1

Organized fire protection in Middlebury is over two centuries old.

1808

On November 4 the Borough of Middlebury organized for the purpose of fire
protection. This organization was to die out for lack of interest. The pumper
was sold to pay off outstanding debts. Eight years later on November 5, 1816
the fire unit was revived then allowed to die again.

1829


On January 6 the first engine company in Middlebury was organized. This company
was to be known as the Middlebury Fire Society. Organized fire protection in
Middlebury is over two centuries old. The company had the following officers;
one captain, four lieutenants, two hose man, and forty or more privates. The
commanding officer had access and right to use the engine and apparatus as
deemed necessary. The commanding officer (in time of fire) had complete control
of the engine and company. The engine company had four divisions, each under
the command of a lieutenant. Section four was in charge of the hooks, ladders,
and axes.

Also at this time every home owner was required to have at hand a bucket hook,
a ladder capable of reaching the eaves of the house and barn, and also a 10
quart leather pail.

Failure to attend a meeting was a fifty cent fine. Delay in responding to a
fire was a seventy-five cent fine. Not returning to the station after a fire
was a fifty cent fine, Refusing to obey orders of the Captain was a one dollar
fine.

Roll calls were taken within fifteen minutes after the start of a meeting and
immediately after the return of the engine from a fire.

1845

At the annual meeting on January 6 a motion was made and passed on a vote of
twelve to seven that in consequence of the nature of the new military laws
passed by the legislature of the State of Vermont and other reasons the fire
company be disbanded at this time.

1846

The Village of Middlebury ordered the purchase of a fire engine. This was a
Buttons engine, a class 2 pumper with 9 inch cylinders. This pumper also known
as a cradle pump was purchased from Button and Blake of Waterford, Saratoga
County, New York.

2
On April 15 under the rules and regulations of fire bylaws passed at a meeting
of the corporation of the Village of Middlebury the following people agreed to
organize a fire company to be known as the Middlebury Fire Co. # 1.
Jason Davenport Martin Dorance Heman Langworthy
Justus Cobb Jacob Dewey E.B. Parker
Robert Bringham A.W. Crane Horace Crance
J.A.Gee George Gorham George Gorham
James Glade Harry Langworthy George Langworthy
A.J. Look Nathaniel Harris James Huntington
Daniel Wells Amasa Harrington William Fox
Lucius Taylor Daniel Judd Charles Huntington
R.L.Fuller Walter Johnson Levi Peck
Luther Fales Drafer Nichols N.Furguson
A.R. Rising John Simmons


May 20 At a meeting of the company which was convened by order of the
trustees of the Village of Middlebury the following people were elected to
their respected positions.
Levi Peck - Captain
Martin S. Dorance -1st Lt.
Jason Davenport -2nd Lt.
Justus Cobb -3rd Lt.
Horace Crane -4th Lt.
Heman Langworthy -1st Hose man
Amasa Harrington - 2nd Hose man
John H. Simon - Sec.

Sometime between 1848 and 1850 the Middlebury Fire Co. #1 changed its name to
the Washington Engine Co. #1

Any person joining the Washington Engine Co. paid a $1.00 admission fee.

1856

In 1856 the fire station at Park Square was built. The first meeting in the
new station was held on December 20, 1856. It was torn down in 1934 to make
way for the present post office.

1859

The payroll for the Washington Engine Co. was $103

1879

March Young men met at the Park House to organize a hose company.
President- Will Chapman- Secretary, A.T. Stephen, Treasurer- Frank A. Marshall,
Foreman- James Donahue, 1
st
Assistant- Ed Brunelle, Pipeman- George Abby,
Hydrant man- Pete Donnelly. It would be called the Independent Hose Company

April 30 At noon a fire broke out in the L. W. Huntington upholstery room in
the Poverty Block. The fire originated in a box of excelsior near the stove. A
3
bucket brigade was formed while the men ran for the engine and hose cart. There
was little damage

The fire company was presented a silver trumpet by the Rutland Railroad for
preserving railroad property. The cost of the trumpet was figured to be around
$60.

1880


January The Washington Hose Company meeting had its election of
officers. Col. A.S. Tracy Foreman, Chas. Huntington- 1
st
Assistance, Daniel
Adams- 2
nd
Assistance, Samuel Brooks- Clerk/Treasurer, Justis Cobb- Auditor
The same officers served the previous year. Dan Adams responded to a call for a
speech. He stated everything was in good shape. Col. Tracy set out a box of
fine cigars. He stated that the company is in flourishing condition and never
better

March There was a discussion on the repair of a fire engine. T.K. Kingsley
made the motion that the trustees send the engine to Buttons and Son for
repair. Motion passed. T.A. Conant of Brandon would loan an engine while
Middleburys was being repaired. Motion was made to exempt the members from the
village tax but not the highway tax.

April The citizens of Middlebury were upset with the trustee for not
sending the engine to L. Button and Son for repairs that the taxpayers had
approved

May 7 The fire Company was invited to a night with the Post Warner No. 16 in
observance of Decoration Day

May 14 The reservoir in front of G.C. Chapman will hold for a draft for two
hours even if drawn by the steam engine

May 20 Brooksville called upon Middlebury for its engine. It returned to
the station when the all clear was sounded. It never made the scene

The Village of Middlebury again purchased a pumper. This time the village
purchased a horse drawn steam pumper. It was a Fairmont engine manufactured by
the Jeffers Co. of Pawtucket, R.I. The steamer arrived in Middlebury on June 1.

June 11 The new steam engine arrived and was given quarters at the engine
house. Bright brass and nickel plate showed evidence of little service. A trail
was made near the Addison House to water. Full power was used and the citizens
of the village were pleased.

June 18 The new steam engine was tried by John OConner two or three
times. At first it was it was a failure in throwing a good stream. OConnor
continued and experimented until a good stream was thrown.

October 1 The engine house underwent renovations and the engine was kept in
Horace Cushmans barn

4


1881

March 4 It was voted that firemen would be exempted from taxation but not
the highway tax. It was also voted to direct the selectmen to members of the
fire company annually. Such pay would be exempt if the fireman had been
exempted from taxes.

April 15 Benjamin Prestons house burned to the ground as little could be
done to save it.

May It was the first time out for the steam engine since December. 100ft of
new cotton hose was put on.

1882

January 6 The village gave the fire department $1256.15 which included $450
for five hundred feet of new hose, $208.86 for new building for the hand engine
and fire pump, and $185 for a fire pump

1883

January Members voted authorization to purchase five hundred more or less
of fire hose

March 30 Brookedge Tool Company burned to the ground as the fire department
could not save it.

April 6 The Fire Company held its annual election. Wm. Lavoncher, Isaac
Lavonchier, George McCue, and Fred Marcellais were unanimously elected to fill
vacancies in the department.
The trustees voted to increase the membership by 12 more members to be under
Foreman Col. Tracy. He shall detail the men for service on the hand engine and
steam engine. This action was taken because it was impossible to form a new
company in a satisfactory manner.

1884

January 4 Washington Engine Company Held its Annual meeting. The
Officers elected were Foreman- John H. Sargent, 1
st
Assistant- W. E. Dewey, 2
nd

Assistant- Geo. W. Pinner, Clerk- S. Brooks, Auditor- J. Cobb. The trustees
voted to increase the membership by 12 making the total 42

January 11 The Washington Hose Company brought in new members.

January 21 The Washington Engine Company voted to have a ball on
Jan. 30
th
to raise money for new uniforms and replacement of the one that are
below par.


5
January 25 Invitations to the ball were sent out. Rutland, Burlington,
and Vergennes firemen have signified their intentions of being present. Supper
will be served at the hall. R. W. Pitts will caterer the meal.

July 18 Col. Alberts large barn burned to the ground. When it became
apparent that the barn couldnt be saved the animals and thing were moved out.
The cistern ran out of water. 8:00 the hand engine release from duty. Steam
engine failed, went to bakery pump. Bakery pump flowed water. 1750 feet hose
was used.

August 29 Jon Sergeants roof caught fire. Neighbors dumped buckets of
water on it until the fire department arrived. The fire was quickly put out by
the firemen.

October 3 A spot fire started on the roof C. C. Pecks warehouse near the
fire department. The steam engine had it out in 10 minutes. The Hand Engine was
not needed.

1885

January 23 Washington Engine Company to hold 2
nd
ball. Last years ball did
not raise enough money for uniforms.

January 30 The ball was a flop.


August 25 The Washington Engine Co. #1 voted to petitioned the Village
trustees to change its name to the Fairmont Engine Co. #3. Also on this same
date the department voted that all uniforms be kept at the station.

August 1 The village trustees voted the sum of $250 for the purchase of
uniforms for the firemen.

October 9 The Middlebury Bank and Middlebury Fire Department had a pride
day. J. B. Cobb lead, followed by H. E. Smith drum major. The members followed.
25 members turned out. The steamer was polished. Members were in new uniforms,
dark blue shirts with suitable monogram in white on the bosom belt of enameled
leather with the figure 3 in the buckle and the word Fairmont on the back.

1886

January 8 At the annual town meeting it as reported that the two
Engines and steam pump were in good order and that the companies were at full
rank. On hand was 950 ft. jacket hose, 650 ft. rubber hose, 650 ft. leather
hose,
and a 50ft ladder. Authorized was the purchase a 100 ft. ladder, pails, and a
21 Ft suction hose at cost of $78.30

January 8 The Fairmont Engine Company held its annual meeting.
Officers elected were Foreman- John H. Sargent, 1
st
Assistant-G. W Pinney, 2
nd

Assistant- Wallace E. Dewey, Clerk and Treasurer- Samuel Brooks, Captain of the
house- George Abbey, and Auditor- Justus Cobb. The company never so well
6
uniformed or in good condition.

January 12 40 couples showed for the dance with the firemen in uniform

June 25 The H. Bruce Wright house caught fire while the members were in
church. The house burned to the ground, but not before personal belongings were
saved.

July 2 The pump next to the bakery was sent to Rutland for repairs

July 9 A brush fire on Chipman Hill was out by the Steam engine before
Isaac Lavonches house caught fire

August 3 The department at the request of Henry Sheldon voted to donate the
uniform of Samuel Brooke (recently deceased) to the Sheldon Museum

October 8 The Fairmont Engine Company held its annual inspection. Everything
was in excellent condition. In the evening the company held its annul ball
which was well attended.

December 27 The engine company held a caucus for the purpose of making
nominations for trustees.

1887

January 7 The Fairmont Engine Company held its annual elections. The
officers elected were Foreman- J.H. Sargent, 1
st
assistant G.W. Pinney, 2
nd

Assistant- W.E. Dewey, Clerk and treasurer- F. E. Rodgers, Auditor- Justus Cobb

April 29 An alarm awoke the town just after midnight. It was thought that
the chapel was afire. The steam engine was fired up and both hand engines were
manned. It turned out to be nothing. College students tore down fencing and
piled it behind the chapel then set it ablaze. A day or do later 14 college
students were arrested.

May 3 The fire company voted to buy new badges out of the company funds

December 2 The steam engine was taken out for a test. It took 6 and
minutes to get cold water. The trustees had called for the test and no action
was taken concerning the company.

December 9 The fire company held a meeting to elect 9 new members

December 16 Foreman J. H. Sargent of the Fairmont Engine Company was
surprised to see the apparatus at the Logan House, with the members of the
company in full force. Sargent was expected to resign as foreman after 3 years

December 23 The Fairmont Engine Company added a member to its rank
making it 43 strong.

1888

7
January 13 At the annual meeting of the Fairmont Engine Company Foreman
J. H. Sargent retired after 3 years in the office. The following resolution was
passed.
That: As the foreman of the company, He by his uniform kindness toward the
members of the won their gratitude and respect.
That: We believe that he has labored to promote the welfare of the company in
all phases during his administration that it might do efficient service in
great perilous emergencies.

At the Village meeting the first item was a fire department expenditure. The
bill showed that $137 was paid for salaries to the members of the fire company
(3.00) per year and the balance for hose etc. These expenses cannot made
smaller.

Due to several misunderstandings about the start of meetings it was decided
that a bell would be rung as a warning 15 minutes prior to the start of a
meeting.

January 20 The Fairmont Engine Company held its annual ball with 40 couples
attending. Tickets were $.25 Supper was served by Mr. Pitts

April 20 The wooden block northwest of the town bridge caught fire. The
fire started around 8:00 PM. By 9:00 PM the roof was on fire. At 2:00 AM the
roof collapsed. The fire was out shortly after. The firemen stay to see if thee
fire would restart. It broke again.

April 27 A hose company will be organized to be composed of young
businessmen of the village. It will assist the fire company and will pay
attention to the pimps at the bakery and the Sun Pump House

May 4 The new hose company was formed with the following officers.
President - H.E. Smith, V. President - P.F. Chapman, Secretary and Treasurer
B.B. Hope. F.R. Stone, C. Morrison, and E.P. Holton committee in charge of the
hose carts

May 18 The Fairmont Engine Company voted to thank the ladies and others for
their timely supply of coffee, crackers and cheese furnished at the Union Block
fire.

