HISTORY OF THE PAULSBORO FIRE DEPT. FIRES & RELATED ITEMS 1853-2005
1850's
2/23/1853
CHURCH BURNS DOWN. Fire destroyed the St. Paul's Methodist Church, on the main street in Paulsboro, on Sunday morning around 9:30, just before the morning service. The stovepipe communicated the fire. Only the walls were left standing with everything on the inside being burned.
4/22/1858
HORSES LOST WHEN BARN BURNS. John H. Cook lost five valuable horses, his wagons, gearing and farming utensils when his barn burned down.
1880's 9/15/1887
BARN BURNS DOWN IN BILLINGSPORT. Robert Volurn's barn at Billingsport was burned down Thursday night while the family was in Philadelphia enjoying the Centennial sights, with no one being home but the hostler. The fire was not discovered until it was well underway, and there was hardly time to get the horses out. The barn and contents, consisting of a new carriage, hay and feed, a bicycle and some furniture, were entirely destroyed.
12/17/1887
FIRE CLAIMS BARN AND CRIB HOUSE. Richard Davis had his barn and crib house burned on Saturday afternoon. All his hay, grain and most of his farming implements were destroyed. The loss amounted to about $400. The fire is supposed to have originated from matches in a coat, lost in the straw mow in the fall while threshing.
7/07/1888
CHIMNEY CAUSES FIRE. Conrad Fresholz's house was burned on Saturday. It took fire from the chimney on the roof, and not having any ladder on the place or any trap door on the house, it was impossible to check it.
8/28/1888
EXPLOSION AT PHOSPHATE WORKS. There was an explosion with fire at the Phosphate Works on Tuesday night. There was considerable excitement for a time; the men thinking they would be laid off until the damage was repaired which was reported to be great. But, the damage was repaired in one day and no one was laid off. They are running full time with a large force and have big orders for the fall trade.
11/12/1888
GILL'S BARN ON FIRE. Monday evening, about 5:30, a barn on Mr. Gill and son's farm, on the road to Billingsport, about a half mile from Paulsboro, was discovered to be on fire. The barn contained about thirty tons of unthrashed rye. The origin of the fire is unknown.
1890's
1/28/1890
HOUSE CONSUMED BY FIRE. A house belonging to D. H. Adams, and occupied by Jacob Bender, caught fire Tuesday from the chimney, just under the roof. The one story part of it and the upper story of the main part were consumed by the blaze. How a few men could save any part of it is almost a mystery, as a strong wind was blowing at the time. All the household goods were saved except a dresser and part of its contents. The family moved to Hiram Cowgill's house after the fire. A family that was living there had just moved out.
1892's
10/06/1892
CHIMNEY CAUSES FIRE. C. Lock's house came very near to being demolished by fire on Sunday evening. It caught afire in the chimney. A fire would be very destructive to this town.
1893's
1/06/1893
FIRE AT THE HOME OF DR. REEVES. Fire broke out at the residence of Dr. E. L. Reeves, on Broad Street, causing considerable damage. A Christmas tree caught fire from a toy alcohol locomotive. Several oil paintings were destroyed and the piano was burned somewhat. Wells Vauralyah, a hostler to Mrs. Reeves, was burned very badly about the face. The total loss is estimated at $300.
4/02/1893
CAMPERS CAUSE FIRE IN WOODS. A fierce fire broke out in the woods, below here, on what was formerly the Fithian tract, now owned by Mrs. N. Hitchcock, during the morning and continued to burn until Tuesday night. Between ten to twelve acres were burned, mostly brush land and some timber. The fire is supposed to have originated from campfires in the woods. The campers, after leaving, had failed to put out their fire, and the flames were spread by the aid of the wind, which was very strong.
6/08/1893
SMALL FIRE AT LINCOLN PARK. A slight fire occurred in the cookhouse at Lincoln Park, on Monday night, but was extinguished before much damage was done. The loss is estimated at $200.
9/13/1893
BARN AND CONTENTS BURN. This morning the barn and three adjoining haystacks, together with the contents, were destroyed by fire. They belonged to Wilmer Craig. The flames started in the top of the haymow, and are supposed to be of incendiary origin. The loss is around $1500.
1894's
1/04/1894
FIRE AT PAULSBORO. Early last Saturday morning, the residence of Edwin Gregory was discovered to be in flames, and was soon consumed with its contents. The family recently moved to Paulsboro and it was known throughout the village that the family was spending the holiday week with friends in the city. Mr. Gregory came home during the evenings and slept in the house. He was seen about the premises the previous afternoon, and it was feared that he had fell victim to the flames. A thorough search of the ruins, however, failed to reveal any human bones in the ashes, and this fact, coupled with the fact that the house and furniture were well insured, has had a quieting effect upon the minds of the people. The insurance on the property is said to be $4,000 and besides, Mr. Gregory is said to have had a liberal insurance on his life. The action of Mrs. Gregory, on her return after the fire, has caused considerable criticism, and led many to believe that the whereabouts of her husband are not unknown to her. It is understood that the insurance agents will cause a thorough investigation to be made before any claims are paid, as they are inclined to believe that the house was set on fire.
12/18/1894
BUILDINGS BURN AT I. P. THOMAS. The boarding houses belonging to the I. P. Thomas Phosphate Co., which were occupied by the hands employed at the company's works, were destroyed by fire this morning with a loss of about $4000. The flames were discovered shortly after 2 o'clock coming from the highest building, and owing to the high winds, the fire burned fiercely. All the buildings were soon a mass of ruins. All the occupants of the houses escaped without injury. How the fire started is not known, but it is believed by many to have been the work of an incendiary.
1895's
2/14/1895
HOUSE AND HARNESS SHOP CATCH FIRE. John Wohlrab's dwelling and harness shop caught fire around 10:30 in the evening from the chimney. The roof and the upper part of the building were blazing before the alarm was given. But with the ringing of the church and school bells, nearly the entire male population turned out with buckets and ladders and worked with a will. The goods were all gotten out and the fire entirely put out after burning to the attic floor. Charles Hannold's house was saved with difficulty it being only fifteen feet from the burning building. We certainly have good material for a fire company. Many of our young men fought like veterans. The place was insured for $675 through their agent W. J. Adamson.
2/26/1895
BAILEY'S HOT HOUSE ON FIRE. Joseph Bailey's tomato hot house caught fire, from the flue being overheated, and burned the hay from one side and several hot bed sash before it was discovered and put out by the neighbors.
6/17/1895
HOME SAVED FROM FIRE. The falling of a lamp from a table at William Titus's home caused an alarm of fire. But by the prompt action of those who were present, the flames were extinguished after burning the table cover, carpet and smoking the paper on the ceiling badly.
9/08/1895
FARMHOUSE BURNS TO GROUND. A fire of mysterious origin burned the farmhouse at the I. P. Thomas Phosphate farm during the night. The house, which was used as a boarding house, and occupied by Mr. Shields, was burned to the ground. The fire started in the shed where there was no fire. Mr. Shield's household effects were gotten out and saved.
10/07/1895
HAY BIN CATCHES ON FIRE. Our town was startled around 10:30p.m. by the cry of fire. The rick of salt hay belonging to William Atkinson, at the bridge, was in flames. The bucket brigade turned out and kept the fire from other stacks close by. Loss is about $200.
10/10/1895
FIRE AT COX'S CARRIGE WORKS. The roof of Cox & Brothers carriage works caught fire from the forge chimney, causing an alarm of fire. The workmen in the shops and neighbors who hastened to their assistance promptly put out the flames.
