USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > New Bedford > History of the Fire Department of the city of New Bedford, Massachusetts, 1772-1890 > Part 13
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It should be said that our fire department always receives generous treatment whenever it renders service to the surround- ing towns. At a fire in Fairhaven, where No. 4 performed excellent work, some of the company were thoroughly wet through. One of them happened to have members of his family living in town, and they furnished him with a dry suit of underclothing. Nor did it belong to his brother either.
On July 27, 1867, Nehemiah Leonard & Co.'s candle works were entirely destroyed by fire, the work of an incendiary.
At 4 o'clock on the afternoon of Sept. 4, 1867, a fire broke out in the works of the New Bedford Oil Company on South street. One of the members of the firm was exhibiting to several persons present the non-explosive qualities of the oil manufactured by the company. He threw a lighted match into a large tank containing 100 gallons of oil. It took fire, and in a moment the entire contents were in a blaze, which communicated rapidly to eight other tanks of equal capacity. About 13,000 gallons of oil were destroyed, making one of the hottest conflagrations in the history of our city. At 9 o'clock in the evening one of the tanks exploded with a fearful
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report, and the oil flowed into a shed on the west side of the works, con- taining some 500 barrels of petro- leum. The condition of affairs at this moment was critical and it was feared that the fire would get beyond the con- trol of the fire department ; but the steady work of the steamers in con- centrating their powerful streams, held the flames in abeyance, and final- ly drove the fire back to the tanks. The engines were in continuous ac- tion for eight hours. The loss was $10,000, on which there was no insurance.
May 18, 1868, at 12.30 o'clock A. M., Henry Rider's manufactory of candles and lubricating oil was nearly destroyed.
At 3 o'clock, on the afternoon of May 28, 1868, Watson Rider's pe- : troleum oil manufactory, at the foot of Howland street was burned. An employee, Mr. Samuel Peckham, was engaged in pumping water into the condenser. The monotonous action incident to working the pump-handle had brought him to an exhausted con- dition of body. A happy thought struck him. He would smoke. He filled his pipe with Durham, and lighted it. The lighted match did double service. It ignited the stream of oil running through an open con- duit to a large vat near by. When
HOOK & LADDER TRUCK, NO. 1.
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NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
well afire the oil smoked cheerfully ; so did the buildings in similar condition, rolling up immense clouds of smoke that soon attracted the attention of the whole city. The fire de- partment put in an appearance to see the sight. Loss $800, which did not include Peckham's pipe and tobacco. He saved these, and smoked when he had more leisure, and didn't feel so tired. All ended in smoke, for there was no insurance.
An exciting race occurred at this fire between the Onward and Progress, both engines leaving the house together. I copy from the Onward's records :
" The Onward and Progress started from the house at the same time, and while proceeding to the fire, a splendid and exciting race took place. The Onward reached the wharf first, and then ensued an equally ex- citing race between the hose reels. At one time the Progress reel passed the Onward's, and we would probably have been beaten, but good and faithful Flatfoot, evidently feeling that his honor and reputa- tion were at stake, made an extra exertion, shot in ahead of the Progress reel, carried his reel nearest the fire, and thus secured first water for the Onward. Chunk and Ned, the horses attached to the engine, proved themselves equal to the emergency, and showed that on an even start, and everything else being equal, the horses that pass them must get up and get."
These horses were noted for their keen understanding of the duties for which they were trained. They were retained at the Central House for many years, and were attached to the Prog- ress after the Onward was located at the north end.
At 12.10 P. M., June 27, 1868, the building owned by Albert Shaw, and occupied by James H. Lamb, manufacturer of planes, 115 Purchase street, was destroyed. The fire was un- doubtedly the work of an incendiary. An explosion in the building first attracted the attention of passing watchmen, and was quickly followed by flames issuing from the windows in the second story. When the building was entered, varnish was discovered dripping through the scuttles from the second story, where it had never been kept. The rapidity with which the fire developed after the explosion made the fact unques- tionable that the incendiary had made careful plans for a suc-
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cessful blaze. The fire department was occupied nearly two hours in extinguishing the flames.
Aug. 7, 1868, Caleb Maxfield's furniture warehouse on Union street was set on fire about 9 o'clock in the evening. It was a scorching conflagration, made so by the highly combus- tible material of the stock. Loss, $5500 ; insurance, $3500.
Sept. 9, 1868, a lively fire occurred in Wales & Co.'s candle works, on South street. Loss $3000.
