Evanston Fire Department History – Part 14

The events that followed the tragic Mark fire in December 1905 left a deep mark on the Evanston Fire Department. Among those who lost their lives was Fireman William Craig, and just a day later, Fireman George Stiles was also laid to rest. Their passing not only brought sorrow but also tested the resilience of the department during a difficult time.

On the morning of December 14, 1905, an honor guard from the Evanston Fire Department—composed of Lieutenant John Watson, Firemen Henry Newton, Harry Schaeffer, and Walter Hubert—led the procession carrying the remains of Fireman William Craig from his home at 1924 Jackson Avenue to the Davis Street C&NW RR depot. A striking floral arrangement shaped like a fire helmet, with Craig’s badge number “123” prominently displayed, was placed atop the Engine 1 hose wagon. Assistant Chief Jack Sweeting accompanied Craig’s family to Knoxville, Illinois, where he was finally laid to rest.

Later that same day, at 2 p.m., the community gathered for the funeral of Fireman George Stiles at Wheadon Methodist Church on Ridge Avenue. Dr. Wilkinson, the church's pastor, delivered a heartfelt eulogy, remembering Stiles as a beloved and kind-hearted firefighter. The pallbearers included Captain George Hargreaves, Lieutenant Thomas Norman, Engineer J.A. Patrick, and Firemen William Sumpter, John Eckberg, and John Reddick. Former EFD Chief Norman Holmes was also in attendance. After the service, the honor guard led the procession down Ridge Avenue to Rosehill Cemetery in Chicago, where Stiles was buried. Notably, the same hose wagon used earlier that day to transport Craig’s casket was used again for Stiles’ final journey.

The following day, Friday, December 15, the Evanston Fire Department faced yet another challenge. With George Stiles and William Craig deceased, Ed Johnson and Thomas Watson still hospitalized, and Assistant Chief Sweeting in Knoxville, the department was severely understaffed. Under the leadership of newly appointed Chief Carl Harrison, firefighters struggled to contain a major blaze at Lyons Hall, located at 621 Davis Street. Despite their efforts, the fire caused significant damage to the third floor and rear of the building, along with extensive smoke and water damage throughout the structure.

Lyons Hall, built in 1868, had long been a cornerstone of Evanston’s social life. It hosted political meetings, weddings, dances, and proms for nearly four decades. In January 1873, it was the site of the first meeting of the Pioneer Fire Company of Evanston. The total damage from the fire was estimated at $12,000, including $8,000 to the building itself and $4,000 in damage to businesses and apartments on the first and third floors.

In January 1906, the department began to rebuild and reorganize. Lieutenant Thomas Norman was promoted to Captain and took over as company officer of Hose Co. 3, while Fireman William Sumpter was promoted to Lieutenant and became the assistant company officer of Engine Co. 1. George Stiles had been next in line for a lieutenant promotion, and it was widely believed he would have taken the position had he not been killed in the Mark fire.

That same month, the Evanston City Council approved a pay raise for all EFD members except the chief. The increase included $5 per month for the assistant chief and captains, and $2.50 per month for all other firefighters. This was a small but meaningful step toward recognizing the hard work and dedication of the men serving the city.

Chief Carl Harrison, upon taking command, introduced new training programs for the department. He invited experts such as architects and electrical engineers to speak, aiming to improve the knowledge and preparedness of his men. Harrison also proposed innovative communication methods, such as using rocket flares and balloons to signal between firefighters on the scene and those still en route. While the idea was ahead of its time, the technology of the era made it impractical, and the plan never came to fruition.

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