119 



The whole amount of benefit which has been derived, 

 during the past twenty-seven years, by the existence of 

 these several temperance organizations it is difficult to 

 determine. Certain it is that there are manj^ who have 

 been reformed, which, had it not been for these or some 

 similar organization, instead of reforming and leading a 

 life of temperance, would have filled a drunkard's grave. 

 Some have adhered to the pledge for a longer or shorter 

 period of time, and then follen. Yet for these, the time 

 they were connected with these organizations, was so 

 much of a life of happiness not to themselves alone but 

 to all with whom they were connected, that it will always 

 remain liive the oasis in the desert, bright spots in their 

 desert life. 



FIRE CLUBS. 



Associations bearing this name have existed in Salem 

 since 1744. Many important advantages result there- 

 from, aflbrding relief and security to the persons and 

 property of each other, when in danger by fire and promo- 

 ting harmony and good fellowship among the members. 

 The organizations of all were similar, each member was 

 required to have two substantial leather buckets, usually 

 twelve inches in length and eight iii diameter, painted 

 with the device and name of the club. In one of the 

 buckets was kept a bag made of Raven's duck, four feet 

 long, two feet three inches broad, marked with the 

 owner's name ; also a bed key. Most of the clubs had 

 ladders — some two — each thirty-four feet long, kept in 

 difterent places for their use ; some had four. The meet- 

 ings were held quarterly, one of which was the annual, 

 for the choice of officers, etc. Members were required 

 to repair to the house of any of their associates who may 



