Author Topic: Worcester, MA turn of the century apparatus (Read 2450 times)

paulromano · « **on:** November 28, 2005, 08:16:49 PM »

Many years ago, I acquired a set of 40 real photo postcards of the Worcester, Mass fire department apparatus. It is very interesting set and is almost complete, dating from just after the turn of the century. There are only two motorized pieces included, one hose wagon and the Chief's car, which was shared with a squad. I will try to post these as time permits but thought I would start with several rather unusual fire department units that you don't see all the time.

daysleeper47 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 29, 2005, 08:40:14 AM »

Great photos! I would love to see more Worchester pieces... they have always had unique rigs.

dcmkris · « **Reply #2 on:** November 29, 2005, 11:14:15 AM »

Wow, those are amazing photos. I think the support uunits of most FD's go unnoticed by buffs. I wonder how many of us make it a regular habit of photographing the support units? I know I do and I recall seeing some PICS on here from others who have but there are not many. I wonder how common it was to photograph them back in the day when more people took pride in their job no matter what it was.

Kris

paulromano · « **Reply #3 on:** July 23, 2010, 07:37:37 PM »

I am pleased to report that, after a slight delay, I have completed scanning all of the Worcester RPPC images that I have. There are a few gaps, two ladder companies, one engine company that I know of. I may have the missing cards in other collections but cannot check until I am completed with the relocation of my records. I would have liked to be able to tell you what the steam engines were but that data is in Harold Walker's records, which are also packed away at the moment.

Worcester was quite the big city department. The engine companies were all two piece, plus they ran eleven hose companies besides. The manning seems to be quite generous compared to today.

In reference to the cards, I believe they were all by the same photographer. The only photographer's name is "Davis" on one of the two motorized pieces. The cards were not all printed at the same time as there are several different back designs in the group. None of the cards had any writing on the reverse, which is unusual.

If anyone can fill in some information along the way, please feel free.

Enjoy

First Four:

Chief's car
Deputy Chief
District Chief 1
District Chief 2