“The History of the Springfield Veteran Firemen’s Association” was published in 1901 to mark the start of the 20th century.
Check out these vintage photos brought to you by Masslive.
In 1901, the Springfield Veteran Firemen’s Association, which had been organized just six years earlier, decided to mark the start of the 20th century with a commemorative book honoring the city’s retired firefighters.
A tattered copy of the 90-page book – sadly with some of its pages missing – was recently uncovered in The Republican archives.
Packed with photos, the hardcover book paints a portrait of the city’s 19th century firefighters and the equipment they used to protect the City of Homes.
Equally interesting is the advertisements from prominent businesses of the day, including Chapman Valve Manufacturing Co., K. Stevens Arms and Tool co., and Springfield Gas Light Co.
So take a look back at the brave men who risked their lives to safeguard Springfield.