Adams Alert Hose's 19th-Century Hose Cart on Display
 The cart can be seen on the Adams Community Bank grounds next to the Fire Station. |
ADAMS, Mass. — The Adams Alert Hose Company has restored a 19th-century hose cart that is now on display at the Park Street branch of Adams Community Bank in Adams.
The restoration project began several years ago as past Foreman Jason Leja involved many of the fire company members in dismantling and cleaning the parts before sending to various places for restorations.
The wheels were restored by hand by Amish in Pennsylvania. Upon their return, the project was handed off to then Foreman Scott Frye. Using paint found at the fire house, it was painted by local painter William LaBonte. Donating all of his time to the task, it took him about three months to complete.
The wheel hubs along with the handles of the hose reel were sandblasted and powder coated at no cost to the Fire Department by Joe White, owner of Powder Shield Technologies. It took more than 100 hours of labor to complete the full restoration of the cart.
After completion, Adams Community Bank President & CEO Charles P. O'Brien was approached by current Foreman Mike Therrien and asked about the possibility of displaying it during the summer months at the Park Street branch, located directly next door to the fire station.
“We’d be proud to display such a beautiful piece of Adams’ history for all to enjoy,” O'Brien said.
The horse-drawn hose cart was a functioning piece of equipment in the town during the 19th century. Over the years, it has appeared in many parades being pulled by apprentices from the Alert Hose Company.
Founded in 1876, Alert Hose Company No. 1 is an all-volunteer organization serving the town of Adams.
Tags: alerts, antiques, firefighting equipment,
