John D. Murray Firefighters Museum

09/01/2026

The John D. Murray firefighters museum will be open that day, and have items relating to 9-11 on temporary exhibition; including magazines, newspapers and a record book from then.

We hope to see you at the ceremony and the museum.

On behalf of the City Of Oswego and the Oswego City Police Department, we invite the community to join us on Friday, September 11, 2026, as we come together to honor and remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001. We encourage members of the public to participate in this meaningful day of remembrance.

🏃 6:30 AM – Sunrise Run & Silent Procession - Emergency Vehicles
Beginning at East Bridge Street and East 4th Street and proceeding to the Oswego Police Department.

🔔 8:30 AM – Remembrance Ceremony
Oswego Fire Department Headquarters
35 E. Cayuga Street, Oswego

Please join our Firefighters, Police Officers, local officials, and fellow community members as we pay tribute to the lives lost. We gather to remember their courage, their service, and their sacrifice—and to ensure that we never forget.

🇺🇸 All members of the public are welcome and encouraged to attend.

08/29/2026

08/26/2026

Online ordering for Oswego Fire Dept Down Syndrome Awarness 2026 ends on Wed, Sep 16, 2026 (11:59 PM EDT)

08/25/2026

Part Eight of the Series – Conclusion:

132 years ago, on August 21st through the 24th, 1894, Oswego hosted the N. Y. S. Firemen’s Association Convention. The largest Convention in Oswego history, bringing in over 30,000 people overall to Oswego, doubling the population for the four days.

Following the convention, many towns, villages, and city’s left very positive comments about their time in Oswego. Some of these comments are as follows:

“Outside of the railroad accident, there was nothing to mar the pleasure of those Auburnians who attended the State Firemen’s Convention at Oswego yesterday. The excursion of St. George’s society afforded all who desired an opportunity to go at a cheap rate and there were not less than 1,200 Auburnians who saw the fire ladies on parade and saw the other attractions provided by the hospitable Oswegonians. […] The company had an elegant time and so did a number of Auburnians who were the company’s guests. Entertainment of many kinds was provided in plenty, and the doughty Alerts and their friends enjoyed it every minute.” -The Auburn Bulletin.

“All of the delegates that left this city to attend the State Firemen’s convention in Oswego on August 21, 22, 23, and 24 have returned home, and report having had as good a time as could be expected. Oswego is a city 24,000 population its public buildings are substantially built; it has a number of first class hotels among the foremost being the Doolittle House, at which the Niagara Falls delegation put up. This hotel was also the headquarters of the association. “ - The Niagara Falls Courier.

“Captain Waldon and his men are unstinting in their praises for the citizens of Oswego. They say that they were most hospitably entertained, and every attention given them. They are also grateful to the two newspapers of that city, and the kind manner in which they treated them is thoroughly appreciated, and in after years as they look back with pleasant recollections on Oswego as it appeared to them in 1894, the deeds of those editors will be entwined with their own happy thoughts.” -The Little Falls Evening Times.

Lastly, is the closing comments made by the Oswego Daily Palladium in the days following the Convention:

“All of the firemen who were here last week appear to have had an enjoyable time, and gave good accounts of Oswego on their return home. The Green Island boys report, through the Troy Press, having had a delightful time. The Lockport ladies were pleased. The Potsdam contingent reported to the Watertown Times that they had “an excellent time.” The Hudson Register says: “The firemen at the Oswego State Convention write they are having a delightful time, and that Oswego is deck with flags and bunting beyond any place where a convention of firemen has yet been held.”

“The thrilling exhibitions by the Pompier Corps, of New York, under the direction of Captain McAdam, proved a great attraction for thousands of the visiting firemen and others. The members of the corps proved themselves to be thorough gentlemen and won a warm place in the hearts of our people. They were delighted with their entertainment. Every courtesy was shown to them, and a very warm friendship sprang up between them and the members of our own paid department. On their departure on Friday evening, a touching incident occurred at the N. Y. O. & W. Station.

"Chief Blackburn was there to see them off. He had been unremitting in his attentions, and just before they boarded the train, the members of the corps each shook hands with the Chief and kissed him. The crowd cheered lustily, women waved their handkerchiefs and tears rolled down Chief Blackburn’s face. It was some minutes before he could speak a word and he could only wave his good-bye.”

