City of Franklin
Fire Department History
 

The following condensed history was provided by Deputy Chief Andrew N. Nadeau, retired (1960-1989) from his book titled Franklin Fire Department 1830-1978 which was produced with only 250 copies and has been out of print for at least a decade.  He completed the 150+ page work prior to his retirement from the job.  Andy is also the honorary curator of the department’s museum.  Thank you Andy for all that you have done for us and most importantly the role that you have played in conveying the history of “the job” to the next generation of firefighters charged with protecting this City.

The Franklin of today was first settled in 1748.  It was, at that time, called Stevenstown, later incorporated as Salisbury.

A petition for a new town was presented to the Legislature in 1825.  The petition was bitterly opposed by the towns who would have to give up parts of their lands, the result being that several years would elapse before the matter was settled.

The people who wanted a new town persevered and as a result, Franklin, the Town, was incorporated on December 24, 1828.  It would become a city in 1895.

As early as 1830, an important duty of town government was to see that the property of its citizens was protected against the ravages of fire.

Soon the town would have two fire “engines” in use.  These were known as tub machines.  There were two organized fire companies, located on each side of the Pemigewasset River, in the two villages.  Just when they were formed, is not known.  One was most definitely Engine Company no. 1, in the West Village.

In 1832, a group of Franklin citizens gave notice that Engine Company 2 had been formed.

It is believed that these early companies consisted of 20 men each.  Just what their “engines” were is not known, but they were the forerunners of the hand-tub now in possession of the Department.

The first recorded fire in the community occurred in November 1835.  The fire bell was rung at 4 am for a fire in West Village.  The fire started in the Satinet Factory, where Benjamin Moulton had been manufacturing cloth and carding wool.  The building could not be saved as the fire spread to a barn and carriage shed, destroying them too.

In 1837, April 27, fire started in one of the mills on Central Street, and soon spread to another.  Before the flames could be brought under control, both mills, along with a book and paper store ware totally consumed.

Using the $8,000. insurance money, the brick mill was rebuilt on site and was in full operation on the 29^th of October.

The following appeared in the records of Engine Company 2.  “June 1, 1850 Engine Co. met at Engine House precisely at 7 o’clock pm, examined engine, pronounced it to be in good order, worked it and found it to be as above stated.  Captain Knapp took his Company to D.N. Haley’s Inn and treated them on Lemon Ale, in good shape.  Returned to Engine House and the Captain dismissed the Company.”

A second had Hunneman Engine was purchased from Stark Mills in Manchester in 1866 and would run in the East Village as Stark company No. 3.  It would be housed on Central Street and would serve until 1880.  In 1884, the Engine would be sold to Lyndonville, Vermont.  Franklin had paid $400. for the Engine.  Also purchased at this time was $800.00 worth of leather riveted hose.  This engine would have been second hand, possibly no longer needed by Stark Mills.

In 1870, a new West Village Fire Station was constructed.  Samuel Heath did the stone work for $194.60.  The builder was J.K. Woodward who charged $967.80 for his work.  Total expenses for the new house were $1705.  This station would be remodeled in 1941 to better serve motorized apparatus.

In 1989 this station was razed to allow the State of New Hampshire to change the intersection of routes 3, 11 and 3A.
 

On October 10, 1865, fire struck Aiken’s four story wooden machine shop on Bow Street.  Fire started on the top floor and slowly devoured the building.  This shop had been built in 1864.  Such large building would be almost impossible to extinguish.  As some of the old records stated, “fire buildings were destroyed, all surrounding buildings were saved”.

July 7, 1872 saw fire strike the Winnipesaukee Paper Mill.  The building was 40 X 108 feet, two stories with a connected bleach house 33 X 28 feet.  The fire was believed to have started from the bleach, which was subject to intense heat.  The fire spread quickly to the extremely dry flooring overhead.  The fire was discovered by the watchman who sounded the alarm.

Stark Engine No. 3 was quickly on scene followed shortly by Engine No. 1.  Stark 3 threw the first stream but the building was completely involved and could not be saved.

Two rotary bleachers, one five feet in diameter and 22 feet long, weighing 13 tons and the other six feet in diameter and weighing 10 tons were filled with boiling stock.  When the building was half destroyed, one of the bleachers exploded and was propelled over 200 feet across the river.

Five firemen were playing a 2 1/2 inch hose on the fire at the time of the fire and all five were knocked to the ground but were unharmed.  At this time, it was discovered that part of the bleacher had gone 30 feet in the opposite direction.  Before the fire was under control, the second bleacher also exploded.

Firemen worked their engines for over three hours and were so exhausted that by-standing men were pressed into service working the brakes.  The brakes were long handles that firemen pumped up and down to force water from the engine to the nozzle.  Damage was $50,000.

It is believed that horses were introduced to the Department during 1877.  These horses were city horses and had to be “rounded up” to haul fire apparatus.

