The fire pole

[afl]

I heard once on the radio that the fire pole was invented in Chicago. Is this true? And does anyone know where i could get info about it? I'm doing a history fair project, and this information would be helpful.

Thanks.
afl

[Brian Dunlap]

I have herd that the Brass Version was invented in NYC by a FDNY Firefighter sometime in the mid to late 1870's. The Chicago Version was of a smoother Wooden Type and found to quite painful on the hands and legs from splinters.....I have a book "The American Fire Station" great historical view on american fire stations from the shed to the monsterous castles of today...In it a small excerpt on poles is mentioned ....I'm not 100% Positive but I believe what I've told you is correct