“Unquestionably the convention was one of the largest and most successful in the history of the Firemen’s Association. It is likewise true that it brought to Oswego a greater crowd of people than the city ever before entertained. As usual at all such gatherings. The “kicker” was on deck, but it is a source of great satisfaction to know that the great bulk of visitors who came here went home thoroughly pleased and satisfied with what was done for their entertainment. […]

"The members of the Citizen’s Committee who had the whole affair in charge are entitled to much credit. It required three months of hard work, worry and annoyance to see the convention through.”

08/25/2026

, 132 years ago, the 22nd Annual N. Y. S. Firemen’s Association Convention held in Oswego on August 21st through the 24th, officially came to its conclusion. (Part Seven of the Series, Continued)

“Gradually the twenty-second annual convention of State Firemen, that has been in session in this city since Tuesday last, with its attending contests and parades, is drawing to a close. In every way it has been a grand success. The local committees have left nothing undone, and the affair has moved off as smooth as it was possible for such an affair. The hospitality of the citizens has been marked. The comfort of all the guests was carefully looked after, and they return to their homes with only the most kindly feelings for Oswego and the hospitality of our citizens.” – Oswego Daily Palladium, August 24th, 1894.

On the evening of August 24th, 1894, all the fire companies and delegates said their final good-byes and began their journey’s home. But not before having one last fun time in Oswego together. The local newspaper reported;

“Last night finished the firemen’s convention, and our visitors determined on winding it up in style. Quite a number of them […], sang and tooted while others marched carrying Japanese parasols, canes, brooms, horns, in short everything they could get a hold of.

“During all this hubbub, half a dozen bands and drum corps hammered away trying to outvie each other in noise.

“The streets were one surging mass of humanity. As each train pulled out loaded with departing firemen, the crowd around the station shouted themselves hoarse. In fact perfect bedlam reigned, and yet with all this racket, there was not a particle of roughness. The boys were simply looking for a last “good time” and they certainly found it.

“The good order was a very notable as well as a commendable feature of the convention. Although the crowd was immense, there were but a few personal collisions. In fact we have heard of but a single scarp during the four days, and that was suppressed so quickly that it was hardly worth mentioning.

“The Old Volunteer Firemen of the city and county of New York got festive […] and went out serenading. They first escorted the old volunteers of Utica to their train and then went to the home of T. E. O’Keefe, [on the] corner of East Eighth and Mohawk streets.

"From there they went to the home of Mayor Higgins in West Fifth street, where Vice President Blair made a speech and which was responded to by the mayor. From the mayor’s they went to the residence of Thompson Kingsford where they were royally received, Mr. Kingsford providing them with several boxes of his best cigars.”

Many of the fire companies left for home that evening on August 24th, while the rest would leave the next day. Officially bringing the 22nd N. Y. S. Firemen’s Convention to an end.

08/24/2026

, 132 years ago was the conclusion of the 22nd Annual N. Y. S. Fireman’s Association Convention, held in Oswego on August 21st through the 24th, 1894. (Part Seven of the Series, Continued)

The last event of the Firemen’s Convention in Oswego was the awarding of prizes that happened at 5 P. M. at the Doolittle House on August 24th, 1894. The prizes were awarded to the different companies from the tournaments, and the special prizes were given to the individual firemen for “good natured fun.”

The fire companies that received awards are as follows:

Victor Adams Hose, Little Falls, received $200 for their success in the prize drill.
Hitchcock Hose, Cortland, and German Hose, Oneida got second and third prizes, $100 and $50.

Rescue Hook and Ladder, Walton, was given first prize for both the hose race and hook and ladder race.

Defiance Engine Company, Brockville, received $100 for success in the hand engine contest.

Ringgold Engine Company, Pulaski; and Mexico Engine, Mexico, received $50 and $25.

The following images is the list of all the “Special Prizes” that were awarded to the firemen.

08/24/2026

, 132 years ago was the conclusion of the 22nd Annual N. Y. S. Firemen’s Association Convention, that was held in Oswego on August 21st through the 24th, 1894. (Part Seven of the Series, Continued)

Following what was referred to as the largest parade of firemen on this side of the country, was the “sham battle” at the fairgrounds.