May 25 The new hose company voted for new officers. Foreman- H. E. Smith,
1
st
Assistant- M.T. Butler, 2
nd
Assistant- frank Stone, Clerk and treasurer- B.B.
Hope, Pipeman- W.G. Scott. A.L. Woodward, Geo Langworthy JR, C.A. Piper
Hydrant men. E.P. Holton, Geo Tulley, Wm. Tulley Joseph Turner pump men. There
are 11 other men

June 8 The new hose company voted in new members and is now 33 strong

June 15 At the town meeting a motion was made that the trustees recognize
the new fire company and choose a chief engineer. The motion was defeated by a
vote of 79 to 74

June 19 The members voted to drop from the roll any person missing two
meetings.
8

September 21 The hose cart purchased by the new hose company was escorted
from the depot by company members and the band.

October 5 The new volunteer hose company held its meeting and took on new
members. Company was now at 46 strong. The company will have a ball

The Fairmont Engine Company will have a parade for inspection and a dance at
night

October 19 The Fairmont Engine Company will hold its 6
th
annual ball with
clam chowder and oysters for supper.

November 23 The new hose company (Volunteers of 88) held a special meeting
to choose a successor to foreman H.E. Smith who had reigned. Mr. Frank H. Winch
was elected. Company now 50 strong. The company will hold a ball with supper

December 7 The Fairmont Engine Company tested the steam engine and it was in
working order

1889

January 4 The Fairmont Engine Company Held its officer election. Voted in
was Captain- Allan Calhoun, 1
st
Assistant- Will Pinney, Clerk John Bell,
Treasurer- Issac Lavonche, Finance Committee- G.W. Pinney, John Spencer, and
Mark Bissette

March 1 The Volunteers of 88 Hose Company held a special meeting to fill
vacancies most of which was caused by the removal from town of members holding
offices. Frank Stone was chosen to succeed F.H. Winch, Fred C. Jackson- 1
st

Assistant, A.H. Langworthy to fill the vacancy made by the promotion of Frank
Stone, W.C. Foote Secretary and treasurer in place of B.B. Hope who resigned,
Robert Ballentine was chosen Clerk a position never before filled.

March 15 An alarm of fire caused the towns people to show up just after
midnight. The night watchman discovered smoke pouring out of the basement of
the B.B. Hope Furniture & Upholstering. The front part of the basement was used
for storage for the store which was where the fire started. It is thought that
the combination of oily rags started the fire. The fire company was on hand and
contained the fire in s few minutes.

May 10 The firemen were out testing the steamer and hose. After the
exercises the whole company at the invitation of C.W. Earl marched to his drug
store and wet their whistles with prime soda water from the fountain which had
just started that day.

October 4 The two fire companies have joined their forces and henceforth act
as one. An arrangement to this effect has just been completed by the trustees.
The Volunteers of 88 Hose Company will cease to exist as an independent
organization. Its members are to become part of the Fairmont Engine Company,
but they as members of that company will be in charge of the two pumps and hose
that previously belonged to them. Frank Stone is to be their foremen with Fred
9
C. Jackson as his assistant all who will be under the control of foremen
Calhoun of the Fairmont Company.


October 9 The annual parade and inspection of the Fairmont Engine Company
was held with the ball that evening.

October 25 The fire company question which has agitated some of the citizens
for some seems to be settled. Nearly all of the subscribers to the Volunteers
signed a paper expressive of the agreement with the trustees. The hose company
is to be known as the Middlebury Hose Company.

November 8 The trustees of the hose company will no longer exist and the
hose cart is the property of the village.

1890

January 7 The yearly salary of $3.00 was paid to each person. An officer or
hose man were given an extra $4.00 each.

February 14 The Fairmont Engine Company had its annual ball. No tickets were
issued and as such anyone was welcomed to attend. About 150 people attended. It
was an enjoyable affair in every aspect.

March 4 The firemen held a dance at the town hall. All proceeds were voted
into a relief fund to benefit a firemen or his family should he be hurt while
fighting a fire.

March 7 At the town meeting a vote intended to settle the long pending fire
company question was passed.
That: the Volunteers Hose Company composed of the members certified to the
board of trustees in a petition on file March 4,1890 be recognized as part of
the fire department of this village.
That: Said company shall always act under the directions of the foreman of
the Fairmont Engine Company
That: Subject to the control of said foreman said company is given use of the
two pumps, the hose cart, the hand engine, its accompanying hose (the leather
hose,450 feet of rubber hose, and 350 feet jacket hose), and the engine house
at Park Square. Provide that whenever said volunteer House company desires to
incorporate new members, the names of the candidates shall first be submitted
to the board of trustees and the approval of the candidates obtained. The
Volunteers referred to in the vote above contained the names of 20 young and
capable men who are able to render excellent service in time of fire

The fire chief was elected to office by the village people in 1891.

March 28 Mr. Hopes furniture room caught fire. Both companies were on hand.
Fire and water damage did not exceed $50

November 28 The 8
th
annual ball was held at the town hall on the evening of
Thanksgiving Day. The music was by the Middlebury band. Supper was at the
Addison House.

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1891

January 9 The volunteer hose company held its annual meeting and chose
these principal officers: Foreman- W.C. Brand, 1
st
Assistant- Wilbur Bingham,
Secretary and Treasurer- W.C. Foote

January 30 The Fairmont Engine Company took in two new members E.J. Bruton
and S.E. Miller. The officers for the year both elected and appointed are
Foremen- Allan Calhoun, 1
st
Assistant- George W. Pinney, 2
nd
Assistant- J.B.
Cobb, Treasurer- Issac Lavonche, and Clerk- John Spencer.

May 8 The volunteer hose company held a meeting and officers were chosen.
Foreman- Foreman- W.C. Foote, 1
st
Assistant- Geo. Langworthy, 2
nd
Assistant- Geo.
Kidder, Secretary and Treasurer- E.W. Fuller, and Clerk- Chas. F. Rich.

July 4 The Middlebury firemen and friends attended the firemans tournament
in Rutland. The steamer was taken to Rutland.

November 27 Around 6:40 an alarm was sounded through out the village and
soon after the town hall bell began to ring. A good number of people were on
their way to church when flames burst out fourth floor of the Smith and Sheldon
block. The people stopped to watch. Ten minutes after the alarm flame burst
forth from the Danyew Barber shop. The people of the village realized it would
be no small fire. Soon after the alarm the fireman got the steamer out and down
to the river bank near the bakery. The old hand engine was placed across the
river so that it could throw from the river. Steam was gotten up in the village
pump at the bakery as soon as the boiler filled with cold water. It took 12
minutes after the alarm to get water to flow from the steam engine. By this
time the Smith and Sheldon building was fully involved. The flames were being
pushed across the street dooming the Dr. Sheldon store and the Cobb block.
While the firemen tried to stop the flames from hopping across the street the
Buttolph block caught on fire which spread from the Smith and Sheldon block.
The bridge was badly scorched. The then spread to the Allen block and at this
time The Sheldon store and the Cobb block as well as the old cotton factory and
grist mill. By 8:00 or a little after all of the buildings consumed were on
fire at once. The store of Beckwith and Co. caught fire on the cornice work,
but by strenuous efforts it was saved from much damage. The bridge damaged a
quarter way across. After 9:00 it was too dangerous to get from one side to
another. Many people used boats to make the crossing while the fire was in
raging. By 10:00 PM the fire had finished its destruction and all it was left
was to clean up the ruins. The foreman and volunteers kept watch all night so
no further damage was done. A train came from Rutland the Nickwackett Engine
Company to do all they could to help the town, but they were too late and
didnt unload. The fire was seen as far as Burlington and parts of New York.
There was thousands of dollars in damages to what is now known as the Battell
Block.
Another fire broke out at the Blanchel Process Lumber Co. Men and boys with
some women of the town were on scene and within one and a half hours the fire
was knocked down

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1892

January 22 Mr. Tupper wanted the company to be paid for every fire that the
men went to and for every meeting that they attended (active members) instead
of dividing $120 between the two companies, also to have as many members as
they wanted. A list of the members should be submitted to the trustees every
year by the foreman. No action was taken

January 29 A special meeting of Fairmont Engine Company was called. At this
time the Membership of the Fairmont Engine Co. #3 voted to disband.
The Fairmont Engine Co #3 was immediately replaced by the Battell Hose Co. #3
and the Volunteers of 88 Hose Co. The Battell Co was quartered at the Park
Square Station and Volunteers of 88 were quartered at the South park station.
The South Park station was apparently in what is now Cannon Park. The Battell
Hose Company officers elected were Foreman- M. Bissette, 1
st
Assistant- J.B.
Cobb, 2
nd
Assistant- E.P. Holton, Clerk- John Spencer, and Treasurer- Issac
Lavonche, JR. The village acted in the matter so there would be no apprehension
that the apparatus would not be available should there be a fire
With the new municipal water system in service in 1892 the Fairmont engine
became outdated. Water pressure on the new system was boosted to 125 psi in
time of a fire.

February 5 At a special village meeting it was voted to buy 500ft of hose.
The trustees adopted the following ordinance the fire companies shall limited
to 15 men each. The annual roll of the members shall be submitted before March
1 to the trustees for approval. All firemen shall were paid thirty five cents
an hour for actual service rendered in time of fire. It was voted that the
village have a hook and ladder company and that the trustees proceed to secure
the organization of one, also provide it with the necessary apparatus.
The Methodist church caught fire. The alarm was sounded by a man passing by
and smelled smoke. Both the Battell and Volunteer hose companies were speedy
were speedy. Hose was hooked to a hydrant on N. Pleasant Street. The hydrant
didnt work as well as one further down the street. The steeple was the first
to fall then the roof caved in. The church was doomed. No other building caught
fire.

February 26 A fire was started by a box of rags around 7:30. The firemen
responded very quickly The fire was extinguished with little damage.

March 25 The Battell Hose Company held its ball at the town hall

June 24 the trustees sold the old engine house for $25 to Mr. Sargent. He
moved it near his barn. The trustees think of building a new, larger engine
room which shall be large enough to contain a room for the volunteers for which
space is now rented.

July 27 The volunteer Hose Company held a dance with the profits to go
toward new uniforms. Nearly $60 was made

12
October 19 The annual parade and inspection of the Middlebury Fire
Department were set for 2:00 PM. The inspection went well. It was deemed best
to dispense with the parade because of the muddy streets. Chief Engineer
Sargent, Piper, and Hope inspected the two departments. It was found that they
had significant membership. In all Middlebury was never better guarded against
fire. The fire department ball had nearly 100 couples attend.

1893

January 20 At village meeting Mr. Wilds moved that the firemen be paid $3 a
year in addition to the compensation of 35 cents an hour for time spent at
fires so voted at the previous meeting. It was so voted.
The Volunteers of 88 Hose Company expressed their thanks to those citizens who
contributed to aid in the purchase of new uniforms. Over $200 was subscribed.

February 13 The Battell Hose Company held a ball at the town hall. About
125 people attended, The company realized a net profit that went toward the
purchase of new uniforms. The company also asked the citizens for donations.
A special Village meeting was called in 1903 for village people to vote on an
article authorizing the trustees to purchase a hook and ladder truck with
apparatus.
April 21 A fire broke out at the James M. Piper place near the Piper
railroad crossing. A barn was lost and with it the contents consisting of 1
horse, 3 cows, 2 calves, 16 hens, quite a bit a hay, and some harnesses. The
origin of the fire was not determined.

May 5 At the annual meeting of the Volunteers of 88 Hose Company the
following officers were elected. Foreman- W.C. Foote, 1
st
Assistant- George
Kidder, 2
nd
Assistant- Will Noland, Clerk- C.F. Rich, Treasurer- E.W. Fuller,
delegate to the State Firemens Association- George Kidder, and the alternate-
Will Noland.

July 14 The Battell Hose Company had just received their new uniforms prior
to going to the state convention in St. Albans. The companies have given up
competing in the hand engine contest. The Battell Hose Company did their best
but didnt throw far enough for the purse of $450.

September 8 The C.J. Starr Hose Company went to Rutland to take part in
the Labor Day hose race. The company made a very good run but the run was
awarded to Rutland.

October 20 The annual dance of the Volunteers of 88 was held at the town
hall in the evening. 75 couples attended the dance. The parade and inspection
of the whole department was held at 2:00 Pm

November 3 Foreman Clarence Riggs of the C.J. Starr Hose Company was
injured from an explosion that laid him up for several days.

December 22 The C.J. Starr Hose Company held a box social and dance in
their new rooms at the Y.M.C.A. building. The boxes taken in were disposed of
by an auction.


13



1894

January 18 The C. J. Starr Hose company held another box social and dance in
their rooms. A marble card was to be awarded to the lady whose box brings the
highest price. The box was to be displayed at Sterns.


January 26 The members of the three companies met at the rooms of the
Volunteers of 88 and had a series of contests. The character, conditions and
winner were as follows
1. Make break and attach to hydrant, make break and put on pipe, spanner
breaks, two men- E.W. Fuller and A.H. Langworthy, Volunteer Hose- 20
seconds
2. Same with one man- George Goyette, Battell Hose Company- 14 seconds
3. Make two breaks and put on two pipe, couplings to be turned up full thread,
soft pipes to be used- Richard Badean and George Goyette- Battell Hose- 14
seconds
4. The same- one Man- George Goyette Battell Hose- 20 seconds
5. Make breaks and put on nickel pipe- coupling to be same as in #3- Michael
Higgins and Richard Badean-Battell Hose- 7 seconds
6. The same as 5 with one man- E.EW. Fuller- Volunteer Hose- 7 Seconds

The C.J. Starr Hose Company had 40 couples at their box social and dance. Miss
Mamie Lapan was awarded the marble card for her box.

