BRIGHTON HISTORY BEFORE 1874

This page provides readers with a history of the Town of Brighton Fire Department up to January 5, 1874, when Brighton was annexed to Boston.

1831 annual dinner ticket of the Industry Engine (Brighton). 1873 map showing Brighton Center and the location of the Engine House. 1875 map showing the firehouse location of Charles River Engine No. 2 on Waverley St. Brighton's 'Butcher Boy' engine (1852 Hunneman) circa 1865.

BRIGHTON HISTORY BEFORE 1874 Date(s) Activity 1807 Legislature enacts a bill to separate the town of Cambridge and incorporate the southerly parish as the town of Brighton. February 24, 1807 The Town of Brighton is incorporated. 1807 The 'Industry' Engine is organized in the town of Brighton. Rules and Regulations in 1807 1818 Lease a lot of land to erect an engine-house, two schools, and Town Hall. November 16, 1825 A large fire took place at a soap and candle factory in Brighton belonging to Mr. Thomas Park. Newspaper story from the Columbian Sentinel. November 19, 1825 Mr. Thomas Park expresses his thanks for the work done at the fire in his soap and candle factory in Brighton on November 16. Newspaper story from the Columbian Sentinel. March 11, 1833 Selectmen accept the report of the committee who bought a new Engine. East school-room in the old Town Hall was altered to accomodate the new Engine and Hearse. Selectmen voted to dispose of the old Engine House. 1841 Town voted to build an Engine-house, procure an Engine and build a reservior. 1841-1842 Mr. G. Fuller built Engine House No. 2. November 4, 1846 Boston Atlas newspaper story of a bark mill fire in North Brighton Corner. June 25, 1849 Boston Atlas newspaper story of a fire in a barn in Brighton. July 24, 1849 Boston Atlas newspaper story of a fire and bowling alley fire at the famous Cattle Fair Hotel at Washington & Markets Sts., Brighton. 1850 Two fire engines in the town: Brighton #1 located in the Town Hall. Charles River #2 located on Market Street. Fire Wards in the town were: J.M. Pierce; Daniel Baxter; Edmund Rice, Jr.; Nathaniel Jackson; Amos Towne. 1852 Selectmen authorized to procure suitable fire-engines. August 6, 1852 Boston Atlas newspaper story of a house fire at Foster & Mt. Vernon Sts. in Brighton. December 23, 1852 Boston Atlas newspaper story of a varnish factory fire in Brighton. December 28, 1852 Boston Atlas newspaper story of a fire in a wooden storehouse for lumber in Brighton. April 4, 1853 Town Meeting voted to build an engine-house and $1000 apropriated for it. August 14, 1854 Brighton Engines 'Butcher Boy' and 'Charles River' respond to a conflagration in Cambridge.   Newspaper story of fire January 15, 1855 Newspaper report of a schoolhouse fire in Brighton in 1855. May 8, 1855 Boston Atlas newspaper story of a fire in a twine and cordage factory on Western Ave. 1864 Fire Department is organized, G. H. Peck, chief; Butcher Boy No. 1, George W. Warren, foreman; Charles River No. 2, Simeon Sanderson, foreman. 1864 1864 Butcher Boy Engine Co. 1 Report 1867 1867 Brighton Fire Department Report 1869 Christopher Tracy, chief engineer. 1870 J.L.B. Pratt, J.G. Davis, G.H. Peck, engineers. 1871 J.L.B. Pratt, C.J. Crockett, M.A. Brown, Charles Currier, engineers. 1872 A steam fire engine building was erected (at Brighton Center, on Chestnut Hill Avenue). The engine, land, and buildings cost $53,433.11. The steel bell weighed 1,535 pounds. The building was dedicated in 1873. The engine was named 'F.A. Whitney'. January 5, 1874 Town of Brighton annexed to the City of Boston. To find the historical development of early Brighton fire companies, see the chart below. . . . .