc Pilot, Aug. 12, 1859


FIRE.-
On Monday night, a small tenement on the South side of the River, 
occupied by Mr. Benj. Hewett was burnt to the ground. The Badger 
Boys of Engine No. 1 turned out, but the distance was too far 
for them to reach it in time.
Manitowoc Pilot, Friday, October 14, 1859 P.3


BADGER ENGINE CO. NO. 1.-
Thos. Sullivan has been elected Secretary of this Fire Company. 
"Tom" will make a good officer, and we rejoice at his promotion.
Manitowoc Pilot, Friday, October 14, 1859 P.3


[1870]

	
MANITOWOC FIRE DEPARTMENT - The following officers have been elected 
in the various fire departments of this village for the coming year: 
Torrent Engine Co. No. 2.; Foreman - John Kuhnle; 1st. Asst. - Kaver Aumann; 
2d Asst. - P. Schreihardt; Sec'y - W.H. Hemschemyer; Treas. - John Schappert; 
Hose Capt. - Geo. H. Kunz; Asst. Capt. - Geo. Grimm; Color bearer - A. Eckert
Delegates to State Firemans Association: Carl H. Schmidt; Jacob Fleiegler; 
Protection Bucket Co.; Foreman - Jas. Philippen; 1st. Asst. - Carl Friecall; 
2d. Asst. - Jas. Pfeffer; Sec'y. - Frank Schnorr; Treas. - Edw. Goetzler
Manitowoc Pilot, Jan. 6, 1870


TWO RIVERS FIRE DEPARTMENT - 
Chief Engineer - E. Evans; 1st. Asst. - Franz F. Kaufmann; 
2d. Asst. - Henry Vogt; Sec. - Bernham Richter; Treas. - H.G. Fischbein
Monitor Engine No. 1: Foreman - Ernst Hammel; 1st. Ast. - Rich. Mueller; 
2d. Ast. - Bernh Richter; Sec. - Mich. Maloy; Treas. - Rob't Suettinger; 
Hose Capt. - Aug. Weilep; Steward - Rob't Suellinger
DEETER HOOK AND LADDER CO.: 
Foreman - C.H. Webster; 1st. Asst. - C. Kumbalick; 2d Asst. - H.G. Fischbein; 
Sec. - G.W. Kessmann; Treas. - Fred. Kaufmann
Manitowoc Pilot, Jan. 6, 1870


At a regular meeting of Badger Engine Company No. 1, the following officers 
were elected: 
Chief Engineer - Fred Becker; First Asst. - Con Murphy; 
Second Asst. - Gerard Phillipen; Foreman - Hugh Morrison; 
1st Assistant Foreman - Edward Conway; 2d Assistant Foreman - Jacob Peterson; 
Secretary - Quiring Ewen; Treasurer - Charles Luling; Steward - H.R. Sommer
Manitowoc Pilot, Jan. 13, 1870


[1875]

	
A regular meeting of Dexter Hook & Ladder Company will be held at the 
engine house on Thursday evening. A full attendance is desired. 
A. Baetz, Jr. Sec't. A.J. Hartung, Foreman.
Manitowoc Co. Chronicle (Two Rivers), May 18, 1875


[1881]


Two Rivers news:
The new steam fire engiee (sic) purchased by the city, a short timn (sic) ago, 
was out for inspection and trial last Saturday, and gave universal satisfaction.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, October 4, 1881 P.1

Last Sunday evening about 7 o'clock smoke was seen issuing from Miss Gleason's 
dress making establishment and on investagation an oil stove on fire was 
discovered to be the cause, with rare presence of mind the persons present 
wrapped the stove in a carpet and carried it into the street and there the 
conflagration ended in smoke.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, October 4, 1881 P.4

Two Rivers news:
B.F. Richter has been appointed Chief and Chris. Johannes Asst. Engineer of the 
new fire department. At a citizen's meeting held on last Tuesday evening a 
sufficient number of competent men signified their willingness to join the new 
organization, and there is no good reason why we should not have as effective a 
fire company as any other city of equal size in the state.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, October 11, 1881 P. 1


Thursday morning at about 11 o'clock, a fire, caused by a defective 
chimney broke out in Mr. Peterson's house on North Sixth street. The 
fire department was out promptly, and but little damage was done. 
Insurance fully covers the loss.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, October 18, 1881 P. 1


Warehouse Burned.
Saturday morning at about 6 o'clock Platt's warehouse at the foot of North 
Main street was discovered to be on fire. The fire department was called out 
and promptly responded, but was unable to save all of the machinery stored 
in the warehouse. Two threshing machines belonging to Mr. Hanson were so much 
damaged as to be rendered useless. A second-hand clover-huller, in which the 
fire is said to have originated, was owned by Sedgwick and Forrest, and was 
completely destroyed. No insurance. There can be no doubt but that the fire 
was the work of some incendiary, and it is to be sincerely hoped that our 
authorities are possessed of sufficient detective ability to ferret out and 
bring to punishment the guilty scoundrel.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, October 25, 1881 P. 1



