A History of the Putnam Fire Department From 1875-1938
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The following is from a book, which was written by James R. Bakker for the 38th Fireman's Ball, which was held on February 25th, 1938.
"This is a complete history portraying the profoundly stirring romance and the powerfully moving drama of the Putnam fire fighters since the horse and buggy days in 1875 to the motorized age of 1938" While progress is steadily marching forward to a point of perfection in the development of highly scientific methods and facilities in fire fighting, it is traditional that we pause now and then to review the parched pages of history and depict some of the more important steps which were taken during the advance of the past seventy-fire years. Thus, we eagerly turn to the first chapter of the color-studded history of the Putnam Fire Department, as it was in and around the year of 1875 when the horse and buggy era and the dusty trail were predominant. Without the aid of official records, the enlightening information herein recorded is more or less based on interviews with sundry people and an exhaustive study of documents left behind by those who generously gave their energies to the founding of an organization to combat fire in the little centralized village of Putnam. At that time Putnam consisted principally of a small cluster of wooden blocks, over which the red menace continually hovered. It seems that three fires in quick succession back in 1875 were necessary to provoke the citizenry of Putnam to the realization that they were utterly unprepared to fight any fire of the moment. The first blaze occurred in January, 1875, at Dr. Houghton's Corner. The second time, fire struck a deathly blow at the livery stable on Harris Street. But when the beautiful St. Mary's Church was reduced to a smoldering mass of ruins on February 6th of that year, people were in a frame of mind that too much haste could not be made in organizing a fire department. The later fire converted to ashes over 1,000 volumes of books, contributing to a total fire loss of $48,000. An energetic and civic-spirited gentleman named Lucius H. Fuller, who was later to become Mayor when the village was incorporated as a city, proved to be the driving force in the establishment of an organized fire department to prevent further destruction by fire. After exerting untiring efforts, Mr. Fuller obtained over $1,200. By public subscription, and with this sum steps were immediately taken to purchase fire apparatus and to otherwise prepare the town to set up adequate standards of fire protection.
It is interesting to note at this point of the story, what actually constituted those two hand engines, or jumpers, as they were called. One was the Gaspee that was originally built in Providence and owned be the volunteer fire department there. It was a substantial and handsome affair, as jumpers go, being built of mahogany with attractive metal trimmings and ornaments. It remained in use here until the change to horse drawn apparatus took place, and than it was sold back to Providence, who seemed to want it for purely sentimental reasons. The Gaspee had son great prowess for them in Musters and the good times associated with it apparently influenced the Rhode Island firemen to pay Putnam's smoke-eaters the original figure on the bill of sale which was $250. The Gaspee may be viewed in Providence today where it is a most precious and coveted keepsake. The other hand engine was built in Pawtucket for the firemen of that city, seemingly in the hope that it would defeat at yearly Musters, the deadly rival Gaspee engine. The latter engine, however, failed to comply with the desired requirements, and hence was readily disposed of. Discrediting the strange quirks of fate, it seems baffling that these rival engines should find there way to Putnam. The latter apparatus was purchased of Johnston, R. I. The zealous spirit of the interested parties to have a desirable agency to protect the community from fire, was climaxed during the summer of 1875, when a special town meeting was held for the purpose of creating a fire district. It was the indisputable mandate of the meeting that such a district be formed and that a charter be secured from the General Assembly. Mr. Lucius H. Fuller, one of the major forces behind the movement, was unanimously named chairman of the committee created to obtain the charter. Although it was the sentiment of the people, the proposed fire district has it adversaries. Manufacturers, who maintained their own system of fire fighting, protested vigorously on the grounds that they had no desire to pay a fire district tax, as they were amply protected for the time being. After endless discussions and lengthy conferences, it was finally agreed that if such a charter was obtained there would be three classes of taxation: (a) property in the downtown section, (b) property in the zone just outside the downtown section and within the fire district, and (c) property of manufacturers. With the much-discussed matter amicably and fairly settled in the town, Mr. Fuller went before the legislature and asked for the charter. After the presentation of the plan, it was granted and became operative June 24, 1875. On July 1, of the same year, the first fire district meeting was held with Mr. Charles Kinney as chairman and Mr. Fuller as clerk. Common knowledge handed down through the years claims that Mr. J. A. Carpenter was the first fire warden of the district. Others included were Mr. Dutee Smith, Mr. G. W. Holt, Mr. L. H. Fuller and Judge C. H. Chesebro. Judge Chesebro served as warden from October 1879, to the first meeting of the Common Council on January 5, 1896, when the newly formed city took affairs in hand. Mr. Charles Kinney, who had taken an active part in the creation of the fire prevention measurers, was chosen as the first engineer of the department. He served for only a short period of time when he was succeeded by Mr. John Chapman, who was later relieved by Mr. Charles H. Kelly. Mr. Lucius H. Fuller was the next chief in line and he continued in office without interruption for twelve years. At the end of that tenure of office he declined