CONCORD, NC

Photograph of the Concord Hook and Ladder

Photo courtesy of North Carolina Department of Archives N76 6 48

As mentioned earlier without a water supply a fire department is handicapped. In the year 1897 the water system of Concord was owned by a private citizen who held a 25 year contract.

An elevated tank on Main St. held 130,000 gallons of water when full. The water level was maintained by two pumps able to pump 800,000 gallons in twenty four hours between them. The population of the town was 5,000.

The fire department in 1897 consisted of two hose carts with 1,500 feet of hose and 3 nozzles 5/8 inch. One hook and ladder truck with 12 rubber buckets. 18 men total. How many black firemen at this point is not indicated in the source.

By 1902 the city was reworking the water system. The hook and ladder company and a hose company occupied a part of city hall. The hook and ladder company was manned by 30 black men while the other equipment was manned by 24 white firemen.

Aug. 10, 1911 Concord hosted the convention and tournament of the North Carolina Colored Volunteer Fireman's Association.

Citations:
1895 - The Daily Concord Standard on July 16, 1895, mentioned the "white fire company" and "colored fire company" as participants in the funeral procession for Mr. John W. Fink. They're also mentioned in the paper's account on November 4, 1895, of a barn fire.

1895 - The Daily Charlotte Observer on July 5, 1895, mentioned that the Concord "colored hook and ladder company" had visited Charlotte and participated in Fourth of July festivities.

1898 - The Daily Concord Standard on June 27, 1898, mentioned both the white and colored fire companies as having fought the town's largest fire in about fifteen years, that started in the livery stables of M. J. Corl and spread to other buildings.

1905 - The Concord H. and L. Company is listed in the 1905 conference proceedings.

1923 - The Concord Hook & Ladder Company is listed in the annual conference proceedings.
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