Engine 59 was organized July 2, 1917 at Hunting Park Avenue and Schuyler Street in the Nicetown section of the city. The eastern half of the building housed, and continues to house the 39th Police District. On July 7, 1930 Truck 18 moved to Engine 59’s house from Engine 35’s station. While their station was renovated, beginning April 13, 1964, Engine 59 and Ladder 18 were disbanded. Both companies were reorganized October 26, 1964 upon completion of the renovation.
Deputy 2 moved into Engine 59’s station on June 25, 1968 when the department was reorganized into three divisions. Prior to moving, Deputy 2 was housed with Engine 29 and Ladder 7. On June 27, 1983 Deputy 3, housed at Engine 70, was deactivated. Deputy 2 moved to Engine 70 the same day.
On June 18, 1988 Rescue 4 and Battalion 8 moved in when Engine 30 was disbanded. Battalion 8’s stay would be short. They moved to Engine 50 and Ladder 12’s station on July 6, 1988. On November 23, 2019, Battalion 8 moved back to Engine 59’s station.
Engine 59, Ladder 18, Medic 4 and Battalion 8 continue to respond from this station.
On the the night of December 4, 1970 with a very strong northerly wind, Engine 59 responded 2nd-in to the first alarm for a fire at the Philadelphia Lumber & MIllwork Co. on the northeast corner of 13th & Pike Sts. only to find very heavy smoke pouring from the 4 story frame building. Engine 59 hooked up to the hydrant on the southeast corner of 13th & Pike Sts. Shortly after hooking up, heavy flames burst through the frame wall, and being wind-driven, incinerated Engine 59’s 1967 Intl./Ward LaFrance apparatus, and destroyed or heavily damaged 17 row homes to the south on 13th and Camac Streets after 6 additional alarms had been transmitted. Luckily, no one was injured. Jack Wright told me that after the fire was placed under control, the Captain of Engine 59 who was nearing retirement walked back to his station at 22nd & Hunting Park Ave., cleaned out his locker, never to return to the station.
More details on the early minutes of this fire can be found under comments for Engine 30 in this blog.
Great learning the history of E-59 . I was assigned there from 1965 to 1970 “A” plt. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there especially with all the great men I worked with.
I was assigned to Engine 59, Plt. B from Fire College in 1969. I was working the night of the 7 alarm lumber yard fire at 13th and Pike Sts. It was a very cold night with strong winds. The fire took off and Engine 59’s apparatus was consumed by the fire and was totaled as a result. The veteran floating Captain resigned after the fire.