Another installment about the History of Evanston Fire Department
The 20th Century Man
Since the annexation of South Evanston by the Village of Evanston in 1892, residents of the southern part of the city felt overlooked by local government. However, this changed in 1901 when mayoral candidate James Patten made a strong effort to win the support of South Evanston voters. His campaign paid off, and he was elected mayor. Patten promised improved services for the area, and he kept his word.
Patten had previously played a key role in establishing Evanston Hospital in 1891, which initially operated out of a large home at the corner of Emerson and Sherman. He also contributed significantly to Northwestern University, making him a well-known figure in the 7th Ward. With his victory in 1901, he gained popularity in the 3rd and 4th Wards as well—South Evanston’s two main districts.
On April 23, 1901, Mayor Patten dismissed longtime Fire Marshal Sam Harrison. Harrison, known for his flamboyant style, had made many enemies during his tenure. The official reasons cited were: 1) conflict of interest, as Harrison held two full-time positions; 2) lax discipline, including allowing civilians to visit firefighters in their sleeping quarters; and 3) mismanagement, such as purchasing equipment without seeking the lowest price.
Patten then appointed Ed Mersch, an assistant engineer from Engine Company 1, as the new Fire Marshal. Mersch was an unexpected choice—he wasn’t a company officer or even the senior engineer. But he came from South Evanston and had a college education, which was rare for a firefighter at the time. Patten saw him as the ideal leader to modernize the department.
Under Mersch’s leadership, the city focused on upgrading fire protection in South Evanston. This included hiring more personnel, acquiring new equipment, and renovating Fire Station #2, which had served since the annexation. The original building, once a village hall, police station, and jail, was outdated. After evaluating costs, the city decided to build a new three-bay fire station instead.
The new Fire Station #2 opened on February 15, 1903, at 750 Chicago Avenue. It housed six firefighters, including a captain, a lieutenant, four men, and four horses. The station was equipped with a 1902 Seagrave combination truck, which combined hook and ladder with a chemical engine—a highly advanced piece of equipment for its time. The Seagrave became popular in other departments too, like the Wilmette and Chicago Fire Departments.
Mersch also used his engineering skills to improve EFD equipment. In 1902, he refurbished the Babcock chemical engine, extending its life by another 15 years. Despite these efforts, his time as chief was short-lived. He clashed with the firefighters under his command and was fired by Mayor James Barker in 1905. Many South Evanston residents believed the dismissal was politically motivated. Mersch died at age 38 in 1911.
Meanwhile, Sam Harrison, who had been replaced, went on to have a long and successful career. He served as a Justice of the Peace, Deputy County Assessor, and City Building Inspector. He lived to be 86, passing away in 1939. The story of Patten and Mersch marked a turning point in the evolution of the Evanston Fire Department, setting the stage for further modernization in the years to come.
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