A new hose wagon was purchased from Chelsea, Massachusetts.  A new company was formed to run with the hose wagon.  It was called the C.C. Kenrick Hose Company, and ran out of the East Village.  The Company ran with volunteers until 1879 when they drew pay.  In 1880, Kenrick Hose Company was done away with and the fifteen members were used to form a new company for the steamer purchased.

May 1880 saw the purchase of a steam fire engine.  It was purchased from Amoskeag at Manchester at a cost of $2985.  This new engine would be called the Daniel Webster Steamer.  It was a double reciprocating, vertical engine, with two team cylinders and two pumps.  It would deliver 500 gallons of water per minute.  It was furnished with such tools and equipment as were required.  With the arrival of the Steamer, came a complete reorganization of the Fire Department.  Stark No. 3 was disbanded and the machine sold.  Engine Co. 1 was reduced from 50 men to 15, as they would not be used as much as previously.  They would run on second alarms with the Hunnaman Hand tub.
 

In July of 1880, the town purchased a Ladder Truck (horse drawn) for $325.00.  No Ladder Company would be formed until November 1892.

In 1880, after Start Engine 3 was put out of service and its engine house was sold for $195.00, equipment and apparatus was housed in the new firehouse on Central Street.
 

The most severe fire of the decade occurred on January 7, 1888.  The blaze would destroy the Cross Pump Mill on the Winnipesaukee River. The fire started at 5 am near a “hot box and although several employees were present nobody seemed to understand that water is a good thing to use on such occasions.”

In a short time, the whole building was in flames and nothing could be done to save it.  The fire also spread to a large pulp wood storage shed, which was also destroyed.  Loss was $100,000.  In dollar value, this fire exceeded the paper mill fire of 1872.

Franklin’s water system was established in 1891.  Sixty-five hydrants were installed and a covered masonry reservoir was built on Pleasant Street.  This reservoir was the second one built in New England and the first circular one.  Total cost of the system was $85,000.  The capacity of the reservoir was 504,300 gallons.

Also in 1892, Engine No. 1 was put in reserve and the Company was disbanded.  Engine Co. No. 1 had served for 60 years.

A new hose carriage was purchased and a new company was formed.  Ten men were accepted to form Hose Company No. 1.

Another new company was formed on November 18, 1892 to run with the ladder truck purchased in 1880.

In 1894, Chief Engineer Fred Aikens recommended a hose reel be put on Willow Hill, and another on Prospect Hill, “which would be of greatest service in cases of fire in either of these localities”.  His ideas were adopted and eventually, hose reel houses were placed in areas where, during winter, apparatus could not go.  The original reel house that was utilized at the New Hampshire Orphan’s Home here in Franklin is still in the Departments’ possession at the Museum, with the original hose reel.

January 1895, Chief Elias Ayles asked City Council for a “better system of giving an alarm (of fire).  It is imperative, as we are now situated, it is often necessary to travel quite a distance before an alarm of fire can be sounded and much valuable time is thus wasted.  A fire alarm system with a few boxes placed in different parts of the city would be of the greatest help in directing firemen.”

In March it was voted by the Council to purchase a hose wagon from the Boston Woven Hose Company, a one horse wagon and equipment for $310.00.  it was light and strong with two Holloway Pony Extinguishers (soda and acid), two axes, two lanterns and a gong.

At this time, early 1896, the Chief and Firewards voted that “Hose Company No. 1 shall not report on first alarms, but to report on second alarms only.”  Apparently the steamer was doing a good job and at most fires it was the only apparatus needed.

By September 1896, a new fire alarm system had been installed.  Six new boxes had been located in various parts of the city, connected to a gong (steam whistle) located on a paper mill near the fire house.  This system was also connected to the Baptist and Christian Churches, where apparatus for ringing the church bells, to coincide with the alarm box, was installed.

This system would work well as long as there was a head of steam at the paper mill.  When the mill was closed this system, except for the church bell, would not work.  Eventually, a better system would be installed.

On January 11, 1898, the steamer company took the hose out of the wagon and loaded it on a sleigh for the winter, as the roads were impassable for wheeled vehicles.  This action would continue each year until the roads would be plowed instead of rolled.

On October 5, 1899, Daniel Webster Steamer Company voted to do away with the terms, Foreman and Assistant Foreman and hereafter refer to Captain and Lieutenant.  The other company’s must have followed their example as we do not see these old terms used after this time.

The Twentieth Century

A disastrous fire hit the community early Saturday morning, January 16, 1900.  As a result of the fire, the Burleigh Block was ruined.  This block was the first brick building on Central Street, having been erected in 1871, but had a large wooden annex.

The alarm was sounded at 5am, followed by a second alarm which called out the entire department.

The main part of the building was divided into three stores on the ground floor.  The upper floors (three stories) were offices and private apartments.  Occupants were awakened quickly and exited by the stairs, although some had to be rescued over ladders, while others were rescued by firemen entering the building.

The fire started in one of the stores and spread rapidly, horizontally as well as vertically.  The large wooden annex was now heavily involved, burning fiercely.  Ten 2 ½ inch hose lines were in use at this time from mill yards as well as city hydrants.

