£ 13 CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Cornell University Library TH 9505.S69E13 History of the Somervllle Fi,';?„,S?IP?,!ifni,?,!J, 3 1924 022 803 500 Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924022803500 HISTOR.Y Somerville Fire Department, 1842 TO 1892, H. H. EASTERBROOK. * IfROPERTY OF u. . BOSTON : Press of Robinson Printing 91 Oliver Street, , 1893. > 23^ 6^ INTRODUCTORY. i \ I HE history of the Somerville Fire Department, except in fragmen- tary form — mostly newspaper articles — has never before been written, and that this generation may know what the foundation was on which the present well equipped, splendidly housed and efficient •department was built, the writer has attempted to give in the following pages a complete history of the department -from the beginning to the present time. In the early history of the department we find the most interesting facts. When "Somerville No. 1" — one of the best Hunneman engines ever built — was in service it made history at almost every fire it attended, while the numerous challenge contests in which it participated would alone furnish interesting matter sufficient for a vol- ume of considerable size. It is of this era, when the apparatus was dragged to fires by hand instead of horse, and the engine worked by hand power instead of steam, that a major portion of this work is given. The department of to-day, the list of important fires and all interesting events connected with the service are given in the space which their importance warrants, com- pleteness and accuracy being observed in its preparation. In the performance of his duty, a fireman is almost •constantly in danger of accident, and to aid those injured the Somerville Firemen's Relief Association was organ- ized, and the object of this work is to assist in swelling the Association's treasury. November, 1892. HISTORY OF THE SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. Somerville, Mass., was origmally a part of historic old Charlestown and was incorporated a town March 3, 1842, a city January 1,1872. When incorporated a town it embraced a territory of about 4 square miles, and an area of 2700 acres. It had rbi3 popula- tion, 200 houses, one factory, a valuation of $988,513 and was without chvirch or store. It was a sparsely-built farming com- munity. It now covers the same territory, has 45,000 popula- tion, 8,100 dwelling houses, many business blocks, and numer- ous manufacturing establishments, •with a total valuation of $38,931,000.00. In 1838, the Mystic Engine Company No. 6 of Charles- town was provided with a new modern suction engine, and changed its name and number to Franklin 7. Their old engine, a " bucket tub " as it was termed, was transferred to the Somer- ville section of the town and stationed in a new $400 house which had been erected for it at the corner of Washington and Prospect streets, where Hose 3 and Truck i station now stands. This engine was a very ci'ude affair — ^small in size, three feet six inches long, by two feet wide — and capable of doing but little service when compared to that of the suction engine that succeeded it. It was similar to all the engines built early in the century, merely a tank on wheels with water ways, brakes, c'tc. It had no suction, but was supplied with water by buckets passed to and from the nearest water supply by hand. A dozen men could easily operate it. August 6, 1838, the selectmen appointed Benj. F. Ricker, Hiram Allen, Clafk Bennett, Solomon Story, James Under- wood, Natlian Tufts, Nathan Tufts, Jr., David A. Sanborn, 6 HISTORY OF THE William Bonner, John Runey, Jr., True Morrill, Henry A. Ire- land, Charles Miller, Jerome Thorp, Joshua Rand, Levi Orcutt, Daniel Stone, Joseph Clark, Robert Vinal, William Munroe, William Parker, Nathan Blodgett, Benjamin Hadley, Benjamin Hadley, Jr., Abraham Welch, Oliver Tufts, Samuel T. Frost, Asa Richards, Dustin N. Smith, Oscar Bennett, Robert Sanborn, Nathaniel Williams, John Giles, Caleb Harrington and Charles Wentworth, " to be engineers and firemen constituting a new company designated as 'Engine Company 'No. 6, a-ttkch'ed ta Engine 6, located near Milk Row in said Charlestown, provided that no person under the age of 19 is eligible to membership of said company, and if any of the aforesaid appointees are be- tween 19 and 21 years of age, all such must file with the Select- men the consent of their respective parents, masters or guard- ians to their being members of the Fire Department, before they can become legal members, notwithstanding any appointment^ of minors which may improvidently have happened." This was the first fire organization and fire apparatus in Somerville. The old name and number of engine " Mystic 6" was retained. The records now in existence fail to give the list of officers the first year of this company. The officers first mentioned are those of 1840, consisting of John Runey, Jr. ,^(3rcw»« ; Solomon Story, First Assistartt \ Jerome Thorp^ Second Assistant; Robert A. Vinal, Clerk and Treasurer. The company for 1842, when the town was set off" from Charlestown, consisted of John Runey, Jr., Foreman; Jerome Thorp, First Assistant; William Hadley, Second Assistant; Clark Bennett, Clerk; B. F. Ricker, Steward; Solomon Story, William Bonner, Cyrus Fellows, Joseph Clark, S. T. Frost, John Giles, Benjamin Hadley, Jr., David Heath, George Hadley, Charles Miller, True Morrill, Joshua Rand, Robert Sanborn, Daniel Stone, Nathaniel Tufts, Jr., George W. Wyatt, Abram Welch and Nathaniel Osgood. The year following — March 11, 1839, Hiram Allen was appointed an assistant engineer, which position he held until the town was incorporated, and was the only representative the Somer- ville section ever had on the old Charlestown board of engineers. At the annual Charlestown town meeting held March 4, 1841, Engineer Allen and others petitioned for a new modern SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. CHIEF JAMES R. HOPKINS, Presidi^nt Rtlief Association. suction engine. This was referred to the Selectmen and engi- neers to consider and report at a subsequent town meeting, which was held April 5,. when they reported "inexpedient," which was accepted. The old "Mystic" engine was all the fire apparatus Somer- ville possessed until 1849, when it was superseded by a more modern hand engine, and was sold in 1S53 to Abraham Welch for $33.00 and demolished for junk. When Somerville was set off frOm Charlestown and made a town in 1842, it inherited the Old Mystic 6 hand engine with station, valued altogether at $900, which for eight years was its only protection from fire. Sometimes there was a company to operate the engine, but oftener it was worked by volunteers. 8 HISTORY OF THE Fires were then few, and most of them to which the engine re- sponded were out of town, at either Charlestown or Cambridge. The total expense of maintaining this one oompanj^ in 1842, was $2.50, which was paid for screws, etc, for engine. The next year, $63 .70 was the total cost ; $50 of that amount was paid for new underpinnimg for engine house. In 1844, Levi Orcutt was paid $2.87 for a lock and bolt for engine house, which was the total expense for that year. The year fellowing, $50 was paid to S. Thayer, the engine builder, for repairing the engine. 1846 was the banner year for fire department expenses, not a penny was spent. It is probable that there was neither a com- pany nor a fire in town that year. The first indication of a fire or compan}- to man the engine comes with 1847, when out of a total expense of $1-9.88, the Bunker Hill Engine Co. 2 of Charlestown, received $11.01 for refreKhmemts furnished the company after a fire in that town. The next year, 1848, the engine attended a number of fires, most of them out of town. The total expense was $63.87, all but $3.90, which was paid for setting glass, was paid for refreshments at ten fires, ranging in sums from $2.25 to $16.50, which was paid to Hancock i. Bunker Hill 2 of Charlestown, Union 2, Niagara 3, Hydrant 4, and Pioneer 6, engine com- panies of Cambridge, and one or two local firms. There was a considerable jump in expenses in 1849, the total amount being $204.98 ; of that sum $146.90 was paid for refreshments, mostly at out of town fires. The next principal expenditure was $40, for sign on engine house. A new era in the department annals came in 1850, when the new first class modern suction Hunneman hand engine took the place of the old Mystic 6. In 1845, Clark Bennett and others petitioned for a new fire engine, and a committee consisting of Mr. Bennett, Columbus Taylor, Nathan Tufts, John S. Edgerly and Robert A.Vinal, was appointed at a town meeting held April 7, "to examine into the whole subject as regards repairing old engine or the necessity of purchasing a new one, to report at next meeting." At a town meeting held April 28, the committee reported, and it was voted "to put engine in good repair and fit for use, and that the select- men appoint a suitable person to keep it in repair, and that the subject of manning it be left with Selectmen." SOMERVILLE iFIRE DEPARTMENT. 9 The next year, William Bonner and others presented an- other petition for a new engine, which at the April town meeting by a vote of i6 to 40 was postponed. Again in 1848 an article in the annual town meeting war- rant for a new engine, was indefinitely postponed, and again April 13, 1849, it ™^t th^ same fate. At a town meeting held Nov. 12, 1849, Clark Bennett and others for the fifth time asked the town for a new engine and the organization of a fire department. This time they did not ask in vain, as it was voted " that the selectmen purchase a suflncient and good engine at their earliest convenience, and treasurer to give town note for its payment not to exceed one year in time, also that the select- men sell Mystic 6 if they deem best." The selectmen at once ordered of Hunneman & Co. of Rox- bury, one of the very best engines that they could build, with hose cart, 500 feet of leather hose, and all the necessary minor equipments, to cost $1,438.75, for which a 9 months' note was to be given when engine was delivered. The new engine arrived early in 1850, and the selectmen reported at the annual town meeting held March 4, 1850, that they had made the purchase and further said "we are happy to state that the engine worked beyond our expectations, and we are also happy to state that we have got a good and full organization and efficient company for her which we hope and trust will be satisfactory to all interested. We have also fitted up the engine house, painted and put in good order and furnished the room with the usual quantity of furni- ture believed to be satisfactory to the company." The new engine, Somerville No. i, certainly was one of Hunneman's very best and handsomest up to that time. It had 6yi inch cylinders, folding brakes, and all the latest improve- ments. A Board of Engineers was appointed Jan. 7, to super- sede the old board of fire wards. The total expense of the department for this year including cost of new engine was $1,843.20. Leonard Arnold was paid a salary of $34 for taking care of engine, which was probably the first salary ever paid to a Somerville fireman. The valuation of the department at this time, including the new and old engines, station and land, and all appurtenances be- longing thereto was $2,750. The expense for 1851 was $453.47, including $15 for a shed to keep hooks and ladders in. 10 : HISTORY OF THE In 1852 the town voted to allow the firemen the amount of their poll tax:. ($2) as compensation for- their services. The total expense, $488.62, including $56 in poll taxes allowed to 28 members of the Engine Co. The expenses the next folWwing year were 1853, $247.89; 1854* $i57-7S ? i^SS- $1,023.11. The town voted March 7, 1853, to exempt firemen from jury duty. April 4, in response to a petition from Gaptaih Geo. H. Foster, and members of Engine i , for $500 annually for services of the company in addition to poll tax,' on report of a committee consisting of Chief Abram' Welch , Ex-Chief Nathan Tufts, Clark Bennett, Levi Russell and John Edgerly, ap- pointed to consider .the petition, it was voted to grant the request on condition " that the company consist at all times of not less than 35 active members duly appointed by the Board of Engi- neers and perform faithful duty -as firemen ; take good care of property of town entrusted to their charge, furnish a competent steward and pay him for his services, furnish its own oil and fuel for fighting arid warming the- engine house, furnish its own refreshments and for the out of town companies when at Somer- ville fires when, requested to do so by the Board of Engineers, for additional $6 for every out of town company, as compensa- tion in full for their services, no member allowed an abatement of poll taxes. Payments to be made quarterly when endorsed by engineers." This was unsatisfactoiy to the engine company, which disbanded in consequence. Oct. 28, 1854, the town voted " That whenever a fire com- pany shall be organizedin this town in the manner provided by law, each member shall be entitled to receive. for his services at the rate of $12 per annum, paid, semi-annually, each company not to exceed. 45 members," also that .the engineers- receive $24 each per annum. This was the first salary paid to engineers. The engine station, which was built by Charlestown for the old Mystic 6, was hardly suited for the new Somerville i, and the company desired a new one. The town considered in town meeting held Feb. 25, 1855, and appointed a committee to con- sider the question of erecting a new building to contain armory > engine station and police station, to report at a subsequent meeting. The committee reported, recommending the build- ing of a lock-up to cost $400, and that they '* agree that engine house in many respects is unsuitable, and should be either re- SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 11 ■ NATHAN TUFTS, JR. Chief, IB50-I85I. built or thoroughl}^ repaired." The selectmen were instructed to " fix engine house," which they did to a certain extent. Dec. 24, 1855,, at 10.30 o'clock p. M. the old engine house was dis- covered to be on fire. An alarm w^s promptly given and the engine and part of contents saved,. but the building was thor- oughly gutted and damaged beyond repair.. Temporary CLuarters were found in J. Q^ Tvvombly's paint shop close by at a rental of $3 per week. A new. fire .station was now a necessity, and at a town meeting held March 3, 1856, a committee consisting of Chief Robert A. Virial, John A. .Hall, and Captain Heiny A. Snow, was appointed to consider the question of a new engine house, to report at next meeting. April 28, they reported that it was 12 HISTORY OF THE inadvisable to repaii- old stalion, which was too small, unsuita- ble, with no cellar, and can not be heated nor the engine suitably Osept in it if repaired. They recommended a thor- ough brick and stone building, with accommodations for engme on ground floor, armory in second story, and lock up with four cells in near. The report was adopted, and the selectmen were instructed to erect such a building as the report called for, not. to exceed $4,500 m cost. The building was erected which is now occupied by Hose 3 and H. & L. ISfo. i, at the corner of Washington and Prospect streets. Union square. It cost $5,000, exceeding the appropriation $500. The engine was located in the westerly portion of the ground floor, now occupied by H. & L. No. i, and the meeting room was where Hose 3 wagon now stands. The Somerville Light Infantry oooupied the second floor, with entrance on Pros- pect street. The police station was in rear. In 1857, and again in iSS-S, the selectmen recommended the purchase of four small engines, not to exceed $250 in cost for each, to be located in diff"erent sections of the town, to be placed in charge of citizens. This recommendation was in response to a request from two difl!"erent sections of the town for fire apparatus. This strange recommendation met the fate it deserved. It never got further than a recommendation. The first report made by engineers was made by Chief Samuel H. Gooding, in 1862, for the preceding year, in which he states that the department consists of one engine company, " whose membership has been reduced by members being in the army." He recommends the placing of larger wheels and a " stouter beam " on engine, also the purchase of a hook and ladder truck for one horse to carry the ladders distributed about town which can not be found when x^anted ; to quote his own words, " they being out among the neighbors generally." He also recommended the purchase of an extra hose carriage. There were 8 fires during the year, with a loss of about $3,300. Of the 800 feet of hose 200 feet was good, 300 feet fair and 300 poor. There was also 6 ladders, i hook, 6 reservoirs and 3 hydrants. Three hundred dollars was appropriated for a hook and ladder truck in April, 1873, and in September the engineers purchased for $350 — which was $50 in excess of the appro- SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPzVRTMENT. 