ADAMS — Three horse-drawn carts were the first apparatus of the Alert Hose Co. when it was established in 1876. A month later, the newly formed company responded to its first call: a structure fire on Center Street.
Over the next 150 years, the Alerts would respond to countless fires, including the deadly mill fires that became a recurring part of Adams’ history.
On Saturday, today's Alert Hose Co. will honor its past by donning Prince Albert style uniforms dating to 1893: buff and white with tails, bow tie and a leather hat with a shield and high eagle. They’ll march down Park Street in the first parade the company will host since 1976.
The Alerts have spent 10 years fundraising and planning Saturday's celebratory events marking the 150th anniversary of the company.
Among the apparatus will be its brightly painted 1886 parade cart, newly restored by the Clark Art Institute.
“Everyone knows that's the Alert Hose Co. when we come around the corner,” said Mike Therrien, secretary of the company, and a former foreman who is heading the parade committee.
The parade will step off from the corner of Hoosac and Summer streets at 11 a.m., heading down Summer Street to Center Street, then r...