Oct. 18, 1868, the old candle works of Thomas S. and Fran- cis S. Hathaway, corner of School and Fifth streets, were nearly destroyed. Loss, $2500.
Oct. 27, 1868, Hayes & Co.'s stave mill was badly damaged by fire. Mayhew & Hayes, wood turners and fancy sawyers, in the same building, lost $200.
Jan. 13, 1869, at 3 P. M., Benjamin Ryder's stable, and C. W. Dyer's grocery store adjoining, both on Kempton street, were set on fire. Mr. Ryder lost two valuable horses worth $1200 ; one other saved his life by pluckily holding his nose to a small window till rescued. Mr. Ryder lost also a large num- ber of fowl, twenty of which were roasted in the wagon.
Feb. 17, 1869, Wales & Co.'s paraffine works, First and South streets, were burned. Fire commenced in the press room, and like a lightning flash the whole room was in flames. The building was thoroughly saturated with oil, and though torrents of water were thrown, it was of little avail ; the fire soon burned out the interior. Loss, $15,000.
May 20, 1869, there was a fire at Taber's plane factory. Loss, $7500.
The steamer Onward, which had the distinguished honor of being the first of its kind in the department, and had done royal service since Jan. 2, 1860, was deemed so far used up as to require a new machine to take its place. During 92 years the engine had been called out 252 times. On Aug. 25, 1879, the new Onward, No. 1, arrived in the city. The event was one of great pleasure to the company, and it was recognized
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NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
by a grand banquet on the evening of the 26th. Among the guests were the Board of Engineers, Mr. Batchelor, of Man- chester, N. H., and several other gentlemen. Speeches were in order after the supper, and a good time was enjoyed by all. A letter from Mr. Charles S. Paisler, clerk, then in Germany, was read on the occasion. The machine proved to be highly satisfactory, and is now in service at the North End. At the trial it played 240 feet through Ig inch nozzle.
MARKLEY FIILE
Steam fire engine of the present day. Built by the Amoskeag Mfg. Co., builders of Nos. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7.
Sept. 28, 1869, Wales & Co.'s paraffine works were entirely destroyed. '
Dec. 20, 1869, J. & W. Lamb, plane manufacturers, First and School streets, were burned out. At this fire the Acush- net water was used for the first time by the department.
Sept. 13, 1870, the New Bedford Flour Mills were burned. Loss, $116,000 ; insurance, $85,000.
Sept. 21, H. Ryder & Co.'s paraffine candle manufactory, 114 North Water street, burned. Loss, $26,379 ; insurance, $21,379.
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Jan. 7, 1871, Walter F. Clark's stable, 21 South Second street, burned. Five horses lost their lives. Loss, $9000 ; no insurance.
Jan. 13, 1871, a fire occurred in dwelling 126 Summer street, occupied by David J. Shepherd. The house was filled with a dense smoke, and Mr. James Shepherd was found dead near an attic window. Though badly burned about the face and hands, it was evident he died from suffocation.
Feb. 8, 1871, building owned by Nathan Chase, 28 Purchase street, and occupied by Mrs. B. Allen & Co., milliners, was burned. Loss, $10,400 ; insurance, $5300.
In 1871, Mr. Tillinghast P. Tompkins, who had occupied the office of Chief Engineer since 1858, resigned his position, which he had filled in a manner honorable to himself and to the entire satisfaction of the citizens. His career was one of great usefulness. To him must be credited the honor of car- rying the fire department through a most important period, when the old hand service came to its end and the steam ser- vice was introduced in our city. He did this well ; and on his retirement he was honored with a banquet by the entire fire department, in City Hall, March 4, 1871, and was presented a beautiful gold medal valued at $100. Henry F. Thomas made the presentation speech. Among the guests present were As- sistant Engineers Mathews, Bliss, Fisher, and Macy, Mayor Richmond, Aldermen Gifford and Hart, Joseph H. Cornell, Charles M. Pierce, Jr., Chief Engineer Abraham H. How- land, Jr., William H. Sherman, and others.
June 9, 1871, T. W. Cook's paint mill was destroyed. Loss, $6000.
June 16, 1871, a stubborn fire occurred at the Mansion House. Loss, $5000.
The city government, having built a new engine-house at the north end, decided to remove the Onward from the cen- tral house. This action necessitated the organization of a new company, whose members resided in the north part of the
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NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
city. The old company disbanded, escorted the engine to its new quarters, and delivered it to the new company in fine style. To the credit of all concerned it may be said that the change was made in a courteous and gentlemanly manner. The officers of the new company were :
Foreman, W. J. Marr. First Assistant, Loring T. Parlow. Second Assistant, G. G. Broadbent. Clerk, E. C. Milliken.