13 priation — the truck now held in reserve and stored in the wixcdowless frame shed near Union Square fire station. In April,, 1865, a sum not to exceed $4000- was; appropri- ated to piu"ch.ase a hose carriage and horse, and provide a suita- ble place to locate it at East Somerville. In June the engineers purchased of C. E. Hartshorn, of New York city, four $600, a second-hand hose carriage formerly used by the Gen. John E. Wood Hose Co. of Troy, N. Y., snd Oct. i, Hose Co. No. i went into service. In March, 1866, the selectmen and engineers were in- structed to purchase a steam fire engine, horses- and all appur- tenances thereto not to exceed in cost $10, coo, and to locate the sarne. It arrived May 26, and occupied hand, engine i station in Union square. Hose No. I station in Webster street. East Somerville, was erected in 1866. Winter Hill Hose 2 wa& organized in 1869, and occupied Lts present station in Mar&hal street in 1872. Engine i station at corner of Highland avenue and Wal- nut street was built in 187 1, and engine tnansfered thereto July 20f 1871. George H. Foster Hose 3 was organized when Engine i was transferred to its new station, and with Hook. & Ladder Co. No. I, which was organized; in 1870., it occupied-, the station Engine i vacated in Union square. George O. Brastow Hose 4 was organized and' occupied its new staUon at West Somerville in November, 1874. The Gamewell fire alarm telegraph system was establisibedl in. 1874, and went into service June 17. Hose No. 5, Somerville avenue,, vv^as- organized and went, into service in its present model station in September,. 1S89* The present Engine r was purchased in June,, 1883, and Engine 4 November, 1890- All the hose companies and Engine i have been recently aaropMed with modern bose wagons. All apparatus- is now dra.wn by two horses,, except Hose 3, which has one. The Engineers. Hiram Allen was the first engineer of what is new Somer- ville, and was appointed by the Chariestown: seUeEtaMen in MaudiT 183©, and was, reappointed each year until the new town was incorporated. M IIlSTbRY OF THE The first board' of Somerville selectmen, May 4, 1842, appointed Robert G; Teriny, Hiram Hackett and William A. Russell, fire wards. 'This was the aiily appointment of fire wards ever made 'by ' the selectmen according to thdr records, and the above named board evidently sferved' until January 7, 1850, when in accordance with a vote of the towii passed the previous November the selectmen appointed as members of the first JBoard of Engineers Nathan Tufts, Jr., George O. Brastow, Gardner F. Ring, John B. Osgood and Abram Welch. Mr. Welch declining to' serve Hiram Allen was appointed in his 'place.' The new board org;inized January li,, with Nathan Tufts, Jr., chief, and George O. Brastow tlerk. Every year in the month of April, the selectmen of the town appointed' the engineers, whose term of office commenced May 1st. The board elected its own chief and clerk. The engine' company fbr many years nominated the can- didates for engineers, which the selectriien with but few if an}' exceptions always confirmed. When Somerville became a city the mayor and aldermen appointed the chief and his assistants in January each year until 1877, when the number of e'ngirieers was reduced to two, and appointed to serve during good behavior. Some of'Somerville's most eminent and influential citizens have been members of the board of engineers. The chiefs, Nathan TuftS, Jr., Abram Welch, Robert A. Vinal, John Runey, Samuel FI. Gooding, David A. Sanborn and James R. Hopkins; all graduated fr6m the ranks and were able officers with a thorough knowledge of fhe methods of fighting fire gaiined by many 3ears as practical firemen. As executive officers they possessed rare qiialilicafion's for the' position. Some of the engineers' were afterwards elected to' promi- nent positions. Hon. George O. Brastow was the first mayor of the city, a selectman of the town, a member of the State Legislature, president of the State Senate' and member of the Governor's Council. Robert A. Vinal was" for Several years a selectman, and filled nuhieidus oih^r positions of trust. He took a very great interest in the fii-e service and was treasurer of the Firemen's 'Relief Association for many years, holding that position at the time of his death. ■ Of the ex-chiefs Messrs. Gooding and Sanborn alone survi\^e. SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 15 Board OF Engineers 1850-1892. Yr. iSJo iSsr 1852 1S53 1854 >8S5 - 1850 "#• iSss 1S59 i860 IS6 1S62 iS6j 1^64 iS6i 1S66 1S67 1S6S 1S69 1870 1S71 1S72 .i87i 1S74 1S76 .1S77 to 1893 Chief. ■Nathan TuKs, Jr. Abram' Welch. ' Robert A. Vinal. John Runey. Sam'l. H. Gootling. D. A. Sanborn, Jr. James R. Hopkins Clerk. George O. Brastow Sam'l H. Gooding. Jojin Rnney. Sam'l H. Gooding. Charles Waldron. Samuel A. Tutt^e. ■ D A. Sanborn, Jr. Jairus Mann. Sam'l II. Gooding. Henry A. Angler, Gardner W. Ring. jst Assistfxnt^ Gardner J. Ring. Levi Orcutt. Chas. 1*3. Gilman. Charles Waldron. John Runev. Geo. A. Sanborn. Geo. H. Foster. S'm'l II. Gooding Henry A. Angier. George W. Bean. Theo. C, Joslyn. ■ Nat'l. C. Barker. 2d Assistant. JohnB.Osirood. "Abram Welch. Carl'n Hawkins Benj. Randall. Hiram Allen. John Runey. G. W. Trefren, Geo. Cutter., F. D. Snow. Theo. C. Joslyn, A. Cas'well. ' ' 3d Assistant. Albert Horton. J. R. HopKins. Theo. C. Joslyn. A. Caswell, S. H. Stevens. SoiytERViLLE Hand Engine Go. No. i, 1850-1866. Hand fire engines were in the height of their popularity when in the vyinter of 1849-50 the new Somerville No i, the then latest irri proved Hunneman engine arrived, and much inter- est was taken in the event, not only in Somerville but by firemen and those interested in the service in this section of the State. The selectmen had no difficulty in organizing a company to man it. The first company consisted of Benjamin F. .Darling,, ^ore- man ;John Runey, ist Assistant Foreman ; Levi Orcutt, Jr., 2d Assistant Foreman ; Isaac F. Shepard, Clerk and Treasurer ; Leonard Arnold, Steward; John B. Osgood, John Ackers, Francis Tufts, George Ambrose Clark, Nathaniel K. Ham- mond, Standing Committee:, Joseph Q^ Twombly, George H. Foster, John Ireland, James Wiggin, Daniel A. Hartwell, James Williams, Leading Hosemen. W. S- Leland, Jairus Mann, Calvin Horton, William G. Emery, Suction Hosemen, D. A. Marret, Rufus Littlefiel'd, Caleb Kingnian, George W. Hadley, Granville" Leland, David A. Sanborn, Horace B. Runey, Benjamin Randall, Q^ Rice, Lorenzo Burbank, Seward Dodge, Samuel Hamblin, David Kenrick, David Bonner, Jonas Trefren, Lewis C. Edgerly^ ^Benjamin Hamiltqn, George Hoi- 16 HISTORY OF THE ton, Edward J. Shattuck, Lewis Horton, Benjamin Hadley, M. E. Benjamin, E. G. Kenriek, S. C. Bradshaw, Jr., F. W. Hannaford, Samuel H. Gooding, Shepard Robinson, Joseph Pierce, Jr., George S. Fogg, W. B. Sisson, Franklin D. Snow, George W. Trefren, J. Bachelder, Francis J. Williams, James M. Stevens. The company organized as an association "known as Soraer- ville Fire Association No. i, and adopted the motto,, "Faithful and Fearless." The fun in the fire service at that time was to "wash" or "suck" another engine. As water was scarce it was generally the custom to form lines of engines from the water supply to the fire. The first engine arriving at the fire would locate at the nearest water supply, run out its leading hose, which was usually from 250 to 400 feet, and if the fire could not be reached, it would; wait until the next engine arrived, which would take their water and play onto the fire, or into the next engine to arrive, as the case might be. Sometimes as many as eight or ten engines would be in line passing water from one to the other, and then it was fun, if hard laborious work can be called fun. If one engine gave another more water than it could handle it would run over the side of the tub and that engine was " washed." If an engine could not supply another with a sufficient amount of water the engine furnishing the water was " sucked " and to be "washed" or "sucked" was a mild disgrace, although more or less washing or sucking was done at all fires of any magnitude. All the neighboring engines were as a matter of course anxious to get in line with the new Somerville engine, and sooner or later did so. Some were victorious and others not. A victory to-day might be wiped out by an inglorious defeat to-morrow. It generally depended upon which engine had the largest number of men. The engine short handed, as frequently they were, would almost always get whipped. As the Somerville engine was seldom short handed, it was generally on the winning side. Some of its old members assert that it was never washed or sucked at a fire, while others, members of companies elsewhere, claim otherwise. Its nearest neighbor and most frequent antagonist was the Niagara No. 3, of East Cambridge, a Thayer engine of about the same size cylinder but shorter stroke. The rivalry between SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 17 ROBERT A. VINAL, Chief, l854-'57. these two companies was kept up until the Niagara went out of service early in sixties. The relations between the two com- panies was alwa3's friendly, notwithstanding their constant efforts to defeat each other. The first of several challenge contests in which the company participated, was in response to a challenge issued by the Warren Engine Company No. i of Roxbury, — a Button engine — which took place in a vacant lot on the mill-dam, near Charles street, Boston, July 4th, 1850. This was more of a contest between different patterns of engines than between the engines themselves. It was Hunneman vs. Button ; the two principal builders of hand engines in this country. There was an immense number of people present, including firemen from many miles distant. The judges were ; Captain 18 HISTORY OF THE C. B. Stevens, ex-foreman of Niagara 3, of Cambridge, (after- wards chief of that department) ; Ex-Foreman Charles C. Henry of Lafayette 18 of Boston, and Captain James Quinn of Hancock No. 10, of Boston. First trial— Warren i drafting water, playing through 300 feet of hose, into Somerville i , which played through 300 feet of hose, I 1-4 inch nozzles. Second trial same with engines reversed, and third, tub and tub : eacli machine to play through 300 feet of hose, both engines and hose being full of water at commence- ment, time of each trial three minutes. The first trial resulted in victory for Somerville, which lowered water in tub five inches. The second was also won by Somerville, which lowered Warren's water 2 3-4 inches. The third was decided a draw, owing to a mistake in signals. Somerville i however, won this trial by lowering its water 9 1-2 inches, to the Warren's 7 inches. It was a complete victory for Somerville, although a pretty evenly matched affair, neither being able to either wash or suck the other. After the contest both companies were entertained by the Ex-Hero No. 6 Association of Boston. The second challenge contest was with the Niagara No. 3, of East Cambridge, the Somerville company issuing the challenge. The contest took place on Broadway, Cambridge, April 10, 1852, Fast Day. The ground was covered with snow, which did not in the least dampen the ardor of the thousands of people present, nor interfere in the proceedings. The Niagaras stripped their engine of everything but its working parts, even the stern box was taken off. It is said that outside of the necessary appliances to work the engine, the only equipments they took with them was two axes, it being their determination to smash their engine into smithereens if it was defeated by Somerville i. It was not smashed, but quite the contrary it went home the pride of Cambridge, and a victor. The Somerville company did one of those foolish things which have frequently been done, both before and since that time, they repacked their engine the day before the contest, which probably cost them one, if not all the trials. Their en- gine worked hard, while the Niagaras' was in the most perfect condition possible, and the company thoroughly drilled. The Cambridge Brass Band furnished music. The judges were : Captain Oliver L. Roberts of Lafayette 18 ; Ex-Captain SOMERVILLE- FIRE DEPARTMENT. 19 James Quinn of Hancock lo, of Boston ; Captain David S. Tucker, of Charlestown ; C. B. Stevens of Cambridge, and E. W. Bettinson. First trial the Somerville drafted water and pla3red through 300 feet of hose into Niagara ; the Niagara to play through a like amount of hose, i 1-4 nozzles. Second trial same, except engines changed place. And third, tub and tub, each to play through 300 feet of hose into each other ; engines to be full of water at start. Time of each trial five minutes. The Niagara lowered her water nine and one-fourth inches first trial and washed Somerville once in second trial. At ex- piration of time in second trial the water in Somerville was four inches from top of tub. In the last trial, tub and tub, the Ni- agara sucked Somerville twice, and at expiration of time water in Niagara was twelve and one-half inches from top and in Somerville five and one-half inches. A collation at the Bull Yard ended the event ; all being satisfied that it was a fair contest and the honors fairly won. Captain B. F. Darling was in command of Somerville i, and Captain Alexander Fraser of Niagara 3. After this trial Fred Goodfellow, clerk of the Niagara company, composed the following song, which was sung to the tune of "Carry me back to old Virginia," and was as popular among the firemen of Cambridge and vicinity at that time as is " Ta-ra-ra-boom-de-ay " with the general public to-day. " Somerville One," a Hunnentan " Tnb, '' Her builders' boast and pride, To suck and was/i a rival "Tub" Her fame vms, far and wide. Chorus. But now, alas, the charm is broke. She can not boast any more, " Niagara Three " has whipped her clean. And now her boasting's o'er. " Somerville One" in an evil hour A challenge sent to " Three,'' To test their " Tubs " and try their power, Quite sure of victory. •Chorus. The time ' twas fixed,' twas last Fast day. At Cambridgeportj Broadway, Niagara Three they whipped her clean And bore the prize away. To "Draught" and "Wash",first Somerville tried, But found their efforts vain, 20 HISTORY OF THE " Niagara Three " was " Handled " well And " Sucked " and " Sucked" again. Chorus. The " Tubs " reversed but not the play, To " Somerville One's " dismay, For she was " Washed" and " Washed" again, Though well her crowd did play. With " Tub " and " Tub " the contest closed, But ah ! 