USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > New Bedford > History of the Fire Department of the city of New Bedford, Massachusetts, 1772-1890 > Part 15
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16
215
NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Clifton H. Cornish,
James N. Parker,
Edwin Dews,
William H. Pitman,
Henry C. Denison,
Charles L. Paine,
John H. Denison, Fred. C. Dunham,
Morgan Rotch,
Joseph Dias,
William A. Russell,
Walter F. Field,
Arthur E. Robbins,
Edward R. Gardner,
Louis H. Richardson,
John E. Gibbs,
Gardner T. Sanford,
Edmund Grinnell,
R. W. Swift,
Frank H. Gifford,
Frederick Swift,
Charles H. Gifford,
William T. Smith,
A. W. Hadley,
Leander H. Swift,
Charles B. Hillman,
Edward S. Shaw,
John J. Howland,
Robert Snow,
Charles M. Hussey,
Charles M. Taber,
Henry F. Hammond,
William T. Taylor,
Henry Howard,
Henry W. Taylor,
Thomas H. Knowles,
Francis C. Terry,
G. D. Kingman,
Alfred Thornton, Alfred G. Wilbor,
Edgar R. Lewis,
Philander F. Manchester,
Willard Nye, Jr.,
William H. Willis, Horace Wood,
Otis N. Pierce,
Frederick A. Washburn,
William F. Potter,
Thomas F. Wood, William R. West,
Mark T. Vincent.
ROLL OF THE FAIRHAVEN FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR 1890.
Chief Engineer, George R. Valentine. First Assistant, John A. W. Burgess. Second Assistant, James M. Allen, Jr.
CONTEST STEAM FIRE ENGINE CO., No. 3.
Foreman, Thomas R. Brownell. First Assistant, Nathaniel B. Dunn. Second Assistant, Wm. K. McLane. Third Assistant, Dennis D. Holmes. Clerk, Henry Spiller.
Hosemen.
Wm. H. Bryant, Thomas F. Morse, Harry W. Delano, Joseph A. Gifford, John J. Brownell,
Henry Reed, Wm. A. Hanna, Wm. Asten, Oliver S. Gurney, Silas H. Rounsevelle.
Arthur E. Perry,
William F. Reed,
216
HISTORY OF THE
Torchmen. Thomas D. Brownell,
Frank E. Dunn, Walter S. Harding.
Engineer, Charles F. Dillingham. Stoker, Walter L. Rounsevelle. Drivers, George L. Bauldry, Edward Manchester, Jr.
HOOK AND LADDER CO., NO. I.
Foreman, Davis Sherman. First Assistant, John E. Thompson. Clerk, Joseph B. Peck.
Joshua R. Delano, George C. Mathewson.
Thomas W. Nye, Driver, Charles S. Dunham.
PROTECTING SOCIETY.
President, Isaac N. Babbitt, Jr.
Secretary and Treasurer, John T. Hanna.
First Director, Horace K. Nye. Second Director, Charles F. Brownell. Third Director, Herbert D. Burke.
Herman H. Hathaway,
James L. Gillingham,
John S. Howland,
Charles H. Gifford,
E. L. Shurtleff,
Lyman C. Bauldry,
Frank A. Hanna,
George D. Hammond,
F. A. Keith,
Wm. H. Taylor,
B. Taber, Jr.,
Henry L. Card, Thomas Dahl,
Louis N. Baudoin,
Fred. R. Fish,
David A. Kelley,
Wm. Card,
Arlington Craig,
Joseph K. Nye,
Charles D. Waldron.
Driver of Chemical Wagon, Benj. F. Tripp.
CHAPTER XIV.
HE great feature of the Fourth of July celebration in 1890 was the contest between the old time hand engines. The very suggestion of such an affair served to awaken a flood of memories among the veterans in the fire service, and to arouse the curiosity of the present generation, many of whom had never seen a hand engine in operation. The weeks pre- ceding the natal day were busy ones for the firemen who were perfecting arrangements and testing the hand engines that had been secured for the contest.
The Cornelius Howland Co., No. 4, obtained the Relief, No. 5, of Fairhaven.
