Loyalist surveyor Benjamin Marston reported that by February 1,
1784, 1127 dwellings had been built in Shelburne and further noted that
approximately 300 more houses and stores were erected by late that same fall.
This sudden concentration of wooden structures forced the community to impose
fire prevention regulations at an early date and on August 5, 1784 some citizens
even formed an association of mutual protection known as 'The Friendly Fire
Club.' In 1785 the Shelburne Chamber of Commerce imported two second hand
Newsham pumper fire engines (patented c.1740) for protection of the town, one of
which has survived and is currently on display at the Shelburne County
Museum.
Lewis JacksonObjects: Tools/Equipment
Transport: Other
Type: Image
Work: Public Service
General: Social History