[p. 10]
Two,
Andrew Blanchard, Columbian Eagle Fire Society.
We have now in the service of the city an organization bearing the name of
Washington Hook and Ladder Company which has been in existence for seventy-two years without interruption.
From time to time this has been composed of many of our best and most influential citizens, who were imbued with the same sympathetic spirit that characterized the members of the former organization.
They were organized under an act of the General Court of
Massachusetts in the year 1828, by a charter duly signed by
the Hon. Levi Lincoln as Governor, and
Edward D. Bangs as
Secretary of State.
So far as I have been able to learn, this is the only Fire Company now holding a charter designating them a Company of Hook and Ladder Men. At the time of their organization there were two companies of firemen in the city of
Philadelphia, called The Northern Liberty and The Hibernian Engine Company, who were organized with a charter signed by King George of
England in 1750 and 1752, but these have long since ceased to be active members of the department, although continuing their organization to this day. Therefore I think this company can justly claim the honorable distinction of being the oldest active fire company in the
United States, of which fact the city of
Medford may justly be proud.
By their records I learn that at a meeting of the
Selectmen 
