PhilaStories

Walter Gentry - Being Detailed From Engine 11

I spoke with Walter at his home in West Philadelphia. In his second story Walter talks about being detailed from Engine 11 to Engine 5 when it was located at 37th & Ludlow Street.

From 1919 - 1952 Engine 11 and Fireboat 1 were manned by African-American fireman only. Walter is one of five surviving retirees who worked at Engine 11 before the Philadelphia Fire Department was desegregated in 1952.

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Here are a few more Engine 11 photos.

Google Maps: Engine 11

Walter Gentry - Do You Want To See Where The Colored Fireman Work?

I spoke with Walter in his home in West Philadelphia. In his first story Walter talks about visiting Engine 11 as a child and beginning training as a fireman in Philadelphia on December 1, 1950.

The Philadelphia Fire Department was segregated from 1919 - 1952. African-American firemen were assigned to Engine 11 on South Street. Walter is one of five surviving firefighters who worked at Engine 11 before it was desegregated in 1952.

Click to Play

Here a few more Engine 11 photos

Google Maps: Engine 11