U - Newton Free Library

156 THE OLD COMPANIES.
gine played easy, and seemed to be in good order,
thanks to the interested attention of the steward,
C. D. Bartlett."
September 30, 1854, fire at Watertown :
'' The alarm was given by Uncle Sam, thus
disturbing the quiet of many of our good citizens,
who were listening to a story from Esquire
Cole.
Engine went as far as the Corner, consequently
we got our shoes blacked for Sunday.''
February 1, 1858, fire in Watertown : "Went
into line with West Newton 3, and got licked."
June 1, 1858: "Voted, that on account of
dearth of hair, that Messrs. Stone and Cole be
allowed to keep their hats on in meetings."
The company responded to many alarms, and
worked at a great many fires in this and other
neighboring towns, notwithstanding its few
members.
If unable to reach the fire with its
own crew, it hesitated not to press into service
a horse wherever it found one.
In responding
to the Brook Farm community buildings fire,
March 3, 1846, the snow was so deep that a yoke
of oxen were borrowed from a farm barn en
route, the owner's consent not being asked until
they were returned to him the next day.
Their
absence he did not discover until he went to
feed them the next morning.
Demus S. Nichols was in charge of the engine
when there was no company for it, and kept it
in proper condition for service.