USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > New Bedford > History of New Bedford and its vicinity, 1620-1892 > Part 65
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The Ohio No. 3 was received from its builders, the Agnews, of Philadelphia, early in 1850, and placed in the North Second street en- gine-house. It was esteemed a valuable and powerful addition to the fire apparatus and gave satisfaction to the authorities. A substantial brick house was built on Purchase street, just north of Maxfield, and the engine was moved to its new quarters January 2, 1855.
In November, 1852, a serious difficulty arose between Columbian Engine Company No. 5 and the board of engineers, which resulted in the disbanding of the Columbians. The occurrence took place at the period when false alarms were raised, many of them no doubt to fur- nish an opportunity for a race. One evening Nos. 5 and 6 started north on Purchase street at a tearing pace, when the chief appeared on the scene and ordered the No. 5 to stop. In their zeal and excitement
68
HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.
they failed to obey his command, and seizing the headrope, he took a turn around a lantern post. This would have been successful if a ready knife hadn't left some twenty feet in the hands of the chief, as the Co- lumbian still pursued its course. The affair, of course, resulted in an investigation, and a demand was made by the board of engineers that the captain of No. 5 should furnish a list of the names of the disobedi- ent members. This was refused and the company disbanded, only to be invited to return to the fire department the following year.
August II, 1853, a company was organized in anticipation of the new engine Young Mechanic No. 6, which had been ordered of John Agnew, of Philadelphia. The old engine was put in commission until the new one arrived.
A new hose carriage had been built by Messrs. Gray & Barker, the iron work being done by Messrs. Joseph Brownell & Co. This engine did not meet the expectations of the city and on August 7, 1856, the members of the company petitioned the city to return them their old engine. This was not done, but the new machine was sent to William Jeffers & Co., of Pawtucket, and the works replaced by new ones, which, upon future trial, gave fair satisfaction.
The old engine, the "Mechanic," which had done such long and faithful service, was stationed in the North Second street house, and an organization was formed, December 21, 1854, called the Veteran Asso- ciation of Firemen. It was composed entirely of firemen who had seen five years of service in our fire department. They were attached to this engine, the name of which had been changed to the Veteran No. I. After the difficulty with the board of engineers had been settled by the the disbanding of the Columbian Engine Company No. 5, October 25, 1852, the ex-Five Association was formed November I, with the same officers, and held meetings in a room in the rear of the Columbian Club room, in the second story of the Nathan Chase building, recently re- moved from the lot now occupied by the Wing building on Purchase street. The organization continued in vigorous existence until May 21, 1853, when the members were invited to resume their places in the fire department. The continued difficulty with the city government finally led the Columbians to disband September 24, 1860. A new com- pany was formed October 1, 1860. The new company continued in
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PALMY DAYS.
service till February 28, 1866, when it was disbanded by the board of engineers, and the engine taken out of commission. It was soon after- ward sold to the town of Galesburg, Ill.
My readers may well imagine that the years 1855 and 1856 were the palmy days of our fire department. It was during these years that the highest point of interest was reached. Already "steam" loomed in the distance, though subjected to scoff and ridicule, both in and out of the department. The new engines for the Young Mechanics and Colum- bians were now in full commission. Both companies were at their best, and so were all the other organizations-alert, vigorous and full of en- thusiasm. Two more hand engines were added to the service, and then the record ceases. Soon the department entered upon a new era. The old engine, Columbian No. 5, built by Messrs. Durfee & Delano in 1827, was put in good repair and the name and number changed to Acush- net No. 4. It was stationed at Mount Pleasant in the Sepulchre, which had been moved from North Second street to the corner of Mt. Pleasant and Durfee streets. A company was formed February 2, 1857, which continued in active service till about 1867, when it was disbanded. The spirit that thrilled the fire department animated the youth of the city ; and one of the practical results of this enthusiasm was the organization of the Young America No. 8. A company of young inen, twenty-five in number, raised among themselves $300, with which they purchased in Pawtucket the "Young America No. 8," and it was placed in the Sec- ond street house.
