Another Chapter in the History of the Evanston Fire Department

The Aftermath:

“It was said of George Stiles… as a fireman, none better… that he was one of the most-popular men in the Department… that he had a kind word for everyone. So shall we not then cherish his memory, and think of these splendid men more highly than ever before?”

— Dr. Wilkinson, Pastor of Wheadon Methodist Church, speaking at the funeral of Fireman George Stiles on December 14, 1905.

On the morning of December 14, 1905, just one day after the devastating Mark fire, an honor guard from the Evanston Fire Department — consisting of Lt. John Watson, Firemen Henry Newton, Harry Schaeffer, and Walter Hubert — escorted the remains of Fireman William Craig from his home at 1924 Jackson Avenue to the Davis Street C&NW RR depot. A unique floral arrangement shaped like a fire helmet, with Craig’s badge number “123” delicately woven into the center, was placed atop the Engine 1 hose wagon carrying his casket. EFD Assistant Chief Jack Sweeting accompanied the Craig family to Knoxville, Illinois, where the fallen firefighter was laid to rest.

Later that same day at 2 PM, the community gathered at Wheadon Methodist Church on Ridge Avenue for the funeral of Fireman George Stiles. Dr. Wilkinson delivered the eulogy, and the pallbearers included Capt. George Hargreaves, Lt. Thomas Norman, Engineer J. A. Patrick, and Firemen William Sumpter, John Eckberg, and John Reddick. Notably, former EFD Chief Norman Holmes was also present. Following the service, the Evanston Fire Department honor guard led the procession down Ridge Avenue, with Stiles’ casket aboard the same hose wagon that had transported Craig’s body earlier that day. The funeral cortege made its way to Rosehill Cemetery in Chicago, where Stiles was finally laid to rest.

The following day, Friday, December 15, 1905, the Evanston Fire Department faced a difficult challenge. With Firemen Ed Johnson and Thomas Watson still hospitalized and Assistant Chief Jack Sweeting in Knoxville, the department, now under the leadership of new Chief Carl Harrison, struggled to contain a major fire at Lyons Hall, located at 621 Davis Street. Despite their efforts, the blaze caused extensive damage to the third floor and rear of the historic building, along with significant smoke and water damage throughout the structure.

Lyons Hall, built in 1868, had been a central gathering place for decades, hosting political meetings, weddings, dances, and proms. It was also the site of the first meeting of the Pioneer Fire Company of Evanston in January 1873. The total damage from the fire was estimated at $12,000, including $8,000 to the building itself and $4,000 in damage to businesses and apartments on the lower floors.

In January 1906, Lieutenant Thomas Norman was promoted to Captain, taking over as company officer of Hose Co. 3, while Fireman William Sumpter was promoted to Lieutenant and became the assistant company officer of Engine Co. 1. George Stiles had been next in line for a lieutenant promotion, and it was widely believed he would have received the position had he not died in the Mark fire.

That same month, the Evanston City Council approved a pay increase for all members of the Evanston Fire Department, excluding the chief. The raise included a $5 monthly increase for the assistant chief and the three captains, and a $2.50 increase for all other firefighters.

After becoming chief, Carl Harrison introduced comprehensive training sessions for the department. Experts such as an architect and an electrical engineer were invited to speak. He also proposed using rocket flares and balloons to improve communication between firefighters at the scene and those still en route. Though the idea seemed promising, the plan was never implemented due to logistical challenges. In an era without radio communication, this innovative approach never came to fruition.

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