Another installment on the History of the Evanston Fire Department
The 20th Century Visionary
Since the annexation of South Evanston by the Village of Evanston in 1892, the residents of South Evanston often felt overlooked in local politics. However, this changed in 1901 when mayoral candidate James Patten made a concerted effort to win their support. His campaign was successful, and once elected, he delivered on his promises by improving city services for the area.
Patten had already gained popularity as a key figure in the 7th Ward due to his contributions to Northwestern University and his role in establishing Evanston Hospital in 1891. The hospital initially operated from a large home at the corner of Emerson and Sherman before moving to its current location on Ridge Avenue. With his growing influence, Patten also became a trusted leader in the 3rd and 4th Wards, which covered South Evanston.
In April 1901, just months after taking office, Mayor Patten dismissed longtime Fire Marshal Sam Harrison. Harrison, known for his flamboyant style, had made many enemies during his time in charge. Patten cited three main reasons for the dismissal: a conflict of interest (Harrison held two full-time positions), lax discipline (he allowed civilians to visit firefighters in the bunkrooms), and malfeasance (he didn’t seek the lowest prices for equipment).
Instead of choosing a traditional fire department officer, Patten appointed Ed Mersch, an assistant engineer from Engine Company 1, as the new Fire Marshal. Mersch was not a company officer or even the most senior engineer, but his background in engineering and his roots in South Evanston made him an ideal choice. He was one of the few firefighters with a college education, a rare trait at the time.
With Mersch in place, Patten aimed to modernize the Evanston Fire Department. One of his top priorities was upgrading fire protection in South Evanston. This included hiring more personnel, acquiring new equipment, and renovating Fire Station #2, which had been in use since the annexation in 1892.
By 1901, the station housed only three firefighters from Hose Company 2. Originally built as a combined village hall, police station, and firehouse, it had been used by the Evanston Police Department until 1897. By 1901, only the EFD remained. The space was cramped, with room for just one hose cart and one horse. After evaluating the costs, Patten and Mersch decided to build a new station instead of renovating the old one.
The old South Evanston village hall was demolished and replaced with a new three-bay fire station at 750 Chicago Avenue in 1903. It cost $6,000 and featured six firefighters, including a captain, a lieutenant, four men, and four horses. The station was equipped with a 1902 Seagrave combination truck—capable of both ladder and chemical engine functions—and a two-horse hose cart. This modernization marked a significant step forward for the department.
Mersch continued to make improvements to the fire apparatus, including refurbishing the Babcock chemical engine in 1902, which extended its lifespan by another 15 years. However, his tenure was short-lived. Disputes with the firefighters led to his dismissal by Mayor James Barker in 1905, despite strong protests from South Evanston residents who believed the move was politically motivated. Mersch died at the age of 38 in 1911.
Meanwhile, Sam Harrison, the former chief, went on to have a long and successful career. He served as a Justice of the Peace, Deputy County Assessor, and City Building Inspector. He lived to be 86 and passed away in 1939, leaving behind a legacy that would continue to shape the community for years to come.
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