'twas still the same. "Niagara Three" her "stroke" kept up And off with victory came. Chorus. " Somerville One" found their mistake ; The game was fairly played. With aid from friends who clung to brake. The " Wreck " from wreck was saved. To " Silver Greys" and "Volunteers" And Button-ers steady and true. The famed "Franklins," "Warrens" and "Bunker Hill" The thanks of "Three" are due. Chorus. To each and all who put her through " Niagara's" thanks are due. To each and all who helped her through The thanks of "Three" are given. The Niagara being stripped it presented the appearance of a wreck, to which the line "The Wreck fro^ wreck was saved" refers. The "Silver Grey," "Volunteer," "Franklins," "War- rens" and "Bunker Hill" mentioned in last verse, refer to Silver Grey No. lo and Volunteer No. i, engine companies of Lynn, Franklin- No. 7 and Bunker Hill No. 2, engine com- panies of Charlestowii, and the Warren Engine Co. No. i, of Roxbury, who assisted the Niagaras on this occasion. In answer to this song within a few days came the follow- ing from Somerville i. Some time befDre this trial Somerville i sucked the Niagara at a fire on Winter Hill. SOMERVILLE ONE. Air " Oh, Svisailiia." Somerville One's a Hunneman tub. The builders' boast and pride, To " suck" or "wash" a rival tub Her fame is far and wide ; And once (methinks they'll ne'er forget) A fire on Winter Hill, Niagara Three was there, 'twas said. And One of Somerville. Chorus. Oh, Niagara, why didn't you obey And draught for One that night, my boys, We'd given you fair play. SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 21 Niagara Three at this good hour Refused to draught for One, They'd little rather try their power Some other way — 'twas done. Somerville One was called to draught And play for Number Three, And Three worked hard through bursted hose To keep from water free. Chorus — Oh, Niagara) etc. /Then Somerville One played through her hose About five hundred. feet, A stream so large (you might suppose) The clouds had sprung a leak ; Niagara's men were standing by But surely looked aghast. They'd scold and fret — then heave a sigh To think of what had passed. Chorus— Oh, Niagara, etc. Niagara's men were so distressed To see this famous tub. They thought to put it to the test By sending forth the word — Somerville One's a bully tub. Great power it doth pretend. But, oh, her men they haven't blood A challenge us to send. Chorus — Oh, Niagara, etc. For once 'tis true the scene did turn, For once Three showed fair play, Three washed and sucked this Number One But not to her dismay. One ne'er will fear Niagara Three, Nor fear to " take her water," What One has been she yet shall be, For One is now in order. Chorus — Oh, Niagara, etc. Captain B. F. Darling resigned the foremanship in July, 1852, and was succeeded by George H. Foster, one of the ablest and afterwards one of the best known hand engine com- pany commanders in the State. The company attended a muster held at Concord, Mass., Wednesday, September 29, 1852, which was the first general muster it ever attended. There were ten entries, the playing being tub and tub through 200 feet of hose. Somerville i took water from Eureka i , of West Cambridge (now Arlington) , a 22 HISTORY OF THE 6 s-8 inch cylinder, Howard & Davis engine, and played into Howard 2, of West Cambridge, a 6 9-16 Howard & Davis machine. Somerville sucked the Eureka three times and waited ten seconds for water, and while waiting for water the Howard 2 of course sucked the Somerville, which under the circum- stances was not a victory for the Howard as it was for the Somerville. The Eureka and Somerville then had a contest. First trial, Eureka at draft and playing through 300 feet of hose into Somerville, time 3 minutes. Somerville sucked Eureka twice. Second contest engines changed positions. Eureka sucked Som- erville. six times, stopping eight times. The result of this muster was not satisfactory to either the Eureka or Somerville and they met again atAlewive brook, West Cambridge, Thursday, October 21, '1852, to repeat the contest. Somerville was assisted by members of engine com- panies I and 5 of Charlestown, 6 of Roxbury, i and 4 of Chelsea and 7 of Cambridge. The Eureka found enthusiastic backers in 2 of Charlestown, 3 of Cambridge and 2 of West Cambridge. The judges were Ex-Foreman C. B. Stevens and Captain T. J. Stevens, of Hydrant 4 of Cambridge, and W. H. Bridges of Chelsea. First trial, Eureka drafted through 18 feet of suction hose, and played through 300 feet of hose into Somer- ville, which played through 300 feet of hose, i 1-2 inch nozzle blunderbuss ; both tubs filled to within five inches of top for five minutes. The Somerville was washed by the Eureka during the last minute and a half. Second trial, engines reversed. Eureka got rid of Somer- ville's water and gained one inch. Third trial, tub and tub, 300 feet of hose, water in tub within one inch of top. Eureka washed Somerville once and Somerville sucked Eureka three times. At expiration of time Somerville had lowered water 3 1-2 inches, and Eureka 15 inches. It was a complete victory for the Eureka, commanded by William Schnell. In April, 1853, the town refused to allow the compan}^ $500 per annum for their services, except provisionally as before mentioned, which was not acceptable to the company, and the same evening the town passed the vote the company SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTxMENT. 23 JOHN RUNEY, JR., Chief, l858-'e0. disbanded " until the men wlio voted against their petition and for the report of the iron hearted committee should be willing and ready to treat firemen like citizens and pay for their fire protection." None of the firemen voted on the question in town meeting. In September, 1854, William D. Orcutt and others petitioned the Selectmen to appoint them firemen to take charge of Engine I. The Selectmen appointed two of its members a committee "to inquire as regards the capabilities of the petitioners for firemen " and report. December 6, the petitioners met at tlie engine house and or- ganized as follo\\'s : — George H. Foster, Foreman; Charles Bird, Jr., First Assislant ; Samuel A. Tutlle, Second Assisiani ; George A. Clark, Clerk; A. L. Sanborn, Henry Lock, T. H. 24 HISTORY OF THE Lenfest, A. W. Libby, Quincy A. Vinal, Standing Committee; Samuel Hudson, D. A. Sanborn, Jr., Caleb Buckman, Henry Smith, William Caswell, James M. Wiggin, Leading Hosemen ; Samuel Hudson, Frank Hudson, True Morrill, Augustus Hutch- ins, A. M. Libby, Suction Hosemen; Evans Andrews, Jr., Osgood B. Dane, Joseph Elliott, Thomas Goodhue, Samuel H. Gooding, N. C. Hawkins, P. S. Hodgdon, Robert E. Hudson, Caleb Kingman, F. R. Kinsley, Rufus Littlefield, Henry B. Osgood, Joseph Pierce, Jr., W. E. Robinson, Charles T. Rob- inson, A. M. Sibley, John W. Shapleigh, James G. Shapleigh, Samuel Shapleigh, Francis Stratton, Jerome Thorp, Francis Tufts, Seth Winslow, Eben F. Bixby, William Kitson, William D. Orcutt, Privates. Committees were appointed to prepare a constitution, and nominate candidates for engineers, and adjournment made until Dec. 30. The new company was confirmed by the Selectmen, and at the adjourned meeting a constitution similar to that of the old company before disbandment was adopted, and Robert A. Vinal, John Runey and C. C. Waldron were nominated for en- gineers and subsequently confirmed by the Selectmen. The jninor offices were also filled at this meeting. The first fire which they attended according to their records ■occurred at two o'clock a. m., April 2, 1855, when the house of James McGill on Washington street was partially destroyed. Their first large fire was the burning of the Lee St. Church, Cambridgeport, May 30, at one o'clock a. m., when they took water from Engine i of Cambridge. Nov. 28, 1855, at ten o'clock p. m., Hawley's stable at Cam- bridgeport was destroyed and the company did good service taking water from the Niagara 3 of East Cambridge and " taking her down" as the records state. Dec. 24, the company had a fire at home. Between ten and eleven o'clock p. m., the engine house was discovered to be on fire, which had made such progres-s that it was impossible to save it, and only by great exertion was the engine saved. The house was completely gutted, and the roof and upper portion completely burned. The engine was then located in J. Q^ Twombly's paint shop until the new station was completed the following year. Presentations to popular department officers were frequent. SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 25 March 17, 1856, the company presented Chief R. A. Vinal with a magnificent fire hat, the presentation taking place in Town Hall, many of the town officials and prominent citizens being present. In January, 1859, Chief John Runey was presented with a watch and chain. Feb. 13, 1862, Chief Samuel H.Gooding re- ceived a similar gift, and in December of the same year Assistant Engineer Samuel A. Tuttle was also presented with a watch and chain. A banquet and sometimes a dance always accompanied such an event, with many guests present. It was a " society event " of that time, ladies always being present. In 1859 ^he company presented the Howard Engine Co. No. 3, of San Francisco, composed entirely of Massachusetts men, with a fancy hat front. The company raised by subscription in the winter of 1856 a fund with which they had the engine renovated and much orna- mental branch work added. By a unanimous vote of the com- pany the engine was painted " fire red," and in other ways it was improved and beautified ; a drag rope reel, then a most modern of improvements, was added. The American Tube Works presented the company with brass brakes, which was the pride of the company and the envy of all other companies. In the winter season all this ornamental work and superfluous articles not actually needed in the line of duty was removed from the engine so as to make it ^s light as possible. July 4, 1857, the Company met at their station at 5.30 o'clock in the morning in full uniform, consisting of shirt, belt, dark pants and glazed caps, and after partaking of a breakfast fur- nished by the ladies, who also decorated the engine with flowers, they marched to the Cambridge line, where they were received by the Pioneer Engine Co. No. 6, Captain Charles Knight. A friendly trial of engines then took place, horizontal and per- pendicular playing. No measurements were made, as none "were needed to show that Somerville i made the best record. A parade and breakfast at the house of the Pioneer 6 followed. This was the first appearance of the Somerville engine after it had been renovated and repainted. It attracted much attention and many favorable comments by its handsome appearance. The company attended the firemen's muster at Worcester, Friday, September 4, 1857, which was one of the largest hand- engine musters ever held in this or any other country, fire com- panies from all sections of the east being present. 26 HISTORY OF THE A concert was given by the Boston Cornet Band, under the auspices of the company," in Town Hall, Wednesday evening, Sept. 2, to raise funds to assist in meeting the expenses of the trip. Just prior to the departure of the company at eight o'clock A. M., Thursday, Sept. 3, Captain H. A. Snow of the Boston Fusileers, and other citizens, presented Captain Foster with a magnificent fire hat with a silver front, a belt, and $20 in gold. They were accompanied to Worcester by Chief Vinal, who at the company's request wore the fire hat they presented to him — and members of the Pioneer 6 of Cambridge, and Washington 3 of Medford, and the Boston Cornet Band. They arrived at Worcester early in the afternoon and stopped at the Lincoln House. In the evening they were entertained by Mayor Rich- ardson of that city. There the band gave an open air concert. In the procession the next forenoon they occupied a position in the third division and were the twenty-ninth company in a list of sixty-two that paraded. Of that great number none made a . better appearance than this company, which was uniformed in white shirts, dark pants, black belts and glazed caps. The playing, which was horizontal through 400 feet of hose, commenced atone o'clock, 54 engines contesting. The Somer- ville was the twenty-ninth to play, its record of 151 feet placing it number 15 in the list, the first being the Torrent 5 of Manches- ter, N. H., of which Assistant Chief Nathaniel C. Barker, then a resident of Manchester, was 2d Assistant Foreman, and was in charge of the pipe which made a record of one hundred and eighty feet, while the last was the Torrent i, of Framingham, with one hundred and ten feet. The best engines in the country at that lime were there, the Somerville making a much better record than many of them.- Financially. this trip was not a success. In addition to the proceeds of the concert the night before their departure, each member was assessed $5. After their return another assess- ment of $3.25 was levied on each member to meet the defi- ciency. Again in 1858 the company attended a muster at Worcester, accompanied by P. S. Gilmore's Salem Brass Band. Their guests were Chief John Runey, Ex-Chief Robert A. Vinal, Captain H. A. Snow of the Boston Fusileers, and representatives from the Washington 3 of Medford. SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 27. : A concert was held in Town Hall by the band as was done the previous year. ' The Traders Mutual Insurance Co. presented the company with a check for $25 at the concert. The company, numbering with guests 65 men, in uniform con- sisting of red shirt with blue- collar, black belt, dark pants and new fire hats, went to Worcester, Wednesday, Sept. 8, stopping at the Lincoln House. Eighteen fire companies went upon the same train. In the evening the compan}- with band serenaded Mayor Isaac Davis, once chief of the Worcester fire department, who entertained the company handsomely. Captain Boyden of the 9th Infantry was also serenaded. In the parade Thursday Sept. 9, the company occupied a place in the third division, being the twenty-ninth in line, the same position it held the year previous — the number of companies in the procession was 53. ■ The playing rules were the same as the previous year, the Somerville making a record of 142 feet, and stood twenty-sixth in a list of 52. ' The first prize was taken by the Edward Hopkins No. 2, of Woodsville (Hopkinton), with a record of 180 feet. The poor- est record made was 112 feet. ■ There was a deficit of $27.40 for this trip. The assessment' was $6.00 for each member. This was the last muster the engine ever attended. Refrieshrrients after fires, which consisted usually of Crackers cheese, coffee and smoked herring, with an occasional " smile," was almost as necessary in those days as was water for its- extinguishment. Troubles over the payments of refreshment bills were not infrequent. In February, 1858, the company had some little difficulty with the Cambridge engineers concerning a refresh- ment bill, and it was voted " that the officers be a committee to effect a settlement with Cambridge if possible, if not to sue them ;" also, " not to attend Cambridge fires the present month unless satisfactory arrangements are made between the Cam- bridge engineers and the company." In March no settlement had been effected, and it was again voted not to attend Cambridge fires. The affair was probably 28 HISTORY OF THE settled in some manner, as no further mention is made of it, and the company attended many Cambridge fires after that. Again in September, 1862, the company had a "little unpleasantness" with the Cambridge engineers, which grew out of the verbal statement made by an officer of the company to the effect that the Cambridge chief had informed him that he did not want the company to attend Cambridge fires until sent for. This was a declaration of war, and it brought out the indignation of the company in language more forcible than polite. A committee was appointed to lay the matter before the Cambridge aldermen, and the company without any specific action decided to go to Cambridge whether the chief wanted them or not, and the next evening they went, the fire being in an oil establishment on Hampshire street. They worked some time and were afterwards furnished with refreshments by the chief's order. There was no mention of the matter at the fire, but at a subsequent meeting of the company the committee reported that no satisfaction had been obtained, and it was voted that the clerk send to the Cambridge chief a request for him to inform the company in writing as to whether he wanted