The first hook and ladder truck belonging to our fire service was a sta- tionary affair, and located on the land now occupied by the post office. It consisted in part of the stone wall near the engine-house, then stand- ing on this land and occupied by the Citizen No. 2. On this wall were fastened several horizontal bars connected with an equal number of up- right posts. This arrangement served as a respository for the ladders, and the hooks were hung upon brackets.
Our modern truck is mounted on wheels, and the whole apparatus goes to the scene of conflagration. Then, when a fire was raging in any part of the village, and a ladder or hook was wanted, it was sent for. There was some economy in all this, for the unused apparatus was not subject to the wear and tear incident to the average fire.
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HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.
Among the implements belonging to this branch of the service in those primitive days was the " battering ram." When a fire was very obstinate and likely to prove dangerous to the neighboring houses, these long sticks of solid timber were brought out, manned with suf- ficient power, and the whole thing pushed flat to the ground.
In 1835 the company manned a carriage that was built by Nathan Durfee, father of James Durfee, in 1800; it was equipped with the or- dinary means of service, and fully met the requirements of the day. It was stationed in the house on Purchase street and was in commission till 1855, when a new truck, Pioneer Hook and Ladder No. I, wasbuilt by Joseph Brownell & Co. This carriage did good service till 1872, when great improvements were made. Among these was a system of roll- ers, arranged so that the heavy ladders were moved with greater free- dom. The carriage was fitted at this time to be drawn by horse power. In 1861 the truck was moved to the engine-house on Market street. This building was formerly occupied by the Hancock No. 9, on Foster street, and when it was moved in March, 1861, the company held their monthly meetings in the house while it was being moved on rollers.
July 4, 1865, our city celebrated with great pomp, and the fire de - partment, as usual, was an important feature in the parade. The Pio- neers made a beautiful show, the truck being decorated with flowers and flags. Two boys, dressed in appropriate costume, were placed in prom - inent positions on the carriage-one a representative of the Revolution- ary army, and the other of the navy-while under a high canopy in the center were two lovely figures, the Goddess of Liberty and the Soldier of the Rebellion. The whole decorations were in fine taste and gained the admiration of the great concourse of people who thronged the streets. The company spent $100 on this feature of the parade.
The battle axes taken from the pirate Georgia were presented to the company by Austin S. Cushman, esq., in recognition of the patriotic zeal of the Pioneers in honoring the return of the veterans of the army and navy.
In June, 1872, the Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company returned to their old station at the central engine-house.
At noonday, August 24, 1859, occurred one of the most destructive fires that ever afflicted the city, causing a loss of a quarter of a million
689
INTRODUCTION OF STEAM FIRE ENGINES.
dollars, with very little insurance. This calamity led to an immediate change in the appliances for extinguishing fires and the early abolish- ing of the hand engine service of the city. In less than ten days after the great conflagration an order passed the government for the first steam fire engine, Onward No. I. It was built by the Amoskeag Man- ufacturing Company, of Manchester, N. H., and was an excellent en- gine for that period. A company was organized for it on the 2d of January, 1860, with T. B. Denham as foreman ; Wm. H. Sherman, first assistant ; Gideon Wing, second assistant ; and ten members The en- gine was placed in the brick building on the northeast corner of Me- chanics' lane and Pleasant street. In October a permanent organiza- tion for the steamer was effected. Since the introduction of steam there has been no very extensive fire in the city.
May 21, 1860, Philadelphia Engine Co. No. 7 was disbanded by the city government, and the machine withdrawn from service. It was also ordered that the Columbian No. 5 should be removed to the house on Fourth street, vacated by the Philadelphia. The company did not relish this action, and on the evening of September 24 voted to disband.
