Title: Fire Department, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Records
Inclusive Dates: 1886-1987 (bulk 1903-1987)

Creator:

• Eau Claire (Wis.). Fire Department

Call Number: Eau Claire Series 132

Quantity: 3.0 cubic feet (1 archives box and 10 flat cases)
Repository:

Housed at the Area Research Center, William D. McIntyre Library, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; owned by the Wisconsin Historical Society, Division of Library, Archives and Museum Collections

Archival Locations:

UW-Eau Claire McIntyre Library / Eau Claire Area Research Ctr. (Map)

COLLECTION MAY BE STORED OFF-SITE: see catalog entry to request materials and for additional information.

Abstract:

Primarily scrapbooks of the Fire Auxiliary Local 21, 1936-1972; and news clipping scrapbooks regarding department activities, 1903-1987. Also included are articles on local history and the history of the department, 1886-1987, and annual reports, 1928-1967 and 1976. Original photographs are included in some of the Auxiliary scrapbooks.

Note:

There is a restriction on access to this material; see the Administrative/Restriction Information portion of this finding aid for details.

Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-whs-eauc0132

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Access Restrictions

COLLECTION STORED AT ARC: Collection can be requested for transfer through the Area Research Center (ARC) Network, consult Reading Room Staff.

Prior to 1870 village trustees were given fire extinguishers and were responsible for responding to small fires. In 1871, West Eau Claire received a third class Silsby steam engine, and in 1875 the city purchased a second. The Eau Claire Fire Department was established as a professional organization in 1887. Around the turn of the century a Police and Fire Commission formed so that the department could steer clear of politics. The department received its first piece of motorized equipment in 1912 and became completely motorized by 1927.

In 1924 a new fire station was recommended by fire chief James Welsh. Welsh retired in 1937 as the oldest fireman in Wisconsin, having served for 48 years. The department continued to add new and improved equipment over the years and in 1943 the Safety Building was built which housed the Fire, Health and Police Departments. During the 1940s and 50s the National Board of Fire Underwriters made several suggestions to the company regarding increasing manpower. The department also installed new radios, built a new fire station and installed a telephone fire alarm system with 42 boxes around the city.

Between 1968 and 1986 the Eau Claire Fire Department started a major redevelopment program, with its final goal being to provide better service faster. Equipment and tools were relocated, training programs developed, 911 dispatches became reality and 2 new fire stations opened. It was during this time that the department ambulance and EMT service also began. Over the years the Eau Claire Fire Department has added numerous other rescue services such as hazardous materials handling, water/scuba rescue, radiological defense and rappelling. The department also provides public education for fire prevention and pre-fire planning, and specialized programs for schools and local businesses.

Fire departments -- Wisconsin -- Eau Claire.Fire prevention -- Study and teaching -- Wisconsin -- Eau Claire.Local government records.Scrapbooks.Photographs.

Eau Claire Series 132 Box   1	Department history, 1886-1987
Box   1	Annual reports, 1928-1967, 1976
	News clipping scrapbooks, 1903-1987
Box   2	1903-1941
Box   3	1945-1952
Box   4	1953-1956
Box   5	1956-1970
Box   6	1970-1975
Box   7	1980-1987
	Fire Auxiliary Local 21 scrapbooks, 1936-1972
Box   8	1936-1948
Box   9	1949-1953
Box   10	1955-1972
Box   11	Fire Prevention and Safety scrapbook, 1954-1956