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In 1910, There were 10 Ladder companies organized in the Bronx. Almost all were in the western half (geographical) of The Bronx. This is where the population growth was. The South Bronx (Melrose, Mott Haven, Hunts Point, Morrisania) and the neighborhoods that grew around the subways (Els). Third Avenue and Westchester Avenue subway lines ferried the working class back and forth between Manhattan and The neighborhoods of The Bronx including West Farms, Fordham, University Heights, Kingsbridge and Bedford Park. Interestingly, if you look at this corridor, it would be ground zero for much of the busiest companies during the war years . The Population of The Bronx in 1910 was 430980.
In just 10 years, the population of The Bronx had increased by approximately 300,000 people. From 1911 thru 1920 FDNY added 7 more ladder companies to The Bronx. 1913 must have been a great budget year when 6 of these ladder companies were organized.
In the decade that followed, an additional 500,000 people moved into The Bronx. By 1930, FDNY had added 4 additional Ladder companies to the areas of Riverdale, and the rapidly growing East Bronx areas such as Eastchester, City Island, and Schuylerville.
From 1928 until 1966 (38 years), no additional ladder companies were organized in The Bronx. During this period the country experienced the Great Depression and World War 2. Population growth slowed down considerable as compared to the 20's and 30's. By 1970 the great arson wave in the South Bronx was underway. The War Years. During the 60's FDNY added 3 permanent ladder companies to The Bronx: Ladders 54, 55, and 56.
The War Years continued strongly through the 70's. There were a whole series of second sections added to existing companies including Ladders 17-2, and 27-2, tactical control units (ladder TCU 712), squads, and additional battalions implemented during the early 70's but most were gone by 1975 when the City of New York came close to bankruptcy and laid off members and closed companies. Ladder 53 on City Island was disbanded in Aug 1974 and would not be placed back in service until 12 years later in 1986. After all the dust settled, three additional ladder companies were permanently organized during the 70's: Ladders 58, 59, and 61. The organization of Ladder 61 in Co-op City would be the last time in over 50 years that new ladders were placed in The Bronx. Interestingly, by 1980, the net population of The Bronx was down to 1168972, reflecting an exodus of over 300,000 permanent residents from The Bronx.
Maps, tables, and Narrative by Capttomo.
In just 10 years, the population of The Bronx had increased by approximately 300,000 people. From 1911 thru 1920 FDNY added 7 more ladder companies to The Bronx. 1913 must have been a great budget year when 6 of these ladder companies were organized.
In the decade that followed, an additional 500,000 people moved into The Bronx. By 1930, FDNY had added 4 additional Ladder companies to the areas of Riverdale, and the rapidly growing East Bronx areas such as Eastchester, City Island, and Schuylerville.
From 1928 until 1966 (38 years), no additional ladder companies were organized in The Bronx. During this period the country experienced the Great Depression and World War 2. Population growth slowed down considerable as compared to the 20's and 30's. By 1970 the great arson wave in the South Bronx was underway. The War Years. During the 60's FDNY added 3 permanent ladder companies to The Bronx: Ladders 54, 55, and 56.
The War Years continued strongly through the 70's. There were a whole series of second sections added to existing companies including Ladders 17-2, and 27-2, tactical control units (ladder TCU 712), squads, and additional battalions implemented during the early 70's but most were gone by 1975 when the City of New York came close to bankruptcy and laid off members and closed companies. Ladder 53 on City Island was disbanded in Aug 1974 and would not be placed back in service until 12 years later in 1986. After all the dust settled, three additional ladder companies were permanently organized during the 70's: Ladders 58, 59, and 61. The organization of Ladder 61 in Co-op City would be the last time in over 50 years that new ladders were placed in The Bronx. Interestingly, by 1980, the net population of The Bronx was down to 1168972, reflecting an exodus of over 300,000 permanent residents from The Bronx.
Maps, tables, and Narrative by Capttomo.
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