1896's
3/22/1896
HOUSE FIRE CAUSED BY FLUE. John W. Norton was awakened around 9:00 p.m. by the smell of smoke. He arose to find his house on fire. He barely had time to get his wife and four children out when the entire house was in a blaze. The only thing saved was the piano. They're clothing and furniture was entirely lost, they're being no help at hand. The loss is about $2000. Mr. Norton thinks the fire started in a defective flue
1897's
3/25/1897
FIRE AT BASKET FACTORY. A fire started in a bed at the basket factory on Sunday morning and caused some excitement in this town. Mr. Groff, who lives in the place, could not say how the fire started. The damage was slight.
8/22/1897
LARGE FIRE AT I. P. THOMAS. (See Large Article Section)
10/08/1897
HOME ON BUCK ST. DESTROYED BY FIRE. The home of Michael Donnelly, Buck Street, was almost totally destroyed by fire at about 11 p.m. Mr. Donnelly had recently put in a new heater, which was fired up for the first time. A defective flue is being suspected of causing the conflagration. In the early evening the family had retired, unsuspecting of any danger menacing their lives, but were awakened by smoke densely filling the sleeping apartments. It took but a thought to realize the situation, terror seized the family as they found escape impossible by way of the stairs, which were already, a mass of flames. Neighbors were quickly warned of the family's plight, and willing hands soon rescued the family from the second story windows of the burning building, with but slight burns. A bucket brigade succeeded in subduing the flames after a desperate fight, and the fire was finally extinguished. The loss will probably reach $1500. Most of the furniture and interior woodwork was destroyed. Kind neighbors sheltered the family.
10/14/1897
SMALL FIRE IN CONNELLY HOME. A fire of unknown origin did damage to the amount of $50 in John Connelly's home on Saturday morning. Willing neighbors put out the blaze and the fire was confined to the downstairs room.
11/15/1897
BARNS BURN AND ANIMALS PERISH. The large barns on Cooper's farm, occupied by John Densten, were destroyed by fire around 8 o'clock during the evening. Four horses and one calf perished. Also, 30 tons of hay, a harvester and implements of various kinds were also destroyed. The fire started in the center of the barn and the interior of the entire structure was in flames when it was discovered. One horse and several cows and calves were gotten out, although the horse was burned badly. It was first reported that a valuable 3-year-old colt, belonging to Luther Jones had been burned in the barn but Mr. Jones said later that the animal was loose in the field and escaped injury. No clue was given as to the origin of the fire. The stock loss is estimated at $3500 and about $4000 on the buildings.
1898's
11/02/1898
CRIB HOUSE AND BARN BURN. Joseph Bailey's barn and crib house, fifty tons of hay, about 700 bushels of corn and other outbuildings were burned during the evening. No one seems to know how the fire started. Smoke was seen on the corner of the barn first, where some children were feeding the chickens. Mr. Bailey was not at home being in New York on a business trip.
12/17/1898
HOUSE ON FIRE. The house of Mrs. Donnelly, on Buck Street, was partially destroyed by fire this morning. The fire started in a wood box near the stove and burned through the weatherboards, when Mr. Daniel Keenan and other neighbors saw it, who succeeded in putting the fire out before the house was entirely destroyed. There was no one in the house at the time. The men had all gone to work at the phosphate works and Mrs. Donnelly was in Philadelphia.
1899's
4/14/1899
PAULSBORO FIRE COMPANY ORGANIZES. A fire company was organized here when the different modes of fighting fire in a country town were discussed and a committee was appointed to solicit subscriptions to membership. A fee of 25 cents was charged to active members and one dollar to associate members. The people of the town look on the movement with much favor and seem to take hold of it with a will, which insures success.
4/21/1899
OFFICERS ELECTED. At the fire meeting the following officers were elected for one year: President, Frank Locke; Vice. Pres., W. Scott Thomson; Secretary, W. G. Cowgill; Financial Sec., J. Paul Miller, Treasurer, B.G. Paul; Trustees, William Miller; Gill Hannold; J. Murray; F. H. Creamer.
4/22/1899
STANLEY NAMED FIRE CHIEF. Charles Stanley has been elected as Fire Chief for the Paulsboro Fire Department. William MacMullin and Harvey Creamer have been elected to the Assistant Fire Chief's positions.
10/06/1899
BUILDINGS BURN ON SHUSTER FARM. The out buildings on the farm of Joseph Shuster, occupied by Asa Harker, consisting of 3 barns, a crib house and a wagon shed were burned to the ground around 8:30 p.m. Mr. Harker succeeded in getting his 3 horses and several cows out in time to save them. Neighbors, who arrived in time, made a great effort to save the house. The wind was blowing away from the house, which helped the bucket brigade. Also burned up in the barn were harnesses, farm implements and about 30 tons of hay. The origin of fire is not known, but Mr. Harker said that a tramp stopped at the house around 7 o'clock, but Mr. Harker told the gentleman that he would not harbor him. It is thought that the person set the buildings on fire for revenge. The total loss is about $3000. The barns were insured but not the stock or implements.
12/12/1899
FIRE AT WAGON WORKS. The Cox wagon works took fire this morning from sparks from the forge chimney. The fire was blazing fiercely on the roof when it was discovered. A bucket brigade of workmen and neighbors put it out without much damage. The neighbors hope that Mr. Cox will take measures to prevent a repetition of the accident, as the town is very thickly settled at that point, and a fire would be a great disaster to the town.
1990's
1/04/1900
CHRISTMAS TREE CATCHES FIRE. A Christmas tree caught fire at the residence of William Bacon, on Jefferson Street, and made things lively for a time. Mr. Bacon and neighbors put the blaze out with a few pails of water. The damage was slight.
20/4/1900
HOTEL BURNS AT LINCOLN PARK. Fire supposed to have originated from an overheated stove in the kitchen destroyed the hotel; summer garden, residence and barns of John Hoffman, at Lincoln Park, entailing a loss estimated at $10,000, with $8,700 insured.
2/28/1900
BUCKET BRIGADE SAVES HOUSE. Paulsboro just escaped a disastrous fire by the prompt use of water in Mr. Furry's house on Broad Street, the thickest settled part of town. Mr. Furry got up around 4 o'clock and found the house cold. He lighted an oil heater in the sitting room and went back to finish his night's sleep. Miss Laura Heppard, who lives with them, smelled smoke about an hour after and went down stairs to find the room full of smoke and gas. She gave the alarm and Mr. Furry came down and opened a back door when the flames broke out, quick work with buckets of water saved the house, the room and furniture from being a total wreck. It is supposed that the stove wick was left to high and blazed to the ceiling. This proves more conclusively that we should have some fire protection in the town as most of our houses are of wood frame construction, and with these windy days, a fire started where Furry lives would sweep the town if not checked.
3/24/1900
OFFICERS ELECTED. The Paulsboro Volunteer Fire Association has elected the following officers: W.S. Thomson – President; W.G. Cowgill – Secretary; B.G. Paul – Treasurer; J.P. Miller – Financial Sec.; H. Lamson – Trustee; S.L.C. Wilkins – Chief; W.C. MacMullin and G.W. Wilkinson – Assistant Chiefs.
5/10/1900
PAULSBORO FIRE CO. INCORPORATED. Article for incorporation has been filed in the clerk's office for the PVFA, for the protection of life and property from fire in the town of Paulsboro, to continue from April 20, 1900 to April 20, 1950. The incorporates are: W.S. Thomson, C. Stanley, W.J. Cowgill, B.G. Paul, J.P. Miller, G.M. Hannold, W.H.Lamson, F.H.Craemer, J.D.Murray, W. Miller.
9/11/1900
MEETING FOR NEW APPARATUS. The Fire Co. had a meeting to thoroughly organize the company and make arrangements for the reception of their new apparatus, which is expected in a few days.
9/18/1900
NEW APPARATUS ARRIVES. The Paulsboro Fire Co.'s apparatus arrived here and is housed Armstrong's barn. It is a complete machine and will do effective work if properly manned.
