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Before New Orleans established a professional fire department in 1891, the city's firefighters were volunteers from all levels of society.
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Hey Blake,
In doing some family research, I came upon the obituary for my great-grandfather, John Minor Wisdom. He died in New Orleans in 1857 at age 37. In the Daily Picayune for Oct. 21, 1857, his obituary was immediately followed by this paragraph:
"Pelican Hook and Ladder Fire Co. #4: The officers and members of this Company are hereby requested to assemble at the Truck-House this afternoon at 3 o'clock, in citizens' dress, with badges, for the purpose of assisting in the funeral cortege of our late member, John M. Wisdom Esq., deceased. A full attendance is requested."
This was followed by an almost identically worded notice from the American Hook and Ladder Fire Co. #2.
Here's the problem: John M. Wisdom was not a fireman. He was a partner in the firm of Hewitt, Norton, & Co., a cotton brokerage. I cannot figure out why these two groups of real firemen would have been interested in the funeral of a 37-year-old businessman. Can you enlighten me?
Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin
Dear Adelaide,
I can assure you that your great-grandfather was indeed a fireman, although not a professional one. He was one of many public-spirited businessmen in the city that formed the numerous volunteer fire departments that existed in the 19th century.
The threat of fire was ever present in New Orleans. There had been two disastrous fires in 1788 and 1794, as well as other extensive and costly fires and hundreds of minor fires each year.
The first effective fire-fighting organization in New Orleans was the Volunteer Fire Department No. 1 that was formed in 1829. Shortly after, similar groups arose, and by 1850 there were more than 20 fire companies in New Orleans. Leading men of this city comprised the early membership in these companies as men from all walks of life joined in the efforts to protect the city. The American Hook and Ladder Company No. 2 was one of the companies that continued to enroll wealthy Anglo-French members even after other companies began to depend more and more on Irish-German immigrants to fill their ranks.
The companies were often known by names such as "Vigilant" and "Perseverance," and had many features of a lodge: elected officers, initiations, ceremonies, social occasions and benevolence programs. Since there was no required uniform, the men of each company designed their own, many of which were very elaborate and colorful.
The companies elected a fire commissioner from among themselves, and funding came in several ways. The city government provided money for stations and equipment, and the Board of Insurance Underwriters contributed, too. The companies also raised money through initiation fees, dues and company balls.
Most fire companies sponsored balls each winter, the dignity and expense of which were determined by the social prestige of the company. The leading figures in New Orleans society sponsored the annual ball of the Perseverance Company, but other groups like the Pelican Fire Company of Algiers advertised their ball this way: "Not one of your stiff necked, cold formal aristocratic affairs, but a social democratic assemblage, where both sexes can intermingle, whisper love sonnets in each other's ears and naturally amuse and delight."
During the summer months there were always concerts and fireworks displays for the enjoyment of the general public, sponsored by the Fireman's Charitable Association, a benevolent society organized in 1834. Individual companies often went on picnics and short day trips to Milneburg, Carrollton and Algiers. Frequently "brothers" from different companies entertained each other.
The fire companies were popular in the city and were frequently called upon to participate in parades for special occasions and holidays. They donned their uniforms, decorated their engines and marched through the streets, each company led by an honorary marshal and boys carrying banners bearing the company name. In between each company was a band playing a merry tune to keep the men in step.
In 1855, the Fireman's Charitable Association reorganized the volunteer fire companies, elected a chief engineer and signed a contract with the city agreeing to fight fires for an annual fee. However, in Dec. 15, 1891, their last contract was not renewed, and a paid city fire department was established.
