USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > New Bedford > History of the Fire Department of the city of New Bedford, Massachusetts, 1772-1890 > Part 8
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This description I have copied from the records of the Board of Engineers.
The engine was warranted to throw a stream, one inch noz- zle, ISo feet. The company agreed to furnish a substantial hose cart, without silver plating. How well the builders ful- filled their contract was soon tested, for the engine arrived in town on the morning of July 20, 1855. The company, dressed in a new uniform, turned out in the afternoon to re- ceive the new machine, accompanied by the New Bedford Brass Band. The full membership for 1855, as taken from the records of the company, is appended :
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NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
JOHN B. HYDE. ( Captain of Columbian, No. 5, 1854-1861.)
Foreman, John B. Hyde. First Assistant, Pliny B. Sherman. Second Assistant, Benjamin Weaver. Clerk, Giles S. Fales.
George D. Bisbee, Charles W. Keen, Samuel C. Hart, Thomas Cross, Horace King, John F. Wood, Eugene Gifford,
Thomas W. Cook, Thomas Hilliard, Otis Wilcox,
William A. Russell,
Charles H. Bisbee, Nathan D. Maxfield,
Benj. F. Hayden,
Charles Morgridge, Perez Jenkins,
Henry A. Wilcox, George T. Sears,
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HISTORY OF THE
Francis T. Tuite,
Robert N. B. Doane,
Henry B. Covell,
Seth R. Thomas,
Thomas Garvy, Alfred Wordell,
Robert N. Wing,
Charles H. Booth,
Edwin Gage,
Peter Gobell,
George Gifford,
Henry I. Strong,
Frederick Morse,
William H. Holmes,
Edward S. Jenkins,
George Hinckley,
Stephen H. Shepherd,
Andrew T. Wood,
Joseph Gifford,
Allen Raymond,
John Harity,
James Smith,
Judson Tozier,
William Peckham,
William S. Maxfield,
William Love,
James F. Chase,
John Duffy,
Adoniram Myrick,
Caleb A. Thomas,
Henry Morse,
Joel B. Arnold,
Seth Wilcox,
George R. Maxfield,
David L. Hathaway,
Israel T. Bryant,
James L. Wilbur,
Silas Wordell,
James H. Hood,
Daniel Catternach,
Hiram A. Davis,
Charles M. Corson,
Charles Gifford,
James O. Thompson,
William Gammell,
Luthan J. Greene,
Christal Licht,
Benjamin P. Crocker.
During the parade, made before proceeding to the station to receive the new engine, the boys honored Mayor Rodney French with a round of hearty cheers as they passed his resi- dence. The same compliment was extended to the newspaper offices. The new engine fully met the fondest expectations of the company. Built on so different a model from the Ag- new machine, which for a generation had been the only style bought for our city, its appearance was a genuine surprise, and a gratifying one at that. To be sure the jealous boys gave it the title of "the hay cart," because of the long upturned side brakes, which made an outline suggestive of that useful farmer's wagon ; but all acknowledged the engine to be of graceful form and beautiful in finish. The Columbians were deservedly proud of the machine, and when they manned the ropes, and, preceded by the band, marched down town, they presented a fine appearance, which won them the plaudits of the crowds lining the streets. The engine was taken to the School street reservoir and submitted to its first trial, which
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NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
gave general satisfaction. It played 168 feet, though hampered by the foliage. It then played through 675 feet of hose, up School street, 115 feet, and, through the same hose, 20 feet above the observatory. The steep elevation of School street made this trial a very gratifying exhibition of the power of throwing water. The last trial was to send three good streams over the steeple of the Trinitarian church. The next day the new engine played a solid stream of 186 feet. The following is taken from the Evening Standard, of the 21st :
After the trial the company, with a few invited guests, sat down to an elegant dinner at the Parker House. Messrs. Blaisdell and Wing furnished all that could be desired and illustrated their excellent practi- cal knowledge in the gastronomic department.
Mr. William A. Russell furnishes me with a copy of the bill of fare on this occasion. It is a double-paged circular, elegantly printed in gold and highly decorated. I am sure that many of the "Fives" will enjoy seeing a list of the viands discussed that day :
Dinner for the Columbian Engine Co., No. 5, at the Parker House, July, 1855 :
BILL OF FARE.
SOUP. Oyster. FISH. Salmon, with Anchovy Sauce.
Corned Beef.
BOILED. Leg of Mutton and Caper Sauce. Chicken and Pork. Corned Tongue.
ENTREES.
Stewed Oysters. Macaroni a la Creme. Sword Fish Fried in Crumbs.
