Alfred Ellinger , May 16th, 1909

On Sunday, May 16th, 1909 at 4:25 AM, an alarm was sounded on Box 521 – 9th & Arch Streets (often referred to by firemen of those days as the “hoodoo box”), for a fire at David Henley’s Sons fancy feather and artificial flower factory at 831 Arch Street.

While operating at this fire, Foreman Alfred Ellinger suffered extreme smoke inhalation and started to leave the building via the fire escape, but he fell to the pavement and struck his head. Police surgeons present attempted to cut his windpipe with a sterilized penknife in an effort to let air into his lungs, but this failed and Foreman Ellinger died of his injuries.

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Alfred Ellinger , May 16th, 1909

On Sunday, May 16th, 1909 at 4:25 AM, an alarm was sounded on Box 521 – 9th & Arch Streets (often referred to by firemen of those days as the “hoodoo box”), for a fire at David Henley’s Sons fancy feather and artificial flower factory at 831 Arch Street.

While operating at this fire, Foreman Alfred Ellinger suffered extreme smoke inhalation and started to leave the building via the fire escape, but he fell to the pavement and struck his head. Police surgeons present attempted to cut his windpipe with a sterilized penknife in an effort to let air into his lungs, but this failed and Foreman Ellinger died of his injuries.

Career History

Appointed Ladderman Truck “A”                              November 14, 1890

Transferred Hoseman Engine 30                              September 5, 1893

Promoted Assistant Foreman Engine 2                    October 8, 1894

Promoted Foreman Engine 45                                 March 12, 1895

Transferred Foreman Engine 11                              October 21, 1905