Report By:

George G. Emerling

Historical Committee Chairman

January 1996

A chronological 1874 to 1975 , history record of the Hamburg Volunteer Fire Department.

Prior to l874  Bucket Brigade

1874 to 1878 - Fire Brigade

"Warden" Alex C. Stolting.

5/9/1874- Hamlet known as White's Corners incorporates as the Village of Hamburg.

Alex C. Stolting, the editor of the "Erie County Independent",

supposedly was in charge of a hand pumper which he kept at his premises.

Village Board minutes refer to the Fire Brigade as the Hamburg Fire Department , summer of 1878

Fire Department formed listing:

G.Burwell Abbott,  President

Bertram Hibbard,  Secretary

Perry Thorn, Financial Secretary

Clinton Fish, Treasurer

Daniel Prindle  Chief

W.C.(Cad) Corbin, Assistant Chief

6/11/1878 Resolution from the Village Board presented and passed at public election held at Kopp's Hotel to excise from taxes the sum of $700.00 to purchase apparatus for extinguishing fires.

7/13/1878 Village board passes a motion to pay $556.40 for a "hook and ladder aerial truck complete" with additional freight charges from Chicago of $14.47. A handdrawn hook and ladder, it was housed in the barn of Gelinas Hall with an annual rental fee of $12.00  During this same month, the Fire Company presented a roster of members to the Village Board which included William Kronenberg as Foreman of Hook & Ladder Co. #1; George Federspiel as Foreman of Hook & Ladder Co. # 2 and Daniel F. Prindle as Chief Engineer.  (See file: Old Rosters; according to Buffalo Fire Historian, the term "Chief" and "Chief Engineer" were one and the same.)

6/18/1879  Authorization of expenditure of $350.00 to purchase site for fire House.

8/4/1879 - Funds were appropriated to buy a site on Center st. and later to construct a fire hall.

(Recorded page 174)  "resolved that the President of the Village, William F. Newton, be authorized to make and enter into a contract with Rudolph Stratemeier for the purchase of a piece of ground with two rods front on Center Street and extending across the North end of said Stratemeier's land in said Village for the purpose of building an engine house thereon for the use of the Village Fire Department."  In 1880 The Fire Department had accumulated additional apparatus in the form of hose carts and a supply wagon along with "sufficient equipment to function in a proper fashion".

6/1/1880 they adopted the "Constitution and Bylaws of the Hamburg Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1" .

A roster with as many as sixtytwo names was presented to the Village Board. Officers were listed as follows: (See Constitution and ByLaw book or "Old Rosters file")

11/25/1880 - The "First Annual Ball" was held at Kopp's Hotel.

(An original invitation, kept in the Historical fireretardant vault, states "Hamburg Fire Department". Records have been found which refer to various Hook & Ladder Companies, Hose Companies, and Chemical Companies which, it is assumed, collectively comprised the "Hamburg Fire Dept.")

2/16/1883  Annual reunion & banquet of Hamburg Hook & Ladder Co. occured Saturday. G.Burwell Abbott presiding. Tribute was paid to Alex C. Stolting as the pioneer fireman of Hamburg who "organized the first Fire Company".

11/8/1883  Five buildings were lost in a fire on the southwest corner of Main And Buffalo Streets. Jacob Eckhardt's Hotel, including shed, barn, and hall,  John VanEpp's Billiard Room, Federspiel & Eckhardt's Grocery, and Joseph Kronenberg's Hardware Store and Residence. A steam pumper was dispatched by rail from the City of Buffalo to assist, but by the time it arrived, it was too late to save anything. This fire prompted the Fire Department into reorganizing. Notes from Village Board Minutes. (copy from C.Schroeck) No date or name of company appears, must be traced. As it preceeds the next paragraph it is inserted here. It mentions a new Company, possibly Hook & Ladder No.2,  also lists 35 names of "charter" members, 14 of which also appear on roster of H&L Co. No.1. (See "Old Rosters" H&L No.2? 1880 ?)

11/23/1883  The Committee appointed to procure a fire apparatus for the Village met last Monday eve.  Mill (?)

Fish (Newton or Clinton in Fire Dept./ Milford  on Village Board ?) was authorized to communicate with different manufacturers and get prices. The system that is at present held in favor is that large cisterns be placed in different parts of the Town and a hand pumper and hose be procurred.

12/28/1883 - The Fire Department presented a petition for the approval of the Village board to incorporate. It was duly granted.

1/2/1884  (Recorded) The 2nd Annual Banquet of the Hamburg Fire Department will be held February 2nd, 1884.  (? ? According to an original invitation, the 2nd Annual Banquet was already held on Feb. 15, 1882. )

1/18/1884 "and the Chief of the Fire Department offered a report and on motion of A.Stein the report was read and placed on file and then A.Stein moved that the Chief be ordered to (place?) the fire apparatus in (good order?) 2nd and carried and on motion of C.T.Fish the following resolution was adopted: Resolved that the association now known as the Hamburg Fire Company in the Village of Hamburg, County of Erie and State of New York, be and is hereby is empowered to file the annexed certificate of incorporation  provided that said company or corporation shall only engage in such business as properly belongs to fire hose hook and ladder companies and only shall ensue such business in the Village of Hamburg County and State aforesaid and provided further that said corporation shall be subject to the authorites (authoritees) of said Village. 2nd by A.Stein and carried."

l884  Records show Daniel Prindle as Chief; Article in the Erie County Independent claims that Erastus Fogelsanger is Chief.. ? (Possibly an Assistant Chief ?? )

1885 - Records show four hose carts. One housed behind Carlton Eno's Grocery (Now Pyramid Lounge) , one where First Federal Bank is now, one at a house in Village Park (Linwood Ave.?) and one on Center Street.

6/5/1885  Water Street renamed Long Ave.