February 2 The Battell Hose Company held their annual ball at the town hall.
The Middlebury Orchestra provided the music. Dinner was served in the lower
hall. Over 100 couples attended the event. This included people from Rutland
and Burlington

February 9 The C.J. Starr Hose Company entertained the Battell Hose
Company and the Volunteers of 88 Hose Company at a dance in their Hall.

February 16 An alarm of fire took the fire department to the home of John
Maley on South Main Street. In getting to the scene the Knight cart ran over
John Flannigan and injuring his left side. Foeman Casey was thrown to the
ground. The cart passed over him and he narrowly escaped injury. A hose was
laid but they found the hydrant frozen and no water could be gotten. During
this time the occupants of the house with the help of neighbors were able to
put out the fire which had broken out of the stove. There was only slight
damage.

March 27 The Volunteers OF 88 Hose Company held a ball at the town hall.
About 45 couples attended. Harris Orchestra of Burlington provided the music
and Mr. Sheppard of the Central Restaurant served the meal in the lower hall.

May 11 The C.J. Starr Hose Company held a dance in their rooms. There was a
large turnout.

14
August 22 The C.J. Starr Hose Company held a dance at its hall. Good music
was provided.

November 9 The C.J. Starr Hose Company held a box social at their hall.
1895

January 4 The Volunteers Hose Company held its annual meeting and elected
the following officers: Foreman- George Kidder, 1
st
Assistant- W.L. Noland, and
2nd Assistant-E. W. Fuller, Clerk- J.E. Condon, Treasurer- E.E. Turner, and
Secretary- George Williamson.
The Battell Hose Company also held its election of officers. The following
were elected Foreman-Mark Bissette, 1
st
Assistant- Ed Daniels, 2
nd
Assistant-
Nelson Seymour, Secretary- Joseph Lamorder, and Treasurer- F.R. Stone

February 22 The Battell Hose Company observed Washingtons Birthday will a
dance at the town hall.

March 1 The Starr Hose Company held a dance at their hall.

June 28 The engine house on Main Street which was occupied by the Battell
Hose Company was repainted and papered.

August 30 The Starr Hose Company held a dance at the town hall.

November 17 The Battell Hose Company held their annual ball at the town
hall. It was well attended.

1896

January 10 The Volunteer Hose Company held its annual meeting and elected
the following officers: Foreman- George Kidder, 1
st
Assistant- W.L. Noland, 2
nd

Assistant- C.K. Rich, Clerk- James Condon, Treasurer- Ezra Turner, and
Secretary- J.E. Dionne.

February 17 The Volunteer Hose Company held a ball at the town hall. It was
not well attended due to inclement weather.

March 27 The electric fire alarm connecting the engine house with the
residence of the Chief Engineer and assistant Chief Engineer was installed so
that the night watchman Dickson could readily arouse then in case of fire.

April 9 The Battell Hose Company held a dance at the town hall.

July 17 The Battell and Volunteer Hose Companies attended the state fire
meet tournament in Montpelier.

1897

January 29 Chief Engineer John H. Sargent appointed Frank R. Stone to the
position of Assistant Chief of the department.

15
April 30 The Middlebury Fire Department held a ball at the town hall. The
dance was a success as over 75 couples attended.

June 23-24 The firemen of the village sent a good delegation to the state
firemans tournament in Vergennes.

October 22 The annual review of the Middlebury Fire Department was held. The
Battell and the Volunteer Hose Companies (in full dress uniform) with their
respective carts and the steamer, headed by the citizens band paraded in the
business section of town. A large crowd turned out to watch.

1898

June 21 The Volunteer Hose Company held a flag raising. Rev. A.W. Potter
made a rousing and patriotic speech. The Citizens band played in the park,
cake and ice cream was served in the hose house. The affair wound up with a
dance in OConnell Hall.

July 22 The Battell Hose house was made spic and span of paint.

August 5 Chief Frank Stone made preparations for emergencies by having the
steamer put in order and the pump at the steam bakery made ready for action.

November The Battell Hose Company held their Thanksgiving eve dance at the
town hall

November The Volunteer Hose Company held a meeting in their hall. They
placed a long list of names in nomination for officer in the following year.
Elections are to take place the first Tuesday of January.

1899

January 28 Chief Stone appointed John Bourdeau to be Assistant Chief.
The Firemans Standard published in Boston had a good half tone of fire chief
Stone along with a well written article. It mentioned that Stone had been in
the department for over 25 years.

February 10 The Volunteer Hose Company held a dance at the opera house.

April 28 The Battell Hose Company was entertained at the home of Mr. and
Mrs. James Dumas on Court Street. The company presented the young couple with a
toilet set as a wedding gift.

July 21 The Middlebury Fire Department was off to Bennington (in a special
car) for the state firemans tournament. There were 88 tickets sold for this
car.

July 28 The V.S.F.A. financial report showed that a net profit of $18.64 was
made from the meeting held in Middlebury the previous year.

August 25 Fire Chief Stone had the steamer out for a test. Due to low water
in the river pressure at the waterworks plant had to be reduced. While starting
16
the steamer Engineer Mark Bessette got his hand caught between the piston bar
and a spoke of the balance wheel cutting his hand very badly.

November 29 The Battell Hose Company held their ninth annual Thanksgiving
Eve ball at the town hall. The event was well attended,

1900


January 5 At the annual meeting of the Battell Hose Company the following
officers were elected. Foreman- Mark Bessette, 1
st
Assistant- P.J. Donnelly, 2
nd

Assistant- Fred Vassau, Secretary- Cyril Brunelles, Treasurer- Richard Bedor,
and delegate to the state- Joe Lamorder.

September 14 The V.S.F.A. convention at Rutland was attended by Chief F.R.
Stone and former Chief C.A. Piper of this village. The local hose companies
hose also sent delegates. The Battell Hose Company was represented by Joseph
Lamorder and the Volunteers by Charles Lamorder. Noble, Sanford, and Alfred
accompanied them. Chief Stone was elected to second place on the executive
committee for the state.

November 21 The Battell Hose Company held their 10
th
annual Thanksgiving eve
ball at the town hall.

1901

November 8 The fire hydrants in town received their winter coverings.

1902

April 11 The fire department was called out for a small blaze in the
kitchen of the Rockwood house on Seminary Street. It was the burning out of the
stove. There was very little damage.

January 23 At the village meeting the names of George Kidder and Frank Stone
were presented for the position of Chief Engineer. George Kidder won by a vote
of 130- 57. A sum of $384.57 was voted for the fire department.
The Volunteers of 88 held a social dance under the post office was well
attended.

February 6, 1903 The great fire started in the basement of the Union Block.
Every business south of the bridge along with the planning mill and several
other buildings were destroyed. This was the worse fire since 1892. This
represented a loss of $175,000 divided among 37 firms. Insurance covered only
$95,000. It was suspected that an overheated furnace in the basement of the
drug store was the cause. The drug store was owned by Dr. Arthur Trudel and had
been opened only a few weeks. Chief of Police C.W. Dickson passed the building
20 minutes before the alarm was sound and had seen nothing that indicated
anything was wrong. At 1:55 AM a glow was seen in the Trudel Drug store and the
alarm was sounded by Robert Manney who was employed by Ira Taylor and rooms in
the back of Taylors restaurant. Chief Dickson immediately rang the bell at the
17
town hall because for some reason the alarm system was not working. Due to the
difficulty in getting the alarm out the fire had a good head start. In less
than an hour after being discovered the building 150 ft. long was a mass of
glowing embers. The building was occupied by George Marshall, Crockery and
Groceries, Ira Taylor Restaurant, The Western Union Telegraph, C.F. Rich News
Dealer, Dr. Arthur Trudels drug store, and Bond Brothers grocery and shoe
store.
In less than an hour after the fire was discovered the fire crossed the
street. The first building to go was occupied by Harry Coverts barber shop.
The Dyer Block followed. This building contained The Odd Fellows and apartments
of the Rebekas on the second floor being occupied by the millinery store of
Miss Goodrich, the fancy goods store of Mrs. K.E. Rockwood, and Pipers meat
Market.
Less than thirty minutes after the Dyer Block caught fire the four story
wooden tenement building in the rear on Bakery Lane caught fire. The occupants
Jeff Risco and Ann Wilson were able to escape but were unable to save any of
their possessions. By this time hundreds of citizens had gathered to watch
confrontation. It was evident that no human effort was going to stop the
progress of the flames. The Mcleod block was the next and the Pinehall occupied
by Frank A. Bond as clothing and furnishing store must go.
By this time the block occupied by A.J. Blackman furniture dealer, Milford R.
Burt druggist, and William Jack was beyond saving.
The fire department stood their post to prevent the fire from spreading
further West although the hardest part was needed to stop the progress of the
flames after the oil store of Bond Brothers caught fire. This building was able
to be saved.
The planning mill- sash- and blind factory of Roger Wells was also afire due
to the close proximity to the Union Block (less than 75 ft. West)but nothing
could save this building as every bit of water was needed on Main Street to
stop the spread of the flames which threatened destroy the Y.M.C.A. The Mcleod
block had been gutted by this time. This building was occupied by Issac
Shapiro- Clothier and Harris Steam Laundry.
Pinehall started to show the effects of the heat and about fifty men were
working to remove the stock of clothing. Twenty minutes after the workers
cleared the building the roof caved in. For the next half hour several streams
of water was played on the Y.M.C.A. block and the progress of the flames was
stayed. At this time the mass of destruction was evident and the calamity had
reached its peak. The Blaze was under control.
There was cause for concern that the Star Mills be go but the wind was from
the West which kept the flames and embers from the Rodgers and Wells property
away. Only the roof of the pump house west of the saw mill was destroyed.

1903

April 17 The Volunteers of 88 held its annual ball at the town hall. It was
attended by 75 couples.

November 2 An alarm for fire was sounded about 5:30 AM for a blaze at the
home of Frank W. Thomas on High Street. It turned out to be the burning out of
the chimney. It could have been serious if Mrs. Thomas had not discovered
boards over the fire. She immediately roused her husband who put out the fire.
Again at 6:00 AM another alarm was sounded for the same place because someone
saw sparks coming from the chimney.
18



1904

January 21 George Kidder again was elected the Chief Engineer of the fire
department.

February 4 The village trustees and the chief engineer of the fire
department have installed fire boxes to give an alarm. Press the down hard with
a three second pause between strokes when an alarm is rung in by number When
the number is above nine, strike the first number and pause about ten seconds
before striking the second number.

April 14 Chief Kidder appointed Cyril Brunell as assistant chief of the fire
department.

April 21 A fire was discovered in the new Dyer Block and despite the
efficient work of the fire department several thousand dollars of damage was
done. The damage resulted from water. The store stock of Allen Calhoun and Son
hardware, Charles Rich newsroom & stationary, fancy goods dealer of Miss
Goodrich millinery establishment was destroyed. A.E. Ayers brokerage office
was flooded as was the household furniture in the living room on the same
floor. The Odd Fellows hall on the third floor was wrecked with water soaking
the furniture and carpet. It was uncertain where the fire started with some
believing it started from a defect in the electrical light switchboard on the
second floor while others believed it started in one of the lower apartments.

May 12 The fire alarm was sounded but it turned out to be false.

May 31 The Volunteers of 88 with Chief Engineer Kidder and his assistant
marched in the Memorial Day parade.

July 14 The Battell Hose Company gave an exhibition of the new nozzle
recently purchased by the village. The new implement could manage a stream that
otherwise would tax the strength of two men.
The Battell hose Company organized a baseball team to play locally.

September 8 An explosion of kerosene started a fire at the home of Miss
Mary Kane on Court Street. The fire department responded quickly but the
neighbors had entered and threw pails of water on the blaze. It was out by the
time the department arrived. Damage was about $110.

1905

January 19 The village meeting George Kidder was again reelected Chief
Engineer of the fire department.

February 2 The fire alarm rang about noon for a fire at the home of A.B.
Smith on Washington Street. The Volunteers of 88 quickly had a stream on the
flames and put the fire out. Damage was not to exceed $200. The fire started in
the bathroom.
19

February 9 The members of Volunteers Hose Company held their annual meeting
in the town hall.

April 26 The Annual concert and ball of the Volunteer Hose Company was held
in the town hall.
The repeated false alarms had the citizens very concerned as a second false
alarm had been sounded from box 86. The firemen responded and searched
fruitlessly. A roll call of those responding showed it had cost the village
$16. The previous alarm cost about the same. This was somewhat expensive for
the village.

June 1 At the dedication of the monument and in the second division was the
Middlebury Fire Department along with Chief Engineer George Kidder.

July 20 The Battell and Volunteers Hose companies held a game of baseball
at the college field.

September 14 The fire department was called out for practice by a false
alarm.

November 9 The Middlebury Fire Department held its annual parade and
inspection. Chief Kidder and Assistant Chief Brunell lead the procession with
the Middlebury band following. Next came The Volunteers of 88, The Battell Hose
Company, the Hook and ladder, and the steamer. The village trustees followed in
carriages. The dance at the town hall was postponed. Some races were
contemplated but the members could not agree on the distance and terms.
The Volunteers of 88 Hose Company held a nominating caucus with the elections
to take place on January 2

1906

February 2 Chief Engineer Frank R. Stone appointed M.A. Haher to the
position of Assistant Chief Engineer.

June 1 Chief Frank Stone had the fire engine out for a trial and found it
to be in good shape.

