by Justin Brown, FF/EMT-P
4/14/2010

Holliston Hydrant 3 handtub opened its 1965 season with a fourth place win at the Newbury muster staged in commemoration of the centennial of the "Old Newburyport" handtub.

The event marked the opening of the season for the New England States Veterans Firemen's League.  A total of nine first and nine second class machines competed in the event.  First prize went to Tiger No. 1 of New Market, NH with a 200-foot 4 inch stream.  Second place went to the Constitution of New Boston, NH with a 192-foot 4 1/4 inch stream.  The Gery No. 5 from Marblehead came in third with 189-feet nine 3/4 inches, while Holliston, number 4 position, attained a mark of 170-feet seven inches. 

Donald Young was Foreman for Hydrant 3, with Albert Payne and Don Haynes on the brakes and Frank Ludwick at the nozzle.
 
The local group will compete Saturday at Hopkinton, and will participate in the parade on Sunday in Hopkinton.  The summer schedule calls for appearances July 3 at Bath, ME; July 10 at Hopkinton, NH; July 17 at No. Kingston RI; July 24 at West Newbury; Aug 21 at Salem and Aug 28 at Hampton Beach when family day will be observed with a large muster including a NY entry for the first time in thirty years.  

Wow, it is amazing to hear how active and committed my fellow firefighters were 45 years ago!  What pride they had as it seems the firefighters donated their Saturdays for a decent chunk of the summer.  It is hard to believe how far they traveled for these competitions, especially considering the logistics of getting the equipment to the site.  The handtub was undoubtedly loaded onto a trailer and towed to each location.  Hyrdrant 3 is actually still in possession of the Town of Holliston/Holliston Fire Department.  Like everything else in life, technology continues to change the way we live and work.  Current day pumpers in Holliston hold 1000 gallons of water and can pump up to 1250 gallons per minute!


Picture source: Holliston Historical Society