7/24/1885  Moved by CT Fish at Board meeting that the Fire Chief, onbehalf of the Fire Dept. be directed to take charge of all the property of the Village connected with the Fire Department. Motion carried.

8/7/1885  At the regular monthly meeting of Hamburg Hook & Ladder Co. #1, the Company was virtually disbanded. Another meeting is to be held Tuesday, Aug. 18, when a division of the money on hand will be made. The fixtures and personal property of the Company will be sold at auction on Aug. 18, at One P.M. A new Company will be organized with William  Kronenberg as Chief Engineer.

8/28/1885  At the office of Spencer T. Wood, a new Fire Company was organized. A new slate of officers was elected headed by Charles H.Wood (Chief ?), with charter membership limited to twentyfive members.Other officers listed: C.E.Umpleby, Treas.; Trustees: Geo. Kast,Andrew Stein, and H.S.Spencer. It was further recorded that "another fire company, with D.F.Prindle as Chief Engineer, will be organized next week".(See "Old Rosters" for members)

12/18/1885  On motion of A.Stein the request of the Hamburg Fire Company to be incorporated was granted and the following resolution was passed. " Resolved that the annexed certificate in writing and signed and acknowledged by the residents of the Village of Hamburg desiring to associate themselves into a fire hose or hook and ladder company meets with our approval and we hereby consent to such an incorporation. 2nd by C.T.Fish and carried.

3/22/1886 - "Articles of Incorporation of the Hamburgh Fire Company" were recorded in the Erie County Clerk's Office. This document limited the company's existence to 50 years. Signed by 15 members (see copy of Incorp.) plus Trustees Clinton T.Fish,and Andrew Stein, and Village Pres. Perry Thorn.

7/30/1886 - Application of the "Hamburg Engine Company" of the Village of Hamburg, listing the same roster as old Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1, was received by the Village Board, accepted, and "Certification was duly granted". This may have been the company headed by Dan Prindle as previously mentioned.

9/4/1886 - Village raised by assessment, $ 650.00 to purchase a fire engine (hand pumper) along with suction hose and 250 ft. of discharge hose to be " used by the Fire Department of said Village".

9/13/1889 - Village entered into a contract with the Hamburg Water and Electric Light Company to supply water for the purpose of extinguishing fires. Water was pumped from huge wells in the building which now houses the Community Center into standpipes to provide adequate mainline pressures.

10/10/1889 - Village Board made a motion to sell the "little pump and rubber hose" to the North Collins Fire Company for $80.00. This is presumed to be the old hand pumper from the original Fire Brigade.

12/28/1889  "An inventory of the property of the Hamburgh Fire Department, Dec.28th,1889." ( See album, among other things, list does include; hook,truck and ladders,; Hand Engine ; Hose ; 3 Play Pipes, and 4 Lanterns.) Signed by Trustees; Henry James, Wm. Kronenberg, and H.S.Spencer.

12/3/1890 - Village Board moved to " make such repairs upon the building of Mr. T.S.Bunting as shall make it a proper place for storing hose carts, etc.".

1891 Officers included Chief Charles Wood; President Joseph H. Eno; Secretary Frank Walker; Treasurer Carl VanWalffradt.

12/1/1891  An inventory record on this date separates the property of Hamburgh Fire Department and that belonging to the members of the Fire Co. Fire Department property does include; House and lot on Center St., Hook & Ladder Truck, Hose carts (no number) hose,pipes,nozzles,hand pump (at

$10.00 including hose ?), 2 trumpets and cash balance of

$47.77, among other items.  Property of the members includes; 1 large hand engine, 2 hose carts at $75.00, 1 hose cart at $20.00, plus normal officetype items and a stove with pipe. Report signed by Trustees; P.M.Thorn, M.T.Newton, and John VanEpps.

3/15/1892 - Village Board empowered the Fire Department to "Build a hose house on the parsonage lot facing Linwood Avenue cost not to exceed $80.00".

11/15/1892  $5000 provided by Village Board, in installments, to purchase old burying ground at Lake & Union Streets to be converted to a Village Park.

12/7/1892  Village Board carries a motion to proceed with Park, bodies to be moved and reinterred with notices served to representatives and/or relatives.

8/24/1894  Village threatened by invasion of Coxey's Army,

which at this time was a militant group of the Nation's unemployed. Hamburg Firemen, 75 strong, alerted to stand by. No record found to indicate that any invasion took place.

3/6/1901  Moved & carried that Secy (Smith Colvin) write Mr. Elijah Cook, State Assemblyman expressing opposition to bill on table known as "Tare Tax". (Reasons unmentioned)

4/3/1901  Secretary and Foreman of the company be allowed $10 per year for services retroactive to 1/1/01.

4/17/1901  "carried that the separate company's will elect their own Foreman" also discussed and voted in favor of " the naming of different carts " (No mention of names found in minutes, could be those known as "Jingle End and Fish Co.".)

11/20/1901  Approved purchase of rubber coats w/ corduroy collars for each fireman with 3 1/2 or more years of service.(Members with less than 3 1/2 years had to pay the difference between the price of the coat and the annual dues paid. Coats became the property of the members.) Also approved purchase of yellow oilskin hats.

1/20/1902  Orders drawn to pay bill: 40 coats at $3.50 and 40 hats at 25 cents. (Total $ 150.00)

1902 to 1905  Inventory records show hosecart houses on; Main Street (Federspiel's Grocery Store ),

Lake Street (the aforementioned Parsonage Lot ?) and "Centre" St. Report includes " Hook & Ladder truck and

Supply Wagon".

3/7/1904 - $350.00 allotted for Village to purchase a lot from Mrs. Thomas Fritsche on which to build Station # l.

4/6/1904  Motion carried to buy "ballot box with balls".

10/5/1904  Proceeds from recent and future lawn fetes slated to be placed in special fund to buy uniforms.

