The 26th in a series of articles
for the 175th Anniversary of Bonham
Bonham, Texas -- The first volunteer fire department in Bonham was organized in 1893, and operated from a station on North Center Street. The first fire wagon was drawn by 2 white horses, Tom and Jerry.
Fire fighting hoses tapped residential wells or cisterns. Three large cisterns were located on the edge of the Courthouse grounds for use in fighting fires in the business section of downtown. Everyone came alive when the firebell rang and many people rushed out to follow the firewagon, day or night.
The first chief was J. M. Johnson, followed by A. J. Stevenson who served for more than 30 years.
In 1908 a volunteer fire department was organized for South Bonham, called Bonham Volunteer Fire Co. No. 2. “A house will be erected for the hose reel on ground donated by Virge Deering. The company will be given the old hand reel and hose first used by Volunteer Company No.1. This is a good move for South Bonham, as it takes some time for the hose wagon from the city hall to reach that part of town.”
The 1909 Sanburn map shows the Fire Department and states that “two paid drivers live at station – one 2 horse hose wagon – one 1 horse H & L truck 1600’ 2 1/2” hose in good condition - 500’ 2 1/2” hose new – 3 horses.
In 1913 a motor truck was purchased and two years later a similar piece of equipment was purchased. Until 1916 the equipment consisted of a horse drawn hose-wagon, which was replaced by a motor hose and chemical truck. In 1916 Bonham sent a truck to the devastating Paris fire.
In 1918 a pumper truck was obtained from the American LaFrance Company, and Bonham was very proud of it. This photo by Erwin Smith is of the parade for Will Evans’s party in 1923.
There were many fires in Bonham, and many structures and belongings were lost. The most well-known fire is that of the courthouse on December 31, 1929.
The Fire Department remained on North Center Street until 1955 when it moved to 5th Street.
Now the Fire Department has a second location on Highway 78 north of Highway 82. In addition to firefighting, the Department provides ambulance and emergency services in Bonham and surrounding areas.
The Fannin County Museum of History is very proud to house the American LaFrance fire truck which fought the Court House fire in 1929 (and many other fires). This fire engine is one of the most popular items at the Museum. Come by and see it!
