Our fallen hero

At 8:59 PM on February 6, 1906, Box 873 at 34^th and Spruce Streets was struck for a fire at 34^th & Spruce. Fire was discovered in the 3 ½ story brick powerhouse of the University of Pennsylvania.   At 9:15 PM a second alarm was struck. The powerhouse, which supplied most of the campus with electricity, was destroyed plunging the University into darkness. The temperature was 10 degrees.

During the fire, Hoseman Eugene Smith of Engine 1, was injured by falling glass. He received lacerations on his head and arms and was treated at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital. Hoseman Smith was 61 years of age at the time of his injury. On December 16, 1909 he succumbed to his injuries.

Hoseman Eugene Smith had a long history in firefighting. He was one of the first firefighters of the paid Fire Department, he was appointed on March 15, 1871. Prior to that, he was a member of the Volunteer Good Intent Hose, Hook & Ladder Company #2. He was issued volunteer badge number 229 in June 1868.

The cause of the fire was listed as “unknown” and damage amounted to $34,228.11.