NO, IT’S NOT Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, but an 1890 photo of the Wakefield Veteran Firemen’s Association. Veteran Firemen’s Associations historically have been formed by retired or veteran firefighters to foster camaraderie, preserve historical records and provide support to their members. Individual associations have had different goals, such as offering medical assistance or housing or preserving artifacts from the fire service. They have also served as a social hub for members, providing a place to connect, reminisce and continue their involvement in the community. Veteran Firemen’s Associations sometimes organized events, such as firemen’s musters. The first newspaper mention of the Wakefield Veteran Firemen’s Association appeared on Feb. 18, 1888. “There will be a meeting of the Veteran Firemen’s Association at the Steamer House next Wednesday evening to perfect the organization,” the Wakefield Citizen & Banner reported. The last mention came on Jan. 9, 1931, when the Daily Item reported that the association had recently held its Annual Meeting at the engine house. It appears that the Wakefield Veteran Firemen’s Association at some point became the Wakefield Firemen’s Relief Association, which exists to this day.