Marshfield marks century of saving lives and property
Toolbox
By Thatcher Moats
Times Argus Staff - Published: October 11, 2009
MARSHFIELD – In June 1905, a fire that began in the Meader Hotel in Marshfield quickly ignited the L.B. Adams Block, the Congregational Church, the Bancroft Block, the Carpenter Block and a residence.
Firefighters from Montpelier and Cabot responded to help fight the blaze, according to a history compiled by a member of the Marshfield Volunteer Fire Department, but the flames still destroyed six buildings.
The destruction prompted Marshfield to consider starting its own fire department, but it wasn't until another spectacular fire in 1909 destroyed four more buildings that it actually did.
At a special town meeting in December 1909 residents voted to appropriate $500 for fire equipment, including a hand pumper, a hose cart and a hose. They also decided to provide a building to house the equipment, and the Marshfield Volunteer Fire Department was born.
The beginnings of the Marshfield Volunteer Fire Department were recounted on Saturday by 2nd Assistant Fire Chief Tim Morris during the department's 100th anniversary celebration.
Scores of people gathered at the old schoolhouse common in Marshfield on a crisp, sunny afternoon for an event that featured awards for two firefighters, food and a celebration of 100 years of people volunteering their time to protect lives and property.
"In some ways this story is as ordinary as any other town, but it happened to us, the people who live in Marshfield," said Morris.
The ceremony included a prayer for the country and for Marshfield firefighters led by Pastor David Mulligan of the Christ Covenant Church in Marshfield. Rep. Janet Ancel and Sen. Bill Doyle read a resolution, which they will introduce into the Legislature in January that commemorates the department's history and a "century of outstanding community-based" service.
Marshfield Fire Chief Tim Maclay gave plaques to Morris and Safety Officer Darrell Burkhalter for their 20 years of service with the department.
Marshfield Selectman Chris Martin commended the volunteer firefighters for devoting so much of their free time.
"I've always said the fire department probably gives more volunteer time than anybody else in town government between the training, to when they get called out to a fire," Martin said. "Even a small call will be two to three hours, even a car accident."
Morris spent about a year-and-a-half compiling the department's history based on old town reports, meeting minutes and other documents, he said.
Much of that history was on display Saturday, from the list of names of volunteer firefighters to the original hose cart Marshfield voters agreed to buy in 1909.
Morris said compiling the history was a way of "honoring the men and women who served in the department … to say thank you."
Morris went through the highlights of the Marshfield's service during his speech, including barns that burned; a response to a smoke alarm where a cat had turned on a toaster; and a house fire in 1977 that claimed 2-year-old boy, Chad Martell.
"To pretend reading all of this doesn't bring back emotions in these tough old men, and some of us younger folks, of both laughter and sadness, would be a lie," said Morris.
Tom Maclay, a former chief and the father of the current chief, remembers much of that history. The 79-year-old has been a member of the department for 47 years and is still active with the department, though he doesn't fight fires. He does a lot of administrative work, which is reflected in his official title: Deputy Chief in Charge of Administration.
When Maclay first joined the department, they used the 1937 Chevy fire truck that was displayed at Saturday's celebration, he said.
"With these trucks we can get to a fire in a hurry," he said pointing to the trucks the department now uses. "The old '37 you were in second and third gear most of the time, and especially when you got to the hills, it was a long slow climb. But we've put out a few fires with that rig, too. It's not how much water you have; it's how you use it."
The ceremony closed with the "five bells ceremony" and "Amazing Grace" played by two bagpipers. In the five bells ceremony, four bells are rung five times each, which signals when a firefighter dies in the line of duty or while serving in the armed forces.
"We ring these bells now to remember those who have given of their lives in service to this country," said Morris.
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