July 6 At the firemans tournament held in Burlington the Middlebury Fire
Department made an extremely creditable showing. The results of the hose race
was Winooski 24 seconds, Volunteer Hose of Vergennes 45 seconds, Alert Hose
Company of Keesville, NY, Volunteer Hose of Middlebury, Randolph Hose of
Randolph, and Battell hose of Middlebury

July 20 The fire alarm sounded for a fire in the power house of the Brandon
Italian Marble Company. The fire turned out to be a hot box. The fire
department wad soon on scene and had the water turned on but was it was not
needed as the blaze was extinguished with a chemical tank. There was not much
damage except to the bearing and shafting.

August 29 The Battell Hose Company held their annual ball at the town hall.
First class music was secured so as to provide a good time.

20


1907

January 11 At the village meeting Article 11 was presented. The article
stated: Each fire company may adopt such by-laws and regulations necessary and
do not conflict with the by-laws of the village and may alter or amend the same
at any regular meeting by a vote of two thirds of the members present Each
member shall be subject to such assessment and fines as the company shall
direct. They were brought forth to be part of the village by-laws.
It was voted that the fire department receive an appropriation of $300 to
attend the state firemans tournament.
The village by-laws were amended to provide for an assistant chief engineer,
such individual was to receive the same salary as the chief.
It required a ballot vote to determine a chief engineer of the fire
department. Of the 186 votes cast Charles F. Rich received 108 and F.R. Stone
78. Mr. Rich was declared the winner.

April 26 The Green Mountain Pulp Mill was almost destroyed by fire. 30- 40
men were employed by the mill. The fire caught in the boiler room, as the
workmen were blowing out the boiler. A telephone call was made to the Chief of
the fire department C.F. Rich and Assistant Chief N.J. Sanford who called out
the entire department. The call was received at 3:30 pm. A quick run was made
to the mill which was outside the hydrant system and located on Otter Creek
about a mile from the center of the village. The pumps at the mill were the
only means available but Chief Rich sent back for the steamer as the mill pumps
soon gave out, With the steamer alone the lower story was of the building was
saved and most of the pressroom. There most of the presses wee in fair
condition. The fire was under control at 6:00PM.
In the nearby mill yard 100,000 feet of logs were prevented from catching
fire. The Green Mountain Pulp Mill had been built 25 years prior. The firemen
remained at the scene all night.
Owing to local condition the manager Ex-senator Robert Cartmell doubted that
the mill would be rebuilt. With the flammable nature of the building and the
mill pumps giving out the work of the fire department was incredible.

The Ilsley Hook and Ladder Company re-organized and chose George Kidder as
their foreman with Fay C. Warren as his assistant. The other members were L.S.
Knight, Allan Calhoun Jr., R.A. Calhoun, C.F. Rogers, A.C. Tabor, John Woods,
N.S. Foote, and Waldo Knight.

August 1 Fire Chief C. F. Rich had the misfortune of injuring his knee so
bad he needed crutches

August 30 The annual ball of the Battell Hose Company was held at the town
hall. A large crowd was in attendance.

November 27 The Volunteers of 88 Hose Company held annual Thanksgiving ball
at the town hall

December 5 At the regular meeting of the Volunteer Hose Company nominated
the following officers for the coming year. Foreman- E.B. Turner, William
Lapan, and James Mulligan, 1
st
assistant- E.L. Huestis, and G.J. Duncan, 2
nd

21
assistant- G.J. Duncan, John Lowell, and E.L. Huestis, Clerk- J.P. Mulligan,
W.H. Morcomb, James Mulligan, and Harry Kelley, Secretary- James McNulla, J.P.
Mulligan, and G.J. Duncan.

1908

January 17 The annual meeting of the Battell Hose Company was held in their
hall. The following officers were elected: Foreman- Peter J. Donnelly, 1
st

Assistant-Jerry Trudo, 2
nd
Assistant- William Tyrel, Clerk- James Duncan, and
Treasurer- William Kent.

March 20 Fire broke out at midnight in the Star Grist Mill. The building
was nearly gutted causing about $8,000 in damage. Fay Warren Foreman of the
Middlebury Electric Light and Power Company and a member of the Ilsley Hook and
Ladder Company broke his ankle by slipping on the ice embankment and falling 10
feet near the water wheel.
The building and the heavy stock of feed and grain were owned by Burditt
Brothers of Rutland. The business was conducted by George Rose of Middlebury.
All stock was destroyed except for a few bags of grain.
The heat of the fire was at one time that the occupants of the Logan House
which was only 100 feet away were forced to leave the hotel. The firemen were
successful in keeping the structure from igniting. By the time the fire had
been discovered the flames had gained a good start and the flames spread
rapidly. With the two hose companies responding quickly they soon had six
streams of water at work. There was no hope of saving the mill so their efforts
were to protect the Logan House and the light and power company plant. None of
the machinery in the mill could be saved and the only thing left was the old
water wheel.

1909


April 16 The village was once again visited by a serious fire and one of
the finest business blocks in the rebuilt section after the fire of 1903 was
burned to the ground. The building stood on the site of the old Clay Block and
was owned by C.N. Atwood & Co., who occupied the first floor and basement as
clothiers and dealer in gents furnishings.
The fire was discovered about 8:30 AM and was possibly caused by the explosion
of a gas stove used by bushel men in the rear of the store. An alarm was
immediately turned in, but the first floor filled with smoke in such an
incredible time that none of the stock was saved except one trunk. The books of
the firm were not saved, but were found in the debris and were in intelligible
shape.
Both hose companies and the hook & ladder company under the direction of Chief
Engineer Rich (who was first on scene) responded. They soon had seven streams
of water on the building working from front to rear. Owing to the highly
combustible nature of the contents and the dense smoke firemen were unable to
reach the direct center of the blaze and within a few minutes the building was
doomed.
The second floor was occupied by Mr. and Mrs. J.K. Piper as an apartment. None
of their household goods and personal effects were saved and include among them
were many fine wedding gifts and family pieces.
22
The building was brick both front and rear. After the fire had been in
progress for one half hour and when the building was filled with a solid mass
of smoke an explosion occurred probably caused by the burning woolen ad a total
lack of ventilation. It raised the roof off the building several feet allowing
the walls to topple over hitting several firemen who were working close to both
the front and rear of the structure.
The severely injured were: Harry Kelley, Hose man with a fractured skull, One
leg, right arm, knee broken, Spinal and internal injuries. Mr. Kelly was taken
to Mary Fletcher Hospital in Burlington with Dr. S.S. Eddy accompanying him.
Mr. Kelly only regained consciousness and died the following Sunday morning.
Charles Shaw head cuts, bruises, and a concussion of the brain. Mr. Shaw was
taken to his home and attended by Dr. Dorey. He would recover but it would be
some time before he was able to be out and about.
Robert A. Calhoun of the hook and ladder company- scalp wounds and injuries to
his head, back, shoulders, and legs.
Thomas Pendurs - scalp wounds and bruise to both limbs.
Arthur Bissette - scalp and face wounds.
William Lapan Arms and Head Cuts, scalp and face wounds.
The firemen had the flames under control in little more than an hour after the
outbreak but remained on duty all of Saturday and Saturday night until Sunday
noon with streams of water on the burning embers. The adjoining buildings were
protected by a modern firewall, which coupled with the valiant work of the
firemen were saved.
Mr. Kelley is the first known Middlebury fireman to die from injuries that
resulted from a fire.

July 2 An alarm was sounded in the afternoon for a fire caused by workmen
connecting electrical wiring. The department responded in double time but their
services were not needed.

September 3 The fire department was called out to extinguish a small blaze
in a boat house on Water Street. Some gasoline caught fire in the bottom of a
boat. The fire was quickly put out with slight damage to the building.

1910

August 5 Chief George Kidder had the Washington NO.1 engine out for
practice with the idea of attending and taking part in the state firemen
tournament to be August 11 in Burlington. The Washington engine no.1 is very
old and had taken numerous prizes in the previous years. The Battell Hose
Company was entered in the hose race among the hand engine company. There were
18 entries in the hose race and 5 entries in the engine contest.

September 2 A fire in the Dickson sawmill on Mill responded very quickly.
The chemical engine demonstrated its worth as it was first on scene and had a
stream on the fire before a hose was laid and turned on. The fire originated in
a pile of shavings.
It was fortunate to escape another disaster. Once again the Middlebury Fire
Department demonstrated that it is a good one.



23
1911

January 6 The annual meeting of the Battell Hose Company was held in their
rooms. The following officers were elected Foreman- W.A. Tyrel, 1
st
Assistant-
J.C. Trudo, 2
nd
Assistant- Walter Small II, Treasurer- E.A. Reynolds, Secretary-
M.A. Hahar, and delegate to the state convention- E.A. Reynolds.
The annual meeting of the Volunteers of 88 Hose Company was held. The
following officers were elected Foreman- Gardner J. Duncan, 1
st
Assistant-
Ernest Huestis, 2
nd
Assistant-James Mulligan, Secretary- Harry Warner,
Treasurer- Arthur Bissette, Clerk- William Lapan, and delegate to the state
convention-James McNulla.

February 10 The members of the Middlebury Fire Department was entertained
at Volunteers of 88 hose house. During the evening the matter of holding a
dance was discussed and the matter was left to a committee to plan and to be
held the last week of February.

February 12 An alarm for fire was sounded at 11:15 AM at the house of
Gardiner Albee on Court Street. The firemen found the fire to be in the barn
which connected to the rear of the house. The fire was discovered by the
daughter of Mr. Sturtevant, a neighbor. Only the prompt arrival of the fire
department and a strong northeast wind was the house able to be saved.

August 3 The Middlebury fire department was called out on this evening. The
men made a quick run and got their apparatus on the ground and ready for action
only to find that it was a drill. Chief Warren had scored one on the men.

August 18 The fire department was called out to extinguish a small blaze in
the home of Mrs. Bruce Wright on College Street. The fire was caused by a
mattress being placed too close to the stove.

August 30 The Battell Hose Company held their annual concert and ball in
the town hall

October 12 The Battell Hose Company, the Volunteers Hose Company, and the
Isley Hook and Ladder Company held the annual inspection and field. All of the
local fraternal organizations were invited to participate in the parade so as
to provide the music. The games were held on South Pleasant Street near the
town hall. There was also a foot race between the past chiefs of the
department.

October 12 The fire alarm sounded for a call to the home of Walter Small on
Seymour Street. The department found the stove pipe full of soot which caused a
fire which was quickly put out with no damage.

1912

January 12 The annual meeting of the volunteers of 88 Hose Company was held
and the following officers were elected, Foreman- Ezra Turner, 1
st
Assistant-
James Mulligan, 2
nd
Assistant- James McNulla, Clerk and treasurer- Fred Lapan.

24
January 26 Chief Engineer Fray C. Warren appointed Norman S. Foote to the
position of assistant chief engineer. Foote resigned as foremen of the Isley
Hook and Ladder Company upon assuming his new title.

October 18 The Middlebury Fire Department comprised of the Battell Hose
Company, Volunteer of 88 Hose Company and the Isley Hook and Ladder Company
held its annual inspection day parade and exercises. The parade started at 1:30
PM. The lineup was John D Woods, marshal, Middlebury Band, Fay C. Warren, chief
of the department and his assistants, Battell Hose Company, M.A. Habar foreman,
Volunteers Hose Company, E.E. Turner foreman and the Isley Hook and Ladder
Company, George Kidder foreman, Father Daley Council of the Knights of
Columbus, William P. Russell Post, Gar, and the village trustees.
A large crowd turned out to watch the sporting events.
Hose Race- Volunteers of 88 making the run in 28.1 seconds and the Battell
Hose Company in 28 seconds
100 yard dash- Ira Pond 1
st
, Felix Cole Jr. 2
nd
, Arthur Forrest 3
rd
, John
McMahon 4
th
, William Gee 5
th
, and Arthur Trudo 6th
Obstacle race Ira Pond 1
st
, Arthur Forrest 2
nd
, Felix Cole Jr. 3
rd
and William
Morgan 4
th

Hurdle race Ira Pond 1
st
, W.A. Morgan 2
nd
and Arthur Forrest 3rd. Time 10
seconds
A tug of war between the businessmen and the firemen was won by the business
men.
Chief Warren acted as the starter with ex-chiefs Allan Calhoun, J.H. Sargent
and C.F. Rich as judges.
At 6:00 Pm the firemen enjoyed a banquet and evening in the rooms of the
Volunteers.
The village trustees inspected the buildings and equipment during the afternoon




1913

January 10 The annual meeting of the Battell Hose Company was held in their
rooms. The following officers were elected for the year, Foreman- M.A. Hahar,
1
st
Assistant- Jerry Trudo, 2
nd
Assistant- Walter Small, Secretary- Arthur
Forrest, Treasurer- Ernest Reynolds, Delegate to the state convention- Jerry
Trudo, and Alternate- Raymond Benedict.
The annual meeting of Volunteers of 88 Hose Company was held in their rooms
with a good attendance. He reports of various officers were read and accepted.
The reports showed that the company affairs were in good condition. The
following officer were elected for the year, Foreman James McNulla, 1
st

Assistant- James Mulligan, 2
nd
Assistant- John Lowell, Treasurer- John Gero,
Clerk- Fred Lapan, And delegate to the state firemans association- E.E.
Turner.

January 17 At the annual town meeting the village voted on article 4.
Article 4 asked if the village would vote the sum of $100 to defray the
expenses of the annual inspection of the Middlebury Fire Department for the
present year. The article was immediately passed with no dissention.

