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Chapter 9 |
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CHAPTER IX AMONG THE FIREMEN The Salem firemen were hustled round from place to place, companies were separated as men were sent on errands that could only be done by those who knew the city from end to end. I shall speak of some of the places each company worked, but that does ‘not signify that they held no other position.Engine 1’s first position was at the corner of Federal and Boston, but on account of scarcity of water, moved down one hydrant in Federal street. Their last position was at Lane’s Wharf where they stayed till 6 P. M., June 26. Engine 2’S first position was in New Bridge street, where their line was also used near the Sheridan Club, and at the place where the fire started. Arthur Russell worked with them here for a while. Part of the crew 48 |
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AMONG THE FIREMEN 49 were sent into South Salem. Half the crew went to box 613 and worked in Barr street with Chief Chase of Lynn. Afterward they took a position in Derby street staying there until well into Friday afternoon. Engine 3 worked from the corner of Federal and Boston to the corner of Broad and Flint, during which time they almost burned the engine up three times. It was in Broad Street that the writer worked with them until 1 A. M., responding to box 16, after that being sent to the corner of Herbert and Essex streets. Engine 4 worked first at the front of the Korn factory, Robertson Court, at the corner of Boston and Essex. Here they stayed so long that Arthur Russell, who worked with them now until 6 P. M., June 26, and Driver Gahagen in disconnecting the hose and removing the chuck had to have the Lynn boys play the hose on them. Moved from here to Warren and Flint. They had an important position at box 613 at the corner of Barr and Mason streets where they did a fine piece of work. They went from here to Lafayette street near the Salem Laundry. Russell says |
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50 THE SALEM FIRE soft coal and fences will make steam just as good as cannel coal. Captain Tom Pope with Chauffeur Flynn and crew were everywhere, wielding the axe, using the chemical and laying lines of two and one-half inch hose. Hose 2 worked in Boston street, was the first piece to answer an alarm in South Salem, working at Leach Street and Summit avenue, and in Hazel Street, until 10 P. M. Worked with Gloucester on Derby street and in Salem Hospital from daylight until 2.30 P. M., June 26. LADDER I This company worked from Boston street to Summer, at Box 613, working on the Gifford house and others with a Boston crew, went from there to Derby street, and later on in the east side of the hospital.
LADDER 2 This company worked with a line of hose in Blubber Hollow until ordered to Leach street. They pulled into Cedar Street to put |
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AMONG THE FIREMEN 51 out fires on roofs here and on Cherry street, raising ladders on a number of houses. Were then ordered to take off the horses and go to the freight to haul a Boston engine. Here the truck almost burned up, but was run by hand from here to Front street by Lieut. Moreland, ex-Lieut. William A. Campbell and others. Lieut. Moreland during the evening ordered the aerial raised on the Gifford house. When raising this ladder among the wires they received a bad shock, but used it effectively later. James Koen, with the supply wagon, worked steadily both delivering coal and lending a hand wherever needed, as did all the boys during these trying hours. |