1905  The hose house on Center Street which had been built in 1880 was demolished and a larger building with a hose drying tower and a second floor meeting room was built in its place. In this same year,  on April 28, a horsedrawn hook & Ladder was purchased by the Village for the Fire Department. $ 500 was allotted by the Village Board, and $50 was contributed by the Fire Department. The apparatus was kept in a livery stable on Lake Street owned by Michael J. Schmitt who provided a team to pull it as needed. Schmidt also was a member of the Fire Department and served for a time as Foreman of the Hook & Ladder Co.

5/16/1906  Lawn fete scheduled for 6/23/06; also approved expenditure to send 35 men to Brockport by train for WNY Vol.Firemen's Convention and parade in July.

5/13/1907 - Plans submitted by Lawrence Bley for Station # 1 were approved and later on the a bid of $2750 from Smith & Colvin was accepted to build the structure on the corner of Main and Buffalo Street, the property purchased from Mrs. Fritsche.

7/30 & 7/ 31/1907  Marched in parade: WNYVFA in Batavia. (See photo from Mrs. Dossinger (nee Danheiser).

4/27/1908  (Conflict of report from Village records re: Hook & Ladder, see 1905)  $550.00 provided by Village for AmericanLaFrance Hook & Ladder truck designated  "Moritz Hook and Ladder Co.# 2". (Moritz was Chief in 1908; Ed Stuart was Chief in 1905; handdrawn truck was presumed to be #1 ? or did they have two horsedrawn  Minutes as late as May 1913 still refer to "Moritz Hook & Ladder #2 ).

4/28/1908  Exterior of Station # 1 reported complete and Fire Department moved in even though the interior was not completed until 12/9/09.

1912    Station # 1 dedicated during "Old Home Week",July 21 to 27, the Hamburg Fire Co. also hosted the fourth annual convention of the Southwestern Association of Volunteer Firemen of New York during the same week, July 21 to 25.

8/1/1912  Daniel F. Prindle, Hamburg's first Fire Chief, died 1906, at age 76. John W. Salisbury, present Chief, has been for several years. (? This record, along with a newspaper photograph, states the same thing, yet a framed photograph of Bernhard Moritz and a silver cup, received from the Moritz family, contains an inscription stating that Moritz was Chief from 1905 to 1911.)

12/4/1912  Committee of two (MJ Schmitt and Ed Stuart) appointed to look into purchase of harnesses to be used on team provided by Schmitt's Livery Stable for H&L. (Two collars were purchased on 3/5/15 for $10.00. Nothing found in minutes regarding any more.)

2/5/1913  Accepted offer of Mr Eno to place Hose Cart #4 on his land.

6/22/1913  Exempts are called to Center St. Headquarters by a notice from George B. Abbott and Perry M. Thorn to proceed with the formation of an Exempt Organization. Mr.(Frank?) Walker is chosen Chairman, and Mr. Thorn Secretary. The following were elected as officers: President William Kronenberg (Hamburg Town Supervisor at that time), Vice President Samuel W. Stuart, Treasurer Charles B. Guenther, and Marshall G.B.Abbott. List of other members may be obtained by referring to file "Old Rosters".

7/16/1913  $300.00 allotted for special train to Bolivar for SWVFA Convention. Treas. JE Leach instructed to obtain 100 RR tickets to sell to neighboring companies(Eden,Lackawanna mentioned) for anyone interested. Also Hamburg Exempts invited to march in a parade with the Fire Department in the City of Buffalo on Sept. 5. (Old photograph shows Exempts marching in Buffalo but has no date; perhaps this is that event.)

7/23 & 24/1914 SWVFA Conv. at Gowanda

10/7/1914  Order for new uniforms placed with HendersonAmes Company of Kalamazoo, Michigan.

10/28/1914  Voted to select steelgray uniforms (WestPoint Style).

12/30/1914  Minstrel Show scheduled for first week in February, 1915 as fundraiser.

3/3/1915  Reported net from Minstrel Show as $ 552.79

Also ByLaw amendment read regarding Membership Committee of five.

6/16/1915  Exempts offer to help with Field Day Celebration scheduled for 7/21/1915, preceded by Annual Parade at 9:00 AM. 74th Reg. Drum Corps hired to lead marching unit.

11/3/1915  $1.00 assessment discussed for deceased firemen ( a goodly sum of money then)

5/3/1916  Vote passed to have two firemen spend the night at the fire hall to answer alarms. (No other reference on this matter found.)

6/7/1916  Village purchases Ford Model "T" with Babcock ? Horton ?  Chemical appliance including two 20gallon tanks, as first motorized apparatus. Sold to Scranton in 1934. (Village accepted bid of $1.00 on 3/3/1933.) Pictures found with conflicting dates, 1912 and 1917, Fire dept. minutes show 6/7/1916, 1917 picture of this unit shows members in steelgray dress uniforms which were delivered in early 1916.

1916  First of three recorded fires to hit the Hamburg Planing Mill levels structure. Later rebuilt, it is damaged by fire in 1958 and destroyed again in 1961. Photographs of 1916 fire on file. (Trees in photos appear to be in Spring or Summer foliage.)

1917  The Fish Company building is destroyed by fire. (Icicles on structure in photos probably taken the following morning indicate possibly November or December) Located on the S.E.Corner of Main & Buffalo Streets which was the same site of the Hotel Hamburg which burned in 1967. Site is now Centennial Park.

7/4/1918 New officers elected by Exempt Organization.

Pres. John VanEpps; Secretary Newton Fish. Treasurer and Marshall remain as before, Mr. Guenther and Mr Abbott.  Executive Committee consisting of Frank Walker, Alexander Stolting, and Edward Minkel is appointed.