The board of engineers proposed to use the Central House for the steamers, arranged to remove Young Mechanic No. 6 to the north of Maxfield street on Purchase, to the house of Ohio No. 3 and also to change its name. The latter was not done, but the company disbanded October 1, and the disbandment of the other hand engine companies followed within the next few years.
The second steamer, named Progress No. 2, was ordered in the year 1860, and a company organized on the 27th of October. Both steamers were now situated in the Central engine-house and were in full commis- sion thereafter.
In 1864 the Excelsior steam engine No. 3 was ordered, and held as a reserve for some time. The Young Mechanic Co. No. 6 was dis- banded January 29, 1865, and a company for the Excelsior was formed from her ranks.
Steam fire engine Cornelius Howland No. 4, built by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Co., was placed in commission February 1, 1867. A company was organized, the membership being largely from the Frank-
87
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HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.
lin Engine Co. No. 9, Capt. A. H. Howland, jr., which had been dis- banded but a few days before. It was placed on the corner of Bedford and South Sixth streets.
The Franklin Hose Carriage No. I, built by the Amoskeag Manufac- turing Co., was put in commission, January 1, 1872.
In the year 1879 the Onward No. I, the first steamer in the city, had become so far worn out that another was provided in its place. The new engine arrived August 25, the event being celebrated by a ban- quet.
The steamer Progress, which had done faithful service, was disposed of, and a new engine built by the Silsby Manfacturing Co., of Seneca Falls, N. Y., was placed in commission September 4, 1879.
During the year 1880 the permanent force of the department was uni- formed.
The Frederick Macy Steam Fire Engine No. 6 was put in commis- sion November 1, 1882. It was built by the Amoskeag Manufactur- ing Co., Manchester, N. H. A company was organized October 31.
The engine-house on Fourth street, head of Potomska, was built es- pecially for the new engine, and is very complete in all the appoint- ments and supplied with every convenience for the comfort of the firemen, as well as for efficiency.
The Firemen's Mutual Aid Society was organized in the department in 1872. Its object is to assist members who may receive injuries while performing fire service. At the death of a member his family receives $50. The Firemen's Beneficial Association is another noble organiza- tion connected with our fire department. On the death of any member every fireman contributes $1, which amount is paid to the family within thirty days of the death. These societies are in a highly prosperous condition, and confer great benefits upon their members.
In 1873 the Protecting Society, which had been an active part of the fire department from the beginning, was rendered more useful by being furnished with tarpaulins, rubber blankets, etc. During the following year, 1874, the society furnished themselves with badges, to be worn at fires. In 1877 the society was reorganized with a limited number of fifty. Its efficiency had steadily increased from year to year, but in 1878 radical rules and regulations were adopted, new apparatus added,
691
VETERAN FIREMEN'S ASSOCIATION.
and under the energetic management of President Charles S. Kelley the importance of the Protecting Society became manifest. Mr. Kelley in- duced the agents of the insurance companies to donate $350, which was at once expended in a large supply of rubber blankets. The society is well organized, and no branch of the service is more effective and use- ful. Thousands of dollars have been saved by their prompt and sys- tematic work. In 1883 the plan of distributing the members in time of fire was adopted. It worked well and is still in operation at the present time.
Hook and Ladder truck No. 2 was purchased of Joseph T. Ryan, of Boston, and put in commission on the 4th of August, 1877. The com- pany now in existence (1891) was organized in September, 1888. The house is situated on Weld street.
May 30, 1884, a new engine, built by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Co. for the Cornelius Howland Steam Fire Engine Co. No. 4 was placed in commission, the old engine being placed in the reserve.
November 6, 1884, the engine now in commission as Progress Steam Fire Engine No. 2, built by Amoskeag Manufacturing Co., was placed in commission ; the Silsby engine was placed in reserve.
Hook and Ladder No. 1, carriage built by La France, was put in service in 1888, and stationed in Central engine- house until 1891, when a company was organized and the carriage was removed to the Fourth street engine-house, given the No. 3. The La France Hook and Lad- der Truck, with extension ladder, was put in commission in Central engine-house when the removal above mentioned was made.
