The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-05-12
Freddie Hayes Passes! Joins Old Time Associates Who Have Passed Out of Life's Picture in Recent Years-Product of Burnt Hill, Amateur Actor, Callman, Splendid
 Citizen.

went to school with us; he played ball with us; he was a member of the old St. Joseph temperance society when we were a member; he played dramatics with us when St. Thomas church presented various entertainments, and when a lot of us up here thought we were going to become prominent on the stage: Freddie had this feeling like the rest of us, because the late Frank Keeley used to "kid" us into thinking our voices were just right for the big circuit. But of course, none of us got be- yond the North End; we may have been good in the parts we played for the benefit of the church, but after all church audi ences, as you know, are always real good and forgiving to those who are trying to entertain for the good of the cause. We shall always remember Freddie at these affairs; repeatedly his part called for a high-standing collar. and often it was difficult for him to recite the lines assigned him on account of the 'choker" he had to wear.
 Freddie Hayes was born in the old Hayes homestead in Hill street. Just like the rest of us up here, he went to work young, a customary procedure then of all sections of Waterbury. The old Bishop street school supplied him his education, as it did all of the families about. Oh, those old school days; we were whaled every time we turned around, and we ''took it., because in those days, there were no appeals from the acts of the good teacher, and no ents-Teachers Associations.
 For years Freddie Hayes was connected with the plants con- trolled now by the American Brass company; in the old days 1t was the Waterbury Brass company. Freddie did his work well, and never had a word with either em- ploye or foreman during his many years at this particular place Of employment. Gradually, his health failed him, and he retired. He began to slip, as he said himself a few months back. But he never lost the original smile that car ried with it friendship for old friends and acquaintances. His salutation was always pleasant, and one felt good at meeting him on the street. Only few weeks back, we sat together, talked or passing events, and recalled hap penings of years ago that brought, a laugh to each of us.
 Years ago, or after the Burton street fire station was opened TOT a few years, Freddie joined the Call force. And what a call force it was in that station in those days. Nearly all of the Gay Blades" of Burnt Hill were mem bers. They slept in the station at night, reported when they nked' and had lots of fun answering the alarms that came through the night season. If they missed an alarm they were taxed two dol lars. We think of Frank Keeley, Frank Hollywood, Big Frank Gal lagher and Freddie, and others riding the old truck behind the fast moving horses, holding on for dear life as they passed by our homes to the plaudits of the many property owners standing on the curb watching them fly by in answer to the alarm.
 Freddie and the rest of them got drenched the Sunday night of the big fire of 1902. With Frank Keeley, he was "dolling" up for the regular Sunday night enter tainment at the St. Patrick's hall by St. Joseph's society. The old city hall bell sounded a general alarm, and off they went to duty, Sunday clothes and all. Of course they tried to find rubber coats, but couldn't. So they had to pile in and help just as they were. And this they did, most willingly.
 Our great bevy of fine looking girls of that time, looking on III amazement as these two young well-dreSsed f1remen plunged into the thick of the fire, then and there pronounced them Heroes
 of the Night" Other Callmen did the same, but none was caught so, their best Sunday clothes were ruined, like Freddie and Frank.
 Freddie Hayes has joined the rest of the Id Burnt Hill. who passed out of the picture when he was a young fellow; the process sion appears to be moving all or the time, and eventually we'll go to join the rest of them; the pro- cession never ends: 1t seems to be itching to get us all. And there's nothing we can do to stop 1t.
 We liked Freddie, not recently, but always. He was friendly, gra- cious, and kind, a good citizen, and sought nothing except what he was rightfully entitled to-; few old friends attended the Serv-