City of Lebanon Oregon history

An ordinance was was adopted that each building owner provide a fire bucket in 1815.

Early Firefighting Equipment.. Lebanon Bought it's first Hand Pumper in 1828.

In 1835 another pumper was purchased.It was bought in Cincinnati for $1400.00.

During the winter of 1845 two young men, William Hawk and William Smith spent several months near what is now the corner of Grove and Maple Streets and built a small cabin.

They found it in late autumn of 1847 when Jeremiah Ralston halted his train of three wagons in what is now Lebanon, Oregon.

In 1848, a year before the territorial government was organized, the first election was held in what is now Lebanon, then called Kees' Precinct.

The Third Hand pumper was purchased in 1849.

The post office was discontinued before this town of Lebanon was platted in 1852.

In 1861 the toll road was begun.

The first articles of incorporation for "The Willamette Valley and Cascade Mountain Road" were filed in 1864 by Luther Elkins, Morgan Kees, John Settle, Isaac Coryell, Jacob and James Richardson.

In 1871, the Calliope, a small, flat bottomed steamboat ascended the South Santiam to what was then known as the Ridgeway ferry, near where the two bridges now cross the Santiam just east of town.

July 1, 1872 the Fire committee of council authorized The purchase of an additional Hose Reel for $200.00 from a Cleveland Firm.

On November 9, 1874 Council Purchased more hose for the Steamer Company.

On February 7, 1876 a Circulating water heater was purchased for the Belle of the West to keep hot water in the Steamer at all times so steam could be raised more quickly.

The Third Hand pumper was purchased in 1849. It was sold to Franklin, and destroyed in a fire in August 26, 1877 in which the Franklin Town Hall Burned.

A branch of the Southern Pacific was built from Albany to Lebanon in 1880.

As most of the first birds sent over in 1881 died on the way, he sent a second lot the following year to his brother who lived on the family homestead.

Originally formed in 1884 by a group of community minded men, the department was a private organization.

On April 5, 1887 The “Belle of the west” was taken in on trade for the sum of $3000.00 for a larger Steamer, Made by Ahrens, of Cincinnati Ohio.

J. L. Nye, keeper of the toll gate in 1905, noted that all animals gave the Huss car a wide berth.

A fire Wagon was purchased in 1906.

1920’s Simplex Pumper – Was orignally purchased from Morristown Fire Department for $1000 by Fire Company Members.

The Lebanon Fire Company’s origin can be traced back to 1923 when a Gas Explosion occurred in the original Post Office/Hotel on the corner of Main Street & Cokesbury Road which killed 11 people.

In 1925 after Discussion and debate, Two gasoline driven units were purchased.

Consequently, in September 1943, the first meeting of the Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department was held in the Lebanon Town Hall with many men signing as charter members at that time.

In August 1944, the Department purchased a 150-gallon pump, fittings and 500 feet of one and one-half inch hose.

When the modern town of Lebanon celebrated its Centennial in 1947, the Lebanon Express chronicled the community's beginnings well.

1953 GMC Tanker – 1200 gallon tender that had been donated to the fire company possibly by Van Doren Oil Company.

As calls increased throughout the County, The Turtlecreek Township trustee's purchased a Seagrave in 1955.

1956 Mack B-Model Pumper – Was originally built to FDNY specs as part of a deal with the city.

1971 GMC 2500 Brush Truck – Was purchased in 1971 to replace the Dodge Powerwagon RAM the company had been using.

Coincidentally, the General Store which replaced the Post Office/Hotel after the explosion, caught fire and burned down in 1980.

1956 Mack B-Model Pumper – Was originally built to FDNY specs as part of a deal with the city. It remained in service until it’s sale in 1996 when it was replaced by a Spartan/Quality Engine.

Lebanon Genealogical Society © 1998 Jan Phillips First posted January 1998