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Victor Fire Hat5 November 2004
Digby, Nova Scotia
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Victor Fire Hat5 November 2004
Digby, Nova Scotia
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Fire Hat from the Victor Steam Engine5 November 2004
Digby, Nova Scotia
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The First Steam Fire Engine named "Digby" was later renamed "Victor". Operated between 1886 and 1920.5
A Brief History of D.F.D.Fire Trucks and Other Equipment
The history of the Digby Fire Department goes back even before I joined. The first pump I have heard of was a hand drawn pump, which would have been driven by muscle power. The next one was a steamer, built in Yarmouth. The water for this horse drawn pump was held in two cisterns located in the North and South ends of town. Near the end of the eighteen hundreds the town put in a water system, gravity fed from VanTassell Lake. Then for some reason the Town thought that because they had a water system, they no longer needed a pumper, so they sold it to Granville, NB for what was reported to be a very cheap price. In New Brunswick they hooked it up to a hydrant and reported that this new pumper was in perfect shape and the men had trouble holding the hose as it was so powerful.
The next fire truck was built on a studibaker chassis by I think it was Gordon Mounts Great Grandfather. The only picture I have ever seen of this truck is upstairs in the firehall, a front on view with the firefighters taken in 1933 or 34. I have never heard what happened to that truck.
The next pumper bought by the town was a 34 Bickle which was still the "first truck out" when I joined the Department in 1960. The Town bought another pumper in 1950. It was built by Seagrave in Woodstock, Ontario, and had a 650 GPM American Marsh two stage pump. The Mayor- Victor Cardoza, Fire Chief George Humphry, and Fire Department President Reg Turnbull went to Woodstock to pick up this truck. However, it was coveted so by the hierarchy of the Fire Department that only Reg Turnbull and once in a while Godfrey Griffiths ever got to drive the truck. Thus the men continued to rely on old No. 1.
The Fire Department bought a small Ford chassis from Jack Gillespie in 1960 and Robbie's father, Bob Morgan designed a body for it. This body was built down the shore.
The Fire Department bought their first pumper in 1963. It was 650 gpm Seagrave and had the first revolving light ever on our fire apparatus. Now old No. 1 had to step down. We had her fixed up and painted and we gave Don (Boob) McNutt a case of beer to paint the name back on her and change the number from 1 to 4. As he was painting he said to me that every time he saw that truck he thought of Wilbur VanTassell, the fireman who always drove the truck. He said it should have his name on it. So I told him to go ahead and paint it on, if anyone said anything we could just paint it out. So No. 1 became Wilbur and went into permanent semi-retirement. We were at that time going out of town, having reached an agreement with the Municipality but we had no tanker. We were given a tank by Imperial Oil and we bought the chassis it was on from Earl VanTasell, the Imperial Oil dealer. This thing was in hard shape. Fred Smith and Wart Thomas worked on it all winter in the garage down on the South end. In the Spring Fred painted it with donated paint, we put new tires on it and Digby had its first tanker. A few years later we bought a portable tank. That tank was a joke (swimming pool, etc…) until we used it the first time at a fire on Digby Neck. That system worked well and we never heard a joke about the swimming pool again.
In 1974, the town bought a pumper. The chassis was purchased in Lawrencetown and the pumper an 840GPM was built by King-Seagrave. Then we bought a new chassis for the tanker from McDonald Motors in Digby. That is No. 5.
The Fire Department built our present hall which opened in 1976. We bought another Pumper in 1979. An International with a King Seagrave 840 pump. Then in 1985 we bought No. 7, an 840GPM Thibualt to which we later installed Class A foam. In 1988 we had our heavy rescue built by Lantz in Port Willaims. The Department also bought a new van and spent $14,000 to convert it to an ambulance. This was the second van the Department bought, the first one being in 1976.
The Fire Department had also bought numerous BA's, two high pressure compresses and the big generator for emergency power. We spent $76,000 on air cleaning and air conditioning for the top floor. And to bring this tale up to date, the Town bought a new pumper with compressed air foam in 1998 and the Fire Department bought a pumper/tanker in 1999.
