Campbell - Historic Photographs - page 1

In April 1896, Campbell had it's first house burn to the ground, the home of F.M. Righter.

Campbell's newspaper, the Campbell Weekly Visitor argued for a fire company with better equipment and a better water supply, as faucets and troughs were insufficient. It was not until 1898, however, when the Board of Trade was created, and its fire protection committee received equipment and funds. The fire equipment consisted of 200' (60m) of 2" (50mm) cotton hose, a water cart, galvanized iron pails, two ladders and a small amount of money. They also purchased two fire hooks. Apparently there was trouble with people removing the fire ladders because an ad was placed in the local newspaper in 1900 requesting "all parties to leave ladders belonging to fire dept. in their places." An addendum later added... "except in case of fire."

In 1902, with Benjamin Campbell at the head of the fire protection committee, $300 was collected in subscriptions for better fire equipment, as the result of a tragedy which resulted in the first death by fire in the Campbell community as a result of a house fire on Dillon Avenue. Despite rescue attempts that included cutting a hole in the side of her bedroom, and three injured rescuers, four year old Frances Elgina died of smoke inhalation. The home was completely destroyed.

By 1904, the board of trade authorized the construction of a suitable house for the fire apparatus that had been purchased. At this time, the town had seven fire hydrants. In 1913 the Campbell Volunteer Fire Department was established. Ethan Lanphear was elected as the first Chief, John Matheison Assistant Chief, and John D. Blaine, secretary-treasurer.

Campbell Historical Museums

Exterior of Saratoga Bank, branch of the American Trust Company with vehicles parked in front. Also Campbell Volunteer Fire Department; Ethan Lanphear was Chief.

Campbell Historical Museums

Chemical tank either horse-drawn or hand pulled. A cylindrical metal tank, attached by two side crossbars and axle to two wooden spoked wheels with metal rims and capped hubs. Crossbars extend to front/top of tank and attach to a horizontal bar. The tank is painted red, and "Campbell F.D." is stenciled on the sides. A brass faucet or nozzle protrudes from top/side of tank with coiled canvas hose attached to the spigot. Date 1900-1920.

The volunteers were called to fires by the ringing of church bells; on Sundays this resulted in some confusion, so in 1914 a fire bell was purchased from the city of San Jose for $40. A 25' (7.5m) tower was built on the Farmers Union Packing Company property on Central Avenue. It was rung by two Model T pistons attached to the bell by two wires which were pulled by hand, and often caused the loss of skin and sometimes a fingernail when rung. An engine house was built under the bell tower a few months later.

Campbell Historical Museums

Campbell Fire Department's First Fire Truck, a 1913 Model-T American Lafrance with two chemical tanks, 12' (4m) ladder, two oil lanterns, two axes and 50' (18m) of 1" (25mm) rubber hose. Also showing original firestation in background, East side of Campbell between Campbell and Hyde Cannery. Date 1913-1925.

Campbell Historical Museums

Chemical 1, a Ford Model T, Campbell's first fire engine.

both: Campbell Historical Museums

Campbell's first Fire Station 1 was a red building with the Model T fire engine housed in the rear shed, and a bell tower. Left picture taken on 14 July 14 1913. Right photo circa 1950s.

Despite extra pressure pumps and 2-1/2" (63mm) hydrants, along with new hose and nozzles purchased in 1916, a disastrous fire hit the business community on 27 Oct 1917. Calls for help went out m the Campbell volunteers, and the San Jose, Santa Clara and Los Gatos fire departments responded. Four buildings were destroyed, along with a garage full of vehicles.

In November 1918 voters approved the formation of a fire district. An auto chemical engine was purchased along with new fire hose and hydrants. The Ford LaFrance double tank chemical car with hose trailer was purchased from the American La France Fire Engine Company, Inc., in Elmira, NY, at a cost of $1775. The engine served until 1937, when it was old. Later, volunteer Bill Morgan decided to rebuild this first truck, and with donations from local residents he was able to restore it. It is still in the city's possession.

first three photos: Wayne Sorenson Collection

lower right: Campbell Historical Museums

Four views of Campbell's 1922 Ford Model T/American LaFrance double tank chemical engine. The lower right undated shot shows Campbell firefighters on the rig, dressed in vintage helmets, circa 1970.