The City Committee secured the Young Mechanic, No, 6, of Mattapoisett, and the adherents of this famous machine were glad to avail themselves of the opportunity to work once more on their favorite engine of the past.
The Hancock Engine Co., No. 9, of Acushnet, were to handle their own machine.
The Fairhaven Veteran Firemen's Association secured the Mazeppa, No. 3, from Provincetown.
The Providence Veteran Firemen's Association with their famous hand engine, Gaspee, No. 9, were the special guests of the city.
A good natured but vigorous rivalry was developed from this combination of organizations, and it gave spice to the trial on the morning of the glorious fourth.
A procession was formed at 10 o'clock on the square front- ing the Old Colony Station. The route included Pearl, Pur- chase, Fourth, Madison, Sixth, Market, and Pleasant streets. I give the names of the firemen who took part in the affair and marched in the line.
218
HISTORY OF THE
Mounted Police. Hill's Band, George Hill, leader, 25 men.
Committee. Judges.
E. C. Gardiner,
C. S. Ashley,
W. H. Rankin,
R. C. P. Coggeshall,
W. G. Kirschbaum.
L. B. Ellis.
Chief Marshal, Fredk. Macy.
Aids - Loring T. Parlow. Pliny B. Sherman, Augustus A. Wood, and Hugh McDonald. Hancock Engine Co., No. 9.
Foreman, John A. Russell.
First Assistant, Francis P. Washburn.
Second Assistant, Joseph W. Spooner. Clerk, Allen Russell, Jr.
George W. Randall, Eli W. Reed,
Lemuel A. Washburn,
Andrew B. Grinnell, Jr.,
James A. Wilbour,
John Sylvia,
William T. Gifford,
George W. Hawes,
Israel H. Peckham,
Herbert M. Spooner,
John G. Whalon,
John F. Parker,
William P. Reed,
Nathan C. Briggs,
John G. Dawson,
James Haskins,
Albert K. Pool,
Job T. Haskins,
Richard Grinnell,
Leonard R. Reed,
Thomas Hersom, Jr.,
Allen Briggs,
Frederick Bowles,
Edwin F. Morton.
William Ward,
Hancock Hand Engine, No. 9.
Young Mechanic Veterans,
with guests from Columbian, No. 5, Oregon, No. 11, Pioneer H. & L Co., No. I, and Zachariah Hillman Steam Fire Engine Co., No. 5. Captain, Freeman C. Luce. First Assistant, William H. Sherman.
Second Assistant, Nathan B. Gifford. Clerk, Haile R. Luther.
Frederick Macy,
Charles W. Dyer,
E. B. Macy,
Benj. F. Lewis,
Henry B. Almy,
Charles W. Jones,
William B. Allen,
Thomas Forbes,
William Oesting,
Joseph C. Forbes,
Henry Southwick,
Henry K. Jones,
James W. Lawrence,
Josiah Macy, Jr.,
A. H. Hillman,
Clarfaus Vansant,
Joseph W. Lavers,
Charles H. Underwood,
Michael Cannavan, N. B. Mayhew, George Bumpus,
T. C. Baker,
James A. Lewis,
Samuel H. Mitchell,
219
NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Abraham R. Luscomb,
Daniel Ripley,
Warren W. Parker,
David W. Holmes, William A. Russell,
Ira S. Negus,
James G. Harding,
William McKim,
George P. Reed,
W. G. Dunham,
P. G. Thompson,
L. T. Parlow,
Isaac W. Benjamin,
Eben J. Kempton,
Edward A. Sowle,
Thomas Myers,
C. F. Smith,
George H. Cook,
L. E. Milliken,
Charles C. Gifford,
David L. Hathaway,
Stephen E. Parker,
Rufus H. Ellis,
Wm. Rounsville,
E. Kempton Peirce,
John R. Linton,
Edward C. Spooner,
H. M. Gifford,
John Downey,
Joseph H. Lawrence.
