Thomas Walsh Died a Hero during Stockton's Worst Fire (1902)
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- In September 1902 Stockton experienced one of the worst fires in its history when the prized Agricultural Pavilion erupted in flames and consumed the massive exhibit hall. One of those who rose to the challenge to fight the fire and keep it from spreading to nearby structures was Thomas J. Walsh, a member of Eureka Engine Co. 2.
He and his horse didn't make it, sustaining fatal injuries at the corner of Lafayette and San Joaquin streets.
Jeff will recount what happened and take you to his grave at the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, as well as visit graves of other brave firefighters in the Stockton Rural Cemetery.
Please also check out our other numerous videos under the video tab.
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As a retired firefighter, I'm always fascenated by these stories. As sad as they are, there are lessons that go along with them. Some time ago you and Sarah visited the Virginia City cemetery where there is a section dedicated to firefighters.Thank you for sharing this and many other stories, and for taking us along...
It seems that most historical buildings were distorted by fires. And most not to be rebuilt...😢
10 outa 10 once again!! Very respectful to members of the fire service. When they run into a fire we run away. That makes them all heros. Jeff you and your better half and Steve the graveyard guy are the most professional and respectul on you tube!! Thank you for that.
We really appreciate the nice words you gave us, Dana! We appreciate your time watching and the comment. Thanks very much!
Great history of Stockton Fire Thank you
Awesome video as always. Love the California history
We are glad that you enjoyed this, Stephen!
Such an interesting episode. I loved all the pictures and the Catholic a church is amazing. I agree, dying from burns would be a horrible death. Thanks for telling this firefighter’s story. Great episode.
HI Jeff (?). I believe thats your name. Apologies if not. If you havent already, a GREAT video idea would be the FArrells Ice Cream Parlor Crash In Sacramento in the early 70's. Just horrific! Oddly, its the same plane my Dad flew in the AirForce (F86). If you're interested I might be able to give you more info because I live in the Area and Fly out of the Airport at times. Aloha
That particular event is on my radar and I have done much research on it thus far. However, I'd love to hear from you and see what details you may have for me (Email me at j.benziger@sbcglobal.net)
At Stockton Rural Cemetery there is a black dog that roams around that Cemetery. Some reason the wolves around there look at him like leader
I've never seen anyone speak about Stockton with so much reverence.
What a wonderful tribute to Fireman Thomas J. Walsh and other Stockton firefighters. 🧑🚒Thank you for the unique history lessons that you present, Jeff. Perhaps you might consider doing a more in depth episode about Saint Mary's and other unique churches in Stockton.
If you’re still in the area you should check out the UOP campus! Cool history and great architecture
An interesting video to be sure. Sorry for the fireman’s horrible death and that of his poor horse. This video gives me a sense of what life was like in Stockton 120 years ago. It was a lot tougher and shorter back then.
I lived in Stockton as a child from 1954 to 1957 and have nice memories of the place. I attended the old Stockton Jr High School .
Great video, my Great great grandpa was the first judge in Stockton in the 1850's his name Was George Gordon Belt.
Wonderful history! Where is he buried? There?
@@jbenziggy Yes same place there is a picture of the grave online at the same cemetery.
Wow! It's neat to know your 2nd great's accomplishments and where he is buried.
Stockton has so much history. It's a shame of what it's become. Thank you for sharing and doing videos of Stockton.
Thanks Darin!
Thanks for keeping these tidbits of our once great state alive. The graffiti and trash on the magnificent church says it all.
Sadly, yes.
I grew up in Stockton/Lodi area and had never heard of the pavilion. My wife's parents were married in that Church. I do remember when the cross-town freeway was being built and completed in the late 80s. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! I get to know more history of Stockton. I call it the Detroit of the Central Valley...It's fall is like crash. Sad how today California has become. I'm trying to escape this damn state ran by bad politicians.
Thank you for another great video, History Hunters. Also, thank you for mentioning the bravery of Walsh's horse. They never question what we ask them to do sometimes. I have family in Stockton that I will share this video with them. I know they will appreciate this as well.
I salute those who served as first responders. They are just as important as our military personnel. From one former first responder to another. Thank you.
My goodness. The inside of that church must have been spectacular; where one would enter and feel as if they were truly in the presence of the Lord.
Great comment on folks being more religious in the old days. I've taken the weekends in my nursing career, so that co-workers could have the weekends with their families. I often wonder if, after I finally decide to retire, & at 71, I'm not done with my nursing career yet, will I then be one of the elderly who seem to be the majority of church-goers? ---Another great, but sad, report this week. Blessings to all who are subjected to tragedy, and lost loved ones.
Thanks for hanging in there. You are right … church attendance is way down and fewer people worship God, which is sad.
What brave men helped during that fire. So many men put themselves into the danger ...God bless them all
I always, ALWAYS felt weird being on the road in that exact area. Creepy...
