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FIRE RUN CAUGHT BY THE POLYSCOPE
Thrilling Dash Immortalized on Moving Films.
TO BE REPRODUCED JAN. 20.
Witnessed by Ex-Gov. Peck and Crowds of Madison People -Was a Perfect Success.
At exactly 12 o'clock this noon fire alarm box No. 41 was pulled by W. H. Ganagher, and in the short time of forty-five seconds Chief Charles Bernard, Jr. with Jay Spell driving, in a runabout, turned from West Main street onto South Hamilton street on the first fire run in which a moving picture was ever taken of the Madison fire department. Chief Bernard's rig was followed by the following apparatus and firemen; Chemical, with Driver James Harrison and Pipeman Henry Bernard: hose cart No. 1, with John Lahm driving, and Alfred Feldt, John Boiler and Hiram Nelson on the rear; hook and ladder company No. 1, with James Nash driving and H. Scheibel as [titlerman], Charlie Coyne, Godfrey Morey, Wm. Seiler and Chas. Warnkec standing upon the platforms on the side of the truck: Assistant Chief John Engelberger, with Driver Frank Vallender on hose cart No. 2, and William Layman, pipeman, on the rear; combination hose and chemical truck No. 3, with James Van Kuelen driving, Pipeman Ed. Heick and Hoseman Ovey Johnson; engine No. 2 and tender, with Peter Lahm, Jr., driving. Wm. Aylward engineer, and John Engelberger, Jr., as stoker.
William G. Barekham followed closely after the fire department with his team of Shetland ponies and made a picturesque ending of the run.
As Chief Charles Bernard, Jr., and Jay Snell came around the corner of South Webster street, Mr. T. S. Nash, the photographer of Selig Polyscope company, began to turn the crank which exposed the films as the chemical, the hook and ladder and the big fire engine came tearing up Main street, the smoke and sparks issuing from the smoke stack of the engine and making a thrilling sight. The sidewalks along both sides of Main street were crowded with people, and at the Park Hotel corner. The rum was witnessed by Ex Governor George W. Peck, of Miwaukee, N. B. Van Slyke, Father Naughtin, A. G. Schmedeman, Chief of Police H. C. Baker, L. E. Stevens, John Pecher, David Stephens, M. S. Klauber, and several other prominent business men were noted as interested spectators.
The weather was bright enough to get a good picture according to Mr. H. R. Johnson, the manager of the Sellg Polyscope company, who was here from Chicago to superintend the taking of the picture.
After the run the company returned to engine house No. 1 and a picture was taken of the apparatus as they issued from the house running down to Main street, with the chief and Jay Snell to the lead, with the light rig followed by the chemical, hose cart No. 1, book and ladder No. 1, hose cart No. 2, with Assistant Chief Engelberger, combination hose and chemical company No. 3, followed by the fire engine.
As the chemical came from the house it had a good start, and as they turned down Webster street Pipeman Henry Bernard was thrown off, but fortunately was not injured. When the picture is reproduced it will show him lighting upon his neck in the snow.
The pictures taken today will be res produced Jan. 20 at the entertainment to be given in the Fuller Opera House for the benefit of the Firemen's Relief Fund. As this will be the first call for assistance that the firemen have made in three years, they should be given hearty support by the business men and citizens of Madison.
Wisconsin State Journal, Madison, mardi 6 janvier 1903, p. 6.
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