Statue to honour 150 years of fire service in Uxbridge
Submitted by Mike MacDonald
This is the third article in a series leading up to the Uxbridge Firefighters Memorial Statue and Garden Unveiling Ceremony, which will take place on October 5, 2024.
The Uxbridge Fire Brigade
Uxbridge Fire Brigade - late 1880s Standing - Moses Linton, Wm. Anderson, George Tweeney, George Kerr, Harry Degeer, John Ewen. Seated - H. Dunlop, T.M. Degeer, Jos Patterson, Edge Anderson, Bert Crosby, Wm. Low (Capt.), Ed Rainey, Thos. C. Leask, John McBrien, Ernest Dash, Miles Vanleuven.
Photo Credit: Unknown
Like many other towns and cities in the late 1800s, Uxbridge was ravaged by fire despite the best efforts of local citizens and bucket brigades. A 10-year period beginning in 1863 saw many devastating fires in the town proper. Uxbridge lost sawmills and stables; foundries and factories; hotels and houses; barns and businesses.
The call for fire protection was loudly heard in 1873, after a year of major fires. In January of that year, fire destroyed the Dominion Block (Brock Street just east of Church), owned by J.C. Fawcett, and threatened the nearby Crosby Block; in April, steam whistles and bells echoed through Uxbridge when Brown and Forrest’s steam sash and door factory and Davidson’s fanning mill factory (west of the railway tracks on Brock Street) ignited; then in June flames struck a block of frame buildings bound by Brock and Marietta streets, burning two acres of property and buildings, including notable citizen J.P. Plank’s house.
In response to those fires, the town council purchased a hand engine and hoses, and with a formalized fire response needed, in 1874, the Uxbridge Fire Brigade was officially formed.
Throughout the 150 years of Uxbridge Fire, volunteers have answered the call and provided invaluable service to neighbours, friends and visitors to the township. Join members of the current Uxbridge Fire Department, along with many visiting fire service organizations, as we unveil a statue and garden designed to honour all those who have served with the department, as well as those who have perished in the line of duty.
On Saturday, October 5, the entire township is invited to watch the parade, celebrate with us at the unveiling of the memorial and statue, and linger for a reception that will feature displays and information boards that detail more about the 150 years of service.
The Uxbridge Firefighter Memorial Committee, in partnership with the Uxbridge-Scott Historical Society, is excited to host the unveiling of the of the Uxbridge Firefighters’ Memorial Statue and Garden on October 5, 2024.