The fire took three hours to bring under control, having gutted the entire building.  Loss would be estimated at $51,000.00.

Water Department records showed that 493,000 gallons of water was used to extinguish this fire.

Horses for pulling fire apparatus had been supplied by the paper mills but finally the mills decided they could no longer continue the policy.

City horses had to be used.  However, these horses were kept in the city stable on Bow Street.  The fire house was on Central Street away from the horses.  When the alarm sounded, firemen had to locate the city workers and return to the fire house to hitch horses to the apparatus.

Eventually, the fire house on Central Street was moved to Bow Street and connected to city stables.  At night, the horses were now available, but during the day, the absent horses were still a problem.

On Sunday, December 7, 1902 at 8:30 am, fire was discovered in the Congregational Church on South Main Street.  It would be the most serious fire since the Burleigh Block of 1900.

The members of Hose Company across the street were soon on the scene.  The alarm was sounded but the whistle would not sound because there was no steam on at the paper mill.

A second alarm was run in, calling the steamer but it was one hour and 35 minutes before it arrived, drawn by city horses.

The paper mill horses were supposed to draw the steamer, but it was claimed that the alarm was not heard and it was necessary to hunt up the city horses and a driver.

The fire started near the furnace and spread rapidly and in a short time had reached the upper part of the building.  Soon the fire reached the steeple and now beyond the reach of hose streams.

The fire was under control at 4:36 pm, described by Daniel Webster Steamer record as a “perfect ruin”.
 

A new Seagraves Hook and Ladder Truck was purchased from C.N. Richardson for $2250.  It was a two horse design.  This apparatus was put into service in 1904.

Another serious fire broke out on July 29, 1908.  It was in the property of Charles Prescott on the corner of Webster and Main Streets.  Box 14 was sounded but the paper mill was shut down and that resulted in the inability to sound the whistle.  (Again the problem of no steam.)  With only church bell sounding, firemen did not arrive as soon as they would have if the whistle sounded.

The Ladder truck horses were working on Willow Hill and the driver did not hear the alarm.  He was coming down Central Street when someone told him of the fire.  Again, the problem of horses away from apparatus manifested itself.

The additional problem of “no steam for the whistle” soon would be solved, a problem that had hampered the Department many times before.

In august of 1908 it was voted by City Council to install a compressed air plant for operating the fire whistle, to cost $1400.  Another positive step had been taken but not before more valuable property had been destroyed.  This problem of “doing nothing until there is no alternative” seems to have existed from earliest times.

An alarm from Box 14, the corner of Main and Webster, was sounded on July 15, 1909 for a fire in the Boston Excelsior Company for one of the worst fire to hit in some time.

The fire started in some waste excelsior between piles of wood and spread immediately to wood.  The poplar was dry as tinder and burned fiercely.

 The fire burned form 2pm until brought under control at 4pm.  Two thousand cords of wood were destroyed as well as a store house containing 100 tons of excelsior, which “burned like gunpowder”.

The steamer pumped two streams until midnight.

In 1910, City Council raised the salary of the Chief to $100 a year and 50 cents an hour for service at fires, reduced the number of assistant chiefs from four to two, raised their pay from $20.00 to $30.00 a year and f50 cents per hour for fires. Clerk’s salary was raised from $5.00 per year to $15.00 a year.  Firemen would get $20.00 per year, 50 cents for the first hour and 35 cents for each hour thereafter, except for brush fires, where their pay would be 25 cents.

The Engineer of the steamer would receive $1.00 per hour for fires, 50 cents for drills and 35 cents for cleaning and repairing the engine.

The mechanical age arrived, finally, in 1912.  B.M. Prescott Jr. presented a proposition to the City Council offering to furnish an auto truck, equipped with hose, extinguishers, axes and clothing for firemen. Cost would be $1100. for two years.  He would also supply the drive.

 Later in the year, the proposal was adopted and Prescott’s Garage built the hose and chemical wagon carrying eight pony extinguishers, 500 feel of 2 ½ inch hose, axes and other equipment.  The truck went into operation on April 20, 1912.

The Sawyer Block, a three story brick building on Central Street was hit by fire on January 11, 1914.  The blaze started in the cellar and raged for three hours before 17 lines of hose brought it under control.

The flames raced from the cellar, through stores on the street level, then into partitions to the third floor.  The loss was over $30,000.  Destroyed were:  Sawyer’s Grocery, C.P. Stevens Hardware, offices and apartments.

On April 25, 1914, the Boston Excelsior Company was again hit by fire.  Two large, two-story wooden buildings, all machinery and contents were completely destroyed.

In the buildings, 300 tons of excelsior was destroyed.  Total loss was $30,000.

The firehouse on Central Street was to be moved to Bow Street, connected to city sheds, where more efficient use of the horses could be utilized.  So in 1915, it was voted to do just that.  The city stables would be moved back to allow room for the station.  Walter Hill of Tilton would do the job for $800.00.

