The museum had the pleasure of being able to share some more
of New York State’s fire fighting history with the legacy of Harry Howard. Have
you ever heard about this important figure in the history of the safety of New
York?
Well, even Christine Lillpopp, Collections Manager at the FASNY Museum of
Firefighting in Hudson had to let that slide since it’s apparently a very
unfortunate commonality that Mr. Howard tends to get overlooked aside from the
streets named after him.
We had a great time learning more about his contributions to
fire safety and checking out the displays that were set up around the room.
Christine brought some photographs of Harry – which you’ll notice his trumpet
that he holds in a couple of them as he was an avid fan and musician himself.
There was also a display highlighting a few pieces from the Waterford Museum’s
collection of items of the multiple firefighting stations in Waterford. We even
had someone bring a couple of plaques for the Lysander Button award too so that
there was plenty of Waterford’s past –and present – represented at the lecture.
It was a wonderful crowd so thank you to everyone who joined us and to
Christine Lillpopp for putting on a fantastic presentation!
Since this lecture was a few months ago – it’s been busy here
getting ready for the current exhibit and planning for another fun-filled week
of the Canalways educational program that I just wasn’t able to type everything
that needed to get typed out fast enough! But if there’s something you’re
interested in learning more about, come stop by the Waterford Museum to learn
some more about the Buttons and the history of fires in Waterford. Or take a
trip to Hudson to look around the museum that was originally the NYC
So to give a few highlights of this lecture: Harry Howard was a foundling child (aka a baby left on a doorstop with a note "I'll return for him later"....and later never came so he was adopted by the family who cared for him) who was always invested in being the best at fighting fires.
Starting as a teenager, his involvement began as a runner for the Peterson Engine Company No. 15, using engines like this image (sorry for the bad quality) of the Old Maid Engine that was frequently used in the 1820s - 1840s.
Harry's enthusiasm and work ethic moved him towards becoming elected Assistant Engineer in 1851 and then, in 1867, becoming the NYC Chief Engineer. In this position, he instated several important features - namely the bunking system and the installation of ladders on buildings throughout the city to help aid in safety.
He was so active that during one of his fights against a blaze, he suffered a stroke at the age of 35 that could have ended his career as a firefighter. But he persisted, although his stroke left him disabled and unable to continue working in the same capacity as a fireman as he had before. Still, his general attitude of public service led him to serve in his retirement as a Public Works Department official.
He continued to remember his firefighting brothers with a large donation ($1,000 in 1895 currency that equals to roughly....$1.2 million) that helped establish the volunteer fireman's house in Hudson. Several engine and hose companies took his name in honor of him and his service.
He never married, although he did love and was engaged to a woman from Hudson for several decades. The reason they never married? Her parents didn't' approve because of Harry being a foundling baby. So, continuing his lifetime of being a chivalrous man, he respected their wishes and simply remained "engaged" to her until his death, leaving all he had to her.
FASNY Museum of Firefighting is today housed within this museum, continuing its firefighting tradition by sharing with the public its history.
Other important highlights of Mr. Howard's life as a firefighter:
Harry Howard's Fireman Certificate He's responsible for saving hundreds of lives and millions of dollars in property- Harry was a fan of the old fire engine models - he was known for advocating that Hand Drawn Steam Engines be used as a "last ditch" effort when working to protect the NYC volunteer fire department from elimination
Harry was frequently in firemen's parades serving as the Chief Marshall- He was the Chief Marshall/MC of the cornerstone-laying ceremony for the Volunteer Fireman's Home