The new organization has always maintained a fine reputa- tion for efficiency and public spirit. Captains Marr and Par- low have since served as assistant engineers.
In Sept., 1871, the fire alarm was introduced into our fire service, during the adminstration of Chief Engineer Abraham H. Howland, Jr. It became one of the most important and effective features of the department. The first alarm rang out on the evening of Sept. 25, from box 18, H. H. Fisher's bakery. I copy from the Onward's record :
" The fire department was promptly on hand, but fire there was none. The veteran fireman and the firemen's friend, H. H. Fisher, had con- ceived a plan for testing the alarm service in a practical manner, and at the same time show his appreciation of the fire department. Mr. F. invited them into his building, where they found a bountiful collation spread for them. The firemen were not backward, but showed them- selves equal to the emergency. A pleasant evening was passed in a social manner, and the company departed with three hearty cheers for Henry H. Fisher, and with the hearty wish that the fire fiend might never come to his doors."
Daniel E. Webb, the clerk of the Board of Engineers for 1871, died in September, and the entire fire department at- tended the funeral.
BOARD OF ENGINEERS. 1871-72.
Chief Engineer, Abraham H. Howland, Jr. Assistant Engineers, John E. Brown, George P. Reed, Charles W. Dyer, Alfred M. Chapman. Clerk, Alfred M. Chapman.
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1872-73.
Chief Engineer, Abraham H. Howland, Jr. Assistant Engineers, John E. Brown, Alfred M. Chapman, Charles W. Dyer, William H. Sherman. Clerk, A. M. Chapman.
1873-74.
Chief Engineer, Abraham H. Howland, Jr. Assistant Engineers, Moses H. Bliss, Freeman C, Luce, Charles H. Taber, Loring T. Parlow. Clerk, Moses H. Bliss.
The Franklin Hose Carriage, No. 1, built by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Co., was put in commission, Jan. 1, 1872.
FRANKLIN HOSE CO., NO. I.
Foreman, Pliny B. Sherman. First Assistant, Herbert B. Gardner. Second Assistant, Clarfaus Vansant. Clerk and Treasurer, James S. Hathaway.
Benjamin F. King, Joseph W. Spooner,
Peter Nelson, Jeremiah L. Cavanaugh,
David W. Howland.
October 17, 1872, the Excelsior Steam Engine Co., No. 3, made an excursion to Taunton, where the members were handsomely received by the Edward Mott Engine Co., of that city. The Excelsiors were allowed to take their engine with them, the only instance of the kind on record since steam was introduced in the department. Dec. 13, 1873, the company attached to the Excelsior, No, 3, was disbanded, and the en- gine placed in reserve.
The company was reorganized and took possession of the new steam fire engine named Zachariah Hillman, No. 5, built by Clapp & Jones, Hudson, N. Y. This engine on its test trial threw a stream 280 feet, through 150 feet of hose, using 14 inch nozzle. The Excelsior was placed in reserve, and is still held valuable for service.
Sept. 15, 1872, Cornelius Howland, No. 4, visited Fall River and were the guests of Metacomet Steam Fire Engine Co., No. 3, and Cascade Engine Co., No. I. They were the
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NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
recipients of much attention, and brought home as mementoes the " pipe of peace" and a historic broom.
Feb. 22, 1873, a destructive fire occurred at 1.20 A. M. Concert Hall building was destroyed, and also the building south. Macomber's building, on the corner of Purchase and Union streets, was badly damaged, as was also Knights' furni- ture warehouse at the north. A terrible snowstorm prevailed at the time, with a heavy gale of wind. But for the immense body of snow on the roofs the conflagration would have been fearful in extent. Loss about $35,000.
The Firemen's Mutual Aid Society was organized in our home 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. At the annual meeting in October, 1890, the society was reported in a highly prosperous condition, entirely free from debt, and. $1836.18 in the treasury. The Firemen's Beneficial Association is another noble organization connected with our fire depart- ment. On the death of any member, every fireman contrib- utes $1.00, which amount is paid to the family within 30 days of the death. As the entire membership is about 190, our readers will see the beneficent character of this society.
In 1873, the Protecting Society 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 re- organized with a limited number of 50. Its efficiency had steadily increased from year to year, but in 1878 radical rules and regulations were adopted, new apparatus added, and, un- der the energetic management of President Charles S. Kelley, the importance of the Protecting Society became more mani- fest. Mr. Kelley induced the agents of the insurance compan- ies 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 useful. Thou-
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HISTORY OF THE
sands of dollars have been saved by their prompt and system- atic work. In ISS5, the plan of distributing the members in time of fire was adopted. It worked well and is still in oper- ation at the present time.
