The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink Abouthistory evfcENFIELD VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY EARLY HISTORY Fire protection for the Town of Enfield early in the 1940's was an agreement with Mecklenburg and Trumansburg Fire Departments, that they would come to this area. Enfield and Trumansburg were steadily increasing in population. There were approximately 1,000 residents in Enfield at that time and now over 2,500. In the early fall of 1947 a few men met with the Town Board to discuss the possi- bility of a volunteer fire company. They all agreed that fire protection would be a real asset to the community. They had meetings in the basement of Newhart's store and the old Town Board building. Speakers came to talk on insurance, building size and equipment. They spent many hours writing the Incorporation papers and By -Laws. At this time they were recruiting members. This was very easy as everyone was excited about having fire protection in the town. The land was donated and the construction services by many men agreed on before the Incorpora- tion papers were signed in February, 1948. The first election of officers was in January, 1948 and by April, 1948 there were over 50 members and by the time they broke ground for the building in June, 1949, they had about 100 members. During all this time, they had fund raising that consisted of two to three suppers a month - pancake, oyster and spaghetti suppers were put on at the Grange Hall; also ham raffles and scrap drives were happening. They raised about $1,000.00 before the building was started. They broke ground for the station June 15, 1948. The Town bought a new power shovel, it was unloaded at the site and the excavation was done with this shovel. They purchased cinder blocks for the station August 20th - then the building really got started - the work was done by all the volunteers. On January 8, 1949 put rafters and roofers on, and on January 17 and 18 laid up the chimney. On January 30, 1949 - poured first section of floor in fire house. This was not ready -mix delivered and poured 4" thick. It was 6" deep and deeper in many places - whatever it took to come out level - no loose fill underneath - and all mixed, leveled and finished by hand. Last see -tion of floor poured February 19th. The hiiildtng-waw- -- heated by wood and coal to keep it from freezing at night. On November 26th an oil burner was installed. The electrical work was completed February 7, 1949. During this time fund raising was going strong, with women working along with the men to help. The first fire engine was purchased in July, 1949 from American LaFrance. A loan of $7,000.00 was taken at Farmers and Merchants Bank of Spencer. Thirty members signed the note. The fire engine was driven in the first Old Home Days parade July 5, 1949. There were floats and groups marching. Games and food were offered on the Enfield Center School yard. The first fire training school was attended by twenty men in May, 1949. The first fire was at Bostwick Corners in October, 1949. To call in a fire alarm, people called Newhart's store and they ran to the fire house and turned on the alarm, until March, 1951 when they could turn on the alarm in the store. Newhart's had one of the first private telephone lines in Enfield, because of this. The firemen marched in their first parade in Watkins Glen in 1951. In 1952 they purchased their first uniforms to wear when they marched. In July, 1953 the Women's Auxiliary was organized. They both have received many awards and trophies from their excellent appearance in the parades. In March, 1953 a fuel oil tank truck was purchased and the men converted it into a water tanker truck. Between 1952 and 1953 they purchased tents and supplies for the first Firemen's Field Days on June 12 and 13, 1953 - parade, ham supper at the Grange and fireworks. In 1953 a committee drew up a community land and road map of houses at that time. The firecompany is 34 years old now and many changes have occurred. From the basic requirements then of rubber boots and coats to two-way radios needed now, - all this progress makes for better service. New faces, new ideas, but still much work for the volunteers. The fire protection laws, the paper work and the required schooling has also become more stringent upon them. They are still growing to meet the needs of our community.