Write a commentThe Oswego County Historical Society, the Oswego City Historian, and Fort Ontario hosted their latest History On Tap event on Tuesday evening.
The well-attended event featured the volunteer Curator of the John D. Murray Oswego Firefighters Museum, Corey King, as the presenting speaker.
Prior to King's presentation, a representative from the CNY chapter of the American Red Cross spoke to the audience about the organization's Disaster Response Team. She spoke about the vital services this team provides, and asked those listening to consider volunteering with the organization.
Corey King began his talk, accompanied by projected photos from the Fire Museum archives, by talking about the earliest days of firefighting in Oswego. "In the 1820's," he said, "all city residents were required by law to assist whenever a fire took place in their neighborhood." Neighbors would take part in a "bucket brigade" to attempt to extinguish the fire and keep it from spreading, he said.
"Eventually, several volunteer fire brigades were formed in various areas of the city," he continued, "...to guarantee a quicker response." The city eventually hired its first paid firemen, then formed the fully-paid Oswego Fire Department in 1876.
As time progressed, hand-operated fire pumps were developed, allowing for more water to be directed on fires, the city installed a municipal water system with fire hydrants, and several fire stations were built on both sides of the Oswego River.
Horse-drawn "steamer" fire pumpers replaced the hand pumps, and responded to many giant conflagrations - some truly devastating mill fires that did damage that would today be valued up to $40 million dollars! During the 1920's, gasoline-engined fire engines came into service, leading to today's modern fire trucks.
Corey King's research into the history of firefighting in Oswego is second to none, as has been the work he has done at Fort Ontario. The founders of the John D. Murray Oswego Firefighters Museum would be proud that he has continued their legacy.
The next edition of History On Tap will be held on Tuesday, May 6 at 7:00 pm in the Riverfront Room at GS Steamers. The May topic will be Noteworthy Women of Oswego County, presented by Natalie Woodall.