2/12/1919  Jacob W. Machmer offered a resolution to purchase the M.J.Schmitt property on Lake Street on which to construct a new fire hall. The resolution was passed by the Village board and a proposition was placed before the voters: " Shall the Village of Hamburg purchase the M.J.Schmitt garage property on Lake Street next to the Village Park for a fire house and storage place for fire apparatus for use in extinguishing fires and pay therefore the sum of $6,000.00." This proposiition was submitted during the annual Village election on the 10th day of March, 1919, and passed.The building was completed in the early 20's and became the new Fire Co. headquarters.

1920  Old photographs show structure to the left side (East) of the old Peoples Bank (now Fleet) destroyed by fire and identified as " Abbott Block " (building). Appears to be where drivethrough bank station is today (l994).

11/10/1920  Mr. Louis M.Potter, Village Trustee, offered a resolution to the Board to hold a special election for the  voters to choose whether or not to spend $11,100.00 for an new fire engine. The resolution was passed by the Board and a special election was scheduled for the 23rd day of November, 1920, for the purpose of voting on the following proposition: "Shall the Village purchase an American LaFrance Type 10 Fire Engine, or a similar fire engine, for the use of the Village in extinguishing fire in the village,

and borrow the sum of $11,100.00 upon the bonds or other obligations of the village, payable onehalf thereof July 1, 1921 and the other onehalf thereof July 1, 1922, with interest payable semiannually, to pay the cost thereof, and that there be raised annually by tax a sum sufficient to pay the interest and the principle of such bonds as they become due." The proposition passed which resulted in the Village purchase of an American LaFrance Auto Pumper. A printed form from American LaFrance titled "Type "10" MotorUnit 10E1425" shows order No.50527 with a dotted line following TYPE which reads "40" Pumper and Hose Motor Car. (The difference between types 10 and 40 are unknown to our committee.) The unit was shipped from Elmira, NY on March 19, 1921 and on it's acceptance was commissioned as Hamburg Fire Department Auto Pumper No.1. This pumper is shown in a 1922 photograph in front of the old No 1 Fire House on South Buffalo St. (Now the Chamber of Commerce), with 21 firemen, 20 of which have been identified. (Pumper #1 was later sold to the Hamburg Water Co. [see 1/7/1942] and later purchased by a midstate fire department, and has since been restored, and is either owned by, or under the care of, Mr. Ken Magar, Eagle Valley, Sloatsburg, NY 10974 ).

7/25/1923  Grange building fire, Main St.(Model T and motor

cycle in picture) Building contained Froehley Furniture and Undertaking business(Now Tina's) Though the building sustained extensive damage the new pumper was credited with saving the structure.

1/15/1924  A letter from the Hamburg Fire Department was read at the Village Board meeting inviting the Board members to be present at the Annual Banquet of the Department to be held at the Touraine Hotel in Buffalo, Wednesday Eve. Jan. 23, with a theater party to follow. (This prompts a question which can no longer be answered. Did the entire department attend such a function that far away, or were certain individuals left behind  protect the Village and its residents in the event of a fire? )

6/17/1924  The Firemen requested and did receive a permit to sell refreshments during the band concerts in the Park, the proceeds thereof to be used toward the purchases of fire equipment.

5/19/1925  After a report from a Committee from the Fire Department consisting of Chief Weiss, Wm. A.Shoemaker and Chester Provoost, concerning a used Hook & Ladder truck from Cortland, and one from the American LaFrance Company, the Village passed a motion to purchase a 55 ft American LaFrance aerial ladder truck,mounted on a Thomas Flyer chassis and a chemical supply wagon, the property of the City of Batavia, New York, from American LaFrance, at a cost not to exceed $750.00.

1925  American LaFrance Auto Pumper is purchased for  $7,500.00. Designated as No. 2, it is later sold to the Armor Fire Company.

1927  The Aerial Ladder purchased from Batavia is refitted on a 1927 Federal Chassis by Howard Mohr.

1928  The FirstAid Squad was originated. (Firstaid was administered at the scene, and if an ambulance was needed, a private ambulance was dispatched.)

6/5/1928 - Resolution passed to raze the fire hall on Center Street which was no longer needed for meetings, and a new station was to be built not to exceed $11,000 in cost.

4/16/1929  Motion carried to award Fire Alarm System bid to HarringtonSeaburg Corp. of Moline Illinois, as per specifications, for the sum of $ 2350.00. This system was purchased to "rearrange" the existing system.

10/1/1929  Four bids received for the heating of the Lake St. Fire Hall with the contract being awarded to the low bidder, Fish & Kronenberg Company.

10/12/1930 - Barn Lost, John Duggan Farm, Taylor Road.

11/6/1931   Resolution passed to have private telephone lines  installed in the three fire halls, connected directly to the Filtration Plant, by the New York Telephone Company, at a cost not to exceed $ 6.75 per month.

3/24/1932  House lost, Lee Francis, South Creek rd.

12/3/1932  The newly formed Scranton Fire Company expressed an interest in the 1912 Model T Chemical truck, the Village was receptive provided Scranton would agree to meet certain conditions in the operation of the unit. (Said conditions unknown.)

1933  First to be found as Fire Marshall, Maurice Mansfield.

3/3/1933  A bid for $1.00 was accepted by the Village Board from the Scranton Fire Company for the 1912 Ford Model T Chemical Truck.

12/15/1933  Fire Dept. requests Village to contribute $ l,000

per year toward alterations of Lake St. Hall until debt is paid off. (It is assumed this was agreed to)

5/25/1934  Hamburg Firemen responded to a Hotel fire in Athol Springs which ended up a total loss. James Shaw was listed as the owner and it was also reported that the fire was fought for six hours and as much as 1800 feet of hose had been laid.

7/3l/1934  A house owned by M.Parada on Parker Road was lost in a fire.

8/2/1934  A barn on Camp Road, owned by Peter Veiox was struck by lightning and destroyed by fire.

