Description
A History of Anderson, Indiana and its Fire Department
DESCRIPTION:
Tragedy, comedy, and an abundance of everyday living are vital parts of this history of the Anderson Fire Department and the City of Anderson. This publication, starting in 1851, tells the story about devastating fires in Anderson’s early history and the need for fire protection. Included are the development of the city’s water works, the volunteers that pulled a pumping cart across town by hand at the gong of the court house bell and the innovations of machinery, communications and equipment used by firefighters. The book culminates with the Anderson High School fire. Experience the development of schools, churches, factories, service clubs, and politics as the city of Anderson grew through two world wars, the depression through to the new century.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Co-author Terry King is a 20 year veteran of the Anderson Fire Department who retired in 1997 to continue a career as a forensic fire investigator for a nationally recognized investigation and engineering company. Concerned that old fire photographs might get lost or destroyed, he originally started collecting historical data to publish a small pamphlet just for the firemen so they might know their legacy. Little did he know that 20 plus years later he would be sharing the publication of an exhaustive one thousand page history of the Anderson Fire Department and a simultaneous history of the City of Anderson. Terry lives in Anderson with his wife Nancy and they have three grown children.
Co-author Jim Jackson, born and raised in Anderson, became intrigued at a very early age with the Anderson Fire Department and anything related to firefighting. He would visit fire scenes with his father, being taught to stay clear to not hinder the firemen. It is said he got in trouble in school looking out the window to catch a glimpse of the passing fire engines. He graduated from AHS and Ball State University with a degree in teaching. He went back to school and then on to Delco Remy where he spent a career in Industrial Engineering. Jim eagerly took on the roll to help research the department’s history and write this most interesting publication. Jim went through the gates of heaven just before the completion of editing.
cherie (verified owner) –
Compelling, Comprehensive, Amazing Compilation! of “history”…excerpts from Fire Dept events/reports, city tragedies and triumphs, personal personnel history, a treasure trove of information/life style and lives.
I just found this at the Anderson Public Library. I had been searching for details of my grandad’s story as Chief of the Anderson Fire Dept. This is so special since it is the story of the everyday on the job events for my grandad from 1927 to his retirement in 1952! All I knew of his days was that he came home and said “Jess, I need tea!” This tells me who he was in his loved profession, the true stories of his sometimes harrowing/dangerous times serving his city. Also compelling are the photos. The story of the development of Anderson through time is very interesting. A time capsule from the beginning, through the depression, to WW2 and after. This is an amazing historical narrative! Especially well done as the authors mesh the city and fire department into the fabric of the lives of citizens, leaders and firefighters. I must have a copy….placing my order. Thank Terry and Jim for your passion and hours, years of research and composition. I could hug you….You opened up my grandad’s world to me.