In the 1950s, Fire Prevention Week in Chattanooga was a citywide obsession.
This photograph from 1953 was part of a blitz of media coverage for Fire Prevention Week, which was supported wholeheartedly by mid-century public officials, civic leaders and ordinary citizens alike.
The first week in October that year saw daily newspaper coverage of Fire Prevention Week activities and themes.
This photo was taken in the 700 block of Market Street with iconic businesses such as the State Theater, Baker’s Shoes and S.H. Kress Co. 5 & 10 Cents Store in the background.
Seen here, according to newspaper archives, are J. Byron Taylor, at left, representing the Fire Prevention Week Committee of the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, and Capt. James Sullivan of the Chattanooga Fire Department.