9/21/1900
FIRE CO. TESTS NEW APPARATUS AT CREEK. The Fire Company tested the new apparatus and it proved satisfactory. The pump works complete. The trial was made at the creek, where water is plentiful, and it was no trouble to throw a stream of water over Dr. Miller's house, but we need some kind of water supply, as most of our wells are driven pipes and would not be available for the suction of the fire pump. Let us have water works as soon as possible, and then we would be well prepared for a fire.
1901's
3/21/1901
FARMER CAUSES FALSE ALARM. A few nights ago our fire bell sounded the alarm of fire, at the Stanton Myers place, whom lives a short distance out of town. Our firemen soon gathered, the horses were harnessed and away they went on a run. All the fire they found was in a pile of green apple tree brush. Mr. Myers had been trimming some of his trees and was trying to burn the brush.
6/21/1901
CHILD DIES FROM BURNS. John Donley's children were left alone and they commenced to play with fire. The youngest one, 18 months old, was burned so badly that it died Sunday and was buried on Monday.
1902's
2/20/1902
FIRE CO. REPONDS TO FIRE IN CLARKSBORO. The town was startled during the morning about 9 o'clock, by the clanging of the fire bell, and the rush and roar of the fire apparatus going through town on a run. It was learned that Mr. Joseph DeVault Jr.'s dwelling house, near Clarksboro, was on fire. Help arrived too late to save the house, but nearly all the furniture was gotten out by the help of passengers on the Salem train, and moved to a neighbors across the street. The train stopped and the engineer blew the danger signal to arouse the whole neighborhood, and thus the contents of the building were saved. Constable W. Canning, who was in the building trying to save some of the goods, was struck in the back of the head by a falling timber, and the hot embers burned a large spot on his back. The building was almost a new seven roomed house, and was insured for $1200. The fire started from a defective flue and got such headway, before help arrived, that the building was doomed. The Paulsboro Fire Co. could render but little aid on the account of the scarcity of water.
2/27/1902
FIREMEN FIGHT FIRE IN SNOWSTORM. At 3 o'clock during the morning, the fire bell again awoke our inhabitants to learn that a house owned by W. J. Adamson, at Billingsport, occupied by John Hoffman, was on fire. Our fire company was soon on the scene, amid the fierce snowstorm, and saved the surrounding property, while the house was burned to the ground. Mr. Adamson says the house was insured. With 2 houses burned in one week and most of our wells driven, much embarrassment was caused in using the fire engine. Is it not time that we stop talking and get to work at a water supply?
3/17/1902
STOVE STORE ON FIRE. The fire department was called out at night to put out a blaze in Furry's stove store. A gasoline lamp ran over on the floor, the fluid running through the cracks to the heater in the cellar, where it ignited caused the fire. It was put out with slight damage.
5/10/1902
FIRE AT COX BROS. I.G. Cox Brother's carriage works took fire during the afternoon and bid fair to be entirely destroyed. The roof was blazing fiercely when discovered. The alarm was rung and the fire apparatus brought out, but a bucket brigade had it nearly out when they arrived. Most of the fire boys were away at work, and the regular fire horse team, Armstrong's, was away. Benjamin Johnson's express team was pressed into service and did good running when started. This is the 3 rd time this building has been on fire within a few years. It caught fire from sparks on the roof.
6/19/1902
NEW FIRE BELL TESTED. The new fire bell has been swung into place and tested. But, it does not seem to give satisfaction, as it cannot be heard on the opposite side of the town.
6/27/1902
BLACKSMITH AND WHEELWRIGHT SHOP BURN. About 10 o'clock at night, Wright's blacksmith shop and Hannold's wheelwright shop, which are under one roof, was found to be on fire, burning fiercely in the engine room. The alarm was given, the new fire bell rung, and the fire department was on hand in a few minutes. But, the shops were past saving, as the building was all ablaze when they arrived, so attention was turned to the nearby dwelling houses. Hannold's and I. Vanneman's houses were on fire at one time, and the firemen worked like beavers keeping a stream of water first on one, than the other. The Gibbstown Fire Department came up, running all the way, three miles, pulling their truck. The wind was light at the time which made it possible to save the houses. Had there been a high wind, the south part of town would have been wiped out. Mr. Wright had about $800 of insurance on the building, but his stock and valuable machinery is almost a total loss.
8/26/1902
TENANT HOUSE BURNS TO GROUND. The fire bell was tested again when it was rung about 11 o'clock at night. Mr. George Smith's tenant house was found to be on fire, and burned to the ground. The house is about a mile south of the town and is rented to Philadelphia parties as a clubhouse. The people were down yesterday and went home on the evening train, and no one was in the house when the fire started. The house was entirely destroyed and is insured.
11/18/1902
HOUSE IN BILLINGSPORT DESTROYED BY FIRE. A dwelling house belonging to William Byers, at Billingsport, was entirely destroyed by fire at midnight. The fire bell was rung and the firemen turned out, but the house was beyond saving. Mr. Byers was away visiting in Philadelphia over night and no one knows how the fire started.
1903's
1/09/1903
BOATHOUSE ON CREEK BURNS. Mr. U. G. Wright's small boat building establishment and dwelling house combined, on the creek here, was entirely destroyed by fire at 1 o'clock in the morning. The fire was under way and burning fiercely when Mr. Wright heard the crackling. He got out of bed, wrapped his two children in blankets and ran out with his wife just in time to save their lives, leaving their clothing and everything they owned. The building was a new one and fitted with all the machinery to build small boats. He had an insurance of $800 on building and $200 on stock, which did not cover the loss by $1500. The people of the town took the family in charge and helped them very substantially, at once raising $150.
3/27/1903
HOUSE BURNS TO GROUND. A new tenant house owned by George Smith was burned to the ground.
4/13/1903
GAS STOVE CAUSES FIRE. A fire broke out in Mrs. Eliza English's house on Buck Street and about $200 worth of damage was done. A leaky gasoline stove caused the fire. The fire department was called out and good service was done.
4/17/1903
KICHEN STOVE CAUSES FIRE. The fire department was called out to put out a fire in Harry Frank's kitchen, caused by a leaky gasoline stove in use. The entire woodwork of the kitchen was on fire before help came, but it was controlled by the use of buckets in the hands of neighbors before the fire apparatus arrived. The house and furniture was damaged to the amount of $100.
There was a slight fire in the cabin of a boat here on Monday night, causing an alarm of fire to be sent in. The bell rang and about 200 men and boys were on hand, but the fire was put out before the engines got there. The damage was slight.
8/25/1903
LEAKY NEW STOVE CAUSES FIRE. While Mrs. Waisbain was ironing in the rear of her house on Broad Street, her new gasoline stove began to leak, and flared up, setting fire to her hair. Screaming, she ran out to the street and soon a crowd of neighbors gathered, but the flames soon reached to the second floor, occupied by a Chinese laundry man. He gathered what he could and made his escape. Mr.'s Reed, Cowgill, Rambo, Thomson, and several others soon had the flames subdued. A short delay would have meant a serious conflagration. The fire bell was rung and the hose carriage got to the corner of Broad and Delaware Streets, but was not used. There was no insurance on the building.
12/17/1903
HOSE PURCHASED. The Paulsboro Fire Co. purchased 500 feet of hose and housed it in Cox's warehouse.