reelection that someone else might have the opportunity to hold the responsible post. In face of the persistency of his fellow-men to continue as chief, he resigned and the next chief was Mr. Henry L. Burt, who retained the position until the village became a city in 1895. During that same year, the fire district authorized the building of two fire stations, on of which now stands on Union Square and the other on Bridge Street, just at the westerly end of the bridge, which is now used as a second-hand store. On January 14, 1876, the fire station in the downtown section was dedicated by the Protector Hose Company No. 1., when fire warden J. A. Carpenter formally turned over the house to the foreman, Mr. John P. Sabin. Mr. Carpenter stated that the department consisted of two hand engines, two hose carriages, iron pipes connected with force pumps at Moriarty & Sayles' Mill, and two brick engines houses. Speeches were delivered by Fire Chief John Chapman, Mr. S. H. Seward, Col. J. M. Lyon and Mr. Harrison Johnson. The downtown house including the land cost $4,340. And was built by Mr. William Chamberlain. Prior to the time when connections were effected with the force pump at the mill, the fire department was dependent for its water supply upon cisterns, wells and the river located parallel to Canal Street. When a fire started, the first move was the vigorous ringing of the church bells, and if a locomotive was conveniently at hand, its whistle would rapidly go into action until response came from the firemen. Shortly afterward, hose would be unreeled and the suction end placed in the most handy water supply. Returning to the scene of the fire, firemen could be witnessed bobbing up and down in rocker motion, as the single stream of water played weakly on the blaze. This form of fire fighting was a back-aching business to the volunteer smoke-eaters. About twelve men were stationed on each side of the antiquated jumper and were periodically relieved when they became fatigued by the laborious task. Although there were many men who signified their willingness to be members of the fire department and looked upon the strenuous duties with esteem, they found little pleasure in pulling the cumbersome apparatus through the rut-bound streets. Oftentimes, when they arrived at the burning house or whatever it happened to be, they were to exhausted to stage an energetic battle with any degree of agility or efficiency. Untold obstacles were always in abundance, but the firemen went nobly and bravely through the maze of hardships. The apparatus would frequently become mired at an upgrade point while en route to the scene, and due to the hilly countryside combined with an occasional insufficiency of men, it never reached it desired destination. While this period was at its height, other important events were transpiring, among them were the formation of volunteer hose and hook and ladder companies. This, however, was not a tremendous effort, for interest in protecting the community from the havoc raised by fire was becoming increasingly apparent. At that time the village of Putnam was protected by the General Putnam Hook and Ladder Company, hand drawn except on occasions when a horse was attached to a fifty foot rope and thus the men were spared most of the heavy pulling. In addition to this, there were the Protector Hose Company No. 1., Eagle Hose Company No. 2., and the Mansfield Hose Company No. 3. The latter company was formerly the Goodhue and the Reliance Hose companies. Of these four companies, the Mansfield group started the ball of advancement rolling which eventually brought about the change from the hand drawn to the horse drawn apparatus. The members of the company raised ample funds to purchase a hose cart to which a horse could be attached. For a time they occupied the throne of envy and doubtless were the proudest members of the department. The new acquisition was first housed in the late Michael Joy's liver stable, but was later transferred to the adjacent engine house. After ceaseless planning and unflagging exertion, the new fire district laid water mains in the business section of the town and provided hydrants for the sole purpose of combating fire. This work was quickly undertaken and carried to completion in rapid order. The water was pumped into the mains from the river by force pumps at Moriarty's Mill, no known as the Putnam Woolen Mill. This setup, however, only benefited those in the heart of the village, so cisterns were dug impartially about the outlying districts for the purpose of making available a ready supply of water in case of fire. One of the early fires of importance occurred in 1878, when the so-called Tom Bugbee block was totally destroyed by fire. The building was restored a year later only to experience a repetition on Memorial Day 1882. The latter fire was first discovered by Dr. A. H. Strahan, now dean of professional men, and Probate Judge E. H. Wright. The building was rebuilt the next year and is now know as Union Block. When the country-wide movement was afoot to abandon hand-drawn machines and change to horse-drawn apparatus, Putnam people proved themselves as progressive as the rest. This accomplishment was not made by vote of the fire district, but only after the village of Putnam became a city. This step of improvement in fire protection was regarded as equally substantial and far-reaching as the one in 1885, when the Putnam Water Company was formed. Other companies envious of their competitors progressiveness, managed, by concerted effort, to gather sufficient funds to purchase the latest and best type of horse cart. It was about the time that Putnam became a city, that the jumpers and hose reels went into the limbo of forgotten ideas, only to be revived at the behest of the reminiscent-minded gathered around the glowing fireplace. With the granting of the charter to the City of Putnam, the fire district plan was dissolved and replaced only in name and few minor rulings. Significant of his ardent interest in the function of the department, Mr. William H. Mansfield was duly elected the first Chief Engineer of the city fire department as the first session of the Common Council in January, 1896.
