Evanston Fire Department History – Part 17

Another installment about the History of Evanston Fire Department

Following the annexation of Rogers Park, some South Evanston residents—led by fiery 3rd Ward Alderman Pat O’Neill—pushed for Evanston to be annexed by Chicago. They believed that a larger city like Chicago could provide better services, especially police and fire protection. Wealthier residents, who paid higher property taxes, felt they deserved superior municipal support. In 1894, Chicago made a formal offer to annex Evanston, but voters rejected it, putting the issue on hold. However, the debate resurfaced unexpectedly 15 years later.

On Thursday, March 11, 1909, at 12:30 PM, the Evanston Fire Department responded to an attic fire at the Villa Celeste, a grand home on Sheridan Road owned by P. Leonard (“Guy”) McKinnie. Chief Fire Marshal Carl Harrison, known for his cautious approach, initially used soda-acid from a chemical engine to minimize water damage. But the fire had spread deep into the walls and ceilings, making it nearly impossible to locate the source. Firefighters then deployed over 3,000 feet of hose, using multiple lines from Engine 1, a hydrant, and the chemical apparatus, but the blaze continued to grow.

As the fire raged, water damage began to affect the lower floors. With firefighters fully engaged, local neighbors called on children from Lincoln School to help the McKinnies move their valuable art and furniture to safety. Despite their efforts, the fire showed no signs of slowing down. After hours of struggle, Guy McKinnie insisted that the steam fire engine, “City of Evanston No. 1,” be brought from Station #2 on Chicago Avenue. He even offered to send his own carriage for it, but Chief Harrison refused, stating that water supply wasn’t the issue.

For six hours, the EFD fought desperately against the flames. By nightfall, the Villa Celeste was completely gutted. Six firefighters were injured during the operation:

• Chief Carl Harrison – finger severed by glass shards;
• Assistant Chief Jack Sweeting – smoke inhalation;
• Fireman William Hofstetter – hand laceration;
• Fireman Edward Johnson – foot injury;
• Fireman John Wilbern – smoke inhalation;
• Fireman William Wilbern – smoke inhalation and bruises from falling debris.

To make matters worse, the fire reignited at 11:30 PM, five hours after the EFD had left. Firefighters returned and spent another hour dousing the ruins. The damage was estimated at $40,000—the fourth-highest fire loss in Evanston’s history up to that point. Only three previous fires had caused more damage: the Mark Manufacturing Company fire in 1905, the Lincoln Avenue schoolhouse fire in 1894, and the Willard Block fire in 1872.

Afterward, Chief Harrison remarked, “Dozens of engines couldn’t have saved the house… the only way to put it out would have been to submerge it in the lake.” Though he never seriously considered such an option, his words highlighted the difficulty of the situation.

The fire was extinguished, but the controversy lingered. Guy McKinnie and other wealthy South Evanston residents pushed for Evanston to once again consider annexation by Chicago. However, Fire Marshal James Horan of the Chicago Fire Department dismissed the idea. He pointed out that Chicago had limited resources and prioritized areas like the Stock Yards. His warning would prove tragically accurate when, on December 22, 1910, 21 firefighters—including Horan—died when a wall collapsed during a fire at the Stock Yards.

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