Word: firemen
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Dates: during 1870-1879
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...hand promptly, not to say well managed; and the leisurely way the Cambridge Fire Department proceeds to a fire inspires us with no confidence. So, as far as we can see, the alternative for a man in the top story of Weld, Matthews, or Thayer, with the firemen below him, would be to jump or burn, while a flexible or stationary iron ladder attached to the outside of the Hall, at the time would save his life, and satisfy now the apprehensions of a few alarmists, if such we must be called...
...remark the strange oversight of the writers of these bright sayings. For instance, in this last the articles are limited to small ones; now stoves or coal-hods, or even axes, would certainly injure the tone of pianos into which they are dropped, the opinion of Cambridge firemen to the contrary, not withstanding. But the most singular characteristic of this ancient institution, as recorded here, is the marking off of divisions of the day by signal-bells instead of by hours: thus ten strokes means either rise or retire; eight means meals; six means prayers, and so on. Imagine...
...fire department did its work has been criticised, - too severely, undoubtedly, and yet not altogether unjustly. We shall not enter into a discussion of the matter, for in our report of the fire we have given sufficient facts to enable every one to form his own opinion. The firemen worked with alacrity and with unbounded pluck, but they showed great need, particularly at first, of some one able to give directions. It has been often said that, in case of a fire at night in one of the buildings, no one would be safe. This was before a theory...
...firemen by half past twelve had command of the fire, and although nothing was left of the northern part of the roof but the rafters, the fire was kept from burning anything but the Pi Eta rooms and the loft above. No student's room was burnt, but the floor of each was covered with water from three to six inches deep. The condition of the building is such that no one will be able to get back to his old quarters for at least several months...
...building. The loft under the sloping roof was filled with old scenery and rubbish, and afforded the fire an excellent opportunity for spreading itself. When the rooms were opened the smoke was so dense that it was impossible to discover the exact location of the flames. The firemen therefore worked somewhat at a disadvantage, and they deserve praise for the pluck they showed as individuals, whatever may be thought of the judgment of those who directed them...