them to attend Cambridge fires or not. As no further mention is made of the affair it probably ended as did the previous one. The company continued to attend Cambridge fires, some of them very soon after the above vote was taken. Washington Engine Co. No. 3, of Medford, which was always very intimate with the company, tendered a compli- mentary ball and supper February 22, Washington's birthdaj-, 1858, the company going over in coaches. The young ladies of Somerville presented the company with a beaudful silk banner and ensign on the evening of March, 1858, Miss Annie Gilman making the presentation speech. At the same time Ex-Chief R. A. Vinal, in behalf of Mrs. Osgood B. Dane, presented the company with a costly flag. Ex-Chief Vinal also presented the company with a valuable painting representing the large fire at Medford in 185 1, with the Somerville engine in the foreground. This picture now hangs in hall of Hose 3. After the presentations the whole company, consisting of between 400 and 500 people, enjoyed a bountiful banquet. The ladies who managed this pleasant affair were Miss H. A. SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 29 SAMUEL H. GOODING, Chief, l86l-'64. Goodhue, Mrs. T. H. Lenfest, Mrs. Dr. Whitman, Mrs. E. A. Norris, Mrs. D. A. Sanborn, Mrs. T. Cunningham, Mrs. W. A. Daniels, Mrs. M. S. Holton and Miss Jane Welch. To reach a fire and get to work before another company that should have been there before them was considered a great victory, no matter how reasonable an excuse the delayed com- pany may have had for their tardiness. With the then crude system of giving alarms, which consisted of crying fire, the policemen's rattle and church and engine house bells, it often took some considerable time for the alarm to get around to all the companies. Not infrequently a distant compan}', aided by the direction of the wind, would get an alarm quicker than a much nearer company in an opposite direction, and the distant company would get there first and claim a beat. Perhaps at 30 HISTORY OF THE the very next fire the situation would be the reverse and the " beat" wiped out. Such a "beat" occurred in the afternoon of July 25, 1858, when the Somerville i went on a wild goose chase as far as Porter's Hotel at North Cambridge, for a fire which possibly may have existed some time during the afternoon somewhere this side of Worcester, and this alarm passed down along from bell to bell until it reached Somerville. The company returned to quarters, housed their engine and were about to leave the engine house when a dense smoke was discovered in the direction of Fresh pond. The rope was again manned and away they went to the fire, which was in the tool house of Mr. Tudor, the ice merchant at Fresh pond crossing. The company got second water on the fire, the Eureka i, of West Cambridge, which was returning from a previous alarm, and was located much nearer to the fire, got first water. The Somerville company beat all Cambridge, a much desired accomplishment. Clerk Lenfest in the com- pany records said of it, "The members and volunteers were amply compensated for their long run by the fact that they carried the alarm up with them for the Cambridge department, and played a stream of water on the fire before the arrival of that department, and on returning home we met most of the Cambridge engines coming to the fire." Fast Day morning, 1859, the company with engine, ran from their station to a hydrant at Atwood's corner, now Inman sq., Cambridgeport, and passed water through 400 feet of hose, in seven minutes. They started at 6.30 o'clock, and e;njoyed a company breakfast on their return. In June the company went to Bratde House, Cambridge, to test the force of a hydrant and to see if the Cambridge Water Works could give them more water than they could take care of. The records state that all voted to make this experiment " with the exception of a few who were up late the night before, and one member who had an intricate fear of the suction hose bursting."' The test was made by connecting a twenty-three foot length of hose to the hydrant to supply the engine, which played through 300 feet of hose. The test was of five minutes duration, the engine sucking the hydrant thirteen times, which was a great victory, at least the company so considered it. Re- freshments were of course in order after the test. SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 31 In April, i860, the company made another test of the ability of the engine, against steam. Capt. H. A. Snow of the Middle- sex Bleachery invited the company to test the capacity of a new force pump. The first test, was the pump playing through two lines of hose 250 feet each, one into the engine, the other into the air. The engine took all the water the pump could give it through one line " with an occasional suck" to quote from the records. The second trial was pump to use one line only and that into the engine. The engine was washed once and the pump sucked twice. Third trial, two streams into engine, which was washed in forty-five seconds. As the pump was of considerable greater capacity than the engine, it was really a victory for the engine. Captain Snow provided the refreshments at finish. In answering alarms the company was not at all restricted as to how far it should go. It went anywhere it pleased. If a fire was seen, or an alarm heard in another city or town, the engine house bell was rung, the rope manned, and the en- gine started in the direction of the fire, or the direction of the bell from which the alarm was taken. Sometimes the fire was many miles distance, when the engine would be turned back after going far enough to learn them that it was not within reaching distance. Long runs were not infrequent. Boston, Maiden, Medford, Belmont, Watertown, Brighton and Brookline, as well as places nearer, were all with its responding territories if the fire was of sufficient magnitude to allow them to reach it before it was extinguished. When the engine house bell was rung, if Union square was empty it would quickly be alive with men and boys, who would pour into it from every direction, all on a jump for the engine house. The engine was never delayed because of a lack of men to start it. Volunteers in large numbers always were with the engine wherever it went, some of them doing as good duty on the rope and brakes as the members of the company. The boy popula- tion of the town could be relied upon at every day fire, when not in school, and at night fires, vvhen they could slip out of their home without attracting their parents' attention. Boys often rendered valuable assistance.. 32 HISTORY OF THE Arriving at a fire the company would go into line with other engines, or draft and play on to the fire ; sometimes it would be the first in line and draft, and sometimes the last which played on the fire, according to the situation. If it could suck or wash another engine it would, whether a friendly company or not. Each company had its backers at all fires, and the Somerville engine was not without its share. The company was always free from a rowdy element, so that its fair name was never blemished by fights or disturbances of any importance as a company. At fires out of town the company performed much excellent duty. At Cambridge and Charlestown the duty performed by the company was almost if not quite as great as in Somerville. At the burning of the Otis School House, East Cambridge, Dec. 23, 1858, the company was the first to arrive, the Cam- bridge department being at another fire in a distant part of the city. The company saved several adjoining buildings. The company received the thanks of Chief Bird of Boston, for the service it rendered at the large lumber fire on Trull's wharf, opposite the Fitchburg R. R. depot. At the burning of several buildings connected with Lawrence distillery at Medford, Aug. 21, 1859, the company worked a considerable time and rendered eflicient service. Engines were present from all the surrounding towns. July 10, 1859, ^ large sash and blind factory on Bright street, Cambridge, was destroyed, the Somerville engine saving a large block of buildings. A conflagration occurred at East Cambridge, Jan. 25, i860, at 7.30 o'clock p. M., which destroyed the lumber yards of S. J. Thompson and W. H. Rowland, the coffin warehouse of W. L. Lockhart, and other buildings. The company worked five hours, and saved Wellington Bros, wharf. June 2, i860, after a foui'-mile run the company did service at a fire in Hayden & Cudworth's ship yard, Medford. At 1. 15 o'clock A. M., July 29, i860, the company started for what they supposed was a large firq in Cambridgeport, but what proved to be a large building connected with a tannery at Brookline. The water supply was so close to the fire that the other companies present did not dare to risk their engine so near the burning building. The Somerville company located, and SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 33 put the second stream onto the fire. They were then using a relief engine, old Maverick 9 of East Boston. August 30, 1861, when some thirty dwellings, stable, store- house and other buildings were burnt on Maiden street, Charles- town, the company, with old Webster 13, of Boston, as a relief engine, worked six hours, part of the time located in a stable until it was well afire over their heads. Afterwards they went into line, taking water from Franklin 7, of Charles- town, which washed their old Webster 13 handsomely. The company was ordered home without refreshments, which after so hard a siege of duty they did not relish. This was due to an oversight for which the Charlestown engineers offered •due apologies. While housing engine, after a fire on Kidder estate at North Cambridge, March 31, i860, another fire was seen in the direction of Brighton. A number of men started for and reached the fire, which proved to be the lumber wharf of ■Granville Fuller, at North Brighton. The Butcher Boy Engine I of Brighton was then without a company, and by request of the Brighton authorities the Somerville firemen, with Captain Foster in command, worked it for a considerable* time, doing good service. Hancock Engine Co. No. i received its handsome new Cowen engine, now in Brockton, early in 1861. The Somer- A'ille engine supplied it with water at a fire in a cork factory on Milk street. May 29, and gave all the water it could handle for an hour, which was a feather in the Somerville's cap ; the new engine being of the largest capacity, and was credited with being one of the best, as it certainly was one of the handsomest ever built. When a company received a favor of any sort a card thanking those who conferred it was at once published in the Boston Herald or FiremefCs Advocate, which often con- tained several columns of such cards after a large fire or muster, and every issue having one or more. If a company was disbanded or had any difficulty with another company •or department officials a card in explanation was at once published. The Somerville company published many such cards, as did other companies, thanking the Somerville company for favors received — usually refreshments at fires. 34 HISTORY OF THE The following is a fair specimen of the many cards- published : A Card.— The officers and members of Somerville Engine Co. No. I desire to return their warmest thanks to the Wash- ington Engine Co. No. 3, of Medford, for the bountiful supply of refreshments furnished us at and after the fire on Sunday morning. Also to Gov. Brooks No. i, of Medford, for their kind invitation, which on account of a previous invitation we were unable to accept. Our thanks are also due to members of Hydrant No. 4, of Cambridge, and our volunteers for assistance rendered. Mr. George Adams will please accept our thanks for the use of his horse to take our machine to the fire and his unbounded liberality towards us while at the fire. Gentlemen, rest assured that when an opportunity presents itself for us to return these favors we shall do it up to the handle. Per order of the company, A. L. Sanborn, Clerk. Somerville, Sept. 12, 1857. The Washington Engine Co. No. 3, of Medford, attended the Hartford muster September 25, 1857, and after they returned home they published a long card thanking all who assisted them. A major portion of the characteristic card read as follows : To the I's of Somerville : How can we find language to express ourselves for the generous reception on our return home. They had the eff'rontery to go and unload the tub from the car, man the rope and draw her through the streets of Boston to Taft's on Brattle street, where was waiting a colla- tion that was a collation. After having done justice to the occasion by partially reducing the bountiful supply, with the same boldness the rope was manned by the Somervilles and we were escorted to their house by the way of East Cambridge, where hot and smoking upon the tables was a breakfast that was hard to beat. Captain Foster of the Somervilles with a few remarks and much cheek bade us a hearty welcome to the repast. Having discussed the merits of the entertainment, and rested ourselves, the order was given to man the rope for home. Captain Foster with much coolness replied "Boys, do not be in a hurry, you have plenty of time to get home before dinner." In the space of five minutes two large omnibuses drove up to the front of the house, and we were informed that they awaited our pleasure. After having loaded up, the salute usual at parting among firemen was gone through, we left for home, and after a very pleasant ride of thirty minutes we were in front of our own house, where we unloaded and passed into the hall. SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 35 DAVID A. SANBORN. :-7l. Treasurer Relief Association 1889. The Somervilles, not yet satisfied with giving us cause for obligation next to impossible to repay, at about lo o'clock, a. m., their captain came poking along into town with our machine drawn by two horses, saying he "thought he would draw it over, as we might want it." Gentlemen of the Somervilles, how in the name of Heaven do you expect us to repay this generous, unexpected reception? Somervilles, we hereby pledge ourselves, as long as memory lasts, to hold these acts of yours in grateful remem- brance. Whether existing as the Washingtons or individ- ually, we wait with much anxiety for an opportunity to make an attempt to pay, though in part, this noble, generous recep- tion given the Washingtons on their return home from Hartford on Friday morning last. Per order of the company, J. W. Mitchell," ^ S. N. Sylvester, > Committee. G. Clark, ) Medford, Sept. 26, 1857. 36 HISTORY OF THE A Card.— The subscriber embraces this opportunity, although late, of acknowledging the service of Somerville No. i, of Som- erville, and the citizens generally who rendered such valuable assistance at the fire on Medford street, on the evening of the ^oth ult., thereby saving his property from destruction. "^ ^ ^ t- f J Mason Davis. Cambridgeport, Jan. 2, 1858. A Card.