Formation of the Kennett Fire Company No. 1 in 1875

The first Kennett firehouse was erected in 1875 and torn down in 1938

In 1875, just after the old Unicorn Tavern had been destroyed by fire, the citizens of Kennett Square became aware of the fact that they needed far better fire protection than three hundred feet of hose and two ladders which was the existing fire fighting equipment until the founding of Kennett Fire Company No. 1.

A Volunteer Fire Company was at once organized, composed of some forty members. An election of officers was held and the following duly elected: President, Isaac Richards; Vice President, Nathan M. Garrett; Secretary, Caleb P. Wickersham; Treasurer, Elwood R. Green; and Robert Walker, Fire Chief. This newly formed company lost no time in forcing the Borough to do something about the buying of a piece of fire fighting equipment and at a meeting of the Borough Council held February 4, 1875, the Burgess of Kennett Square was authorized to advertise for a hand pumper.

A committee, consisting of Kennett Square Burgess Joseph McMullen and Councilman Evan P. Green, purchased a second-hand Cowing Hand Pumper from the Reliance Fire Company of Philadelphia through a Thomas U. Pelo, for $525.

Cowing 1860 Hand Pumper

The old Kennett Square hand pumper was made in the year 1860 by John P. Cowing in Seneca Falls, New York. This type engine is known as the Crane-neck type and was very popular throughout the New England and Middle Atlantic States at that time, a few were even manufactured for the Pacific Coast.

For more information, take a look at our Cowing Fire Pump page

Thomas Hoopes Chandler,
First Engineer of Kennett Fire Co.

In the year 1886 the Kennett Fire Company felt a great loss in the passing of Thomas Hoopes Chandler, one of their first engineers. From his testimonial..."He took a deep interest in the efficiency of the Company and was indefatigable in his care of the apparatus, and in keeping it in good working order and was punctual in attendance at the meetings of the Company, seldom being absent."