Steamer No. 7, built by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Co, was put in commission September 1, 1890. It is located in a new house on Durfee street, built expressly for its accommodation, and is thoroughly equipped with all the modern conveniences for fire service. On the second floor of the building is a finely furnished hall for the use of the company.
The New Bedford Veteran Firemen's Association, a legitimate out- growth of the hand-engine contest on the 4th of July, 1890, was per. manently organized on Monday evening, November 10, 1890 The objects of the association, as expressed in the constitution, are to " col- lect and preserve records, papers, relics and sayings pertaining to the
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HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.
New Bedford fire department, and to foster good will and friendly in- tercourse by occasional meetings."
The officers of the department for 1891 are as follows : Chief engineer, Frederick Macy ; first assistant, Loring T. Parlow ; second assistant, Pliny B. Sherman ; third assistant, Augustus A. Wood ; fourth assist- ant, Hugh McDonald ; clerk, Luther G. Hewins, jr.
Following are the various boards of engineers of the department since the organization of the city government :
1848-Zachariah Hillman, chief; William H. Taylor, Edmund Gard- ner, Ambrose Vincent, Samuel Watson, Oliver M. Brownell, Sampson Perkins, assistants.
1849-Zachariah Hillman, chief ; William H. Jenney, O. M. Brownell, Philip S. Davis, Robert C. Topham, Caleb L. Ellis, Benjamin B. Co- vell, Samuel Watson, George Perry, Alanson Williston, Ezra K. De- lano, Philip Groves, assistants.
1850-Z. Hillman, chief; E. K. Delano, W. H. Jenney, George Wilson, George Perry, B. B. Covell, C. L. Ellis, T. B Denham, Joshua B. Ashley, Thomas P. Potter, Tilson Wood, Asa R. Nye, assistants.
1851-2-E. K. Delano, chief; Z. Hillman, Robert C. Topham, George Perry, Elisha W. Kempton, Tilson Wood, assistants.
1853-George Wilson, chief ; George G. Gifford, B. B. Covell, Caleb L. Ellis, T. B. Denham, assistants.
1854-Joshua B. Ashley, chief ; O. M. Brownell, Tillinghast P. Tomp- kins, Israel T. Bryant, George Hinckley, assistants.
1855-Z. Hillman, chief; James Durfee, G. G. Gifford, George Perry, Robert C. Topham, assistants.
1856-Joshua B. Ashley, chief ; T. P. Tompkins, George Hinckley, Israel F. Bryant, Tilson Wood, assistants; J. Augustus Brownell, secretary.
1857-J. B. Ashley, chief ; T. P. Tompkins, Thomas C. Allen, Moses H. Bliss, John Mathews, assistants; J. A. Brownell, secretary.
1858-9-T. P. Tompkins, chief; John Mathews, Moses H. Bliss, George Hinckley, T. P. Swift, assistants; Charles M. Pierce, jr., sec- retary.
1860-T. P. Tompkins, chief; John Mathews, George Hinckley, M H. Bliss, Henry H. Fisher, assistants ; C. M. Pierce, jr., secretary.
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BOARDS OF ENGINEERS.
1861-Chief engineer, Tillinghast P. Tompkins ; assistant engineers, John Mathews, Moses H. Bliss, Henry H. Fisher, William Cook; clerk, Charles M. Pierce, jr.
1 862-63-The same, with William H. Mathews, clerk.
1864-65-66-67-Chief engineer, Tillinghast P. Tompkins; assistant engineers, John Mathews, Moses H. Bliss, Henry H. Fisher, Frederick Macy ; clerk, Charles M. Pierce, jr.
1867-71-Chief engineer, Tillinghast P. Tompkins ; assistant en- gineers, John Mathews, Moses H. Bliss, Frederick Macy, Henry H. Fisher ; clerk, C. M. Pierce, jr.
