PHOTOS: Most people would have to look up the word "quasquicentennial" in the dictionary, or in more modern methods, Google it. It is the official term for a 125th anniversary, which is exactly what is being celebrated this year by the Broad Brook Volunteer Fire Department.
Chief Thomas Arcari, retired Chief Dave Lockwood and Deputy Chief Gerry Bancroft gathered recently with Patch to reminisce about the department's history, from raging infernos to a brush with Hollywood royalty.
Initially a fire department organized in 1896 by the Broad Brook Company, a textile manufacturer which employed about 300 people at the turn of the 20th century, 35 men enrolled to serve under initial Chief F.F. Strunz. The first station was adjacent to the mill at what is now 110 Main Street, across from Depot Street.