We’re playing catch-up today Jeff! Great content as always. You know us, we love the walk down memory lane! We’ve been out of pocket for two weeks traveling and seeing West Va., Maryland, and Pennsylvania! Friendship Hill, Monocacy National Battlefield and The Greenbrier!
We loved the Stockton episodes! Keep up the fabulous work. ~Your biggest Tennessee (formerly California) fans!😉♥️
This was a fascinating but sad video. All this history under the freeway! I had not heard of this place . There is so much of our history that gets list over the years .Thankyou for bringing these stories to us . Thankyou Jeff 😃
What a beautiful church and person who gave his life to save others!! Stockton is so rich in history, I always pause when I hear them mention the town in the western TV shows...
Great History Jeff. When I was a boy, I use to visit my local Fire Department in Dearborn, Michigan. I always admired them, how fearless they seem to me. Thanks for sharing 👍 😊!
Thank you for a great post.
I being a fire fighter when I was in the air force this post is special to me
Thanks for your service, Bobby!
God bless these heroes who died while in service to their communities. The buildings were made so beautifully back then; so sad to know the one burned down and that young man perished. My, how the area has changed! I’m sad to see the homeless taking over certain areas. Lord help! Thank you again for a fine video; much appreciated! 🌝
At 4:18 you can see hit and miss engines and a couple of water pumps. These were more then likely made by Samson Iron works just down the street from the AG center.
What a great history lesson! That firefighter and his horse were so brave! What a horrible way to pass away!
Jeff, you might also want to check out Chinatown and Filipino town.
One of the things I appreciate about History Hunters, Jeff, is that you honor those who might be forgotten forever - their stories any way.
Thank you, Joyce! We like doing stories nobody else has done! We want to be unique in our content! We appreciate you!
@@jbenziggy please continue doing these story’s about Stockton! I love learning the history about my home town. I’m a photographer and videographer so let me know if you need help with any type of footage or things to document around town! Stay blessed!
Jeff, once again, a great job doing the research and presenting an interesting twist to history. RIP Thomas Walsh
Thanks very much!
Give them a sub, thumbs up and a comment! You won’t be disappointed! Thank you Jeff!
I visited Stockton just because we needed to find a bathroom and were driving on the 5! We couldn’t find anywhere safe til we found a grocery store . We were in a dangerous area - it seemed very odd! So when I got
To our destination that night I read all about Stockton and the history . I wish I could have seen the historic Catholic Church and the other old places still
Standing . The idea of it being a port was absolutely fascinating!
It’s always fitting to remember a true hero,thanks for the memories
Good one Jeff but so sad. Thanks for talking about the poor horse. All I could think of is how many mules and horses have died during wars and fires trying to please man with there devotion.
We live in an area where they built canals and they used mules with Fresno Scrapers to dig. I heard that they would work them so hard they would occasionally drop dead on the canal banks and bury them right on that spot. Yes that’s sad how some animals are mistreated.
THANK YOU! PLEASE COME BACK TO STOCKTON TO DO MORE HISTORY ON PIONEER GRAVES! FINDAGRAVE doesn't have any backgrounds!
I'll be more than happy to donate!
I never even heard of the pavilion until today. Wow. I drive pass there everyday. I’ve parked there many times not knowing there was a pavilion right there. Thanks again for teaching this great history.
Stockton has so much history. In a way it's still the wild west there.
This guy has a great announcer voice
Thank you very much!
So sad to see the church needing repairs, especially being of historical value. And the pavilion was such a grand structure. But most of all the loss of life & bravery.🙏✝️🇺🇸
Thanks Jeff
Thanks Jeff! I think we all appreciate the work of Fire Fighters! And I am glad to see that Stockton has put up some memorials for some of them... I am sure not all are included for various reasons but good to see! As always..Outstanding Job! Thank You 👍👍
Fascinating to see, particularly the changing of medicine. Back then, medicine and doctors actually practiced the now ancient science of prolonging life...
Wonderful video. I drove by the Church for many years. My coworkers and I would often talk about the history in the area. I’ll be passing this video on to them.
Pretty brave of YOU to be covering those areas of Stockton. I never knew this story before, I will have to go visit his grave. My ex husband, a retired fire captain, is buried in Stockton Rural, passed away in 2020 from early onset dementia at 59 years old.
Amazing how you uncover the past. Thanks for another great look in history.
Another great piece of California history! Is this cemetery off of Harding? I remember seeing that church as a kid while visiting my grandparents with my cousins.
It’s amazing how time changes everything. My cousin who still lives there said a lot of those old cemeteries along Harding near the hospital were haunted.
The best part of this video is keeping a hero’s memory alive!
It's so sad what Stockton has become...
