This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Kids & Family

The Bicycle Brigade and Campbell's Hollywood Moment

The first in a series of local history trivia, fun facts and odd occurrences.

The Campbell Volunteer Fire Department started in 1898. Volunteers would be called to the fire by the ringing of church bells.

The Campbell Volunteer Fire Department raised its own funds for the purchase of facilities and equipment. The most famous of these “fundraisers” was the creation of the “Bicycle Brigade.” 

Volunteer Andrew T. Hartley, a local bicycle enthusiast, argued that bicycles could be hoisted over fences beyond where cars could go.

Find out what's happening in Campbellwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In 1935, Hollywood film crews picked up the story and filmed Campbell firemen as they pedaled to the call, balancing long ladders on their bicycles. The film was sold to a Hollywood news agency and was shown worldwide in London, Berlin, Tokyo and the United States.

For many years, the Department was known as the Bicycle Department. Unfortunately, the “Bicycle Brigade” film was destroyed (to obtain the silver nitrate) before Campbell could benefit from the fundraiser.

Find out what's happening in Campbellwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 

The city of Campbell wil be celebrating Campbell's 60th anniversary on March 28, 10:30 a.m. with a small reception at City Hall in front of the glass cabinets outside of council chambers.

For more great local trivia, history, etc. visit the .

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?