9/12/1934  A barn on Sauer Road, owned by Albert Sauer was struck by lightning and destroyed by fire.

4/28/1935  House and chicken coop on South Creek Road, owned by Ed Hedrych was destroyed by fire.

11/30/1935  Barn on Camp Road, owned by J.Dennis lost in a fire of unknown origin.

1/17/1936 - Village approved the appointment of the following and authorized them to serve as Fire Police: Maurice Mansfield, Captain; Addis Meyers, Lieut.; Chester Provoost,Carl Seeger, George Bowers,Ludwig Faulhaber,William Mansfield, and George Dodge.

5/6/1936  "Hamburg Post", Legion Newspaper, contains article about a banquet held at the Hamburg Hotel celebrating, in error, the 25th anniversary of the Hamburg Exempts Association. The anniversary was actually the 23rd and the Post acknowledged this. Charles H. Wood 89, was recognized as the oldest exempt in attendance and the first Chief of the Department. (From its reorganization in 1885, however, Village records list Wood as President in 1885 and  William Kronenberg as Chief. As previously mentioned, Wood does appear in a 1935 photograph with the Chief at that time, Howard Mohr, and Wood is again acknowledged as Chief dating back to 1885. A Mystery.)

9/3/1936 - Additional property purchased from M.J.Schmitt behind the Lake St. Fire Hall. The hall is remodeled to twobays with projecting overhang, plus addition in the back of the building with enlarged upstairs meeting room. Contract awarded to: Hamburg Planing Mill (Construction)  and Smith Bros. Hardware (Heating/Stoker).

1936  Articles of Incorporation were recorded to replace the expired 1886 incorporation.

2/19/1937 - Village approved a request from the Fire Department to appoint a President and Vice President. A roster was submitted which included the names of 74 members and named as President P.J.Henry Hauck, a member since 1900. (Early records did show a President, it is not known exactly when this office had been dropped.)

1938   The Hamburg Fire Department Drum Corps which formed approximately around 1930, wins First Prize in New York State competition at Saranac Lake, New York. The Drum Corps,

which included a good number of Hamburg Firemen but was mostly nonmembers, entertained the area residents for many years and eventually became known as the "Kingsmen" and continued to gain prominence.

3/12/1939 - Frame residence , the Schaefer Estate on Camp Road, lost in a fire of unknown origin.

1/19/1940  Minutes of this meeting include a statement by then Mayor Raymond J. Emerling Sr., that the Prospect Avenue property (part of which the Community Center building is situated on), be considered as a possible site for a new Fire Hall. No further mention of this has been found.

7/26/1940  Six bids were received and read from five companies (two separate bids from American LaFrance) for a new pumper. The bids were turned over to the Fire Department's new truck Committee.

11/15/1940  Bid for new pumper accepted from Buffalo Appliance Co. for $6850 and order signed. Vehicle is to be commissioned as HFD #1.(It is not known at this point whether the Village was still providing funds for Department

apparatus or the Fire Department was. Discussions about this particular apparatus appear in a number of recorded minutes starting in January of 1940 which seem to indicate that Village funds would be used.)

8/1941  "took "prize" at Convention in Westfield".. (Southwestern ?)  Also 1st prize for exhibit at Fair.

9/1941  10 members attend State Defense School at Lackawanna 8 complete and receive Certificates. Dept. votes to purchase new pumper.

12/1941  Dept. decides to organize Auxiliary Firemen Group to assist firemen during Blackouts and Air Raids for duration of WW II .

1/7/1942  Hamburg Water Co. offers $400 for Old Pumper # l with an agreement that they will repair it and make it available if needed by the Dept. as an emergency pump. Offer is accepted by the Dept Motion passed to pay Secr. & Treas. $50 a year for services.

2/4/1942  George B. Abbott, 1st Dept. Pres, 1878 dies.

Aux. Firemen Group formed; 100 man limit. 76 sign up, 44 pass "course" (Essentials of Fire fighting ? unknown..)

Resolution passed (by Village?.?..) 1/30/42 to borrow $2000 from both the Peoples Bank of Hamburgh and The Bank of Hamburgh to put toward the purchase of new pumper. (Later records indicate that this loan was repaid by the Fire Department.

3/4/1942  Motion passed that replacement Fireman be accepted to cover personnel lost to military. Replacements will be dropped as the Firemen return from military service with the understanding that they will be first on the list of permanent fireman when an opening occurs. Records show a number of "replacement firemen" joining the ranks over a time but nothing shows as to their ever being dropped. Perhaps by attrition they were absorbed as permanent members.Reported that 34 Firemen have blood "Typed" at OLV Hospital for Civil defense.

1942  New 500 GPM pumper purchased from AmericanLaFrance for $ 7500 and commissioned as HFD # 2.

8/1942  Dept. wins 1st prize  best appearing Co. at Conv. in Bolivar. (Southwestern ??)

8/14/1942  (From a Report from Chief A.W.Weber)

"Surprise" Blackout included a "Bombing drill" of the water Filtration plant at 10:15 PM. Pumpers 1 & 2 along with the Hook & Ladder dispatched to scene, with Chemical No. 1 being held in quarters at Center St."..report of a few small fires being extinguished and #2 and the Ladder truck returned to hall but #1 was unable to due to a large hole in the road. The DPW was sent to the scene to fill the hole and assist Pumper #1 in returning to the hall." A Pumper from Patchin was on standby at the South Buffalo St. Station during the drill.

4/7/1943   Used hearse purchased from Linus Wurtz, Boston Funeral Director, by Rotary Club and donated to the Dept. to be converted to an "Emergency Car".