Young Mechanic Engine Company, No. 6, of Mattapoisett :
Gideon P. Barlow,
Jonathan M. Clark,
Charles H. Hiller,
Ellis L. Mendall,
Edwin P. Gifford,
Melvin Harriman,
Abner Harlow,
Charles H. Robinson,
Charles A. Bolles,
Edwin F. Barstow,
Arthur T. Hammond,
Melvin O. Downing,
Ezra Bridgham,
Anthony S. Wilber,
George Downing, William F. Holmes.
Young Mechanic Hand Engine, No. 6, of Mattapoisett.
Young Mechanic Juniors,
in charge of Second Assistant Robert Allen, of Frederick Macy Steam Engine Co., No. 6 : Captain, Robert E. Allen. First Assistant, Henry M. Whalon. Second Assistant, Ernest P. Hammond. Clerk, William H. Allen.
Frank L. Hathaway, Otto A. P. Benton, Harry M. Grey, James W. Gleason, Harry L. Hathaway.
Herbert Apsey,
Miniature Model of Young Mechanic Engine, No. 6.
Glenwood Band of Taunton, W. F. Livesey, leader, 26 men.
Providence Veteran Firemen's Association, Edwin Hall, President, 70 men, non-uniformed men in charge of B. J. Cornell, marshal, and uniformed men in charge of John H. Kinyon, foreman. Vice Presidents,
John H. Kinyon, James B. Buffum,
W. I. Williams, Edward Havens.
Albert C. Winsor, Secretary.
John K. Oakes, Ist Assistant. Pembroke S. Eddy, 2d Assistant. Benjamin J. Cornell, Marshal.
Seth J. Sampson,
J. T. Burbank,
220
HISTORY OF THE
Hosemen,
Chris. B. Little,
Geo. S. Bamford,
Jacob L. Myers,
Chas. H. Greene, Samuel A. Brightman, Lewis G. Messenger.
Benjamin W. Cole, Torch. Joseph Bradbury, Banner. Ernest Warner, Colors. James McCord, Hydrant.
James S. Allen,
Edward Atkinson,
Oscar Bender,
William N. Bucklin,
John Church,
A. A. Gray,
Pardon G. Goff,
John Curtiss,
George O. Gorton,
Lewis Peckham,
Daniel Grant,
W. R. Holmes,
Henry T. Hall,
Samuel G. Read,
Charles A. Henley,
William E. Smith,
Josiah Hill,
William H. Reynolds,
John Howland,
Palmer C. Thurston,
Charles Gardiner,
William H. Aldrich,
Ira D. Kelley,
William C. Almy,
James Kennedy,
Edward T. Angell,
C. G. Kranich,
James I. Mason,
P. A. Hern,
James L. Warner,
Clarence Niles,
Charles Harwood,
C. L. Nye,
Charles Pay,
K. T. Lewis,
William Smith,
Frank H. Patt,
G. O. Westcott,
Darius Pinkham,
Caleb B. West,
Albert M: Read,
Albion Rounds,
Alpheus Reed,
C. E. Edmands,
William H. Shepard,
Daniel O'Brien,
Benjamin W. Snow,
Abner E. Claflin,
John E. Spencer,
Charles Hill,
William Sprague,
Henry E. Pearce,
William H. Sprague,
John Wareham,
Joseph West.
Gaspee Engine, No. 9, of Providence. F. W. Mosher, Drum Major. Musical Exchange Band, D. J. Sullivan, leader, 21 men. Fairhaven Veteran Firemen's Association, F. R. F. Harrison, presi- dent, 35 men, with members of Frederick Macy Company as guests. Foreman, J. W. Lawrence. First Assistant, F. R. F. Harrison. Second Assistant, John F. Sullivan. Director of Stream, William J. Marr.
Samuel W. Thurston, and Master Arthur as "Young Mose," Charles H. Worsley,
221
NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Suction Hosemen, Joseph W. Cook, Fred. Rounsville, George Bumpus. Leading Hosemen,
A. G. Braley, N. LeB. Shurtleff, A. Sisson, L. M. Baudoin, George Carpenter,
John Fish, George W. Parker,
George A. Jenney,
John Stone, Albert Williams,
Horace Saunders.
