Wellesley keeps coming up with creative ways to raise money. We might never face another override again at this pace.
Recently, we reported that parts of the soon-to-be-eliminated old Wellesley High School building will be sold off as part of a celebration of the historic building called “Turn Out The Lights” (Facebook page here).
Now the town is selling off about 250 fire boxes that were recently removed from telephone polls across town. The numbered boxes, when pulled, would alert the Wellesley Fire Department of emergencies at corresponding locations. The colorful hardwired boxes are no longer needed now that schmantzier technology has come into use (though some of the boxes on municipal, commercial and educational buildings will be left in place and updated for wireless technology).
The artifacts cost $50 and are available by calling the fire department and asking for the shift captain 8am-5pm weekdays or by visiting the Selectmen’s Office at Town Hall. (Hey, they’re cheaper than the old bricks that the Red Sox are selling from Fenway Park for $250 or $475 a pop.)
As for Wellesley collectibles, we’ll take a pass on the fire boxes and won’t be tempted by pieces of the old Cedar Street bridge that’s coming down this summer. We’re holding out for a Wellesley Electric Light manhole cover, a leftover from the days before Wellesley Municipal Light Plant was established. It should make a great table top and it’s so much more substantial than those puny fire boxes.
RELATED: Wellesley Historical Society