Manuscript Collections of the
Nantucket Historical Association Research Library

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MS20 - Engine Company #4, 1871-1899

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Collection Overview: The record book contains weather reports, ships’ arrivals and departures, wrecks and rescues, notes from Town Meetings, and records regarding the Nantucket Fire Department including a list of fires through the years (copied from the “Inquirer and Mirror”).

Historical Note: In the early days of Nantucket, there was no central fire station. Volunteers operated hand-pumpers which were located in several sections of town, placed where the Firewards deemed most beneficial. Originally known as John B. Chase Engine Company #4, their headquarters were located at the corner of Main and Federal Streets; the building is still standing. Engine #4 was placed in Coffin’s Court located at the head of Broad Street (now the corner of Centre and Quince Streets) and was attended by Peter Chase, Aaron Mitchell and Frederick Hussey.

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Contents: Complete daily reports of weather and its effect on boats. Record of arrivals and departures of boats, wrecks and rescues, deaths during year noted, Lists of fires in Nantucket (copies from Inquirer & Mirror), 1736 -1899. Town officers elected, including number of votes received by each, in 1896. Notes taken from the Town Meeting Records regarding the Nantucket Fire Department, 1750 - 1833. List of members of crews in the Life Saving Stations on Nantucket, August 1, 1896.