Worcester Fire Society

The Worcester Fire Society was founded in 1793 for the purpose of fighting fires and protecting the property of fire victims. Members were required to keep and maintain two leather fire buckets, two cloth bags, a bed key, and a screwdriver, all of which were subject to periodic inspectin. Eventually the Fire Society became a social organization and the apparatus inspections became a way to raise revenue since fines were imposed on inadequate or improper equipment. At the annual January meeting one member was chosen to speak on a subject of his choice while another member read an original poem. Members of the Fire Society have been prominent citizens of Worcester and include Isaiah Thomas (1749-1831) and members of the Lincoln, Chandler, and Salisbury families.