Yale Engine House Quilt

Housed in the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of American History is this magnificent reminder of the volunteer efforts of the women of the town of South Reading (now Wakefield).

The quilt was truly the work of many hands and is entitled “Ladies Donation to the Fireman’s Fund/ Yale Engine Co. No. 1/ South Reading.  

Each of the 30 blocks was hand designed, hand pieced and hand sewn, edged with what was probably originally fire-engine red thread and joined together as a quilt-as-you-go pattern.  All but five have geometric appliqués; the others contain embroidery, a star of Bethlehem, and American flag, a wreath cut from floral print and glued to the background and one showing a bright, shiny hook and ladder truck labeled “Yale 1.”    The effort spoke to community pride as well as an attempt to raise funds for the burgeoning fire department.  

At the time the quilt was crafted, the South Reading town records show that a “handsome new, double-decker fire-engine, resplendent in finish of rosewood and trimmings of polished brass,” was purchased and named “Yale Engine, No. 1.” And in 1853, South Reading became home to a new engine house.

History shows that Yale 1 served its community well. An 1894 note in the town records says that the engine “distinguished herself in many fields, and saved much property from destruction.” The engine was often pulled out in later years by veteran firefighters for parades and other celebrations. 

The Yale Engine house stood right on what is now the Lower Common.  It was named after a major benefactor to the effort, Burrage Yale, local businessman and tin manufacturer, a controversial figure who was at one time the town’s leading employer.  More about him later in the month when we showcase his wife, Sarah Boardman Yale.  (And, yes, Yale Avenue was named after Burrage Yale.)

When Burrage Yale died, the uniformed members of Company Yale No 1 marched in the funeral procession.