Firefighter - Driving back to the station 1943 - Side by Side

by Mike Savad

Title

Firefighter - Driving back to the station 1943 - Side by Side

Artist

Mike Savad

Medium

Photograph - Hand Colorized Photo

Description

Hand colored photo from 1943
Original title: Firehouse station number four. Washington, D.C. Engines returning from a fir
Photographer: Gordon Parks
Location: 6th and R Street NW

Engine Company No. 4, founded on February 21, 1870, was Washington, D.C.'s first all-Black firefighting company, becoming official in 1919. Originally known as "S. J. Bowen Engine 4," the company moved to 931 R Street NW in 1940. The image captures them heading east on R Street, likely on their way back to the station.

At this time, firefighters still practiced "tailboarding," or riding on the truck’s back step, a dangerous practice abolished nationwide by the 1970s. Modern fire trucks are now equipped with enclosed seating, securing both firefighters and their gear en route.

Engine 4 endured segregation, limited resources, and second-hand equipment, often receiving older models like Seagrave or American LaFrance engines passed down from white companies. While much of their historic equipment is lost, recent efforts aim to locate or commemorate pieces that honor the legacy of these pioneering firefighters.


Color notes
I was able to see these trucks, as some still do exist, Most of the pipes are chrome, the basket in front, I couldn't find any pictures off and to me it was probably brass, or dirty. I'm assuming the hats were black.

The street still exists on the left, many of those old buildings exist today, nothing on the right however. The brick gutters are still there.

I chose this shot because I liked the point of view, makes you feel like a kid. Though I'm not sure exactly where the photographer stood. Both trucks look pretty much the same, and the basket is higher than everyone else, did he lean hard? Stand on something? Probably looked neat from the sidewalk.

Uploaded

November 25th, 2024

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