The collection contains the combined research papers of Charles L. Sampson and William F. Hellmuth. Sampson compiled and rewrote much of Hellmuth's research, producing short histories on the individual engine companies of the Alexandria Fire Department. Sampson also typescripted many articles from the Alexandria Gazette as well as primary documents like the Auditor's Annual Statement (1893) and correspondence. In addition to the research papers, the collection also contains correspondence from the Columbia Engine Co. #4 and the Alexandria Fire Department, meeting minutes, certificates, articles, and a few pictures. Sampson's research primarily covers the history of the Alexandria Fire Department from its beginning in 1774 with the organization of the Friendship Company to the 1960's. It also bound volumes of minutes, accounts, and other records from various fire companies and scrapbooks of news clippings about the department. The collection also includes Sampson's photographs covering not only fire related subjects but also Alexandria in general.
Charles L. Sampson was a member of the Alexandria Volunteer Fire Department for over 40 years and was particularly associated with Columbia Engine Company #4. Interested in the history of the Alexandria Fire Department, Sampson obtained the research papers of another volunteer fireman named William F. Hellmuth. Sampson's papers stem from Hellmuth's research.
Arrangement is by subject and divided into the following eight series.
I. Alexandria Fire Department Miscellaneous This series contains miscellaneous materials about the Alexandria Fire Department and general information.
II. Engine Companies This series contains items pertaining to the history of the Alexandria Fire Department and its individual engine companies. The series is further divided into the following categories: Individual Engine Company Names (ex: Columbia Engine Co. #4); General, which contains information relevant to all the engine companies; and, the Research Notes of William Hellmuth.
III. Events This series contains items pertaining to particular fires that occurred in Alexandria and are organized chronologically.
IV. Miscellaneous This series contains all items which do not directly relate to the Alexandria Fire Department and includes general notes and articles on firefighting.
V. Record Books This series contains bound volumes containing logs, minutes, membership rolls and financial information.
VI. Scrapbooks This series consists of scrapbooks containing news clippings relating to the Alexandria Fire Department from 1966-1986.
VII. Photographs This series of Sampson's photographs includes some fire department related materials but also photos featuring Alexandria in general.
VIII. Scrapbook Photographs Photos of different places in Alexandria, generally identified by street.