Clarence Brogden - Desegregation in the Philadelphia Fire Department

Sat, 23 Feb 2008 15:07:42 GMT

Clarence Brogden, 86 years old, was born and raised at 21st & Montgomery Sts. in North Philadelphia. His mother was born on an Indian reservation in South Carolina. She came to Philadelphia as a child. His father was born and raised in South Philadelphia. I spoke with Clarence at the Club Valiants meeting hall in Mount Airy. Shortly after serving in the armed forces during WWII Clarence joined the Philadelphia Fire Department in 1946. He was assigned to Engine 11. In this story he tells that Engine 11 fireman were transferred to formerly all white firehouses. From 1919 - 1952 Engine 11 and Fireboat 1 were manned by African-American fireman only. Clarence is one of five surviving retirees who worked at Engine 11 before the Philadelphia Fire Department was desegregated in 1952.

By mfeagans

Tags : African American, Clarence Brogden, Engine 11, Philadelphia, Philadelphia Fire Department, Philadelphia stories, desegregation, digital storytelling, fireman, oral history

Walter Lindsay - This Was the First Time We Had Whites in the Ranks

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 16:27:26 GMT

I spoke with Walter Lidsay at his home in South Jersey. Walter worked in the Philadelphia Fire Department from 1950 until 1977 when he retired as Battalion Chief. Walter talks about the start of desegregation at Engine 11 in 1952. Engine 11 was an African American unit only, from 1919 - 1952. Walter is one of five surviving firefighters who worked at Engine 11 before it was desegregated in 1952.

By mfeagans

Tags : Bella Vista, Engine 11, Philadelphia, Philadelphia Fire Department, Philadelphia stories, Walter Lindsay, desegregation, firefighter, fireman

Viddler > All tags- desegregation for mfeagans

Clarence Brogden - Desegregation in the Philadelphia Fire Department

Walter Lindsay - This Was the First Time We Had Whites in the Ranks