Our Fire Department.
The semi-annual review of our fire department took place yesterday afternoon. 
The steamers and apparatus were in first-clas order. The new hook and ladder 
truck, for which the city pays $1,000 was the center of attraction. The truck 
contains four fine Babcock extinguishers, twelve buckets, axes, poles, hooks, 
chains, lanterns, patent adjustable ladders, and all the latest improvements. 
The following is a list of officers and members of the department;
Wm. Stephane, chief engineer.
Jos. Auermiller, chief's assistant.
Steamer Co. No. 1.-Frank Zeman, foreman, Wenzel Schwaika, ass't., 
F. Zeman, Jr., sec., Wenzel Kautsky, treas., Wm. Eggan, Tos. Skura, 
Anton Reinegan, Fred Bulthaupt, Fred Hoffman, Henry Dedons, Jos. Pothola, 
August Deuno, Aug. Dusold, engineer, Anton Swatzena, fireman.
Steamer No. 2.-John Handle, forem'n, Emil Borghart, ass't., Martin Meyer, sec., 
Charles Heingarten, treas., Wm. Chas. Friedl, Jos. Trustneck, Frank Foster, 
Jos. Pfeffer, Paul Preaderer, A. Luebke, Gus. Streich, Peter Weber, engineer, 
Ferd. Schultz, fireman.
Hook and Lader Co. No. 1.-John Kessen, foreman, Sweney Howard, asst., 
Jos. Roxian, sec., Leo. Kadow, treas., Fred Groll, Wm. Groll, Gug. Groll, 
Benedict Herman, Oswald Herman, Fred Herman, Wm. Herman, Albert Erdman.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, November 1, 1881 P. 1



In giving the names of members of the fire department last week we omitted 
the name of one of the best and oldest members of that organization, namely 
W. Menge, the efficient foreman of the Nord Westen.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, November 8, 1881 P. 1


Two Rivers news:
The reflection of a fire which was plainly seen on the lake one evening 
during the week by a number of our citizens, and which was supposed to 
be due to the burning of some craft on the lake, was caused, according 
to recent developments, by the burning of a saw mill in Grand Haven, 
Mich. A rumor which gained considerable currency the next day, to the 
effect that the reflection was caused by the burning of one of the 
Goodrich boats was happily unfounded.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, November 15, 1881 P. 1


Wednesday morning, about three o'clock, the fire-alarm was sounded. That 
barn on Buffalo street, belonging to N.B. Morse, was discovered to be on 
fire. It contained four horses, three cows, a carriage and cutter. Three 
of the horses were saved,the rest pperished in the flames. The three saved 
were found turned loose, which was undoubtedly done by the incendiary. 
Loss about $1,200, with little insurance.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, November 15, 1881 P. 1

The City Council has ordered the building of a high tower near the First Ward 
Engine House. It is to be used for drying hose and "fills a longfelt want."
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, November 15, 1881 P. 1


FIRE
Some boys set fire to the long dry grass in the slough last Sunday. The punishment 
for burning marshes is a severe one. Under the statute it is imprisonment one year, 
or a fine not exceeding $500.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, November 29, 1881 P. 1



[1882]


The following were elected officers of Steamer No. 1, at the last meeting:
Foreman-Wenzel Kautsky; Assistant-Jos. Skura; Seccetary (sic)-F. Bulthaupt; 
Treasurer-W. Schwalkeer.
The following officers of Steamer No. 2 were elected last Monday evening:
Foreman-John Handl; Assistant-Emil Borchert; Secretary-Wm. Menge; 
Treasurer-Chas. Heingarten.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, January 10, 1882 P. 1


[1884]


The Goodrich Transportation Co. have been victorious in the suit 
brought aginst them by parties in Green Bay to recover damages for 
property destroyed by fire, which it was alleged was caused by 
sparks from one of the steamers. The case was bitterly contested 
by both sides and occupied three weeks in the trial. Some of the 
ablest attorneys in the state were engaged. The case was a test 
case and had it gone against the Co. other suits to the amount of 
$200,000 would have been commenced.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, December 30, 1884 P.4


[1885]


Kellnersville news:
The Newhall House in Franklin was destroyed by fire on the night 
of Sept. 20th inst. Although a large crowd had assembled to trip 
the "light fantastic" all escaped uninjured. We hope the name will 
be changed when it is rebuilt.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, October 6, 1885 P.1