Rice Croquettes. Lobster. Potted Pigeon.
ROAST.
Beef. Ham, Champagne Sauce. Chicken.
Lamb, Mint Sauce. Duck. Mongrel Goose. Turkey.
Veal, Stuffed.
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HISTORY OF THE
VEGETABLES.
New Potatoes. Turnips.
Squash. String Beans.
Mashed Potatoes. Beets.
Green Peas. Onions. Cucumbers.
PUDDINGS AND PASTRY.
Apple Pie.
Bread Pudding. Custard Pie. Berry Pie.
DESSERT.
Almonds.
English Walnuts. Raisins.
Pine Apple. Ice Cream.
The Evening Standard says :
" The admirable justice which was done to the eatables by the com- pany was the most flattering encomium that could have been bestowed upon the banquet. Short, neat, spicy and telling speeches were made, and sentiments offered at the table by Hon. Rodney French, L. Button, Esq., manufacturer of the engine, R. C. Topham, Esq., of the Board of Engineers, J. B. Ashley, Esq., ex-Chief Engineer, Mr. Foreman John B. Hyde, Mr. Assistant Benjamin Weaver, Mr. M. A. Covell, C. W. Brown and others. An extremely pleasant half hour was spent in this species of 'playing away,' when the company retired with three cheers for the New Bedford Fire Department, for the builder of the new machine, Mr. Button, for the band, for the Parker House, and for the ladies ' who were obliged to wait for their tea' until the company had got through their dinner.
In the evening as large, happy and merry a company assembled at city hall as was ever gathered within its walls. There was as bright an array of beauty as the most cynical old bachelor could have wished to look upon, and the whole affair passed off in such a way as to reflect the highest credit upon the Columbians, by whom the ball was given in compliment to their friends. The management was admirable, and no effort was omitted by the " Fives " to contribute to the happiness of their guests. No pleasanter, more social or better managed party was ever given in our city. The dancing was continued into the small hours, when the party separated, satisfied that in all which constitutes genuine hospitality, courtesy, and gentlemanly bearing, the Columbians cannot be surpassed The music was by Smith & Hawes' Band, and was, as usual, excellent. The supper was got up in good style by Tilden. We heard many encomiums passed upon the company during the parade in the afternoon. Everybody concurred in the opinion that it was as handsome a turnout of firemen as ever occurred in this city, and that the purchase of so handsome a machine for so good an organ- ization ' served 'em right.'"
I give a song, dedicated to the Columbian Engine Co., No. 5, by Frank Easy ---- the nom de plume of Mr. Mayhew A. Covell :
Sa
the Sal of t
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NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
When flames so bright illume the night, Or shame the lustrous day, Our duty calls where falling walls And crackling embers lay. But naught we fear, however drear And desolate the night, We ne'er forsake the engine's brakes, But work with all our might.
CHORUS. Then Wake her! Wake her !! Now my boys ! As through the streets we fly, And when we reach the fire, my boys, Then " break her down " 's the cry.
And since our " tub " has given the rub To others once so bold,
We'll swell the fame of " Button's" name And feel we've not been sold. For she, our pet, can throw her jet As far as the eye can see ; And all do say that none can play And claim a rivalry.
And she's our pride, both far and wide, We'll sound her praise abroad, The name she bears a charm it wears, To nerve the listless crowd. Then let us strive that Number Five May never disgrace her name, And let us stand, a fearless band, To fight the raging flame.
Our Foreman's plan is : Every man Shall at his post be found. His heart is stirred whene'er he's heard " We're first upon the ground." Then as we rear our standard here, O, may we ever thrive, And while we live we'll ever give " Three cheers for Number Five."
Sept. 25th, 1856, the Columbians went on an excursion to Salem, where they were received by the Adams Engine Co., No. 10, of that place. They took their new machine with them ; and what was done on that occasion is well told by the Salem Register, in its mention of the visit and performances of the Columbian Engine Co., No. 5. It said :
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HISTORY OF THE
" On Friday, in Chestnut street, the engine threw an inch stream horizontally 193 feet and perpendicularly over the vane of the South Church steeple, about 170 feet. The steeple stands 166 feet high, and the position of the engine was in the street, near the cistern, consider- erably lower than the base of the steeple. The band meanwhile struck up ' Pop Goes the Weasel,' and as the stream mounted higher and higher under the force applied, the gratified spectators cheered the successful efforts of the company to the echo. The power of the engine and the skill of the company were well tested and gave great satisfaction to all who witnessed the exhibition. We take pleasure in noticing the order- ly and commendable deportment of the Columbians, which was gener- ally observed and appreciated. They were not only a remarkably fine looking body of young men, but their courteous demeanor on parade in the public streets and in the stores elicited many compliments, and was so marked as to attract more than ordinary observation. Our New Bedford friends have not only gained credit for themselves by this course, but also for the department with which they are connected, and for their beautiful and enterprising city ; and they have thereby given to this community great pleasure by their visit. The Columbians numbered 50 men and were officered as follows :
Foreman, John B. Hyde. First Assistant, Pliny B. Sherman. Second Assistant, Benjamin Weaver. Third Assistant, Samuel C. Hart. Clerk, pro tem, Albert A. Bolles."
