**From Phil Stenholm:**
Another update on the history of the Evanston Fire Department.
---
This story begins on a quiet Sunday afternoon, January 9, 1927, when a young Boy Scout named LeRoy Kreutzer spotted something troubling: smoke billowing from the Boltwood Intermediate School, located at the intersection of Dempster and Elmwood. At the time, Boltwood was not only Evanston's sole junior high school but also home to the local Boy Scouts of America chapter. Interestingly, the building had once been the site of Evanston Township High School before the newer ETHS campus opened on Church and Dodge in 1924. Kreutzer immediately pulled the fire alarm at box #313 and rushed to wake up EFD Chief Albert Hofstetter at his nearby home on Sherman Avenue.
By the time Chief Hofstetter arrived, Engine Company #1 had already begun responding to the scene. It quickly became evident that the fire was limited to a single room—a manual arts classroom in the basement. Unfortunately, despite its initial containment, thick smoke filled the interior of the school, making it difficult for the firefighters to reach the source. Even so, a brave rescue effort managed to save a mischievous monkey and several white mice from the science lab. Fire trucks attempted to ventilate the smoke and heat using their ladders, but their efforts were thwarted when a sudden gust of wind blew into the building, fanning the flames upward. The fire surged past the firefighters, racing up an internal staircase before bursting out through the second-floor windows.
Realizing the fire was rapidly spiraling out of control, Chief Hofstetter declared a "General Alarm," summoning every available firefighter, both on duty and off. There was a palpable fear among those present that the inferno could leap across the alley and engulf nearby homes—Chief Hofstetter's own included—as well as the bustling Dempster Street business district. When part of the roof collapsed, narrowly missing two firefighters, the chief ordered everyone inside to evacuate. The firefighting strategy shifted to a defensive posture.
As the situation grew dire, Chief Hofstetter reached out to the Chicago Fire Department for backup. This wasn’t the first time Chicago had assisted Evanston in emergencies, but never before had the fire been so massive or threatening. Under the command of 1st Assistant Chief Fire Marshal Jerry McAuliffe, Chicago sent an impressive force: six engine companies, two ladder companies, a high-pressure wagon, and even a water tower.
The response created chaos in the neighborhood, leading to at least two traffic accidents involving emergency vehicles and curious onlookers. By the peak of the blaze, engines were drawing water from hydrants scattered across a six-block radius. An estimated **20,000 spectators**—a third of Evanston’s population at the time—gathered to witness the spectacle. Off-duty police officers were called in to manage the growing crowds and maintain order.
Ultimately, thanks to the combined efforts of both departments, the fire was brought under control. While Boltwood School was largely gutted, the adjacent residential area and business district were spared. Three firefighters sustained minor injuries, and the damage totaled approximately **$308,500**, the costliest fire in Evanston’s history up to that point. To replace Boltwood, two new junior high schools were built: Nichols in South Evanston and Haven in North Evanston (Haven initially serving as a K-8 institution).
However, the Boltwood fire left a lasting impact on Evanston. City officials launched an investigation, uncovering critical shortcomings in the Evanston Fire Department. The department, operating in a city of 60,000 residents, was severely understaffed, underfunded, and ill-equipped to handle such a catastrophic event. In response, residents approved a $75,000 bond issue during the April 5, 1927, municipal election. These funds led to significant upgrades:
1. Twenty additional firefighters were hired within a year (eventually reaching 23).
2. A fourth fire station was constructed.
3. Two new engine companies were formed.
4. Two powerful 1000-gallon-per-minute pumpers were purchased.
5. A portable high-pressure turret nozzle was acquired.
6. A Fire Prevention Bureau was established.
Today, the legacy of the Boltwood fire remains a poignant reminder of how far the Evanston Fire Department has come. While the original building may be gone, its lessons live on in the strength and preparedness of modern-day firefighters.
---
*Note: I wrote this account based on historical records and personal insights gained while researching Evanston's rich firefighting history.*
Carton Sealer,Semi Auto Carton Sealer,Carton Sealer Machine,Semi Automatic Carton Sealing Machine
Dongguan Chanfer Intelligent Packing Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.chanfer.com