Austin Fire Museum

The Austin Fire Museum is fortunate enough to have about 15 of its firefighter business cards in our archive collection. These cards were traded between firefighters at the annual Texas State Firemen’s Convention that took place for many years beginning in the 1880’s. Recently we acquired a new card which belonged to Julius Schutze, a prominent Austinite and Hook and Ladder #1 member of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. The card dates to 1911 and is in very good shape for its age. The graphic is a beautiful representation of the pride and esteem associated with being a member of the Austin Fire Department around the turn of the 20th Century.

In this case, the card is obviously for recruitment.  The Austin Fire Department would remain a volunteer organization for only five more years.  In 1916, the voters decided to create a paid, municipal fire department ending the volunteer era that began in 1857.

It’s amazing the amount of detail that was possible as far back as 1911 for this type of card.

Capt. Norman Rutledge (served 41 years–1930-1971) was assigned to Truck Co. 1 as a firefighter in the 1930’s when it was located at the Old Central Fire Station 1 at 114 W. 8th Street. Firefighter Rutledge steered the tiller portion of Truck 1. Rutledge promoted to Captain in the late 1940’s and served as the Captain of Truck 2 throughout the 1950’s. Captain Rutledge returned to Truck 1 in the 1960’s and retired in 1971. Ret. Capt. T. D. Haldiman was firefighter Rutledge’s son-in-law and has graciously donated many items from “Rut’s” collection to the AFD Museum archives. The following photos are just a few from Capt. Rut’s tours on Truck 1 in the 1930’s.

Truck Co. 1 ca.1935 at Old Central Fire Station #1. Tillerman N. E. Rutledge is first on the left.

Great photo of “Rut” steering the tiller position on Truck 1. Rut probably faced many vicious Texas storms on top of that tiller.

Another great view of the tillerman of the 30’s.