That was not the case as July turned to August back in 1878. Joseph Brown's pond northwest of the square was the only source of water firefighters had at the time to fight blazes in that part of town. It was not fenced, and hogs were threatening to turn it into a wallow. Eli Manning, then chief engineer of the department, expressed this as a major concern when preparing his "first quarterly report" of the state of the fire department for submission to Chariton's City Council. He recommended that the city fathers invest in a fence.
Although Manning called this a quarterly report, it actually covered the department's first six months of operation. The department had been organized formally during December of 1877 as the result of a disastrous fire on the evening of October 29 that had destroyed the city's pride and joy --- the mighty brick South School, located where Columbus now stands. Without a fire department, firefighting equipment or a source of water, there was no choice other than to just watch it burn.
Old Betsy I (at left on the cover of the department's second anniversary banquet program), predecessor to our current 1883 Old Betsy, had arrived in town from New York during early December and hook and ladder equipment was on the way at the time the department was organized.
The map, part of an 1883 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map, shows the block immediately southwest of the square where the engine house was located --- the current site of Chariton City Hall and the attached fire station. Adams Avenue then is Court Avenue now, that's South Main to the right and Jefferson Avenue now is known as Linden.
The jail site now is home to Veterans Memorial Park. In fact, the only building on this map that still is standing is the house in the northwest corner, now a well-kept apartment house facing Court, just beside the railroad tracks. At the time the map 1883 map was drawn, this was home to the Gassers.
Anyhow, here's Eli's report as published on Page 1 of The Chariton Democrat of Aug. 3, 1878:
REPORT OF FIRE MARSHAL
To the Hon. City Council of the city of Chariton. In compliance with sec. 2, ordinance 23.
I hereby submit my first quarterly report of the condition and doings of the fire department of this city. Upon careful examination I find Engine, Hose, Hooks, Ladders and Wagon in number one condition.
On the evening of the first Monday in December, 1877, there was a called meeting of citizens, for the purpose of organizing a volunteer fire department, which was composed of many of the best citizens, and from which was organized our current efficient department composed of two companies, known as Engine Company No. 1 and Hook and Ladder Company No. 1.
There are at present, 35 members of Engine Company, and 32 members of Hook and Ladder Company. About the 1st of June last, the department concluded to uniform themselves. They set themselves to work in earnest, and by the 1st of July had succeeded in procuring a substantial, neat and dressy uniform, which is an honor to themselves and a credit to the city.
Since our organization, we have been called into the following active service. With what result is well known to all. The night of Jan. 18th, the burning of old Pennsylvania House; Feb. 27th, fire at James Gallagher's saloon; Sunday, April 7th, E.E. Edwards' residence; June 1st and 3rd, fire at Mallory's elevator. In all of which fires the entire department acquitted themselves creditably, and without the aid of which, the property would, without doubt, have been entirely destroyed. It was all saved with trifling loss, excepting the Pennsylvania house, which was more than half burnt down before the alarm was given.
The matter of uniforming was a personal affair of the boys (with the exception of such donations, as friends of the department saw fit to contribute) and to said persons, also to citizens of the county and city who so liberally patronized our entertainments on the fourth of July, thereby enabling us to own our uniforms free of debt, we extend our thanks.
I would call the attention of your honorable body to the fact that the roof of the Engine house is leaky, and as a matter of economy recommend its immediate repair. I also recommend the purchase of 1 dozen spanners to expedite the laying of hose. Mr. Joseph Brown donates the use of his pond, by the woolen mill, to the city for all fire purposes. There being no fence around it, the hogs are fast filling it up. It is our nearest water supply for all the northwest portion of the city, and would well be worth the cost of a fence around it. Respectfully submitted. Eli Manning, chief engineer.
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