In the beginning of the twentieth century Putnam's fire department was without parallel in this section, having the latest horse drawn apparatus available. When Mr. W. R. Barber was elected May, he lauded the department for their high degree of efficiency and commented favorable upon the yearly fire loss which was less than $1,000. The annual appropriation for the department in that year was $4,800. Attempts were directed to reduce it to $4,000, but they were unsuccessful. Under the mayoralty of Mr. F. W. Perry, who succeeded Mr. Barber, the firemen held their fourth annual ball. It is interesting to note that the men spared no chances in case of fire, as they decorated the hall with chemical appliances and laid hose conveniently about. There were four units in the department at that time, General Putnam Hook and Ladder, Protector Hose No. 1, Eagle Hose No. 2, and Mansfield Hose No. 3. The first assistant was Mr. P. M. LeClair, who was the first foreman of the Eagle Hose company, which is now Hose Company No. 2 and located at the North End. He held that post for four years when he was succeeded by Mr. Frederick Dumas, who in turn was followed by Mr. J. A. P. Gagne. Mr. Joseph Dussault was the next foreman, until Mr. Dumas became active again and was foreman for two years. When he retired, Mr. Philias Clouthier filled the position. Later Mr. Clouthier resigned, paving the way for the election of Mr. Dumas, who held that post until the summer of 1937, when he resigned. Mr. Dumas was one of the oldest men in the department and enjoys the distinction of having been a charter member. About that time the following persons were members of the department: General Putnam Hook and Ladder Company, Archibald Macdonald, foreman and treasurer; Martin Welsh, assistant foreman; James Ryan, secretary; John D. Campbell, Grant Hopkins, A. S. Potter, Henry Welsh, William P. Murray, John McGuire, John O'Brien, Joseph Gagne, Richard Cotter, Mark Wilson, Frank Monahan, Michael Conners, Frank Murray, Thomas P. Ryan, Leander Wardell, Louis Whitney and Frank Sherlock. Protector Hose Company No. 1, C. D. Sharpe, foreman; Waldo Hopkins, assistant foreman; J. Richard Carpenter, secretary and treasurer; F. G. Letters, Irwin M. Tourtellotte, Fremont N. Bruce, Nelson LeClair, John Bird, Harry Sharpe, George Egan, Luther M. Keith, Walter Atwood, Reuben Sykes, Frank Brown and John Brennan. Eagle Hose Company No. 2, Joseph Dusseault, foreman; Philias Clouthier, assistant foreman; Godfois Chaput, secretary and treasurer; Joseph Daigle, Joseph Gagne, Joseph Page, Henry LaFlamme, Fredrick Dumas, Joseph Lachance, Alfred Dumas, Alfred Bibeault, Eugene Paradis, Clovis Paradis, Narcisse Auger and George Benoit. Mansfield Hose Company No. 3, A. P. Levitt, foreman; J. A. P. Gagne, assistant foreman; Philip Kingburger, secretary and treasurer; Michael Joy, driver; Joseph H. Maynard, John F. Carpenter, Napoleon Lucier, George P. Miner, Alphonse Bourcier, William fuller, Cortland Arnold, Joseph Tetreault, Onesime Montville, Fred Lizotte, Silas M. Wheelock, J. H. Sullivan, H. E. Levitt, Barrack K. Smith, Arthur Cockell, Dennis Cady, Michael Murphy, Theodore Boullay and William Murray. While in the early stages of the progress of the fire department, it might be proper to clarify the long debated question as to who rang in the first fire alarm under the system, adopted in 1898. The first fire chief, Mr. William H. Mansfield, who is living today, removed all clouds of doubt, when he confided in an interview that the young lady, who is now Mrs. Mansfield, pulled the first alarm for a test. As a result, Mayor Fuller was none to pleased. That generosity flourished in those days cannot be refuted, for when P. M. LeClair was foreman of Eagle Hose company, he established a rather unusual incentive to get quick response from the members of the company. The fireman that unlocked the engine house door first, after the sounding of the alarm, received a fifty-cent piece. Sometimes, the rewards exceeded Mr. LeClair's revenue as a fireman, as in that period the salary was five dollars a year. The men received their pay quarterly. The late Tom Bundy was regarded as the stalwart alarm-ringer at that time. Because of his nearness to the Congregational Church, he was always at hand to render the service of climbing up the steeple and ringing out the chimes to the every-ready firemen. Those days were not without their important and disastrous fires, for on April 24, 1904, the First Baptist Church on the corner of Woodstock Avenue and Church Street, was burned to the ground, causing an estimated