- Early Department History - 
A devastating fire struck Stanton Iowa on August
16, 1888. One half of the business portion of the town lay in
ashes. The fire was discovered about 1 A.M. burning from the
roof of Lofstedt's Harness Shop. The flames spread so rapidly
that the entire row of buildings at the north end of the business
area to the east and west main street of the town, was destroyed
in about forty minutes. Word was sent to Red Oak and Villisca
for help because Stanton did not have an organized fire department.
The Villisca Fire Department made the trip of seven miles in
seven minutes in a box car behind the C.B.&Q night switch
engine. About forty firemen arrived bringing a "Little Giant"
pump and 200 feet of hose. Water was scarce, but enough was found
to keep the fire from spreading further east to the houses on
the hill.
Losses were heavy: C.W. Swanson and Co. a dry goods
store had a loss of about $23,000; the furniture store above
the dry goods store owned by J.V. Donelson had a $2000 loss.
Wallin Brothers had heavy losses of hardware and implements of
about $9,000 and Lofstedt's Harness Shop's loss was about $4000.
Insurance covered some the the financial loss but the effect
was tragic on the business district of Stanton.
No record can be found of any attempt to organize
a fire department in Stanton until five years later. The first
equipment purchased was a dozen fiber pails in February of 1893
for $12.00. The City Council in 1893 appointed a committee to
investigate whether, "a group of young men can be found
for fire protection." In September, Howe Pump and Engine
Company of Indianapolis, IN. was contacted for a demonstration
of a fire engine. A special meeting was called in October for
this demonstration and it was decided to purchase the engine
for $400 in cash and $160 payable in December. The City Council
was to 'investigate a convenient place for a fire station', which
was to be 14'x20'x8' high. The location selected was in the southwest
corner of the school grounds and was built for a cost of $166.07.
During March of 1897, a permanent fire committee
was appointed and was authorized to finish work on the town fire
cisterns, purchase an extension ladder, fire gong, etc. Various
items of small equipment were added to the department over the
years such as a 22" fire bell which was purchased for $12.00.
Officers in 1899 were A.E. Ekland, Fire Chief; W. Sellergren
Assistant Chief; F.H. McCormick, President; E. B. McCormick and
John Erickson, Captains and E. A. Larson was Secretary.
The Constitution for the Stanton Fire Department
was adopted on November 4, 1907. The Fire Company petitioned
the council for a wagon on which to pull their ladders; they
were authorized not to spend over $35. In 1913 a shed was built
on the lot where the jail was located to hold the water wagons,
tools, etc. and a fire tower was purchased for $171.75. In May
of 1915, 400' of fire hose at .65 cents a foot was purchased
from Stanton Implement and a hose cart purchased from Guston-Bacon
manufacturing of Kansas. This hose cart is still in the posession
of the Stanton Department.
The City Council approved a tax levy for fire equipment
of 1 1/2 mils or $200 in August of 1919. In 1921 the council
was to investigate the purchase of some real estate for a new
fire station. A Model T Ford fire truck was purchased from Anderson
Company of Omaha in October of 1922 for $1888.00. M.L. Trybom
was hired to take care of the fire equipment for $15.00 per month.
A fire siren was bought in 1923 from Midwest Distributing Company,
1/2 in cash and 1/2 in warrant. This siren was used until 1995.
There was discussion on moving the fire house from the school
grounds. Some time later the station was moved because of the
construction of the gymnasium at the same location. This same
year the department was limited to 15 members.
For many years fire protection was provided by
a 1924 Model T Ford Truck which is now again owned by the department.
In 1924 fire department members included: E.E. Larson, Francis
Swanson, Leroy Johnson, Elder Erickson, Lawrence Requist, Joe
Pugh, Ross Rees, Ivan "Pete" Johnson, and Lee Bergren.
(Pictured below)
