Keyport Fire Department
Proudly Serving The Great Borough of Keyport Since 1877
Thanksgiving Blaze strikes a Historic Location
A early morning fire between the alley of Engine Company No. 1's old quarters and the Front porch Emporium was quickly extinguished about 7:00 AM. A General Alarm had been sounded for the blaze which was quickly eating it's way inside the 100+ year old building at Main & West Front Streets. All seven companies responded, and during the fire Lincoln Hose E-73, was redirected for a standby at vehicle rollover on Route 35.
Ironically this fire began only a few yards from the tragic blaze that began on Thanksgiving Morning 1889 which destroyed five buildings and took the life of Engine Company fireman Jacob Leyrer, Jr. That fire began in the basement of 23 year old Jacob's family bakery. The wood frame building which had been built in the 1840's was soon engulfed in flames, trapping Jacob's father, Jacob Sr. Young Jacob rushed back into the fire to save his father, but his attempts were in vain. Jacob sustained severe burns and was brought to the Pavilion hotel where he lingered in agony until Christmas day when he died with his young fiance, Fannie Holmes by his side. Jacob and his father were buried side by side in Green Grove Cemetery. in 1996 a memorial tablet was erected in Fireman's Park honoring his sacrifice to the town.
Ironically this fire began only a few yards from the tragic blaze that began on Thanksgiving Morning 1889 which destroyed five buildings and took the life of Engine Company fireman Jacob Leyrer, Jr. That fire began in the basement of 23 year old Jacob's family bakery. The wood frame building which had been built in the 1840's was soon engulfed in flames, trapping Jacob's father, Jacob Sr. Young Jacob rushed back into the fire to save his father, but his attempts were in vain. Jacob sustained severe burns and was brought to the Pavilion hotel where he lingered in agony until Christmas day when he died with his young fiance, Fannie Holmes by his side. Jacob and his father were buried side by side in Green Grove Cemetery. in 1996 a memorial tablet was erected in Fireman's Park honoring his sacrifice to the town.
Photos Courtesy Warren Chamberlain and Tim Regan ©2008