damage of $35,000. Two alarms were pulled and the firemen rushed to the scene and fought courageously the fire-torn structure, which finally fell in ruins. The only things salvaged in the path of the tearing blaze were a piano, organ, and the pulpit Bible. The church suffered a similar experience on February 22, 1873. The fire started when a spark issued from the Union Novelty Works owned by Mr. S. E. Moore. In 1905 the city court vacated its room in the fire department and moved into the Grand Armory Hall, making more spacious quarters for hose companies one and two. The Hook and Ladder company occupied the rear room. This innovation supplied a long-felt need for the firemen. Although entailing a loss of only $3,000, a memorable fire broke out on February 28, 1906, during the early hours of the morning in a building then known as the "Red Front". It was occupied by Jerry Labby's saloon, and Fred Allard's lunch room. The morning air was painfully cold and when Allard saw dense clouds of smoke rolling out of the window he ran helter-skelter to Bohanons corner and pulled the alarm and then went to Mike Joy's stable to arouse the driver of the fire wagon. Soon the firemen arrived at the scene and the water, upon hitting the frame of the building, immediately froze. After the fire was over, the men's, clothes were enveloped in coats of ice. While walking over the charred ruins, Chief Mansfield started to climb a partially burned stairway, which gave way under him. He plunged down sharply sustaining a cut ankle and several sprained fingers. As an illustration of the sentiment of the public toward the fire department at that time, is the following letter to the Putnam Patriot: "The firemen should be praised for their highly risky work and merit the support of all of the citizens. There are sixty-three men on the department at present and for the past five years only $6,000. has been expended for salaries. Of that amount only $2,000. has been spent for apparatus." On September 1, 1906, the department proved its prowess by winning several handsome prizes at a muster in Webster. The Protector Hose company wagon, decorated with green boughs and hydrangeas, defeated the Millbury outfit by two seconds in a horse hose race to claim a $50. purse. Chief Mansfield, in his report at the start of the year of 1907, stated that the department consisted of seventy-four men, two two-horse hook and ladder trucks, one one-horse hose wagon. He said that the fire alarm system had been changed from the old gravity system to a storage battery set-up with a switchboard containing a two-section circuit-repeater, making a more complete system. He related that the old system cost between $275. and $300. to operate, while the new one only entailed an expense of $3. to operate for six months. The annual payroll amounted to $1,770. during that year. In the light of steady improvement, it is well to note that there were eighty-three hydrants, fourteen fire alarm boxes and a total of 152 fires resulting in a yearly loss of $2,553. After acting as chief for twelve years, Mr. Mansfield was replaced by Michael Joy, a member of the department since the days of its inception. The assistant chief was Frank Monahan. During the administration of Fire Chief Joy, several fires of importance occurred. One was when the Pine Tree Worsted Company was totally destroyed by fire, and the other on October 18, 1909, when four industries were wiped out. The industries occupying the building were a slipper factory, Novelty Works, Fisher Shoe Shop and Dorsey & Bone, wood turners. When Archibald Macdonald was elected Mayor in 1910, he resigned his position as foreman of the General Putnam Hook and Ladder company to the deep regret of his fellow fire-fighters. In recognition of his faithful service a photograph of the company was presented to him by his successor, Martin Welsh. William Frazier was named to fill the vacancy created by the promotion of Mr. Welsh. The fire appropriation during that year was $5,300, an increase of $300. over the previous year. At the May council meeting in 1910, Chief Joy tended his resignation as hear of the fire department. He was succeeded by Mark H. Wilson as enthusiastic member of the Hook and Ladder company. Barrack K. Smith was then elected to the post of first assistant. At the same meeting a lengthy discussion took place relative to the inadequate water pressure supplied by the Putnam Water Company. The council claimed that the city was receiving insufficient fire protection because of this condition. When the twenty-fifth annual convention of the