Phoenix Fire - 21 Truck - Pottsville (PA) - 150th Anniversary - Rolling Picture Frame

History of the Phoenix Fire Engine Company No. 2
The lineage of the Phoenix Fire Engine Company No. 2 of Pottsville can be traced to the Schuylkill Hydraulian Fire Company - the first organized firefighting company in Pottsville. The Schuylkill Hydraulian Fire Company was organized in April, 1829. The “Drollies,” as they came to be known, were formally recognized by the “Borough” on April 30, 1830. On September 20, 1830, a Merrick & Agnew (Philadelphia) hand engine was purchased at a cost of $697.80. The first engine house was actually in the original Borough Building, which was located on North Centre Street, on the present site of the Schuylkill County Historical Society. Two older, borough-owned “hand tubs” in service with the company, “Ranger” and “Squrt (sic),” were stored in different locations in the downtown district.
At a company meeting on April 17, 1861 - 5 days after the firing on Fort Sumter - a discussion on the Civil War was held and that same night a “War Resolution” was adopted by the firemen: “Resolved, that the members of the Schuylkill Hydraulian Fire Co. form themselves into a military company and offer their services to the United States government.” To a man, the firemen enlisted and adopted the name “Union Guards of Pottsville.” The unit left Pottsville on April 24, going to Harrisburg where they were greeted by Governor Andrew Curtain. Care of the fire apparatus was left to Borough Council.
On September 26, 1867, a meeting was held regarding reorganization and the adoption of a new name for the company. From the choices, “Phoenix,” “Hibernia,” and “Emmett,” Phoenix was selected. The Phoenix Fire Engine Company No. 2 came into being.