How Things Used to Be

To The Rescue — Winter 1934

Part of the U.S. Life-Saving Service, precursor of the Coast Guard, these men would put out to sea in an attempt to rescue sailors whose ships were hard aground and in danger of losing their lives. This picture is suggesting that they are launching, trying to get over the surf and out to a stranded ship. However, it looks more like they're trying to come in, as the man at the bow looks to be pulling, and all the men are in the boat instead of outside, pushing. Is the dog "barking" orders? What do you think? (By permission of Noel Beyle)

Orleans' First Fire Engine

The Orleans town meeting of February 6, 1893, authorized $1,000 to purchase a fire engine and hose reel. Manufactured by Howard and Davis of Boston, the first Orleans fire engine was housed in a small building on the Cummings estate opposite T.A. Smith's store. Two ladders were also hung on the outside of the building. John B. Crowell was the caretaker of the engine. (Orleans Fire Department collection.)

Fire Dept. honorees 1952.

The Orleans Fire Dept, honored eleven of its former members during a supper and ceremony at Legion Hall when honorary badges were presented. Back row L to R: Deputy Chief Lloyd Ellis, pinning the badge on former Deputy Chief Judah Eldredge, Maurice Wheeler, Harry Snow, Warren Edwards. Seated L to R: Elroy Penniman, Lloyd Higgins, Harry Eldredge, and Herb Fuller. Former Chief George Knowles, Joseph Sherman, and Charles Wilcox could not attend.

New Pumper

Orleans Fire Department about 1952 showing off their new pumper at what appears to be July 4th at Eldredge Park after the parade. Back row L to R: Ray Squire, John Hinckley, Irving Livingston, Ernie Borso, Larry Hurley, Murray Savage, Otis Thompson, Bob Jordan, Al Whitman, Warren Quinn, Eddie Rogers. Front row L to R: Belmont Mayo, George Cahoon, Emery Soule, Larry Ellis (chief), Joe Rogers, Eddie Nichols, Bob Freemen, John Hathorne, Lloyd Ellis

Fourth July parade - 1958

Fire Truck with Lester Quinn at the wheel. It wouldn’t be allowed today, but people used to be able to climb aboard and have some fun. Lester’s got his eye on the traffic light, as it’s about to change as shown by the yellow light to his right. Hard to see, but the marquee says Alan Ladd in “The Proud Rebel” (1958), with co-stars Olivia de Havilland and Dean Jagger.

Fire Department Meeting

Back row L to L: John Hathorne, Francis Higgins, Bob Jordan, Emery Soule, Ernie Borso, Cliff Crosby, Irving Higgins, Eddie Nichols, Paul Deschamps, Joe Rogers (hidden), George Landers, Al Whitman, Murray Savage, Warren Quinn, Charlie Jones, Otis Thompson, Henry Perry, Al Brown, Henry Hurley. Front row L to R: Larry Ellis, George Cahoon, John Hinckley, Jack Ollivier, Paul Ollivier, Leo Gill, Eddy Rogers, Leighton Ellis, Buddy Young, Bob Freeman, George Doane, Belmont Mayo (behind George Doane).

Brand New 1939 Buffalo

Don't know who the men are but based on their sour looks, they must be politicians.

Orleans Police Department

Front Row L-R: Al Watson, Chet Landers, Charlie Jones.2nd Row L-R: Tommy Stewart, Phil Deschamp, Red Bissonette, Ernie Saulnier, Elmer Darling, Bill Costello, Whit Scott.3rd Row L-R: Hanry Landers, Dick Adams, Ray Squire, Sr., G. Fred Livingston, Russ Boyer, Robert Livingston, Dave Johnson, Dave Bessom, Sr., Phil Peterson.

Head Honchos

L-R: Fire Chief Larry Ellis and Police Chief Chet Landers may be discussing how to get a pay increase.

Need Some Help Here

Can someone identify these ladies? What group/organization did they represent?

Orleans Mariners

Besides providing community services, the Mariners learned the ropes of sailing with hands-on training.

Sea Scouts Marching Unit

Orleans Sea Scout Ship 72 is still functional today as Nauset Sea Scout Ship 72 which serves the Nauset High School Region.

42' Ketch

Launching the 42' Ketch built completely by the Orleans Sea Scouts at the Orleans High School under the supervision of Shop Teacher Bernard Collins, Jr.