CHARLES S. KELLEY. ( President of the Protecting Society.)
The fire departments of the State are united in an organi- zation which holds annual conventions, where matters of vital interest are discussed, and much valuable information is ob- tained by the firemen. The Massachusetts State Firemen's
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NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Association is held in high esteem by our local firemen. It was organized in 1880.
Feb. 3, 1873, a fire was discovered in the attic of house 188 Middle street, owned by Nathan Chase, and occupied by Rev.
SAMUEL C. HART. ( Chief Engineer, 1874-1875.)
Ensign McChesney. Loss on building about $1000. The reverend gentleman's household effects and library were safely removed. He and his family found kindly shelter with a near neighbor. Soon after the flames were extinguished their host's
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HISTORY OF THE
door bell rang and a well dressed, benevolent-looking gentle- man handed in a small bottle of ink, which he said belonged to the clergyman. Had it been a bottle of gold he could not have guarded it with more care, or have held it more upright for fear of its precious contents being spilled.
April 27, 1873, Gerrett Geils' furniture store, 148 Purchase street, was destroyed. A fierce gale was blowing at the time and grave fears were entertained that the fire would sweep to the river.
BOARD OF ENGINEERS.
1874-75. Chief Engineer, Samuel C. Hart. Assistant Engineers, Alfred 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.
Nov. 26, 1873, was a gala day in the history of our fire de- partment. Not since the famous parade of 1844 had there been such a pageant as was seen in our streets on that Novem- ber day. Nature seemed to give its benediction on the event, for the day was one of rare clearness, just the bracing air for comfortable marching.
The firemen made extensive preparations for the event, and they were all carried out on a grand scale, and successfully. Three fire companies from other cities were in the procession. The fire engines were beautifully decorated with wreaths and flags, the horses decked with plumes and gold mounted har- nesses. Without question this parade was the finest ever made in our city. I give the entire list and order of the grand pro- cession as it moved from City Hall square at 1.30 o'clock :
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NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
FIRST DIVISION. Platoon of Police. New Bedford Band, 20 men, George Hill, leader. Chief Engineer Abraham H. Howland, Jr., and Aids. Chief Holmes, of North Bridgewater ; Chief Cozzens, of Newport ; Chief Green, of Providence.
Pioneer Hook & Ladder Company, No. 1, P. M. Tripp, foreman, with apparatus, 14 men in red shirts, black pants, navy blue fatigue caps. Volunteer Hook & Ladder Company, No. I, of Taunton, Joseph T. Haynes, foreman, 13 men, in dark blue shirts, black pants, and navy blue caps with white band, blue belts, on which was inscribed Taunton Fire Department.
Onward Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 1, William J. Marr, fore- man, 20 men, in red shirts and black pants, black belts, fire hats and white worsted neckties.
Quequechan Steam Fire Engine Co., No. 1, Fall River, Lot T. Sears, foreman, 18 men, in red shirts, black pants, white belts, fire hats and navy blue fatigue caps with gold bands.
SECOND DIVISION.
Smith's American Band, Israel Smith, leader. Progress Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 2, with apparatus, Franklin Shaw, foreman, 19 men, in blue shirts, dark pants, white belts and navy blue caps.
Excelsior Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 3, with apparatus, Job. H. Gifford, foreman, 20 men, with fire hats, red shirts bound with blue, white belts, black pants and fatigue caps.
Cornelius Howland Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 4, with apparatus, John Murdock, foreman, 20 men with black fire hats, dark blue shirts trimmed with red, white belts, dark pants, fatigue caps. Zachariah Hillman Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 5.
THIRD DIVISION.
Acushnet Band, 15 men, E. M. Swift, leader. Hancock Engine Company, No. 9, from Head of the River, with ap- paratus, Reuben Washburn, foreman, 25 men, in red shirts, dark blue pants, white belts, and blue caps.
Alert Engine Company, No. 4, of Taunton, N. H. Rankin, foreman, 12 men, in blue shirts, dark pants, white belts, navy blue caps. Franklin Hose Company, No. I, with apparatus, Pliny B. Sherman, foreman, 8 men, in blue shirts, black pants, black belts, and fire hats.
Old Colony Steam Fire Engine Co., No. 6, of East Taunton, H. N. Robinson, foreman, 10 men, in red shirts, dark pants, white belts and glazed caps.