On their return home the men were welcomed by the Hook & Ladder Co., Capt. R. A. Dillingham, who had prepared an elegant collation for them.
On the evening of Sept. 5, 1857, a beautiful silver trumpet was presented to Capt. Hyde by the company as a token of the esteem in which he was held. He has it still in his possession, and it occupies a prominent place in his home in New York city.
The firemen occasionally attended church by companies, and during the great revival of 1857-8 I find record where several of the companies attended divine service on the Sabbath. The Columbians in 1858 attended, by invitation of the Trinitarian Church, with other firemen, a service specially prepared for them. A discourse was delivered by Rev. Wheelock Craig, one of the purest and kindest of men, who is still held in pre- cious memory by many of our citizens. The Columbians'
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NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
records of the event speak in highly respectful terms of the service and of the preacher. During the same year the Phil- adelphia, No. 7, attended a service at the Elm Street Meth- odist Church, Rev. H. S. White, pastor.
At the annual meeting, in 1859, Mr. Giles S. Fales, the much respected clerk of the company, who had performed long and faithful service, resigned his position. He had been a member of the department since 1834, when he served in the capacity of torch boy. He was succeeded in office by Mr. Robert H. Taber.
On the evening of Jan. 17, 1859, there was a large assem- blage at the Columbians' hall, on the occasion of a presen- tation of an American standard by the lady friends of the company. The address was made by Miss Mary A. Raymond, and was well delivered. Capt. Hyde responded in a good speech. Brief addresses were made by Hon. Rodney French and others, interspersed with music. A collation followed.
A large frame containing the photographs of the fifty volun- teer members was presented by them to the company, Mr. Eugene Gifford making the speech for the givers. The in- scription will tell the story : " Presented to Columbian Engine Co., No. 5, by the volunteers, Feb. 14, 1859."
The continued difficulty with the city government finally led the Columbians to disband Sept. 24, 1860. A new company was formed Oct. 1, 1860, with the following :
Foreman, L. W. Davis. First Assistant, Allen Almy. Second Assistant, John Colwell. Clerk, Charles H. Bisbee.
Sylvester Paul, John W. Footman,
William R. Palmer,
William H. Welch,
George W. Hunt,
Robert C. Topham,
Clarfaus Vansant,
Charles Thomas,
Edwin Dugan, Alfred Weaver,
Frederick B. Davis, Isaac H. Barrows,
James H. Hood,
Nathan Brooks,
Charles Brightman,
George M. Ennis,
Charles Parker, W. F. Howland,
Lewis H. Coble, John W. Ennis,
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HISTORY OF THE
John Duffy, Rufus Randall,
Daniel B. Standish,
Peter Gobell.
David Pollock,
Patrick McDonald,
Allen G. Ashley,
Hugh McDonald,
James F. McKenney,
John E. Bowen,
Alonzo B. Tripp, Alvin C. Smith,
Richmond M. Taber,
Patrick Carroll,
George W. Farnum,
Patrick Murphy,
W. G. Reynolds,
Barney Kenney,
Michael Dugan,
Joseph Vincent,
John Coote,
Luther Brownell,
James O'Brien,
Jesse V. Lake,
John Butman,
Giles G. Barker,
William S. Wilcox,
Thomas F. Clarke,
Charles W. Hunt,
Henry Stephens,
Peleg R. Thurston,
Benjamin Sowle,
Simeon Bailey.
The ex-Fives Association continued its existence for many years, the annual meeting consisting of a reunion celebration, with a grand dinner.
The relations between the Columbian, No. 5, and the Young Mechanic, No. 6, were of such a character as to de- velope a rivalry, intense and uncompromising. Alike ambi- tious to be ahead of the other, either in getting first water or winning the race at a false alarm, this rivalry resulted often in considerable ill feeling, kindred to that shown in the political strife of the day. As citizens, however, the members were among the most energetic and prominent, and were harmon- ious and progressive in all that advanced the interests of our city. When the city was threatened with a riot the authorities were glad to fall back upon the firemen as a reserve force. Quickly did they respond to the call, and they were sworn in ready for duty. Our readers may judge from this confidence that the firemen were in more ways than one the protectors of our city.