Connecticut State Firemen's Association was held that year, Putnam sent the following delegates: J. A. P. Gagne, Hose No. 3; Fred Flagg, Hose No. 1; Martin Welsh, Hook and Ladder; Frederick Dumas and Philias Clouthier, Eagle Hose company. The many good old times were had by all is highly evidenced by an account of a banquet staged by the Mansfield and Eagle Hose companies on October 6, 1910. After finishing an elaborately prepared repast, fire fighter Gagne arose and began to tell of a rather humorous incident which took place at a recent Putnam fair. He said that Brother Bourcier, while taking in the sights about the grounds, experienced the misfortune of having his purse stolen, and so tonight it gives me great pleasure to present him with the bill fold more heavily laden than when he was separated from it. After looking it over carefully with a pair of surprised eyes, Bourcier found over $100. in stage money snugly tucked away in his wallet. Later in the evening Frederick Dumas had the floor and delivered himself of the following remarks: "I am pleased to be among you men tonight, not as a baseball player, although I am a good one, but as a fireman. At this time I would like to present the Mansfield Hose company with this brightly wrapped baseball bat for their victory. And may I say, while you plucked the feathers from our tail, you failed to get the pin feathers from our wings." Some one remarked from the back of the room, "if he uses that bat and a balloon perhaps Billy Fuller can hit it!" The firemen held many clambakes in those times, and judging from reports handed down, there was plenty of stimulating hilarity. Mr. Fuller was always in charge of the culinary department and his reputation as an expert chef was widespread. On one of these periodic clambakes, it is clamed that "Pop" Tourtellotte and a fellow by the name of Adams went out in a boat, and due to the tremendous weight in the stern the craft proved unseaworthy and consequently both fishermen "touched the bottom." In the early part of 1912, the barn at the Windham County Temporary hose in Sawyer District caught fire and was totally destroyed. The Mansfield Hose company went to the scene and centered its efforts toward saving the main house. The loss was estimated at $7,000, most of which was covered by insurance. With the burning of the Quinebaug House on October 30, 1912, Putnam was visited by a vicious reign of ruthless incendiaries, which wrought untold havoc to the entire populace. Everyone retired at night entertaining the unpleasant thought that he might be the next victim. Within a week, a vacant building at Priest's Island was consumed by flames. But when the E. M. Wheaton Building and Lumber Company on School Street was purposely turned into a roaring mass of uncontrollable fire, which for a time threatened the entire city, leaving in its wake terror, destitution, suffering and great loss of property, the city was in a state of pandemonium. The fire caused a total damage of $150,000 and rendered ten families homeless, in addition to plunging the city into total darkness for a while. It is not known who first detected the fire, but Officer Cordier rang in the alarm when a breathless boy ran to him shouting, "Wheaton's shop's afire!" Telephone and electric light poles caught fire and toppled to the ground in a tangled mass. The local department was aided by the Danielson and Webster departments, which came to this city on flat cars. The following losses were incurred: Wheaton, $75,000; Putnam Coal & Wood, $20,000; W. D. Chase, slipper manufactory, $5,000; Southern New England Telephone Company, $10,000. While the members of the fire department were fighting the Wheaton fire, another alarm was pulled, when the home of George L. Prentice caught fire from an unknown source. Engaged in a bitter fight at the lumber plant, the department was unable to render effective assistance to the Prentice fire. That the latter fire had been set was beyond the slightest doubt, for Prentice had noticed a suspicious person about the premises. Despite a petition from all the firemen demanding the retainment of Fire Chief Wilson, he handed his resignation to the Common Council in January 1913, stating that failing health was his reason for retirement. He was succeeded by Joseph Maynard, during a period when the city was in the grip of continual dread of misery caused by the destructive fire fiend who was possessed of an unaccountable urge to wreck the achievements of others. Firemen living today well remember the bitter cold, when the alarm was rung in announcing the fire