Discussions

In 1883 Brandon built its first real civic offices and contained under one roof, were a jail, a fire hall, a council chamber and offices. In those early years the city fathers, as today tackled the problems of fire prevention energetically. Bye Laws were enacted forbidding residents from having uncovered haystacks within city limits unless they were some distance removed from buildings. The fire department held inspections from time to time on chimneys. The Fire Inspector was Mr. J. J. Parker. In the event of a fire breaking out, the fire department was organized. Long lengths of hose were purchased, and an engine was secured so that water could be pumped through the hose.  
The head Firefighter was named the “City Fire Engineer”, and from the beginning was held by a man known as “Dad” Crawford. He held this position for many years and was in charge of the engine and hose. Mr. Crawford was a paid civic employee. He was backed up by a volunteer department of twenty men who were pledged to rush out to aid in the extinguishing of fires. The Chief of this volunteer brigade was paid a small honorarium but his helpers rendered their services for free.  
At that time there were no waterworks in the city, and therefore fire hydrants were unknown. Instead water tanks were sank at strategic corners in the down town area. A huge supply of hose had to be kept on hand in order to be able to reach from the tanks to the outlying houses. Once used, these hoses had to be dried and stored, and so city council authorized the erection of a large tower over the first civic buildings, and the hose’s were wound up on reels.  
There were several bad fires in the 1880’s, two of which were particularly noteworthy. In April of 1885 the Albion Hotel burned to the ground despite the valiant effort of the Fire Brigade. Two people perished in this fire, they were Miss Buchanan, and Mr. Branderon.  
 
In 1889 was a most spectacular blaze, which destroyed the Masonic Block. Since the decline of sixth Street had become the main shopping center. It was also one of the city’s best business blocks. This block was located at the corner of Tenth Street and Rosser Avenue. It housed the office of Brandon’s conservative newspaper, the Mail, as well as the Post Office, and Frazer Brothers large dry goods store. On the top floor were the offices of four young lawyers, the Henderson Brothers and the Sifton Brothers. It was one evening in April when flames were observed shooting out of the windows of the Mail office. The Bell at city hall was soon ringing out the alarm. The men of the volunteer brigade rushed to perform their duties, they were unsuccessful. The whole building was engulfed in flames and for a while it looked lake the whole of Rosser Avenue was doomed. Finally the blaze burned its self out and the fire was contained to only this block. Fortunately there were no casualties, but a near fatal accident almost happened when Mr. Clifford Sifton’s safe hurled through the top floor and narrowly missed crushing two Firefighters.  
 
Source: Brandon Sun Archives. Daly House Museum Archives.  
 
Did you read my earlier post about the progress of the General Museum Committee?  
At this time the General Museum and Archives Project requires Public support. Will you please tell your local Counselor that you wish to see this project continue. You can access your local city counselor at the City of Brandon Web Site:  
 
http://www.brandon.ca/main.nsf/Pages+by+ID/372  
 
Many thanks.