September 26 The members of the Middlebury Fire Department met and elected
the following officers to be the committee for the annual field day sports;
25
Chairman- George T. Kidder, Secretary- Fred Lapan, treasure- Michael A. Haber.
The games will be held on South Pleasant Street.

October 11 The annual inspection and field day of the Middlebury Fire
Department was held with a large crowd in attendance. The parade started at
1:30 PM. The Middlebury Band headed the parade. They marched through Main
Street to South Pleasant Street, to Cross Street, to Court Street, and back to
South Pleasant Street. The Village trustees inspection the fire apparatus
before the parade.
The field event results were as follows:
Hose Race- Volunteers- 36 seconds, Battell Hose- 44 seconds
100 yard dash-was won by A. Kenworthy second was Walter Morgan 16 seconds
Potato Race won by A. Kenworthy, second was H. Hamilton 11 seconds
Egg Race was won by A. Kenworthy, second was H. Hamilton
150 yard dash won by A. Kenworthy, second was H. Hamilton 17 seconds
Coupling contest won by Fred Lapan and John Lowell time 16 seconds
Board Jumping won by A. Kenworthy 1310, second Fred Lapan 13 8
Ladder contest won by W. Morgan
And in the tug of war the town business men were defeated by the firemen.

October 24 A chimney fire in the home of William Thomas in the Y.M.C.A.
building on Seymour Street called out the fire department at 4:30 PM. He fire
was extinguished before the department arrived. There was slight damage.



1915

April 19 The fire department was called to the passenger station about
11:30 Am to extinguish a blaze in the upper part of the station near the roof.
It was thought that the fire originated from defective wiring and worked its
way to the roof by the time it was discovered. The prompt response of the fire
department kept the flames from spreading and only causing slight damage.

September 24 The alarm sounded about 8:30 Pm for a small fire at the home of
George Brousseau on Mill Street. The department was quick to arrive on scene
and put out the blaze. It was caused by a lamp explosion.

1916

April 1 The alarm sounded at 11:30AM for a fire in the barn at the rear of
the Edward Bruya residence. The department with the chemical and a stream from
the hydrant had the blaze under control in a few minutes. The cause of the fire
was not known.

1917

January 19 At the annual village Article 3 was presented. Article 3 asked
the village residents to purchase a chemical automobile, truck or small car as
an auxiliary to the chemical engine. Fire Chief George Kidder stated that the
article was in the interest of the property owners and not the firemen and that
the apparatus could be purchased for about $1700. A motion was offered by Mr.
26
Kidder, which after being amended was adopted and was to the effect that a
committee of three be appointed by the chair to investigate the need of such
apparatus and report at a future special meeting. The committee would see what
could be done at an expense not to exceed $1700. The chair appointed Dr. Dorey,
Chief Kidder, and Judge John E. Weeks. The motion to adopt the article with the
amendments was offered by Judge Weeks.

May 18 The old bakery building in Bakery Lane that was occupied in part by
George Brousseau and in part by the Middlebury Steam Laundry caught fire from a
blaze in the laundry chimney at 8:00 AM. When discovered by William Collins the
flames had gained a foothold on the roof. The alarm brought the fire department
quickly to the scene and in a few minutes a powerful stream of water brought
the flames under control. Several holes were burned in the Brousseau roof and
some damage. It was estimates that damage was not over $500.

August 24 The J.B. Bryant box factory in East Middlebury had a narrow escape
from being wiped out when two of the dry houses just south of the main building
caught fire in an unknown manner. One of the houses was used for drying out the
wood used in the manufacture of the boxes was destroyed and a loss which Mr.
Bryant estimated at several thousand dollars. There was no insurance.
The fire when discovered about 3:00 PM was raging quite furiously and took
considerable effort to get it under control. The East Middlebury chemical
engine was soon on scene, but it lacked sufficient chemicals and the new
apparatus from Middlebury, with Chief Kidder and Charles Rodgers, made a flying
trip to the fire. They too ran short of chemicals and Mrs. Bryant made a dash
to Middlebury and returned in 8 minutes with additional chemical tanks. A large
number of farmers and others including several from Salisbury left their work
and helped in the fight to keep the main shop from burning.

1918

February 8 At a meeting of the Volunteers of 88 Hose Company Fred Lapan who
had been foreman for a few years resigned to take the position of Assistant
Chief of the fire department. At the same meeting the following officers were
elected: Foreman- Mark Turner, Assistant- John Gero, and Secretary-Treasurer-
E.J. Perkins

May 10 A still alarm of fire was given for a chimney fire at the residence
of Mrs. William Duncan on Seymour Street. Chief George Kidder and several men
responded with the chemical truck and in a few minutes had the flames subdued.
There was no damage.

1919

April 25 George Kidder of the fire department to a still alarm about 11:00
AM. The fire was caused by soot in a stove pipe at the house of Miss Ida Waugh
on Seymour Street. Neighbors and the occupants of the house managed to put out
the fire before the arrival of the apparatus.

June 20 The Middlebury fire alarm was sounded at 2:00 AM due to excitement
over the burning insulation of the Middlebury Electric Companys wires in the
vicinity of the Witt Thomas house next door to the town hall. The alarm aroused
27
a number of people from their bed at the time the lights in the village were
turned out because of the wire troubles.

January 9, 1920 An alarm of fire was sounded at 5:30 PM for a fire on
Willard Street in what was known as the DeGrey House. The two hose companies
got out but the motor truck didnt go because no one was around to drive it. A
lounge caught fire and was promptly taken outside by some passerby. The damage
was slight and was covered by insurance.

1920

January 23 The fire department was called about 11:00 AM for a small
stubborn fire in the chimney of the owned by Mrs. Ellen Hope situated on South
Street and occupied by two families. The department was quickly on scene and
with the hard work lasting over an hour the blaze was put out.
The annual meeting of the Battell Hose was held in their rooms. The reports
showed that the company was in good condition. The officers elected were:
Foreman- Joseph Marseilles, Assistant foreman- John McMahon, Treasurer-
Clarence Cole, Clerk- Frank A. Highter, Janitor- Phillip Wimmette, and delegate
to the State Convention-Clayton Stone.


April 30 The village voted to purchase a new truck. The purchasing price was
not to exceed $800 of which Middlebury College donated $100. Purchased was a
1920 Ford which was able to carry 1500 feet of hose.


May 7 At the village meeting it was voted to reorganize all the companies
into one department to be known as the Middlebury Fire Dept. Following the
meeting eight of the volunteers of 88 hose company tendered their resignation
to Chief Edward Higgins. The men were dissatisfied with the plan of the
meeting. Some were dissatisfied with the fire wardens and one of the men
thought that his qualifications had been overlooked for the choice of chief.
The wholesale resignations of the men did not bother the authorities because
their places were immediately filled. The men who resigned were Paul Kidder,
William Hartin, Benjamin Parker, Reginald Bedard, Mark Turner, William Turner,
Lean Turner, and George Morcomb. The company was reorganized by the volunteers.
The three fire wardens Arthur Kenworthy, Arthur Bissett, and Charles Rich have
were appointed. The volunteers offered their services of the company in the
reorganization. The new company was made up of the three fire wardens, the
seven village trustees and George Shambo who expressed a desire to serve in
case of an emergency. Appointments were made a few days later as seven men
expressed their desire for a position in the department. All companies were
reorganized into one unit to be known as the Middlebury Fire Department with
two divisions. The two divisions were as follows:

Chemical Company Hose Division

Fred Lapan Capt. John Pinney Capt.
Art Kenworthy Slantey Ross
Harry McCreay Joseph Marseilles
Edson Graves Clayton Shores
Walter Calhoun John McMahon
28
John Gero Arthur Murray
Arthur Forrest Clarence Cole
Milton Brown Ernest Cutting
Charles Rogers Philly Wimmett
Willard Simonds Frank Highter
William Martin

December 17 All of the apparatus of the Middlebury Fire Department was
transferred from the Battell hose house to the Volunteers hose house on the
south side of the bridge. The house had been recently repaired and a new
heating plant installed keeping the house warm day and night. The reason for
transferring the apparatus was the poor condition of the Battell house.

December 31 The department held a banquet at the firehouse and a dance at
the town hall. The proceeds were used to buy furniture so as to furnish a room
on the upper floor for the firemen to use.

1921

January 28 The chemical truck of the fire department answered a still alarm
on Seymour Street to extinguish a fire that threatened to destroy the touring
car of William Rogers. The blaze resulted from a short circuit and was put by
Fred Lapan and Jake Murray with the railroad chemical extinguisher.

February 4 The Middlebury Fire Department profited by a mock trial. $165 was
contributed toward the departments home

February 11 Dr. Edward D. Collins, provost of Middlebury College and Fred
Vassar saved the D.K.E. house from possibly great damage. A cigarette was
thrown into a wastebasket. Damage was confined to rugs, pennants, furniture and
curtains of the apartment occupied by Robert B. Shepardson and Howard R.
Nelson. Dr. Edwards and Mr. Vassar happened to be passing by and noticed smoke
rolling from the windows. They smothered the flames with rugs and pillows
keeping them in check until the fire department arrived. The use of chemicals
quickly finished the work. The college apparatus arrived on scene as the
department was picking up.

February 11 The officials of the fire department made new arrangements with
the telephone exchange for the notification of the firemen in the event of
future alarms. When the general alarm rang the operators were instructed to
call immediately the following members of the department to inform them of the
location of the call. The members are Chief Edward Higgins, Assistant Chief
N.J. Sanford, Captains Fred Lapan and Joseph Penney, Secretary Charles Rogers,
and drivers Arthur Kenworthy and Harry McRay.

May 12 The department was called to East Middlebury to help in fighting a
forest fire that had grown to 200 acres. The fire started in the rear of the
Jerry Hunt place on Plains Road in Salisbury. Chemical were loaded on a truck
and sent but was not used as the fire was controlled before it reached the
village.

July 22 Middlebury received a call from Bridport for help at the church fire.
Middlebury equipment was not allowed to respond because of severe thunder
29
storms in the Middlebury area. Insurance rates for the village were fixed with
the understanding that engine would not go outside the village limits. Also the
engine was not licensed to go beyond the village. This caused considerable
criticism as Vergennes was allowed to respond.

July 28 A bolt of lightning set 3 barns on fire at the E.E. Delanis farm on
the southern end of Case Street. The bolt hit the middle barn shortly before
noon. The two village departments sent part of their apparatus. They were
unable to save the barns but managed to save the house which was not more than
20 yards away. No stock was lost but 30 tons of hay was. Damage was estimated
at $10,000.

October 28 The members of the Middlebury Fire Department gave a farewell
reception and supper to Chief Ed Higgins. Mr. and Mrs. Higgins were to retire
to Florida for the winter.

November 11 A silent alarm was sent in at 3:00 AM for a fire at the Almon
Lovett place on High Street. Mr. Lovett was awakened by smoke pouring from the
basement. The fire department responded with chemicals. There was very little
damage.

1922

February 24 The trustees of the village of Middlebury and C.C. Wells chief
of the fire department entertained the boys of the company with a clam chowder
supper at the hose rooms.

March 4 A fire which started shortly before 10 AM destroyed and or
badly gutted the small cottage on the property of Prof. D. Means on Seminary
Street. The fire was discovered in the small barn situated west of the cottage.
An alarm was sounded and the fire department made a quick run to the scene, but
before water could be got onto the fire it had communicated to the lager barn
and it was soon a roaring furnace. An effort was made by the onlookers to save
the cottage by tearing down the shed to which both were connected, but due to
the tremendous heat it soon caught fire and was badly gutted. He bystanders by
heroic efforts save all of the contents of the cottage owned by Mrs. Fred A.
Smith, who occupied the cottage with two children. In the meantime a hole was
chopped in the side of the barn letting out four head of young stock owned by
Mrs. Smith. The large mansion house on the estate situated just south of the
barns and occupied by Prof. Means during the summer was saved.

April 10 The trustees approved the purchase of one thousand feet of first
class hose. This would give the village 3500 feet of hose which they considered
ample for all needs.

April 22 A test was conducted on a fire siren. The test proved satisfactory
to the villages trustees. The siren worked perfectly as it was heard in
Salisbury and in Belden. The trustees still had some doubt as to whether to
purchase the unit but the special committee was authorized to make the
purchase. The special committee comprised of C.C. Wells, George N. Shambo and
Edward Higgins had been elected by the voters of the village. It would be mount
on top of the hose house and operated from the telephone office.

30
1923

January 23 At the village meeting there was a brisk contest for the
office of the chief of the fire department. Three nominations were made. The
nomination of H. Wright Caswell was offered by Allen Sturtevant, while James
Donoway offered Fred Lapans name and Ira H. Leflur presented the name of
Arthur Kenworthy. Lapan and Kenworthy are members of the department and Caswell
is honorary member. There was a sharp discussion relative to the question of
selecting the chief from within the department or selecting someone from
outside as has been the policy. The motions were accepted and in the ballot
there were 195 cast for Caswell. Caswell received 103, Lapan 56, and Kenworthy
36.

February 2 An Alarm rang for a fire in the basement of the Gables on
Weybridge Street caused by chimney soot. The fire department responded quickly
with the chemical and hose. The fire was quickly extinguished with chemicals
with slight damage. The house was owned by J.R. Cartmell and is used as a
girls dormitory by Middlebury College. A still alarm was sent in from
Weybridge Street for a chimney fire. Chief Caswell and two men responded with
chemicals. There was slight damage. Another chimney fire at the home of Frank
Bently on Thomas Street was the cause of a second still alarm. A few firemen
responded with chemicals.