1904's
1/04/1904
CHICKEN HOUSE CATCHES FIRE. The wood and chicken houses of William Fletcher, on Mantua Avenue, caught fire this morning about 10:30 and were nearly burned to the ground. But for the timely arrival of the fire department the barn and probably the house would have been destroyed. Motorman Styles, stopping to let Thomas Dilkes and some others off, who went to work getting out the chickens and a cow, noticed the fire. The chickens would run back into the fire as fast as they were taken out. The smoke nearly blinded the men, but they kept at it and nearly all the fowls were saved. By this time the firemen, who had been notified by trolley, arrived and did excellent work despite the cold. The fire was soon under control. The loss is estimated at $200. Mr. Fletcher would like to thank the fire department for their prompt work, and all others that aided in saving his property. The family did not know the buildings were on fire until the people from the trolley notified them. A bucket of ashes that was taken from a stove yesterday and emptied this morning is supposed to have caused the fire.
1/121904
SMALL FIRE AT PHOSPHATE WORKS. A slight fire broke out at the I. P. Thomas phosphate works, but was extinguished by the Fire Company before much damage was done.
3/26/1904
SMITH'S HOUSE BURNS TO GROUND. George Smiths house, on his farm near here, burned to the ground. It caught fire where the chimney passed through the roof. It was a new two-story frame dwelling, built a year ago. This house was burned on the same site a little over a year ago. There was no insurance on the building.
4/28/1904
BEDROOM CATCHES FIRE. There was a slight fire in one of Dr. Law's tenant houses on Buck Street. A family from Hungary occupied it. The fire started in a bedroom, supposedly from a pipe. The residents put the blaze out before the Fire Company got in working order. The bed clothing was about all that was burned.
7/18/1904
FIRE AT POWDER WORKS. A fire at the Powder Works destroyed a sulfur house at that place 2 o'clock this morning. The whistles were blown calling out the Fire Company, but they could not save the building, but kept the fire from spreading to other buildings. Property loss was about $500.
10/04/1904
LINCOLN PARK FERRY ON FIRE. The fire and church bells awakened our town at 3 o'clock, when it was found that the Lincoln Park ferry was on fire. The people responded to the alarm but it gained such headway before they got there that there was no saving it. The fire started in the ferryboat, lying in the slip, and jumped to the ferry house. Then to the other ferryboat lying along side and then to a gasoline boat tied to the wharf. The large hotel on the hill caught fire twice but was put out by willing hands. The loss is total, as both boats, the ferry house approaches and the entire property was destroyed. The fireboat “ Ashbridge “came down from Philadelphia and put out the remaining embers, but could not save anything. The heat was so intense that the water along the shore was boiling during the progress of the fire. The big blaze could be seen for miles about the county. The loss is about $60,000. The fire apparatus of this town needs looking after. When the firemen turned out to go to the fire on Tuesday, they found the pumps out of order and useless. Why not have this valuable property put in order in case of an emergency.
10/08/1904
NEW FIRE COMPANY IS FORMED. A group of men got together and decided to form the Billingsport Volunteer Fire Company.
11/01/1904
FIRE CO. REORGANIZES. A meeting was held in the Council Room to re-organize the Fire Company. Some wished the apparatus turned over to the Borough, while others said no. A committee was appointed to have the hose and pump put into proper order and confer with Council about looking toward turning the management over to the Borough.
1905's
1/26/1905
KITCHEN RANGE FIRE. Pasquale Benevento had a slight fire in the morning caused by the waterback in the kitchen range. The water supply was frozen and with all the spigots being closed, the thing burst and wrecked the range, and scattered fire all over the room. It was put out before the firemen got there.
2/02/1905
FIRE CO. RECEIVES EQUIPMENT. In the appropriations of funds, the Borough Council has awarded the Billingsport Fire Co. $25, and the Paulsboro Fire Co. $75. The local company has been furnished with 600 feet of hose, a new reel and a new hook and ladder.
2/11/1905
STOVE AND PLUMBING SHOP ON FIRE. Seth Roberts stove store and plumber shop caught fire around 11 p.m. It started in the workshop from the stove and the interior was all on fire when seen. The fire bell was rung and the reel of hose was hurried there in time to save the house, which was about 20 feet away. The water pressure was all that could be wished and surely saved the dwelling, as well as the other houses that were very near. The shop and store were ruined, but not all burned, as the water put it out in 20 minutes after the stream was turned on. The loss was estimated at around $1000.
2/24/1905
LOCOMOTIVE WHEELS TO BE USED AS FIRE ALARMS. On order of the borough council, ten locomotive tires have been secured and work will soon commence in their erection, in different parts of the town, to be used as fire alarms. When these are in position, it is proposed to ring them all at once as a test in spreading an alarm of fire. Also, a thousand feet of hose and two hose carriages have been ordered.
3/23/1905
THOMSON GIVES FIRE CO. LOT. W.S. Thomson has given a building lot, with a 50-foot front, on Swedesboro Avenue to the Paulsboro Fire Co., on which they will build a firehouse with a room above. There will be a tower and a bell on the same.
4/01/1905
NEW BUILDING FOR BILLINGSPORT. The Billingsport Fire Company began construction on their new firehouse. The lot on which it will stand cost $300. A railroad tire was purchased to be used as an alarm. It was mounted on the new lot be fore construction began. To sound the alarm, a resident will come to the lot and strike the tire with a hammer. A demonstration was held for Mayor & Council on the advantages of using chemicals for extinguishment of fires. Also a new hose reel was purchased for $30.
5/23/1905
CHEMICAL WORKS BURNS. The new chemical works on the creek, the Non Freezing Powder Works, just below town, burned to the ground. It is said they were mixing powder and it ignited. There was no explosion as all the powder that was prepared for market was gotten out before the fire reached it. The fire bells were rung and both fire companies' responded, but there being no plugs near they were useless to do anything. The loss is estimated at $5000 with no insurance. The company will rebuild at once.
6/06/1905
HOME ON CHESTNUT STREET SAVED FROM FIRE. A gasoline stove blazed up at the home of Bruno Flack, on Chestnut Street last evening, about 7 o'clock. Thanks to the timely arrival of the fire companies, who soon had the fire under control, the blaze would have proved to be quite damaging. The loss is only $25.
7/26/1905
BARBERSHOP BURNS. Fire destroyed the Jew's barbershop on Broad Street last night.
10/27/1905
NEWSPAPER BUILDING DESTOYED BY FIRE. At around 1:30 in the morning, the office of The Paulsboro Sun was destroyed by fire. The plant was located in a one and a half story frame building on Chestnut St., between Buck and Washington streets. The building was owned by William Casperson and previously was occupied as a shirt factory. The blaze was a stubborn one, and at that hour of the night, had gained such headway that little could be done. The blaze started along the northwest side of the building, and opinion is strong that it was of incendiary origin. The building is practically ruined, much of the type and cases were removed, but the presses and paper stock was badly damaged by fire and water. Proprietor Gwilliam had been making a supreme effort to establish his business and the loss is a serious blow to him.
11/27/1905
FIRE CO. SAVES HOUSE. The town was startled Saturday night when an alarm of fire was sent in. The fire was at the residence of John Hoffman in Billingsport. If it had not been for the arrival of the local fire companies, the fire would have been a serious one.
1906's
108/1906
BILLINGSPORT HOLDS MEETING. The Billingsport Fire Company held its first meeting in their new firehouse.
4/08/1906
FARMER LOSES CRIB HOUSE TO FIRE. John Maurer, a farmer who owns the Hurley farm on Swedesboro road, lost his crib house, wagon shed and corn crib, during the evening hours, to fire. All the contents, wheat, corn, implements, including the harvester, were lost. The loss is nearly $1000. The origin of the fire is a mystery.
4/12/1906
CHILD SETS FIRE TO HOME. George Bates's 3 year old set fire to a couch in his father's home, then called to his mother upstairs that there was a fire. Mrs. Bates put the fire out with much difficulty. The couch and room were badly damaged. The Fire Co. was called but the fire was out before they arrived.
6/30/1906
BRUSH FIRE CAUSES STIR. Milford Titus caused quite an excitement here by burning a large pile of brush in the street at his house on Washington Street. People thought the house was on fire and gave the fire alarm. The firemen got the hose carriage out only to find out it was just trash.