The battle was a military exercise that was described as “a battle in miniature; The participants are all well drilled men and movements will be made with military precision.” Those that participated in “Sham Battle” were the Wheeler Rifles of Auburn, the 48th Separate Company of this city and Captain Regan’s Company of United States regulars stationed at Fort Ontario. The Ninth Infantry band arrived from Sackett’s Harbor, and rendered several musical selections during this event.

The following is the article from the Oswego Daily Palladium dated August 25th, 1894, describing the battle:

“The sham battle at the fairgrounds yesterday afternoon was a decided success. The Second Separate company of Auburn, the 48th Separate Company of Oswego and the detail from Fort Ontario constituted the forces. The companies arrived on the grounds about three o’clock and were greeted by about five thousand spectators who filled the grand stand and the field.

“The detail from the fort manned the two heavy twelve pound cannon with which the fort was manned. A detail of about fifty were left in the fort and the others marched to the extreme south end of the grounds and went in hiding behind the barns. A scouting party was then sent out from the fort. Scouts from the attacking party appeared and an interchange of shots followed. Over the brow of the hill appeared the line of the attacking party.

“A portion of them secreted themselves in the tall grass to southwest while the rest lay down and opened a vigorous fire on the scouts and fort. The cannon in the fort were worked by men who understood their business and the rapidity with which they were loaded and discharged was marvelous. A charge of the attacking party was made, but they were not strong enough to drive in the scouts from the fort which was protected by the heavy guns and the reserves were signaled for.

“The reserves concealed themselves in the tall grass and commenced a steady fire. Inch by inch the attacking party narrowed the distance to the fort. A sharp run drove the scouts behind the breastworks. The loud roar of the cannon, and spiteful crack of the rifles was kept up.

"Steadily the distance to the fort was lessened until about one hundred yards intervened when the order “fix bayonets” [and] “charge” was given. With a yell the soldier boys charged and climbed over the fort, taking the guns and defenders prisoners. Sergeant Flemming mounted one of the guns and surrendered the fort. The battle was a fine exhibition and brought forth the manner in which the soldier boys practice in the art of warfare.”

08/24/2026

, 132 years ago, Oswego hosted the 22nd Annual N. Y. S. Firemen’s Association Convention on August 21st through the 24th, 1894. (Part Seven of the Series)

The last day of the convention began with what is considered the largest parade in Oswego’s history. It was also called “the greatest parade of firemen ever seen in this section of the country.” This parade consisted of all of the different fire companies and delegates that came to Oswego with over 2,000 uniformed men from all parts of New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Canada, along with up to thirty bands and sixty officers of the mounted police.

Many of the fire companies came in full strength. The Volunteers of New York came with 200 men. The Exempts from the same city brought a large crowd, and the Peekskill company had sixty men. Because of the size, the parade was divided into nine different divisions that formed in the beginning on various roads on the west side.

The formation of the divisions is as follows:

FORMATION OF LINE.
First division will form in West First Street, right resting on the north side of Bridge street.

Second division will form in West Second street, right resting on the north side of Bridge Street.

Third division will form in West Second street, right resting on the south side of Bridge street.

Fourth division will form in West Third street, right resting on the north side of Bridge street.

Fifth division will form in West Third street, right resting on the south side of Bridge street.

Six division will form in West Fourth street, right resting on the north side of Bridge street.

Seventh division will form in West Fourth street, right resting on the south side of Bridge street.

Eighth division will form in West fifth street, right resting on the north side of Bridge street.

Ninth will form in West Fifth street, right resting on the south side of Bridge street.

The first division was to commence the parade promptly at 11 A.M. with each chief of a division marching his division successively into column following the division in front of them, when the left of the proceeding division had passed the right of his division.

During the march, the honors of a passing salute were paid to the President of the State Firemen’s Association at the reviewing stand in East Bridge street. In passing the review, all colors and officers rendered a salute, and the field music sounded the flourishes or ruffles.

Notes from the Oswego Daily Palladium follow:

“No part of the parade attracted more attention than the “Old Volunteers’ who were repeatedly cheered along the line of march. At the head of the New York Exempts marched Harry Howard, the best known fireman in the United States.

