USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Our county and its people : A history of Hampden County, Massachusetts. Volume 2 > Part 12
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In 1831 Elijah Blake was appointed chief engineer, George Bliss 1st, Simon Sanborn 2d, and Edwin Booth 3d assistant engineer. All were reappointed in 1832, except Edwin Booth, who was succeeded by Samuel Woodworth, and in 1833 the offi- cers were the same as in 1831. All were continued in their re- spective capacities until 1836, when Francis M. Carew became 3d assistant. In 1837 Chief Blake was again appointed but re- signed and was succeeded by Ithamar Goodman. Mr. Carew was made 1st, and Charles Stearns 2d assistant engineer. In 1838 Mr. Blake was chief, Mr. Bliss 1st, Mr. Carew 2d, and Mr. Stearns 3d assistant engineer.
In 1833 the selectmen made a practical reorganization of the department and designated many new members for the several companies then in existence in the town, including those of Chicopee, which was a district of considerable importance and was regarded by its people a fair rival village to Springfield. In 1834 the legislature passed "An act concerning the appointment of enginemen," and the town during the next five years adopted several of its provisions, the result being more complete system in fire department affairs and better protection to the property of citizens.
On October 13, 1844, there occurred a disastrous fire at the corner of Main and Sanford streets which resulted in the destruc- tion of five buildings and eight stores. On that occasion Chief Blake's department was given an opportunity to show its effi- ciency, and it is evident that the firemen acquitted themselves nobly, as the town afterward voted to pay $50 for "refresh- ments, etc.," furnished the men ; and further it was voted "that Dr. James Swan and Charles Stearns be a committee to carry a vote of thanks to Jeremy Warriner, O. M. Alden and Roswell Shurtleff for refreshments furnished."
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In 1845 the Springfield fire district was established, upon which the selectmen deeded to the district all the rights of the town in and to the engine house, fire apparatus and other sup- plies and equipment then in the district available for fire pur- poses. The district was formed within the limits of school dis- trict No. 8. At the same time the Chicopee fire district was formed, and in the same manner became possessed of the appa- ratus kept therein. In this year, and the next, the officers of the Springfield fire district were Cicero Simmons, chief engineer, Lucius Harthan, 1st assistant, James M. Thompson, 2d assistant, and Samuel S. Day, 3d assistant engineer.
From this time until 1852 the fire department appears not to have received the attention of the town authorities, and from the fact that it then was of a local character it undoubtedly was maintained by private contribution. In fact after the engine house and apparatus were transferred to the district, the control of the department appears to have been vested in that body alone, although no record of its transactions is found.
In 1853, according to Chief Brewer's first annual report, the companies comprising the "S. F. D." were Niagara engine company No. 1 with 70 members ; Cataract engine company No. 2 with 48 members; Eagle engine company No. 1, with 75 mem- bers ; Eagle company No. 2, with 66 members (the "two Eagles" were the property of the U. S. government, kept on the armory grounds for the especial protection of the federal buildings but through the kindness of the commandant they were at the call of the city in case of need ) ; and Ocean hose company No. 1, with 30 members. The other department equipment comprised 13 reser- voirs, conveniently located in different parts of the city; an engine house in Sanford street, valued at $2,000 ; an engine house and land in Stockbridge street, valued at $1,600 ; an engine house and land in the sixth ward, valued at $200 ; Niagara and Cataract engines, valued at $500 each; Niagara and Cataract hose car- riages, valued at $50 each; and an old engine in the sixth ward, valued at $50.
Under the provisions of the amendatory act passed in 1853 the city council adopted an ordinance establishing a fire depart-
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THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD
ment, to consist of a chief engineer and eight other engineers, and of as many enginemen, hydrant-men and hook and ladder men, to be divided into companies, as the number of engines and other fire apparatus should from time to time require. In ac- cordance with this ordinance the department was thoroughly re- modeled, and in 1854 a new hook and ladder company was added, taking the name of "American hook and ladder company" in 1855. In 1861 "Champion fire company" was organized at Indian Orchard, and during the same year the "Two Eagles" were ordered not to perform fire duty off the government lands. The order, however, was subsequently modified, and the city again was given the benefit of the companies. About the same time, owing to some disobedience of the rules, Cataract company was disbanded, and its reorganization, while eventually accom- plished, was a slow process.
