Evanston Fire Department History – Part 19

The only bid received came from the Robinson Fire Apparatus Manufacturing Company, a well-known manufacturer at the time. Although similar models were already in use in cities like Long Beach, CA, and Wichita Falls, TX, some council members worried that Robinson had never built a triple-combination pumper before. Despite this concern, the company’s reputation and the potential benefits of the new technology convinced them to proceed.

In February 1911, EFD Chief Carl Harrison and three city council members visited the Robinson factory in St. Louis. Their trip was positive, and on May 16, 1911, the city signed a contract with Robinson for a triple-combination automobile pumper. The truck cost $9,000 and included a second-size triple-cylinder piston pump, a 50-gallon soda-acid tank with a red-line hose reel, and two 25-foot ladders. The EFD would provide the rest of the equipment, such as hoses, nozzles, and clamps.

Nicknamed the “Jumbo,” this impressive machine was powered by a six-cylinder, 110-horsepower Buffalo marine engine. It featured a hand-cranked starter, right-side steering, solid rubber tires, rear-wheel chain drive, mechanical brakes, and a polished teak hose bed. Two ten-foot sections of hard-suction hose were mounted on the sides, and kerosene lanterns hung from the exterior. A bell was also mounted in front of the steering wheel. At the time, windshields were uncommon, so the truck had none.

The Jumbo was fast, efficient, and more cost-effective than horse-drawn units. The *Evanston Index* even called it “an entire fire department in itself.” The truck was so advanced that it was displayed at the International Association of Fire Engineers Convention in Milwaukee in September 1911, where it impressed many attendees.

Mayor Joseph E. Paden and several aldermen traveled to Milwaukee to meet with Robinson representatives and arrange delivery. The fire engine arrived in Evanston in early October 1911 and was road-tested over three days starting October 3rd. A Robinson engineer named Earnest Erickson drove the five-ton Jumbo at an impressive 35 mph, while several officials and engineers rode along. Though the test was cut short due to an overheated bearing, the overall performance was seen as a success.

After passing pump tests at Becker’s Pond (now Boltwood Park) on October 23rd, the Jumbo was officially accepted by the City Council on November 14th. It went into service as Motor Engine No. 1 just ten days later. Its first call was a chimney fire at 319 Ridge Avenue on November 25th, which was helped by Chicago FD Engine Co. 102. Six months later, Engine Co. 102 would get its own gasoline-powered combination pumper.

At this time, the EFD expanded from 31 to 34 men, including two new civil service positions: motor driver and assistant motor driver. These roles were paid similarly to engineers on the steam engines. However, only one firefighter, Arthur McNeil, passed the exam for assistant motor driver. No one could pass the motor driver exam, so the city hired Earnest Erickson temporarily. He wore his signature duster and derby hat and served as the driver of Motor Engine No. 1 for six years until someone qualified.