1802

TIMELINE:

May 11, 1801:   Town Meeting: Voted; “Town to procure another Engine and $800 to be raised for

                        That purpose.  And, 65 Buckets be procured and deposited in the Engine Houses, 20 in

                        Each, for $108.   (Portland Town records, volume 1, page 330, in City Clerk’s Office)

                   Shortly after, the Engine was ordered by subscription and built by Mr. Joseph Bramah of

                        West end of Piccadilly, London, England.  It was a “6th-size” barrel-type engine.

         1802   February 11th – Engine arrived in port aboard the ship “Minerva.”

                        “Cataract” Engine Company organized.  A Short while after, the Crew re-painted the

                        Green Engine to Vermilion Red.  It was probably Portland’s first red fire engine.

                   May 3rd – Town meeting; “Committee of Fire Wards to provide an Engine House for

                        “Cataract engine.” (Portland Town records, volume 1, page 349)

                        It is not known where on Market Street the engine house was located.

                        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 Town records, volume 1, page 508)

         1827   Engine “Cataract” relocated to a new, large two-story brick engine house, built on the

                        Westerly side of No. 18 Market/Lime Street, at the corner of Milk Street, which also

                        Housed two other engine companies and a hose Company.