The Gamewell Company continues to exist as Gamewell-FCI, and is owned by the Honeywell Corporation.
From Gamewell-FCI's website:Our History
From building and installing the first municipal electric fire alarm system using telegraph wires in 1852 to developing self-programming, networked, and sophisticated voice evacuation systems, Gamewell-FCI’s history in rich in industry firsts and technological advances.
1800s
1852
In Boston, MA, Dr. William Channing and Moses Farmer develop the first, practical fire alarm system using the telegraph system to pinpoint the location of and communicate a fire alarm.
1854
Dr. Channing and Mr. Farmer apply for a patent for the “Electromagnetic Fire Alarm Telegraph for Cities”.
1855
John Nelson Gamewell, a South Carolina postmaster and telegraph company agent, attends Dr. Channing’s lecture on the Fire Alarm Telegraph at the Smithsonian Institution.
1855
John Gamewell purchases the regional rights for marketing the Fire Alarm Telegraph in the south and southwest United States.
1859
John Gamewell purchases total rights to the Channing and Farmer system.
1865
After the Civil War, the U.S. Government seizes the Fire Alarm Telegraph patents and auctions them off.
1867
John F. Kennard of Boston purchases the Fire Alarm Telegraph patents and returns them to John N. Gamewell, forming a partnership. Kennard and Company is established in Newton Upper Falls, Massachusetts to manufacture the fire alarm system.
1879
Gamewell Fire Alarm Telegraph Company formed with John N. Gamewell, proprietor with the fist holding lightning bolts as registered as trademark.
1886
Gamewell systems installed in 250 cities across America, and in to Canada.
1890
Gamewell systems installed in 500 cities. New factory opened in Newton Upper Falls, Massachusetts.
If you're a history buff, continue reading here.