— The delegation from the Somerville Fire Depart- ment who attended the ball given by the Worcester Fire Depart- ment, take this method of returning their sincere thanks to the Board of Engineers, to Captains Tew, Hudson, Lawton and McFarland, and Col. Goodhue for the many courtesies extended to them during their stay in Worcester, all of which were appreciated and will be remembered. In behalf of the dele- gation. George H. Foster. P. S. The undersigned, hereby thanks the " delegation " for the present of that beautiful whip, although he hopes he may not need the addition of a " whip and spur " to urge him to the per- formance of his duty. George H. Foster. February 10, 1858. A Card. — The officers and members of Howard Engine Co. No. 2, would return their hearty thanks to Somerville Engine Co. No. I for their assistance in working our machine on the night of the i8th inst., also to Mr. George Hill fur hose, and last but not least to our volunteers who assisted us on that occasion. George A. Stearns, Clerk. West Cambridge, July 20, 1857. , A Card. — The officers and members of Somerville Engine Co. No. I desire to return their warmest thanks to Pioneer En- gine Co. No. 6 of Cambridge, for their friendly invitation and the unlimited hospitalities shown them on the morning of the Fourth, and to the ladies of Somerville for the beautiful boquets which they presented to ornament the tub ; also to Mr. J. S. Tuttle and others for their acts of kindness and, liberality on that occasion, and last but not least to the volun- teers for their assistance and gentlemanly conduct, which we duly appreciate. A. L. Sanborn, Clerk. Somerville, July 6, 1857. In February, 1861, Captain George H. Foster resigned, and was appointed an engineer. From the time the company was organized in 1854, ^^^ fo'" one term in the old company before its disbandment in i»53 he SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 37 was its commanding officer, and to quote an old fireman who served under him " a better fireman never stood on top an engine." He was a most successful officer, and as a hand engine com- mander he had no superior and but few equals. He was very- popular, not only with his own company but wherever known, and he was one of the best known firemen in the state. The company adopted the follow^Jng resolutions after his withdrawal from command. Whereas, — We have learned with deep regret of the resig- nation of our worthy foreman, George H. Foster, — Therefore Resolved. — That in accepting his resignation as foreman of the company over which he has presided for the last seven years with so much honor to himself, and satisfaction to us, we shall ever cherish with feelings of the liveliest satisfaction the recollections of his many good qualities as a fireman and citizen. Resolved. — That although his connection with us in an official capacity has ceased, he will always be remembered by us with feelings of respect and esteem, and wherever his lot in life may be cast the best wishes of his brother firemen will ever attend him. Resolved. — That by the resignation of his command the citizens of this town have lost the services of a public servant who was "faithful and fearless" (the company motto) in the discharge of his duty, and to whom on different occasions of interest to this company they have manifested their feelings of confidence and esteem. Resolved. — That a copy of these resolutions signed by the officers be forwarded to Captain Foster, and that a copy of the same signed by the foreman and clerk of the company be pub- lished in the FiremerCs Advocate, Boston Evening Transcrt-pt and Boston Herald. Captain Foster was for many years engaged in the livery stable business in Union square. He served as an engineer until his death, which occurred on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 1864. His funeral the following Saturday was one of the largest attended ever held in Sotnerville. The engine company attended in a body, with representatives from many fire com- panies in this section of the state. The services were conducted by the John Abbott Lodge of Free Masons, of which he was a member. Delegations from the National Lancers and the Bos- ton and Charlestown police departments were also present. The 38 HISTORY OF THE services were held in the Universalist Church, Cross street, interment in Milk street cemetery. For many years afterwards his grave was cared for and decorated by the firemen, and later by Hose Co. No. 3, which bears his name. The company adopted the following resolutions at his death, which were also adopted by the Board of Engineers. Whereas,— In the dispensation of an all-wise Providence, we have to lament the removal from our midst by death, of our beloved friend and estimable follow citizen, Engineer George. H. Foster, be it therefore Resolved, That in the decease of Captain George H. Foster, this association has lost one who for many years has been actively identified with its welfare, and whose influence for good among us made him very dear to us as a member and officer, a companion and friend. He was an ornament to our association, and a bright mark for our emulation by reason of his many sterling qualities of head and heart, for which he was so eminently distinguished. His strict integrity, his ready sympath)-, his calm demeanor under exciting circumstances made him an exemplar it was both our duty and our pleasure to copy. Resolved, That while fully conscious of the insufficiency of ■mere words to soothe the affliction of the one who is now to tread alone the path of life, uncheered by the kind words and loving smiles, and unaided by the manly strength of our ■deceased friend, we can not refrain from the expression of hope that the widow may be comforted in her lonely way by ever- present memories of the departed one. Resolved, That we tender to the family of our deceased friend the assurance of our deep sympathy in their bereave- ment, while lamenting with them that one so full of promise should be removed in the apparent fulness of strength we do not, can not, mourn as those who mourn without hope. The war record of the company was an excellent one, many of its members serving Uncle Sam at the front, and not a few of them never came back. The first enlistments from the company followed immedi- ately after the bombardment of Fort Sumter, when James R. Hopkins, Albert Caswell, F. R. Kinsley, Joseph J. Giles, John H. Hodgden, Frank Moor and Henry Carr enrolled themselves as members of the Somerville Light Infantry, and with it departed for the seat of war. At a meeting of the company held April 18, it was unani- mously voted to continue the names of the above enlisted SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 39 members on the company roll, and to excuse them from duty during their absence, a privilege that was granted to all mem- bers who enlisted during the war. It was also voted to give each enlisted member a keepsake as a testimonial of respect and esteem of the company. Each member was given a pipe with name engraved thereon, a supply of tobacco, an army knife and fork and an army writing case. Frequently during the war, the company would send gifts of remembrance to its soldier members, usually a box of tobacco or some article of a useful nature. At the first meeting of the company held after the first enlistment it appropriated $50 to the citizens' fund raised to care for the families of the soldiers. In 1862 the company gave $100 to the general fund to assist in filling the town quota under President Lincoln's call for 300,000 men. Again in December, 1863, the company- gave a like sum with an addition of six months' pay and $290 raised by subscription among the members, amounting in all to $670 for a similar purpose. All together the company gave over $800 to assist in placing Somerville's soldiers in the field and caring for their families at home. Indirectly they paid a considerable larger sum in gifts and comforts sent direct to the firemen-soldiers in the field. In uniform the company always turned out with full ranks to escort departing troops out of town, and to receive those returning home. Not a company or squad went from Somer- ville without one or more members of the company in its ranks. Several times the company was called upon to attend the funeral of a soldier comrade who died in the service. The patriotism and loyalty of the company during that eventful period is manifested by F. Goodfellow, clerk of the company, who in closing his annual report said : "We can rejoice that still more of our brethren have gone from us to join the many who had gone before in the efforts to preserve the national life from assaults of traitors and haters of Iiuman liberty, and feel that if it be a vanity it is a pardonable one. To refer to the fact that we have appropriated from the treasury $364.50 to aid in the crushing of a rebellion unpar- •alleled on earth, and equally in folly, the poetic imagination of 40 HISTORY OF THE the Revolt of Lucifer, son of the morning, against the Great Jehovah and the Hosts of Heaven." Considerable money was spent by the company in furnish- ing its hall, and occasionally it paid a considerable sum to improve the engine, both in its working qualities and appear- ance. In January, 1862, it paid $100 towards putting the engine in proper condition, the town paying the rest, when it should cheerfully have paid it all. In the hand engine days firemen were famous for clam chowders, and chowder parties were of monthly occurrence with some companies. Somerville i had many such parties, with guests from other companies or engineers from this and other towns, prominent citizens and not infrequently ladies. The last chowder party of the company was given November 16, 1865, with the officers of Boyden No. 2, of Waltham, Wash- ington 3, of Medford, Hydrant 4, of Cambridge and the entire company of Hose i, which had just been organized, as guests. Social assemblies were held by the company regularly every season. Not until the last of its existence did the company give a ball, owing to the want of a hall in town sufficiently large to do so. Several balls, however, were held at Porter's Hotel, North Cambridge. One of the last was held December 20, 1867, after the company had gone out of service, for the pur- pose of raising a fund to erect a flag pole in Union square, to take the place of one which was erected by the first company organized in 1849, which was cut down on account of its rottenness. The company raised a new pole in its place costing $300.58, which remained until a few years ago. The new steam fire engine arrived May 26, 1866, and two days later the engineers ordered the company to disband. The last meeting of the company before retiring from active service was held May 30, when all received an honorable dis- charge. Previous to disbandment the company gave to each member a uniform shirt, to Captain George W. Trefren the handsome mirror presented to the company by Captain H. A. Snow, and sold the rest of its property at auction. The last fire at which the engine was worked while in active service was the burning of Monroe's grocery store on Prospect street, Saturday, March 10, 1866. SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 41 It afterwards was called into service once or twice. Once at the burning of Vinal & Walker's grocery store, July 5, 1866. The engine was stored for several years and sadly neglected. It was sold in 1873 to Hockelaga in Canada for $265. It re- mained in service there until quite recently, when water works rendered it useless and it was again sold to an adjoining town. The company when disbanded consisted of George W^ Trefren, J^orem'an ; Charles H. Tufls, J^i'rsi Assistant; Henry A. Byrns, Second Assistant; T. D. Dennett, Clerk; Caleb Kingman, Treasurer; Edwin Peacock, Steward; Frank D. Snow, Samuel S. Hudson, Frank O. Hudson, W. A. Burbank, George Pepper, Robert A. Vinal, John Runey, John Oakey, J> H. McDermott, Henry Hudson, William S. Tufts, Henry Shaw, D. T. Buckman, C. F. White, William Miller, Joseph Pierce, Samuel H. Stevens, William Calvert, John R. Poor, Albert Caswell, J. A. Buckman, Melvin B. Ricker, George E. Deering, Frank Thorp, Samuel A. Tuttle. Officers of Somerville Hand Fire Engine Co- No. i, 1850 TO li Tr. 1830 1851 1832 1853 1854 1855 1856 1857 i85r 1859 i86a 1861 1862 1863 1864 1865 i860' Foreman. Benj, F. Darling Geo. H. Foster No Company Geo. H. Foster Sam'l A. Tuttle D.A. Sanborn ,Jr F. O. Hudson G. W. Trcfrcn 1st Assistant, sd Assistant. John Runey Charles Trull CharleaBird,Jr. Sam. A. Tuttle D.A. Sanborn ,Jr James Bean G.W.Trefren A. M. Shackley I. W. Gammons Chas. H. Tufts Levi Orcutt J. Stover Jacobs Sam'l A. Tuttle H. A. Hunting J. R. Hopkins D.A. Sanborn, Jr S. S. Hudson A. M. Shackley Sam'l A. Tuttle Chas. H. Tufts Henry A. Byrns Clerk. Is.^ac F.Shepard Geo. A. Clark Geo. A. Clark A. L. Sanborn T. H. Lenfest J. R. Hopkins JairusMann Joseph J. Giles F. Goodfellow A, M. Sibley T. D. Dennett Treasurer. Caleb Kingman LeonardArnoId! DASanbornJr. F. O. Hudson Rufus Lamkin W.A.Burbank S.H.Stevens I. W. Gammons Edwin Peacock 42 HISTORY bF THE SOMERVILLE STEAM FIRE ENGINE, NO. i. HIGHLAND AVENUE AND WALNUT STREET. Organized May, 1866. The new Hunneman steam fire engine arrived Saturday, May 26, 1866, and after a public exhibition test in Union square, was placed in service in the old house vacated by the hand engine. The company — most of them taken from the old hand engine company — consisted of Frank O. Hudson, Foreman ; Albert Q,2,?.sN^\\, Assistant Foreman; Samuel S. Hudson, Clerk; W. A. Burbank, Rufus Lamkin, Melvin B. Ricker, F. D. Snow, Hoseincn; H. A. Whiting, Engineer; Henry A. Byrns, Stoker ; Charles Trull, Driver. June 17, the company was increased to twelve men, and D. B. Perkins and L. D. Bixby were appointed members. The first fire the engine attended was in Bleachery Block, May 31. Loss, $700. A two-wheel hose cart attached to the engine was used for a year or so, when it was replaced by a large size two-reel hose carriage, built by Hunneman & Co. This was one of the few hose carriages of that description ever built, and the first one. Charles Bonner was appointed its driver May 21, 1867. The horses were at first kept in a stable across the street and considerable time was consumed in harnessing and getting them to the engine house, consequently the engine was always late in starting. The old hand engine made much better time in ge||ing out. October 11, 1871, the company attended its only muster at Fitchburg. There were twenty-five contesting engines. The playing was horizontal, through 200 feet of hose. The Somerville engine with a record of 212 feet 8 inches stood fifth, the Niagara of Nashua, N. H., taking first prize with 252 feet 8 inches. Chief D. A. Sanborn was one of the SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 43 CAPTAIN GEORGE H. FOSTER. judges at the muster and Chief W. E. Delano of Charlestown, chairman. With torches the entire department received th^ company on its return, and escorted it tVom the depot to the engine house where a collation was served. At the request of the Young Men's Christian Association rep- resentatives from each company in the department assembled at Engine I's station, Feb. 21, 1872, and received for their ue- spective companies a handsome Bible. Each compan}^ then, and for many years afterward, elected a chaplain each year, and at each meedng a chapter was read from the Bible, unless by vote omitted, which was often the case. The meetings during the Bible reading did not always pre- -senta prayer meeting appearance, nor the chaplain a ministerial 44: HISTORY OF THE aspect. After the religious ceremonies were over it was not in- frequent that a company would wrangle the rest of the evening over the election of an officer, or some other matter. The company was transferred from Union square to its present station on Central Hill, July 20, 1871. At the big Boston fire Nov. 9, 1872, and again at the May 30, 1873, fire, this company did many hours of valuable service, as it has at numerous lesser fires in Boston, Cambridge, and elsewhere since then. The company has enjoyed many balls, theatre parties, fishing excursions, etc., in the days when such were fashionable. Wednesday, June 10, 1873, the company received its present Silsby steam fire engine, which was given a public exhibition test in Broadway Park, before a large number of people, in- cluding many out of town firemen. Its best record was 325 feet 6 inches, through two fifty foot lengths of hose siamesed with a one and one-fourth inch nozzle. Through a single line of 100 feet of hose one and one-fourth inch nozzle, 115 lbs. steam pressure, 220 lbs. water pressure, it recorded 285 feet. Through 2,000 feet of hose, 120 lbs. steam pressure, 295 lbs. water pressure at engine and 80 lbs. at nozzle, it threw 194 feet two inches through a one inch nozzle. Among the prominent firemen present were Chiefs W. A. Green, of Boston ; T. J. Casey, of Cambridge ; H. L. Bixby, of Newton ; T. W. Hough, of Maiden ; George Cushing, of Hingham ; H. J. Eaton, of Hartford, Conn. ; and N. Littlefield, of Portland, Me. Also the Fire Commissioner, and Superintendent Samuel Abbott, Jr., of the Protective Department of Boston. Supper, speeches, etc., at Bacon Hall, in the evening. The old engine which had rendered the city such good ser- vice for so many years was retired to Hose 4's station, and held in reserve. It is now stored in a shed at rear of Engine 4's. station. The old double reel hose carriage was run for several years,, asd was then laid aside, not exactly a failure, but very near it, and a large carriage built by Dole & Osgood took its place.. The hose wagon, built by Hill & Teel, of Medford, as were all the hose wagons in the department — was placed in service June 16, 1892. Engineer Whiting resigned in 1867, and was succeeded by the present incumbent, Henry A. Byrns, and William A. Bur- SOMERVILLE FTRE DEPARTMENT. 