The new company attached to the Columbian, No. 5, continued in service till Feb. 28, 1866, when it was dis- banded by the Board of Engineers, and the engine taken out of commission. It was soon afterwards sold to the town of Galesburg, Illinois.
Edwin Cavenor,
CHAPTER VIII.
EVERAL fires have occurred in our city where the loss of property was far greater than that of Horatio A. Kempton's lumber yard on the night of Oct. 18, 1854, but never in our history one that created such terror and constern- ation. To fully comprehend this great conflagration, our readers must understand the location and its surroundings. The entire section lying between North and Hillman, Foster and Pleasant streets, was occupied as a lumber yard, with the exception of the north side of North street, which was lined with dwellings. Situated in the heart of the city, with all in- tersecting streets densely occupied with wooden structures, the yard itself was lined on its outer edges by immense piles of lumber that skirted in unbroken line the Foster and Hillman street fronts, the Pleasant street side being occupied with a long shed filled with dry and therefore highly inflammable building material. Within the enclosure were two wooden buildings, one a carpenter shop, occupied by Mr. John K. Cush- ing, the other as an office by Mr. Kempton, and both situated near the Pleasant street entrance. In the central portion of the yard were hugh piles of flooring timber, here a mass of joists, there piles of laths and floor boards, staked with air spaces between them, while the unoccupied ground was lit- tered with shavings and refuse timber. The engine located at the nearest point on Foster street, Hancock, No. 9, had been taken apart for repairs only a few days before, and on this night was still in pieces. Surely there were favorable condi- tions for a fierce conflagration. So thought the incendiary, no doubt, as he secretly entered the premises and applied the torch, which soon brought such terrible results. He was seen emerging from the yard half an hour before the flames burst forth.
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HISTORY OF THE
The alarm rang out at II o'clock, and soon the whole city was brilliantly illuminated from the burning timber. It seemed to ignite in a moment, for when the engines arrived the whole mass was in flames, and, aided by a strong southwest wind, was quickly transformed into a seething furnace, sending out intense heat and making it an impossibility for the firemen in any way to control it. All efforts to check the raging element was unavailing, and though the surrounding streets had be- come well nigh impassable the firemen turned their efforts to save the houses. But the merciless flames soon crossed the streets, and, one after another, the buildings on Pleasant and Hillman streets were burned. At this moment it looked as if the whole north section of the city must be destroyed. The stores on Purchase street and the dwellings at the northeast were being emptied of their stock and goods. To add to the intense apprehensions, the water gave out in the reservoirs one after another in quick succession, leaving, for a time, the en- gines without supply. This was, however, partly remedied by sending an engine to the river, which pumped into another and thus gave a limited supply of water. The Wilcox Build- ing, on the northwest corner of Foster and Hillman streets, was miraculously saved by the use of wet blankets and carpets, as was the house on the northeast corner of Pleasant and Hill- man streets. Had this building been burned it would proba- bly have led to a greater destruction of property, for the fire would have passed beyond control. As it was the follow- ing persons were burned out on Pleasant street : Two-story house southeast corner of Hillman and Pleasant streets, occu- pied by Gilbert Howland and Andrew J. Dam ; house next south, occupied by Captain Philip Sherman and Andrew Haves ; house next south, occupied by Thomas A. Howland and Mrs. Edward Howland. While these houses were being destroyed, the flames communicated to the building on the northwest corner of Hillman and Pleasant streets, occupied by Robert Hillman, then to house next west, occupied by Mrs.
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NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Mary West and Mrs. Kempton, and next to house on northeast corner of Foster street, occupied by Mr. Aaron Upjohn. The estimated loss was $40,000.
It was a sad spectacle that greeted the eyes of our citizens the next morning, when the whole immense area was a mass of smouldering ruins and falling chimneys. The streets were filled with household furniture, kitchen utensils and such things, which told the story of desolate homes.
One of the most painful incidents of the great fire was the fatal accident to one of the most useful and highly respected citizens of his day, Mr. Jethro Hillman, a member of the well known firm of ship builders, Messrs. J. & Z. Hillman, who, the Evening Standard said, had constructed some of the most substantial ships that ever floated. Their shipyard was located on the corner of Hillman and North Second streets, directly in the range of the fire, and the sky during the night was filled with floating embers that carried destruction in their course. The brothers were engaged in throwing water upon the roof of a shed to prevent its taking fire, when he fell from a ladder, striking his head on a stick, breaking his skull and injuring him in such a manner that he died the following evening at 9 o'clock. His untimely death was regretted by a large circle of friends.
