Reprinted from the Braintree Observer August 1914

Union 1 of East Braintree took the championship of the New England States Veterans Fireman's League at the annual playout at Nantasket Thursday, defeating a field of 19 tubs. The playing conditions were excellent.

In addition to taking first prize of $200, they received an extra of $25 for being the best Hunneman engine in the trials. They also won the trophy. The distance was 216 ft. 5in.

When William E. Mayberry, superintendent of the Braintree water works and president of the state Veterans Fireman’s Association, took his position on the tub, few familiar faces lined the handles. A delay of several minutes were required before enough volunteers were secured so the tub could compete, and in the group were members of the town government, police and fire department and some who had never before gripped the bars.

Captain Mayberry ordered three streams and his second shot up the paper and out distanced the distance mark for the event. A loud cheer went up from the hundreds on the side lines, as the Union not only won its first prize in a muster but also the title.

Men and boys manned the ropes and pulled the engine through the village streets on its return home in triumph. Open house at headquarters, speeches by prominent men, refreshments, red fire and cheers were only a small part of the celebration.

Supt. Mayberry was given great credit for the victory, which was as big a surprise to the men on the handles, as to the town’s people who learned the news by telegraph a few minutes after the mark was made.