In 1862 the city purchased an Amoskeag steam engine, which was placed in the quarters formerly occupied by Niagara company, the latter being temporarily disorganized. The steamer company took the name of "Monitor" steam fire engine company, No. 1. In the same year Major Dyer, commandant at the armory, was furnished with two steam engines, both Amos- keags, and the Western railroad company purchased a similar engine to replace the "Ocean." At the annual parade held September 24, 1865, the "S. F. D." made a very creditable show- ing, with its splendid equipment of fire apparatus of modern type. The companies then "in line" were American hook and ladder company, Monitor steam fire engine company, the "Con- stitution" steam fire engine company (apparatus owned by the W. R. R. Co.), and the Union steam fire engine company (owned by the United States).
After this time the companies were renamed, as the next annual report of the chief engineer mentions the working force of the department as consisting of the Geo. Dwight steamer, the L. O. Hanson steamer, the Henry Gray steamer, the Waterspout steamer, the Champion hand engine and the hook and ladder company. In 1867 Alert hose company was organized, and was stationed on Worthington street, near Spring street. In 1868
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the engine house and hose tower (now department headquarters) on Pynchon street, was erected and was first occupied by the steamer Dwight. In this year the working force of the depart- ment comprised three steamers, each with a hose carriage and a company of 25 men, one independent hose company, of 35 men, and one hand engine and hose carriage at Indian Orchard.
In 1870-71 the Dwight became Engine Co. No. 1; the Hanson became Engine Co. No. 2; the Henry Gray became Engine Co. No. 3; the new steamer bought in 1871, and stationed on Walnut street, became Engine Co. No. 4; Champion hand engine com- pany acquired the old steamer purchased in 1862 and became Engine Co. No. 5; Alert hose became Hose Co. No. 1; the truck company on Sanford street became H. & L. Co. No. 1 (apparatus put in service in 1871), while Waterspout engine company re- mained as before, not being under the control of the city.
From this time, keeping even pace with the growth of the city in other directions, the fire department has been increased in working force and efficiency as occasion has required, and the city authorities have made liberal expenditures in favor of this branch of government. Since 1862 the department has evolved from the primitive equipment of an old-time volunteer depart- ment to that of a modern paid organization, yet in a way the volunteer character has ever been preserved and the bonds of firemanic brotherhood apparently are as strong as at any time in past years. The Springfield veteran firemen's association was organized February 23, 1895, and was incorporated April 10, 1897. Its objects are purely social and fraternal, and the annual muster is an occasion of general observance throughout the region. Its predecessor organization was the Firemen's mutual relief association, organized March 16, 1858, with a benevolent purpose in view. Its rolls were open to members of the fire department, each of whom contributed twenty-five cents membership fee and a like sum annually for the support of the relief fund.
In 1893 it was deemed best to place the affairs of the depart- ment in charge of a commission, and accordingly the first body thus constituted comprised Edward P. Chapin, James E. Dun-
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leavy, William H. Haile, M. V. B. Edgerly and Olin Smith, five practical and thorough business men. At that time the board of engineers comprised A. P. Leshure, chief engineer, and J. A. Stevens, J. H. Gould, J. H. McCleary and H. W. Keyes, assist- ant engineers.
The apparatus turned over to the commission comprised that used by Engine Co. No. 1, located on Bond street, an Amos- keag steamer, put in service in 1871, and a two-horse hose car- riage, put in service in 1885; Engine Co. No. 2, on Pynchon street, an Amoskeag steamer, put in service in 1873, and a one- horse hose wagon, put in service in 1885 ; Hose Co. No. 3, on Pyn- chon street, a two-horse hose wagon put in service in 1891; En- gine Co. No. 4, on Walnut street, an Amoskeag steamer, put in service in 1862, and a one-horse hose wagon, put in service in 1885 ; Hose Co. No. 5, Indian Orchard, one hand and a one-horse hose carriage and a set of ladders; Hose Co. No. 6, located on South Main street, a two-horse hose wagon, put in service in 1887; Hose Co. No. 7, on Worthington street, a two-horse hose wagon, put in service in 1889; Engine Co. No. 8, at Winchester park, an Amoskeag steamer, put in service in 1891; Hose Co. No. 9, North Main street, a two-horse hose wagon, put in service in 1893; Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1, on Pynchon street, Babcock aerial ladder, put in service in 1888; Hook & Ladder Co. No. 2, at Winchester park, a Leverich truck, put in service in 1871; Hook & Ladder Co. No. 3, North Main street, a Leverich truck, put in service in 1875.
