Brighton Hook and Ladder Co.

The Brighton Hook and Ladder Company Number 1 was formed in 1876 to protect the village against fires as community growth and the village’s expansion west of Ore Creek created a real need for men and equipment to fight downtown fires. Several volunteers, including Bill Robins and Robert Park in the c.1890s, served from the firehouse at the right, which was used from 1879 into the 1940s. Inside were a hand engine pumper and a support wagon loaded with ladders, hoses, and fire extinguishers. Water from the Millpond, combined with cisterns below street level at intersections, allowed the firemen to combat fires at both ends of Main St. The three windows on Main St. replaced the original double doors.

Brighton, Michigan · United States