10/13/1906
FIRE IN HORSE STABLE. When Albert Ladner got home from work he smelled smoke. Going to his barn he found the bedding ablaze in one of the horse stables. The partition was scorched, as was the hair on one side of a horse. Mr. Ladner carried the blazing litter outdoors and put the blaze out with water from the watering trough. He thinks it was deliberately set on fire.
1907's
4/22/1907
OIL HEATER CAUSES BEDROOM FIRE. Bella Adamson, an invalid, awoke to find her bedroom ablaze from an oil heater and called for help. She was nearly suffocated by the smoke. Neighbors extinguished the fire before the fire companies arrived. Dr. Laws was summoned to treat Miss Adamson, who is the sister of Mayor Adamson.
5/07/1907
HOUSE ALMOST BURNS DOWN, FIREMEN INJURED. The house of John Fry was partly ruined by fire. While Samuel Deal was taking his after supper smoke in his back yard, around 7:45 PM, he discovered smoke issuing from the second story of the side of the house occupied by John Fry, on Billings Avenue. Mr. Deal sent a boy to the livery stable to notify someone to ring the fire bell. It was not long before both Paulsboro and Billingsport fire companies were on the scene. Considerable difficulty was had in subduing the flames, however, and was not accomplished until the firemen had worked for over two hours. Three firemen, G. Aspenwalt, C. Stanley, and T. Heppard were cut by falling glass. Four stitches were necessary to close the wound in Heppard's arm. Stanley had two arteries cut in his wrist and Aspenwalt had his hand badly cut. The house was almost a total wreck on the inside, and only about half the furniture was saved. W. Adamson owns the house. The family had gone over to Mrs. Moore's, a daughter of Mr. Fry's, to spend the evening and had banked the fire in the stove downstairs before leaving.
5/16/1907
FIRE CO. SAVES HOME. The house occupied by William McGill, and owned by William Hannold, was discovered to be on fire around 7 o'clock in the morning by Harry Fisler, who gave the alarm. About 5 minutes later both fire companies were on the scene, and after some difficulty, had the blaze under control. All of McGill's furniture was gotten out of the house before much damage was done to it. The damage will amount to about $200. The origin of fire is unknown.
9/13/1907
FIRE AT I. P. THOMAS. The night watchman at the I. P. Thomas Phosphate Works discovered fire under the floor of the bag room around 9:00 p.m. An alarm was sent in and both fire companies responded promptly, and in fifteen minutes the fire was subdued. The damage was slight. Chains were broken on the fire bell while it was being rung.
10/26/1907
MEETING HELD TO BUILD FIREHOUSE. There was a meeting held in the council chambers for the purpose of building a firehouse. All citizens were invited to come. One man has offered to contribute 1,000 cement blocks for it.
11/02/1907
TO BUILD FIREHOUSE AND LOCKUP. The Paulsboro Fire Co. reorganized. A decision was ordered by W.S. Thomson to build a combined firehouse and lockup.
11/13/1907
NEW FIREHOUSE BEING BUILT. Work began on the building of the new firehouse for the Paulsboro Fire Co. The building will be 30x50 and be built of cement blocks. A ten-foot extension for a lockup will be built in the rear.
12/04/1907
HORSE FALLS AND IS DESTROYED. The Paulsboro Fire Co.'s new horse fell down an embankment and was so badly hurt that it had to be killed to put it out of its misery. They only had it about ten hours.
12/26/1907
ROBINSON HOUSE BURNS NEAR RIVER . The old Robinson house, near the Lincoln Park ferry, was discovered on fire by Ray Springer about 1:00 A.M. Springer gave the alarm and both fire companies responded. The firemen could do nothing to save the building as no fireplugs are in that vicinity and pumps could not be obtained to pump water from the river. However the firemen did work hard at preventing the blaze from spreading to the Gwilliam homestead and other buildings. It is believed the fire was the work of an incendiary as the house has been unoccupied for some time. A Philadelphia party named Whitall owns the property.
B. G. Paul; Fire Chief, W. H. Lamson; Assistant Chiefs, Dr. M. Doolittle and Gill Hannold; Trustees, Hannold and Charles Salisbury.
1908's
1/09/1908
NEW FIREHOUSE ALMOST DONE. The Paulsboro Fire Co. has their new firehouse enclosed and almost finished. It is a credit to the town and the members. The new firehouse will be opened on February 21 st , when a big time will be held. At this time the Junior Mechanics will present the company with a flag. It is expected a large street parade will be held.
2/06/1908
FIREMEN PREPARE FOR PARADE. The busiest people in town now are the Paulsboro firemen. They are preparing for a big time on the 21 st . Present indications point to a large street parade and fire companies from all over are expected to be present. It is expected that 2 or 3 of the secret organizations of the town will turnout and join with the firemen. The firemen will have their first annual ball in the new firehouse on the 21 st . A good time is promised for all that attend. The firemen will have new uniforms in time for the parade in Pitman on the 22 nd . They are going over about 50 strong and will also take over their hook and ladder. The firemen are having I.G. Cox varnish their hook and ladder truck so that on the day of the housing it will look its best. Chief Lamson says that his company will be one of the largest in line and he expects them to make a good showing for a newly organized company.
2/21/1908
PAULSBORO DEDICATES NEW FIREHOUSE. The ball given by the Paulsboro Volunteer Fire Co. in their new firehouse was the largest gathering that was ever held here on an occasion of this kind. The firehouse was filled by nearly 300 people, while 50 couples were on the floor at the same time. Visitors in attendance were from Philadelphia, Wilmington, Patterson, Camden, Chester, and other South Jersey towns, while several fire companies were represented by their chiefs, who were entertained by the Paulsboro chief, W. Harry Lamson. The firehouse was draped with flags. On the walls was a big flag that floats above Independence Hall, on loan from Samuel Reeves, Superintendent of the State House. Another flag was donated by the Junior Order of American Mechanics, the old Democratic flag that has seen 30 years of service. The committee that charge of the affair consisted of Joseph Paul, Charles Pounds, James Huff, Gill Hannold, J. Paul Miller and W. Lamson. All the members of the Fire Co assisted them. The order was of the finest and everyone seemed to have enjoyed him or herself. At lunch time, Benjamin Paul, president of the association, with his body guard, John Lodge, was on hand, and soon cut the cakes and served the cream to the guests in a fashion that is seldom witnessed outside of New York City. They also know how to furnish more spoons when the first supply has been exhausted. Prof. Samuel Johnson took down the house by dancing a jig on the wind up. The Fire Company's treasury has been increased by nearly $100. With many thanks to all, they have been requested to give another ball and may do so later.
5/22/1908
LADIES FORMED TO HELP FIREMEN. The Paulsboro Fire Co. held a regular meeting and made arrangements for the upcoming fair. A meeting of all interested will be held on June 9 th , in Cowgill's hall, at 8 o'clock. Ladies auxiliary will be formed to help the firemen with their troubles of big eats, hard work, and raising money. So do not fail to come. If you find that you cannot attend at that time, send in your name.
6/25/1908
LIGHTNING STRIKE HOME. At 6:30 PM, lightning struck the home of John Fry, near Billingsport
7/04/1908
FIRE CO. WINS PRIZE. The Paulsboro Fire Co., with the truck in the hands of Samuel Wilkins and Leon Lamson won the 2 nd place award in the recent July 4 th parade. They were well deserving of the prize. A notice from the Borough Council was sent to the firemen that hereafter one hose cart will be kept in the firehouse, while the other one will be kept in Cox's warehouse. The wagon will also be kept in the firehouse.
