BFPD FY26 GFOA Budget - Flipbook - Page 61
| DISTRICT HISTORY
1897 to 1950: The Early Bartlett Fire Years
On Wednesday, December 22, 1897, a group of Bartlett citizens gathered together for the purpose of
forming a volunteer fire department. Twenty-six men, all over sixteen years of age, signed the by-laws
and the constitution of the new fire department which was drawn up by George Struckman. Mr. A.C.
Schick was elected the first fire chief of the department at the first meeting held on January 10, 1898.
From that time on, the department functioned well according to records, even though the chief was known
to report at meetings, "that the engine was in working order, but leaks worse than ever."
Disbanded
The department continued its operations until the middle of 1901, when it apparently disbanded. It was
reorganized on July 11, 1910 with many of the same men as members. This organization appeared to have
continued until sometime in 1915, although there are no records documenting this after November 7,
1911. A third and final reorganization of the department came on November 16, 1925. At this time
twenty-nine men became members of the department.
A New Department
H.C. Thurnau was elected fire chief of the new department. This group not only functioned as a
firefighting unit, but soon became the center of social activity in the community. Dances and picnics,
along with grand and glorious 4th of July celebrations were held. The 4th of July celebration in 1926 had
a parade that contained thirty-one floats; there were fireworks, dancing, and games of chance. It was so
successful that they quickly planned another picnic in August. This was the forerunner of the former
firemen's picnic.
Sometime in 1930, the firemen became movie stars. The Atlas Educational Film Company wanted some
shots of the volunteer department in action, so the men gave a demonstration of how it should be done.
Unfortunately, this film is no longer available. Throughout its existence, the department has always had
cordial relations with the village board, realizing that cooperation and understanding were essential to a
smooth operating partnership.
P a g e 61 | BARTLETT FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT | INTRODUCTION