Another wonderful video and adventure. This is one of the many reasons I love your channel. Growing up in Florida I had never heard of this event. Your channel exposes us to events we may not have ever heard of. Thanks for the history lesson and taking us on the adventure.
Thanks for local history!
Another fascinating episode Jeff. Interesting that they never re-built the pavilion. Is watermelon still the main crop in Lodi?
I think grapes have become Lodi’s main crop. Winery’s everywhere.
There is another old cemetery in stockton, I believe it is off airport way, if going north it is before you hit harding way, that may have alot of history, there are also alot of amazing old buildings and houses that I have driven by, but don't have the authority to explore. Maybe one day you can get to explore and share on your channel. Thank you I enjoy watching Stocktons history in it's glory days, so sad it's gone.
I totally agree the worst death I could imagine is being burned alive. RIP to this noble fireman and also his horse and all firemen, thanking them for their service over the century or more.
It’s very tragic. I’m glad that Stockton raised the money to buy this nice memorial, which I understand was dedicated a year or two after his death.
Another great and informative video.Thank you.
I really enjoyed this video. When I was in 6th grade we lived in Stockton next to this cemetery. Use to play on the railroad tracks. The cemetery, the mental state hospital and St Joseph's Hospital was all in there. I caught the school bus to Franklin Senior High school and I would be catching the school bus at Stockton Junior high school.
Anyway that cemetery looks good. It looks natural. A couple of my loved one's are laid in peace there.
RIP you all.
❤
Always wanted to stop and check out that church. Never knew about the other building. Thanks Jeff!
we should go to the sonoma civil war graveyard, im a native son of california and can show ya so many interesting places in sonoma ca, new sub here, Gary
Hello Jeff, Thanks for sharing their memories and sad ending. Rest 🙏 Peace
Have a Wonderful Sunday!
Love the Catholic Church. The windows and doors are epic. Thank you.☮️💖🎶
Such A great peace again with historical significance and showcasing just how Stockton is such a historical story in its own right please continue to educate on Stockton and its Rich gold rush Era sites
I love that you do history from the Stockton area. Born and raised there it's nice to see someone highlight the history of that area.
Our pleasure! Thanks, Val!
RIB MR WALSH thank you to all the firefighters out there for all you do and the sacrifices you make to risk your life to try and save others from fires and wrecks we appreciate you so much
Thank you very much, Bobby. We do have to remember that there’s sometimes a great cost to keeping people safe. I’m glad that you watched my video and left your nice comment.
@@jbenziggy it was a great video we appreciate your hard work each week on making these videos I enjoy watching and learning I absolutely love history if it wasn’t for people like you I hate to say it but history would just be forgotten I understand everyone wants to look ahead to the future but the past is what shaped where we are today it’s important to know the past and like I said I appreciate you and thank you again for the great content
Another great one guy’s! It’s a shame the firemen didn’t have the protective equipment they have nowadays to keep them safe while fighting fires back then. Also the new building they built didn’t last too long and burnt down and it was probably a fire hazard waiting to happen being built out of a lot of wood.
I really liked the old photos you were able to insert as well, you can imagine what it looked like back then and today. Great job guys you always do excellent work! Take care now! Frank from Philadelphia, PA.
He would of died anyway'
Thank you for sharing these stories.
Jeff another great video. Too bad people do not respect the past anymore.
RIP to all those brave firefighters. Thank you, Jeff for the history. God bless you. Stay well.
I'm from Stockton. Never knew about this, thank you for this historical information.
Thanks, Jeff. I grew up with a family of volunteer firefighters. My late uncle Joe died during a safety demonstration in Maryland back in '77. Fell down a snorkel truck head first, because the rope caught his leg in an inappropriate manner. He was my favorite uncle, and family members would tell me "you're just like uncle Joe". He was kind of a rebel like I became. And I cherish that.
You rebel you! I'm sorry about your uncle.
Pancakes, bacon and watching History Hunters. Sunday’s are great with Jeff!
Again another awesome job thank you!
We appreciate your time watching and the comment. Thanks very much, Ted!
My husband and I love your channel. We recommend it to everyone we know who enjoys history. We’ve missed Sarah on your past few videos.
Awesome! Thank you, Donna! Sarah is sometimes busy with her new job to be in all of the videos and so I sometimes go without her to make sure we have a video every week! We appreciate your time watching and the comment. Thanks very much!
I really enjoy watching this video, Thomas Walsh was definitely a hero, and it's great that you're keeping his memory alive. Also I'm forever thankful for Firemen & firewomen for their service. 👨🚒
Thanks for bringing up some nearly lost history. I lived in Stockton for a few years mid-80s and never heard of this. Great stuff.
I've driven across the crosstown freeway many times to go between I-5 and HWY 99, now I know what lies underneath and it's history.