The members of the fire department enjoyed a pleasant get together in their
rooms with their new chief H. Wright Caswell. Some business in connection with
the department was discussed including appointments to the chemical and hose
divisions. Following the meeting everyone was served refreshments and cigars,
the treat of Chief Caswell.

April 27 An order prohibiting the burning of grass within the village
limits were issued by Chief Caswell and the local fire wardens as the result of
the call on the previous Saturday.
A grass fire on an adjoining lot on South Street spread to the barn owned by
Mrs. Henry James. The fire gutted the building and destroyed a considerable
amount of personal property belonging to Mrs. James and stored in the upper
floor of the barn.

June 15 A fire which was estimated to cause an aggregate loss of above
$7000 destroyed the bar and ell part of the house. The interior of the ell part
of the house was gutted and the barn with valuable contents (plumbing tools and
equipment)was totally destroyed. The main part of the house was badly damaged
by water
The fire was discovered by Matt Gray who went out to the porch to clean a
vacuum sweeper that they had been using inside. The barn and house were
connected by a small room and cooler. It was in that room he first saw the
fire. The little room was all ablaze and the fire was running two ways, to the
barn and the kitchen along an electrical wire. He notifies the people in the
house and then the alarm was rang in. By the time the fire department arrived
the barn and back part of the house were blazing furnaces. Four lines were laid
and it was only after a hard stubborn fight that the flames were confined to
the barn and back of the house.

31
1924

June 27 The small chemical engine of the Middlebury Fire Department was
driven to the home of E.L. Elridge for a chimney fire. The fire was
extinguished with a small loss.

November 6 The old congregational parsonage owned by Mr. and Mrs. Harry
Brown at the corner of South Pleasant Street and Cross Street was badly gutted
by a fire which broke out around 7:30 PM. The loss was well over $4000 and was
only partially insured. The cause of the fire was somewhat of a mystery but was
believed to have started by an overheated furnace pipe. The Browns had
recently made improvements to the house and were moving in when the fire
occurred. Mr. and Mrs. Chester Murray were also moving into the house. Both the
Browns and the Murrays lost much of their furniture.
The fire was discovered by Mrs. Brown upon entering and finding a smoke filled
house which immediately burst into flames. After the fire was thought to be
under control, flames burst out of the tower of the dwelling and caused a lot
of trouble for the firemen.

1926

January 1 Fire totally destroyed the office and supply room of the J.B.
Bryant box factory at 8:00 PM. A defective chimney was believed to be the cause
of the fire The cost were estimated to be at $2000. All of the office equipment
as well as the safe were undamaged.
The fire developed into a fierce blaze soon after being discovered when large
quantities of oil exploded making it impossible to fight the fire with any
effect. The Middlebury Fire Department responded with a call for assistance
going to East Middlebury for the chemical truck. There was no way to check the
blaze once it gained headway from the oil.
The fire did not reach the factory and was confined to the office.

January 22 At the village meeting Gustave Walker was elected to be in charge
of the fire department.

1927

April 27 Chief H.W. Caswell and men of the fire department with the chemical
truck were called out three times. 1
st
a bon fire near the barn of N.J. Boudreau
spread to the grass and then ran up the back of the barn, 2
nd
a fire in the
Battell Woods East of the village, 3
rd
a grass fire near the home of Leslie
Vacelette on Monroe Street was discovered in time to prevent it from spreading
to the woods nearby.

August 5 A large barn on the farm of Albert Charron, south of the village
was totally destroyed by fire with the loss of about $6000. Along with the barn
was a large quantity of hay, machinery valued at $4000 part of which was new.
The machinery lost were a tractor, ensilage cutter, reaper and binder, mowing
machine, and corn harvester.
Mr. Charron had just driven a load of hay into the barn when the flames broke
out. It was with difficulty that the horses were saved. Mr. Charron was burned
32
about the face and hands while trying to save some of the machinery. The fire
department was called to the scene but was unable to render any aid.

1928

March 30 Suddenly awaken by the smell of smoke, Mr. and Mrs. A.V. Fisher who
lived about two miles south of the village discovered that a bad chimney fire
had spread to the house. Active work kept the fire under control until the
arrival of assistance from Middlebury. Loss was estimated to be about $200

October 11 A brisk blaze in the ell of the house on North Pleasant Street
which had been recently purchased by Arthur Murray from Thomas Bullock called
out the entire fire department shortly after midnight. Prompt action by the
fire department soon had the fire under control.
The house was empty at the time but was to have been occupied by the new
foreman of the Rutland Railroad section gang of this village. The cause of the
fire was not determined but had apparently started in the shed at the rear of
the house and quickly spread through the walls into the kitchen.

December 13 A still alarm called the fire department out at 9:30
AM to a house on Willard Street owned by Darrell Butterfield and occupied by
Mrs. Effie Liberty. The ceiling caught fire from an overheated pipe and the
fire spread into the partition and through the floor to the room above. It took
the firemen nearly an hour and a half to completely extinguish the fire.

December 31 Under the auspices of the Middlebury Fire Department the
annual New Years Eve ball was held at the town hall with a pleasant assortment
of old, round, and square dances. Music was furnished by the Rhythm Masters.
Supper was served in the cafeteria. Proceeds from the affair were to go into a
fund for the purchase of a new fire truck for Middlebury. It was well known
that the previous year the firemen donated the sum of $100 to the district
nurse fund and also furnished $110 for the fitting of a room at Porter Memorial
Hospital.

1929

January 6 After having enjoyed freedom from the ravaging effect of
Fire for a period of 25 years Middleburys business district suffered a most
severe loss by the destruction of the Rogers Block on Main Street. Loss was
also great in the adjoining block owned by the Allan Calhoun Estate as well as
several other shops and stores in the vicinity. From time the alarm was
sounded shortly before 9:00 AM Friday until the late afternoon Middlebury,
Vergennes and Brandon firemen aided by local citizens and a score or more of
College students fought desperately to secure control of the situation and to
prevent the fire from spreading to the adjoining buildings. When the fire was
finally subdued the two story brick block owned by W.J. Rogers was a mass of
ruins and the adjoining Calhoun block, although not badly damaged by fire had
been flooded with water in an attempt to prevent the flames from spreading. The
loss of the property was estimated at $100,000 to $150,000 on the Main Street
floor of the Rogers Block. The furniture stores of D.S. Pease and the C.O.
Forts drug store were $2000- $16000 each. On the second floor which was
completely gutted was the tenement and barber shop of W.O. Robinson. His loss
33
was close to $5,000. On this floor were the rooms of James Rogers and the room
occupied by the Beta Psi Fraternity. The stock of W.H. Farrell who occupied the
street floor of the Calhoun Block was badly damaged by smoke and water. On the
second floor the rooms occupied by the Sigma Kappa Sorority a Middlebury
College Sorority was also damaged by water and smoke. The adjoining store of
Dorothy Ross was damaged to the extent of $500 Fire broke out in the ruins late
Friday night but was quickly extinguished by the watchman on duty. About 10:00
Am Sunday the 8
th
a portion of the front wall of the Rogers Block collapsed and
fell into the street. The trustees immediately secured the services of Cummings
Construction Co. to pull down the remaining section of the wall which was in a
weakened condition.
Several firemen suffered from the exhaustion and the effects of smoke and were
confined to their homes for several days. Starr Eells was overcome by smoke and
taken to Porter Memorial Hospital. He returned home on the 9
th
.
Two other alarms of fire were answered on the 6
th
with in less than an hours
time. The first was a response to a still alarm for a chimney fire in the home
of Mrs. Charlie Bullock on Seminary Street. The second was sounded shortly
after for a blaze in the Ex. Governor Stewart mansion on Elm Street, occupied
by Dugald Stewart and family. The fire started in back of the kitchen range
while Mrs. Stewart was in the upper part of the house. It was extinguished
before the department arrived and case little damage.

January 7 Another still alarm called the men to the home of Miss
Emma Clay on Court Street for a fire in the basement which was extinguished
without any loss.

January 16 At the village meeting a large group of local citizens voted
unanimously to authorize the purchase of a modern fire truck. There appeared to
be no question in their minds that such a step was necessary for the welfare
and safety of the village. There were no arguments against the expenditure of
the necessary funds for this purpose.

April 4 Through the courtesy of the American Lafrance Fire Engine
Company the people of Middlebury were afforded an opportunity of witnessing a
demonstration of a modern fire engine, with a booster pump. In addition to the
trustees, member of the local fire department, and college officials, several
from the adjoining towns were present to witness the tests. These included
Chief Stocwell and his assistant of the Burlington Fire Department, Public
Safety Commissioner John Fox. Chief Koltonski, James J. Rice and Edward Earl
of Rutland, Van Patnode and others of Bristol, Mayor Lebeau of Vergennes, and
Chief Pete of Brandon.
Connected with the hydrant at Battell Cottage on Cottage hill, two streams
were laid with 400 feet of hose each with a tip flow of 8o GPM was obtained
direct from the hydrant with a nozzle pressure of 28 pounds on each line.
Passing through the pump the flow and pressure was reduced to 75 GPM and 26
pounds. With the booster pump in operation the flow jumped to 149 GPM and the
pressure increased to 80lbs. One 400ft line passed through the pump delivered
48lbs pressure through a 7/8 tip with a flow of 215 GPM. With the booster in
operation 247 GPM was delivered with 70lbs of pressure. Returning to Main
Street tests were made pumping directly from the creek. Here two lined each 100
feet and connected by a Y to one 2 tip delivered 750 GPM and a nozzle of vary
sizes gave the following results 1 tip- 80lbs, 264 GPM, 1 1/8 tip 70lbs- 313
GPM, 1 tip 60lbs- 367 GPM. A total of 934 GPM.
34
Two lines were laid from the bottom of Mill Street each 550 feet long and
connected by A Y to a 1 tip delivered 553 GPM at a pressure of 130lbs.
Furthermore this water was delivered at an elevation of 55 feet above the point
of intake.
Other tests were to be made on other engines so as the village officials could
secure all possible information on this type of equipment before acting under
the authority granted by the recent village meeting for the purchase of a
modern fire truck.

April 19 At a special meeting of the trustees of the Village of
Middlebury it was voted to purchase a 750 gallon American Lafrance booster
pumping engine. The engine was in town and could be into the department for
use. With this piece of apparatus and the equipment that went with it people
considered Middlebury to have one of the most complete equipped engines in this
area.

May 30 A warning was issued for special village meeting to decide what
action would be taken in regards to the construction of a new fire house.

June 19 The third article in the warning was to see if the village
would permit the trustees to build a new fire house for the truck recently
purchased. After some discussion the matter was left in the hands of a
committee to report at a later meeting. The committee was appointed by the
chairman and consisted of H. Wright Caswell, Charles F. Rogers, and James R.
Cartmell. The consensus of opinion of those present at the meeting was that the
necessary expense of a new building estimated at $12,000 to $15,000 was not
warranted by the need of the village and that to enlarge one of the present
fire houses would meet all present requirements. The meeting was adjourned
without a date.

September 21, 1929 At a special meeting of the voters of the village of
Middlebury held in the Grange Hall authority was given for the reconstruction
and enlargement of the present fire house on Main Street in order to afford
proper accommodations for the fire truck and equipment recently purchased by
the village. The village treasurer was authorized to draw orders for this
project to an amount not to exceed $6,500 at 5% and the trustees were
instructed to proceed with the work.
This action followed the present report of the special committee which had
been investigating the project. Chief H.W. Caswell on behalf of the fire
department explained the handicaps under which the work was being handled. The
committee, consisting of James R. Cartmell, Charles F. Rogers, and Mr. Caswell
had investigated the matter thoroughly. They recommended the repair and
extension of the present building at an estimated cost of $6,500.This would
include raising the building some three feet and replacing sills and
underpinning as required, leaving a frame structure veneered with brick. The
proposed addition with a solid brick walk would extend 25 feet toward Main
Street, There being ample space for such an extension.

December 31 The Middlebury fire Departments annual ball was held in the
town hall. Edward,s orchestra furnished the music favor, novelty, and square
dances with Stone and Gibson acting as prompters. A cafeteria supper was served
during intermission.

35
1930

April 16 A fire broke out in Painter Hall at Middlebury College shortly
after 6:00 PM endangering the oldest college building in Vermont. The flames
started from a lighted cigarette and were confined to the partition and hall of
the top floor in the south section of the building. The fire department and
college students succeeded in putting the fire out shortly after it started.
Damage was slight. Painter Hall was constructed in 1815, It was being used as a
mens dormitory and offices.

May 1 The fire department was called out at 11;00 AM for a small grass fire
on Weybridge Street at the home of Harry Warner.

