The Historic Stillman Fires Collection is a rare and unique look at firemen training and public education films from over 50 years ago. The Stillman collection is the largest collection of fires and fire management in the world. A majority of the footage is silent and in black and white, but a few of the films have sound and color. For your viewing pleasure we have re-mastered and re-organized the collection into smaller wonderful sub-categories including: New York Fires, Fires from around the World, Ships on Fire, Demonstration Fires & Fireman Training, and everyones favorite, The Best of the Stillman Fires Collection. The entire Stillman collection is a must have for any true fire lover.
Included Films:
Tacoma Bridge Collapsing
Tacoma Bridge Collapsing
Produced: 1940s
Length: 4 Minutes
Unquestionably one of the most famous bridges in history (for all the wrong reasons), the Tacoma Narrows bridge gave birth to one of the most fantastic events ever captured on film. This movie details the bridge construction, the bridge use, and finally the fantastic bridge collapse. Probably the worlds most dangerous bridge during its use, the Tacoma Narrows bridge cost six million dollars, took one year to build, and was the third longest in the world at the time. A beautiful suspension bridge, it received the name Galloping Gerdie because it would rock on windy nights. Then one day, the galloping became intense. In what is now a basic high school physics example, the bridge experienced resonance and shook and jostled with an as yet unforeseen force. Bridge structure designs would never be the same, as the Tacoma Narrows bridge collapse was an absolute disaster. This is precious video that can be appreciated by all.
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Chief Kenlon’s Ride
Produced: 1940s
Length: 3 Minutes
A fire alarm sounds, and the men spring into action! Fire trucks go racing down the snow covered streets of New York City, dangerous streets, forcing citizens out of the way. Even still, some sidewalk driving is necessary! Arriving at the five alarm fire, smoke pours from every opening. This is just the beginning of this fine firefighting film.On the Governors Island, the barracks were consumed in fire. Nothing but rubble was left from the fire. Only small parts of the foundation remain. The expansion of a skyscraper bursts into flames in the Netherlands. Battling the blaze will require firemen gear and fire fighting tools used to perfection. Part of a shopping section of 5th Avenue in New York catches fire. Not all of the firefighters will survive
Berkeley California Fire of 1923
Berkeley California Fire of 1923
Produced: 1923
Length: 6 Minutes
Three Fires
Three Fires
Produced: 1940s
Length: 4 Minutes
One of San Fran., One of Japanese barracks, and one of Canadan pulpwood fire.
Fires Other Cities
Fires Other Cities
Produced: 1940s
Length: 10 Minutes
China, Norfolk, San. Fran. Chicago, and Hoboken
Large Fires Other Cities
Large Fires Other Cities
Produced: 1940s
Length: 17 Minutes
This collection of vintage firefighting footage that traverses the globe for awe inspiring blazes of destruction. Beginning in Chindurn, China, the film begins with an out of control building fire. From there, its off to San Francisco, Chicago, Union City, and Norfolk. This film is fires fires fires – and the inferno of destruction makes for great viewing.
Foreign Fire Departments
Foreign Fire Departments
Produced: 1940s
Length: 25 Minutes
This is vintage firefighting footage from the 1920s. Through the fire and flames brave firefighters come to the rescue! This video highlights the work done by the Boston Fire Department and Worchester Fire Department in 1927, a nifty slice of firefighting history. Also included is footage of firemen and firefighting equipment from other parts of the world, including Yokohama Japan. The firefighting video clips involve great big old fire trucks. Included extra is a peak at what a fire chiefs car looked like at the time. The cargo space was stuffed with fire fighting gear, firefighting tools, and fire hose nozzles.Theres also footage of firefighting equipment that was new at the time. Given is a demonstration of the smoke eater, used to pump smoke from cellars. Spectacular vintage fire hoses and fire fighting boats called firepups are also shown. This is a great firefighting history video!
Parade of the Wooden Soldiers
Parade of the Wooden Soldiers
Produced: 1940s
Length: 7 Minutes
This gem from the Stillman Fire Collection contains classic footage of old firefighters parading through the street as part of a large procession. Historic fire apparatus machines are on full display, making this an invaluably useful research tool to learning about vintage firefighting. A display of building climbing techniques caps off this great short film.
London Fire Service Film
London Fire Service Film
Produced: 1940s
Length: 11 Minutes
This is one of the best films from the Stillman Fire Collection. Featuring eye popping scenes of actual raging fires in London, the film also explores the all aspects of firefighting. Historical scenes of the fire station control room couples with the aftermath of fire destruction to provide a complete view of this dangerous public service. For breathtaking fire footage and informative content, look no further than this video.
