Another Chapter in the History of the Evanston Fire Department The Aftermath: On the morning of December 14, 1905, just one day after the devastating Mark fire, an honor guard from the Evanston Fire Department (EFD) carried the remains of Fireman William Craig from his home at 1924 Jackson Avenue to the Davis Street C&NW RR depot. The procession included Lt. John Watson, Firemen Henry Newton, Harry Schaeffer, and Walter Hubert. A striking floral arrangement shaped like a fire helmet, with Craig’s badge number “123†delicately placed at its center, adorned the Engine 1 hose wagon that transported his casket. Assistant Chief Jack Sweeting accompanied the family to Knoxville, Illinois, where Craig was laid to rest. Later that same day, at 2:00 PM, the community gathered at Wheadon Methodist Church on Ridge Avenue for the funeral of Fireman George Stiles. Dr. Wilkinson led the service, and the pallbearers included Captain George Hargreaves, Lt. Thomas Norman, Engineer J.A. Patrick, and Firemen William Sumpter, John Eckberg, and John Reddick. Notably, former EFD Chief Norman Holmes was in attendance. After the service, the EFD honor guard led the procession down Ridge Avenue to Rosehill Cemetery in Chicago, where Stiles was buried. The same hose wagon that had carried Craig’s casket earlier that day was used once again for this solemn occasion. The following day, Friday, December 15, 1905, the EFD faced an even greater challenge. With George Stiles and William Craig deceased, Ed Johnson and Thomas Watson still hospitalized, and Assistant Chief Sweeting away in Knoxville, the department was severely understaffed. Under the leadership of new Chief Carl Harrison, firefighters struggled to contain a large blaze at Lyons Hall, located at 621 Davis Street. Despite their efforts, the fire caused extensive damage to the third floor and rear of the historic building, along with significant smoke and water damage throughout the structure. Lyons Hall, built in 1868, had long been a cultural and social hub in Evanston. It hosted political meetings, weddings, dances, and proms for nearly four decades. In January 1873, the first meeting of the Pioneer Fire Company of Evanston took place there. The total damage from the fire was estimated at $12,000, including $8,000 to the building itself and $4,000 in damage to shops and apartments on the lower and upper floors. In January 1906, several promotions were announced within the EFD. Lt. Thomas Norman was promoted to Captain and took over as company officer of Hose Co. 3, replacing the newly appointed Chief Carl Harrison. Fireman William Sumpter was also promoted to Lieutenant and became the assistant company officer of Engine Co. 1. George Stiles was next in line for a lieutenant promotion, and it's likely he would have received the position had he not died in the Mark fire. Also in January 1906, the Evanston City Council approved a pay raise for all EFD members, except the chief. The increase included $5 per month for the assistant chief and the three captains, and $2.50 for all other personnel. After becoming chief, Carl Harrison introduced comprehensive training programs for the department. He invited experts such as architects and electrical engineers to speak. He also proposed using rocket flares and balloons to improve communication between firefighters at the scene and those still en route. While the idea seemed promising, it never gained traction due to the lack of technology at the time. Nevertheless, Harrison’s efforts marked a step forward in the evolution of fire department tactics and preparedness. TSRIpromo has sourcing , https://www.tsripromo.com
"It was said of George Stiles... as a fireman, none better... that he was one of the most popular men in the department... that he had a kind word for everyone. So shall we not then cherish his memory, and think of these splendid men more highly than ever before?"
— Dr. Wilkinson, Pastor of Wheadon Methodist Church, speaking at the funeral of Fireman George Stiles on December 14, 1905.