Rules and Regulations of the Charitable Fire Society, Incorporated November, 1820

No place or date, perhaps Dover, NH, circa 1827 (according to New Hampshire Historical Society information). Plain blue wraps. 12 pp. Rules and regulations for a private firefighting organization (made up of community members) in Dover, New Hampshire. As Dover did not have a city supported firefighting unit, social groups were formed to handle the duties. The first one was formed in 1795, and this appears to be one of several others formed after that. The piece outlines rules of governance, but also outlines duties of its members, including keeping two leather buckets and bags at their residences, and responding to fires as soon as possible. Like any good "society" in the 1800s, it appears this had a secret "watch" word that members were to give when asked for. Since there were several organizations in operation at the time, rivalries were developed, and it is possible this secret word kept people honest. A roster of members is included at the end, with some names handwritten. GOOD condition. Rear cover and last leaf with a one inch jagged tear at the upper for edge, with some associated creasing. Minor ink staining and soiling to the covers. Some dampstaining present to the wrappers, with minor soiling and uneven fading. A few tick marks in the text.…