Ypsilanti's Hidden Fire Horse Grave

Twitter-pal and Lansing archivist Bob Garrett's blog post about the grave of Rutherford Hayes's horse Whitey reminded me that we too have the grave of a horse--a faithful fire horse who served Ypsilantians in need for years and was loved by many.

DD was once told, "firefighters used to tell the new guys the horses were buried behind the fire house," and bones were unearthed when the new fire house museum was built.

Who was this horse? One well-known local historian told DD he did not know. One possible candidate is the well-loved Pat. Here's a little newspaper story from the March 23, 1925 Daily Ypsilantian-Press summing up Pat's life and sad demise:

Pat is dead.

Pat? You know Pat. He was the aged fire horse that for several years past has been dragging a street clean-up wagon around the streets of Ypsilanti. Pat's death sentence was passed by city aldermen when they were advised by a veterinary that a cancer had developed in one of his eyes and that it was probably painful.

For several years past Pat has been the center of more or less controversy. Aldermen have argued that he was an unnecessary expense to the city and should be shot. Counter arguments, having much to do with sentiment, have placed a restraining hand on economical inclinations and Pat has lived on, unaware of the fate that threatened him, and serving as well as any horse could serve.

There has been considerable hesitation about issuing the final warrant for Pat and even after his execution there was an attempt to keep the affair quiet. "Yes, Pat is dead but don't say anything about it," was the answer to several inquiries.

Pat has a history of service. He was raised by George Corkins on his farm near Belleville. He was a fine specimen and full of life. Fire commissioners at that time were on the alert for strong, fast horses and Pat was chosen. For eight years he was faithfully at his post in the fire barn. Then trucks replaced the wagons and Pat became an out cast. A place was found for him in the city maintenance department and during the latter years of his life he had light duties. He was nineteen years old and his best friends will probably be glad to know that Pat is resting.