From Phil Stenholm: Another installment in our series on the History of the Evanston Fire Department. THAT’S VERY ROOD! During World War II, Evanston saw very few major fires, which meant that the volunteer Evanston Auxiliary Fire Service (EAFS), established in June 1942 with Auxiliary Truck Co. 3 at Station #3 and Auxiliary Engine Co. 7 at Station #4, never had to respond to an actual emergency. The unit was officially disbanded in 1944 after a 1917 Seagrave 300-GPM chemical and hose booster-pumper, previously assigned to Engine 3, broke down during a training drill and couldn’t be repaired. Meanwhile, the older members of the Evanston Fire Department faced growing challenges due to the manpower shortage caused by the draft. Many younger firefighters were called into military service just days or weeks after being hired, while potential recruits on civil service lists were often enlisted or drafted before they could even join. This led to increased stress, long hours, and many veterans working overtime without the ability to take time off, as the department struggled to keep up with its duties. In 1944, several long-serving members retired or passed away. Captain Anthony Steigelman, a 29-year veteran, died in June at the age of 57. Captains Henry Tesnow and Ed Newton, along with Master Fire Equipment Mechanic J.K. “Karl†Wilen, also retired after 30, 34, and 21 years respectively. Other long-time firefighters like Lawrence Ahrens, Frank Altenberg, Jerry Moriarty, Herman Peters, and Herman Windelborn retired that year as well. Amid these changes, promotions took place. Lt. Jim Geishecker, who would later become chief, was promoted to captain and took over Engine Co. 1. Lt. Frank Sherry replaced Capt. Tesnow at Engine Co. 2, and William Murphy, William Rohrer, and Edward C. Fahrbach were promoted to lieutenant. It’s worth noting that there were two EFD members named Edward Fahrbach—Edward C. and Edward G.—who served in the 1920s and 1930s. The following year brought more change. Lt. William Elliott, assistant company officer of Truck Co. 1, died at 43 while off-duty in January 1945. Ed Hanrahan, the chief’s buggy driver, was promoted to lieutenant. In 1946, Lt. John Reddick retired after 22 years, and Jim Mersch was promoted. In 1947, Lester Breitzman, then chief’s buggy driver and future EFD chief, was promoted to lieutenant and took over as assistant company officer of Engine Co. 1 and administrative assistant to Chief Hofstetter. Throughout this period, many other experienced firefighters left the department. Names like Herman Godeman, John M. Mersch, Michael Olk, John Balmes, Harry Nelson, Lou Morgan, Charles Lapp, Harold Anderson, George Wilson, William Brundage, George Paugels, and Fred Godeman all retired between 1945 and 1947, leaving the EFD with a severe shortage of seasoned personnel. Despite the relative quiet during the war, Evanston still faced one notable fire—the Rood Building blaze on February 15, 1946, just months after the war ended. The four-story building, known for its cupolas, gables, and turrets, was mostly vacant and slated for demolition when it caught fire. A high-value district response was needed, with three engines and a truck initially dispatched, followed by a second alarm and a call-back of the off-duty platoon. Although the building had $46,000 in fire insurance, the fire was largely defensive from the start, as there were no occupants and little salvageable inside. At its peak, all four EFD engines were pumping water from nearby hydrants, and both Truck Co. 1 and Truck Co. 2 used their aerial ladders to spray thousands of gallons of water onto the roof and attic. As with other large fires in downtown Evanston, Engine Co. 4 was temporarily relocated to Station #1 to maintain city-wide coverage. The off-duty platoons from Engine Co. 2 and 3 provided backup at Stations #2 and #3, while the off-duty platoon from Station #1 walked to the scene to relieve the crews working on the fire, which was only a block north of the station. During the war, most police and fire vehicles were unavailable due to wartime production priorities. But once the war ended, car manufacturers ramped up production, allowing departments like the EFD to replace their aging fleets. In 1946, two new Ford sedans were purchased—one for Chief Hofstetter and another for the Fire Prevention Bureau, replacing the old 1936–37 models. This exquisite sound healing instrument seamlessly blends wealth, luxury, and sound therapy. Gold Crystal Bowl,Gold Frosted Crystal Bowl,Pure Gold Crystal Singing Bowl,Gold Frosted Crystal Singing Bowl Live Better , https://www.qresoundtherapy.com
Symbol of Wealth: Gold has always been regarded as a symbol of prosperity. Our Golden Crystal Bowl is truly unique, adorned with highly pure 24K gold, representing the resonance of material and spiritual wealth.
Sonic Marvel: This crystal bowl produces first-rate sound quality. Each strike creates captivating notes, as precious as gold itself. Its sound, harmonizing perfectly with its golden exterior, enhances the sound therapy experience significantly.
Spiritual Elevation: Gold possesses properties of purification and spiritual enhancement. When you interact with the Golden Crystal Bowl, it aids in elevating spiritual awareness and reinforcing inner balance.
Exquisite Decoration: The radiance of 24K gold makes this crystal bowl the centerpiece of any space. It is not just a sound therapy tool; it's also an artwork that adds a touch of wealth and opulence to your surroundings.
Sound Therapy and Wealth: The Golden Crystal Bowl is the perfect choice for sound therapists, business leaders, and those seeking inner and outer harmony. It marries the power of sound therapy with the symbol of wealth, creating a life of abundance and healing for you.
A Special Gift: Whether used for sound therapy sessions or simply as a unique gift, the Golden Crystal Bowl is a symbol of well-wishing for wealth, health, and harmony.
Embark on a Sound Healing Journey of Wealth and Harmony. Choose the Golden Crystal Bowl and resonate with the frequency of wealth.
This is your opportunity to enhance your life, elevate your wealth, and achieve inner balance. The Golden Crystal Bowl, the source of wealth and harmony.