The oldest fire company still functioning in Derby, Hotchkiss Hose Company No.1 was officially formed in June of 1837 after Edward N. Shelton collected 100 signatures from residents of Birmingham.
Mr. Shelton wanted to create a fire company in the area because one of his industrial plants was located on Main Street. On June 3rd, the resolution was approved by the state legislature. The original fire company was housed in an old barn owned by L.L. Loomer on the northwest corner of Third and Minerva Streets.
However, in order to expand the company, a stone building was erected on Caroline Street In 1844 so the company could relocate there.
In 1861, yet another building was erected for the company on Caroline Street, this time by one Steven Summers who wished to procure the stone building.
There the company remained until finally moving to its present location at 200 David Humphreys Road.
The Caroline Street location was still maintained as a means to store the first truck, and this picture shows that vehicle in front of the Caroline Street facility.
[This was first published on Oct. 3, 2017.]
Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.
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