~ THE 1920's ~

By 1921, Marlborough had upgraded their department with three new motor trucks. They were on their way of having a complete motorized department. Complaints from citizens about speeding trucks became an issue. as. a result, a25 mph was posted within City limits.

Another fire in mid winter takes the foundry on Gay Street where iron catch basin covers were produced. It was soon rebuilt and production continued.

Marlborough finally received the ladder truck they wanted. It was a 1914 American LaFrance, featuring a right hand drive and hard rubber tires.

American LaFrance Truck - picture taken in front of City Hall about 1960, after a parade.

Two large fires were recorded in 1922; a barn at Rice Orchards on April 6, and a large wood storage barn on Florence Street operated by Howe Lumber Company. The fire whistle, installed in 1916, used to notify call men in the event of fire, was a subject of controversy as to its effectiveness. Its blast was annoying to the public: A new, better sounding whistle was installed that May, and is still used today.

On August 22, 1922, the Department was saddened by the death of C. Henry Bonner. His fame was gained as being the driver of the famous three horse team that pulled the Union Ladder #1.

Charles Henry Bonner driving Union Ladder 1 two horse on Windsor St.

Oddly, his death came behind the wheel of the motorized ladder truck which replaced his old horse drawn one. It was his first time behind the wheel of this truck.

In 1923, Marlborough was totally motorized, but kept a pair of horses for the old hose pungs (Crude sort of sleigh on runners) in case the need arose during winter. The horses were finally retired in 1924.

On August 4, 1923, an alarm was sounded at 3:24 am; a fire at the Morse and Bigelow store at Lincoln Street. The alarm was given by two guests next door at the Highland House. The hotel was evacuated upon arrival of the firefighters. A second alarm sounded at 4:15 am and the recall at 6:40 am. There was; $40,000 in damage. On January 7,1926, at 2:30 am, St Jean Hall, at the corner of Broad and Lincoln Streets suffers a $38,000 loss from fire, the second in two weeks.

The Universalist Church on Main Street suffered a noontime blaze on April 28, creating a large crowd to form and block the street.

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