The engine was reconstructed in 1957 by the fire department, and restored in 1989 by Vacaville Prison Industries. It is still in the city's possession, on display at the Campbell Historical Museum, formerly Campbell Station 1. Photos Feb 2003.

Campbell Historical Museums

Portrait of Ed Genasci, Chief from 1919-41. Photo 1930-1941.

In 1919 Ed Genassi became the second volunteer chief, providing leadership until 1941. In February 1920 a new fire house was dedicated for the Campbell Volunteer Fire Department, and it served until 1951. Today this building is still standing at 342 E. Campbell Avenue.

Santa Clara County Fire Dept Archive

Then and Now: This is the 342 East Campbell Av building. Upper two photos taken March 1981; bottom photo taken 19 Mar 2003.

In 1920, the board of fire commissioners set limits of service outside the district. If someone called from this area, there was a charge of $25, which had to be guaranteed by the person making the call. In 1921 it was further decided that the fire apparatus could not be taken outside the district lines, as when this happened the taxpayers who defrayed the expenses of the district were temporarily unprotected.

Campbell Historical Museums

Early Campbell volunteers taken in front of B.O. Curry building, 16 March 1926.

The department was constantly trying to raise money. They washed buildings as part of their practice drills, and had picnics and barbecues. The most well-known money making project brought them world-wide publicity but no cash. In 1935, the Chief's father, Louis Genasci Sr., fell off his bicycle into a mud hole, while on his way to a 2am fire on a rainy morning. Volunteer Andrew T. Hartley, a local bicycle enthusiast, talked up the idea of the fire department becoming "bicyclized." He argued that bicycles could be hoisted over fences beyond which cars could not go. Chief Genasci was opposed to this suggestion unless he could ride tandem with somebody else pedaling. The newspapers picked up the story, and before long, Paramount pictures, Pathe, Universal and Hearst Metrotone, the "Big Four" movie news people in those days, were interested in filming their antics.

Campbell Historical Museums

Bicycle used by Campbell firefighters to get to fires. Donated by Chief Genasci, it is shown here shown on display at the Campbell Historical Museum.

Around town, firemen were seen balancing long ladders as they pedaled along. Bicycles were streamlined with racing handlebars, and mudguards were eliminated for better speed. In June 1935 the department was filmed for three hours riding to and extinguishing fires, with the Chief indeed arriving on a bicycle built-for-two. Newspapers reported that the film was shown worldwide as well as throughout the US. However, when Campbell attempted to get its share of the proceeds, they were informed that the film had been destroyed to obtain the silver nitrate it contained.

In 1936 a 500gpm Class A pumper was purchased. It was made by Van Pelt Fire Apparatus of Oakdale, CA, on an Indiana-White chassis. In 1937 another, similar engine was purchased with an open cab.

By 1937 the need for new equipment was imperative, so a new 500 gallon (1900 l) Van Pelt pumper was purchased. In 1939, another Van Pelt was bought on the lend-lease plan. The Campbell Avenue station was overcrowded but nothing could be done to build a new station as World War II had begun. Chief Genasci, after 22 years as Chief, left for a military camp in San Luis Obispo.

Wayne Sorenson Collection

Santa Clara County Fire Dept Archive

Four views of Campbell's 1936 Indiana/Van Pelt 500gpm pumper, at bottom right operating at a house fire. Lower left photo May 1967. All others date unknown.

Campbell Historical Museums

Two engines and pumper with some firefighter. 1937 Indiana White/Van Pelt on left and 1939 (Pumper 2) on right.

all five: Campbell Historical Museums

Two photos of Pumper 2. Top left: Pumper 2 with two firefighters. Pumper 2 was a 1939 Indiana White/Van Pelt with a 250 or 500 gpm (950 or 1900 l/m) pump. Top right: Pumper 2 with Genasci.
Center: J.B. Scott as Assistant Chief.
Bottom left: Volunteer firefighter on engine. Bottom right: volunteer firefighter sifting through debris left by fire with a pole, at an outdoor site while a group of people look on. Although all of these photos are undated, they were probably taken at the same event, probably 1940.

J.B. Scott was appointed Chief in 1941. In 1942, 16 fire department volunteers were inducted into military service. High school boys and older men had to be trained so that the town would not be without fire protection. Scott also created an evacuation group and fire department at the Santa Clara County hospital during this time, the apparatus being furnished from forestry and war surplus equipment.