10/4/1943  Village contracts for storage building behind the Lake Street Fire Hall for the use of the Village DPW. Specifications and estimate from Floyd E. Wolfe , $2490.00. (Original estimate and specifications called for a 24 X 48 shed with novelty siding, ashphalt shingle roof with box cornice, 114' and 210' overhead doors,8" concrete wall with no floor, and one window in each gable end.) On 12/2/43, another bid was received from Mr. Wolfe with specifications as the building was actually built, with a new estimate of $2450.00, although it still did not include the floor which apparently was put in later. Used later as the Village Sign Shop, it is eventually turned over to the Fire Department to store historical apparatus.)

12/1/1943  Motion passed to send $5 to all members in the service as a Christmas gift with 1944 dues marked as paid.

4/5/1944  Armor Fire Dept. offers $400 for old Pumper #2.

Offer accepted by the membership subject to approval of Village Board. (Board does grant approval.)

4/4/1945  Meeting closed with moment of silence in memory for Lawrence Mammoser who was killed in action. (No record found of him being a member although he had numerous relatives in the Fire Department. His widow, Monnie, was a local hairdresser for many years.)

6/6/1945  Civil Defense disbanded. (presumed to be Auxiliary Firemen.)

1/10/1946  George Marshall and others rescue 10 year old Ralph Maybach after a fall into the 18 Mile Creek.

        Firemen on the same day save the home of Earle C. Newman, 120 East Prospect.

2/14/1946  Hamburg Engines 2 & 3 assist Armor along with Big Tree Firemen at a horsebarn fire at the Erie County Fairgrounds. Extent of fire not mentioned.

2/16/1946  Fire in brooder house on Frank Keunn Farm destroys the building and 300 to 400 baby chicks. Fire fighter Art Howe falls through roof sustaining ruptured blood vessel in foot.

3/20/1946  Barn behind MacNeil's Restaraunt (Pyramid Lounge) Buffalo Street destroyed by fire. Horse and dog lost.

4/15/1946  Fire Department accepts delivery of new International K7 truck chassis costing $ 2227.14, and turns it over to Young Fire Equipment to be transformed into a triple combination pumper at an additional cost of $4721.05. Housed at Center Street as HFD #3, the total cost was $ 6948.19

5/2/1946  The first meeting of the Hamburg Town Fire Council is held at the Lake Street Fire Hall, Karl Wagner of Lakeshore presiding, Irv Knoche from Hamburg, Vice President.

8/1/1946  From noon until 4:30 PM, the Village is supplied water by the Auxillary Pump from the Water works, assisted by Hamburg #2 as repairs are made on a break in the 12" main from the standpipe.

8/22/1946  First of four Dodge 1000 Gal Tank Trucks is purchased by the Town of Hamburg to provide water for firefighting in the outlying districts. Number 3 goes to Hamburg Fire Department. After it is replaced by a 1963 Ford Tanker, it goes to the Village D.P.W. but in 1965, following the wreck of the Fire Department Aerial, it serves as a ladder wagon until the damaged truck is repaired. (The other three Tankers were housed at Armor, Big Tree, and Lake Shore.)

11/6/1946  Letter received (from Village) stating Hamburg Pumper #1 is not to leave the Village for any fire calls unless ordered by the Mayor or Acting Mayor.

6/4/1947  Motion passed to accept bid of $285 from Norm Zintz to repaint Federal Hook & Ladder.

2/4/1948  Regular meeting held as Dinner Meeting at the Hotel Hamburg to honor wives of members. Motion passed to attend SWVF Convention in Salamanca and pay each man in uniform, in line, $5.00.

3/3/1948  Soda and Acid Extinguishers to be removed from all trucks. Village agrees to install horn at Community Center.

5/5/1948  Committee formed to investigate possibility of replacing Emergency Car.

6/9/1948  Carnival nets $ 1298.76.

11/13/1948  Turkey Bingo at Odd Fellows Hall nets $ 458.72.

1/5/1949  Plans initiated for Ham Bingo at Odd Fellows Temple on 4/9/49. Motion passed to limit February Banquet as private party, for active, exempt and honorary Firemen only,

honoring their wives or guests.

2/2/1949  Business meeting/ Annual Banquet held at Hotel Hamburg.

2/9/1949   Special meeting to form Committee to look into the purchase of new uniforms for Firemen and Drum Corps. Richard Mammoser Chairman, Weiss,Abrams,Shoemaker,E.Gates,Carr, and Petrie.

3/2/1949  Motion passed to purchase 110 new uniforms from Royal Uniform Co. of Rochester, (shirt, trouser, cap, belt, tie, and emblem ) at $32.45 each. TV raffle to help defray costs. (Later records show outlay of 4694.50 for same, or almost $47 each. ?? )

4/6/1949  Dept. votes down Junior Fire Department.

5/4/1949  TV raffle nets $ 4250, Ham bingo nets $ 210.68 .

6/8&9/1949  Carnival nets $ 1694.55.

9/7/1949  Comm. formed to initiate action on new Lake Street Hall; Koester, R.Draudt, R.Mammoser, Moritz, Howe, and Carr.

11/2/1949  Turkey Bingo to be held, Odd Fellows Temple 11/17,Wes Prine Chairman.

12/7/1949  Turkey Bingo nets $ 507.29

1949  Fire Department purchases a GMC truck chassis at a cost of $1835.20, and turns it over to the Maday Body & Equipment Corp. to convert to a utility truck to serve as the first Emergency Truck at a cost of an additional amount of $3375.50. Total cost $ 5210.70.

1/4/1950  Old Department uniforms sold to ChaffeeSardinia for $ 250.00. Annual Banquet to be held 2/1/1950 at Hotel Hamburg..

2/17/1950  Special Meeting to discuss plans for proposed new Hall. Archit.Hauck & Pauly present plans with est. of  $132,000. Motion passed to submit plans to Village.

3/29/1950  Spec. Mtg.; motion passed that Dept. underwrite portion of the cost of new Hall in excess of $ 107,000, but not to exceed $ 25,000. Money to be borrowed over 20 years at rate not to exceed 3% and is to be turned over to Village for sole purpose of new Hall construction.             