Under the control of the commissioners, although the advis- ability of the board was at first questioned, the Springfield fire department has attained its highest degree of efficiency, and to- day it ranks with the best equipped, officered and managed fire departments in the state. During the last ten years the regular working force has been almost doubled, and under the prudent management of the commissioners the city has made liberal ap- propriations for extending the service of the department, the erection of new buildings and stations and for the purchase of new and improved apparatus. A glance at the last "inven- tory" of property appertaining to the department shows a pres-
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ent total value of all property of $305,755, divided as follows : Land, $47,330; buildings, $125,375 ; equipment, $133,050. The expenses of the department for the current year 1900 amounted to the sum of $99,500.
The following is a complete list of the apparatus : Five steam fire engines with accompanying hose wagons; one steam fire engine in reserve; 2 chemical engines; 3 chemical and hose combination wagons; 3 hose wagons; one water tower; 2 aerial ladder trucks ; 2 ladder trucks ; one ladder truck in reserve; one hose reel stored at headquarters; one hose reel stored at Indian Orchard; one hose reel located near Ludlow line; one hose wagon at Forest park; one trolley transportation car for transporting engines to the hill and suburbs of the city ; supply wagons and sleighs for each company.
Chief Engineers, S. F. D. (under the charter) .- James D. Brewer, 1852-53; George Ensworth, 1854; Levi W. Park, 1855; George Dwight, 1856-59 ; Hosea C. Lombard, 1860; L. O. Hanson, 1861; Joseph Marsh, 1862; Levi O. Hanson, 1863-64; George Dwight, 1865; L. H. Powers, 1866-67; W. W. Day, 1868; L. H. Powers, 1869; A. P. Leshure, 1870; L. H. Powers, 1871; Hosea C. Lombard, 1872-73; A. P. Leshure, 1874-93 ; William J. Little- field, 1894-1901.
Fire Commissioners
1894-Edward P. Chapin, James E. Dunleavy, William H. Haile, M. V. B. Edgerly, Olin H. Smith.
1895-Edward P. Chapin, James E. Dunleavy, William H. Haile, M. V. B. Edgerly, Walter P. Goodenough.
1896-Edward P. Chapin, James E. Dunleavy, William H. Haile, James A. Bill, jr., Henry S. Dickinson.
1897-Edward P. Chapin, James E. Dunleavy, William H. Haile, James A. Bill, jr., Charles C. Lewis.
1898-Edward P. Chapin, James E. Dunleavy, William H. Haile, Homer G. Gilmore, Charles C. Lewis.
1899-Edward P. Chapin, James E. Dunleavy, William H. Haile, Homer G. Gilmore, Franklin A. Latimer, jr.
1900-Edward P. Chapin, James E. Dunleavy, William H. Haile, Homer G. Gilmore, Julius F. Carman.
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THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD
1901-Edward P. Chapin, James E. Dunleavy, Homer G. Gilmore, Henry L. Hines, William W. Tapley.
THE CITY WATER SUPPLY
Previous to 1843 the town of Springfield had no water sup- ply for domestic purposes other than that furnished by the house-lot wells of property owners, and an occasional town pump. For fire protection that part of the town bordering on the Con- necticut had recourse to the river, but the town brook was the chief dependence for many years. In the thickly-settled locali- ties on the hill a series of storage wells were constructed, but their water was rarely used for any other than fire purposes.
In the summer of 1843 Charles Stearns, who is still remem- bered as one of the most enterprising men of the town in his time, suggested the propriety of establishing a system of water works, but those whom he sought to interest in the undertaking were doubtful of the success of the venture, hence gave little en- couragement and no financial aid to the project. The worthy promoter, however, was not discouraged by the lack of interest shown by his fellow townsmen, and resolved to "go it alone" in constructing a general water system for the business section of the town. He secured the necessary permission from the select- men, and in August, 1843, began the work of laying wooden main pipes-pump logs-from what is known as the Van Horn reservoir through the streets to the Western railroad depot and down Main to Bliss street, supplying dwellings, stores, hotels and other buildings, to the number of about 150, with good wholesome water at moderate cost. Year after year he extended the serv- ice until nearly all the principal streets in the business center were supplied, and he even essayed to furnish water for fire pro- tection purposes.
