protection since 1808...

Middlebury, a little History . . .

On November 4, 1808, the Borough of Middlebury organized for the purpose of fire protection. The organization was to die out for lack of interest, and the fire pumper was sold to pay outstanding debts. Eight years later, the fire unit was revived, only to die out once more.

In October 1832, the borough reorganized at the Village of Middlebury. The Middlebury Fire Company #1 was born. Every home owner was required to have a leather fire bucket, bucket hook, and ladder capable of reaching the eves of house and barn.

In 1846, a Buttons Class Two Pumper with nine inch cylinders was purchased from Button and Blake of Waterford, NY. This type engine, also known as a cradle pump, was hand pumped. At this time Fire Co. #1 was disbanded, and Washington Hose Co. #1 was formed.

1856 saw construction of a fire station at Park Square. It was torn down in 1934 to make way for the post office. A Fairmont horse drawn steam pumper, manufactured by the Jeffers Co. of Pawtecket, RI, was purchased in 1880. There was a Middlebury Hose Co. known to have exsisted around 1889.

A new municipal water system made the Fairmont pumper outdated in 1892. At this time the Washington Hose Co. disbanded. It was replaced by the Battell Hose Co. #3 and the volunteers of 88 Hose Co. Fire companies were limited to 15 men each and were paid fifteen cents per hour in time of fire.

A new 1920 Ford truck was purchased on April 30, 1920. That year, all 'fire companies' were reorganized into the Middlebury Fire Department.

The fire station was built on Seymour Street in the early 1930's. Two bays were added in 1975, and it still serves as the Middlebury station.

Middlebury Fire Department helped form the ACFA in 1944.see ref (1)

Check back for more information and photographs to be added soon . . .

(1) Historical data from the booklet: '1944-1994 50th Anniversary, Addison County Firefighters Association, Inc.' and was edited for use on this page. The booklet was researched and prepared by: Herbert Jackson, Ray Davidson, Sheila Turpin. Credit also goes to those un-named individuals in departments who contributed to their effort. A copy of the booklet is available from: ACFA, Attn. Terry Farr, P.O. Box 92, Bristol, Vermont 05443. Cost $3 plus 1.50 postage.