History publication showing the organization of the Hyde Park Fire Department in 1870.
Headquarters of the Hyde Park Fire Dept., before annexation, at 30 Harvard Street, circa 1900.
Map showing the location of the old Hyde Park Fire Dept. Headquarters at 30 Winthrop St.
Former Hyde Park Fire Dept. Headquarters, and later Boston Fire Dept. Engine 48/Ladder 28.
Map showing the location of the old Readville firehouse near the time of annexation.
|
HYDE PARK HISTORY BEFORE 1912
|
Date(s)
|
Activity
|
|
April 22, 1868
|
The Town of Hyde Park (in Norfolk County) is incorporated. It is comprised of sections of the towns of
Dorchester, Milton and Dedham.
|
|
September 13, 1870
|
Fire Engineers are appointed. Fire Companies organized.
|
|
April 9, 1871
|
A fire occurred at the Union Vise Co. in Hyde Park, causing extensive damage.
Newspaper story
|
|
June 9, 1873
|
Large fire destroys the R. Bleakie & Co. Woolen-Mills, which employed 400 persons.
Newpaper report of the fire.
|
|
October 5, 1874
|
The Neponset Block, housing the Hyde Park Savings Bank, is destroyed by fire.
Newspaper article reporting the fire.
|
|
March 13, 1881
|
A large fire destroys the Tileston & Hollingsworth paper mill on River Street near Mattapan. The present-day address is
864 River St., near Wood Ave. and an industrial building occupies the site.
Newspaper article reporting the fire
|
|
March 8, 1883
|
The Town Hall building at River Street and Gordon Avenue is destroyed by fire.
Newspaper report of the fire.
|
|
1887
|
Town Officers for the Fire Department.
|
|
1887
|
1887 Hyde Park Annual Report, with Fire Dept. info
|
|
August 14, 1887
|
The Greenwood Grammar School is destroyed by fire.
|
|
April 22 & 23, 1888
|
The Hyde Park Fire Department participates in a parade celebrating the 20th anniversary of
the founding of the Town of Hyde Park.
Parade Announcement
|
|
December 14, 1888
|
The 'Everett Hall' fire destroys one of Hyde Park's most prominent buildings. It is located at the present-day
River & Central streets and Fairmount Ave.
Newspaper article reporting the fire
|
|
1891
|
The Insurance Yearbook listing for the Town of Hyde Park:
|
|
December 28, 1911
|
On the eve of annexation, plans to merge the Hyde Park Fire Department into the Boston Fire Department are announced.
- Fire Chief John H. Wetherbee is appointed a Captain in Boston. He will be the Acting District
Chief of the Hyde Park District.
- Lieutenant Willis P. Whittemore is appointed a Lieutenant in Boston.
- Lieutenant James M. Collins, in command of Hose 3, Readville, is appointed a Hoseman in Boston.
- Five permanent Hosemen in Hyde Park are appointed Hosemen in Boston.
Newspaper article reporting the story
|
|
January 1, 1912
|
The Town of Hyde Park (in Norfolk County) is annexed to the City
of Boston (in Suffolk County). From the former Hyde Park Fire Department, Boston organized Hose Company 48, Hose Company 49, Chemical
Engine Company 14 and Ladder Company 28. (Hose 48 became Engine 48 on February 2, 1912)
|
To find the historical development of early Hyde Park fire companies, see the chart below.
|
