City of Adrian history

The Adrian Fire Department was established on June 19, 1841 and was comprised of prominent men from the growing community.

Popular anti-slavery senator and later two term Michigan governor Charles M. Croswell joined up with developers to open the “Adrian Town Hall” in 1859.

It was the 3rd largest town in Michigan by 1860, and despite the expansion up through today Adrian has been known for its non-violence activism.

Unfortunately, many times the effort put forth was in vain as the fire would have a significant head start and the result was normally a large loss.In 1867, the “Steam Fire Department,” began after a reorganization of fire suppression services.

In 1873, The City Council received a report from Peter Hogan, Civil Engineer, on the possible methods of providing Adrian with an adequate water supply for an estimated 10,000 population in the distribution area and potential expansion to service 20,000 population.

Adrian, Times and Expositor Steam print, 1876.

In 1873, The City Council received a report from Peter Hogan, Civil Engineer, on the possible methods of providing Adrian with an adequate water supply for an estimated 10,000 population in the distribution area and potential expansion to service 20,000 population. It was ten years later, on January 26, 1883, that the City signed a contract with the Holly Manufacturing Company to construct and maintain a water company.

The Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Company had started suit in 1888 for non-payment of interest on the bonds it had purchased from the company.

In October, 1889, an “expert” hired by the City reported that the water works had found a new source of water and that it was of sufficient quantity for many years to come.

In 1894, the water company was in the hands of a court appointed receiver.

Four years later in 1898, the Adrian Water Works Company went into receivership and was reorganized as the Adrian Water Company.

Duplicating Peter Hogan’s insight, the 1904 report recommended placement of a water treatment plant at that impoundment.

In 1909 the “Lion Motor Car Company was started by William Burnham and a “Lion Motor Car” from this era is on display at the “Lenawee County Historical Museum” and is said to still be in working condition.

Christian “Chris” Schoen- LODD, June 2, 1912: Operating at the Lion Car Factory fire when a wall collapsed on him.

As in the past, volunteers were still utilized to respond.In 1914, the department received its first motorized fire apparatus.

However, continuous chlorination of Adrian water did not begin until 1916.

Since the purchase of the water system in 1920, the City has never subsidized the system in any amount.

John Vollmer- LODD, December 19, 1925: Died in a Motor Vehicle Crash (with AFD fire engine) trying to outrun a train at the RR crossing @ Division St

Since 1957, the Adrian City Water Department has continued to be a financially separate operation managed by a utilities director reporting to the city administrator.

Norman McKenzie- LODD, January 11, 1960: Died of a heart attack while pumping at the fire hydrant on Center St for the fire at Stearns Manufacturing Company.

Birger Johnson- LODD, March 20, 1964: Died of a heart attack while standing next to the fire engine while on a grass fire between University & William Streets.