Coffee Mugs showing historical photographs.
Machine Washable Cotton 72 x 48
The St. Petersburg Fire Department had its beginning as a volunteer fire fighting company as far back in history as the late 1890's. The first building acquired to house equipment was a shed on Central Avenue and Fifth Street. This was the beginning of the Alert Hose Company No.1. Their next “station” was the Blocker's Livery Barn, with a staff of five members headed by J. C. Williams. As the city and the fire company grew, new equipment was added, including a chemical cart and new fire hose. The need for still a better organization was evidenced in 1907 when the volunteer firemen were unable to save the Colonial Hotel. Later that same year, the volunteer fire department was disbanded and the City employed a paid force.
The newly organized force was headed by G. W. Anderson. During his term, headquarters was moved first to Anderson's Meat Market and later to Fire Station No. 1, which was built in 1911, at Third Street and Second Avenue South. The first horse-drawn steam engine was purchased during this period. The horses, Dick and Dan, are mentioned often in remaining records. Following Chief Anderson's death in 1912, J. T. McNulty was appointed Chief and served until 1936. Two more stations were added by this time. The increased efficiency of the fire department was shown by a report that the fire loss in St. Petersburg was relatively small, considering the size of the town and the number of wooden buildings.
Chief McNulty was succeeded by A. H. Tuthill, who served until the appointment of Claude Nesbit. In 1939, the National Board of Fire Underwriters, in its first report since 1926, reported that an increase in manpower over the 46 man force was needed. New equipment was also identified as a necessity. Nesbit remained Chief until 1952.
Parades have always been a part of our annual celebration.
This photo is of a fire boat given to the department by the Coast Guard in the early 1950's. It was nicknamed Suicide Susan
Fire Chief J. T. McNulty, 1912-1936