Our 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 funeral of the hand engine service commenced on the day the first steamer landed in the city. But more of this later on. We are in the midst of the most exciting years of the fire de- partment life and we must make the most of it, for with them went out much of the poetry and personality peculiar to the hand engine service.
The new engines for the Young Mechanics and Columbians
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HISTORY OF THE
were now in full commission. Both companies were at their best, and so were all the other organizations,-alert, vigorous, and full of enthusiasm. Two more hand engines were added to the service, and then the record ceases. Soon the depart- ment 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 Acushnet, 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 Feb. 2, 1857, as follows :
Foreman, Joseph W. Cornell. First Assistant, Peleg W. Blake. Second Assistant, Octavius C. Smith. Clerk, George W. Maker.
Gideon P. Tripp,
Nathaniel Manchester,
James Beetle,
Sumner M. Faunce,
Charles F. Tripp,
Ebenezer Andrew,
Samuel Driscoll,
George Macomber,
George Kennerson,
Luthan Blake,
Sylvanus Gifford,
George Albro,
Phineas Reynolds,
Curtis T. Gammons,
Barjona D. Tripp,
Thomas Childs,
James C. Hathaway,
Benjamin Reynolds,
James M. Tripp,
John W. Manchester,
Albert Booth,
Abiathar Rogers,
James S. Manchester,
Paul B. Warren,
Holder A. Brightman,
Isaac Manchester,
Benj. R. Wordell,
William Coggeshall,
Daniel Hathaway,
Frederick Collins.
The company 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 en- thusiasm was the organization of the Young America, No. 8. A company of young men, 25 in number, raised among them- selves and from some of our public-spirited citizens $300 for the purchase of a fire engine. Among the contributors were
D
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NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Thomas Nye, Jr., Samuel Rodman, Ivory H. Bartlett, Benja- min Rodman, and many others whose names I do not recall. An organization was completed, and the company sent a com- mittee to Pawtucket to complete the purchase of the Young America, No. S. No army contractor ever felt more impor- tant in closing a contract than did the committee in closing a bargain with the proprietor of a jobbing wagon to drag our engine to the station. We were anxious to get it to New Bedford that night, for the state of Rhode Island wasn't big enough to hold us and give sufficient breathing room. The boys were well pleased with the appearance of the machine. On the test trial it played 140 feet, through 100 feet of hose. This engine was of about half the size of the ordinary hand en- gine, with side brakes, and suction pumps, and was as well and thoroughly equipped for actual fire service as the best of them.
The board of engineers placed us in the Second street house, and we entered upon our career as a full-fledged fire company. We did valuable service on many an occasion, often getting first water. In running to a fire we frequently took our engine on the sidewalks, thus getting a decided advantage in easier travel.
I give the membership of the Young America company, taken from the original records. These have been since 1857 in the possession of Mr. W. H. Peacock, of Chicago. Dur- ing the great fire in that city, in 1872, they were packed in his safe, which lay for three days on the bottom of the Chicago river. Mr. Peacock has now given these records to our Fire Department :
Captain, L. B. Ellis. First Assistant, Matthias C. Pease. Second Assistant, James W. Lawrence. Third Assistant, James D. Kent. Clerk, A. M. Osgood.
James C. Hitch, George Walden, Alex. H. Ellis, William H. Peacock,
Ephraim Kempton, Otis N. Pierce, Preserved Rider, Barney Cox,
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HISTORY OF THE
B. F. Lowden,
C. A. Perry,
Roland B. Murphy,
Benj. F. Lewis,
Horatio Bly,
Edward B. Wilson,
Ezra Howland,
Haile R. Luther,
C. E. Wardsworth,
William B. Allen,
Newton F. Barrows,
Charles E. Maxfield,
Joseph Dean,
George W. Allen,
H. M. Snow,
Joseph C. Austin,
John Davis,
Edward T. Wilson,
Ira Negus,
James A. Smith,
Philip Topham,
George Homer,
Andrew Hayes,
Thomas Brother son, Benjamin Hayes,
Joseph Knowles.
A song, dedicated to Young America, No. 8, of New Bedford, by Alexander H. Ellis :
Come citizens, attention give, a story I'll relate About a little engine, we call her Number Eight ; We keep her upon Second street, and when duty may require, You'll ever find us on the ground-playing on the fire.
Chorus. Wake her, shake her, now my boys, And let us have a sing ; We'll let you know the Eights are 'round When the bells begin to ring.
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