PhilaStories

Walter Lindsay & Lloyd Ama - Crossing The South Street Bridge Riding or Running

I spoke with Walter Lindsay and Lloyd Ama at Walter's home in South Jersey. Walter and Lloyd are retired fireman from the Philadelphia Fire Department. They tell us about the street games they played in the '30's growing up in West and South Philadelphia respectively, and some of the places they visited in the city.

Engine 11 was an African American unit only, from 1919 - 1952. Walter and Lloyd are two of five surviving firefighters who worked at Engine 11 before it was desegregated in 1952.

Google Maps: Ruby Street, 15th & Wharton Street

Walter Lindsay & Lloyd Ama - Captain Davis Was All Fireman

I spoke with Walter Lindsay and Lloyd Ama At Walter's home in South Jersey. Walter and Lloyd are retired fireman from the Philadelphia Fire Department. They talk about Captain James G. Davis who instilled pride and camaraderie among the men at Engine 11 through discipline.

Engine 11 was an African American unit only, from 1919 - 1952. Walter and Lloyd are two of five surviving firefighters who worked at Engine 11 before it was desegregated in 1952.

Here are a few more Engine 11 photographs.

Google Maps: Engine 11
 

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

I spoke with Walter Lindsay at his home in South Jersey. Walter Lindsay 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.

Here are a few more Engine 11 photos.

Google Maps: Engine 11