at the old Chickering House, this fire resulted in an estimated damage of $20,000. Occupants of the house fled from the ravaging blaze in scanty attire, barely escaping what might have been tragic injuries. Railroad locomotives blew their whistles and soon the whole town was awakened by the ensuing din and the blaze-lit sky. The building was owned by Mr. R. H. Bradley and the hotel property was the possession of Landlord J. T. McClellan. Money and jewelry valued at a high figure were left in the wake of the blaze, which firemen combated for three hours. Other establishments sustaining fire loss included Charles Miron, barber; Geeson's Meat Market; C. C. Talbot, Putnam News Company. While conclusive evidence of arson was swiftly accumulating before the public's horror-stricken eyes, another disastrous fire occurred on April 8th, 1913 at the Fairgrounds, causing destruction amounting to $10,000. Among those who suffered losses were Michael Joy, Richard Gorman, J. J. Burke and Frank Howarth. The latter's automobile was stored in one of the buildings. No Alarm was sounded as the buildings were located out of the city limits. Only two weeks after this incendiary occurrence, the J. B. Tatem Handle factory was obliterated by fire resulting in a damage of $15,000. On September 8, 1913, there came a sudden and shocking termination of the series of set fires with the arrest of two young men who confessed to starting eight different fires from October 30, 1912 to April 25, 1913. The sensational arrests brought to a close the terrifying drama in which the public stood helplessly by and looked on aghast. With the advent of this development, the people at large and the firemen slept more peacefully. In February of 1914, this city experienced an unfortunate disaster, when two fires twelve hours apart, broke out in the Bradley building on Front Street, creating a loss of nearly $40,000. The fire stated in the chimney and rapidly spread through the partitions. The firemen responded to the first fire during the afternoon, at which time the first act of the "Spendthrift" was playing. A young boy rushed to the back of the stage and announced that a fire was in progress. One woman in the audience immediately fainted. However, the remainder of the house, walked orderly out of the building while the pianist, Maude Simpson, played on unmindfully. The second fire in the same building occurred in the middle of the following morning and the drowsy firemen were awakened by the train whistle. The latter blaze added $10,000 to the loss, making it the most serious conflagration since the memorable Wheaton fire. The firemen were caked in ice from the bitter cold and a shipping north wind. During the battle, John B. Byrne had his ring torn from his finger. It was found later by Frank Baker. Early Wednesday morning, March 25th of the same year, the livery stables of Luther M. Keith were reduced to ruins causing damage extending to $10,000. Eleven horses were trapped to death in the blaze-torn structure. C. Dwight Sharpe was the first person to notice the blaze. Saving the building was an impossibility, but the firemen prevented the fire from spreading to other buildings dangerously nearby. It was in the early part of 1914, that the City of Putnam became aware of the fact that steps should be taken in an attempt to motorize the fire department through the purchase of an automobile chemical fire apparatus. The Putnam Business Men's Association sent a communication to the Common Council asking for better fire protection and suggested that the city appropriate sufficient funds for the purchase of a fire truck. On May 9, 1914, Union Block, twice destroyed by fire, suffered a fire damage of $20,000, when a blaze started in the cellar of the Chandler & Morse Hardware store. It was first detected by a railroad inspector, who saw black, oily clouds of smoke issuing from the cellar windows. By the time firemen arrived, a large supply of paint had caught fire, making it impossible for the firemen to fight the blaze in the usual manner. They were forced to spend most of the morning hours on their stomachs to avert the suffocating smoke. At mortal rise, assistant chiefs, C. Dwight Sharpe and Alphonse Bourcier, along with hoseman John Daigle, stalked about the smoke-filled cellar and finally removed two twenty-pounds cans of explosive powder, while an awe-stricken crowd of spectators waited for their safe return. After staging a brave and dramatic fight during the morning hours, the firemen looked a bedraggled contingent of battered soldiers when dawn came up over Oak Hill.
