Page:History of Gardner, Massachusetts (1860) - Glazier.djvu/123

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The fire department at the present time, consists of two organized companies of engine men formed in 1852. One is located in the south village, and is called the Cataract, No. 1; Samuel Bent, Foreman. The other, is in the west village, and is called the Torrent, No. 2; Hiram Wood, Foreman. Both companies have powerful engines which were purchased by the town at an expense of nearly three thousand dollars, including hose.

1798, August 10. A barn belonging to Seth Heywood was set on fire by lightning and consumed, with the crops of hay and grain.

1798, August 24. A barn belonging to Samuel Stone was struck by lightning and burnt; it was well filled with hay and grain.

1808. In May, a dwelling-house of Joseph Wright, with all the furniture, was consumed. The fire was occasioned by a defect in the oven.

1809. In November, a house belonging to Allen Perley was burned, with the furniture; he was having it repaired at the time; the workmen