Once upon a time

Horse powered fire truck - This photo in Sandy Williams' book, "Images of America - Hinsdale," shows the fire deparment's hose cart ready for a parade in 1905. "Before 1912, horses were not owned by the department. The first team to appear at the station after the fire bell rang was hired for $5. At the time, Hinsdale's funeral director stabled his horses downtown. Legend tells that these horses, trained to respond to the bell, once took off for the station during a funeral pulling the hearse behind them." Do you have a Hinsdale photo that is at least 25 years old? We'd love to share it with our readers. Stop by our office at 7 W. First St. or email it to [email protected].