45 bank appointed fireman. For a quarter of a century the engine has been in charge of Messrs. Byrns and Burbank. The drivers of the engine have been Charles Trull, William Bonner, Irving C.Jackson and George F. Harris. The hose carriage drivers have been Charles and William Bonner, L. D. Bixby and William A. Perry. The company now consists of Frank Langer, Captain ; Benjamin H. Yond., Lieutenant; Henry A. ^^xx\%. Engineer v William A. Burbank, Fireman ; George F. Harris, Driver of Engine; William A. Perry, Driver of Hose Wagon and Clerk; Joseph Young, George L. Blackbird, Fred S. Young, Jesse A. Lipsett, Sewell M. Rich, Oscar J. Lingley and Fred A. Black- burn, Hosenien. Officers of Somerville Steam Fire Engine Co. No. i, 1866-1892. Year. ForemaH. 1866 Frank 0. Hudson 1867 F. D. Snow 1868 1869 1870 Melvin B. Ricker 1871 Wiirard Snow 1872 '< 1873 *' 1874 R. C. Tildcn 1875 '• 1876 Irving C. Jackson 1S77 " 1878 (( 1879 W. F. Barker 1880 Irving C. Jackson 1881 ** 1S82 " 1883 '* 1884 James A. McLane 1885 " 1886 " 1887 *' 1888 •• 1889 •' 1890 '• 1891 Frank Langer 1892 " Assistant Foreftian. Albert Caswell L. D. Bixby R. C. Tilden Irving C. Jackson G. II. Miisgrave Joseph Young James T. Cummings J. F. Walker Frank Thorpe B. F. Johnson J. F. Walker Joseph Young Frank Langer B. H. Pond Samuel S. Hudson C. B. Perkins C. D. Worcester Frank Thorpe Irving C. Jackson Frank Thorpe A. F. Mcntzer TheophUus Cunningham James T. Cummings L. D. Bixby W. H. Whitcomb William A. Perry 4G HISTORY OF THE GEN. JOHN E. WOOL HOSE NO. i. WEBSTER STREET, EAST SOMERVILLE. Organized June, 1865. This company was organized at house of Somerville No. i. Union square, in June, 1865, and located at East Somerville. The company when organized consisted of Alfred Horton, Foreman; George W. Bean, Assistant Foreman; James R. Hopkins, Clerk; James Merritt, Treasurer; James Bean, L. Horton, D. P. Horton, W. E. Dickson, Jabez P. Dill, A. F. Lock, Seth Hatch, James Galletly, R. G. Wentworth, William Bean, J. D. Lovering, Elkomah Crosby, R. D. Hall, James Porter, E. A. Dickson and Albert Abbott. The company adopted the name of "Liberty," and with a two-wheel "jumper" was at first located in a shed near Web- ster and Cross streets, where it remained until it took posses- sion of the new house in Webster street — now occupied bj- the company, and the poorest fire station in the city — the year following. The new, or rather, the old, hand hose carriage, the " Gen- eral Wool," purchased in New York, for $600, arrived in due season, and was afterwards handsomely repainted. Because of internal dissensions, and depleted ranks this company dis- banded on July 9, 1866, the officers at that time being the same as when first organized, except that James Merritt was assistant foreman instead of G. W. Bean. A new company was at once formed and accepted by the Board of Engineers July 9, and met for organization July 12, 1866, Chief D. A. Sanborn presiding. The new company organized consisted of A. M. Shackley, Foreman ; Samuel A. Tuttle, Assistant Foreman ; T. D. Dennett, Clerk ; R. R. Perry, Treasurer; Frank Shadwell, Stezcard; E. A. Gilman, B. F. Pierce, D. A. Sargent, E. A. Dickson, J'. W. Gowell, Lawrence O'Hare and James Doherty, Members. July 16, SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 47 Frank Lemont, Edward Peacock, H. C. Bowers and W. L. Warden were added to the roll, and July 23, John Brown, Andrew Streeter and W. E. Dickson became members. The name " Gen. John E. Wool" was adopted. The first fire the new company attended was in Charles- town State Prison, August 12, another fire occurring the same day on Winter Hill, — White's harness shop. November 11, it had its first of many clam chowders with the Mystic Hose Co. No. i, of Medford, the Somerville engineers and representatives from Engine i and other com- panies of this and neighboring places as guests. It was a most successful and enjoyable affair. Wednesday evening, February 6, 1867, the company enjoyed a sleigh ride and supper at the Medford House, with Caleb Kingman of Somerville and Captain Hayden of Mystic Hose I, of Medford, as guests. February 20, the company attended a complimentary social entertainment and chowder given by the Mystic Hose Co. of Medford. A grand ball with 125 couple was held in Town Hall, Wednesday, April 3, 1867, which in accordance with the customs of those days was kept up until broad daylight the next morning. Fishing excursions were an annual event with this company ; its anniversary was generally celebrated by a fishing excursion in Boston harbor. The American Hose Company of Chelsea received and entertained the company December 2, 1867. In March an invitation was received from Lewiston (Me.) Engine Co. No. i to visit that city, which was accepted, and August 25 the company departed on a three days' trip to the Pine Tree State. September 16, 1869, Captain A. M. Shackley resigned and was presented with a costly watch by the company ; Samuel H. Stevens succeeded him. In December the company took its last sleigh ride, going to Waltham, where it had supper at the Central House. March 7, 1870, the ladies of East Somerville surprised the company at its monthly meeting and presented it with a hand- some mirror and Captain Stevens with a fire hat. A dance and supper followed. • 48 HISTORY OF THE September 30, 1870, the company went on a two days excursion to Haverhill and Lawrence, attending the firemen's muster, one of the largest ever held in New England, at Haverhill, the 30th. During its first few years of existence the company had a second assistant foreman, treasurer and a steward. Its second assistants were James Kimball and Michael Murphy. Its treasurers, R. R. Perry, T. D. Dennett, S. A. Tuttle, S. F. Mayo, Henry Kramer, E. Fletcher, D. W. Taylor; and the several clerks whose names are given elsewhere. Its stewards were Frank Shadwell, C. H. Tufts, C. P. Kerby, S. H. Stevens, George Reed, W. W. Parsons, S. F. Mayo, E. McLowd, Henry Cramer and W. J. Emerson. The foreman and assistant foremen, Matthew Murphy and James M. Gould, elected at the annual meeting held January 5, 1874, were refused confirmation by the engineers because their business called them out of the city during the day. Many ballots were taken and several meetings held to fill the vacan- cies without success, the company being divided, neither faction being willing to give in to the other. March 28, the engineers ordered the company to reorganize and to call a special meeting for that purpose March 31, the officers-elect to have their business within the city limits, a return to be made to the engineers before 10 o'clock that evening. The company reported that they were unable to elect officers, and the engineers that night voted to expel the compan}^ from the department for not complying with its orders, their discharge to go into effect at 12 o'clock that night. The same evening the engineers ordered W. H. Thomas to form a new company, which he at once did, and his list was approved by the engineers April 10, and the next night the new company organized. It was composed of W. H. Thomas, Foreman ; J. C. Dyer, Assistant Foreman ; D. L. Neiss, Clerk ; A. L. Staples, J. H. Fletcher, J. S. Bean, John Newell, J. S. Moor, F. N. Lewis, Members and T. H. Daley Driver. This company has had many spirited elections, frequently many ballots and several special meetings being necessary to elect its few officers. On one occasion 38 ballots were required. The hand Jiose carriage " Gen. John E. Wool" was run by the company by hand until January 16, 1873, when a horse SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 49 hose carriage built by Dole & Osgood of Peabody, took its place, and later it was sold to the town of Everett for $400, where it was in active service until quite recently. It is now in possession of the company at Troy, N. Y., that first used it. The present hose wagon, the first in the department, was placed in service December 18, 1889. Thomas H. Daley has been driver since the horse hose carriage was put in service in 1873. The compan)'^ now consists of Thomas H. Daley, Captain and Driver; John Frizzell, Lieutenant; James E. Lovejoy, Clerk; Edger F. Shaw, Clarence V. Cook, George North, Edward Grant, John W. McDonald and John W. Logan Members. Officers of Gen. John E. Wool Hose Co. No. i, 1865-1892. Year. Foreman. Assistant Foreman. Clerk. 1865 Alfred Horton George W. Bean, Jr. James R. HopKins 1866 A. M. Shackley J James Merritt / Samuel A. Tuttle T. D. Dennett 1867 '< T. D. Dennett Charles H.Tults 1868 t( Samuel H. Stevens Wm. E. Dickson 1869 \ Samuel H. Stevens Samuel A. Tuttle '■ 1870 " " Charles H. Tufts 1871 \ Michael Murphy ) W. W. Parsons 1 J. FuUer ( Michael Murphy,. \ S. F. Mayo ( Thomas H. Daley 1872 <* Thomas H. Daley Matthew Murphy 1873 j Thomas H. Daley ] Matthew Murphy Franklin Jones James M. Gould 1874 W. H. Thomas J. C. Dyer D. L. Neiss 187s " Frank N. Lewis James F. Hunt 1876 Frank N. Lewis Frank D. Chase « 1877 Frank D. Chase D. W. Taylor " 1878 << (( Thomas H. Daley D. W. Taylor Edgar F. Shaw J. W. Inwood << 1881 Charles P. Horton ** 1882 ii (1 « 1883 jj C. F. Keyes ^ <( Frank N. Lewis 1884 W. W. Parsons Alphonso Fisher *' 1885 Thomas H. Daley " S. T. Kirkpalrick 1886 C. F. Keyes S. Thomas Kirk 1887 <( E. T. Heron " 18S8 " " E. T. Heron 1889 ft <» (( 189a << Edgar F. Shaw C. V. Cook 1891 ** John Frizzell *( 1S92 " ■' James E. Lovejoy 50 HISTORY OF THE WINTER HILL HOSE NO. 2. MARSHALL STREET, WINTER HILL.. Organized October, 1869. In May, 1869, the town authorized the Selectmen to place light two-wheel hand hose reels on Winter and Spring Hills, and elsewhere. In October, a company was formed for th,e Winter Hill reel and accepted by the engineers. It was composed of Joseph H. Hollis, Foreman; Orrin H. Webber, Assistant Foreman; Charles Eddleson, Clerk; George H. Ball, Treasurer; Ben- jamin H. Ricker, Steward; A. Fisk, S. Gray, Edward Gray, George A. Gove, E. Hanks, J. Rand, J. Sanborn, H. A. Web- ber, Abram Coan and Albei't Roland. The company used the two-wheel hose cart located there earlier in the year, which was housed in an old shed on Mar- shall street, until December, 1872, when it was transferred to its present well adapted, homelike and well kept station, which was built that year, at a cost of over $5000. A new four-wheel horse hose carriage, built by Lour & Rice, of Charlestown, was provided when the company occupied its new station, and Ed- ward W. Ring was appointed driver, which position he now holds. A hose wagon superseded the reel in 1889. The company first adopted the name of " Carlton." It adopted " Winter Hill " when it moved to its new station. The company now consists of Frank W. Ring, Captain ; Daniel R. Spike, Lieutenant; Edward W. Ring, Clerk and Driver; Joseph H. Hollis, Charles H. Timson, Edwin R. Per- ham, William F. Marble, Charles Woodbury, John H. Pattee and Alvin M. Irish. Joseph H. Hollis is the only one of the original company who is now a member. SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 51 Officers of Winter Hill Hose Co. No. 2. Tear. Foreman. Assistant Foreman. Clerk 1S69 Joseph H. HoUis OwenH. Webber Charles Eddleson 1870 ** H. A. Webber S73 1S74 Ze tl 1879 iSSo 1S81 18S6 18S7 1S88 18S9 1890 1891 1S92 Foreman C. S. P. Dodge B. W. Lawrence C. S. Th: Samuel ■asher [. Stevens Assistant Foreman. E. B. Kincaid David Robinson G. W. Holden A, F. Mentzer \ W. S. Fifield ( A. F. Mentzer \ G. L, Browncastle C. S. Thrasher \ Samuel H. Stevens Edwin F. Trefren G. C. Tucker John Gilioory Lewellyn Mack Edwin F. Trefren Clerk. J. W. Barnard I G. F. Bowers i W. D. Tucker Danforth S. Steel Samuel H. Stevens John Gillooly Danforth S. Steel SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 57 BERNARD W. LAWRENCE. Vice-President Relief Association, IS89- HOSE NO. 5. SOMERVII.LE AVENUE AND LOWELL STREET. Organized August 15, 1889. . This company occupies a new model brick'station which contains all the latest improved appliances. It has a hose wagon built for it when it was organized. The first company consisted of Irving C. Jackson, captain and driver ; William J. Blaisdell, lieutenant ; Frank W. Downs, clerk ; Charles H. Hill, James H. Barker, Frederick G. Jones and Samuel M. Johnson. The present company consists of the same officers with C. A. Hill, F. G.Jones, James H. Banks, Merrill N. Bent, Oscar P. Shelton, Horace G. Curtis, Daniel W. McDermott and H. W. Hutchins. The captain is also clerk. 58 HISTORY OF THE PRESCOTT-ROBERT A. VINAL H. & L. No. i. UNION SQUARE. Organized, May 15, 1867. Re-organized, July 9, 1870. The first hook and ladder truck was purchased in 1863, and located without a company in a shed, near the Union square fire station, where it is now stored as apparatus in reserve. May 15, 1867, a company was organized to man it, consisting^ of Caleb A. Page, Foreman ; James A. Buckman, Assistant Foreman ; Frank A. White, Clerk ; Henry Hudson, Samuel P. Hill, Arthur W. O'Leary, Joseph Peacock and William H. Cal- vert, Members. This company retained its organization less than a year, when it lapsed out of existence, from a hick of interest. In May, 1870, the engineers requested George W. Bean to raise a new company, and July 9 it was organized, with George W. Bean, Foreman ; Albert Caswell, Assistant Foreman ; John W. Byrns, Clerk; John Stevens, David Neiss, Caleb A. Page, Charles A. Gould, David A. Horton and W'. M. Bean, Members. The company adopted the name " Prescott," in honor of Gen^ Wm. Prescott, of Bunker Hill fame. In March, 1874, when a new truck was ordered, it was vt)ted to name it "James R. Hopkins," which was vetoed by Chief Hopkins, and the name of Ex-Chief Robert A. Vinal was then adopted. The truck was kept in the old shed until Engine i vacated its old station in Union square, and the truck with Hose 3 occupied it in 187 1. The truck was hauled by a horse furnished by con- tract by a near-by stable-keeper until June 30, 1874, '^vhen the new truck built by Cook & Rymes, of Charlestown, arrived, when another horse was added, and in September, the city pro- vided a pair of horses for it, and appointed Melvin B. Ricker driver, who has held that position constantly ever since. The SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 59 present truck, built by Hill & Teel, of Medford, was placed in. service in January, 1889, the old one, which was too heavy and unsuitable, was given in part pay for the new one. The company entertained the Gilcreast H. & L. Co., of Woburn, with an oyster supper, October 21, 1885, the Woburn company returning the compliment later on. The company now consists of Melvin B. Ricker, Caftain and Driver ; Horace P. Ewell, Lieutenant ; John E. Hill, Clerk ; William A. McLane, Charles A. Southwick, P. J. FoUen,. Frank S. Brown, James D. Perkins, Jr., Martin S. Leary, William J. Jones, George A. Page, James M. Gould, Charles E. Shaw, Richard F. Clarkson and James C. Thompson. Officers of Prescott-Robert A. Vinal Hook and Ladder Co. No. i, 1867-1892. Year. jForeman. Assistant Foreman. Clerk. 