Mr. Stearns' water works plant, however crude and imper- fect it may have been at the time, was a great benefit to the peo- ple of the town. As an investment his scheme was successful, and when the business interests of the town called for an im- proved system local capital was ready to take stock in the pro- posed company. In February, 1848, an application was made
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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
to the legislature for an act incorporating the Springfield Aque- duct company, the petition therefor bearing the signatures of eighty-three prominent citizens. In the meantime a strong opposition to the plan had arisen and the incorporating act was delayed several months. On April 14, in town meeting the in- habitants voted to approve the measure, but when the opposition became pronounced an attempt was made to nullify the former action and secure a vote of disapproval. This subject came up for action at a meeting held April 24, but instead of a vote on the main question the electors voted an indefinite postponement of further action. . This was a substantial victory for the advo- cates of the water works, and on May 10 the bill became a law and the Springfield aqueduct company was duly incorporated, Charles Stearns, Festus Stebbins, George Hastings, "and their associates" being named as incorporators.
Upon its organization the company succeeded to the prop- erty and interests formerly owned by Mr. Stearns and at once became one of the prominent public improvement enterprises of the town. As the water service was extended to meet the re- quirements of the public the capital of the company was in- creased until 1867, when the outstanding stock amounted to $137,800. The reservoir capacity was enlarged and new cement- lined pipes replaced the old pump logs. The company kept faith with its promises and provided the town with a good sup- ply of water for both domestic and fire purposes, yet along about 1860 there arose a feeling in favor of city water works or munici- pal ownership in the system then being operated. This feeling is said to have arisen in part from the fact that the city at that time was increasing rapidly in population and commercial im- portance and the fear that the actual capacity of the works then in use was not sufficient on extraordinary occasions. About this time the city authorities had sunk a well for fire purposes at the intersection of State and Stebbins streets, and it was proposed to construct a system of wells, to connect them by pipes and con- vey their waters to the lower part of the city for general use. This plan seemed practical and a committee was appointed to make a thorough investigation and report its conclusions to the city council.
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THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD
This specially constituted commission comprised Mayor Har- ris, Alderman Hitchcock and Councilmen Leonard, Noyes and Woodman. They reported a feasible plan under the well sys- tem, and the result was in the formation of the City aqueduct company, with D. L. Harris, R. A. Chapman, G. R. Townsley and B. B. Tyler as its proprietors. This company took a supply of water from wells on the hill and conveyed it through pipes into the business sections of the city : but there soon arose the cry that the wells were draining the private wells in their locality, and also that trees and all vegetation were threatened by the re- moval of their natural nourishment. It was then suggested that the city should become owner of the water works plants and also that a new and ample supply should be found without dan-
ger to private interests. This matter was the subject of agita- tion for several years1, and finally, in 1872, an act of the legis- lature authorized a million dollar bond issue for the purpose of establishing an adequate water system, with a source of supply either in the Connecticut or the Chicopee river. The act was approved May 6, 1872, and was accepted by the people on May 28 following.
The first board of water commissioners appointed under the act comprised Horace Smith, Daniel L. Harris, A. D. Briggs, Samuel W. Porter and George C. Fisk, and under their super- vision the difficult work of inaugurating the new system was be- gun. The franchise and interests of the old Springfield aque-
1In a special communication to the city council in August, 1871, Mayor Smith said : "In 1860 this subject was brought before the council, and a commit- tee was appointed to make the necessary investigations. The report of the com- mittee contained estimates of the cost of obtaining a supply from the Connecticut river and other sources. No steps, however, were taken toward carrying into effect either of the suggestions of the committee, and the matter has been suf- fered to rest until now. The population and business of the city are steadily increasing, and the demand for a sufficient supply of water is increasing in more than a corresponding ratio. There is a considerable portion of the city that the aqueduct company, though making the most of their facilities, cannot reach, and there is a very large amount of property without any adequate protection from destruction by fire." Agreeable to the suggestions of the mayor, the board of aldermen, on August 22, designated Messrs. Sibley, Dickinson and Hawkins as members of a joint special commission to make inquiry as to the most feasible plan of supplying the city with water. On August 28 the common council se- lected as members of the commission above described Messrs. howard, Bradley, Newell and Holt.
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duct company, and also of the City aqueduct company, were pur- chased, and their systems were united, and a new temporary source of supply was established, first by taking water from Gar- den brook and later by erecting a pumping station on the bank of the Connecticut at Brightwood. This, however, was not more than a temporary expedient and as soon as the necessary preliminary investigations could be concluded, and a proper reservoir location could be found, the commissioners purchased a little more than 800 acres of land in Ludlow, from which local- ity the city has since derived its greatest supply of water.
