Start of Boylston St. to the right going west; lower Washington St. toward Boston to the left. The structures to the left of the fire station were collectively known as “White’s Block”. On the far left on the corner with Walnut St. is a boarding house. In the middle is the sign for Thomas Mayo & Co. which sold furnaces, stoves, and kitchen goods. Immediately to the left of the station is the store of Frederick Sigwart, Cigars.

In the early 1870s the town was progressing to an organized fire-fighting system after years of more haphazard efforts. It created a Fire Department Board of Engineers. It funded this brick building, constructed at significant cost, that was completed in January 1872. In these early years fire houses were designated according to the piece of equipment they hosted. On the left is the Good Intent Hose Company (the hose wagon is pictured in front) which was organized in 1865 and disbanded May 11, 1875. On the right is the Thomas Parsons Steam Fire Engine.

From stereoscope. "Engine and Hose House, Brookline. E.R. Hills, Photographer, Brookline Mass.” Gift of Natick Historical Society.