Vaughan VanTassell, Chief
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Digby CourierTom Farnham's Column
Eidtor of Courier:
Tells of Organization First Fire Department
Thinking it would be of interest to members of the present Digby Fire Department, as well as the citizens of Digby, I will give below a synopsis of the business transacted at the first meeting of the original fire department held in 1887 - sixty one years ago-for the purpose of organizing a company and appointing officers. The following officers were elected:
"G. A. Viets, captain; John Daley, foreman; Henry Dakin, assistant foreman; James M. Keen, 1st engineer; E.C. Dodge, 2nd engineer; Thos. S. Farnham, firemen; A.J.S. Copp, secretary and E. Biden, treasurer. Thirty firemen volunteered their services. A committee was appointed consisting of Captain Viets, Foreman Daley, A. J. S. Copp and John Bingay to prepare by-laws and to report at the next meeting."
"The engine is expected to arrive soon, when electric bells will be put up throughout the town. In the course of two days Digby may be expected to have fire protection equal to that of any other town in the province."
Arrange Fire Protection
Previous to the above organization, definite arrangements were made with the Burrill-Johnson Iron Co., Yarmouth, by the Digby Firewards, for a steam fire engine, ten tanks, and an electric fire alarm to connect with the house of every fireman. The tanks, containing about 1,200 gallons each, were contracted for by John Lockwood, and were located as follows: At the head of long wharf; at old Beaman tannery; at the spring above the Methodist Church; behind Oakes building on Water Street; in John G. Rice's yard; opposite Episcopal schoolhouse; near Temperance Hall; at M. L. Oliver's corner; Quirk's tannery; and near McRay's house at the extreme south end of the town. The engine house was put in proper condition to receive the new engine. The whole was completed by October, 1887.
Describes Organizations Fire Apparatus
In referring back to the formation of the first Fire Department in Digby, I found a very interesting description of the Digby Fire Apparatus, published in the Yarmouth Herald of October 10, 1887, and trust it will be of interest to your readers, especially the firemen.
Remember boys this was sixty-one years ago, when you were still with the stork in that little basket somewhere up in the clouds. The following is the write-up that appeared in the "Herald":
"The engine is named "Digby" and makes a very handsome appearance. The boiler is steel, fitted with copper tubes. The frame is 'crane-necked' to allow the forward wheels to turn short around, and while light and graceful in appearance, is very strong and stiff. The water tank is mounted over the forward axle, forming a seat for the driver, carrying a pair of handsome side lights-one on each side of the seat."
"The engine, a single one, is placed with the pump vertically, just forward of the boiler. The large burnished copper air chamber stands just in front of the steam cylinders. All the ornamentation is of brass, finely polished."
"A reel, carrying the drag rope, is fitted to the forward axle, and the tongue is arranged for running the machine either by hand or horses. Two polished brass hose pipes are mounted just in the rear of the driver's seat, and the suction hose is carried in three lengths, on polished brass brackets along either side of the engine. Friction brakes are applied to the hind wheels with a convenient lever for working them."
"The 'Digby' is supplied with one two-wheeled horse reel, carrying 800 feet of hose, and a light four-wheeled horse cart (which can also be used as a tender for the engine) carrying a like amount of hose when required."
"We are informed that a contingent of our Yarmouth firemen will accompany the engine to Digby and give it a good send-off. There is no doubt they will meet with a right hearty reception from their brother firemen of Digby. We congratulate our Digby friends on their purchase of so fine a fire apparatus, and we have every reason to believe they will find their new and beautiful acquisition, a most serviceable investment."
May the above be of interest and a help to the Digby firemen of today, as I understand that Reginald Turnbull was endeavoring to secure certain facts and data through the years in order to have a complete record of the doings and changes in the fire department. Well these are the facts concerning the start of the organization. No doubt someone will carry on from here.
You will notice your humble servants name among the list of officers, both in name and in fact and believe I am the only one now walking God's earth who helped extinguish the fires in Digby sixty-odd years ago, by stoking the old fire engine, "Digby."
We had many difficulties to overcome when the alarm was given. Everyone had to report at the fire house to find out where the fire was, send out the hose reel with enough men to operate it, stop at the water tank nearest the fire, uncover the tank and insert the hose in readiness for the engine on arrival. In the meantime, George Wilson had hitched the horses to the engine, and the steam up, whistle blowing and bell ringing, galloped to where the water tank was located nearest the fire. We have been known to extinguish fires; then again, fires have been known to die out waiting for us.
Today Digby is to be congratulated on having a very efficient fire department, quick in action, every fireman knowing his duty and performing it.