1871-72-Chief engineer, Abraham H. Howland, jr .; assistant en- gineers, John E. Brown, George P. Reed, Charles W. Dyer, Alfred M. Chapman ; clerk, Alfred M. Chapman.
1872-73-Chief engineer, Abraham H. Howland, jr .; assistant en- gineers, John E. Brown, Alfred M. Chapman, Charles W. Dyer, Will- iam H. Sherman ; clerk, A. M. Chapman.
1873-74-Chief engineer, Abraham H. Howland, jr .; assistant engi- neers, Moses H. Bliss, Freeman C. Luce, Charles H. Taber, Loring T. Parlow ; clerk, Moses H. Bliss.
1874-75-Chief engineer, Samuel C. Hart ; assistant engineers, Al- fred M. Chapman, Loring T. Parlow, Charles H. Taber, Michael F. Kennedy ; clerk, Charles S. Paisler.
1875-76-Chief engineer, Moses H. Bliss ; assistant engineers, Alfred M. Chapman, Freeman C. Luce, Loring T. Parlow, John H. Judson ; clerk, George H. Bliss.
1876-77-Chief engineer, Moses H. Bliss ; assistant engineers, Alfred M. Chapman, Freeman C. Luce, William J. Marr, John H. Judson ; clerk, George H. Bliss.
1877-78 -Chief engineer, Frederick Macy ; assistant engineers, Michael Kennedy, Nathan M. Brown, John H. Judson, William J. Marr ; clerk, Luther G. Hewins, jr.
1878-79-Chief engineer, Frederick Macy; assistant engineers, Michael Kennedy, Nathan M. Brown, John H. Judson, Augustus A. Wood ; clerk, Luther G. Hewins, jr.
1879-84-Chief engineer, Frederick Macy ; assistant engineers, Mi- chael Kennedy, Nathan M. Brown, Pliny B. Sherman, Augustus A. Wood; clerk, Luther G. Hewins, jr.
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HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.
1884-85-Chief engineer, Frederick Macy ; assistant engineers, Mi- chael F. Kennedy, Loring T. Parlow, Pliny B. Sherman, Augustus A. Wood; clerk, Luther G. Hewins, jr.
1886-91-Chief engineer, Frederick Macy ; assistant engineers, Lo- ring T. Parlow, Pliny B. Sherman, Augustus A. Wood, Hugh McDon- ald ; clerk, Luther G. Hewins, jr.
CHAPTER XXXII.
MUSICAL ORGANIZATIONS OF NEW BEDFORD.
The First Musical Organization - The Philharmonic Society and its Career - Intro- duction of Music in the Public Schools - Organization of the Choral Union - The Gen- tleinen's Amateur Glee Club - New Bedford in the Peace Jubilee - Organization of Choral Association - The World's Peace Festival, etc.
T HE first musical organization formed in our city was the Mozart Society, about 1824, which gave a performance December 2, in Dr. Dewey's meeting-house. It was under the leadership of R. B. Hol- land. Instrumental and vocal culture alike received attention in its work. Among the orchestral musicians were Stephen Potter, clarinet ; Deacon John Bryant, bassoon ; Ephraim Billings, violoncello; Dr. Gage, double bass. In later years Victor Williams, William Crandall, James Staples played the violin, and James Barney and Nathaniel Perry, double bass. Among the singers were Mr. and Mrs. Gideon Sawyer, Ebenezer Hervey (the only ones now living, and from whom many interesting facts were obtained), Mrs. Benjamin Gage, Rhoda Bassett, Ann Wood, Eliza Wood Frederick Reed, Sarah Reed, Eliza Billings, Anna Quimby, Catharine Quimby, Emeline Quimby, Amos Quimby (a noted musical family), Mr. and Mrs. George Clark, Clarissa Burt, Dr. Alexander Read, Joseph Bourne (who owned the second piano ever brought to the town, a Mr. Flemming owing the first), Abbie Kendrick, Susan Graham, Joseph Al- len. Samuel Ward, Henry P. Willis, Edward L. White, Thomas B. White, Calvin Staples, and Mahala McFarlin.
