Gale Hose Company

The Gale Hose Company is a not-for-profit, benevolent organization made up of active and retired firefighters who complement the work of the Williamstown Fire Department.

The Company is named for John Benjamin Gale, Williams College class of 1892, who inspired the creation and expansion of Williamstown’s original corps of volunteer firemen. After a massive fire destroyed the Danforth Block on Spring Street in 1894, the town of Williamstown established a corps of volunteer firemen. Gale’s donation of 1000 feet of hose plus axes, bars, lanterns, and two hose carts enabled the fledgling group to function as effective firefighters. Responsibility for their work was split between the Williamstown Fire Department, which managed the equipment, and a separate hose company, which supplied the firefighters. The town named the Hose Company in Gale’s honor in 1909.

When the Fire Department later took over responsibility for personnel, as well, the Gale Hose Company evolved into a social club. Club members created a benevolent fund that continues to provide our town’s firefighters with support in times of need. Given the intensity of the physical dangers, stress and heavy labor experienced by firefighters, the Company’s support is an expression of community and gratitude and support and also helps to ensure that our department always functions at its best.

Read more about the history of the Company and the cart pictured above.