The Gardner 4 was built in 1882 by L. Button and Son of Waterford, New York. It was built for the Torrent Engine Company of Gardner, Massachusetts, and won its first muster that September in Framingham. In 1901 the Gardner 4 broke the then world record by laying down a stream of water 241 feet 10 inches. Five years later, on Labor Day 1906 at a muster in Nashua, N.H., the Gardner 4 made its all time best play, winning 2nd prize on a play of 251 feet 11 inches. At this same muster the Gen. Butler of Lowell made a world's record, playing 259 feet.

By 1926 the handtub became inactive, and remained so until 1941, when it was acquired by the Portland, Maine VFA, with whom it saw service for nine years. After another period of inactivity, the Gardner 4 was purchased in 1964 by the town of West Newbury, Massachusetts. That year the West Newbury VFA and the Ould Newbury Association, and their respective engines, represented the State of Massachusetts at the New York World's Fair, in Flushing, New York. A wonderful time was had by all as guests of the New York Fire Department. A muster was held in the fair ground--Ould Newbury won this competition. It was truly a memorable event.

Over the next ten years the West Newbury VFA and the Gardner 4 carried the good name of the old Town of West Newbury proudly. From 1967 to 1973 the Gardner 4 won seven consecutive league championships, a feat that has never been equaled in the 100 years of the New England League. Today the Gardner 4 participates in an occasional muster.

Thanks to Capt. Steve Cashman for this material excerpted from "History of the Gardner #4 and West Newbury Veteran Fireman's Association", written for the 100th anniversary of the New England States Veteran Fireman's Association. (1890-1990)