Levin Morse,
James Corson,
M. Miller,
Joseph Delano,
T. Croacher,
William Sawyer,
J. Paull,
W. Pierce,
C. Le Barron,
William Howland,
C. Gifford,
S. Shaw,
W. Gifford,
A. Westgate, Jr.,
Burt Akin,
George Quirk,
E. Wilkie,
W. Almond,
C. K. Wood,
T. W. O'Neil,
J. L. Ballou,
Charles E. Allen,
Fred. Nelson,
Thomas Albert,
Abm. Hammond,
D. McErenery,
Charles Bowen,
Phil. Russell,
Archie McFlynn,
Henry M. Mosher,
Walter S. Wood,
Dan'l Mehan,
George Baylies,
F. A. Hanna,
Fred. Weston,
W. C. Gifford,
John Clarkson,
J. McDonald,
F. Mckenzie, Joseph Donaghy.
Mazeppa Engine, No. 3, of Provincetown.
Co. E. Fife, Drum and Bugle Corps, C. J. Hogan, leader, 15 men. Cornelius Howland Engine Co., No. 4, Foreman, James J. Donaghy, Volunteers, Guests and Members.
Foreman, Roland W. Snow.
Captain of Trial, Alonzo V. Jason.
Director of Stream, William A. Gibbs.
Pipemen, Charles A. Card, John H. Backus. Suction Hoseman, James M. Tripp.
Wm. E. Watson, Jr.,
James J. Donaghy,
Benjamin F. Hinckley,
Charles S. Wing,
Edgar S. Gilbert,
Henry J. Marshall,
Frank C. Jennings,
Leander Reed,
John W. Donaghy,
Edwin F. Tripp,
Spencer B. Green,
Samuel Watson, 2d,
Wm. C. Kennedy. Guests.
William Gleason, Edwin B. Gray,
Samuel J. Russell, Paul W. Wing,
Robert N. Allen,
William Marshall,
222
HISTORY OF THE
Harry S. Hutchinson, Wm. Carroll, F. N. Hall,
William Bowie, Harry Delano, Fred. Vinal,
Orrick Smalley, Jr.,
John Sheffield,
Mark T. Vincent,
John Crussell,
Abram. Matthews,
D. D. Holmes,
J. Roland Macy,
S. H. Rounsvill,
Isaac L. Ashley,
Martin J. Galvin,
Charles Sampson,
Walter Brownell, Frank Bowman,
C. J. Khanser,
Henry Spiller,
Bert Thomas,
Thomas Brown,
Zach C. Dunham,
Sydney Smith,
Henry C. Swain,
Charles T. Ennis,
Charles Baker,
Ansel Blossom,
Benj. W. Jones,
Henry Reed,
Sylvester Paul,
William H. Bryant,
Wm. Ryan,
William Hanna,
Henry J. Kirwin,
William Asten,
Fred. P. Coe,
Samuel Gurney,
John C. Emery,
John I. Bryant,
John B. Jones,
M. P. Whitfield,
Edward S. Baker,
Joseph C. Omey,
Walter J. Kirwin,
Charles Manchester,
Fred. Thean,
George S. Bucklin,
O. Frank Bly,
George H. Gibbs,
Jos. B. Peck,
John Gifford,
Wm. L. Bly,
Harry Brightman,
Benj. F. Drew,
John Davis,
Fred. Dunham,
Charles Johnson,
J. A. W. Burgess,
Charles Delano,
Walter Andrews,
John Marshall,
J. J. Brownell,
Daniel J. McDonald,
E. Briggs, Wm. P. Booth,
John B. Peckham,
Samuel Whitehead,
John W. Frazier,
John H. Deane,
William Rooks,
Crawford Dunham,
W. K. McLane,
Courtland Shaw,
Nat. B. Dunn,
Henry Yound,
W. J. Gifford,
George A. Stetson,
Thomas R. Brownell,
Jas. R. Denham, 2d.
Edward D. Francis,
Roland A. Leonard,
Charles B. Riley.