1867 Caleb A. Page ( Tames A. Buckman i F. A. White ( F. A. White \ Henry Hudson 1S70 George W. Bean Albert Caswell J. W. Byrns 1871 " Alfred Horton D. L. Neiss ■ 1873 Alfred Horton Nathaniel C. Barker SethH. Hatch 1873 (( " (( J874 '< '< F. D. Chase 'Sys Nathaniel C. Barker E. A. Parker ** 1878 E. A. Parker J. H. Kehew Daniel Cutter 1877 I Nathaniel C. Barker ( G. W. Giles ,, 1 J H. Kehew ) R. A. Melvin 1S78 R. A. Melvin C. G. Brett " 1S79 " H. Shaw iSSo *' ** " iS8[ Charles E. Shaw E. L. Robinson F.J. Hamblin I8S2 W. A. McLane " iSSi W. A. McLane _E. H. Bright H. E. Thompson 1S84 Charles E. Shaw Thomas Cunningham \ E. H. Buxion 18S5 E. H. Bright John E. Hill " 1886 " \\ „ <. E. H. Buxton James M. Gould lsS9 " (( " i8go " '* ** 1891 1S92 Melvin B. Ricker Horace P. Ewell " " John E. Hill 60 HISTORY OF THE SOMERVILLE FIREMEN'S RELIEF ASSOCIATION. Organized, May 9, 1870. Incorporated, March 21, 1890. At a meeting of the Board of Engineers held' February 28, 1870, the organization of a relief association to assist members injured while in the performance of their duty, was considered, and S. H. Gooding, clerk of the board, was instructed to invite the several companies in the department to appoint three dele- gates to meet the Board of Engineers at the Police Court room, Monday evening, March 14, to take the subject into considera- tion, and take such action as may be deemed advisable. The delegates met, and after due consideration it was decided to organize, and a meeting was called April i, to adopt a con- stitution. Chief D. A. Sanborn presided, and William E. Dickson was secretary. A constitution was adopted and adjournment made to May 6, at house of Hose i, when T. D. Dennett, L. D. Bixby and Orrin H. Webber were elected trustees at large. May 9, the association succeeded in perfecting its organization by electing Chief D. A. Sanborn, President; T. D. Dennett, Vice President; Robert A. Vinal, Secretary and Treasurer. Chief D. A. Sanborn from the Board of Engineers — Robert A- Vinal from the Committee on Fire Department — S. H. Stevens of Hose I — Joseph H. Hollis of Hose 2, and Melvin B. Ricker of Engine i Trustees, in addition to those previously elected. The association organized under the name of Somerville Fire- men's Charitable Association, which it retained until it was in- corporated by a special act of the State Legislature, passed March 19, 1890. The association presented Ex-Chief Robert A. Vinal with a costly gold headed ebony cane in 1886. SOMKRVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 61 Meetings are held annually, unless matters, of importance require a special meeting. April 14, 1887, Robert A. Vinal, who had been the associ- ation's first secretary, and its only treasurer, died. The associ- ation attended his funeral in a body, an^ presented a floral offering, consisting of a large book, made of white carnations. At a special meeting of the association held April 25, 1887, by an unanimous vote the following expression of sorrow was adopted : " The treasurer. Captain Robert A. Vinal, an original member of the association in 1870, a generous friend of the firemen individually, and of all their interests collectively, a wise councilor in their deliberations, and an ardent advocate of their cause on all occasions. As just in his discriminations on claims as he was judicious in the investment of funds during his seventeen years service as treasurer, uniformly faithful in the performance of any service committed to him, and prompt in attendance upon all meetings. He has contributed largely to the financial prosperity, fraternal harmony and social good cheer of the association, and in his death we have met with.a loss which can never be repaired. One that we shall appreciate more and more as death thins the ranks of those who have been banded together for so many years. No other voice will ever be to us what his has been, no other hand will grasp ours with the same personality of interest, no other council will ever have the same relations to our history, and with tearful emotions at our loss we recognize his gain, and from immemorable good work for the poor, the afflicted, the tempted and the sorrowful, he goes to Him who welcomes the faithful with the reward, ' In- asmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of them ye have done it unto me.' "We respected, honored and loved him in life ; we revere and cherish his memory, and sympathize most deeply with the family, to whom this affliction is more abiding than it can be to any other friend or asspciate." All the companies in the department were represented at his funeral. The association at its annual meeting held January 16, 1888, presented Chief J. R. Hopkins, who had long been its president, with a handsome gold watch. Mayor Mark F. Burns making the presentation speech. 62 HISTORY OF THE When the Marblehead firemen suffered a severe loss by the destruction of their property by the conflagration which swept through the centre of that town in December, 1888, the associa- tion donated $100 to assist them, as did other similar associa- tions in the State. Every member of the Somerville fire department is eligible to membership ; its by-laws provide for relief as follows : Any member of the association, who is a member of the fire department or connected with the fire alarm telegraph of the city of Somerville, who may have been injured (while a member of the association) by any kind of accident, while in the per- formance of his duty as a fireman and a member of the fire ■department, or in connection with the fire-alarm telegraph , and be unable to perform his usual avocation, shall be entitled to receive the sum of one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) per day for such time, not exceeding thirty days, as the directors or com- mittee on relief shall determine. The directors or the com- mittee on relief may allow such further assistance as they shall deem expedient, the same, however, not to exceed one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) per day, or to be allowed for a lorger term than twenty days in addition to the aforesaid term of thirty days. At the close of the last financial year ending December 31, 1891, the treasury of the association contained $2,686.78. During the year $126 was paid for relief and $173.13 for running expenses. The income was $175.26. The officers for 1892 are Chief James R. Hopkins, presi- dent; Bernard W. Lawrence, vice president; John E. Hill, secretary; Ex-Chief D. A. Sanborn, treasurer; and the above officers with Nathaniel C. Barker, assistant chief, Frank Langer, Engine i, Samuel H. Stephens, Engine 4, Thomas H. Daley, Hose i, Frank W. Ring, Hose 2, Charles Trull, Hose 3, Irving C. Jackson, Hose 5, Charles A. South wick, H. & L. I, directors. SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 63 Officers of Somerville Firemen's Charitable Relief Association. 1870-1892. w^ Year. President Vice President. Secretary. Treasurer. 1870 D. A. Sanborn T. D. Dennett Robert A. Vina! Robert A. Vinal 1871 « 1S72 (C James R. H^jpkins G. W. Ring «' 1873 James R. Hopkins Henry A. Angler " 1874 " '* 1875 T. R. Koulstone " 1876 <( 1877 S. H. Stevens W. D. Tucker *« 1878 D. A. Sanborn *' 1879 «« '« 1880 K '* 1881 (< <* •jS82- *' <« ^IP " Jas. T. CUrtiiMings *' 1S84 ** (< " 18S5 '* <« " 1886 (( ' (( If 1887 " Tohn E. Hill Charles A. Guild 1888 « " " 18S9 B. W. Lawrence D. A. Sanborn x8go " •' 1891 " ** 1892 " 64 HISTORY OF THE FIRES. The first large fire in what is now Somerville, of which there is any record, was the burning of the Ursuline Convent on Mount Benedict, by a mob, Monday evening, August ii, 1834, before the town was separated from Charlestown. The buildings destroyed were built of brick ; the main building erected in 1820, was 80 feet long, four stories high, with cupola, and two large wings two stories high erected in 1829, also a farm house and bishop's cottage and other buildings. They were all splendidly furnished and perfectly appointed throughout. The grounds were beautifully laid out and the location magnificent. The buildings were erected for the education of girls and occupied in 1827 by the Order of St. Ursula, organized in 1536, to administer relief to the sick and afflicted and to educate the young. The teachers were nuns educated in French convents, the pupils daughters of wealthy Protestants from all sections ot the country, mostly of the best Massachusetts families. At the time of the fire there were 57 pupils, most of them very young, 12 nuns and 3 attendants, all under the direct charge of a lady superior. Idle gossip put in circulation stories concerning the man- agement of the institution, and the treatment of the pupils, which, while utterly false, as the investigation held after the fire clearly demonstrated, they were successful in creating a considerable opposition to the institution. A book entitled " Six Months in a Convent," written by Miss Rebecca Reed, a former pupil of the institution, contained much that was afterward proven to be untrue to the detriment of the convent, which still further inflamed the prejudice of the people, who wfere kept in SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. G5 ignorance of the true state of affairs. About this time a pupil, Miss Harison, while suffering with brain fever, in a delirium escaped from the institution and fled to a neighboring house, where she was detained and returned to the convent. Her screams, the result of her delirium, attracted attention, and soon it was noised about that a pupil who had I'un away from the institution had been returned against her will and was forcibly- detained there. Other rumors without the slightest foundation of fact alleged that others were also detained there against their will. With each rumor indignation grew, and soon an alarm- ing aspect presented itself, which was but natural, there being so many stories afloat to the detriment of the institution without any official statement of any sort contradicting them. The Charlestown selectmen at length took the matter in hand, and visited the place and ascertained to their entire satis- faction that the rumors and stories were all false, and they prepared a statement for publication over their own signatures in the Boston newspapers giving the facts. This was given to the press Monday for Tuesday, the fire occurring Monday night. Had this statement been published one day earlier the deplora- ble affair probably never would have happened. The rioters began to arrive as early as 8 o'clock, and commenced their work by throwing stones and other missiles at the windows of the building. A large bonfire was made of tar barrels, which they brought with them, evidently to warn those in league with the conspirators to assemble. The bonfire also attracted many to the spot who had no hand in it whatever. A party of fifty or more persons disguised by fantastic dresses and painted faces, after warning the inmates who had retired for the night to make their escape, proceeded to assault the house. The ladies of the institution with the children retired from the rear of the building into the garden and thence to a neighbor's farm house. The mob then sacked the building, destroyed much property, including many musical instruments, and confiscated all the money, of which there was considerable, and other valuables which they could conveniently carry away with them. They heaped all combustible materials in the centre of the floors and applied the torch in many of the rooms, so that the building was very quickly wholly enveloped in flames. BS HISTORY OF THE The fire was started at 12.30 o'clock, and was seen for many miles distant. Fire companies in large numbers came from all the surrounding towns, but were prevented from working by the mob, although they would have been unable to save the building owing to the scarcity of water. The fire companies were not in league with the secret con- spiracy which did the work, neither did they know the fire was to occur, except from general rumor. The investigation after the fire proved this beyond a doubt. There were several build- ings in all burnt, with a total loss of about $60,000. Hundreds of people present were not a part of the mob which planned and carried it into effect. Mayor Theodore Lyman, Jr., of Boston, called a public meeting in Faneuil Hall at one o'clock the next day, and although there was but two hours' notice the hall was filled to its capacity with the- most prominent men of the city, and the following resolutions unanimously adopted. Resolved. — That in the opinion of the citizens of Boston, the late attack on the Ursuline Convent in Charlestown, occupied only by defenceless females, was a base and cowardly act, for which the perpetrators deserve the contempt and detestation of the community. Resolved. — That the destruction of property and danger of life caused thereby, calls loudly on all good citizens to express individually and collectively the abhorrence they feel at this high-handed violation of the laws. Resolved. — That we, the Protestant citizens of Boston, do pledge ourselves collectively and individually to unite with our Catholic brethren in protecting their persons, their property, and their civil and religious rights. Resolved. — That the Mayor and Aldermen be requested to take all measures consistent with law, to carry the foregoing resolutions into effect, and as citizens we tender our personal services to support the laws under the direction of the city authorities. Resolved. — That the Mayor be requested to nominate a com- mittee from the citizens at large, to investigate the proceedings of last night, and to adopt every suitable mode of bringing the authors and abettors of this outrage to justice. Mayor Theodore Lyman, Jr., nominated a committee as re- quested, among them being some of the most prominent citizens SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 67 JOHN E. HILL, Secretary Relief Association, i8B7 — of that time, names familiar with the present generation ; among them being Horace Mann, Robert C. Winthrop, Henry Lee, Col. Thomas H. Perkins, F. J. Oliver, C. G. Greene, C. E. Loring, Nathan and William Appleton, Cyrus Alger, Edward Blake, Thomas Motley and E. D. Sohier. This committee examined some one hundred and forty per- sons, held many meetings, and in their report severely con- demned the rioters, and endorsed the institution and its manage- ment, which the investigation proved was as excellent as that of ■ any institution. Numerous arrests were made, but none were ever convicted, because of a lack of positive evidence. For many years the ruins remained as the flames left them. Mt. Benedict, or Nunnery Hill, as it is more generally called. 