The steamer and hook and ladder were together where one man would be able to care for everything.

This was done to eliminate the problem of horses being away from fire apparatus, but during the day when city equipment made use of the horses, the problem still existed.  This would only end with mechanical apparatus.

The absent horse problem was soon to end.  In 1915, the Council voted to purchase a truck built on a 1911 six cylinder Winton Chassis.  The truck would contain a 40 gallon chemical tank, 600 feet of hose, extension and roof ladders, 200 feet of chemical hose, lanterns, axes, crowbar and other equipment.

This piece would be the first city owned and maintained motorized apparatus.  The truck would prove somewhat less than a complete success, but it was a new beginning.
 

The expense of running the Winton truck was becoming critical, averaging $55.00 each time it responded to a call, $600.00 per year and an additional $350.00 to put it in good shape.

In 1918 Mr. Prescott presented, to the Council, a five year contract for $75.00 per month, for which he would furnish a high duty fire truck and driver to reach all parts of the city.  This truck would carry the equipment on the Winton and that on the Seagraves Ladder Truck.  This proposal was accepted and the Winton and Seagraves were done away with.

The Daniel Webster Steamer was called to East Andover on July 4, 1919.  At this time, the steamer was pulled over the roads by auto.  Old time firemen claimed that the steamer exploded at this fire, but based on available information, it is believed that hauling the steamer over rough roads dealt the final blow, splitting many of the seams.  It was, at any rate, to have fought its last fire.
 

On December 26, 1919, the I.O.O.F. Block was struck by fire.  The interior of the large three story brick building was completely ruined.  A few minutes before 8 am, a clerk noticed smoke coming from the cellar.  He checked the cellar and found heavy smoke and fire around the boiler.  He sounded Box 25.

The Fire Department played water into the basement but could not confine the fire.  It reached the partitions and spread quickly to the roof.

Nine streams were played on the fire, five from city hydrants, four from the mills.

Heavy damage was done to the second floor with partial collapse of the second and third floors.  Damage was estimated at $80,000.  This building would burn again in 1924.

In July of 1921, City Council voted to buy an American LaFrance.  It would be a four cylinder 600 gallon pumper and cost $10,000.  And so, after two years of discussion and debate, Franklin was to own its first fire pumper.  It, as the Winton, would not fair well and be traded in 1925.

The truck arrived on March 13, 1922.  It was a 75 H.P., Type 10, 4 cylinder with a type 39 pump.

The Daniel Webster Steamer Company would now become Engine Company No. 1.

Charles Brace was the city’s first full time driver.  He would work 24 hours a day, six days a week, with the seventh day off.  In addition to driving the LaFrance, he had to feed the city’s seven horses, and answer the phone.  His pay – twenty-one dollars a week.

At 3:30 am on February 13, 1923, the city was awakened by the fire alarm from Box 114 at the buildings of the New Hampshire Orphan’s Home.  It would prove to be disastrous for the local department.  The following article was taken from the Journal Transcript:

“Snow was falling and the road was impassable for trucks.  Equipment was loaded on sleighs and the firemen were taken over the road.  A little later (about 5:40 am) four blows were sounded for more help.  Assistance was also called from Concord, but the Concord Department aboard a special train, stopped in Penacook and turned back as Chief Colby and his men had the fire under control.”

“There were 61 children in the nursery building, all under seven years of age.  All were saved and no injuries were reported.”

“Fireman Peter Savoie and his fellow firemen were playing a stream into the nursery and were about to put up a ladder against hew all when it collapsed without warning.  Because of the deep snow, the men had no chance to run from the falling bricks and were buried beneath them.  They were quickly dug out and were placed on cots of a baggage car on the 6am train to Franklin.  A truck form Prescott’s Garage met the train at the depot and took the men to the hospital.”

“Peter Savoie was operated on but died soon after without regaining consciousness.”

 “Five other firemen were injured.  Arthur Wise had both legs broken.  Ernest Murphy had a compound fracture of his left arm and a severe cut on his head.  Three others were less inured”.

“Damage was $60,000.”

Paper Mill B of the International Paper Company was badly damaged by fire on Saturday, January 5, 1935.  The fire started in the beater room and spread rapidly.  Smoke soon was pouring from every window in the mill.

The Department soon had eight streams of water with more streams supplied by Franklin Mills.

Several firemen escaped injury when portions of the walls fell.  Two sections of wall fell, probably due to explosions.

The Mill had been closed and all machinery was being removed by a Manchester Junk Dealer.  The workers, because of the cold had started fires in barrels to keep warm.  They were also using acetylene torches to cut pipes but the cause of the fire is not known.

The Superintendent of the Franklin Water Department estimated that between 500,000 and 600,000 gallons of water was used.  Loss was $25,000.

The Mrs. E.S. Edmunds barn was discovered on fire, September 20, 1935.  Dir. Arthur Edmunds ran a veterinary hospital at this location.

