Chief Howe, of the New York City Fire Department, was the youngest and most decorated fireman of his time. Howe wore eleven stars on his uniform and each star told a story of rescue, bravery, and heroism. John Howe and his parents, Patrick and Elizabeth (Brady) Howe immigrated about 1873 from Enniskillen, Ireland. Howe first a journalist joined the Fire Department of New York in 1891. At thirty-seven years of age, he was promoted to Battalion Chief.

New York loved Chief Howe and newspapers wrote of the rescues Howe and his firefighters performed. On February 8, 1904, a fire was out of control in Baltimore. In the early morning hours, Howe woke up to a telephone call by Chief Kruger. He was to lead  nine (double) New York Fire Engine Companies and One Hook and Ladder to the Baltimore Fire. The men believed they were going to a ferry fire and came unprepared. One of the sponsors for the trip was Dr. Harry Archer, a medical doctor and surgeon, the first medical doctor for the fire department, and later a Deputy Commissioner. Dr. Archer contributed the sum of $106 to help the men out. Six hours after the appeal for help reached the city, nine engines and one hook and ladder company, with a full compliment of men, were on their way to Baltimore. Two stock cars holding thirty-four horses and engines boarded the train to make the journey. The men fought the fire for forty-eight hours with no rest and only a sandwich and water to drink. The fire was contained and when Howe and his band of firemen were leaving Baltimore to go home, thousands of men, women, and children, began cheering in the streets. The crowds passed out cigars and flasks to the men. The New York Firemen were the heroes of the city. 

Black and white photos of Chief Howe and firefighters available, with rescues, steam engines, and fires. Photos are late 19th and early 20th century. Printed on white, gloss paper and enclosed in albaster mat with white core board. See catalog.

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