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Digby Courier - December 22, 1950Tom Farnham's Column
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
"It's not news - but"
It was Sixty Years Ago It was a False Alarm
In order to give you readers' facts about the Digby Firemen's 'False Alarm' I will copy the newspaper report of the event with comments:
"A false alarm brought our firemen from their homes at three o'clock yesterday morning (August 18, 1885) when it was found that, fortunately, their services were not required. This discipline and efficiency of the company is shown by the fact that in seven minutes from the time the alarm was given, the men were in their places, the engine on the street, and the horses on their way. The alarm was occasioned by a fire in the dock, where some men were working will the tide was out."
I would like to make a few comments on just how, when and where, from this new Digby Fire Department worked. I will begin at the alarm system and whence it came.
There were sixteen volunteer firemen, each had an alarm bell similar to a telephone, but no receiver. This alarm was placed at the head of every firemen's bed at home. When the alarm sounded all the firemen jumped from their beds, dressed and beat it to the fire station, which then was located where the Information Bureau is now. The first to arrive would open the doors of the fire house and run the apparatus to the street, which consisted of engine and hosereel equipment. Then a coke fire was started in the engine to get steam sufficient to force the water through the hose. The fireman nearest the fire would touch his alarm thus notifying the others. They would come from the north and south ends, as well as from over the hill. Some just finishing tucking in their shirt tail on arrival.
As soon as sufficient number of men arrived to man the hosereel and ladders it was sent to the nearest water tank. It required ten men to operate the equipment, two on the ropes in the lead, three on each side of the pole and two in the rear. These men had a tough job pulling the apparatus through the streets and always on the run. Compare their labour with those of today. When the ladder truck passes by now the firemen are comfortably seated on the auto truck anxiously awaiting the scene of action.
Referring back sixty years ago, part of the outfit was at the scene of the fire, the other part was still waiting for George Wilson and his span of horses to come from Maiden Lane and take the fire engine.
In the false alarm item above, it said that "the horses were on their way." Yes, I well remember, the horses were on their way along Water Street to the fire house, not on their way to the fire. The horses were too heavy to run and George was too old, so he waited. The engine crew were Gus Viets, Captain; James Keen, engineer; Ned Dodge, assistant; and Tom Farnham, fireman, with a good head of steam ready for action. Finally we were on our way, bell ringing, horn blowing, and George could be heard above the noise saying "Get up there you nags." We did not have any "all out" signal but the firemen soon returned to their homes.
I will add one more thought to sixty years ago. Captain Viets decided to have fire practice, so ordered all firemen - including the horses - to meet at the fire house on a certain day and hour. The horses were hitched to the engine, the men were in their respective positions ready for orders and behind closed doors. After a short talk the Captain said that at the sound of the whistle they were to make all haste to a supposed fire at the corner of Queen and Prince William Streets, near the Methodist Church, where they would find a water tank nearby. There they were to connect the hose to the engine and turn on a stream of water. The whistle blew, the doors opened, and the rush was on. All completed in twenty minutes. The boys were pleased with the rehearsal.
There were a lot of husky boys around Digby in those days, some of them could move mountains-or thought they could. I cannot recall any of the boys living today.
I am really glad this story is ended. How do you feel? It is very trying to the sub-conscious mind.
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Digby Courier - May 14, 1953Tom Farnham's Column
Are there any Veterans Digby Fire Department?
In speaking of veterans I mean men who volunteered their services about sixty eight years ago, did a good job and passed along to others their records as firemen.
The new fire apparatus recently purchased by the Digby Fire Department, and given to the Town of Digby, passed along Queen Street South. It reminded me of olden times, when James M. Keen was chief engineer, E. C. Dodge assistant engineer and T.S. Farnham, fireman of the first fire engine in Digby. There were also hose-reel and ladder trucks.
A few days ago I was fortunate in finding a letter written by Gus A. Viets, the newly elected captain of the Digby Fire Brigade, dated May 19, 1887. No doubt it will be of interest to the readers of the Courier and members of the present Digby Fire Department.
The letter as follows:
To the Citizens of Digby,
Dated May 19, 1887
"As a matter of general interest, I may say that our system for the protection of the Town of Digby from fire is complete. It consists of an organized body of firemen furnished with sufficient modern appliances for checking conflagrations, including a system of electrical alarms extended to houses of the firemen [electricity did not arrive however, until 1891]. The ringing of any one bell acts upon all the others, and creates an alarm to which every firemen is bound to respond. It will readily be seen that all unnecessary sounding of the alarms will disturb the whole brigade, and this should be avoided. I hope that children and others, who have no right to touch the alarms, will cease ringing them, as they are only intended to be used when a fire demands their use."
