EVENTS

On November 9, 2010, the Boston Fire Historical Society, in collaboration with the Old South Meeting House, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Fire Protection Research Foundation, Downtown Crossing Partnership and other organizations, commemorated the 138th Anniversary of the Great Boston Fire of 1872.

To celebrate the anniversary, the 1870 Amoskeag steam fire engine, Kearsarge No. 3, of Portsmouth, NH, returned to the scene where it assisted in stopping the advance of the fire and saving the Old South Meeting House. The Kearsarge had responded to a call for aid by Boston Chief Engineer John S. Damrell, along with fire engines from across New England. The Kearsarge was transported to Boston by a special train, off loaded at North Station, and taken to Washington and Milk Streets, where it pumped water into hose lines to save the Old South.

The Kearsarge is now privately owned and is in the process of being restored to its 1870 delivery condition.

To view a webpage containing information on the Great Fire, the Kearsarge, and the events conducted at the Old South Meeting House on November 9, click on this Link:

A series of events will be conducted to commemorate the anniversaries of historic Boston fires that changed the landscape of our city and the face of fire prevention with the hope of honoring fire victims, educating the public on the impact of devastating fires, and emphasizing fire safety practices. This series is sponsored by the Boston Fire Historical Society, Old South Meeting House, the National Fire Protection Association, and other local partners.

For more information, please refer to this Informational Brochure.

The website for the Old South Meeting House is Old South Meeting House

The Boston Fire Historical Society presented a Fire Bell to the Boston Fire Department in memory of Fire Fighter Francis J. (Frank) Baker, whose Line of Duty death occured on November 26, 1993. Fire Fighter Baker was very interested in maintaining the history of the Boston Fire Department, especially with fire apparatus. Through his efforts, the city still retains possession of two antique steam engines, a 1912 water tower, a 1945 pumper and a 1948 hose wagon.

The 1948 Mack Hose Wagon of Engine 5 was restored through the efforts of the Boston Firefighters Relief Association, but the distinctive fire bell on the Engine 5's Wagon was lost several years ago. Retired District Fire Chief Robert M. Winston, a long-time friend of Fire Fighter Baker, offered to pass along an authenic Mack fire bell and bracket from the 1940's that had been in Frank Baker's collection years ago. Subsequently, arrangements were made to present the bell.

On Friday, March 27, 2009, the bell was dedicated to Frank Baker at Memorial Hall at Boston Fire Department Headquarters. With members of the Baker family present for the ceremony, Fire Commissioner Roderick J. Fraser Jr., Chief of Department Ronald W. Keating and Boston Fire Historical Society President Theodore Gerber announced the dedication.

A letter from retired District Chief Robert Winston was read by Chief of Department Ronald Keating.

After the ceremony, the bell and bracket were mounted on Engine 5's Wagon and all the attendees gathered around to complete the dedication event.