Another installment about the History of the Evanston Fire Department
The 20th Century Man
Since the annexation of South Evanston by the Village of Evanston in 1892, residents of the southern part of the city often felt overlooked by local government. But that changed in 1901 when mayoral candidate James Patten made a strong push for the South Evanston vote, and it paid off. Elected mayor, Patten promised better city services for the area, and he kept his word. His leadership marked a turning point for the region.
Patten was not only a political figure but also a key player in the development of Evanston. He was instrumental in establishing Evanston Hospital in 1891, which initially operated out of a private home at the corner of Emerson and Sherman. Later, it moved to its current location on Ridge Avenue. Patten was also a major benefactor of Northwestern University, making him a well-respected name in the community. His support helped him gain popularity across different parts of the city.
On April 23, 1901, Mayor Patten made a surprising decision: he dismissed longtime Fire Marshal Sam Harrison. Known for his flamboyant style, Harrison had built up many enemies during his time in office, and Patten was one of them. The mayor cited three main reasons for the dismissal: a conflict of interest due to Harrison holding two full-time jobs, lax discipline, and questionable spending practices. These were serious allegations, and they led to Harrison's removal from his position.
Following Harrison’s departure, Patten appointed Ed Mersch, an assistant engineer with no prior experience as a company officer, as the new Fire Marshal. This choice surprised many, but Patten saw potential in Mersch. A native of South Evanston and a college-educated man—rare for a firefighter in 1901—Mersch was seen as a symbol of progress and change.
Under Mersch’s leadership, the Evanston Fire Department began to modernize. One of the first priorities was improving fire protection in South Evanston. This included hiring more firefighters, upgrading equipment, and renovating Fire Station #2, which had been serving the area since the annexation in 1892. Originally a multi-purpose building used by both the police and fire departments, it had become outdated and inadequate for the growing needs of the community.
After evaluating the costs, Patten and Mersch decided that a complete rebuild was more practical than renovation. In 1903, a new three-bay fire station opened at 750 Chicago Avenue. It housed six firefighters, including a captain, a lieutenant, four men, and four horses. The station was equipped with a 1902 Seagrave combination truck, a highly advanced piece of equipment that combined hook-and-ladder and chemical engine functions. This innovation made the EFD more efficient and effective in responding to emergencies.
Mersch also brought technical improvements to the department, such as the refurbishment of the Babcock chemical engine in 1902, which extended its useful life by over a decade. However, his tenure was short-lived. By 1905, he faced conflicts with his crew and was eventually fired by Mayor James Barker. Many in South Evanston believed the dismissal was politically motivated, and the community mourned his loss when he died at just 38 years old in 1911.
Meanwhile, Sam Harrison, despite being ousted, continued to serve the city in other capacities. He became a Justice of the Peace, a Deputy County Assessor, and a City Building Inspector. He lived a long and respected life, passing away at the age of 86 in 1939. The legacy of both Patten and Mersch left a lasting impact on the Evanston Fire Department, paving the way for future advancements in fire protection and public service.
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