Curfew and Fire Traditional Cache
onecrazycanadian: Hi,
This cache has been missing or in need of maintenance for an extended period of time. Due to the lack of response toward the needed maintenance since my last contact, I am archiving the cache. If you do happen to complete the maintenance required and wish to activate the cache again just let me know and I will consider unarchiving it once the issue is resolved.
Thanks!
onecrazycanadian
Volunteer Reviewer
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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cammo covered tobacco can avail 24/7 watch out for muggles
Was in use from 1918 - 1986
In the early years fire was an ever - present danger,both in town and on the farms.The old newspapers are full of accounts of fires started from lamps and heated stovepipes.These fires were very difficult to control because of lack of available water and inadequate equipment.
Many of the Oak Lake Council meetings had time spent on fire equipment and plans for more efficient use of it.By 1910 there seemed to be more money in the country and the fire fighting equipment was updated.
July 1912- McCubbin became fire chief and a new fire brigade was organized.
August 1912 - A second chemical engine with hose reel attached was to be purchased and that the present engine be put in first class shape
March 1913 -Councillor McCubbin was to write Bell Manufacturers for a price on a 40- inch alarm bell,also to towns in Manitoba having similar bells.
April 7,1913 - The Council Secretart was instructed to procure a steel alloy fire alarm bell 44 inches in diameter ,from C.S. Bell Co.,Hillsboro,Ohio.
When the new bell was installed it could be heard all over town .Whenever it rang,everyone turned to man the buckets and hoses to help try to control the fire.
During these years the street lighting was really inadequate and all the side streets and south of the track was dark black at night.It was probably a concern for the safety of the children more than as a disciplinary measure that led the council to use the bell to enforce a curfew.
November 1913- A bylaw was prepared prohibiting the presence of children under the age of 16 years on the streets of the town after nine o'clock and the Council arranged for the bell to be rung as a curfew at nine o'clock each evening.
This curfew was strictly enforced.
The local town constable was responsible for ringing the bell,so depending on his popularity:the bell became a means of devilling him.
January 1923 -A motion was passed that the board be affixed to the bell tower giving notice that anyone ringing the fire bell except in case of alarm be liable to a penalty of $10.00.
Evidently the curfew was abandoned by the mid 1920's but the bell was used as an alarm for many years.
In 1986 a Bell Tower Committee was formed and in July the Bell Tower was refurbished.To this day,the bell stands proudly atop its tower on Main Street.
Quick find just off of HWY #1
Original Container contents
Logbook and pencil
pins,
bracelet
FTFC
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)
Treasures
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