By Carol W. Kimbal
Published on 10/22/2007

New London's Fireman's monument passed its centennial in 1998 with little fanfare, secure at last in its third resting place. This life-size figure of a helmeted 1890s fireman in full firefighting grear, holding a hose at waist level, has had in interesting career. In a recent column about Riverside Park, where it once stood, I mentioned this statue, speculating about its present whereabouts. The large number of responses I received and the wealth of information prompted this response.

Early in 1898, philanthropist Sebastian Lawrence requested permission “to erect a monument in front of the courthouse to be dedicated to that brave body of self-sacrificing men, the firemen of New London.” Lawrence had already donated the Soldiers and Sailors Monument at the foot of State Street, and his bequest later founded the Lawrence Hospital. The mayor and City Council accepted his timely offer with applause. The country was under the influence of the City Beautiful movement, intent on beautifying public spaces, and monuments were very fashionable.

Lawrence ordered the statue from the Smith Granite Co. of Westerly at a cost of $2,250. The 6-foot fireman, cut by A. Malnati, was modeled on the likeness of Frederick L. Allen, a prominent citizen and founder in 1850 of the city's Nameaug Engine Co. He made his living as a pharmacist but was heavily involved in civic affairs, serving as New London's mayor from 1866 to 1871 and also as state representative and state senator. The city's F.L. Allen Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 was named in his honor when he became mayor.

Besides these activities, Allen was an artist. The Lyman Allyn Art Museum has several of his paintings, one depicting a hotel fire at the corner of Bank and State streets with water being pumped from the river by ancient hand engines. The man was immensely popular. It was said that between 2,000 and 3,000 persons attended his funeral after his death from pneumonia in 1872 at the age of 51.

According to Lawrence's wishes, the completed statue made in Allen's image was placed on a 6-foot pedestal in front of the courthouse at the head of State Street. It was dedicated with enthusiasm and ceremony on the Fourth of July in 1898, with thousands in attendance, including visiting firemen from Willimantic, Middletown, Mystic and Stonington. The program included a vast firemen's parade followed by long speeches and concluding with impressive fireworks.

Until 1916 the statue stood serene, watching the city's progress. But this peace was interrupted. An alderman persuaded the city council that a traffic light was needed in front of the courthouse at the exact spot occupied by the heroic fireman. It may be that the removal was caused by more than traffic problems. The fireman holds the nozzle of the hose in front of him with both hands. From a side view, his stance could be deemed suggestive and might be interpreted as a phallic symbol. “The sensibilities of some people were injured,” reported one writer. Remember, the Victorian Age was barely past. For whatever reason, the council voted to remove the statue to a site recommended by the park board.

The helpless fireman, helmet, hose and all, was removed to Riverside Park in August. That park was beautiful in 1916, a favorite spot for picnics and band concerts and popular for leisurely afternoon strolls. The deposed figure was placed carefully so that it would be viewed from the front. At first all was well, but through the years, with the coming of I-95 and a second bridge across the Thames, Riverside Park was no longer the same. The park was neglected, and with it, the statue. The heroic fireman became the target for vandals. His helmet brim and nozzle went missing, and his nose, face and clothing were damaged. He was in sad shape.

In April 1975, after nearly 60 years of exile, the council voted that the statute be moved to the new firehouse on Broad Street. On the motion of Councilor Thomas DiMaggio, the Bonner Monument Co. of Ashaway, R.I., moved the statue, made the repairs and set it on a lower foundation at a cost of $6,500, almost three times its original cost. It was finally put in place in front of the North Fire Station on Sept. 8, 1976. It was later quietly rededicated, and there it stands today.

When I wrote my Riverside Park column, I was woefully ignorant of this story. I am grateful to all the readers who educated me. Ned Hammond, New London's economic development coordinator, informed me of a wonderful manuscript by Rita and Robert Manke titled “Mr. Lawrence's Fireman's Monument,” which is available at the Public Library of New London. Gary Pinkham, a past firefighter, also sent great information while Mark Mathew Braunstein responded with a beautifully written essay called “The Fireman Monument (A Monumental Mistake).” In addition countless persons phoned or e-mailed with information about its present location. I learned a lot, and I thank them one and all.

carolkimball0647@yahoo.com