Catalog of Manuscript Collections

MSS 75: New Haven Fire Department Records, 1803-1943 Creator: New Haven Fire Department; Veteran Volunteer Firemen's Association Extent: 9 in. (50 items, including 10 vols.) Description: The first fire department was created in 1789 by order of Roger Sherman, when two companies of firemen were organized and two engines purchased. In 1803 the third fire engine was purchased; ultimately there were 10 engine and 3 hook and ladder companies; and 1 hose and 1 sack and bucket company manned by volunteers. The records include fire wardens' records, correspondence, histories, programs of conferences, and bylaws. In 1879 the Veteran Volunteer Firemen's Association was founded for social and welfare purposes; the records of this association are in the collection, complete for 1879-88. The New Haven Powder House Company was a private stock company founded in 1813; its records in the collection span 1813-43. Research Topics: History of New Haven Fire Department; fire departments of the 19th century; firemen’s organizations