THE FIREMAN'S REVIEW.
The review and inspection of the city fire department took place 
last Saturday afternoon. The apparatus was all clean and seemed to 
be in complete readiness for use. It was determined to test the new 
fire platform at the end of State street. It was quite a severe 
test as the water has to be lifted through the suction pipe to a 
distance of 20 feet. Engine No.1, failed to answer the test for some 
reason probably because her pumps required paeking (sic), but No. 2 
when brought on the platform responded at once to all tests required 
and did excellent work. The new platform will be a great convenience 
and protection to a large area in case of fire in the 4th Ward.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, November 3, 1885 P.4


FIRE IN THE COUNTY ASYLUM.
About eleven o'clock yesterday morning the fire bells sounded their 
alarm. There was tremendous excitement when the fire was found to be 
in the Asylum. Though the engines went out as quickly as possible, the 
fire was extinguished by use of the hand pumps by the superintendent 
and his aids before the city force reached the Asylum. The fire is 
said to have been started under one of the beds by an inmate of the 
Asylum. The promptness exhibited by the Superintendent in the emergency 
was highly creditable.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, November 17, 1885 P.4


[1886]


Friday evening the alarm of fire was given and the dwelling belonging to Mrs. 
Whitney on fifth street was discovered to be in a blaze. Engine No. 1 was the 
only one in town. The flames had made considerable headway before the hose got 
in place but they were shortly put in subjection. The fire is supposed to have 
originated from the explosion of a lamp. Most of the furniture was saved. There 
was $500 insurance. The loss is between four and five hundred dollars.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, September 14, 1886 P.1






[1899]

	
The Water Work company has received a boiler which will be used to 
thaw out the hydrants, frozen by the recent cold wave.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Feb. 21, 1899

A fire alarm turned in from the North side about 7 o'clock last 
evening created all kinds of confusion. A burning chimney at corner 
of York and seventh was the cause. No damage. The South side hose 
cart took a run up South Main street, we suppose simply for exercise.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Apr. 18, 1899


[1915]

	
HAS BOOK CONTAINING LIST OF OUR OLD TIME FIRE FIGHTERS JOS. AUERMILLER 
PRIZES AS HISTORIC ORIGINAL RECORDS OF THE OLD BADGER ENGINE COMPANY OF 1870
Old time residents of the city and even the younger generations will be 
interested in the history of a book retained as a souvenir of olden days 
by Joseph Auermiller of this city, at one time foreman of the old Manitowoc 
engine company.
The book contains the list of members of Badger Engine company of Manitowoc 
and is prized by its owner as a relic of Manitowoc's olden days. This list 
of names will bring many memories to the minds of older residents. The roll 
as given to the Herald by Mr. Auermiller is as follows:
Jonah Richards, Henry Mulholland, John Lantry, H. Morrison, H. Halverson, 
Cornelius Murphy, Job. Parworth, P. Sullivan, Thos. Robinson, Peter Johnston, 
Chas. Luling, August Dueno, C.C. Barnes, S. Sanderson, J.E. Platt, Homer Hill, 
Jas. Barry, Fred Seeger, Jacob Peterson, G.G. Dwyer, E.K. Rand, Aug. Grostueck, 
Anton Vogt, Christ Koebke, Chas. Franceway, Wm. Clement, Hy. Scherer, L. Schurr, 
H. R. Sommer, A. Michaelson, Jos. Thomas, Paul Leubner, Wm. Egan, Ed. Conway, 
G. Halverson, Nic Ley, L. Sander, Chas. Bock, M. Riplinger, Wenzel Kautzky, 
Miles McMahon, Lars Nelson, E. Holton, F. Baker, Thos. Thompson, F. Horn, 
A. Anderson, Thors. Knudson, H. Wilcox, F. Kostomistzky, Lars Olson, Mich. Doolan, 
Jos. Fulmer, John Sheahan, C.W. McCullon, F. Sorge, Hilge Gulicson, Hans Larson, 
J.C. Bolmeyer, Ed. Borcherdt and Jos. Auermiller.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, May 24, 1915


[1916]

	
FIRE CHIEF IS TO GET MOTOR RUNABOUT NOW 
Council Asks For Bids on 35 H.P. Runabout For Him Fire Chief J.H. 
Kratz is to have a benxine(sic) buggy for use in reaching fires. 
By unanimous vote the council last night called for bids on a 
runabout motor car of not less than 35-horse power, 106 inch wheel 
base, 2,000 pound weight and equipped with electric starter and 
lights. Some of the aldermen thought that the specifications were 
vague and should include provision for a chemical tank on the machine 
but the mayor and committee said that the specifications explained 
that the machine was wanted for the fire department and that bidders 
would understand, and predicted that the city would get 100 bids on 
the machine.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Jan. 18, 1916


