A hundred years ago a new fire hall was being planned and built, and in September of that year (1903) the new Hurontown Fire Company Hall was dedicated. Joan Shiroda Norton of Florida found this old photo in her shoebox, and shares the memories as recorded on the back of the picture:

The horse drawn pumper is reportedly a Silsby Steamer. Members of the Hurontown Fire Company with nicknames as they are printed on the back of the photograph:

Front row L-R: Clarence Walters, Frank Lorenz, Peter "Fadder" Wagner, Sr., Wm. S. "I Gotee" Sampsom, Chief John "Sheboygan" Wagner, Frank "Snowstorm" Walters, Charles "Barley" Wagner

2nd row L-R: James Vial, Hugh Montgromery, Thomas Wedge, Joe "Skoozie" Wagner, Matt Michels, Andrew Michels, Walter "Bud" Trathen, Charles "Allspice" Walters

On steamer: John Peters, John Walters
In big door right side: Wm Liebetrau

3rd. row L-R: Theo. Sibilsky, Fred Girgen, Ernest Liebetrau Sr., Louis Bleise, Gabriel Kaspers, Wm. Hannon, John Mensgohr, Herman Staats, Peter "House Dog" Walters, Frank Hannon, Joseph Voght Sr., David Dillon.

The Case of The Secret Message: He is actually... WHAT?????

This Shoebox shot is something else. I think the Shoeboxes are my favorites, because of the incredible history behind each of them.

How can I not say this again? Pasty Central is the number one Website on the Internet. It has really enriched my daily life!

What are the long "drapes" on the horses all about?
Love these old shots. Really amazing how things have changed.

What a great picture! In reading through the names of the firemen, I recognized the name Theo. Sibilsky. His wife, Mary, and my grandmother, Ida Bergh were friends when Mary lived in Eagle River.

That photo is a treasure! What excellent condition it is being that old....it was well preserved. I noticed a reflection in the windows. That picture shines in more ways than one. Kudos!

I wonder if Herman is a brother or father to Clyde staats?? Clyde is an Uncle to me
theresedimet@a1access.net

Yes, what a difference a century makes! Can you imagine what any of those men would have thought if someone would have told them their picture would be beamed around the world so anyone could see it!
The picture was take in September, still fly season. The long "drapes" were called fly sheets and were put on working horses to reduce the iratation caused by flies. Horses sweat and that attracts flies. The fly sheets were very common and were worn all summer by draft horses. You will still see them if the horse's owner chooses to use them in place of a repellent.

They wore really neat uniforms and hats. I wonder if they had time to dress the horses and get their suits on before going to fight a fire. Neat photo, and a reminder that it was hard work back then.

I believe the drapping device the horses are wearing were for protection from flies, and other insects, and perhaps something to help keep them comfortable from sweat.

I'm sorry about the repeated answer that Paul already gave on the drapping wear on the horses, but, I will back him up!

Toivo is actually.....fiction??
Gosh I hope not!

Pikkuleipa - - I'm here, and ready for another week of adventure, on the way up the eastern coast. Charlie gave me a long weekend, for which I am greatful, but now it's back to the weekday schedule, working on Monday's Pasty Cam as we speak. Lot's of great shots in the photo inbox, so it may take awhile. Check back later, and that's not fiction.

Toivo,
I'm envious. How do I get a job like yours? Paid to travel around the country site seeing as long as you put out the daily cam page. With time off to "visit with Tina" to boot. All in the name of checking out the coast to coast dial up connection. Beautimous.

A very distinct building architecturally. Is it still standing a hundred years later?

To Martha K. --- The building is no longer standing. I believe it burned in the 1930's and was replaced with abrick hall which is still in use today. Theodore Sibilsky is my grandfather. Thanks Joan Shiroda Norton for the old photo.

The fire hall burned down. How ironic is that?

Copper City's burned down also and they lost their truck at another fire! I'm sure they are not alone in this kind of misshap. Can't remember the years of these events. Anyone else out there with a better memory?

Interesting photo. Doesnt appear as if either building is painted. Often seems that way in many of these old photos. Anyone know if that was common practice in those times? Amazing how these old photos get a person wondering.

Now if there are other 'firedogs' out there interested in seeing more of the Hurontown Fire Dept, just yell! I have a copy of a photo that was taken of the HFD when it was formed in 1882. Different firehall though...the rumor is that original hall also burnt down. Another photo in the shoebox is one of the new brick station with the firemen standing next to their fire truck(open cab)taken in 1937. Ron's grandpa and dad are in that photo along with my grandpa and dad.

Joan Shiroda Norton---- If you read this note, please contact me. I would be interested in the photo of the 1937 department. You can contact me at my e-mail. Thanks Ron Sibilsky.

A fire hall burning down is, unfortunately, rather commonplace. When we built our new one, we hooked the garage door opener up to the stove, the door opens and the stove turns off.

The firefighters tend to drop everything when the alarm sounds and often forget to turn the stove off when the head to the fire.

Nice picture, we have the same one in the hall. Its nice to see that the members and traditions of so long ago are not forgotten!