| History of the Vinalhaven Fire Department |
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| The Granite Hotel |
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According to Sidney Winslow’s Fish Scales and Stone Chips, Vinalhaven’s first fire company was formed in 1870, shortly after the purchase of an “old hand tub,” named the Lion. Immediately a group of forty young men stepped forward to volunteer. As many others wanted to join, a few took it upon themselves to purchase their own hand engine, the Ellsworth, and formed a second fire company. There was much rivalry between the two and musters (contests to prove each company’s strength and endurance) were common. Vinalhaven, as in many other communities nationwide, was supportive and enthusiastic about firemen’s musters, and large crowds gathered to cheer on their favorite team. The Ellsworth almost always reigned supreme.
It wasn’t long, however, before citizens realized that neither the Lion nor the Ellsworth was adequate for Vinalhaven’s needs. In 1872, E. P. Walker, (one of the original founders of the Bodwell Granite Company) was able to obtain from a Brooklyn, New York Fire Company, a ten inch stroke Jeffers hand engine, the Putnam. Walker acquired the Putnam as partial payment for some granite supplied for the Brooklyn Bridge. He changed the name of the engine from Putnam to E. P. Walker.
The E. P. Walker was used in Vinalhaven for many years. She traveled around New England numerous times to participate in firemen’s musters, and eventually was sold. For ten years the island was left without adequate fire fighting equipment. In 1886 a huge complex, The Granite Hotel, burned to the ground and two years later the Ephraim Allenwood homestead burned during the night. The old Ellsworth failed to be of any use in either case.
Two months later at the annual town meeting voters agreed to establish a committee to look in to the possibility of purchasing a new steam engine. Opposition was strong to this proposal, mainly out of fear, as many felt it would be too dangerous for the inexperienced men to operate. However, the decision was made to purchase a steam engine for $3200 from the Silsby Manufacturing Company, of Seneca, New York. Just days before her arrival an engine house was completed on Main Street, the land being donated by Vinalhaven’s oldest and most revered citizen at that time, Capt. Reuben Carver. The new engine was named in his honor, as well. The day the Reuben Carver arrived on Vinalhaven was a day unparalleled in local history. Every able man, woman and child turned out to welcome the new engine and no one was disappointed. All eyes focused on “the highly polished nickel shell which encased the boiler, the glittering machinery, the bright red wheels and their golden stripes.”
Changes throughout recent years have brought improved fire protection to the island; a full time fire chief was appointed, modern fire equipment purchased; and more rigid regulations and training are necessary for volunteer members. With advancements in technology and communications we are now comparable to any firefighting unit of our size. We pay tribute with this year’s special exhibit to all the men and women who have served and continue to serve us so well.
Some memorable fires from Vinalhaven’s past:
1886 – The Granite Hotel
1894 – The High School
1897 – The Cascade House
1899 – The Union Church
1903 – The Harbor House
1933 – Forest Fire in Calderwood’s
Neck
1934 – Log Cabin at Round Pond
1956 – Jack’s Restaurant
1959 – Medical Center/ MacIntosh
Grocery
1967 – Masonic Building/ A&P Store
1971 – The Vinalhaven School
1979 – The Islander Inn
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