October is Fire Prevention Month
We thought it befitting to share this remarkable story that occurred well over one hundred years ago about Brockway’s Hose Company, and how our town’s brave and courageous firemen saved what is now known as the Maple Shade Mansion and its precious contents.
The source of our information comes from an article found in the Brockway Record (which once served as Brockway’s local newspaper) dated December 30, 1898.
The article begins with the subject line: R.L. Buzard’s Handsome Residence Narrowly Escapes Destruction by Fire.
It goes on to explain that the hose equipment used to put out the fire had recently been purchased by the town council and the fire at the Buzard residence (now known as the Maple Shade Mansion) was the Hose Company’s first call to service.
The fire occurred about 10 o’clock on a Friday night and was discovered on the home’s second floor. The family made quick work of removing their valuables from the first floor; it looked as if the fire would consume the entire house.
In the meantime an alarm had been given which spread over town. The hose cart and equipment were hustled to the scene by some of the men who were forming the hose company. Having no prior practice drills and being in the infancy of organizing the hose company, few of the men understood the operation in its entirety.
While the fire continued to climb it was soon discovered that a young woman, Miss Annie Beaver, was trapped on the third floor. She climbed out onto the ledge to avoid the smoke filled rooms; the stairway, her only retreat from the third floor, was blocked by the mounting fire.
And as the article states, “A ladder was procured, but it was too short to reach the ledge. The ladder was then hoisted to the shoulders of the crowd below, and J.J. Heiges, who has been elected as foreman of the hose company, bravely mounted the ladder and brought Ms. Beaver safely to the ground. It was a thrilling rescue …”
The fire started in a bathroom from a lighted match being dropped on a table by someone striking a light. The damage done by the fire and water was estimated between $1,000 and $1,500. At the time (1898), the property was valued between $12,000 and $15,000. The house was insured and eventually restored to its original grandeur.
A special thank you to the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company. These heroic men and women bravely and willingly respond to emergency situations to ensure the safety and well-being of all that we hold dear.
