Special to Natick Report by Jennifer Tys Richards, Research and Archives Manager, Natick Historical Society
Even though the summer Olympics have ended, we are still discussing sports at the Natick Historical Society. Inspired, some of us have picked up our old swim caps and goggles or hit the track running!
Many of you know Natick’s nickname, “Home of Champions,” but you may not know its origin story. Although Natick is home to many celebrated athletes, the original moniker dates back to September 3, 1891, specifically to a Hook and Ladder Competition at the New England Fair in Worcester. Hearty local crews from Natick, Westborough, Leominster, and Spencer squared off for what they called “The World’s Hook and Ladder Championship.” The event was based on firefighting skills that were important at that time. Team members had to run 220 yards and get their heavy ladder wagon rolling fast enough to put a man at the top of a 28-foot platform! Sadly, Spencer dropped their ladder and was disqualified immediately.
The Union Ladder Company won the Worlds Hook and Ladder Championship in competition with Westboro, Leominster, and Spencer at Worcester on Sept. 5, 1891, in 58 seconds. In 1892, the company won against Attleboro in 56 seconds. (NHS Collections)
The event, which offered a $300 cash prize (divided), was judged by Captain William Flynn of the insurance fire patrol, Engineer C.O. Lamb of the insurance fire patrol, and Captain H.R. Williamson of the insurance fire patrol. Around forty electric lights illuminated the evening festival, attracting more than 5,000 people. Natick enlisted four of the town’s most renowned sprinters and, with their help, carried the day with a 58-second time. Four of these runners from Natick’s Irish community were well known for their athletic feats and headed for celebrity careers in sports: Keith Fitzpatrick, “Piper” and “Pooch” Donovan (brothers), and “Charlie” Hoey. Fitzpatrick coached college track at Yale, Michigan, and Princeton. Piper Donovan was the 1895 World Champion in the 100-yard dash and a revered Princeton trainer. Pooch Donovan made his mark as a football, baseball, and track coach at Harvard. Hoey was “The World Champion Club Swinger and Juggler” at Madison Square Garden and became a renowned performer across the United States and Europe.
One of the original Champions! “Pooch” Donovan, Harvard Trainer. (Undated, NHS Collections)
Today, fire departments are considered integral to the operations of a town or city. Above all, their primary responsibility is to keep the community safe from fire. However, firefighters have historically played a significant role in athletic competitions. Did you know the 1900 Paris Olympics included a hook-and-ladder competition? All events held at the 1900 Games were considered part of the 1900 World’s Fair, and there were many experimental events. Ultimately, Kansas City won the 1900 Olympic Hook and Ladder contest, being the first and only such champion.
The moniker has transcended differences among particular sports since Natick earned the “Home of Champions” title in 1891. It has brought together all athletics fans in Natick and fostered a sense of community pride that has lasted–and may continue to last–generations.
Central Fire Station on Summer St., you might recognize it now as TCAN. (Undated, NHS Collections)
More history posts:
- Building and Celebrating the Soldiers’ Monument in Natick (1868 – present)
- Natick’s Great Fire of 1874: Looking back 150 years later
- Natick history: The South Natick fire of 1872
- President George Washington’s Morning Ride Through Natick
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Home of the Hook and Ladder Champions! ;)