Natick's Hose Houses

Modern Natick residents can sleep comfortably knowing that the town operates several modern and fully-equipped fire stations which are staffed twenty-four hours a day. A simple telephone call can summon everything from medical help to firefighting personnel. Residents of Natick in the late 1800s and early 1900s did not enjoy this ability to bring emergency services to their door so quickly.

In the 1840s and 1850s the fire department operated two fire stations, each with an engine and hose. In later years hose houses were established across the town to extend the coverage of the fire department. Hose houses were narrow two-story wooden buildings with large doors facing the street and a tall tower at the rear. Each hose house contained one or more wagons which were fitted with a reel of fire hose. In the event of a fire the closest hose house would dispatch its team of local volunteers to provide hose for use by one of the fire engine companies or, when a hydrant was available, to provide a stream of water directly to the flame.

During the second half of the 1800s four hose houses were established:

Hose House No. 4, Felchville

Founded in 1857 House House No. 4 was located on North Main Street near the corner of Bacon Street. In 1858 House House No. 4 became the Mazeppa Engine Company and would remain in operation until the 1960s.

Hose House No. 5, North Natick

Located at 428 North Main Street, across from Pine Street. Hose House No. 5 was eventually retired by the fire department and was in use until 1953 as a community center by the North Natick Improvement Association. It was demolished to allow the construction of the Massachusetts Turnpike overpass near the Wayland town border.

Hose House No. 6, West Natick

Located at 27 Mill Street, Hose House No. 6 eventually became an engine company. In 1941 Hose House No. 6 was sold to Carl Gibson who used it as an automotive repair shop.

Hose House No. 7, South Natick

Established in the 1890s on Everett Street near the intersection of Cottage Street this hose house was in use until 1919. Hose House No. 7 worked its last call when the Natick Box and Board Company on North Main Street caught fire. This hose house was also used as a community center for many years. It was demolished in 1971.

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