By Michael Bushnell
Northeast News
October 7, 2015

In March 1867, the Missouri Legislature granted permission to allow Kansas City to organize an official fire department.

In August of that same year an engine company was formed (McGee Hook and Ladder #1) and an order was placed for a steamer and two hose carts.

Colonel Francis “Frank” Foster was elected the first chief of the Kansas City Fire Department.

On March 12, 1868, the new steamer arrived in Kansas City on the steamboat Kate Kinney, where it was named the “John Campbell No. 1,” in honor of the man whose donation made its purchase possible. On March 14 at 2:00 p.m. testing began on the new steamer. At 4:56 p.m. testing was considered a success when the new equipment was able to throw a stream of water over the opera house located at 5th and Main streets.

The engineer of the John Campbell No. 1 was W.O. Huckett, and George Huckett was the stoker. T.B. Bullene was foreman and S.K. Green was the assistant foreman.

Each time the steamer answered an alarm, a driver and a team of mules were hired for $6.

This postcard, published by Hess and McCann of Kansas City, Mo. was mailed to Miss Effie Rodell, 1105 Vermont, Lawrence, Kansas. The message reads: “Hello Miss Rodell, Everything is lovely. Miss you so much. Hope you enjoy your vacation. Will see a few of these brace boys later today. Love from all the old girls. Lovingly, Grace.” The card was mailed July 25, 1908.