Miscellaneous History Articles
The Horse Drawn Era – Windsor Firemen Retain Warm Spot for Old Dobbin
Excerpts from The Windsor Daily Star, September 25, 1937 Passing Of Years Has Never Dimmed Regard For Gallant Steeds By William F. Duggan On Christmas Day, 1916 the few citizens[…]
1957 Windsor Fire Department Family Portrait
Every family has a family album – a bulging book of nostalgic photos taken over the years. The most evocative of these is the family photo –you, know — the[…]
Returning a Favor – A Firefighting Tale of Two Cities
For well over 150 years, the fire departments of Windsor, Ontario and its much-larger American neighbor — Detroit, Michigan — have enjoyed a long and cordial professional relationship. On more[…]
The 1967 Centennial Fire Truck Parades
In 1967, Canada celebrated its 100th birthday. From coast to coast that memorable year, there were countless local celebrations ranging from parades, plaque unveilings, fireworks and other special civic projects[…]
All Ready for the Parade!
With their eye-catching bright red paint, fancy gold-leaf trim and impressive overall appearance, the Windsor Fire Department’s apparatus often led many of the big parades in Windsor – most notably[…]
A Tragic Accident in Walkerville
Driver training is a vital part of a firefighter’s never-ending education. The ability to competently – and safely — drive fire service vehicles ranging from chief’s automobiles to big pumpers[…]
Windsor Firefighters’ Field Day – Part II
MYSTERY STEAMER – This interesting photo was taken sometime in the 1930s as Windsor’s annual Labor Day parade formed up. After marching down Ouellette Ave., the parade concluded at Jackson[…]
Windsor Firefighters’ Field Day
For more than 50 years, the Labor Day holiday weekend in Windsor meant just two things – the end of summer — and the Windsor Fire Fighters’ Field Day! The[…]
Clowning Around
In 1967 — in preparation for the mammoth parade planned to mark Canada’s 100th birthday — three members of the Windsor Fire Department decided to form their own Clown Troupe.[…]
For Fire Buffs
Are You a Fire Buff? You might remember your excitement as a child when you heard the approaching sirens of a fire crew on their way to assist someone in[…]
Historic fires led to Fire Prevention Day
Fall is upon us — the autumnal equinox, to be specific. Also remember that Fire Prevention Day is Oct. 9, and the celebration of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871[…]
1960 Explosion Remembered
Many citizens of Windsor will be able to relate to the story in the Windsor Star on October 25, 2005 titled “1960 blast shook city”. It was on this date[…]
A Brief History of Firefighting
2006 marks the 2000th anniversary of firefighting as it is known today. In 6 A.D. after a disastrous fire in Rome, Emperor Caesar Augustus established the first organized fire brigade[…]
A History of Fighting Windsor’s Fires
1849 – The Great Fire of Windsor. The community is ill-equipped to handle the situation. Detroit’s fire department crosses the Detroit River to save its little neighbour. Grateful Windsor presents[…]