Another Look at the History of the Evanston Fire Department The aftermath of the Mark fire in December 1905 left the Evanston Fire Department (EFD) reeling, both emotionally and operationally. The loss of two brave firefighters, William Craig and George Stiles, sent shockwaves through the community. At a funeral service held just one day after the fire, Dr. Wilkinson, pastor of Wheadon Methodist Church, delivered a heartfelt tribute to George Stiles, who had been a beloved figure in the department. “It was said of George Stiles… as a fireman, none better… that he was one of the most popular men in the Department… that he had a kind word for everyone… so shall we not then cherish his memory, and think of these splendid men more highly than ever before?†His words echoed the deep respect and admiration the community held for those who served. On December 14, 1905, the EFD honored Fireman William Craig with a solemn procession. A small honor guard, consisting of Lt. John Watson, Henry Newton, Harry Schaeffer, and Walter Hubert, escorted Craig’s remains from his home on Jackson Avenue to the Davis Street C&NW RR depot. A striking floral arrangement shaped like a fire helmet, featuring Craig’s badge number “123†at its center, was placed atop the Engine 1 hose wagon. Assistant Chief Jack Sweeting accompanied the family to Knoxville, where Craig was laid to rest. Later that same day, the community gathered at Wheadon Methodist Church for George Stiles’ funeral. Dr. Wilkinson led the service, and notable attendees included former EFD Chief Norman Holmes. Capt. George Hargreaves, Lt. Thomas Norman, Engineer J.A. Patrick, and firefighters William Sumpter, John Eckberg, and John Reddick served as pallbearers. After the service, the EFD honor guard led the procession to Rosehill Cemetery in Chicago, with Stiles’ casket once again transported on the same hose wagon used earlier that day. The following day, December 15, the undermanned EFD faced another challenge. With Stiles and Craig deceased, Ed Johnson and Thomas Watson still hospitalized, and Assistant Chief Sweeting away, new Chief Carl Harrison struggled to manage a major fire at Lyons Hall, located at 621 Davis Street. The blaze caused significant damage, particularly to the third floor and rear of the historic building. Smoke and water also affected other areas, including shops and apartments on the first and third floors. Lyons Hall, built in 1868, had long been a cultural hub in Evanston. It hosted political meetings, weddings, dances, and proms for nearly four decades. In 1873, the Pioneer Fire Company of Evanston held its first meeting there. The total damage from the fire was estimated at $12,000, with $8,000 attributed to the structure itself and $4,000 to businesses and apartments on the lower and upper floors. In January 1906, the EFD saw several promotions. Lt. Thomas Norman was elevated to Captain and took over Hose Co. 3, while Fireman William Sumpter became Lieutenant and assistant company officer of Engine Co. 1. George Stiles had been next in line for a lieutenant promotion, and it was clear he would have taken the position had he survived the Mark fire. That same month, the Evanston City Council approved a pay raise for all EFD members, excluding the chief. Assistant Chief Sweeting and the three captains received an additional $5 per month, while others got $2.50 more. This marked a small but meaningful step toward recognizing the hard work and dedication of the department’s members. New Chief Carl Harrison also introduced new training initiatives, bringing in experts such as architects and electrical engineers to educate firefighters. He even proposed using rocket flares and balloons to improve communication during emergencies—an idea that, though innovative, never made it past the planning stage. Still, his efforts reflected a growing awareness of the need for better preparation and coordination in the face of ever-present dangers.
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June 25, 2025