The City Hall square and intersecting streets were crowded with people, and the interest was intense throughout the trial. Water was taken from a trough located on the corner of Wil-
d
Frank N. Lincoln,
223
NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
liam and Pleasant streets, which furnished an ample supply from the water mains. Each engine was given fifteen minutes in which to take position, play and retire. No restrictions were made as to the size of nozzles used, nor as to the number of men engaged. Each engine could make as many trials as the time limit allowed. Positions were drawn by lot, and the engines played in the following order :
Gaspee, No. 9, of Providence. Mazeppa, No. 3, of Provincetown. Hancock, No. 9, of Acushnet. Young Mechanic, No. 6, Mattapoisett. Relief, No. 5, of Fairhaven.
As the Providence firemen rolled their engine into position, they were greeted with cheers ; and when the "click, click " of the brakes announced that the trial had begun, the people were loud in their manifestations of enthusiasm. The veteran firemen were reminded of the good old days, and they stood about the Gaspee, watching every movement with interest.
DUT
THERE YOULL FIN
RYDER DEARTH
CASPEE
The boys of the city, and there was a large delegation of them present, filled every space of standing room near the engines. They ornamented the electric poles, fences and sheds which gave a view of the contest. When the Gaspees, in response to the vigorous orders of First Assistant John K. Oakes, who directed their movements from a position on the tower, began
224
HISTORY OF THE
to "break her down " in earnest, the effect on the throng was electric. They gave expression to their feelings in tumultuous shouts and huzzas. The pipemen directed the streams, deliv- ered through 150 feet of hose, to the north on Pleasant street. After repeated trials it was found that the engine had played 211 feet, 112 inches, through a 14 inch nozzle. It was con- ceded that the Gaspee might have made a better record but for an unfortunate accident in breaking one of the working bars. The Gaspees retired, amid cheers of the multitude for their plucky performance.
The Fairhaven Veteran Firemen's Association brought up their engine, Mazeppa, No. 3, of Provincetown, and received a hearty welcome. Capt. Lawrence controlled the move- ments of the engine, and William J. Marr directed the stream. The tests were made with the vigor and snap that veterans know so well how to use on such occasions. The Cape Cod engine showed that it was still in prime condition, for it threw a stream 198 feet, 14 inches. The announce- ment of this result was greeted with applause as the Mazeppa was withdrawn.
Now came the opportunity for the Hancock, No. 9, the only active representative of the past ; a good, reliable Agnew ma- chine, the exact type and style of the engines of the fire de- partment in the fifties. Would my reader like to know how the Ohio, No. 3, Philadelphia, No. 7, Franklin, No. 10, and Oregon, No. 11, looked in those times, the memories of which are called up by the events of the day? Let me suggest that he take a good look at the Hancock as the Acushnet firemen roll it into position. Let his imagination put on name, num- ber and paint of the proper color, and he may then see a good representation of any of the above named machines. But the brakes begin to move, and we must observe what is to be done. Three times in succession the Acushnets put in their best work and a stream of 189 feet, through a ยง inch nozzle, is obtained.
The appearance of the Young Mechanic, No. 6, of Matta- poisett, was signalized by a most enthusiastic reception. The
225
NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
engine was drawn into position by a company of veteran fire- men, who had been attached to it in the fifties, when the engine was a part of our own fire department. The working force was greatly strengthened by the Mattapoisett company, and by several Columbians, who, forgetting their old rivalry, rendered effective service on the brakes. This episode was one of the most delightful occurrences of the day. The engine was under the management of Chief Engineer Macy, whose early expe- riences were associated with it. Capt. Freeman C. Luce had charge of the general operations, and William H. Sherman served in his former capacity as pipeman. The tests resulted in a stream of 201 feet, 10} inches. It was an interesting fea- ture of the trial to observe the vim and energy displayed by the gray-haired veterans as they responded to the commands of Chief Macy to " Wake her ! Shake her !" It was evident that the Young Mechanic had made an exhibition highly satis- factory to the company ; and this, as it subsequently proved, served to put a new valuation upon the engine in the town of Mattapoisett. It was not for sale on and after July 4, 1890.
