The Great Kennebunkport Fire of 1887

A Lecture By Jim Stockman

Wednesday, July 24th at 2pm

Located at the Town House School

135 North St. in KPT

The Kennebunkport Historical Society (KHS) is pleased to announce an upcoming lecture on

the Great Fire of 1887, delivered by esteemed guest lecturer and local firefighter, James M.

Stockman. Mr. Stockman, who has been an integral part of the Kennebunkport firefighting

community for the past 45 years, will share his extensive research and knowledge on the history

of firefighting and the impact of the 1887 fire on the town.

Mr. Stockman began his firefighting career in 1977 when he purchased Cape Hardware and

joined the Wildwood Volunteer Fire Company. Over the years, he has held various positions,

including Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, and Training Officer. On the administrative side,

he served as Secretary and President. Since the formation of the Kennebunkport Fire

Department (KPFD) in 2005, Mr. Stockman has served as Safety Officer #8, a title he currently

holds.

In addition to his firefighting duties, Mr. Stockman runs his own company, J & M Lighting

Design, Inc., the first firm in Northern New England to offer specialized lighting and theatre

design services. He also serves as Chair of the Board for the Kennebunkport Emergency

Medical Service, Inc. (KEMS), the local non-profit ambulance service.

Mr. Stockman’s lecture will delve into the history of the Great Fire of 1887, its impact on the

town, and the evolution of firefighting techniques in Kennebunkport. This insightful lecture will be

held at the historic Town House School on two dates: Wednesday, July 24 at 2 PM and

Thursday, July 25 at 7 PM. The event is free and open to the public, with donations appreciated.

Executive Director of KHS, Kristin Haight, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to

welcome Mr. Stockman back to the Town House School and are most interested in finding out

more about this devastating fire and how it changed the way fires were fought in our town.”