History of the Brewster Fire Dept

SECTION 1
History of the Brewster Fire Department

SECTION 2
The Fire Department in its Infancy

SECTION 3
The Fire Department Enters into the Twentieth Century

SECTION 4
Through the Years

SECTION 5
The Fire Department Incorporates and Becomes the Brewster-Southeast Joint Fire District

SECTION 6
Our Ladies Auxiliary

SECTION 7
Our District and its Roots

The history of the fire department has been chronicled over the years in the pages of the local newspaper. In the Putnam County Standard of November 18^th, 1871, there is an account of a "disastrous fire": "At about half past four o’clock on Wednesday morning, the sharp cry of fire rang out on the still air…" The fire company "were promptly on the spot" and were able to save all but two buildings. A new Town Hall, built c.1870 survived the fire. The article states that "Protector Engine nobly earned her name", and continues "Too much credit cannot be bestowed upon the Fire Company."

On April 2, 1875, the newspaper chronicled another memorable fire: "‘Twas early morn – the soft balmy zephers of spring drifted lazily and quietly over our village as if fearful of awakening the slumbering community". Fire, judged to have started in the schoolhouse, had broken out on Marvin Avenue.  The firemen were unable to save the school or the residence of Mr. John Sweetman. "…and just as the luminary of day strode majestically and in all its splendor above the eastern hills, the remains of both buildings fell." School was soon resumed in the Town Hall until a new building was erected, also located on Marvin Avenue. 

On the 23^rd of February, 1880, a great fire destroyed much of the south side of Main Street, described in the paper as "An Acre of Ruins." The account continues "Robert Block, and Residence, thence westward to the hat factory, the fire marches unobstructed." And more – "The fighting men and brave women, armed with pails, coal scuttles, milk cans and tubs, do their level best, and are rewarded by the thanks of those who houses remain." Many buildings were destroyed; the Town Hall, though badly damaged, was soon rebuilt.

Next

1880 Fire House
The fearly firehouse was built in 1880 on Railroad Avenue (now North Main Street) opposite the Baptist Church.

1882 Main Street Fire
View of the fire of 1882 on the south side of Main Street.  For the second time in two years, the Southeast Town Hall (large building on left) was in ruins.

1890 Southeat House Fire