7/23/1908
THE COUNTY LOSES BY FIRE. About 10 o'clock Monday night, the big barn on the Gloucester County farm, between Paulsboro and Clarksboro, was destroyed by fire. The origin of the fire is a mystery, but is believed to be of spontaneous combustion. When fire was discovered, the building was a seething mass of flames, which no amount of fire fighting apparatus could have subdued. All that could be done by the large fire fighting force that was assembled was to prevent the flames from spreading to the adjoining buildings. Paulsboro, Clarksboro, Mt. Royal and Woodbury responded with their hook and ladders, hose carriages and firemen. While the flames were at their height, the adjoining farm buildings frequently took fire, but were promptly extinguished. The reflection of the flames lighted the county for miles around, and people in automobiles went to the scene of the destruction. The barn contained two horses, a pony, 40 tons of hay, 300 bushels of wheat, harnesses and other farm implements. Mr. Ridgeway and family had not retired when the fire broke out. Mr. Ridgeway had been out and about the buildings only a short time before the fire was discovered and detected no odor of fire. This leads to the conviction that spontaneous combustion was the cause. The barn was burned in1884, when Hiram Jones was the steward. The origin of that fire is still a mystery. The suggestion is now made that a concrete barn be built, with an iron roof. A special meeting of the Board of Freeholders will be held to arrange for the rebuilding of the barn on Monday, in Clarksboro.
7/30/1908
SMALL FIRE AT PHOSPHATE PLANT. About 10 PM, the whole town was aroused by the whistle of the I. P. Thomas Co.'s fertilizer plant, at Mantua Point, which sounded quite awhile as fire had been discovered in the crab drying house. The fire was quickly gotten under control. Both fire companies were soon on the scene and ready.
9/17/1908
FIREPLUGS CHECKED. The Water Company has had their engineer open all the fireplugs and have them in first class condition in case of fire. Now if the citizens would either cut or pull out the weeds around them, especially on the main street, the firemen will soon get on the job in case of fire.
9/25/1908
SMALL COTTAGE NEAR RIVER ON FIRE. About 9 o'clock the town was thrown into a state of excitement by the ringing of the fire bells. It was learned that John Middleton's cottage, which is located near the riverfront, was on fire. The Billingsport Co. made a record run to the fire, but as the structure was a small one, the fire had gained such headway that nothing could be done to save it. The firemen worked hard to keep the fire from spreading to the adjoining houses. Mr. Middleton was in bed when the fire started and was rescued by James Carey, who broke the door open and rushed in through the smoke, at the risk of his own life, and pulled Mr. Middleton out. The origin of the fire is unknown, but it is thought that a lamp exploded. The Paulsboro Fire Co. was on their way to the fire but got stuck at Robert Stetser's hill and returned home.
9/27/1908
BUILDING COMMITTEE AND FAIR NAMED. The Paulsboro Fire Co. held their quarterly meeting and appointed a committee to hold a ball and a fair in the near future. A committee of five was appointed to look after the Fire Company's property. The building committee was instructed to proceed to finish the building and lay a concrete walk in front; place a lamp in front of the building, until such time the gas lamp will be placed there, and to authorize the installation of a telephone in the firehouse. All members are notified to wear their caps on meeting nights, which will have a tendency to let your wives know where you intend on spending the evening. During the meeting Clark's Hall, in Clarksboro, was discovered on fire. The Paulsboro Fire Co. was sent for and Chief Harry Lamson soon had a squad of firemen ready to go, when another telephone message was received and said that the fire had been extinguished.
12/11/1908
MEETING TO BE HELD. All the firemen are requested to come out to the meeting tonight as it is time to nominate officers for the following year. Don't stay home, and then growl, for a whole year because the man elected does not suit you. Some recommend a change and it may be for the best, as the present officers have given a great deal of their time to the Company's interest, and deserve a rest.
1909's
1/14/1909
FIRE MARSHAL'S APPOINTED. The mayor appointed as Fire Marshall's, Ben Paul, W. Scott Thomson, Charles Salisbury, Cooper Thompson, Paul Ireland and James Hurff. Ben Paul has been appointed to head a committee to obtain a telephone for the firehouse.
1/28/1909
FIRE BELL MOVED. The Paulsboro Fire Co. has begun to make preparations to hold their 2 nd annual ball on Washington's Birthday. The fire bell has been moved from Armstrong's stable to the firehouse. Other alarms will be placed throughout the borough and telephones will be placed in both firehouses. The ladies auxiliary gave the firemen a supper last week in the firehouse.
2/16/1909
ANOTHER FIRE CO. There is talk of another fire co. being formed here. What is the use of anybody doing this when we have the two of the best-equipped fire companies in South Jersey? We are told the new Fire Company will erect a building near the railroad.
5/03/1909
ST. JAMES CHURCH, THREE OTHER BUILDINGS BURN. (See Large Article Section)
5/09/1909
I. G. COX ON FIRE. This morning around 4:30, milkman Brown discovered the barn of I. G. Cox & Bro. on fire and gave the alarm. George Thompson and Walter Cox were the first to get there and saved one horse and three wagons belonging to Mr. Thompson. The Paulsboro and Billingsport fire companies responded and put the fire out after a half-hour's hard work. The loss was about $4000. A small barn of B. Furry was burnt and the barn of W. Gill was partly burned. At first it was thought that a man was in the Cox barn and was burned up. But this was a mistake. A small pony of Cox's was burned up. Had the wind been the other way, the factory of Cox's would have been destroyed.
5/11/1909
COUNCIL LOOKS INTO FIRES. During a Council meeting, Dr. Pounds made a motion that a committee of three is appointed to ascertain the cause of the last two fires. The character of the water supply, and efficiency of the fire companies and their needs. The said committee shall be empowered to procure and act upon the results of their investigation with the full consent of Council. Mayor Adamson appointed councilmen Stines, Pounds, and Stiles.
5/27/1909
FIRE CO. TO HOLD FESTIVAL, BILLINGSPORT GOES BLUE. The Paulsboro Fire Co. will hold a “Strawberry Festival” on Saturday June 19 th . The Paulsboro Fife and Drum Corps will provide the music. Also, the members of Billingsport were painting things blue around their firehouse. The hose couplings, lanterns, and in fact everything they own was given a coat of blue paint. At one of the recent fires they lost 150 feet of hose and now have adopted a color for their own belongings.
6/08/1909
COUNCIL GIVES REPORT ON FIRES. The Council committee on the recent fires gave this report: “That after a careful investigation, we find that the fire of Leonard Pratz was started by the boiling over of a roofing compound, and the fire at Cox's was of some unknown person sleeping in the barn. That we examined the Water Company and tested their pressure and found it of the best. That we inquired of the Paulsboro Fire Co. as to their needs and find they need 300 feet of fire hose and Billingsport needs a wagon to carry their hose “.
8/16/1909
FIREMAN READY. Say, where was the Paulsboro firemen Friday night when the alarm was sounded? It goes a little hard with a few people to get out of bed before 8 o'clock in the morning, doesn't it! One of our “brave” firefighters, who was out of town when the alarm was given, and who just purchased a new uniform, was told about the false alarm when he arrived home. He went upstairs, put on his uniform, and went down to the firehouse and was about to ring the bell again to get people out so they could see his new uniform. He then saw his own shadow, which frightened himself so much that his hair has been standing straight up ever since.
8/24/1909
HOSE WAGON BOUGHT. A motion was past at the Council meeting to have 300 feet of fire hose purchased for the Paulsboro Fire Co. at 60 cents a foot, and to also purchase a hose wagon for the Billingsport Fire Co., with full compliments of tools, with ladders attached, for the price of $280.
