Notable Events: Hebert Foundry (1961)
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.”