~ THE 1910's ~

In 1910, there was a request for apiece of motor driven apparatus, stating there would be less maintenance than horses. .

There were 43 bell alarms and 51 still alarms, a total of 94 in 1910. There were no major fires but police did apprehend seven youths for lighting fires, two who admitted setting a barn on fire. An appropriation of $20,000 was made for next year's department budget.

1910 was celebration year in Marlborough. It was 250 years old and many functions were held. The Fire Department had a large celebration with a muster of old hand tubs, parades and water pressure demonstrations. This spectacular event was held at Fairmont Park off Fairmont Street and was attended by over 3,000 people.

1911 ushered in a new Chief. He was E.C. Minihan and, as with all new chiefs, many thins were set out to be accomplished, such as repairs, new appliances for the apparatus and new hose. But a poor budget that year brought only a few changes.

Changes were part of every new administration. Each Chief thought he had the final answer to the perfect plan. Upon taking office, the first thing done was to rearrange the department.

On February 4, 1916, a cold winter fire destroyed St. Jean Baptiste Hall at the corner of Broad and Lincoln Streets.


Talk of placing a piece of motorized apparatus was in its 5th year, along with requests for new wool coats for the men. The current coats were 20 years old and were quite worn. Also needed were new boots and helmets. Finally in 1918, the first piece of motorized equipment arrived. It was a 1917 white, triple combination truck. It was first housed at the Central Station and then the , Pleasant Street Station, in turn moving the combination ladder truck to the Central Station. This truck would be Combination #2.


The afternoon of June 20, 1918 suffered the loss of the Lake Williams ice house. The fire, discovered by a neighbor, was brought under control by 9 PM with the appreciated assistance of Hudson's steam pumper. The Center School, at 255 Main Street, suffered damage on September 29, and C.F. Weeks furniture storage barn on Middlesex Square was destroyed on November 11. The winter of 1918-19 was also very harsh for the horse drawn and motorized equipment, including Marlborough's newest fire truck.

Tragedy struck on the afternoon of February 12, 1919 when a seemingly minor brush fire raged and spread, engulfing the pavilion and buildings at Fairmont Park, destroying an area that was used for many events the past twelve years. The loss was felt by all.

Requests for three motorized pieces of apparatus were submitted to the Mayor and City Council, and by year's end another piece was put into service, replacing Hose 1 at Central Station.

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