This installment is compiled from the transcript of an interview with 1st Assistant Chief (retired) G. Robert Merry, conducted by Chief Broderick in March 2000.

The beginnings of the Rowley Fire Department were in 1927 when the Moody, Richardson & Heald  factory, which was located on Hammond Street not far from the present fire station, burnt down.

Prior to the formation of the fire department, Fire Wards provided fire protection; each ward had a Warden who was responsible for keeping pre-positioned ladders and buckets in a state of readiness.  In the event of a fire everyone went to the pre-positioned equipment and brought it to the fire.  The town’s sprayer was also used to fight fires.  In the event of a large fire, the fire departments in Ipswich and Newburyport were called to assist.

Newl Short was instrumental in getting the Fire Association started.  He solicited the help of state senator Cornelius Haley who showed them the process of incorporation.

We do not know why the town did not organize a fire department prior to 1927.  There had been several large fires in businesses prior to that time, including one at the Mather Boat Company on Central Street in 1906.

To raise money to purchase equipment, the Association hosted minstrel shows, dances, and chowder dinners.  In 1928 they purchased a Seagrave Suburbanite pumper.  The truck did not have a windshield or cab to protect the driver and officer; a fur coat was kept in the cab and worn backwards by the driver in inclement weather.  Later a windshield was installed.

The small ‘L’ at MacDonald’s Garage (current location of Eric’s Auto Clinic) on Central Street was the location of the original fire station.

The original fire alarm system comprised a series of 49 alarm boxes.  Each box location was at the end of a street or a major intersection.  Each house was given a card with a box number assigned to it.  If there was a fire the homeowner would call the telephone operator and say, “Fire, pull box number ___.”  The caller was then instructed to stand outside to meet the trucks and direct them to the fire.

Once the call was made the telephone operator went to the fire alarm panel and placed the appropriate numbered wheel onto the telegraph.  When the operator activated the alarm, a series of blasts went over the town’s fire horn.  A similar system remains today with control points inside the fire and police stations.

The department moved to its current headquarters on Hammond Street in the 1930s.  The existing building was moved from Bailey’s Corner at Main and Central Streets.  The building was previously used as a pool hall.  Horses and turnstiles were used to move the building to its current location.  Danny Nevens owned the land on which the building now sits.

The station originally had two bays which housed the 1928 Seagrave and a Model T designated Hose 2.  The model T was donated to the department; it was originally the ‘Bush Meat Wagon.”

In 1936 the department purchased its second pumper, a 1936 Dodge/Maxim.

During the 1940’s a 3rd bay and hose tower were added to the building.  The department also purchased its first ladder truck, a 1930 Sanford, from Ipswich FD for $1.00.

To be continued. . .