This was basically a big cylinder under which a fire was lit to produce steam , which pressurized the water aimed at burning structures .
In the early 1920s , Jeff Fire became mechanized , investing in two American Lafrance chain drive , gas-powered fire trucks . A few years later , the department got a Seagrave fire truck Smith said is known as " Old 500 ," for its ability to pump 500 gallons of water a minute , " which was a lot of water back then .”
Before the 911 emergency service line , people needing help from the fire department would call directly , with a department member staffing the phone in the " watch room ." And until a few years ago , firefighters used " box books " to navigate to the location , before GPS was widespread .
GROUP FROM 1970
The thick books — still carried on trucks in case of a power outage — list every street in the city on its own page , and include locations of fire hydrants .
" So if they call out ' box 231 ,' you ' d open it up to 231 and sure enough there ' s the layout of the street you ' re looking for , with the hydrants ," Battalion Chief Richard VanGilder said .
FIREHOUSE IN 1953
JEFF FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO A STRUCTURE FIRE AT 505 E . 9TH STREET ON JULY 17 , 1968
12 Jeffersonville Fire Department / 150 years