1807

TIMELINE:

February 25, 1807: “Portland” Engine Co. No. 1, organized, with 21 members.

  The manufacturer of the engine is unknown, as is the exact location, material

                                       and size of the Fox Lane engine house.

                                       May 5, 1807: A company meeting was held.  The following elect officers were: 

Robert Cross, 1st Director, Joseph Swift, Sub-Director, William Moody, Clerk.

    July 23, 1807:   Selectmen approved the Engine Company’s By-Laws.

                                       November 4, 1807: Engine Company meeting voted; “A committee request the

                                       Selectmen to have a new platform raised to the Engine House to make it easy

                                       And safe to move the Engine in and out, and to have the door made shorter.”

                                       (Portland Engine Co. 1 records)

                                       April 1, 1811 – Town Meeting, voted; “That the placing of Engine Houses

                                       Be committed to the Fire Wards, to fix them in such places as they may judge

                                       Best for the Interest of the Town.” (Portland records book, volume 1, page 508)

                                   May 5, 1811 – “Voted; Except the Fire Wards report, and the Selectmen to

                                       Pay the account of Sarah Fox, for Fox Lane rent for the Engine House from

                                       May 27, 1807 to May 27, 1811, $5 a year.”  (Town records, Volume 1, page 509)

                                       It is probable that Fox Lane is now Fox Court, which starts on Fore Street and ends at

                                       the rear of # Exchange Street.

   May 27, 1811:          Portland Engine Co. 1 was relocated to Middle Street.