July 8 In an attempt to secure further progress in the erection of the
proposed engine house authorized by the village of Middlebury a special meeting
was called to hear the report on available sites and decide what action would
be taken. The warning was issued by the clerk. It was unanimously voted to
accept the site on Seymour Street offered by Mrs. Charles Swift for the
erection of a new fire station and to authorize the trustees to proceed
immediately with the construction. The meeting was opened by Moderator Charles
I. Button who made his introductory paid high praise to the memory John A.
Fletcher. Mr. Fletcher was keenly interested in the erection of the new fire
house as he was in all matters that pertained to the welfare of the village. It
was due to no small effort on his part that a satisfactory solution of this
problem had been reached. Following the reading of the warning Chief H. Wright
Caswell of the fire department presented the report of the committee charged
with the investigation stated that he possible locations had been reduced to
two, the Seymour Street site and the location on the park next to the Episcopal
Church
Speaking for the committee Chief Caswell strongly urged the acceptance of the
Seymour Street location as presenting the greatest advantages for building
owing to the fact that material for the proposed had already been ordered and
some of it already received. The change of plans caused by building on a new
site would increase the cost of the authorized building by $3,800. This added
expense was largely due to the necessity of reinforcing the main floor, which
would have not been needed in the former fire house due to a rock foundation.
This expense would be offset by the fact that a large basement would be
available for use which would greatly increase the capacity of the building. On
a motion presented by Dr. P.L. Doray it was unanimously voted to accept the
report of the committee and further to authorize the trustees to accept the
site on Seymour Street, also to proceed with the erection of the engine house
at that location.
Since the total cost of the building was then estimated at $12,800 it was
voted on the motion of Willis N. Cady that the trustees be authorized to borrow
not to exceed $3,800 in the same manner that the $9,000 was secured. This was
amended on the suggestion of P.J. Hinke to read treasurer instead of trustees.
It was further voted that the clerk be instructed to cast one ballot in support
of the motion. The meeting then adjourned.
Contractor Zeeman started shortly thereafter with the work on removing the old
barn which sat on the site and the construction of the new building would be
rush as rapidly as possible.

36
1931

December 20 Fire almost completely destroyed the barn and valuable contents
on the John Hammond farm on the extension of Washington East of the village.
The fire was discovered about 8:30 PM and an alarm was sent for the fire
department. Damage was estimated to be around $5,000. Fire Chief Caswell of
Middlebury suffered a broken boon in his hand as result of the fire although
the injury was not received on the scene of the conflagration. He slipped on
the walk in front of his home when he was hurry to respond to the alarm. He was
treated at Porter Hospital.
The farm was occupied by Phillip Forrest. When he learned of the fire it was
so far gone that little could be done except to assist in the efforts made to
salvage contents A wagon, sleigh , and some other items were carried from the
building to a safe distance.
The flames cast a bright glare which could be seen for miles. When the
Middlebury Fire Department responded the flames had already gained considerable
headway. Because there was no water available he firemen were handicapped by
having only one chemical line which to fight the blaze. However they were able
to keep the flames from spreading to the nearby building.

December 31 The annual ball of the Middlebury Fire Department was held at
the town hall. Edwards eight piece band was engaged for the dancing 9-2. Toy
balloons and confetti was added for color. A cafeteria supper was served


1932

February 2 The first fire on Main Street in Middlebury for nearly three
years caused considerable damage to the A.C. Delphia Building. The stock of the
Cloverdale Store which occupied the first floor of the building was water
soaked and considerable loss was suffered. The alarm rang in at 10:00 AM and
the firemen worked on the scene for more than two hours before the fire was
completely out.
Besides the Cloverdale Store the Emilio Barber Shop and the tenement occupied
by Chester Brush are located in the building. They were serious damaged.
As nearly be ascertained the fire originated from electric wires. The
condition of the building was such after the fire was out it was almost
impossible to learn the actual cause of the flames.
The fire was discovered by policeman Charles J. Shaw who sounded the alarm. It
seemed to have originated in a closet in the front of the building. The fire
had gained considerable headway by the time it was discovered because of the
peculiar construction of the building. The construction made it a difficult
fire to fight. The building was an old wooden structure, which was built on a
platform which extended over Otter Creek. On the outside of the building metal
had been put on. This in effect made the building metal box. In order to get at
the fire it was necessary to put ladders to the top of the building and then
throw water in by the means of a cellar hose. This is a device that spread
water in a rotary motion all over the inside of the building. Thus it was
necessary to use more than otherwise resulting in greater damage to the stock
of the grocery store.
The fire burned up through the partitions, through the roof, and into the
cornice at the front of the building. Practically all of the frame work near
37
the closet where it started was eaten away by flames. Hose were laid in all
directions along Main Street and water was taken from every available hydrant
in that section of the village.

December 30 The annual firemans ball was held on this evening
instead of New Years eve because New Years day fell on a Sunday and dancing
would last until 2 AM. The event took place at the town hall. Supper was served
at the same time. The Bob Minottes band from Burlington was engaged for the
event. Special decorations were hung for the affair The committee in charge of
the event was Leo Coursey, Francis Corvin, and Fred Signor. It was carefully
planned so as not to conflict with dances in Vergennes and Bristol.

1933

February 20, Two firemen were injured and two families were routed
from their home this morning around 3:00 by a blaze at the Susan Parker house
on South Main Street. Mrs. Ransom OBryan (93 years old) was the first to
detect some in the house and warned the others. All escaped without injury but
lost most of their belongings. The cause of the fire was not determined.
Charles Needham was thrown from the ladder truck onto the street and one leg
was Ran over by the truck. He received painful injuries but not real serious.
Arthur Benedict was overcome by smoke while working in the house. The fire
seems to have broken out in the attic or in the wall. There was a great deal of
combustible goods stored in the attic and had gained headway before being
discovered. Mrs. OBryan who was sleeping on the third floor had left door open
to the kitchen of her apartment. It was because of this she was able to detect
the smoke before any of the others. Mrs. OBryan awakened her daughter Mrs.
Grace Brown and grandson Boyd Brown who also slept on the same floor. The
latter aroused Mrs. J.E. Caswell and Miss Sargent who were sleeping on the
second floor. The first floor was unoccupied. AS they fled to the street the
alarm for the fire department was sounded. By the time the fire department
arrived the flames had broken out at the gable end of the North side where the
blaze was gaining the most headway. While some of the occupants were able to
collect some bits of clothing and valuable papers the most were abandoned. By
working fast with two hose lines the firemen were able to hold the blaze in
check faster than had been expected. This was mainly because it had started in
the upper part of the house The whole building was soaked with tons of water
which poured into it steadily from the time the department arrived until about
6:00 AM. The water damage was greater than the actual fire damage. The
occupants of the house were cared at the homes of the neighbors. Hot coffee and
sandwiches were made and served to the firemen.
During the time that the firemen were battling the fire a high wind was
blowing and it started to snow. It was extremely cold at this time. The water
froze to their clothes.
The fire did not get beyond control and there was no damage to other buildings
in the vicinity.

June 22 What might have been a very disastrous fire was brought under
Control by the fire department this morning at the Gipson Brothers lumber
sheds. Despite the work which was done there was damage done which amounted to
several thousand dollars. The fire started in the north end of the lumber shed
and had gain a big start before it was discovered. This building was badly
damaged and was filled with materials. The loss of lumber on hand was far
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greater than the damage to the building. The loss was mainly roofing materials,
shingles, matched spruce, clap boards and insulating board. As far as could
be determined the fire started a short circuit in a Stewart truck that was
parked in this end of the shed. The truck was completely destroyed. Practically
all of the firemen turned out when the siren was blown. The fire truck was sent
to the scene immediately and the hose lines were laid. Streams of water was
poured into the section where the fire was centered and other streams soaked
down the remaining part of the building in an effort to keep the fire from
spreading toward the center of the shed. About an hour was consumed in
fighting the fire directly and then a careful watch was kept the rest of the
night for any unexpected. I am very pleased with the work of the Middlebury
Fire Department and will advise the local authorities declared Mr. Gipson who
came from Brandon upon hearing the news of the fire I feel that your town has
a very efficient force and that our loss would have been far greater except for
the manner in which the department handled the situation.

November 21 Fire in a double house on Court Street, a near collision
of the fire truck with a passenger car, and general confusion following caused
considerable excitement this afternoon. The fire broke out in the owned by
George Dougherty on Court Street and for a time threated to destroy the
structure. It was brought under control after it had broken through the roof.
The fire apparently started from the chimney. The property was unoccupied at
the time but workmen were engaged in painting, papering, and redecorating the
interior. They built a fire in the stove. The alarm sounded about 9:30 AM and
the department responded immediately. The big truck returned to the station
house to bring long ladders to the scene when it encountered an accident at the
corner of Main and Seymour Streets. In an attempt to avoid a collision with the
Hudson sedan the truck skidded against the curb. It was necessary to have the
wrecker from the Caswell garage to get it out. In the meantime the hook and
ladder equipment was towed to the scene of the fire by a private automobile.

1934

March 18 Damage amounting to $600 was done to the home of Edward Throne and
the George Friend Harness Shop on Exchange Street shortly after 12:00 PM by a
fire of unknown origin. The fire department quickly checked any further damage.
The building was owned by Elliot & Churchill. The fire originated in the upper
story of the house where Mr. Throne had his quarters.

May 11 The members of the Middlebury Fire Department organized a baseball
team made up entirely by members of the department. First practice was held at
6:00 at the fairgrounds. Joe Marseilles was to be the manager. Among those who
expected for practice were Corvin, Wisell, Lowre, Cox, Benedict, Milton Brown,
Walter Calhoun, and Frank Cole. Plans were made to secure uniforms and to
represent Middlebury at the state fire department convention to be held in
Vergennes.

July 22 The Middlebury Fire Department baseball nine defeated a strong
Rochester team at the fairgrounds in a ten inning game that was most exciting.
Middlebury after trailing throughout the game came from behind in the eighth
and tied the score and in the tenth inning scored one run to give them the win.
Rochester took the lead in the first scoring two runs and added another in the
third, then one in the fourth. Middlebury scored in the third and went to the
39
lucky seventh trailing by three runs. After filling the bases in the seventh on
errors made by Rochester the locals then collected two hits off the Rochester
pitcher to tie the game. Rochester came back in the eighth to score two more
runs and take the lead. Middlebury tied it up in the ninth on two and a
sacrifice by Benedict. Lengyel allowed ten hits.

August 1 The Middlebury Fire Department baseball team hosted the Vergennes
Athletic Club team at 2:30 PM on the fairgrounds diamond. Middlebury had its
regular lineup which included Hill, Cox, Corvin, Wisell, Poro, Benedict, Cole,
Lengyel, Burke, and Emilio. Vergennes had the Ryan brothers for its battery
along with others who had been playing College and high school ball. They had
McCormick on hand to pitch if necessary. Middlebury won the game 5 to 1.

September 2 Middlebury bested Granville in the baseball game and were headed
to the play offs.

October 30 The next in a series of card game given by the Middlebury Fire
Department was held at the fire station starting at 8:00 PM. The public was
cordially invited to play. Prizes for high score was awarded and refreshments
were served.

November 13 Another of the firemens card parties was held at their station
with play starting at 8:00 PM. Prizes were awarded to Mrs. Mose Wimette, Mrs.
Joe Masceille, Mrs. Sybil Munblo, and Mrs. Fletcher Mack. Military Whist was
played. The door prize was won by Mrs. Frank Cole.

November 23 The Middlebury firemen began a campaign to aid in fire
prevention by selling a modern type of foamite or soda & acid fire
extinguishers in the town. The firemen were credited with the commission on the
sales which was going into the athletic fund so as to aid financing the
following years baseball team. The price at which the firemen were authorized
to sell the fire extinguishers for was under list price. The discount allowed
by the manufacturer was a contribution to the athletic fund.
The firemens team which was organized the previous year was the only semi-pro
team of the community. The boys had hope of improving and having better
equipment.

1935

January 8 The Middlebury Fire Department held its annual meeting in the fire
station in the evening with Chief H.W. Caswell conducting the meeting. The
meeting opened with a roll call by the clerk J. LeBrande Wood. Twenty seven
members were present. Routine business was discussed and voted on. The report
of the treasurer C.O. Frost was accepted.
At the election of officers J. LeBrande Wood was chosen to succeed himself.
C.O. Frost and Leo Wisell were nominated for treasurer. A ballot was taken and
Wisell was elected. The following officers were elected by voice vote, Kenneth
Cox- foreman of the Ford Chemical, Milton Brown fore of the Essex Chemical,
John Phillips foreman of the American LaFrance apparatus.
Chief Caswell appointed the following to serve on committees; Stanley Rose,
Walter Calhoun, Leo Coursey- dance committee; George Brissette, Arthur Murray,
William LaFountain- sick committee; E.M. Gipson, Jack McMahon, Albia Provoncha-
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house committee; and John Pinney chairman of the food committee with the right
to choose his assistant.
E.M. Gipson was elected delegate to the state fire association to be held at
Montpelier in August with William Lauber as the alternate.
The firemen voted to continue the card parties which had been held during the
winter under the direction of the dance and athletic committee. The past
seasons baseball committee composed of Leo Wisell, Jack Lowre, and Fred Signor
was asked to serve another year.
A vote of thanks and appreciation for several years of valued service to the
department was given to the retiring treasure C.O. Frost
Chief Caswell on behalf of the members thanked the dance committee for their
efforts in staging the highly successful dance on new Years eve dance at the
college gymnasium.

