Page 25 - History of the Colton Fire Department

Colton’s department is a volunteer Association not with-
standing which it is always prompt in response to alarms and does
mighty efficient work when a fire is reached. In recognition of this
fact and to in a slight measure show his appreciation of good work
done in saving the Watanga from destruction week ago, the owner,
W.W. Wilcox invited the fire boys to be his guest at a banquet at the
Anderson hotel last Friday night. Besides the fireman, the city of-
ficials were invited. Those of the fire department were A. L. Pierce,
Chief; M. A. Bagley, Dr. Howe, Dr. Horace Hays, J.J. Adamson, H. S.
Fox, M. C. Butterfield, Charles Medhurst, H. B. Day, Edward U’Ren,
Dan Johnston and Clyde Wilcox. Of course an affair as this sort
could not pass off without toasts, especially when there was such a
subject for inspiration as the Colton fire Department, and at the close
of the feast Mr. Wilcox made an appreciative address paying his com-
pliments to the firefighters and commending them to the tostering
care of the city. Chief A.L. Pierce was toast master and he called
upon various guests to speak of the subjects closest to their hearts.
R.J. Martin, president of the board of trustees, made a short talk
eulogizing the fire department and not forgetting the Colton citizens
band, which he said where two volunteer organizations the city had
reason to be proud of and that should be given the hardiest support
from all. M. A. Bagley, one of the three living charter members of
the department gave some interesting remembrances with a touch of
humor in his remarks that raised a laugh or two and he was followed
by Dan Johnston who always has something to say worth hearing
and who is himself one of the original fireman for of the early trials
of the department when Colton hadn’t much to burn but what they
had was just as important to the owners as the finest buildings that
now ornament the city. John Bostwick did a little stunned in reply
to the insistence of the toastmaster and Bostwick is no spring chicken
himself when it comes to fire matters. Another speaker was M.C.
Butterfield, who knows something about fires as well as oranges and
politics. Before the speaking really started Mr. Butterfield had found
it necessary out of consideration for town trustee Wilkerson to move
to adjourn, but he was ruled out of order besides I couldn’t spare
Wilkerson who is not so much on oratory as he is strong on repartee. Above: John Adamson Below: Dr. R.C. Howe
There was plenty of fun and everybody was sorry when adjournment
was had at a comparatively early hour to allow Mr. Wilcox to catch
the Overland train for Imperial country.
-The Colton Chronicle, Feb. 15, 1910-

J. Z. Adamson was elected as the 8th Colton Fire
Chief. John Adamson was a member of the City Board
of Trustees, 1916-1918 and owned a bicycle shop in town
where Arthur Pierce worked (the 7th Volunteer Chief).

The members of the fire department agreed to
have the key to the Terrace pump house from Riverside
Highland Water Company left at the home of Mr. Lily-
man who lives at the corner of H & 3rd. He would be
paid 50 cents each time he turns the water on for a fire.
He would be notified in advance when a drill would be
occurring so that the water could be turned on.

1911
Dr. R.C. Howe was elected as the 9th Colton Vol-
unteer Fire Chief. Dr. Howe was a respected physician
and surgeon that lived at 210 N. 8th Street. 25