City Of Woonsocket history

The Charter granted in 1836 was amended around this time and the name of the Corporation was changed from the Fire Corporation of the Village of Woonsocket to the Woonsocket Fire Corp.

On November 9, 1839, a Hook and Ladder Company was organized with Captain William Shackleford, Vice Captain Whipple Metcalf, clerk Bethuel Slocomb and Treasurer William Metcalf.

However, the first engine purchased by the Corporation was purchased by Lyman A. Cook in 1840 and was placed under the care of members of Pumper No.

Prior to 1844, the Fire Corporation held its meetings at Whitcomb's Hotel and Richard's Hotel.

1.In 1857, the new building at Mechanics corner used gas lighting for the first time in Woonsocket.

Built in 1858 by Edward Harris, the city's leading industrialist, it was considered to be a very large, very expensive and very up to date building.

In 1871, the three Smithfield villages, Hamlet, Bernon and Globe, were added to the town establishing Woonsocket's present boundaries.

On June 29, 1872, the Corporation purchased its first Steam Fire Engine at a cost of $4,000.00.

In 1889, George Batchelor was named First Marshal.

In 1901, Augustine Cote joined the Fire Department.

See a Show at the Stadium Theatre - One of New England's finest 1920's era movie houses.

In 1922, the Department went to an 84 hour week/2 platoon system.

One of the city's most notable landmarks, the Stadium Theatre, was completed in 1927.

At this time, there were six Engines, three Ladder Companies, one Rescue and one Fire Alarm truck.In 1951, the Department went to a 56 hour week/3 platoon system with 129 men.