Did you know that Boston has the first electric fire alarm system in the world? There are over 1200 signal stations, also know as “boxes” is in the fire biz, operating all over the city. (You know those red fire boxes you see in the neighborhood.)
This system was installed in the city way back in 1852 and received its first call was on April 29th at 8:25pm. The signal came through box number 7 in District One (now know as box 1212) – located at the corner of Cooper and Endicott streets. There was a small building fire at the corner of Charleston and Causeway Street spotted by a citizen named J.H. Goodale who rang the alarm. And well, the rest is history.
This system is still used to this day and receives over 9,000 calls. According to the Boston Globe, this system is so efficient in helping reduce property loss and deaths due to fire, it’s been adopted through the US and Canada.
So there you go!
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