The new truck was an American LaFrance, No. 10, four cylinder 70 horsepower and capable of going sixty miles per hour if necessary. It was a chain driven combination chemical engine and hose cart with a flare body equipped with seats for the firemen. Such accessories as axes, ladders, coats, boots, hats, nozzles, electric searchlights and hose, were attached to the red machine. Not long after the new truck was backed into the central station, rumors gained persistent currency that the apparatus was being used for joy rides by several of the more fashionable firemen. After an investigation into the matter, authorities stated publicly that no such incidents ever happened and that certain people were circulating suck stories for political purposes. In 1916, Cortland Arnold became chief of the fire department, succeeding Joseph Maynard. The first fire of the year occurred at the chief's home, when a blaze caused damage amounting to $200. On January 12th of that year the fire department lost one of its most revered members in the death of Michael Joy, who for years furnished the city with horses to draw the fire apparatus. April 10th of that year went down on record as a busy day for the firemen, who answered fire alarms, that spelled a total loss reaching $15,000. The summary of the day's fire chasing was as follows: W. S. Johnson's residence on Church Street, Ballard & Clark, S. Diamond store the Direct Importing Company and a chimney fire. At the December Council meeting in 1916, a petition by a number of citizens, requesting that the city purchase another motor driven truck, was made. Fire Chief Arnold urged the citizens to vote in the affirmative for the purchase of a new apparatus. While this question was under fire, the department underwent a serious period of dissension and rebellion. It began in 1918 when the council appointed Alphonse Bourcier to succeed Cortland Arnold as fire chief. In addition to a communication to the council signed by citizens demanding that Chief Arnold be retained, members of Hose Company No. 1 threatened to resign as a body if Bourcier was elected. Mayor Marcy stayed the administering of the oath to Bourcier until January 14th, in hope that the members would reconsider their steadfast threat. In spite of the no-uncertain statements of Hose No. 1, Bourcier was sworn in on a Monday afternoon, bringing about a most unpleasant situation. When asked what they would do in case an alarm rang, several of the members replied, "we will roll over in bed, place our hand against the wall, and, if it is not warm, we will go to sleep again." They did, however, admit that should an alarm ring from the business section of the city, they would come down and see where the fire was and not stand by idly and see property destroyed. So, Putnam's fire protection the following morning consisted of a hose company of twelve men stationed at the north end of the city and a hook and ladder company at the central station, together with what assistance old members of Hose Company No. 1 would render, which was an unknown quantity. Members of the company removed all their belongings from the station house, making it appear like an abandoned house. For several months charges and counter-charges were discussed by the councilmen concerning the appointment of Bourcier as chief. About that time, the north end company became embroiled in controversy over an election of officers, which resulted in an airing in the council chambers, accompanied by resignations of several officers. On October 3, 1918, fire broke at midnight in the Byron D. Bugbee department store, causing a damage of $60,000. The firemen fought several hours before the flames were brought under control. The fire was of an incendiary origin. On March 13th, the follow year, the department felt keenly the loss of one of its former and praiseworthy members, Henry L. Burt. He had served as chief during the days when horses were used to draw the apparatus. The embers of controversy over the appointment of Bourcier as chief never died entirely out, for as late as November, 1919, the council held hearings on friction within the department. At the November meeting of the alderman, Bourcier reported that he was denied access to the books at the north end station. In 1920, Cortland Arnold was again appointed chief to succeed Bourcier. That year got off to a rather inauspicious start, as Hotel Chickering, a landmark of Putnam, was totally ruined by fire on January 15th during an early hour of the morning. There were twenty guests in the hotel when the fire broke out and most of them had to be carried down an extension ladder raised by Henry Welsh, foreman of the hook and ladder company. Some of the guests were thinly clad and barefooted, as they were assisted out of the burning building. The Danielson department came to assist the local fire fighters, despite the below-zero weather. That was the third time the Chickering House caught fire. The firemen looked like human icebergs and when the cornice of the building, facing Front Street, crumbled earthward, it crashed through electric wires leaving a discouraging mess to greet the morning sun. It was at that time that the members of Hose Co. No. 2 expressed bitter opposition toward the reorganization of the fire department, which included many transference's and dismissal of members. Because of this plan, Frederick Dumas resigned as foreman and the company was plunged into a state of dissolution. Chief Arnold told the Common Council, at its April meeting in 1920, that he had detailed several men to form a company in the north end, but they returned with the report that, if they continued, they would get "their blocks knocked off." Without question, the north end was in a belligerent and desperate state of mind and turned a deaf ear to every part of the reorganization plan. Because of the state of affairs, the truck was removed temporarily to the Union Square station. In July of 1921, J. B. Tatem's Handle factory on George Street was destroyed by fire of an incendiary origin, causing a damage of $23,000. On December 26th of that year, the chemical tank on the truck belonging to Company No. 1, exploded, while the firemen were extinguishing a chimney fire in the Ross tenement on Woodstock Avenue. The pressure was so powerful that it blew Wilfred Benoit's hat off. The damage amounted to $800. In January, 1922, Ralph E. Thurston was named chief engineer of the department. He had been identified with the department for many years prior to the time he was named chief. At the beginning of Chief Thurston's term, there were two very decided and opposing views regarding the personnel and management of the fire department. However, it was not long before the holy blessing of talk fell on the council and through conferences, debates and compromises, harmony was finally predominant. No. 2 company was reorganized with Frederick Dumas as foreman, and the original north end motor truck was returned to its former Smith Street quarters, which since had undergone renovations. Washington's birthday in 1922, will long be remembered by the Putnam firemen, for on that day the Donahue block caught fire damaging property to the extent of $125,000. The blaze started about seven o'clock in the morning. Soon after the fire was detected, the department had seven streams of water on the tearing flames. Those who suffered great losses included Attorney Mahlon H. Geissler, Dr. Barnard Murphy, Attorney A. S. Macdonald, Dr. Edward Wright, Alexander's Shoe Store and Donahue's Drug Store. The fire marked the third one at the site which was originally knows as the Tom Bundy block.