9/06/1909
TWO BIG FIRES IN PAULSBORO. Paulsboro had its usual amount of excitement for Sunday when two big fires were raging yesterday. Fire was discovered in the woods on the Peachin farm along the Mantua Creek. After a hard fight, the flames were subdued and the firefighters returned home. At 3 o'clock, the flames broke out again and spread so rapid that the entire woods were burned down before the flames could be checked. During the intermission before the morning and afternoon fires in the woods, Ray Springer discovered the dry grass on the Syndicate Tract ablaze and soon had a large force of fighters at work with shovels and sand, and although the entire field was burned over, several houses in the path of the flames were saved. Congressman Loudenslager's home was one of those that were saved. An investigation is being made into the origin of the flames, which were started in a mysterious manner. Smoke covered the land for miles.
11/06/1909
BILLINGSPORT HOUSES NEW APPARATUS. The BVFA housed their new combination foam and hose wagon. A parade was held with Mayor Adamson leading the fife and drum corps. The company had been using a hand drawn hose reel since 1905.
11/08/1909
LUMBER YARD FIRE IN MT. ROYAL. About 3:45 this morning, Fire Chief Lamson received word from Mt. Royal that Green's Lumber Yard was on fire, and was asking for the Paulsboro Fire Co.'s assistance. The chief sounded the alarm and it wasn't long before the road that leads to that little village was black with people, the Fire Company leading the way. Our company was a little handicapped, as there were no fireplugs. Their pump, which is never used here, was pressed into service and the water flew. The Paulsboro firemen deserve a great deal of credit for the good work they did. They stand ready to go to the aid of out of town firemen.
11/12/1909
FAIR AND CARDS. The Paulsboro Fire Co. held a meeting in the firehouse to discuss the advisability of holding a fair soon to help pay for expenses related to the firehouse. Now that the elections were over the members were encouraged to come out. The members are making good use of their firehouse these evenings as pinochle is heartily indulged in.
12/09/1909
POST OFFICE ON FIRE . (See Large Article Section)
1910's
2/07/1910
SCHOONER ON FIRE. The Schooner “William Postules”, laden with 35 tons of salt hay, and consigned to Wilmer Shuster, took fire at the wharf here during the morning. The cause was an overheated stove. Both fire companies responded promptly, and the boat was towed midstream and sunk, saving the hull. Miller's lumberyard was threatened, but the good work of the firefighters averted that.
6/03/1910
HOME ALONG RIVERFRONT CATCHE FIRE. Around 9:30 PM, fire was discovered in one of the houses of the Peter Verga estate, now occupied by Harry Schahour, a wholesale liquor dealer from Philadelphia. Albert Schwager, who conducts a grocery store about 100 yards from the place, had retired to his bed when he heard the crackling of flames and, quickly dressing, gave the fire alarm. Both fire companies were soon on the scene and with the help of several men and boys soon had the fire under control, and probably saved several other houses which were in danger. This house was built in 1860, and is the first one that stood along the shore and had lately been repaired and refurbished. A large bonfire was seen burning on the shore in the early evening and it is supposed that the sparks swept under the front porch.
7/16/1910
TWO FIRES, HOTEL AND FARMHOUSE. During an electrical storm that was passing over this section, a farmhouse on the Loder property was struck by lightning and caught fire. The fire companies responded promptly but the fire had been extinguished by a bucket brigade.
The men were just returning home when another alarm was sent out, that lightning had struck the tower of the Lincoln Park Hotel and caused it to catch fire. The fire companies appeared on the scene in six minutes, after receiving the alarm, and had a stream of water on the burning building. They fought the fire until the early hours on Sunday morning before they had the fire under control. The hose was left attached to the fire plug and around 4:45 Sunday morning they were again called to help put out a blaze which had broken out on the second floor, but was only a short time doing so. Joseph McCleary, a nearby neighbor, who immediately gave the fire alarm, discovered the fire. The fire companies responded promptly with their apparatus and much praise is due them as they saved what might have been one of the largest fires Paulsboro ever had.
7/23/1910
FIRE IN DINER. Our town was thrown into a great state of excitement about 9:30 yesterday morning by the ringing of the fire bell. Both companies responded promptly to the fire, which was in the rear of Earle Simpson's restraurant. An exploding gasoline stove caused the fire. Very little damage was done. John Thompson, who was nearby when the fire started, rushed into the place and carried the stove out.
8/25/1910
HOUSE DESTROYED BY FIRE. The house occupied by Harry Kates was damaged by fire. The residents of the Third Ward were aroused from their peaceful slumbers, shortly before 4 o'clock in the morning, by the ringing of the fire alarms in that ward. The fire was found to be at Harry Kate's residence on N. Delaware St., and was caused when Harry attempted to light the gasoline stove, which exploded. He tried toe extinguish the flames but his efforts were in vain. He ran to the Billingsport firehouse and sounded the alarm. Within five minutes after their arrival on the scene, the firemen had two streams on the blaze and after an hour's work they succeeded in subduing the flames. The fire started in the kitchen, in the rear of the house, which suffered the worst damage. The house is owned by Daniel Davis and will be repaired immediately.
10/20/1910
CLOTHES FIRE. A slight fire occurred at the home of David Sigars on Friday night. It is supposed that part of a match flew into a basket of clothes. Loss is estimated at $40. Both fire companies responded.
11/17/1910
GRASS FIRE. A spark from a midnight train set fire to the grass behind David Hickman's property on Saturday.
12/22/1910
WOODBURY NEEDS FIRE TRUCK. Woodbury sent for Paulsboro's apparatus pump on Monday morning to help with the big school fire. They were wired back that council would have to meet to let them have it.
1911's
1/28/1911
OYSTER SUPPER HELD. The Paulsboro Fire Co. held an oyster supper at their firehouse and netted $50. About 200 were served. A concert of vocal and instrumental was furnished by a Victor Talking Machine during the evening.
2/10/1911
LADIES AUX. ORGANIZES. A Ladies Auxiliary of the PVFA #1 will be organized in the firehouse tonight.
3/30/1911
GRASS FIRE. A fire, which swept for nearly a mile on the Syndicate Tract, on Friday, called out both Fire Co.'s.
7/04/1911
TWO FIRES. A slight fire in Joe Bailey's gasoline house caused quite a scare here this morning.
Also, Horace Polis's house was burned with all its contents, including some valuable firearms, clothing and other things. Mr. Polis was asleep in a hammock not far away, but when the crackling awakened him, the house was already doomed.
7/31/1911
GILL'S HOUSE ON FIRE. The town was thrown into great excitement when it was reported that the house on Postmaster Gill's farm was on fire. The fire companies responded within a few minutes, and after reaching the scene, it was learned that it was only a brush heap. The hook and ladder was fastened to the rear of Austin Adamson's automobile and taken to the scene. It was safe to say that it was the quickest the wagon has ever been taken to the scene of a fire. It is learned that this is the only way to pull fire wagons around.
9/14/1911
FIREHOUSE HAS WEEDS. The potato crop is surely a failure, but the mosquito crop is not. At the Paulsboro firehouse the weeds have grown so tall that the mosquitoes are able to even ring the bell. Charles Fish, who lives next door, had the experience of being carried out of bed one night last week by them. The next morning he arose early and had the weeds cut down and now soundly sleeps.
12/14/1911
FIREMAN'S FAIR. The Paulsboro Fire Co. held a fireman's fair at the firehouse last week. A good supper and many articles were for sale each night. The fireman cleared $200. An oyster and chicken salad supper will be held on Friday, at 50 cents per person.
