Barrington’s Hope Fire Co. rings in 150th

By Anthony FydenPrint Story | Email Story
Hope Fire Company Captain William Mooney stands beside the antique button pumper, which is being restored as part of the company’s 150th anniversary celebration. (Photo By Anthony Fyden)
GREAT BARRINGTON — A fireman's ball is always a special event, when firefighters and townsfolk get together to celebrate and show appreciation for the vital services provided. But Saturday's Hope Fire Company Ball should be extraordinary, as the department kicks off a 150th birthday party that will continue all summer long. The Fireman's Ball will take place at the Camp Eisner facility on Brookside Road, beginning at 7 p.m. According to Fire Chief Harry Jennings, the event will be the biggest in the department's history. “It looks like ticket sales are going to be in excess of 350,” Jennings said. Some good marketing may have helped ticket sales; the event is being billed as "The biggest, most spectacular party held in Great Barrington since the Civil War era." Organizers – and many residents in the community – feel that the local department is worth celebrating. The Hope Fire Company has enjoyed a rich and storied history in Great Barrington. The company was formed on Feb. 7, 1854, with little more than "strong arms and willing hearts." A group of men paraded through the town with a wheelbarrow and some buckets to underscore the need for some legitimate firefighting equipment. The gesture made an impression. “We witnessed on Tuesday afternoon what was never before witnessed in this village, but what we hope to see occasionally for years to come," reported the local newspaper. "A new epoch has opened in our history, and from this period the Great Barrington fire company dates its existence, or its first public parade. A number of our spirited and enterprising young men, aware of the exposed situation of our village, and the absolute necessity of providing better means for the extinguishment of fires, have formed themselves into a fire company, which we hope will be so encouraged by our citizens as to cause it to grow and become equal to similar institutions which exist and flourish in large villages and towns around us." The fire company has endured, and grown, since that time. Today, it stands as one of the few remaining departments with a mostly volunteer staff, as pressure has intensified to establish full-time or on-call departments. Jennings believes that, like this weekend’s ball, the summer’s celebratory events will draw significant interest. The centerpiece of the celebration will be a parade, scheduled for July 11, which should be a dream come true for fire department history buffs and supporters. Nearly 75 fire companies are scheduled to participate. During the parade, the Hope Company plans to showcase a 17th-century “button pumper,” which can be drawn by men or horses. The pumper has been stored in an attic room at the station for years and was just recently disassembled and moved downstairs, where it’s being restored under the guidance of Capt. Ken Keefner. The button pumper is among a treasure trove of historic items housed in the fire station. An upstairs room is filled with bells, helmets, trophies and other antique firefighting equipment, along with photographs of the men who have worked in the station over the years. This respect for history and tradition is highly valued by members and passed down through generations. Many firefighters, such as Jennings, have been members for decades. “I’m proud to be a member during this 150th anniversary,” the chief said. “All of us are.” Saturday’s ball will feature the traditional “grand march” with firefighters announced and entering from either end of the room, until the entire party is inside. Hundreds of lights will add sparkle to the event, Jennings said. Tickets can be purchased online at www.hopefirecompany.org or at Domaney's Liquors on Main Street or Marketplace of the Berkshires on Crissey Road. Doors will open at 6, with live entertainment and dancing beginning at 7:30.
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Lanesborough Fifth-Graders Win Snowplow Name Contest

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — One of the snowplows for Highway District 1 has a new name: "The Blizzard Boss."
 
The name comes from teacher Gina Wagner's fifth-grade class at Lanesborough Elementary School. 
 
The state Department of Transportation announced the winners of the fourth annual "Name A Snowplow" contest on Monday. 
 
The department received entries from public elementary and middle school classrooms across the commonwealth to name the 12 MassDOT snowplows that will be in service during the 2025/2026 winter season. 
 
The purpose of the contest is to celebrate the snow and ice season and to recognize the hard work and dedication shown by public works employees and contractors during winter operations. 
 
"Thank you to all of the students who participated. Your creativity allows us to highlight to all, the importance of the work performed by our workforce," said  interim MassDOT Secretary Phil Eng.  
 
"Our workforce takes pride as they clear snow and ice, keeping our roads safe during adverse weather events for all that need to travel. ?To our contest winners and participants, know that you have added some fun to the serious take of operating plows. ?I'm proud of the skill and dedication from our crews and thank the public of the shared responsibility to slow down, give plows space and put safety first every time there is a winter weather event."
 
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