Wiscasset Fire Society THE WISCASSET FIRE SOCIETY stand on the steps of the First Congregational Church. (Photo Sarah Sutter)

Twenty-six of the thirty members of the Wiscasset Fire Society assembled on the steps of the First Congregational Church June 11 to continue a tradition of group photographs begun in the latter part of the 19th century.

Prominent in the photograph, in accordance with the tradition, was the 1803 hand drawn fire pump, one of two the Society owns and maintains.

The 1803 pump is stored in the stable of the Nichols-Sortwell house on Federal Street. Several members arrived early and drew the unit up Main Street to the church, returning it by the same route following the event, providing a glimpse of history to those who happened to be passing by.

There are only two notable differences in the background setting, when compared to a group photograph taken at the same location in 1889. There is now a roadway between the church and the Lincoln County Court House, while previously there was a picket fence, and in 1889 the trees were much smaller.