68 HISTORY OF THE is located on Broadway, East Somerville, and is fast disappear- ing, the Boston & Maine R. R. taking it to fill the flats at Charlestown, and in a short time it will exist only in memory. Sunday, June i6, 1878, box 21 at 10.35 o'clock p. m., called the department to the largest fire with the greatest loss that ever occurred in Somerville, the burning of the extensive pork packing establishment of C. H. North & Co., on Medford street, between the Fitchburg and Grand Junction railroads. Box 31, Cambridge, at about the same time called the depart- ment of that city, and additional alarms which immediately fol- lowed the first called the entire department of both cities inta service. At 11.20 o'clock the Boston department was called upon for assistance and responded with four engines and a hook and ladder truck, in charge of Chief W. A. Greene. The Everett engine also responded, this being its first fire. The fire spread very rapidly and consumed seven large build- ings and two small dweUing houses on the opposite side ol Medford street, with 1000 live, and 900 slaughtered hogs, 1500 tiers, 1000 cases, and 500 barrels of lard, 30,000 hams, 20,000- shoulders, 1500 pounds of glue, and 7000 tons of ice, with much valuable machinery. Adjoining property was saved only by hard work of the department under Chief J. R. Hopkins and Assistant Barker,, assisted by the Cambridge department, under Chief P. H. Ray- mond, and the Boston and Everett companies. The fire was a magnificent spectacle and attracted thousands- of spectators to the scene from all directions. It was seen as far away as Lowell and New Bedford. The companies that worked at this fire were Engine i. Hose I, 2, 3 and 4, and H. & L. i, of Somerville ; Engines i, 2, 5, 4 and 5, and H. & L. trucks i and 2 of Cambridge ; Engines 6, 10 and 27, Chemical i, and H. & L. i, of Boston ; and Engine I, of Everett. Within a short distance of the above fire occurred the second largest fire, also in a pork packing establishment. At 6.15 o'clock Monday evening, October 5, 1891, box 12, Somer- ville avenue, and box 4, Cambridge, followed quickly by additional alarms, called the entire departments of both cities- to the John P. Squire & Co's. extensive slaughter works,, where the hog house, a 3 1-2 story wooden building 200 feet long by 160 feet wide was in flames. SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 69 The heat was intense. Some 40 feet distant, connected by ■a. wooden hog run about 20 feet square was a six story brick building 264 x 161 with 4 foot walls, known as the refrigerator building, which contained a large amount of ice in the two upper stories. The lower stories were used to cure and store freshly killed hogs. Alotig the hog run, which was high in the air, the fire ran with great fury and soon this building was in flames, and its entire interior with contents completely destroyed. By heroic work the firemen succeeded in saving the cooper- age works of S. Armstrong & Co. close by, which were well afire at one time ; also a large wooden building known as the *' Coliseum, "and a pile of oil barrels some fifty feet high. The buildings were saturated with grease, which was excellent food for the flames and assisted wonderfully in soreading the fire. A thick party wall kept it from entering the main building. Nearly 2000 hogs were burned alive and 6000 dressed hogs were consumed in the refrigerator building. The total loss was about $175,000. The Boston department sent Engines 6, 8, 27 and 32, with District Chiefs W. T. Cheswell and C. W. H. Pope. Engine 1, of Medford, also responded. The buildings were on the dividing line between Somerville and Cambridge. Chief Hopkins was in command. Engines from Waltham, Newton, Watertown, Chelsea and elsewhere were summoned the next day to assist on the ruins. It was not until the following Thursday morning that it was wholly extinguished. In all, 19 engines worked at this fire ; the greatest number working at one time was 13. Chief T. J. Casey with the Cambridge department rendered most valuable assistance. The fire was seen for many miles distance and thousands of .spectators witnessed it. At noon, September 23, 1884, a fire broke out in the drying house at the Middlesex Bleachery, and assisted by a strong wind it spread ver}' rapidly, and before it was extinguished the entire plant, except two buildings, covering some five acres of ground, was totally destroyed. The heat was intense and the smoke thick and unbearable. The department was assisted by Engines i, 4 and 5 of Cambridge, Engine 27 and Hose i of Charlestown, Assistant Engineer John Bartlett in command, 70 HISTORY OF THE Engine i of Medford and Hose i and 2 of Arlington. The loss was about $175,000. Somerville has probabl}' had more barn fires during last half century than any other place of its size in the country. Incen- diarism was the cause of most of them. Incendiarism at one time prevailed to an alarming extent, and large rewards were offered by the town for. the discovery and conviction of the incendiaries. The principal fires during the fifty years Somerville has been a town and city have been as follows : Sunday morning, December 23, 1849, at 6.30 o'clock, three double tenement houses on Prospect Hill were totally destroyed with a loss of about $25,000. A high wind prevailed at the time. Engines were present from Boston, Roxbury, Maiden, Med- ford, Charlestown, Chelsea and Cambridge. A long line of engines were necessary to pass water to the fire. 1850. May 4, barn of Jonathan Johnson. July 25, barn Jonathan Teel. 1852. July 22, 11.30 o'clock, p. M., First Congregational Church, Central Hill. Total loss. September 13, house and barn near old powder house, owned by Mr. Tufts. September 23, 3 p. m., house of Mr. Knowlton, Bond street. October 9, 9 p. m., barn of Mr. Tufts near old powder house. October 15, 10 p. m., barn of Mr. Tufts in same place as the above fire. 1853. January 25, barn of Mr. Adams, Winter Hill. February 25, another fire on Mr. Tufts' premises. June 16, 12 p. M., tool house of Mr. Tufts, Cross and Franklin street. 1855. May 27, I p. M., barn of J. M. Shute, Central and Milk street. August 28, 10 p. M., barn of Mr. Stone, Milk street. September 2, 2 a. m., barn. December 15, 10 p. m., barn on Mr. Spring's estate. December 24, 10.30 p. m., engine house. Union square. 1856. January 15, 11.30 p. m., barn of S. T. Frost. February 19, 10 p. m., barn of Robert A. Vinal. June 5,11 p. M., large building at Union Glass Works. SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 71 Engines present from Charlestown and Cambridge. July 6, 3.30 A. M., Broadway school house. July 20, 10.30 p. M.,barn of Benjamin Hadly, Franklin street. August 17, II p. M., barn of Harris and Tower, Frank- lin street. September 17, 9 p. m., barn of Oliver Tufts. October 12, 9.30 p. m., carpenter shop of Charles Bird, Jr. (Assistant Foreman of Engine i ) . October 16, 3 a. m., barn McLean Asylum. 1857. May, 6.30 p. M., barn and sheds of Charles Barnes, Milk street. July 22, large brick house of Mr. Woodbury, Winter Hill. 1858. February 12, 8 p. m., J. Qj. Twombl3f's paint shop, Milk street. March 28, 3 a. m., town barn. April 18, carpenter shop, Milk street. June 23, I A. M., spike factory of Philip C. Page, on Myrtle street. Engines present from Charlestown and Chelsea. Planing mill adjoining saved by great exertion of firemen. July 16, 9.30 p. M., barn of John C. Magoun, on Winter Hill. The barn contained 20 tons of hay and many farming utensils. The building was located on the very top of Winter Hill ; its burning was seen many miles away, and the alarm given in many towns. Sixteen engines reached the fire as follows : Somer- ville I, Bunker Hill 2, Howard 3 and Washington 5, of Charlestown; Niagara 3 and D. Webster 5, of Cambridge; Howard 2, of West Cambridge; D. Webster 3, of Maiden; Butcher Boy i, of Brighton; Nonantum 5, of Newton ; Gen. Worth 2, of Stone- ham ; Niagara i , of Woburn and Excelsior i , of Winchester. This was undoubtedly the largest num- ber of engines that, ever assembled at a Somerville fire. Engine companies at Natick, Waltham, Lexing- ton and other places started for the fire and went part way. August 14, 8.30 p. M., double house of Hiram Allen, Prospect street. 72 HISTORY OF THE September 19, 3 a. m., barn of G. W. Hayes, Winter Hill, 40 tons of hay. Many engines present. November 7, 2.10 a. m., barn of John Maloney, Wash- ington street. December 3, 11 p. m., Yellow block, fire slight. 1859. M^y 26, 3 A. M., Paul's carpenter shop, Broadway. May 31, 4 p. M., barn on Nunnery Hill. September 5, 3 a. m., barn of William Lyons, Wash- ington street. September 29, 9.15 p. m., Old "Hourly" stable, Broadway. September 27, 9.15 p. m., cooperage shop of James L. Mills & Son, Franklin street and Broadway ; also stables adjoining. Engines present from Charles- town, Chelsea, Cambridge and Waltham. Several lines of engines were formed at this fire to pass water from reservoir on Mount Pleasant street. October 29, 3.40 a. m., brick kiln of Joseph Sanborn on Medford turnpike, with 100 cords of wood, a barn and some sheds. Engine worked six hours, the longest continuous dutjr it ever did. November 21, 8 p. m., barn of George Adams at Medford line. A very stormy night. Man}'^ engines present. i860. March 29, 7.30 p. m., barn at Union Glass Works. May 19, 12.30 p. M., Wheeler's block, Medford and Sagamore streets. Four engines were present and formed a line, but as two more were needed to reach the fire and no more came, the building was a total loss. June 15, 9 p. M., carpenter and paint shop of Mr. Ilsley and Mr. Dyer, on Glen street. July IS. 9 P- M., barn of Michael Buckley, Linwood street. September 23, 10 p. m., hair storage sheds of Kent & Marvin, Winter Hill. October 18, 10 p. m., fire in block of houses in Linwood street, known as Yellow block. After fire was out and before engine left the premises another fire broke out in the opposite end of same block, which was SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 73 quickly extinguished. While engine was " limbering up" at second fire another was discovered in a barn on Milk street, which was considerably damaged. At 12.30 o'clock the same night while members were returning to their homes from the engine house, a fourth fire was discovered in sheds at rear of Hough- ton's Glass Works. The alarm was given and the engine extinguished the fire. At 10 minutes past i while roll was being called after this fire, an alarm was given for the fifth fire, in Chaffee's charcoal shed, near Cambridge line, which was destroyed.. At 4.45 o'clock, A. M., before some of the firemen had reached their homes, the sixth alarm for that night was given for a barn belonging to Mr. Bradshaw, on Joy street, which was destroyed. By hard work the house was saved. Six working fires in one night was a little more duty than the firemen cared for, but they did it without shirking and returned home in time for break- fast before commencing their regular day's labor. October 20, barn on Milk street. J>Jovember 23, 10 p. m., grain store house. Milk street. November 2, 4. a. m., barn on Bond street. Same morning, one hour later, carpenter shop, Broadway. 10 p. M., barn on Boston street. November 26, 8.30 p. M.,barn on Winter Hill. Engine was at fire in North Cambridge when this fire broke out. December 12, 8 p. m., paint shop at Fitchburg railroad repair shop. December 31, vestry of Baptist church. 1861. April 25, 10 p. M., barn of Knowlton Chaffee. May 29, 10 p. M., cork factory. Milk street. July 27, barn at Union Glass Works. August 12, II p. M.,barn of Charles Miller, Milk street. September 7, 2 a. m., house of Charles Miller, Milk street. November 17, 10 p. m., barn rear of Milk street. After this fire another broke out in Medford, the engine company responding. While at this fire another one occurred in Medford ; engine worked at both. 74 HISTORY OF THE 1862. January 8, 10 p. m., barn and house on Plummer street. Coldest night of the season, with a high wind. June 21, 8.15 p. M., two dwelling houses rear of Lowell street. July 2,12, midnight, barn on Poplar street. July 5, 3 A. M., Allen Rope Walk, Milk street. July 13, 2 A. M., barn and house, Ivers Hall, Washing- ton street. July 23, 12 M., barn of Mr. Maloney. July 27, 2.10 A. M., H. H. Bradshaw's building, Lin- wood street. 1863. October 23, 3 a. m., 2 horses, on Glen street. October 29, barn. Myrtle street. November 3, Middlesex Bleachery. Loss, $30,000. The largest fire since town was incorporated. 1864. February 28, 5 a. m., John Carlen's soap factory, Web- ster avenue. July 10, 12 A. M., barn of Mr. Weeks, Winter Hill. July 16, barn of Dennis Roach. July 30, 2 A. M., tannery, near Willow court. While at work on this fire a barn at Brick Bottom was fired,. but quickly extinguished by the firemen. September 2, carpenter shop. West Somerville. September 14, 8 p. m., stable of Mr. Crosby, with house and stable adjoining. 1865. January 21, 8 a. m., barn of Mr. Slocomb, Boston street. April 10, 12.10 p. M., C. E. Oilman's pickle factory,. Walnut street. July 12, barn. Milk Row. July 30, barn, Milk Row, same place as above fire. July 31, 10.30 p. M., pottery of Ex-Chief John Runey, Cross street. Loss, $3,500. 1866. January 8, 4 p. m., Perkins street Baptist Church. En- gines present from all surrounding towns. Februarjr 18, noon, Sycamore street School House, Winter Hill. Engines present from all surrounding- places. February 22, 11.30 p. m., barn, on Cutler estate, Broadway. Same day, i a. m., barn of Mr. Binney, Winter Hill. SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 75 March lo, 11.30 p. m., Monroe's grocery store, Pros- pect Hill. May 31, 9 p. M., Bleachery Block. First fire new steam fire engine was at. July 5, II p. M., grocery store of Vinal & Walker. September 9, 12 p. m., vestry, Universalist Church, Cross street. November 12,8 p.m., barn of Mr. Leland. Several en- gines present. At same time a barn belonging to George Tufts was totally destroyed. December 9, 12.30 p. m.. Orthodox Church, Winter Hill. December 31, 8.35 p. m., Prescott School House, Broadway. 1867. March 16, 1.15 a. m.. Orthodox Church, Franklin street. Loss, $25,000. June 16, noon, barn, Medford street. Engine used 1,600 feet of hose, could not reach fire, old hand engine was sent for, and worked from a well. This was the last duty the old hand engine did in this city. October 6, 8 p. m., cabinet shop, Broadway. October 8, 7.20 p. m.. Unitarian Church, Highland avenue. October 31, 10.45 ^- ^-f Powers' Bleachery, Pearl street. December 7, 5.35 a. m., Allen's furniture shop, Allen street. 1869. January 21, 6.40 p. M., Universalist Church, Cross street. Severe snowstorm prevailed at time, and it was intensely cold. February 26, 6.30 p. m.. Brick Yard buildings. July 3, 1.30 p. M., Club Stable, Florence street. 1872. February 22, 7 p. m., soap factory, Webster avenue. 1877. July 25, 5.05 p. M., glass house. Mystic street. Loss, $25,000. 1884. June 20, 3.30 p. M., oil works of Walker & Co., on Somerville avenue, near Grand Junction R. R. The fire spread with frightful rapidity, and aid was sum- moned from Boston, Cambridge, Medford and Mai- den to protect the large pork packing establishments of C. H. North & Co., and John P. Squire & Co. Sev- 76 HISTORY OF THE eral thousand barrels of oil with costly oil tanks, and building 50x75 was completely destroyed. Loss, about $100,000. 1889. June 8, 3.35 p. M., old roller skating rink on Somer- ville avenue, near Bow street. Loss, $40,000. SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 77 ,#■ j»?,lSS5'Bosto„. 26 Mercantile St. and 28 Richmond St,, Baldwin's Bank, l*enii Van, New Voi-k. Volusia County Bank, Do Land, Florida. RDQTOM MAQQ And any Boston Commission House. UV^vJ 1 WIN , IVIMOO. ADVERTISEMENTS. 9] I. H*. WIL^Y 8L go., 8*- 86, 88 & 92 Sudbury St., llllliillillllliliillllllllllllllillllillllliiuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii BOSTON. Manufacturers of and Dealers in Leads, Oils, Varnishes, Colors, Paints, Stains, Mixed Paints, Paste Paints, Painters' Supplies, Etc. Proprietors of the famous Diamond K Metal Polish, for polishinp: brass, and Agents for the English Marlboro Furniture Cream, the best thing In the world for ladies to brighten up furniture with. Works: Chartestcwn and Lynn Sts. S. B. WOODMAN. J. H.JONES. WOODMAN & JONES, Receivers and Dealers in Butter, Cheese, JBi G G S f 81 Faneuil Hall Market, BOSTON. GEO. R. TURNER, or ALL KINDS OF Light and Heavy Freight. Fnrniture loTing. Barge Parties AccoimoiateJ, 14 North Centre Street, Telephone 3163. HOWTOIS". L. J. STURTEVANT, WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALER IN Beef, Pork, Mutton, Lamb, Veal, Etc., stalls 13, 15 and 17 UNION MARKET, Entrances, Washington and Friend Sts., near Haymarket Square. BOSTON. All orders and consignments promptly attended to. Telephone connection. 92 ADVERTISEMENTS. REVERE RUBBER CO. '' Kii^MS"^- Manufacturers and Sole Representatives of the Celebrated American Klre Hose Manufacturing' Company's Product, Makers o( Rubber, Fire and Suction Hose of the lii!,'hcst class. Dealers in a full line of Fire Department Supplies. JLinen Hose. Send your orders to any of our stores and they will be promptly tilled. New York, 64 Keade Street. Buffalo, N. Y., 74 Pearl Street. Pittsbursrh, Pa., 4 Wood Street. Minneapolis, Minn., 130 Nicollet Ave, St. Louis, Mo., .505 N. Fourth St. Chicaffo, 111., 150 Lake Street. San Francisco, Cal., 16 Fremont Street. ] Uttral I FRUIT, : ; : ^^■*' PRODUCE, : : aSa I ) LIVE FOWL, &e. EGGS A SPECIALTY. 32-33 Concord Ave. and 26 Richmond St., BOSTON, MASS. EKFEKBNCE8.-Any Produce Commission tionse in Boston and Fourth National Bank. Consig-nments Solicited.