1912's
1/06/1912
FIREMEN FIGHT FOUR FIRES. Our little town was kept in excitement all day. About 9:30 a.m. an alarm was sounded for fire in one of Hoffman's houses on the Loder farm. Both companies responded and within 30 minutes the fire was under control. Loss was about $100. Shortly after the companies had returned to their firehouses, a fire broke out in the cellar of the home of Robert Gibbs on North Delaware Street. Persons thawing out water pipes caused these two fires. At 1 p.m. an alarm was sounded, and upon investigation was found to be at the tenant house in Lincoln Park, occupied by George Morgan. At the time of the fire two of Mr. Morgan's sisters were home and while one tried to put out the fire, which was gaining rapid headway about the chimney, the other rang the alarm. Both companies again responded and worked with extinguishers until the fire hose could be coupled together and water gotten. The loss will be close to $100. There was a slight fire in the pulp house at the powder works also. Fires are coming at a combination nowadays. About a year ago a fire occurred at both Lincoln Park and the Loder farm both within a few hours of each other.
3/24/1912
HOUSE ON FIRE. There was excitement in the early morning by the ringing of the fire alarms. Upon investigation, it was found that there was a fire in the barn and house of Matthew Johnson, who died several months ago. Both fire companies responded but it was too far-gone to save. The origin of fire is not known, but it is believed to have been deliberately set. The property takes in a half square on Chestnut Street.
4/04/1912
SMALL FIRE DURING STORM. A fire alarm was sounded Tuesday evening during the thunderstorm and upon investigation it was found to at the home of James Milstead. The fire was out before the fire companies arrived.
10/04/1912
FIRE IN DR. BLACK'S BARN. The fire department was called out at 3 p.m. to put out a fire in Dr. Black's barn. A pile of straw and dry manure caught fire against the barn. No one knows how the fire started, but someone saw the smoke and quick work on the part of the neighbors saved a horse and put out the fire. The weatherboards were burned through in some places.
11/09/1912
FALSE ALARM CAUSE PANIC AT MOVIE HOUSE. Some mischievous person yelled “fire” at the Bailey Opera House and threw 500 people into a panic. The film was showing where several buildings were burning up and it is believed some thoughtless boy called fire and started the crowd going. No one was hurt and the good work of Officer Isaac Vanneman was creditable.
1913's
1/061913
TWO FIRES. A slight fire occurred in one of the boathouses, when a dog knocked over a lighted oil stove. Both fire companies were called out.
The burning off of the meadows across the creek caused a great scare in town.
1/09/1913
HOSE REEL PLACEMENT. At the urging of the public safety committee, one reel of hose was placed at Cox's blacksmith shop as several citizens thought that some hose should be left in that part of town.
1/30/1913
GROCERY STORE FIRE. A slight fire occurred at Al Jones's grocery store last Friday morning, when a spark from the stove flew into a box of paper and ignited.
2/20/1913
FIRE IN BAILEY'S STORE. A slight fire occurred in Bailey's feed storeroom on Tuesday afternoon when sparks from the exhaust pipe set fire to some hay.
5/12/1913
BARN AND CONTENTS DESTROYED. The barn of Lewis Hummell was burned to the ground. Two horses were rescued but the other contents of the barn, including a wagon, were destroyed. The fire occurred just as the children were going to Sunday school and there was considerable excitement for a time.
7/30/1913
LAMP SETS FIRE IN SMEDLEY HOUSE. As Jacob Pote was returning home from church, he discovered that the home of H. B. Smedley was on fire. The Smedley's had gone out for the evening and left an oil light burning on the office desk. A book fell over upsetting the lamp, which at once set fire to several papers. The door being locked, Mr. Pote was compelled to break in through the door, and with the help of several neighbors, quickly extinguished the blaze. The fire companies responded but were not put into action.
8/03/1913
BARN BURNED TO GROUND. The barn on the old Jenkin's farm, now owned by Jacob Hoffman, burned to the ground. There was nothing left in the form of value. Both fire companies were sent for but the building was about gone when they arrived. The cause of the fire is a mystery. The glare of the flames could be seen in Woodbury.
10/31/1913
LADIES GIVE HALLOWEEN PARTY. About 300 people attended the Halloween Party, given by the Ladies Auxiliary, in the Paulsboro Firehouse. The greatest novelty was Miss Mollie Turner and Miss Ruth Kocher who were dressed as cannon firecrackers. The firehouse was decorated with cats, owls, pumpkins, and lanterns. Two rows of skeletons lined the entrance to the room All listened to a ghost story told by Mrs. Lyman Titus.
12/18/1913
FALSE ALARM. A fire alarm was turned in on Saturday afternoon from the gas plant, but it was just a brush pile that was burning.
1914's
2/20/1914
SMALL FIRE IN HOUSE. A fire of unknown origin started in the hallway of Arthur Segal's home on Delaware Street around noon Friday. It was quickly extinguished. The loss is around $200.
6/11/1914
FIRE AT LINCOLN PARK. Mischievous boys set fire to the old tower at Lincoln Park. The entire tower and boardwalk were destroyed.
7/25/1914
GAS AND STORE FIRE. About 9:30 p.m. a fire alarm was turned in and upon investigation it was found to be along the riverfront at Al Jones's grocery store. Someone was attempting to draw gasoline from the tank, which is a few feet away from the store, when all at once the entire building burst into flames. About 600 gallons of oil and gasoline were consumed along with several small buildings. Both fire companies were able to get a stream of hose on the fire.
7/27/1914
FARM FIRE. On Monday night lightning destroyed the large barn on the Walter Stanton farm, formerly known as the Mulberry or Reeves farm, near Paulsboro and Gibbstown, now occupied by Henry Bundens. Through heroic efforts, the stock was saved. William Bundens, a son, was severely burned and required the services of a doctor. A pair of fine gray horses was severely burned before they were gotten out. All hay, grain, harnesses, and farm machinery were consumed in the fire. The barn was partly insured, but the implements were not. The loss is about $1200. The lightning bolt seemingly struck the southeast corner, and in less than ten minutes the whole building was a mass of flames. Citizens of nearby towns responded through a drenching rain, but were too late to be of much service, other than to save other buildings. This is the fourth barn to be destroyed by fire in the past twenty years on this farm. Once in 1895, when occupied by the late John Sommer, once in 1899, occupied by Elwood McGinnis, with all a total loss; once in 1901, occupied by the late Joseph Norten, total loss; and now in 1914. In 1909 Mr. Stanton bought this farm from a man in Woodbury. The Stanton farm fire could be seen from Paulsboro. Both Paulsboro fire companies responded.
11/26/1914
FIRE AT GAS PLANT. A spark from a train set fire to the tar pit at the gas plant. The fire companies were called but did not go into action.
12/03/1914
RUBBISH FIRE. A fire broke out in a rubbish pile on the syndicate tract on Friday and caused a great deal of excitement among the residents of Delaware Street.
12/29/1914
BARN, WORKSHOP AND CAR LOST IN FIRE. A fire, the origin of which is not known, and probably never will be, destroyed the barn and small workshop of Freeholder C. C. Thomson at 6:30 on Tuesday morning. The building was occupied by Charles Simpson who has an auto express route between here and Philadelphia, and the George Dunlap Company, who use it to their wagons and horses in. The greatest loss will be that of Mr. Simpson who had a large express car destroyed with a value of $2500, and a new Ford touring car worth about $450. The large car was insured for two-thirds of its value, while the other is a total loss. Several packages, including a dressed turkey, were lost in the fire. The Dunlap Company had a horse, two wagons and a small push cart in the barn at the time, but Alfred Weeks, who was one of the early arrivals, managed to get the horse out but not before it had been burned severely. It is believed that the horse will die as it is supposed it inhaled the fire. Cooper Thomson, the owner of the barn, suffered but little financial loss as he had $500 insurance on the building. Clinton Kircher who is a chauffeur for Simpson, and who came to get the car out discovered the fire. He at once notified Michael Connelly, a neighbor, who then turned in the alarm to which both fire companies responded and did good work. Mr. Thomson wishes to thank the fire companies and all that aided at the fire on Tuesday morning.