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The streets along the route were lined with immense crowds of people, and many compliments were showered on the splendid show. The fire engines were brilliant with polished metal, and, set with abundance of flowers, made a dazzling display. One interesting feature of the procession consisted of a number of pet dogs belonging to the companies. The ani- mal belonging to the Progress weighed only five pounds.
At the conclusion of the parade a fine banquet was served in City Hall, provided by William A. Searell. A large num- ber of guests were present. Among them were the following gentlemen who had served the city as engineers : Messrs. George Wilson, George G. Gifford, Benj. B. Covell, Caleb L. Ellis, T. B. Denham, Joshua B. Ashley, Oliver M. Brownell, Israel T. Bryant, T. P. Tompkins, James Durfee, George Perry, John Mathews, Thomas P. Swift, Henry H. Fisher, William Cook, Frederick Macy, John E. Brown, George P. Reed, Charles W. Dyer, Alfred M. Chapman, W. H. Sher-
man. Henry H. Fisher furnished an appropriate feature of the banquet --- loaves of firemen's cake, each inscribed with the name of an engine company delicately lined with sugar. Another loaf, given by the same donor, inscribed "To the Press," was stolen by some hard-hearted thief. Invocation was made by Rev. O. A. Roberts, and the dinner was then discussed. There was music by the band, and Mayor George H. Dunbar was introduced by Chief Engineer Howland. His speech abounded in compliments to the fire department.
James B. Congdon followed with an interesting speech and read the poem given at the celebration in 1844. Rev. Dr. Quint amused the audience with remarks comparing the past with the present.
One of the musical features of the occasion was given by Smith's Band and was called "Fireman's Polka." The Standard describes it as introducing an alarm of fire at the prelude, a vocal song and three cheers in the coda.
Then followed a succession of toasts, Chief Howland acting as toastmaster :
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NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
"Quequechan Steam Fire Engine Co., of Fall River, the veteran steam fire engine of Bristol county. May their record be such that all may feel honored in following them."
"Onward Steam Fire Engine Co. The first in the field of our steam department. With an honorable record of the duty done and work ac- complished you are justly entitled to the emblematic name your steamer bears."
Responded to by E. C. Milliken.
Tilson B. Denham, the first foreman of this company, made a few remarks.
"'Ever ready and on the alert, that fires may be quenched in their incipiency,' is the motto of our visitors from Whittenton, the Alert Engine Company."
Response by Capt. Rankin.
A song entitled " All Together," was sung by a glee club connected with the Cornelius Howland, No. 4.
" Progress, No. 2. The special protectors of the central portion of our cherished city. Ever ready when duty calls to give battle to the fire fiend."
Response by Charles S. Paisler, clerk, who read a selected poem, "The Song of the fireman."
Music by Smith's Band, " Paisler Polka."
"Volunteer Hook & Ladder Co., of Taunton. The pride, yet the terror, of the citizens, for 'Say the word and down comes your house.' ""
Response by Capt. Haynes.
" Excelsior Steam Engine Co., No. 3. Whenever called into action on the performance of your duty may your aim, like your name, be Excelsior."
Response by Capt. Gifford.
Music by the Acushnet Band, "Mollie Darling."
" Hancock, No. 9. Like the illustrious statesman, whose name you bear, may each member of the company be firm in the resolve that ' freedom's fire' shall never go out."
Response by Foreman Washburn.
Music by the New Bedford Band, "Magnetic Polka."
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" Pioneer Hook & Ladder Co., No. I. The Pioneer at the sound of the alarm bell may ever lead the way."
Response by Assistant Foreman Judson.
" Cornelius Howland Steam Engine Co., No. 4. Always on the alert for the first sound of the fire alarm, active and efficient in the dis- charge of duty, may your honorable record of past service reflect its brilliancy upon your future career."
Response by Foreman Murdock.
" Franklin Hose, No. I, the youngest born, yet bearing a venerable name : may your record be worthy of your illustrious namesake."
Response by James S. Hathaway, clerk.
The final toast was :
" To all friends present or absent ; here is good health to everybody, lest somebody should feel slighted."
The exercises were closed with rounds of cheers for the Mayor and City Council and the past engineers, and the whole company then joined in singing "Auld Lang Syne," led by the bands. The festivities of the day closed with the Fire- men's levee, in Pierian Hall, in aid of the Firemen's Mutual Aid Society. The hall was finely decorated with flags and bunting and presented a fascinating appearance. An immense throng of people were present, and the affair resulted in a hand- some sum being added to the treasury.
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