HomeMy WebLinkAbouthistory of central assoc 1893 1976 firemens association_0004CENTRAL NEW YORK FIREMEN'S ASSOCIATION
The First Annual Convention of the Central New York Volunteer Firemen's Association was
held in Auburn, N.Y. on September 20-21, 1893 and included 5 counties: Tioga, Broome, Tompkins,
Cortland and Cayuga.
The association was started by Frank M. Baker of Owego and a group of fire -minded men from
Central New York. The men thought that an association in the Central part of the state would keep
the firemen in closer unity and give them some rights in the New York State Firemen's Association
concerning their particular needs and interest in the.fire service.
Mr. Baker was elected the first President of the new association and served from 1893 to 1897.
The fust slate of officers also included as Vice -Presidents: L. D. Duren, Lestershire; Otis S. Beach,
Owego; Frank A. Cole, Ithaca; Chief E. J. Jewhurst, Auburn; and Horace N. Rumsey of Seneca Falls.
The first Secretary was Edward W. Hyatt of Homer, with A. W. Randolf of Ithaca as Treasurer, and
an appointed Executive Committee consisting of 6 members.
The fust annual parade consisted of 36 fire companies with 10 school bands and Drum & Bugle
Corps. The 1893 Convention book had a total of 13 pages with no advertising.
In 1894 the Convention was held in Ithaca on August 7, 8, and 9. The Constitution and
By -Laws were printed in the "94" yearbook. The first advertisement in the book was purchased by
"American Fire Engine Company" of Seneca Falls. In all there were only 9 ads. The annual parade
_ had a total of 45 fire companies and 15 musical units in the line of march. The Ithaca parade
committee gave some special prizes which included: Tallest fireman; Fireman sleeping the least;
Fireman with best looking wife; Homliest Chief and Handsomest fireman.
The Third Annual Convention was held in the City of Owego. This was the year that the
association was officially incorporated as the Central New York Volunteer Firemen's Association. In
part, the official papers, dated April 2, 1895, read as follows: Chapter 216, an act authorizing the
formation of a Corporate body to be known as the sixth and seventh judicial districts of the State of
New York Volunteer Firemen's Association. This Corporate body being formed for the purpose of the
advancement and protection of the interest of the Volunteer Firemen of Central New York. Title;
Section I; The title and name of this association shall be The Central New York Volunteer Firemen's
Association. Section II; This association shall be composed of volunteer fire organizations in the
counties of Cortland, Broome, Seneca, Tioga, Cayuga, Madison, Steuben and Tompkins. The officers
shall consist of a President, six Vice -Presidents — one from each county represented: a"Secretary, a
Treasurer and an Executive Committee.
In 1895 there was a total of 53 member companies and 75 individual members. The first
recorded Hose Tournament races were held at this convention. The winners in the two contests were:
Hose Race—Torrent Hose Company of Ithaca and Hydrant Hose of Waterloo tied for first with a time
of 42% seconds; Hook and Ladder Race—Excelsior Hose Company of Cortland with a time of 30
seconds. The parade saw a total of 53 fire companies and 20 musical units in the line of march.
The 1896 Convention was held in Waterloo. It was at this convention that Harry Hall of
Trumansburg won a medal given by the Secretary of State for the fireman being the most heroic. He
Historian .............. FREDERICK D. TODD
7 Salo Drive
I Trumansburg, N.Y. 14886