Fire Department

Contains 239 photos

wnp13.288

Bush & Kearny

Elevated view northwest across intersection of Bush & Kearny to the California Hotel and Theater (built 1889). A poster for Russell's Comedians, a production which played there from January 19th to February 8, 1891, leans in the entryway. On the morning of the April, 1906 earthquake, the eastern chimney of the hotel fell through the roof of the adjacent fire station (which by then had a third story added) resulting in the death of Chief Dennis Sullivan. A poster on the wall of St. George Alley at lower right is for 'Musette' with Lotta Crabtree at the Baldwin Theater, which opened for a 2 week run on January 26, 1891. At right, a sign for F. H. Lawton Shirt Manufacturer, 305 Kearny. Stanford and Mark Hopkins mansions in distance left. Utility poles with 6 crossbars.

1891 Downtown / Union Square

wnp15.593

Columbus Near Washington

View northwest on Columbus Ave (then Montgomery Ave). Banner 'California The Land of Orange Bowers', Men in uniform, firemen pulling decorated wagons (one with a 'We Destroy To Save' motto on it, a common motto of 19th century hook and ladder companies), crowd lining street. Buildings decorated, flags strung across street. Tower of St. Francis of Assisi Church in distance. See also wnp15.1391, 15.590. Possibly Admission Day Parade, 1890.

1890 Chinatown

wnp30.0231

Fulton near Larkin

View northeast across Fulton to a "chemical engine" fire truck next to Main Library at Civic Center, on Fulton Street near Larkin. In background right, St. Boniface Church, Red Cross Building at Fulton and Hyde Streets.

1925 Civic Center

wnp30.0247

Oak near Gough

Fire Dispatch Headquarters. 229 Oak Street, built 1913

1914 Lower Haight

wnp30.0248

3rd & Cargo

A large fire destroyed four meat packing plants at 3rd Street and Cargo (Arthur Avenue) in Butchertown on June 15, 1925. This fire led to the construction of a fire station (engine co. 25) at 3305 Third Street in 1927. Two hogs were killed in the fire.

1925 Bayview

wnp30.0249

Oak near Gough

Fire Dispatch Headquarters. 229 Oak Street, built 1913

1914 Lower Haight

wnp30.0250

Hayes near Polk

Fire Dispatch Yeadquarters. Commercial Fire Dispatch was a private service that placed fire alarms in buildings and notifed the Fire Department of alarms in those buildings.

1913 Civic Center

wnp30.0257

Fire Trucks in the Rain

Pillar marking neighborhood entrance in foreground

1930

wnp30.0258

Market near 3rd

Elevated view of fire at 660 Market Street, which destroyed a three story building. Numerous fire trucksand a maze of firehoses in Market Street. Photograph taken from roof of Palace Hotel.

1923 Downtown / Union Square

wnp30.0260

McAllister near Webster

Firehouse of Engine Company No. 14, Capt. William J. Kenealey. This firehouse was in service from 1884 until 1961. After demolition, the facade was preserved and street address renumbered from 1051 McAllister to 1047. Shenson's Kosher Meat Market, 1053 McAllister.

1931 Fillmore

wnp30.0261

Market Street Fire

View northeast on Market between Kearny and Montgomery. Firefighters and crowd assemble on Market Street. Fire at 660 Market Street.

1923 Downtown / Union Square

wnp30.0262

Old Mint

View southeast to fire truck on Mint Street behind Old U.S. Mint, Chronicle Building visible across Mission Street

1925 South of Market

wnp30.0283

Fireboat David Scannell

Firefighters posed around automobile with Fireboat 'David Scannell' in background. The Scannell was reactivated in 1921 after being out of service for 2 years. Riverboat 'Petaluma' at left.

1921 Rincon Hill

wnp14.2778

Bayshore Factory Fire

Aerial view west to 4 alarm fire at Kunst Bros. Paint Factory 419 Bayshore, near Cortland. Apparel City at center.

1949 Bernal Heights

wnp14.2779

Bayshore Factory Fire

Aerial view of 4 alarm fire at Kunst Bros. Paint Factory 419 Bayshore, near Cortland

1949 Bernal Heights