Enjoyed this Stockton history lesson, must have taken a ton of foot work researching the subject. If you want to see the agricultural history of Stockton visit the AG museum at Micky Grove Park.
Who would of known that all that history lies below the cross town freeway! Stockton has gone through major changes from the grandeur of yesteryear.
No one would ever know unless they were told history like we do! Lol
I never knew enough the ag building. Wow! What a structure! You do an excellent job on these videos of history.
I'm thankful for the pictures taken way back then. They really bring the story to life.
Thanks Jeff, and thank you to all the firefighters and police who provide safety for this great country.
I doubt that even with modern firefighting equipment that the Pavilion could have been saved. I so look forward to these few minutes with you every Sunday. Your voice is so calming, wish you did audiobooks. See you next week!
Thanks Jeff for telling there story. I always enjoy your work. Top shelf as usual.
Glad you enjoyed it, Scott! We appreciate your time watching and the comment. Thanks very much!
Dangerous job, still today! thank you Jeff and Sarah, ALL stay safe
Great story keep up the good work.
Hi Jeff and Sarah. Another great interesting walk through history. Yes so sad about how the young man perished in that raging fire.😢 Such a tragedy, sad. So long ago. St Mary's Catholic church is Hugh and impressive. Amazing structure those windows to. You add the places of the old buildings letting us see were you are at is awesome. I love how you add the music in with the video. Is something to see the before and after isn't it. Love it you let us see the fire and give us what that area looked like so sad what happened. Thank you Jeff for this sad information on what happened. You are awesome Jeff. So kind. I enjoyed this tour with you thank you for taking me along. Take care you all. Love and blessings ❤️🙋
Another great video, thanks Jeff !
Another interesting subject, and a great story. Thanks, Jeff!
I really enjoy these videos on Stockton . I never see the city as a historical site until now
Proper history is just not taught anymore; especially the stories of these local genuine heroes. Thanks for covering these very interesting stories of people and places in the past.
We appreciate your time watching and the comment. Thanks very much!
Hello he must have been overcome by a wall of heat and stopped him instantly. I doubt that he knew what hit him. Thanks for the history great video.
The freeway going through town in the 1970s is what basically caused that part of Stockton to be what it is today. A lot of cities have had that happen to them when they would put roads or freeways either around the town or through the towns. Great video Jeff!
is St. Mary's still an active parish? It looks like it's closed to the public. Would've loved to've seen inside it
Hopefully the parish will start maintenance, re-pointing those bricks and replacing the ones lost, refinish the wood around the art glass windows and the doors. It would be sad to see it, also, gone.
Yes, the church has mass Saturdays at 5:30, and on Sundays. There's also a mid-day mass on weekdays at 12 noon.
Another great presentation of the history in Stockton, California. As I said in the previous show, I was able to follow you by the use of Google Maps. Thanks so much for providing your location in a manner in which we can follow and investigate today. I took a screen capture of those old palm trees in front of the Saint Mary's Catholic Church. In the screen capture you can see 2 homeless males laying on the sidewalk just under one of the palm trees. I also found the Rural Cemetery where you showed us all of the Firefighter markers. As you said, that cemetery is no longer "Rural". Thanks so much for another great look at the past of a city in California. I also enjoyed the close-up photography of the Catholic Church that you did. Boy, you can really see that the age of the building is showing! Great job Jeff!
Awesome! I was actually wondering if you’d be googling my path when I shot this! I occasionally enjoy dropping into random places on Google maps and seeing the neighborhood and houses and often say, “I could live there!”
Your research is always great and appreciated! As a retired fire fighter I can attest to the profession having improved it's safety practices immensely in the face of the new poisonous gases that are now found on the fireground even in residential fires. Chemicals we now find commonly are sometimes deadly 🤢🤢
Very sad bit of history but enjoyed it very much Thankyou Jeff
Yes I will put you on my Facebook so all my friends can check your videos out for all of them you do are so good thank you
thanks for sharing. ive heard that the cross on top of that church is solid gold....old story or fact?????
Where did they bury the horse?
You did a great job, as always, to cover this tragic fire. Please say hi to Sarah.
Jeff, this tragic tale deserves mentioning. How horrible the circumstances were. 🙏🏼 Firefighters 🚒 certainly do have a potentially, dangerous job. Thank you for all of the correlating pictures and photos. They really make the events come to life. 🙏🏼👏👨🚒👩🚒 well researched
Tragic but fascinating episode. Thanks.
We appreciate your time watching and the comment, Ricardo! Thanks very much!
Loved it. Thank you for highlighting fire fighters they do a tremendous service, and unfortunately sometimes sacrifice their own lives. My hats off to you for recognizing these men. Was kinda hoping you would of went to the mausoleum and checked it out. Stay safe.
Glad you enjoyed it! I had so much to do that day I didn't have time for the mausoleum. Maybe another time. LOL