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CHAPTER FIVE: FIRE DEPARTMENT
Middletown residents purchased their first piece of fire fighting equipment in 1821 for $275. Known as the "Old Bread Tray" (as it loosely resembled one), it was operated by a crew of four, two on each side, by pumping the side rods. Water was supplied by a bucket brigade, and the contraption could "spout water some fifty feet vertically, leaking badly all the way." Besides its rather comical name, it was also know as "Number One Engine" and as "Middletown." There was no formal fire department at that time, and it is not known where old Number One was kept.
In 1845, James N. Pronk and others purchased the "Black Joke" for $700 froin Engine Co. No. 33 of the New York City Volunteer Fire Department. Named for a privateer active during the War of 1812, the name was retained after its arrival in Middletown. To operate this engine, Protection Engine Co, No. 2 was formed in the summer of 1845. Engine 2 was kept in a building at 9 South Street; the site is now a driveway.
After incorporation as a village in 1848, Middletown was divided into five fire districts, each with its own appointed fire warden. The village purchased the "Black Joke" and a small fire house (10' wide, 15' deep, 12' high) was built for $350 by Richard Van Horn on East Main Street on land leased from the Congregational Church. One reason for Middletown's incorporation as a village was to provide more adequate fire protection. Over the years, there were built "eleven public cisterns and wells, located in different parts of the village, to be used only in case of fire." In addition to the Bread Tray (NO. 1) and Black Joke (NO. 2), there was an "improvised hook and ladder truck." A mechanic was employed by the village "to keep the engine and other fire apparatus in good working order."
On March 31, 1859, voters approved an expenditure of $4,000 for two fire engines, construction of two fire houses, purchase of sites for the fire houses, and for miscellaneous equipment. Contracts were let on June 15, 1859. Benjamin H. Mosher received a contract to build the two fire stations: a single truck house on John Street, and a double truck house on King Street, at the corner of Foundry Alley, now called Centre Street. Architect for both was Gervase Wheeler, an internationally known designer whose work was represented in Andrew Jackson Downing's books. Although not part of the original proposal, Village President James N. Pronk and Village Trustees authorized purchase of a hook and ladder truck on July 23. As a result of Mr. Pronk's efforts on behalf of the department's organization, he is considered to be the "father of the Middletown Fire Department." Ground for the John Street or Phoenix Engine House, was broken July 27.
Excelsior Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, Eagle Fire Engine Company No. 3 (remember Engine 1 was the old Bread Tray and 2 the Black Joke), and Phoenix Engine Company No. 4 were organized in