Next, and last on the programme, came the Relief, No. 5, of Fairhaven, manned by the Cornelius Howlands and their army of adherents. It was apparent from the business-like methods adopted by the company that they had made careful preparations for the event, and that they had, by diligent prac- tice. learned just how to get the most out of the discarded machine of Fairhaven. Alonzo V. Jason directed the work- ing of the engine, William A. Gibbs directed the stream, and J. H. Backus and Charles H. Card served as pipemen. The repeated tests were conducted with great spirit, and on the third trial the stream measured 216 feet, 53 inches. This won the first prize and with it the cordial congratulations of every- body. The bands played, the crowd cheered, and the boys shouted themselves hoarse. A banquet was served to the vis- iting firemen in City Hall, after which the prizes were distrib- uted. Thus closed the hand engine trial of 1890.
Allen W. Tinkham, Foreman No. I. James J. Donaghy, 66 No. 4. No. 6.
George W. Parker, .6
George M. Crapo, Foreman No. 2. Charles C. Gifford, No. 5. Samuel C. France, No. 7.
227
NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
In March, 1890, George B. Russell, who had for several years faithfully served the Department as engineer of the Progress Engine Company, No. 2, died after a long illness. His funeral was attended by the entire Fire Department. Al- bert W. Taber is now filling the position of engineer.
Aug. 3, 1890, the Z. L. Bicknell Hose Co., No. 2, of East Weymouth, visited our city and were the guests of Progress Engine Co., No. 2. Mindful of the generous entertainment accorded them on their visit to East Weymouth in 1889, the Progress Co. arranged a liberal series of festivities, which were highly enjoyed by their guests.
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 accommo- dation, 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.
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 1890, was observed as Muster Day by the Fire Department. The City Government had appropri- ated $500 to defray the expenses of the occasion, and firemen and citizens entered heartily into the festivities of the day. The weather was bright and sunny, the streets were in fine marching condition, and, with a bracing northwest wind, made the parade with which the event opened one of keen enjoyment to all.
At 11.15 A. M. the following procession moved from City Hall square, through William, Water, Union, Sixth, Madison, County, Hillman and Pleasant streets, passing in review before the City Government at the Library building, thence through Union, North Sixth and Market streets :
ORDER OF MARCH.
Police skirmishers Wing and Moynan. Chief Engineer, Frederick Macy. Assistant Engineers, Loring T. Parlow, Pliny B. Sherman, Augustus A. Wood, Hugh McDonald. Chief's wagon. Hill's New Bedford Band, 26 men, George Hill, leader.
Charles T. Maxheid, Foreman Hose No. I. Lysander W. Davis, Foreman H.& L. No. I. Daniel D. Briggs, - Supt. Fire Alarm.
Joseph Dawson, - Foreman Hose No. 2. Henry W. Kenyon, Foreman H. & L. No. 2. John A. Russell, Foreman Hancock, No. 9.
a
2
h
th
229
NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Hancock Engine Co., No. 9, 22 men, John A. Russell, foreman Hose Co., No. 1, 9 men. Charles T. Maxfield, foreman. Cornelius Howland Engine Co .. No. 4, 20 men, James J. Donaghy, foreman. Onward Engine Co., No. 1, 21 men, Allen W. Tinkham, foreman. Hook and Ladder Co., No. 1, 16 men, Lysander W. Davis, foreman. Musical Exchange Band, 20 men, Daniel J. Sullivan, leader. Progress Engine Co., No. 2, 18 men, George M. Crapo, foreman. Frederick Macy Engine Co., No. 6, 18 men, George W. Parker, foreman.
Engine Company No. 7, 18 men, Samuel C. France, foreman. Hook and Ladder Co., No. 2, 14 men, Henry W. Kenyon, foreman. Hose Co., No. 2, 8 men, Joseph Dawson, foreman. Zachariah Hillman Engine Co., No. 5, 20 men, Charles C. Gifford, foreman.
All along the route the buildings were decorated, and crowds of people lined the sidewalks as the fire companies marched by to the inspiring music of the bands.
The contest for prizes took place at the conclusion of the parade, Messrs. W. H. Sherman, Freeman C. Luce, Edward S. Haskell, Edgar B. Hammond and D. W. Wilson serving as judges. The first trial was between Hook and Ladder Companies Nos. 1 and 2. They were to run from the corner of Market and Pleasant streets to Mechanics lane, raise a 30-foot ladder against the Odd Fellows' building, and send a man to the top round. The time was taken from the firing of a signal gun. The following were the results :
Hook and Ladder, No. 1, - 35 1-2 seconds. Hook and Ladder, No. 2, - 31 1-4 seconds.