4/4/1950  Mayor Al Dreschler present at meeting, plans favorably received by Board, work to proceed.

Dept. purchases 18 new bugles for $ 1000, Drum Corps promises to reimburse $ 500 after their carnival.

6/7/1950  Fire Alarm System first located at Village Police Station and operateed by the Police Dept.

6/14/1950  Fire Dept. Carnival nets $ 1127.41.

8/23/1950 Exempt Status from Eire Co. Sales tax granted.

1951 Banquet cancelled, no reason given. 

3/7/1951  Carnival set for 6/13.

4/4/1951  New horn installed on the Lake Street Fire Hall.

5/2/1951  Peoples Bank of Hamburg agrees to loan Dept. $ 12,500 but at 4%.

6/6/1951  K of C offers use of their hall for Fire Dept. during construction of new hall, accepted.

6/14/1951  Carnival nets $ 822.20.

7/11/1951  Motion passed to pay marchers $5 per man at SW Convention at Lancaster. New engine recommended for Federal.

8/1/1951  Trophy won for best appearance at Lake View Parade.

Motion passed to repair two pool tables at $ 160.00. Lake Street Hall razing scheduled for 8/12.

11/7/1951  Turkey "Darto" scheduled at Odd Fellows hall on 11/14. (At this time the State decided that Bingo was gambling and no longer permitted but games involving physical "skills" were permitted and contestants were permitted to play provided they threw darts at a board containing numbers similar to bingo.)

12/5/1951  Approval given by Vill. Board for Engine 1 to repond out of Village when called by Civil Defense in the event of a disaster. Turkey Darto nets 789.50. Motion passed to send servicemen $ 10 for Xmas. Chief Koester orders repairs to Hook and Ladder. (Repair or new Engine ? , unknown.)

2/6/1952  Dinner meeting held at Legion Hall honors ladies, regular business dispensed except Roll and Fire Report.

3/3/1952  House Comm. appointed to establish rules and control of new Hall; Chair: John McQuade, Chief R.Draudt,Hebard,Abrams,Koester,Prine, R.Mammoser and Haas. Exec.Comm. of Drum Corps headed by Homer Fiero explain need for new uniforms at a cost of $ 2100. (Previous purchase apparently did not include Drum Corps) Request Dept. pay for same and Drum Corps would cover cost of $ 2400 for new instruments. Motion passed with amendment by Chief Draudt that Drum Corps attend parades specified by the Dept.

Village agrees to install 12 additional alarm boxes at a cost of $ 3699.60.

6/4/1952  House Comm. recommends that Drum Corps use only certain portion of Hall and not Engine Room, use of 2nd floor for nonsocial activities only, no liquor permitted on premises and if Janitor is appointed he be a Village Employee and not a fireman. Recommendation that Trustees be increased to six with twoyear terms. (This was referred to ByLaws Comm.)

7/2/1952  Passed to pay men in line, Firemen and Drum Corps, $5 at SW Convention in Olean.

8/6/1952  Annual Inspection and Carnival nets $ 913.35. Drum Corps granted use of room next to boiler room for storage. (now Trustees storage)

10/1/1952  Turkey Darto planned for November, Howard Wittmeyer, Chairman.  Instructors fee for Drum Corps, (Homer Fiero) increased from $5 to $10 per night. Dept. authorizes Equipment Comm. $ 2000 to purchase equipment for modern kitchen.

11/5/1952  Trustees report repairs to two pool tables would cost $ 300. Motion defeated. Motion to repair one pool table passed.

12/3/1952  Vill. Mayor requests Dept. vacate storage building behind Lake Street Fire Hall for Village use to accomodate Parking Meter Division. Turkey Darto nets $ 481.00. Motion passed to have Ladies Night Banquet at the new Lake St. Hall.Motion passed to repair second pool table.

1/7/1953  Motion passed to allow Equipment Comm. to purchase dishes and silverware for new kitchen. No price listed.

6/10/1953 - Carnival nets $1195.59

6/16/1953 - Special meeting to initiate pursuit of Federal Civil Defense Funding to be added to funds for new Aerial.

August 1954  A 75' American LaFrance Midship aerial ladder truck is purchased for $ 37,000 and it replaces the 1927 Federal which is turned over to the Village D.P.W.

6/13 & 6/14/1956 - Carnival nets $2933.14

8/24/1956 - Fire Dept. Received best Fireman's Drum Corps Trophy and $75.00 at Eire County Fair.

10/13 & 10/14/1956 - Open House initiates radio operations at Eire County Radio, Chestnut Ridge Park.

12/18/1956  Smith Bros. Hardware Store fire, Main St. (later Hexagon Wholesale, Pierce & Cash Co.) Armor,Scranton & Lake View assist. Est. loss $ 115,000

11/14/1957   Firemen extinguish fire in the second floor and attic of the home of Joseph Gates, 78 Charlotte Ave. Est. loss $ 15,000. (Various pictures on file)

3/1958 - "Kingsmen" added to base drum-heads. Now reads "Hamburg Vol. Fire Dept. & Kingsmen".

6/27/1958  Kronenberg Warehouse destroyed by fire. Lackawanna Hook & Ladder # 3, Scranton, & Armor assist. Est. $ 200,000

loss.

11/20/1958  Hamburg Planing Mill sustains $ 60,000 damage in fire. Scranton, Armor, and Lake View assist.

11/22/1958  Fire causes $ 25,000 damage to Odd Fellows Temple which is later razed. John & Mary's Restaurant now on site.

Feb. 1959 - Motion carried to provide white helmet fronts for Officers.

3/4/1959 - Motion carried to initiate direct mail fund drive and eliminate carnival.  Drum Corps to continue carnival.  Help from fireman will result in 25% of net to Dept.

