Engine 68 & Ladder 49
100 Years of Service to High Bridge
Prior to being settled in the late 1800's, much of the Bronx was very rural and was governed by Westchester County. In the 1800's, residents of Manhattan would utilize ferries to cross the Harlem River to "vacation" or get away from the bustling city-life in the rocky, open areas of The Bronx. One of the small villages located in the southwest Bronx became known as High Bridge. The name was derived from the water bridge (aqueduct) that carried water as part of the Croton Aqueduct, crossing the Harlem River supplying Manhattan with fresh water.
Construction of The High Bridge was started in 1837 and was completed in 1848. It spanned over 1,200 feet, and had the appearance of a Roman aqueduct with multiple stone arches spanning the entire length. Two of the original High Bridge engineers later participated in designing Manhattan's St. Patrick's Cathedral. In 1928, in order to facilitate river navigation many of the masonry arches were demolished. They were replaced with a single steel arch that spanned the river. Eleven of the original masonry arches still remain today. The aqueduct supplied water to Manhattan until the 1950's. The walkway was closed permanently in the 1970's when residents of the rapidly deteriorating neighborhood were dropping rocks and debris onto the Major Deegan Expressway and on boats in the Harlem River. Currently a multi-million dollar restoration project is underway to re-open the bicycle and pedestrian path that connects High Bridge to Washington Heights. Work is slated to be complete in 2014.
Until 1874, various volunteer fire companies provided fire protection to many areas of the Bronx. On January 1st 1874 the land west of the Bronx River to the Harlem River including the towns of Morrisania, West Farms and Kingsbridge were annexed into New York City from Westchester County. Prior to the annexation fire protection of High Bridge was the responsibility of Cataract Engine 3. After annexation, New York City placed in service two steam fire engines, four chemical engines and two ladder companies to cover the newly annexed area.
In April 1879, Mr. S. G. Courtney and other High Bridge citizens petitioned City Hall for a fire company to be located at Ogden Avenue and Wolf Street (present day 169th Street). On March 17th, 1960, the FDNY placed Ladder 19 in service with a ladder truck, and a double-tank chemical engine company. Both units were located at 1187 Ogden Avenue in a lease building (currently the new three story apartment building located adjacent to the gas station diagonal from present-day quarters). The owner of this building, the estate of William B. Ogden, set the rent for this building at $700 per year. After several years, the owner allowed the building to fall into disrepair and the city pursued a new location to house FDNY companies.
On March 3rd, 1894, New York City purchased property located on Ogden Avenue between 165th Street and 166th Street for $3,250, and started construction of the firehouse. On August 23rd, 1898 Combination Engine 68 was placed into service at 1080 Ogden Avenue. On the same day Ladder Company 19 was disbanded (until being reorganized as present day Ladder 19 on November 12th, 1898), and the eleven man crew of Ladder 19 were transferred to Combination Engine 68. The company was assigned all new apparatus: An American LaFrance 4th size steamer, a Gleason & Bailey 40' roller frame ladder truck, and a Sebastian hose wagon. One captain commanded the Combination Companies and a lieutenant rode on the ladder truck. Engine 68 was painted on each rig, and could be manned by any member assigned to the company. A response could consist of all three units or the ladder truck only. On February 15th, 1908, Ladder Company 36 was placed in service at Engine Company 43, covering Morris Heights and High Bridge. Combination Engine 68's Gleason & Bailey ladder company was removed from front-line service.
The early 1900's saw rapid growth in High Bridge, and the over-worked members of Engine 68 were feeling the need for a full-time ladder company. On December 23rd, 1913, Ladder Company 49 was placed in service in a new firehouse at 1079 Nelson Avenue located directly behind Engine 68's quarters. Engine 68 and Ladder 49 remained in this configuration, in different firehouses and responding onto different streets for over 30 years. After World War II, New York City conducted a study aimed at closing and combining firehouses. Shortly thereafter, Ladder 49's firehouse on Nelson Avenue was closed, and they were moved into Engine 68's quarters on Ogden Avenue and piggybacked. Engine 68 was parked in front of Ladder 49 in a single-door firehouse in a single-file configuration. Ladder 49's quarters at 1079 Nelson Avenue is privately owned, and still stands today.
The 1898 firehouse located at 1080 Ogden Avenue was of English Tudor design, and was the only firehouse in New York City to have this look and design. The building had a single door for the apparatus to exit, and a housewatch located in the front. The second floor front housed the officer's room and sleeping quarters. Directly behind the officer's quarters was one large sitting room for leisure time between alarms. The firemen's bunk-room and bathroom were located in the rear of the second floor. The third floor had another large sitting room and lockers for the firemen. Due to the age of the building, the firehouse was remodeled in the 1960's. As a result of the remodel, the original English Tudor appearance was removed, as well as the original front dormer.
On September 19th 1979 a newly built two-bay, two-story firehouse located at 1160 Ogden Avenue was placed in service and is the present day company quarters of Engine Company 68 and Ladder Company 49. The previous company quarters at 1080 Ogden Avenue is still in use by the city as EMS Battalion 17 today.
Several members of Engine 68 and Ladder 49 have made the Supreme Sacrifice in performance of their duties to New York City and their country. On January 11th, 1946 Fireman George M. Williams (L-49), serving as a Corporal in the U.S. Army was Killed in Action while serving in World War II. His military records indicate his theater as "India", and that he was serving as a "Personnel Officer. He was 26 years old, and is buried in Long Island National Cemetary in Farmingdale, NY.
On January 31st, 1965 Fireman James F. Hipple (L-49) was killed from injuries sustained while operating at Box 75-2575 located at Gerard Avenue and East 167th Street. Fireman Hipple was 39 years old and had 12 years on the job when he was killed.
(further LODD information will be gathered and added shortly)