Notable Events: Stewart Block (1949)
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.