Wiscasset Fire Society has come a long way from patrolling the streets with leather buckets. Formed in 1801, the group’s purpose stated in its rules and articles was to “aid in the prevention and extinguishment of fire in the town of Wiscasset.” Members would patrol the streets equipped with two leather buckets, two fire bags and a bed key. The buckets, about 15 inches high and six inches wide, would have not done much to abate a fire, but the bed key was an important tool, given that, in those days, the bed frame was often the most expensive item in a home.

Today, the group has a much more social purpose but still adheres to many of the traditions started in 1801. According to member accounts, and the rules and articles, there was always a watchword members had to know. When members would patrol at night, they would use the word when they came across another person in the dark, to ensure they were friend rather than foe. While current members are not out on patrol, they do still use a watchword at meetings and, if a member forgets, they can be charged a 10-cent fine; it is a dollar if they tell the word to a non-member. Fire Society clerk Bob Haeberle said the watchword has not changed in almost 150 years.

After meeting in-person for 220 years, this month, the group met virtually for the first time. In a phone interview, Haeberle said the switch to virtual had its hurdles, but “there was definitely tech support from some wives.” Internet issues led to one member being frozen in a constant state of surprise and, to avoid any embarrassing Zoom moments, Haeberle also asked if everyone had pants on (all answered yes). Typically, members dress up quite a bit, but Zoom created a more informal feel. Of the 26 members, 17 made a Zoom appearance, include one who is in Venice, Florida, and showed off a Zoom background of the beach. Haeberle said they have slowly started to use technology for meeting materials and digitizing some of their records. But he noted the transition and using Zoom are tough, particularly with so many older members. He said it has been hard for the group, particularly since their social connection is key.

The group has been limited to 30 people from its inception and therefore, in over 200 years, there have only been 303 total members. A look through the roster shows decades long tenures and multiple sets of fathers, sons and other relatives. Haeberle said, “It’s a real honor to be a member. It’s historically real stakeholders in the community, lawyers, doctors, business owners.”

Ultimately, he said, “each time we meet I look forward to speaking to people I haven’t seen in three months and also connecting with the ties to the past. There are so many ties to the town and other members’ families, currently and historically. To have fun and feel connected to the past, that’s really fulfilling.” While Haeberle hopes they will be able to meet in-person at their next meeting in mid-April, realistically he thinks there will be one more Zoom meeting. But for now, the Society that started in a time with fire buckets has made it all the way to Zoom and still survived.