Oak Street School, Springfield
The city still owns the old sources of supply which were ac- quired from the aqueduct companies, the extensive works in Ludlow constructed in 1873-75, the works at Belchertown, which were constructed in 1890-91, and the additional works at Lud- low, constructed in 1893-94. The aggregate storage capacity of all works is 2,295,792,000 gallons of water; mode of supply, gravitation.
The city water system has cost Springfield the total sum of $2,128,559.56, of which amount interest bearing bonds are out-
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THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD
standing in the sum of $1,500,000. According to the last annual report of the superintendent of water works, there are now in use 144.64 miles of supply and distribution mains, while the total number of connections in use is 9,764.
The following table, taken from the last commissioners' re- port, shows the total amount of water rates charged and collected in each year since 1885 :
YEAR
Water Rates Charged (During the year, only)
Water Rates Collected
Totals
Increase
Totals
Increase
1885
$93,421 60
$90,848 05
1886
100,537 77
$7,116 17
97,298 78
$6,450 73
1887
108,140 94
7,603 17
105,451 52
8,152 74
1888
115,146 35
7,005 41
112,581 21
7,129 69
1889
126,220 72
11,074 37
122,541 52
9,960 31
1890*
133,553 28*
7,332 56
129,913 27*
7,371 75
1891
140,604 85
7,051 57
136,985 11
7,071 84
1892
150,515 67
9,910 82
146,349 09
9,363 98
1893
164,894 65
14,378 98
160,936 78
14,587 69
1894
167,376 11
2,481 46
162,769 71
1,832 93
1895
182,357 49
14,981 38
178,421 15
15,651 44
1896
194,069 28
11,711 79
189,373 75
10,952 60
1897
196,818 72
2,749 44
192,132 58
2,758 83
1898
209,183 12
12,364 40
201,710 66
9,578 08
1889
220,673 14
11,490 02
213,061 24
11,350 58
1900
225,798 96
5,125 82
218,741 57
5,680 33
The expense of maintenance in 1900 was $24,024.97. Water Commissioners.
Under the act of 1872 provision was made for a water com- mission of five members. In 1873 the number was reduced to four members. By an act passed in 1880 the board was abol- ished, and it was provided that from and after February 1 the water commission of the city should comprise the mayor, ex officio, and two citizens, the latter to be elected by the city coun- cil, and to hold office two years after the first appointments. One commissioner is chosen each year.
* Amounts for 1890 estimated at $20,000 less than actual totals for that year, which includes 15 months water rates-instead of 12-due to change of time in rendering the semi-annual bills.
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1872-731-Horace Smith, Daniel L. Harris, A. D. Briggs, Samuel W. Porter, George Fisk.
1874-Charles O. Chapin, A. D. Briggs, George C. Fisk, Daniel L. Harris, Samuel W. Porter.
1875-76-Charles O. Chapin, Lawson Sibley, Samuel W. Porter.
1877-80-Charles O. Chapin, Samuel W. Porter, N. W. Talcott.
1881-89-The Mayor, Hiram Q. Sanderson, Noyes W. Fisk.
1890-92-The Mayor, Hiram Q. Sanderson, Charles L. Goodhue.
1893-The Mayor, Charles L. Goodhue, Richard F. Hawkins.
1894-1901-The Mayor, Charles L. Goodhue, James F. Bid- well.
THE ALMSHOUSE
From the time of founding the colony at Agawam the au- thorities of the town and subsequent city have always made special provision for the support of the indigent poor. In the early history of the town applicants for help were few, as it was the policy of the authorities to rid the settlement of all unworthy persons; but did one of their own townsmen by misfortune come to want assistance was immediately and freely extended.
From the time overseers of the poor were first elected the care of unfortunate persons was entrusted to them, and the ap- plicants generally were placed with some worthy townsman until the public was relieved of their support. This custom prevailed until 1753, when the town voted down a proposition to build an almshouse, and instead thereof directed the selectmen to hire a house and land where public charges could be maintained. In 1798 it was proposed to unite Springfield with other towns and establish a common poor house, but this plan met with disap- proval and Springfield voted to support its own poor independent of West Springfield, Longmeadow and Ludlow.
In 1801 it was voted to "purchase a place for a poor house," and Jonathan Dwight, William Pynchon, George Bliss, William
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