History Of Phoenixville's Brilliant Fire Horses

Before the age of fire trucks, firefighters needed a reliable way to quickly reach fires.

In many parts of the country, that way was via horse.

The Phoenixville Area Historical Society recently shared an impeccably researched piece detailing the story of the horses and how they helped the Phoenixville Fire Department keep the borough safe in the early part of the 20th century:

Between 1908 and 1918 Phoenix Hose, Hook & Ladder No. 1, Phoenixville’s first fire company had not only a first rate team of firefighters but also Duke and Harry, a handsome pair of dapple grey horses. For the price of daily oats and veterinary care, this pair charmed the citizenry while taking the job of racing to fires with single-minded purpose.

Horses were probably used in early times to help firemen with heavy tasks but it wasn’t until the mid-1800s, when firefighting equipment was enhanced to use steam, that horse drawn equipment became necessary. Before then when the call rang out, hand pumpers and hoses were pulled to the fire scene by men. Pressure in the pumpers was created manually taking a significant amount of time and energy. With the invention of the steam engine for pumping water the load became too much for firemen. Horses became important in hauling the three or four tons of weight.

When needed, horses used by Phoenix Hose, Hook & Ladder No. 1 were hired from local livery stables. Although fire companies in larger cities used steam powered equipment earlier, it wasn’t until 1903 that a combination chemical and hose wagon was purchased in Phoenixville, followed in 1906 by the purchase of a steam pumper. The heavier equipment demanded horse power. Following a disastrous fire at the Jefferson Hotel in February of 1903 Joseph McGlinshy, proprietor of the hotel, in gratitude donated two fine horses to PHHL No 1.

To learn more about the horses and the work of the Phoenixville Historical Society, please see here.