"The alarms are placed at the following houses where anyone may run and give warning on discovery of a fire:
A. B. Churchill; E. Biden; George Wilson; Stan Titus; John Bingay; Botsford Viets; H. B. Short; Fletcher Stark; Digby House; F. A. Branian; James M. Keen; Rpyal Hotel; John G. Rice; A. J. S. Copp; Edward Dodge; C. E. Farnham; T.S. Farnham; H. C. Guptil; Harry Dennison."
"The key to the engine house (?) next door. NOTE: next door referred to was the home of Mr. McCormick. The house is now occupied by Len Eldridge."
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The History of the Digby Fire DepartmentThe first Fire Company was organized in 1886, four years before the Town was incorporated. A public meeting was called in November of 1886 and thirty men volunteered to serve in the Company. In September 1886, arrangements had been made to purchase a Steam Fire Engine from Burril and Johnson Iron Company in Yarmouth and the new engine was delivered in November, 1886.
Included in the fire equipment purchased at that time were ten water tanks, each with a capacity of 1200 gallons (5455 litres) of water. These ten water tanks were located at designed areas throughout the town. As well an Electric Bell System was purchased and installed in the home of every firefighter.
The first steam engine named "Digby" later renamed "Victor" carried about 1400 feet (426 M) of hose and could be hauled by horses or by hand. This steamer was used until about 1920 when a new fire truck was built by Mr. Charles Mount in Digby. Then in 1934 a new Chevrolet truck was purchased. Today, known as "Wilbur", this truck is still in service and can be viewed at the Fire Station.
Spanning the next four decades, many hours were volunteered by dedicated men and women to create the successful Fire Department we have today.
About 1975 land was purchased and the present Fire Station was constructed and completely paid for soon after it opened. In the last ten years the Fire Department has bought and paid for a Pumper/Tanker, Pumper, Tanker, a fully equipped Rescue Truck and the Jaws of Life, as well as more hydraulic equipment. The Department has installed a high pressure compressor and a sprinkler system within the Fire Station.
The majority of fundraising is by weekly Bingo, and our annual Labour Day Fair which we have held for the past 35 years. In all our fundraising we have enjoyed and appreciated the support of the public both Town and Municipality. All funds raised by this Department will be used for the protection of life and property in this area.
The Digby Fire Department consists of 35 Firefighters of which there is a Chief, Deputy Chief, Training Officer, 3 Captains, 3 Lieutenants, a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Assistant Secretary Treasurer. The Firefghters are divided into various committees for fundraising and the welfare of the Department.
We, the men of the Digby Fire Department would like to thank all those people who made this book possible.
Thank you.
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List of Officers for Year 1894Fire Wardens:
W. A. Purdy
H. W. Purdy
John A. Purdy
B. Wade
Joseph Higgins
Fire - February 2, 1894
NAME NOTES $AMOUNT
W. M. Wright Watching after fire $1.00 D. Smillie Watching after fire $1.00 J. W. Peck Watching after fire $1.00 John Tinker Watching after fire $1.00 Elkanah Bent Caretaker, Etc… $41.70 W. B. Stewart Insurance Prem. $24.00 J. M. Keen Engineer,1892/93 $30.00 Digby Coal Co. Coal $30.42 F. H. Dakin Caretaker,sal'y 6 mo. $35.00 C.N. Peter Coal $18.75 R. Abremeen Conveyance Engine $15.70 Stilling & Son Conveyance Engine $6.80 J. R. Wright Repair Fire Alarms $6.07 Dakin Bros. Acct. $3.60 G.M. Wilson Services $2.00 B. Stark Ring the Bell $0.50 Turnbull & Welsh Oil $0.75
TOTAL $219.29
Liabilities Fire Debenture 1893 $450.00
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Digby Fire Brigade1890
Digby, Nova Scotia
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The Digby Fire Brigade in front of the United Baptist Church, on the corner of Mount Street and Montague Row.13
Digby Fire BrigadeJuly, 1910
Digby, Nova Scotia
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Digby Fire Brigade on parade. |
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