“Hydrant Hose, of Lockport, with silver helmets presented a handsome appearance. Their marching was perfect and they executed fancy drill movements with a accuracy and precision that drew forth hearty applause. Twice along the line of march their handsome captain was presented with bouquets of flowers.

“Victor Adams Hose Company, of Little Falls, and the Brockville, Ont., Hook & Ladder Company did some fine drilling that called out [a] merited applause.

“Oswego’s Old Volunteers marched like the veterans that they are and were roundly applauded. The two handsomest hose carriages in line were owned by the Emeralds, of Cortland, and the Peekskill Company No. 2. Both are composed of fine looking young men, and they made a very neat appearance in line.

“Drum-Major Taylor attracted the attention of the crowd with his twirling of the baton.

“The New York Veteran Firemen’s Association marched in the procession. They were one hundred and seventy-five strong and they had with them their double decked hand engine.

“It is not only one of the largest, but it is one of the finest parades ever witnesses at a convention. Firemen who have attended conventions for years say this.”

The following images include the complete order of procession and a map showing the parade route.

08/24/2026

, 132 years ago, Oswego hosted the 22nd Annual N. Y. S. Firemen’s Convention on August 21st through the 24th, 1894. (Part Six of the Series, continued)

When the recital finished at St. Johns Church, the Yacht Club held another “Grand Illumination” and water parade. The local newspaper stated:

“The scene that will be presented this evening will exceed in beauty that of last night. The Yacht Club has arranged a new program of decorations at a large expense. Mr. Doyle, manager of the Western Union Telegraph company, who has had the arrangement of the aquatic parade and all the members of the club, deserve the highest credit for the admirable spectacle they presented last night and the forthcoming one also.”

The following is the article by the Oswego Daily Palladium that describes the second parade on the night of August 23rd, 1894:

“The illuminated water parade held on the Oswego river last evening was a grand success.

“The boats left their moorings in the new harbor in front of the yacht club house at 8:30. Long before that hour arrived thousands of people had congregated along the docks and every available place where a view of the parade could be witnessed was crowded to its utmost capacity.

"During the afternoon the yachts Ruth, Yama, Katie Gray, Papoose and several of the larger yachts belonging to the yacht club were brought up near the lower bridge and anchored. These yachts when lighted up presented a handsome appearance especially the Ruth. This yacht was entirely lighted by electricity furnished from the mill of Fredrick Conde opposite which the yacht laid.

“The illumination of the yacht was incandescent lamps of various colors so arranged that they showed the complete outline of the yacht’s rigging while the name “Ruth” would appear and disappear at stated intervals. A large triangle of whit incandescent lights running from a flagpole on Frederick Conde’s factory in the center of which alternately appeared the letters F and C.

"The Yama was anchored abreast of the elevator ruins and showed a large triangle of red, white and blue lights. The other yachts were decorated with Japanese lanterns of various colors. The Papoose, with its great number of colored incandescent lights, presented a beautiful appearance.

“A streak of light suddenly shot across the sky and in an instant swept the entire river from the mouth of the harbor to the lower bridge showing up the courier boats which danced over the water, receiving and delivering messages. As the light swept along and for an instant rested on different points it was impossible to estimate the crowd which had turned out to witness the parade.

“The fort bank, the top of the N. Y. O. & W. trestle, the elevator sights, the tops of buildings and the terminus if streets running down to the river were all packed, while the grand stand erected on the west side was packed to its utmost capacity.

“About 8:30, the strains of the 48th Separate Company band floated over the water and an instant later the steamer Hazelton turned the point of Rathbun’s Island and proceeded up the river and tied up at the sea wall opposite the grand stand. The steamer was followed by the procession towed by one of the tugs – the William Avery.

“The yachts, were elaborately decked in different colored Japanese lanterns, which their rays on the surface of the water. The procession moved up the river like fiery phantoms. When rounding into the river, the parade broke in two, the tug and yachts and sail boats continuing on their way while the row boats, numbering 152, continued up the river and scattered. While the tug and yachts continued to circle around in the river the scene was greatly added to by the smaller crafts which crossed and re-crossed each other and presented an imposing and handsome scene.

“After about three-quarters of an hours’ parade, the boats were taken to the new harbor.

“While the steamer carrying the band was tied to the dock, several selections were giving by the band and the Pirece Quartet.”