Campbell Historical Museums

Campbell firefighters battling a night fire, the burning of Firefighter Harley Poore's home. From foreground going back: Jack Chappel (under fig tree), Harley Poore, George Adamson and Catfish Johnson. In background are two spectators. Photo c. 1945.

After the war, the town of Campbell grew rapidly. A new fire station site was purchased at what is today 41 North Central Avenue, for $6000. The old building on Campbell Avenue was sold for $11,500, which was put toward the build of the new station, built in 1951. One year later, in 1952, the townspeople finally voted for incorporation, and the City of Campbell became a reality. The first building it owned was the 1951 fire station.

After Campbell incorporated in March 1952, the Campbell fire district was dissolved in June, and the city of Campbell fire department came into existence. Volunteer Chief Jack Scott was hired as the city of Campbell's first Fire Chief on 2 June 1952, and sworn in on 9 June. He was not paid a salary but rather a "reasonable expense account." He was allowed to purchase an air horn for the alarm system in July 1952, and was asked by the council to share his facilities with the newly-formed police department and city clerk. The volunteer firefighters agreed to be the city of Campbell fire department, so Scott continued to work with only volunteers for a year after the department was officially formed. It was not until September 1952 that the city received ownership to two fire trucks and the deed to the real property at 51 North Central Avenue. At this time, the fire telephone and siren button were located in the Darling-Fisher-Krug Memorial Chapel on Campbell Avenue. After Campbell hired full time paid firefighters, the emergency equipment was moved to the station.

Fred Jones Jr. and Bill Morgan were hired as Campbell's first permanent paid firefighters in August 1953. Bruce Gammon was added in 1954.

Julie Green Collection

Bill Morgan and Fred Jones, Jr, on the 1936 Indiana/Van Pelt. Photo 1955.

Wayne Sorenson Collection

This 1954 GMC/Van Pelt had a 1000gpm pump, a 500 gallon tank, and ran as Engine 26.

Santa Clara County Fire Dept Archive

Engine 25 responding from station 1. This rig originally had a "bubble gum machine" rounded warning light over the windshield. This was original equipment on the 1959, and was changed to the flat top warning light to match the 1961 after it was delivered. This, plus the yellow license plate, would date this photo between 1959 and 1961.

Campbell Historical Museums

Left: Station 1 and it's apparatus, circa 1960. Lineup shows (left to right) 1959 Ford half-ton pickup (not yet fitted with rescue equipment), Engine 25, 1936 Indiana White/Van Pelt, Pumper 2, Engine 26.
Right: July 1966. Note new house on right, later demolished for the downtown bypass road. (Left to right) are a 1959 Ford half-ton pickup, now fitted with rescue equipment, and Engines 25 and 24, both 1959 American LaFrance 900, 1000gpm triple combination pumpers.

Campbell Historical Museums

Motor vehicle accident, possibly highway 17 southbound, north of Hamilton Avenue overpass. Overturned car in central divider. Circa 1960.

left: Campbell Historical Museums

right: Santa Clara County Fire Dept Archive

Two more views of station 1 on Central Avenue. Built in 1951 for the Campbell Fire District, also first city offices 1952-1956. The small wing on left, more visible in these photos, was the former city clerks office as well as firefighter's living quarters. Left photo July 1966. Right photo March 1981.

Then and Now: Campbell Station 1, built in 1951, was used until 1982 when the new Campbell Station 1, (now County Station 11) was built. The old Station 1, located at 51 North Central Av, was converted into Campbell's first City Hall, and then into the Campbell Historical Museum. When the City of Campbell incorporated on 28 March 1952, this building not only doubled as the first City Hall, but also housed the Police Department, the public works department and the city clerk as well as the firehouse. It is designated as California Point of Interest no. SCL-041. Photo March 1999.

Campbell Historical Museums

Captain Scanlon and two other Campbell firefighters attacking a fire at an orchard. Campbell's 1954 GMC/Van Pelt Engine 26 is in the foreground.

Campbell Historical Museums

Structure fire, date unknown. The only person identifiable is the one on the extreme right, firefighter Butterfield.

Much of the information on this page from: "Campbell the Orchard City", by Jeanette Watson