Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 20, Number 31, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 December 1898 — The New Fire Whistle. [ARTICLE]

The New Fire Whistle.

The new steam fire alarm whistle was got in order Friday evening and indulged in experimental whistling for some time, It gives out an immense volume of sound, and in character it is much like the hoarse whistle of lake and river steamboats. It is sure to give efficient warning of a fire when it occurs in waking hours, but in the opinion of many, it would be more effective in waking the sleeping citizens if its tone were shriller. But the test of actual practice at times of fire will alone determine that point. In any case, it is a great improvement over our cracked fire bell. And another great will be that quick action can be got on the whistle. There is always some one at the station, and plenty of steam is always ready, so that in case of fire being discovered by anyone, if they will rush to the nearest telephone and give the warning to the central, it will be from there transmitted at once to the light station, and away will go the fire whistle. Since the above was in type we learn that this whistle is tu be sent back and one with a shriller tone selected.