The second trial was between Hose Companies, Nos. I and 2, and Hancock, No. 9. The latter used the reel attached to their engine. The test was to run from Market street to the hydrant at the corner of Pleasant and William streets, connect, and reel off' 150 feet of hose ; time to be taken from the firing of the signal gun to the moment when water came through the nozzles. The following were the results :
Hose Co., No. I, 32 I-4 seconds.
Hose Co., No. 2, 42 seconds.
Hancock, No. 9, 29 seconds.
230
HISTORY OF THE
At this point a clambake was served at the Manhattan House to the City Government, Fire Department and invited guests.
Then followed the contest between the steamers. They were to play through two lines of hose of 150 feet each with a Siamese connection and a ig inch nozzle. Each steamer was allowed 100 lbs. pressure, and Supt. D. D. Briggs adjusted the safety valve to that point in each case ; 20 minutes were al- lowed for each trial. The following results were reported by the board of judges :
Progress, No. 2, 276 feet, I inch. Cornelius Howland, No. 4, 270 ft., 8 inches.
Engine No. 7, 262 feet, 10 3-4 inches.
Onward, No. 1, 251 feet, 10 inches.
Frederick Macy, No. 6, 216 ft., 2 1-4 inches.
The Zachariah Hillman was out of order and did not enter the contest. A grand ball in Co. E's armory, in aid of the Firemen's Mutual Aid Society, closed the festivities of the day.
One of the saddest events in the history of our Fire Depart- ment was the death of Edward C. Spooner, a member of Progress Engine Co., No. 2. Mr. Spooner lived in the family of Mr. William B. Bird, 107 Cedar street. On Tuesday even- ing, Oct. 14, 1890, while at the supper table, he was startled by a loud explosion in the tenement above. Hastily proceed- ing upstairs and entering the kitchen, a frightful scene greeted his eyes. There, in the middle of the room, stood his neigh- bor, Mrs. William L. Cobb, completely enveloped in flames. A can of petroleum had exploded in her hand, and the con- tents was distributed on her garments and on the carpet, which quickly ignited and were burning fiercely when Mr. Spooner entered the room. Seizing Mrs. Cobb in his arms and shut- ting his eyes and mouth, to shield them from the fire, he bravely carried her down stairs to the room below. A bed- quilt thrown about her body soon extinguished the flames,
0
m th
231
NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
and she was then removed to the residence of Mr. Squire A. Gifford, across the street. Everything was done to alleviate the sufferings of the unfortunate woman, but without avail. She died at 10 o'clock. Mr. Spooner was shockingly burned about the head and hands, and his sufferings were intense dur-
EDWARD C. SPOONER.
ing the weary days that followed. He received the loving care of his brother firemen and friends, and nothing was left un- done to relieve him in his distress ; but he passed away on the morning of Nov. 1. Forgetful of himself, he sought to save the life of another ; and his name will go down into history
232
HISTORY OF THE
among those of the noble men who have sacrificed themselves for helpless humanity.
The funeral was held in the County street M. E. church, Monday afternoon, Nov. 3. Rev. Charles W. Holden, pastor of the church, and Rev. Matt. C. Julien, officiated. The chancel was filled with floral tributes from the family and fire com- panies. The fire alarm bells tolled mournfully, as the Fire Department and a delegation from the Street Department, of which Mr. Spooner had been a member, accompanied by the Musical Exchange Band, escorted the remains to the church. The services were of a most impressive character and formed a worthy tribute to the memory of one who had been faithful unto death. The burial took place at Acushnet, the escort ac- companying the funeral cortege to Weld street on Acushnet avenue. Here the firemen were drawn up in line and, with bowed heads and lifted caps, bade farewell to the dead hero. All the companies were then dismissed except those of Pro- gress, No. 2, and Hancock, No. 9. The following graphic ac- count of the interment, written by Mr. Charles S. Kelley, is taken from the Evening Standard :
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.