The fire was discovered in the hay spreading rapidly.  A family horse was rescued but ran back into the barn and was lost.

Dr. Edmunds lost his hospital and all the equipment and supplies.

The barn was 80 feet long, 45 feet wide and contained 35 tons of hay.  The fire was visible from all parts of the community.  Loss was $15,000.  The house was saved.

Chief Wheeler and Charles Cunningham built and installed a light plant on the Mack Ladder Truck.  It consisted of one 1500 watt floodlight, one 1000 watt light and two 250 watt portable lights.  This was accomplished after the Chief had connected representatives of the Mack Truck Company who informed the Chief that such a thing could not be done.

After the job was completed,  Chief Wheeler called the Mack people and told them they could see the results of what he and Charley had done.  They came, they saw and admitted that the two men had done what their engineers said could not be done.

In 1941, the Chevrolet Truck was falling apart, so Council voted to replace it with a Federal 500 gallon pumper.  Cost of the new truck was $4,572.00.  It carried 1200 feet of 2 ½ inch hose, one foam and one soda and acid extinguishers, one 24 foot roof ladder, six lengths of 4 inch suction hose, 100 gallon booster tank, 150 feet of ¾ inch booster line and other equipment.

This would be the first new piece for Ward 1, since the original Hunneman, as that Station would be “handed down” second hand apparatus from Central Station.

On July 14, 1942, Box 25 was sounded at 1:30 am for fire in J.J. Newberry’s on Central Street.  It proved to be one of the most stubborn fires to hit the city in several years.  Firefighters battled for eight hours to bring the blaze under control.  Smoke was very intense and three firemen were overcome, while 12 other firemen were treated for smoke inhalation.

The fire started in the basement stock room.  In time, the floor fell through in a large part of the store.  Their stock and fixtures were a total loss.

The new Chief, Leslie Boomhower, stated that it was the most difficult fire to fight that he had ever seen.

Damage to the building and contents was $75,000.  Fourteen hose lines were used to control the flames.  Water use estimate was 350,000 gallons.
 

In 1942, there were three drivers working at Central Station.  Their work week was six days on, one day off.  The system hadn’t changed for years.

The first two-way radio was added to the Department in 1943.  Communications prior to this time was by telephone, that is, if the fire building had a usable phone.

In 1947, the deputies would be appointed from within the permanent ranks.  Previously, all deputies were call men.  City Council appointed Carl Gilman and Robert Cunningham to fill the posts.

In 1948, the Department would purchase a “new” truck for $648.  The truck was a 1939 Chevrolet purchased from North Main Motors and a tank bought from Prescott’s Garage.  A booster pump was installed and Franklin had its first tank truck to carry water outside the hydrant district.  The tank held 700 gallons of water and was responsible for saving the house of Albert Hebert on Calef Hill Road on January 18, 1949.
 

During 1948, three more drivers were hired to work at Central, one of whom was  Chief Boomhower.  The Department went to a two platoon system of three men each shift.  Working hours were thus reduced to 84 per week, 48 hours on 24 hours off.

Another spectacular fire hit Franklin on April 30, 1949.  This fire having tragic results with the death of three people.

The fire broke out at 10:30 am and spread rapidly to engulf the upper floors of the three story wooden building.  The victims were quickly trapped and died as a result of smoke inhalation.

The Department quickly raised ladders buy heavy clouds of black smoke made entry impossible.

Assistance was called from Tilton and Laconia as well as Steven’s Mill work crews.

This building, the Stewart Block, housed the News and Book Store and the Colonial Restaurant on the street floor with apartments above.  The block was over 90 years old.  During the flu epidemic that hit this area following World War One, the building was used as a hospital.  Damage was $75,000.
 

The City purchased a 1949 GMC one ton delivery wagon for $1500. to replace the Lincoln Rescue Truck that had been destroyed in an accident.  It was painted red, equipped with a generator and search lights and carried first aid equipment formerly on the Lincoln.

The first two self contained breathing apparatus were also purchased in 1949.  It would still be many years before the Department possessed enough such apparatus to be effective.
 

In September 1950, City Council voted to buy a new fire truck to replace the unsafe 1926 pumper.  In October, it was decided to purchase a Seagraves Fire Engine as a cost of $15,259.  It would be a 750 gallon pumper, 12 cylinders, 202 horsepower unit.
 

Fire was discovered in Bailey Antique Shop on South Main Street.  It was at this fire that faith would deal another blow to the Department.  Deputy Robert Cunningham received an electrical shock that was to see him become seriously ill and be the cause of his death.

Bob fought the fire without gear other than his metal helmet.  He came in contact with electrical wires and was knocked to the floor.  He got up and again was hit by the wires, this time knocking him unconscious.  For more than a year, he fought to survive but lost the fight on March 10, 1952.

Bob had entered the Department in 1931.
 

May 14, 1954 fire caused $80,000 in damages when an outbuilding at Franklin Hospital was destroyed.  It was a two story wooden building that housed the hospital heating plant and quarters for three nurses.

