Grafton Fire Department
Grafton, Massachusetts
Grafton Fire Department Home Page
The helmet in the
background belonged to Captain Gilbert Clark
(It became the shade of a "hose nozzle"
table lamp given to him upon retirement)
Ladder 1 in front
of the Grafton Center Station
Grafton Fire Department in the forties?
Grafton Fire Department
Grafton Fire Department
Comments from Mike Murphy:
Grafton had 3 Hand Tubs. All were purchased in 1852.
The Emperor, which was in
New England Village. (North Grafton)
The Rescue, which was in
Grafton Center.
The Blackstone, which was
in Fisherville. (South Grafton)
The only original Fire Station that is standing is the one in South
Grafton.
The Federal Government spent over $60,000.00 restoring the station. I
don't
believe the restoration is complete. All three of the tubs were
sold in the
20s'-30's to a collector. The Emperor was purchased by Charlie Bolack
and it is in his trust. The Rescue has not been touched as far as any
type of
restoration goes. The Blackstone is in a private collection in Phoenix,
AZ.
http://www.hallofflame.org/handhorsedrawn4.htm
The Emperor received a paint job and does not work. I believe the
Blackstone is fully functional. The Rescue is by far the most
ornate
of all three of the tubs. This was do to the fact that it was Grafton
Center
and it was where all the money was in Town so the Firefighters spent
some on
making it look good. The first Board of Fire Engineers which where the
Chiefs
were the Mill Owners. None of the Tubs have pumped water in over 75
years.
I do have photos of the original horse drawn ladder truck. I was a
member of
Ladder 1 also for 17 years. If you need help with photos of the
rigs feel free
to ask. I would love to get a restoration of the Tub from the
Center. I had
people lined up to do it but it was stalled.
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The "Emperor"
(photo courtesy of Don Clark) |
Is this "The Emperor" also?
(photo courtesy
of the Grafton Fire Dept) |
Old Fire trucks parked in front of library (photo
courtesy of the Grafton Fire Dept)
1965 American LaFrance Aerial Ladder Truck - when new
1965 American LaFrance Aerial Ladder Truck - when new
Retirement testimonial for Charlie Diani and
Roland Bonin
Oak St.Apartment building fire (year unknown)
Fisherville Mill Fire 1999
1954 Gas Explosion of Avery House on Providence
Road
I took these photos with my Brownie camera. I think it was summer vacation. I heard the
BOOM & rode bike (took camera) to what was left of house on Providence Road. I think
it was just after lake area going toward S. Grafton. A backhoe hit a gas line while
digging in yard!
House was owned or lived in by Avery. -Dick
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