It was in 1922, after two unsuccessful attempts to secure an appropriation for the purchase of a hook and ladder truck, that the voters approved a $7,500 grant for the long-needed truck. The purchase of this hook and ladder truck marked the acquisition of three motor driven trucks in the Putnam Fire Department. In April of 1928, a fire at the lumber yard of M. Kinney and Son, a business conducted by Elbert Kinney, caused $20,000 damage. This was an important fire, for it gave the firemen a difficult battle for a few hours. Huge clouds of smoke rose skyward, as the fire fighters waged a triumphant skirmish against the fire demon, and hundreds of spectators gathered about the sweeping flames. At the time the fire occurred, the decorating committee was busily at work in the Armory building, making preparations for the ball which was to be held that evening. Several of the firemen were detailed to watch the fire that evening in case it should start again.
One of Putnam's landmarks was destroyed in March, 1929, when the City Hotel on Sough Main Street was wiped out by fire. The damage was estimated at $15,000. On October 6, 1930, Fire Chief Ralph E. Thurston passed away at the Truesdell Hospital in Fall River. The loss of Mr. Thurston to the department was immeasurable, for his untiring efforts to elevate the standards of the volunteer fire department were everywhere in evidence. If an improvement in the department was in order, Chief Thurston will always be remembered as one who never failed to lend his undaunted courage and ardent support. City and town officials, members of the fire and police departments and many other admiring friends were in attendance at the funeral. As a final tribute, the fire alarm tolled at the hour of burial.
Needless to say, the administration of the past three chiefs, is worthy of much commendation, in light of the contributions they have made in the direction of improvement. Former Chief Dumas is a man of sterling character and during his term as head of the department, he exercised the same influence over the men in the department. His ability as a fire chief was exemplified by the way in which he handled his men while the battle was in progress.
A great deal can be written about the progress in the department from 1936 on, under the regime of the present head, George H. Harper Jr. Strengthening the department's position for fire fighting, was the purchase of a $6,750 combination pump and hose truck during the summer of 1936. It is the latest type of apparatus with a 12-cylinder motor and has 165 horse power. During Chief Harper's reign, many changes for betterment were effected. Today, the department conducts periodic drills in uniform and frequent test alarms are staged. The Central station has been painted and the interior gives the impression of a club-house with all the modern facilities. The attractiveness of the inside is majorly due to the energetic and interested efforts of present members of the department. Among the principal additions recently contributed to the completeness of the department, was the purchase of a modern inhalator. This was purchased with funds acquired by public subscription. Indicative of the efficiency and training of the department, was the way in which the fireman fought the $35,000 Bradley Theatre fire on December 9th, at 4:30 o'clock in the morning. Not long after a general alarm was rung in from Box 41, five lines of hose were laid and thousands of gallons of water were poured into the front section of the building, which was a raging inferno. In bringing the curtain down upon the history of the Putnam Volunteer Fire Department, it might be proper and fitting to express our appreciation and kindness to those who gave their energy, no matter how small, to the founding and steady growth of the department. It is an impossibility to mention all the names of those who played active roles in the history of the department, so we take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude. |