FIRE TRUCK PROVES IT CAN GET THROUGH SNOW IN TEST CALL MADE BY ALD. SCHUETZE TODAY 
That the city's motor fire truck can get through the snow and is all 
right for winter service was demonstrated conclusively this afternoon 
when the truck made a run to Twenty-second and Hamilton street in less 
than six minutes, one-half the time a team would have required. Alderman 
Schuetze turned in the alarm and Alderman Smuggler who opposed the truck 
purchase because he thought it could not do service in snow drifts, was 
present and expressed complete satisfaction with the test. The alarm was 
sent in from Box 74. There was no fire.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Feb. 12, 1916


In city hall circles it is reported that the motor patrol for the 
police department is to get an adverse report and that bids will be 
rejected. The council took no action Wednesday night on the bids for 
a motor car for Chief Kratz of the fire department but Alderman 
Thorison of the fire and water committee said that a report would be 
ready at the next meeting.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Feb. 26, 1916


FIRE CHIEF TO GET AUTO, NO JOY RIDING IN CAR 
Chief J.H. Kratz is to have a motor vehicle for his own use. The 
council last night accepted the bid of Hall Bros. of $695 for an 
Overland car for the chief's use. That's not the end of the story, 
however. The council, after purchasing the machine, adopted a motion 
of dered (sic) by Alderman Smuggler directing that the car be painted 
red to conform to the apparatus of the department. And the end is not 
yet. It is said that the council, at its next session, will consider 
a resolution which will provide that the chief's car be not taken 
outside the city limits except in response to fire calls. The action 
is said to be prompted by a determination of the aldermen to prevent 
city machines being used for joy riding. Probably Alderman Bigel's 
fight to have the council purchase a heavier car for the chief may 
have been responsible for the attitude of the council. Bigel insisted 
that the car recommended by the committee was too light for heavy 
weather and snows and wanted a much heavier machine. He voted against 
the report. Bigel talked of a car costing $1,450 or more, but the 
council couldn't see it. Bids for a motor patrol for the police 
department were rejected and new bids will be called for. The police 
committee said that the department wanted a patrol that could also be 
utilized as an ambulance and that machines offered did not meet the 
requirements.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Mar. 7, 1916


Responding to a call from the North side, the fire department found 
the home of Fred Vetting, on Fourth street, between Park and State 
streets, ablaze from a defective chimney. The fire was soon extinguished 
with the chemical apparatus, but it was found necessary to remove the 
roof. Chief Kratz declared that he would take steps to condemn the.(sic) 
The call was entered at 12 o'clock, both the North and South side apparatus 
being called out. The actual damage was small, chemicals exclusively being 
used.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Mar. 17, 1916


From the Council Proceedings: Moved and carried to have fire chief's 
automobile painted red, all members present voting aye except Thorison.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Mar. 18, 1916


Fire Chief J.H. Kratz is at Milwaukee today on business. Chief Kratz 
expects to get a look at the run about machine which the council recently 
purchased for use of the department and which is being decorated in red 
as ordered by the council. The machine will probably be delivered in ten 
days or two weeks.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Mar. 22, 1916


While switching the new trailer into place in the South side station last 
Saturday night, after the run to box 15, Peter Bejzar (sic), a member of the 
force, was caught between the wheels of the trailer and the old fire engine 
and sustained three minor fractures to his ribs. He will be laid up for a few 
days.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Wednesday, May 31, 1916 P.2




[1929]


MOVE OLD RIGS TO MAKE ROOM FOR BIG PUMPER
Test of New Piece of Fire Fighting Equipment To Take Place Thursday Morning
It was the passing of the old to make way for the march of progress at
the No. 2 station of the fire department on Franklin street this
afternoon. The old hose wagon, years ago horse drawn, later fitted with
a draw bar to be hauled back of the motorized rigs was hauled away to
the happy "hunting ground" on city property west of the depot, as was
the old fire steamer, the last remnant of the early day fire fighting
equipment of Manitowoc. They were moved to make room for the new Mack
pumper, that arrived this afternoon from Milwaukee.

An official test of the new peice of fire fighting equipment, that is
added to the department, will be made Thursday morning starting at nine
o'clock from the dock at the foot of South Sixth street. It will be
conducted by Frnak Daniels, Milwuakee, head of the Wisconsin inspection
bureau. This three hour test will demonstrate whether or not the pumper
is all set to be out into commission.
It is planned to put the new pumper into commission in the No. 2 house
on Franklin street, along with the South Bend truck and the smaller
chemical righ (sic), making no change in the north side station.
There was no ceremony this afternoon, marking the removal of the two
antiquated pieces of fire fighting equipment. The old steamer has been
out of use for years. It is doubtful if it will bring anything but a
small sum for junk. The hose wagon was used in case of emergency, to
haul extra hose to a fire.
Manitowoc Herald News, Wednesday, May 8, 1929 P.2