695
MUSIC IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
There were many other members belonging to the society during its thirteen years of existence, but it is impossible to get a complete list. The rehearsals were held in the building occupying the site of the Cen- tral Police Station on South Second street. They were evidently more for the pleasure and profit of its members than for public performances, though occasional assistance was rendered to the churches on special oc- casions. Mr. Holland, the leader, was probably equal to the demand of the day. He vigorously beat time with his foot, often with such em- phasis as to be heard in the street by passers by. He was a man of ex- pedients, for in addition to his leading orchestra and chorus, he beat the bass drum that was suspended from the ceiling at a convenient distance.
To Ebenezer Hervey belongs the credit of first introducing music in our public schools. In 1834 he was master of the Sixth Street School, and applied to the School Committee for the privilege of instructing the boys in the art of singing during school hours. The prejudices of the day were too strong against music, however, and the application was denied, though he was granted the favor of teaching the boys out of school hours how to sing. This work he immediately commenced, and with considerable success. At the close of the term the School Committee was present at the closing exercises, as was the custom of those days. Many of the old boys will remember the importance of those occasions, and with what anxiety they performed their respective duties. At the close of the session, James B. Congdon arose and said to his associates on the School Committee, that he understood that the master had been giving music instruction to the pupils, and if there were no objections, he would like to hear them sing. After deliberate consideration, it was agreed upon, though one Friend was not altogether clear in his mind as to the wisdom of the proceeding. He, however, said that it " wouldn't probably do any hurt." So the master, taking his violin (the same in- strument which Mr. Crandall played in 1825, and is still in Mr. Hervey's possession) from its case, he played through the tune " Mellow Horn." Then the boys sang it, and with such satisfaction that they received an encore, and the song was repeated. One Friend remarked at the close of the exercises, that if he had known that the master had " that little fiddle " he should have withheld his consent.
And this was the beginning of musical instruction in our public schools. All honor to him who was the pioneer in this work. From this humble
696
HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.
commencement, voice culture has slowly but steadily advanced until the system now in operation in our city freely gives to all pupils the best facilities and the most advanced and thorough instruction.
In 1838 William Nutting was conductor and Victor Williams leader of the orchestra. The Mozart Society at this time was in a very vigorous condition. January 3 it gave a performance in Concert Hall, on Elm street (directly west of the North Congregational Church), with an address on music, by John Soule. January 25, "The Crea- tion " in the Trinitarian Church. This performance created great consternation in the minds of many. It was said that the members belonged to a " theater company, " and that a theatrical performance was to be given in the South Church.
February 2, 1838, the name of an organization called the Philharmonic Society, which had been previously organized, changed its name to the New Bedford Haydn Society, and was organized under the State law in June with J. M. Staples secretary. Concerts were given March 8 and 16, and May 17, and on the latter date, the society sang with E. L. White's choir, at the dedication of the Unitarian Church, Rev. Orville Dewey, D. D., pastor. June 15 they again performed "The Creation" in the North Christian Church, Rev. Mr. Morgridge pastor, and a little later sang in this church at the dedication of the organ built by Apple- ton, the same instrument now in use. In the fall the society opened a juvenile school for gratuitous instruction in musical science, with William Nutting as instructor. October 9 and 10 it gave the oratorio "David," by Chevileur Sigesmond Neu Komm, in the Trinitarian Church, and on October 14 in the North Christian Church. Mr. Nutting was conductor, Victor Williams leader of orchestra, Edward L. White organist. A printed copy of the programme of this concert is in the possession of Robert C. Ingraham, librarian of the Free Public Library. The work of the society ceased at this period.
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