Today's equipment, which would seem miraculous to firefighters a century ago, is self-propelled. Back then, horses were required --- and that was a major problem during the early morning hours of Nov. 12, 1903, when fire broke out on the southwest corner of the Albia square --- and both of Albia's fire engines broke down.
When the call for aid reached Chariton at 4 a.m., firefighters rounded up a rail car and locomotive, loaded Old Betsy, themselves and related equipment, and headed east down the C.B.&Q. tracks --- arriving in time to stop the flames at the westside alley and control them elsewhere.
The post card image here shows the north part of Albia's west side, spared because of Chariton's prompt arrival. Buildings at the south end of the block were either gutted or destroyed entirely. Old Betsy, of course, is still Old Betsy.
Here's how The Chariton Patriot of November 12 reported the story:
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Our sister city of Albia came near being wiped out by fire at an early hour this morning. The loss is estimated at $400,000. But for the aid given by the Chariton fire department, which responded promptly to a call for help, there would have been little of the town left. The south half of the west side of the square was burned and residences west of the square, including Frank Cramer's home. Northwest of the business portion of the town the large lumber shed of the Hawkeye Lumber Company, a livery stable and several residences were consumed.
The fire originated in the basement of Love's dry goods store on the southwest corner of the square. It gained rapid headway and fanned by the wind, which was blowing a gale, swept northward, destroying the handsome row of brick buildings, among which was the Masonic Temple. The two fire engines of Albia broke down and the people were left powerless to combat the fire fiend, which threatened to wipe their town off the map. Burning brands, carried by the strong wing, were flying in all directions. A livery stable a block north of the square was set afire by one of these flying embers and this fire was quickly communicated to the large lumber shed which stood near. Dwelling houses were on fire. Families all about were moving from their homes.
This was the scene which met the eyes of the Chariton fire boys when their train pulled into the town after a run of 29 minutes. The engine was quickly unloaded and taken about 100 feet from the depot to a cistern. The hose was laid to the square, the men working under great difficulties in the face of almost overpowering heat. By this time the flames had destroyed the south half of the west side of the square and was devouring the opera house block across the alley. Our boys saved this building and prevented the fire from continuing its work of destruction among the business blocks. They then turned their attention to the burning lumber shed and by good work prevented further spread of the flames. In addition to this work, they saved several residences.
After the arrival of the Chariton firemen the work of fighting the fire devolved entirely upon them. Albia's engines were out of commission; Knoxville did not respond to the call for aid; Ottumwa sent chemical engines but they could not be used because of the extreme heat. Chariton's engine pumped water for five hours.
Our men were cheered by the people of what seemed to be a town doomed to destruction when the train bearing our engine pulled into town. They were showered with praise from the thankful people for their untiring work. The mayor said, "But for the aid rendered by Chariton our town would have burned to the ground."
The call for help reached Chariton about four o'clock. The high wind deadened the sound of the fire bell and it was some time before the firemen were roused from their beds. The engine left the fire house at 4:30. It was quickly loaded and after a wait of some minutes for a locomotive, the train started for Albia at 5:10. They run was made in 29 minutes, including a delay of three minutes at Tower 810 because of a hot box.
We are devoutly thankful that our firemen were on the spot in time to render the valuable aid they did in saving our neighboring county seat from destruction. We are proud of them for the spirit which prompted them to respond so quickly and willingly to the call for help and we are proud of them for their effective work. Our fire boys have always responded to such calls for assistance and on more than one occasion have done themselves proud.
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As it turned out, the final damage tally proved to be about $160,000, rather than $400,000 as originally estimated, but there's no doubt that it would have been much worse had Chariton's fire department not saved the day.
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