May 21 The Middlebury firemen lost to Dorns Venetians of Burlington 5-3

May 26 The Middlebury firemen lost to Giard-Farrells Bakers of Burlington
11-5

June 7 The firemen lost to Bristol 3-2 in the tenth inning

December 25 Fire that for a time threatened to destroy home on the Christmas
night festivities of Wayne C. Bosworth, well known Addison County Attorney of
20 South Street. It started in an unknown way in the childrens room on the
second floor. That household alarm was given by John the youngest son.
The towns alarm was promptly sounded and Chief Caswell along with the men of
the department responded with all apparatus, the pumper, 2 chemical trucks, and
the ladder truck. Although they were somewhat handicapped by the fact several
men were away for the holiday the force got to work effectively through the
cold weather. Water froze on the outside of the building, on the ladders, and
on the mens clothes as fast as it was thrown. The fire got headway enough in
the room where it started to burn out the interior of that apartment. It worked
from there into the partitions and into the attic where three was considerable
damage then through the roof.
It looked very threatening when the firemen arrived as at that time the fire
was bursting out the windows of the second floor.
As water was put on the fire and began to come down through the floor
neighbors and others got to work carrying out furniture. The more valuable
included a Steinway grand piano which were taken to the house of A.T. Calhoun
next door. Some furniture was placed on the veranda and then Chief Caswell had
covers placed over the items to protect from water damage.
The firemen had the fire under control within the first hour using both
chemicals and water but it took them until 9:15 Pm to finally put out the last
smoldering embers. A man was left to watch the remains through the night.

December 31 The annual firemens ball was held at the college
gymnasium. Red Holland orchestra of Whitehall furnished the music. Round and
square dances were featured. Supper was also served. The committee for the
affair was Fred Signor, John Gero, and Arthur Benedict.

1936

February 11 W.H, Adams, an officer in the VSFA, of Vergennes spoke
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to the Middlebury Fire Department at its monthly meeting held in the fire
station. Following the speech the men voted to join the state association for
1936. Arthur Dugan also of Vergennes spoke briefly. AT the close of the meeting
refreshments were served by a committee composed of John Gero, William Lauber,
and Mr. Murray.

July 19 Incendiaries were suspected of having stated a fire in the
grandstand of the old Addison County Fairgrounds in Middlebury. Mrs. Jesse
Mack, who lived nearby saw smoke and called Fie chief Caswell who along with
several firemen and the chemical quickly extinguished he blaze with little
damage. However they found that pepper had been stuffed into the partitions
under the grandstand in several places and there were burnt matches on the
ground.

December 18 Mr. and Mrs. Morris Gribeault of Middlebury returned from
a trip to Burlington this evening just in time to see their home destroyed by
fire. The fire was discovered by a neighbor and a still alarm was turned in to
the central office in town. The chemical truck of the Middlebury Fire
Department driven by Milton Brown responded. Their quick action with the help
of the neighbors saved the adjacent house and barn. It was believed to have
started from an overheated chimney.

December 31 The annual ball of the Middlebury Fire department was held
at the college gymnasium. The people had the great opportunity to greet 1937 to
but excellent music of Roy Sherman and his swing band from Burlington. The band
was well known for its fine swing tunes.
1945

Art Benedict was appointed chief of the department

1946

The Middlebury Fire Dept. along with several other departments in the county
joined together to form the Addison County Firefighters Ass.

The senior officers are now appointed to their respective positions by the
Town Manager.

1948

February The Town of Middlebury bought a 1924 American LaFrance ladder truck
from Rochester, NH

1951

Harold was appointed chief of the department

1952
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1952 saw the town buy another fire engine. This engine was on an International
chassis and was built by the Farrar Co. in Hopkinton, Mass.

1960

In June of 1960 the town of Middlebury purchased a second hand aerial ladder
truck from West Haven, Conn. It was 1939 65'ft Pirch

1961

Donald Keeler Sr. was appointed chief of the department

1965

1965 Donald Keeler Sr. was appointed fire chief.

1969

Middlebury bought another engine from Farrar. This time the chassis was a
Ford. This engine had a 1000 gal. pump and a 3:1 high pressure booster. It
carried 750 gal of water.

1973

An American Lafrance was purchased. It had a 1500 gal two stage pump and
carried 500 gal. Of water
1975

Two bays were added onto the 1932 building

1984

After the death of Chief Keeler, Ralph Hayes Sr. was selected as chief of the
department.

1986

Two additional vehicles were bought. First was a tank truck. This also was a
Ford chassis that was from G. Stone Motors. The tank was a 2800 gal tank from
Rogers Fuels.
Retrofitting was done by Giroux Bros. of Hinesburg. Second was a LDH reel truck
on a 1 ton Dodge. The reel was of 2000 ft. capacity and operated hydraulically.
This was built by Farrar also.

1987

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1 Due to a change in the town's retirement policy Chief Hayes was forced to
retire at the age of 65. Roger young was named chief of the department by Town
Manager Betty Wheeler.

1990

Bunker pants and boots became the norm wear for fire gear

1992

The members of the department designed a mascot as a tribute to the life
members of the department. The mascot was a tiger and given the name Andre. The
name Andre was derived from the initial of the first name of the five life
members at that time. They were Albert Corbett, Norbert Duclos, Donald Shaw,
Ralph Hayes Sr. and Edward Lundrigan.

1993

The town along with substantial help from Middlebury College acquired a 1993
Pierce Arrow 100 ft. aerial ladder from the Pierce Co. in Wis.

This was to be a year of changes. The dress uniformed was change so that now
the members were wearing the bell hat. Light blue shirts and black trousers
with a gold strip along the seam.
Most importantly this saw the Alysia Bushey become first female member of the
history of the department.

1996


April Chief Roger Young resigns as chief in a dispute with the town manager.
Deputy Chief Rollin Many is acting Chief.

May The department takes delivery of new 1250 GPM pumper made by the 3D
company

July Richard Hayes is appointed interim Chief. Discussion is under way on a
merger of the Middlebury Fire and East Middlebury Fire departments.






1997


January 1 Middlebury and East Middlebury fire departments became one unit
with the Middlebury station being station 1 and the East Middlebury station
being station 2.
Richard Cole has been appointed the permanent Chief
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1993

The town of Middlebury purchased a Pierce Arrow 105 ft. aerial ladder

1996

The town of Middlebury purchased a 3D 1250 GPM pumper.

1999

October 10 At 4:00 AM fire alarm was sounded for a fire at 140 South Pleasant
Street. Upon arrival the south side of the building was afire. The building
Contained three apartments of which only one was occupied. The occupant was
able to escape. Mutual aid was called from New Haven and Bristol. The building
was destroyed. The building was owned by Max Eaton Sr. and at one time had
served as the parsonage for the Memorial Baptist Church. Two fire fighters
suffered minors injuries

December 24 The alarm for a fire again sounded for a fire at the Lussier Farm
on South Street Ext. The house at the farm had caught fire. The farm was owned
by Middlebury College and the house was occupied by Dan and Tyrina DeVries.
Fighting the fire was difficult due the construction of the building. Part of
the house had to torn down so as to be able to extinguish the fire. The ladder
truck, four tanker, and other apparatus were used. The house was destroyed. The
garage and a little amount of furniture were saved. Mutual aid was called from
New Haven, Cornwall, and Bristol.


2000


January Another new pumper arrived from 3D Company that is now part of
American Lafrance. It is a 1250 pump, 1200 gal water.

January 14 The department was called out for a chimney fire at the
Middlebury Inn. The fire was quickly extinguished with no damage.

February 9 Cornwall called for mutual aid at the Foote Farm on route 125. The
barn was destroyed. Embers from the barn flew across the road into cupola of
the house. The spot fire in the house was extinguished with minimal damage but
the barn was totally destroyed.

September 18 The call went out for a fire at the old court house at the top
of Court Square. This building now housed the Middlebury Colleges Center for
Educational Technology. The fire was in the cupola. After some time the blaze
was put out with minimal damage. The building was under renovation at the time
and the fire started from heat guns that were being used to strip old paint.
Mutual aid was called from New Haven and also Vergennes for their Ladder truck.


45
2001

March 3 The department was called to the Munson Farm on Munson Road at 12:30
PM. Upon arriving it was found to be a small travel trailer afire. The trailer
was next to the barn. The fire had extended to the milk house that was attached
to the barn. The fire in the trailer was extinguished as was the fire in the
milk house and the fire was prevented from going into the barn its self. The
trailer was destroyed. Mutual was called from Salisbury and New Haven.

March 9 Captain Richard Hayes passed away due to none fire related health
problems.

September 12 St 10:00 AM the fire department was notified of a bomb at the
Emma Willard house on route 30. This is the admissions office of Middlebury
College. Fire fighters closed all roads in the area until 4:00 Pm.

2003

March 9 Firefighter Bruce Young passed away due to a heart attack. Mr.
Young had arrived at the fire station responding to a call. He had boarded the
ladder truck as a driver and suffered the attack before he was able to start
the rig. Fellow firefighters in the station immediately pulled him from the
truck and started CPR which proved to be futile. Middlebury ambulance
transported him to Porter Medical Center.
Mr. Young is the second known fire related death in Middlebury

August 14 The department was called for a motor vehicle accident on Exchange
Street involving a Green Mountain Fish and Produce truck and a Boise B&W fuel
truck. The produce truck impacted the fuel truck so as to knock the rear axle
from out under causing the fuel truck to roll over. 1200 gals of 2600 were
spilled from the tank.

October 20 An alarm went out for a fire at the East Middlebury General Store
at 3:15 AM. Upon arrival firefighters were confronted with heavy smoke and
severe heat. The fire was brought under control around 5:00 AM and was finally
out by 8:00 AM. The fire was believed to have started in the rear of the store
and quickly spread to the connecting house. The business was owned by Dennis
and Dee Stiles and leases the property from Sherman V. Allen Inc. Mutual aid
was called from New Haven and Bristol. The store was destroyed

November 23 A new utility truck was delivered from P L Custom /Rescue One in
Manasquan, NJ. This was accustom designed body on a HME chassis

2004

May 24 The fire department was called out to assist with a series of fires
in the area. There were seven fires in an area covering Cornwall, Weybridge and
Bridport in 2hour period. The fires included homes, cars, a garage and hay
bales. It was determined to be arson.


46

2005

April 6 A call went out for a fire at the apartment complex behind the old
courthouse. The blaze was in just one of the units. The department was on scene
for more than two hours. All tenants were evacuated and there were no serious
injuries. Damage kept to a minimum.

2006

February 11 Middlebury received a call that a two story home on Dragon Brook
Road was afire. Assistant Chief David Shaw said that icy road conditions meant
that fire trucks were only able to get 3/4 the way up the road. The house was a
total loss and the Pattons escaped with a little more than the clothes on their
backs

September 12 The department was called to aid New Haven at a fire in the
Dog Team restaurant located in Brooksville. The building contained only a
restaurant but many valuable antiques. After fire was out the body of the owner
was discovered in the building. It was to be determined that he had intently
had started the fire then taken his own life. The building was destroyed along
with all of the contents.

2007
April 26 An alarm went out for a call to Vermont Field Sports on route 7
South. Up on arrival the firemen found the building fully involved. There was
the fear of the ammunition exploding. After several hours the fire was out. The
building was destroyed. Over 60 firefighters from Middlebury, Bristol, and New
Haven were on scene. Weybridge covered station Number 1

October 22 Eighteen cars of a Vermont Railway train derailed between the
Merchants Row bridge and the trestle. Fourteen of the cars were gasoline
tankers. It was discovered that there were several spot fires and gasoline was
leaking and seeping into Otter Creek. The series of events forced the closure
and evacuation of the downtown and surrounding areas. 400 to 500 residents were
forced from their places for 24 hours. The fire department along with many
departments from the county was on scene for several days until the cleanup was
complete.

2009
September A committee was formed to study and devise a plan to expand
and renovate the fire station. Patrick Shaw headed the committee. The committee
was comprised of Peter Brakley (representing the towns people), Nick Artim
(select board),Tom Corbin ( Middlebury College), Jason Larocque (prudential
committee E. Middlebury), Kevin Parizo ( Battell Hose Co)

2010

October 4 At 9:00 AM a call went out to the fire department for s fire at
the Otterside condominiums unit number 59. The unit was at the center of the
47
complex. The fire was on the upper part of the unit. The fire was isolated to
the upper floor and put down in 30 minutes. The blaze was limited to the second
floor and 3
rd
floor loft. There was smoke and water damage throughout the rest
of the unit. The rest of the units in the complex were spared any damage. The
fire appeared to have started from a laptop in the second floor bedroom. Damage
was estimated to be around $50,000. Mutual aid was called from New Haven. 55
firefighters were on scene.


2012

February 14 The Middlebury Fire Department was called for mutual aid to
Cornwall for an out of control wild fire on North Bingham Street. The firemen
were hampered by high winds. About 50 acres were burned before the fire was put
out

March 5 At the town meeting the voters of Middlebury by a vote of 782 to 367
approved a 4.2 million dollar bond for the renovation and construction of the
fire stations. The station #1 would have an additional four bays added with the
rest of the building bring redone. Station #2 in East Middlebury would be
demolished and a completely new building erected. The community cottage and its
parcel of land next to station #1 on Seymour Street would be purchased from the
community house.

April 23 Construction on fire station #1 started with the removal of the
community cottage

June 1 Construction started on Station 2 with the removal of the existing
station.

July 19 The fire department was called for a fire at Mr. Ups. Mutual aid
was called from New Haven, Cornwall, and Weybridge. Over 50 firefighters were
on
scene. The fire was held to the outside of the building with smoke entering
inside. The fire was determined to have started from spontaneous combustion in
the mulch. The damage was minor and the restaurant was able to open the next
day

October Station #2 is completed and the ribbon cutting ceremony held

2013
January 22 Middlebury along with Weybridge responded to a house fire on
Terrace Heights off from Weybridge Street. The house was extensively damaged.

March 2 Moving day, Furnishings and equipment started being moved back into
station #1

May 27 Open house and ribbon cutting ceremony were held after the Memorial
day parade at Station number one.



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