Several of the 44 patients in the hospital had to be moved from their rooms on the side near the fire because of the potential danger.

A new GMC front mounted pumper was purchased in 1955.  it would be designated Engine 2 and would be outfitted with two 400 foot booster reels with a 500 gallon tank and three lengths of 4 ½ inch suction hose.  Two 24 foot extension ladders would be mounted on the side.  Total cost of the new apparatus was $7996.

Chief Leslie Boomhower retired on January 7, 1957.  He had joined the Department as a member of Hose Co. 1 on May 16, 1908.  So ended 49 years of service to the community, which tired Harry Colby who also served 49 years.

Leland Wescott was appointed the new Chief.  He had entered Engine Company No. 1 on March 14, 1927 and served until 1940 which he left for a period of 4 years and returned as a driver in 1944, again appointed chief.

On May 23, 1958 the Knights of Columbus started out to have a steamed clam supper at their hall on Central Street.  While the cooking was in  progress, fire broke out in the kitchen and rapidly spread causing heavy damage before being brought under control.

Chief Wescott estimated damage at $20,000.

Flames spread from the roof of the K of C building to the eaves of the Franklin Cleaners Building.

The fire was reported shortly after 4 pm and when firemen arrived, flames had already broken through the roof and heavy smoke was pouring from most of the windows.  In less than an hour, firefighters, working from the front and rear of the building, had the fire under control.

In June of 1960, a new Maxim 75 foot aerial ladder truck was delivered to Franklin.  It replaced the old Mack which was sold to Hebert Manufacturing Company.

The new truck was an open cab type, not seeming appropriate for this part of the country.  Equipment would include 200 feet of wooden ladders, one rear mounted ¾ inch booster line, 150 feet long.  The line was supplied by a 200 GPM pump from a 100 gallon water tank.  The truck also carried miscellaneous tools for the efficient operations of a modern ladder company.
 

On March 30, 1961, Box 27 was sounded at 6 AM for a fire in Hebert Foundry.  This was a spectacular fire that virtually destroyed the plant.  This was undoubtedly, the costliest fire the City ever suffered.  Damage was very near 1,000,000 dollars.

The fire started in the core room and swept through the plant destroying everything but the pattern room and the grinding room.

No one was injured in the fire but at one point, when a section of brick wall from the machine shop fell outward, a half a dozen firemen narrowly escaped as they jumped back just in time to escape the falling bricks.

The fire also destroyed a 1 ½ story wooden house used as their office.

October 1963, Moise Mercier was appointed Chief after the death of Chief Leland Wescott, following a short illness.

Chief Mercier had entered Hook and Ladder Company in 1936, was made Lieutenant in 1943 and Captain in 1946.  He joined the permanent ranks as a driver in 1947 and was promoted to Deputy in 1957.

For the second time in 33 months the Hebert Foundry was destroyed by fire, this on December 16, 1963.  The fire started in the molding room of the 200 foot long building.

A broken hydrant caused delay in getting water on the fire.  A line had to be laid to another hydrant 600 feet away, and other lines were laid to the river.  About 5000 feet of hose was used.

Box 27 was sounded at 8:26 PM and firefighters were at the scene until 12:30 AM with a group standing by the ruins all night wetting down the ruins.

This time, the loss exceeded $400,000.  The plant would not be rebuilt.
 

An all night fire cause a $10,000 in damages to the Moscardini Block on North Main Street.  The alarm was struck form Box 14 at 9:49 PM January 20, 1966.  It would be one of the smokiest fires encountered by firemen in many years.

The fire started in the furniture repair shop on the street level and spread to upper floors.  An overheated stove pipe was believed to have caused the blaze.

Six firefighters suffered smoke inhalation, but were not seriously affected and all returned to duty after treatment by the Rescue Squad.

The fire was not brought under control until 4:30 AM the next morning, with the last unit leaving at 7:00 AM.

The building was so badly damaged that it was later torn down.  It was, at that time, one of the oldest buildings in the community.

In 1966, a new firehouse came closer to reality as councilmen voted unanimously to discontinue major repairs to the present station, and seek a sight for a new station.

At 5:20 PM on September 27, 1966, Box 25 sounded for a fire at the Palace Diner on Central Street. The Diner was sandwiched between two 3 story brick buildings.  The Diner was totally involved when the Department arrived on the scene.  As Firefighters were setting up, the flames spread rapidly into the adjoining building, the Barry Black, containing Rousseau’s Men and Boys Clothing Store.  The store was completely burned out.  A Beauty Shop on the second floor and apartments on the third floor were also extensively damaged.

The building to the left of the Diner, the Syndicate Block suffered heavy water damage when the heat from the fire set off many sprinkler heads.  The sprinklers actually saved the building, but Healy’s Shoe Store suffered $33,000 loss of contents due to the water.

Eight 2 ½ inch lines were used to bring the fire under control by 7:30 PM.  The Diner and the Barry Block were both razed because of the total destruction.  Loss was set at $120,000. 
 

