I was not a member of the LBFD. My memories stem from my interest and fascination with the fire dept as a kid, growing up in Long Beach during the thirties and forties. I left LB in 1952, after 6 years in the Army, entering upon graduation from high school. I moved on with my Army career, got married and traveled the world.
First, about the Alabama St. Fire house: My memory of it was that it too had a plaque on its front, indicating that it was built in 1922 I also recall that Long Beach was at that time, according to the plaque, the Village of Long Beach. I grew up at 90 Indiana Avenue, in the West End, and knew all the trivia about the Indiana Fire House. I remember the plaque which you mentioned, indicating that that fire house was built in 1928. The builders were the Wydler Brothers, who, incidently, along with Arthur Von Glaghn, built most of the homes in West End and Sheer's Development, later known as East Atlantic Beach. The Alabama and the Indiana houses were both open during my childhood years. My memoriy is that they closed the Alabama house some time following the end of World War II, around 1945 or 46, if I recall correctly.
Some other memories about the LBFD. As as a kid, one of our heroes on the FD at the Indiana house was Teddy Picke. He was a short stocky, "hero" to the kids, who we admired and respected, because of his agility when we'd watch him in action at one of the many fires we'd invariably chase the engines to.
Other trivia: Mr. Phil Donnelly, who lived on 102 Maryland Avenue. His sons were Philip and Bill, who now live in Oceanside or Island Park, was stationed at the Alabama Fire Hous. Mr. Clarence Mc Donald, who lived at 71 Indiana Ave, was also a long time paid fireman at the Indiana House.
Another memory about the fire trucks. The Alabama house had one engine; a 1918 American La France pumper. Over at the Indiana house was a 1918 American La France hook and ladder, as well as a (never knew the year)) a Larabee hose truck. In later years, the Larabee disappeared and was replaced by a 1936 Plymouth 4 door sedan which was specially equipped with a stretcher which was loaded through the rear trunk. As kids, we used to refer to it as the "fire chief car." Both American La France trucks had no mufflers and were loud as hell when ever they were running.
I remember as a kid that whenever there was a heavy snow, the city would always plow Indiana Avenue, on the west side, to allow the fire trucks access to Beech Street, which was always plowed since it was the main thoroughfare..
There is an additional source of info including, I'm sure, photos. He's Bob Mc Donald, Clarence McDonald's son, a boyhood chum who now lives here in Southern California. I'm sure he'd love to contribute to LBFD history, in view of his legacy as the son of one of Long Beach's earliest firemen (that term is dated now, I'm sure, in that you surely must now have women fire fighters these days.
If you want to pick my brain about more LBFD and or LB info, don't hesitate to give me a jingle on the internet.