Winter of 1966 saw fire destroy Packer’s Outlet on Central Street.  At 1:43 AM, December 14, Box 163 sounded.  The building was well involved when fire equipment arrived.  Firefighters concentrated on saving the House of Captain Arthur Tilton of the Ladder Company.  The house was wet down and only windows were cracked due to the heat.

The fire was fought during a heavy wet snowfall.  Damage was $150,000.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post Home was destroyed by fire on July 6, 1969.  The fire was discovered at 3:10 AM.  On arrival, firemen found flames shooting from the second story.

The fire, for some time, threatened other property.  Eight 2 ½ inch lines and several 1 ½ inch lines were used to bring the flames under control by 5 AM.

The building was an old structure dating back to the early 1800’s.  Loss was well over $14,000.

Bids were opened on December 23, 1969 for a new fire station to be built on West Bow Street.  A bid from Bonnette, Page and Stone, for $150,719. was accepted.

The problem of a new fire station had been going on since 1921 when it was proposed to build an addition to City Hall for a new station.  This failed.

Then in 1929, a lot was purchased by the City at the corner of West Bow and Central Streets.  This lot would be the site of a new station.  Nothing further occurred and the lot was sold.

In 1934, the need of a new fire station was “finally” realized and a set of plans were drawn up by Wells, Hudson and Granger of Hanover at no cost to the City.  These plans were dated January 11, 1934.  Nothing more was done.

And still, in 1944 a new set of plans were drawn by Hudson and Ingram of Hanover.  And again, nothing would be done in regards to building a new station.

It appeared that everyone agreed we needed a new station but no one wanted the expense.

Again, in 1964, discussion of Council was the new station, but that is all it was, a discussion.

But in 1966, Council voted to discontinue major repairs to the existing station.  This was the first major step towards a new station.

Franklin’s new fire station was dedicated on September 27, 1970.  The dedication program was climaxed by the official unveiling of the plaque on the front of the building.  Chief Moise Mercier and Deputy William Beckford did the honors.

The plaque read, “In memory of all the personnel of the Franklin Fire Department who sacrificed their lives in performance of their duties, and also many years of faithful service to the Department and Community.”
 

On June 1, 1971, Deputy Chief Bernald Cook resigned from the Department after serving over 45 years, 28 as a call fireman in Hose Company 1 and the remaining years as a permanent man, attaining the rank of Deputy Chief in January 1954.

Bernald had joined the Department in 1926, becoming Clerk in 1932.  He was appointed Captain in April 1937, Second Deputy in 1954 and First Deputy in 1957.

In 1972, a fund raising campaign to replace the aging 1949 Rescue Truck was started.  Franklin City Council voted to donate $500.00 to the endeavor.  The Council also authorized the Squad to sell the old vehicle to the highest bidder.

The planned purchase was for a ten foot body from Gertenslager Company at a cost of $8500.  The body would be mounted on a 1 ½ ton Chevrolet chassis purchased locally.

The new truck arrived early in 1973.  Total cost of the new piece was $16,225.

Chief Moise Mercier retired on December 31, 1973.  He had served 37 years.

In January 1974, a new Ward LaFrance Pumper was put into service.  It was a 1250 GPM pumper and replaced the 1941 Federal which was sold to Engine Company No. 1

The new truck would have pre-connected 1 1/2 inch and 2 ½ inch hose lines.  Cost of this vehicle was $39,500.
 

In March of  1974, Richard Navaroli of Hollis was appointed Chief of the Department.  He had been the Chief of Hollis Volunteer Fire Department.

A spectacular fire destroyed the Parker Hancock School on December 5, 1974.  Some time before 1:00 PM the Department was called to the school.

Grades 4, 5 and 6 were outside the building at the time, but the primary grades were still inside the building.  Evacuation of grades 1, 2 and 3 went off as practiced during fire drills.  No occupants of the school were injured.

The fire started in the basement and spread into partitions to the first and second floors and then into the attic space.  It took five hours to bring the fire under control.

Assistance was called from Laconia, Belmont, Tilton, Hill and East Andover.
 

In 1976, City Council voted $69,000 for the purchase of a new truck.  It would replace the Seagraves.  The new pumper was a Warner-Swazey with a 1250 GMP pump.  It had a hose reel capable of carrying 4 inch hose, which is attributable to a supply truck, not an attack truck as was planned.

The new piece had pre-connected lines, carried eight breathing apparatus and also had a pre-connected deck gun.
 

Chief Richard Navaroli resigned on January 29, 1978.  He would resume the duties of Fire Chief in Nashua.  Deputy Chief Norman Beauchemin would be appointed Chief in April.

Lightning struck the barn of Clarence Fife on South Main Street on August 9, 1979. In a matter of minutes, the barn, along with 40 calves, was destroyed.  It had been one of the original barns in the community, once part of the Daniel Webster Home for Children.

An important event took place in August 1980.  Franklin Fire Department became the first Fire Department in the state to have all of its permanent firefighters Nationally Registered EMT’s and N.H. State Certified Firefighters.

On July 22, 1981 an alarm of fire was received at 8:58 PM from Grevior Furniture Store on Central Street.  When the first unit arrived, flames were shooting high above the four story building.

The fire originated in an alley east of the building, in a pile of discarded cardboard boxes.

Though the “Sawyer Building”, built in 1887, had a brick façade on this front, the rear was made of wood.  It was against a wooden wall that the fire started.

Chief Norman Beauchemin called in a second alarm at 9:02, a third alarm at 9:55 PM and a forth alarm at 10:43 PM.  Firefighters and apparatus responded from Hill, Tilton-Northfield, Sanbornton, Andover, East Andover, Boscawen, Salisbury, Bristol and Alexandria.  Firefighters from Loudon, Concord, Laconia and Bow also assisted.

Interior fire tactics had to be terminated as the fire progressed and master streams had to be used.

At 11:40 PM, the roof and fourth floor collapsed onto the third floor.  Fortunately, all other floors held and the walls did not fall.

At 12:30 AM, Thursday morning, Chief Beauchemin radioed the “under control”.  However, it would be many long hours before the “all out” could be given.  Apparatus remained on the scene until 9:00 Pm Thursday, a full 24 hours after the start of the fire.

Damage was estimated at $500,000.  Sears Roebuck also occupied the street level in the building.  Their inventory was also destroyed.

This fire would be recorded as one of the largest in Franklin.  It was estimated that 125 firefighters were on the scene.
 

In July 1983, City Council voted $100,000 to purchase a new fire truck.  The new engine would replace the 10 year old Ward LaFrance which was rusting badly.  Repairs to the old engine would have been $28,500.

The new truck would have a Mack Chassis and a Grumman Body.  It would carry 600 gallons of water and could pump 1250 GPM.

This truck could take Franklin’s hills at 55 mph.
 

The Council, at a February meeting, voted to purchase a new Rescue-Pumper to replace the 1955 GMC.  The new unit would be on an International chassis.  This new truck would carry all rescue gear, would respond to all accidents, grass and brush fires and other calls requiring other than first line apparatus.

This truck was put into service on October 21, 1987.  The old Engine 2 it had replaced had been in service for 32 years.
 

Grevior Furniture and Sears Roebuck were struck again by fire on May 1, 1986.  Three alarms were struck for equipment and manpower.  About 100 Firefighters, many with breathing apparatus, from eleven communities battled the fire for 3 ½ hours.

There were no serious injuries but eight firefighters were treated on the scene for smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion.

Shortly after the fire started, firefighters were forced out of the now two story building by heat and smoke.  A defensive battle had to be fought to keep the flames form spreading to Dan’s Pharmacy, directly adjacent to the Grevior building.  Firefighters poured up to 10,000 gallons of water per minute on the building.

Damage was very heavy, both to the structure and to the contents of both stores.
 

On November 22, 1986, fire struck at the corner of Franklin and West High Street.  A garage was well involved when Captain Arthur Starkweather called for a first alarm.

The garage was situated next to a 2 ½ story apartment house and a 1 ½ story single family home.

As the fire spread to both of these structures, Deputy Andrew Nadeau called for a second alarm.  Chief Norman Beauchemin would call for a third alarm, one hour into the fire.

Heavy damage was done to both houses and destroyed the garage.  Cause of the fire was attributed to a juvenile playing with matches.

Soon after, on Sunday November 30, 1986 at 3:13 PM, smoke was discovered in the halls of the apartment building over Griffin Drug Store and the Hallmark Shop.

Captain Arthur Starkweather responded and called a first alarm at 3:19 PM.

Entry was made into the drug store where smoke was seen at the ceiling.  The Drug Store and the cellar were searched but nothing was found.  Entry was then gained into the Hallmark Shop.  Captain Starkweather radioed that heavy smoke was present in the cellar, but no fire was located.  Heat and smoke continued to build in the card shop and on the second and third floors.

Fire was finally located coming from the boiler room area.  Entrance to the boiler room was difficult to locate.  A second point of attack was set up at the rear of the building.

A second alarm was sounded for manpower and breathing apparatus, as entry without such apparatus was impossible.

Lines from the rear where able to be brought into the boiler room and the fire was extinguished.

Two days later, Tuesday December 2, fire again was discovered in the card shop.  This fire was toned at 7:34 AM.  Deputy Andy Nadeau was first on the scene and was met y\by Mary Goodwin, who owned the shop and opened it up.

Entrance was made and heavy smoke filled the store.  Fire was coming form a hole in the floor that had been cut during overhaul on Sunday.  A first alarm was called at 7:42 AM.  Chief Norman Beauchemin called for a second alarm at 7:48 AM.  Set up would be as before, front and rear of the building.

The fire was quickly brought under control.  An unused chimney flue was blamed for the second fire.

Structural damage was listed as $10,000 for both fires.