6/11/1959   New #3, American LaFrance 1000 GPM pumper is placed in service at a cost of $23,000. A 20,000 lb capacity mechanical winch mounted in front bumper is new feature. Old #3, the 1946 International, is designated as Reserve Pumper #4.

6/25/1959  Mail fund drive is initiated replacing the Annual Carnival as a fund raiser which had been operated for a number of years.

7/1/1959 - Mayor Lancaster: Village wishes to establish Volunteer Ambulance Service. Dept. OK's use of Lake Street Hall to house ambulance and hold monthly meetings. (Unable to arouse sufficient interest, Dept. Agrees on 11/4/1959 by secret ballot to man Ambulance.  Vote 26 yea, 22 nay.)

1959  Hamburg Lion' Club donates new Ford Station Wagon to the Fire Department to be used as an ambulance by the FirstAid Squad. Prior to this time, the FirstAid Squad operated from a "Squad Car", rendered assistance to thosein need, and called an ambulance in as needed.

1/6/1960 - Motion carried to invite Village Police to Annual Banquet.

1960  The "Fireman of the Year Award" is initiated at the February Banquet. Fire Marshall Chester Schroeck is the first recipient (for the year 1959.)

2/14/1960  HFD Tank Truck dispatched to Big Tree house fire on Bay View Rd. 43 year old woman dies of smoke inhalation.

3/2/1960 - Initiation Program dropped in favor of probationary work detail. (60 hour "Rookie Time").

4/30/1960  Pearl Meyer farm property on Pleasant Ave. loses five outbuildings to a fire. Five mutualaid companies assist. Est. $ 28,000 loss.

5/7/1960  HFD Tank Truck dispatched to mutualaid fire on Lakeshore Rd., Woodlawn District, 14 yearold girl, 42 yearold man die.

12/7/1960 - Dept. approaches Village regarding plans to construct new Fire Hall on property bounded by Prospect, Hawkins and Highland Avenues.

2/1/1961 - Dept. Purchases 50 blue lights from Ballard's Service Station for $3.96 each.  Motion carried to provide siren and red lights for Chief's car (Hebard) and Asst. Chief's (Shoemaker) car.  Committee formed to purchase new ambulance.

3/1/1961 - Motion carried to purchase Cadillac Ambulance.  Motion carried to donate one of the pool tables to the Hamburg Youth Center.

4/16/1961  Old delicatessen with apartments upstairs on corner of Union & Hawkins is leveled by fire. No serious injuries, site now occupied by Cox Co., was Counseling Center.

5/3/1961 - Committee formed to look into purchase of new pumper to replace Eng. 1.

6/26/1961  Hamburg Planing Mill destroyed by fire along with nearby storage building owned by R.F.Knoche on Union Street at West Avenue. Additional Knoche buildings and Richardson Milling Co. buildings are saved. Seven town companies respond (Woodlawn not dispatched), along with Windom. North Boston and Patchin pumpers stand by in Village Fire Halls. Unofficial estimates rated in excess of $ 45,000.

7/5/1961 - Reserve Eng. 3 (International/Young) hose bed modified to carry more hose, 900 of 2 ½" on each side of bed to serve as hose tender. Five-dollar payment for men in uniform in line for parade abolished.

10/4/1961 - Dept. Joins Empire State Rescue & First Aid.

10/8/1961  Cadillac Ambulance replaces 1959 Ford.

11/1/1961 - Pancake supper in Hamburg Village Plaza, suggested by Norman Beihler, nets $1667.34 for Ambulance Fund.

12/4/1961  Hook & Ladder responds to mutualaid fire in Blasdell, Our Mother of Good Council Church. Est. $ 20,000 damage.

12/30/1961  Tanker and Hook & Ladder respond to Blasdell Lumber & Builders Supply, 58 Martin Avenue. 2 1/2 hour fire, $ 50,000 loss.

12/31/1960  MutualAid fire in horse barn at Fairgrounds kills groom and 18 race horses. Engine 3, Tanker and Reserve Pumper respond. Loss set at $ 140,000.

Feb. 1962 - Bid from Mack for pumper at $25,383.00 accepted to replace old Eng. 1.

4/1962 - Motion carried to sell pop, hot dogs, and beet at Sesquicentennial Celebration.

5/2/1962 - Dept. Purchases Tanker which had been provided by the Town of Hamburg for $1.00.

6/6/1962 - Reserve 3 recommissioned as Engine 4.  Fred Carr appointed Foreman of Eng.1 ½ (hose cart) for Susqu-Celebration.  Village presents plans for a new two-bay fire hall behind the new Village Hall on Main St. Firemen reject plans because of potential traffic problems.  Fund drive reports $12,000, considerably more than income from past years carnivals, more does continue to be received.

7/1/1962  Hamburg Firemen called out by Village Police to help quell a riot which had broken out at Main & Buffalo Streets on the last night of the Sesquicentennial Celebration. Three firealarm boxes, # 3, 211, and 312 pulled by participants. This followed a full week of numerous false alarms and the Firemen were in an illtempered mood. Many arrests followed.

10/11/1962  Fire in the Hamburg Shopping Center causes $ 30,000 damage to D & H Discount Stores. Smoke and water damage suffered by four other stores.

12/24/1962  Fire causes $ 15,000 damage to the Town Highway Garage on Evans and Huron Streets. All Town Fire Companies are dispatched (except Woodlawn), plus Eden, Windom, and North Boston.

12/26/1962  Gasoline tank on burning truck explodes and burns a number of Hamburg Firemen. Two are treated at the Hospital (OLV ?). Norwood Moore, treated for facial burns and released, John Marchiondra, more seriously burned on face and hands, remains some time. Marchiondra, in his second year as a member of the Fire Department, leaves the Department shortly thereafter. It is not known by this Committee if the burns he received had anything to do with his leaving.

8/31/1963   Proposal received from American LaFrance to place tank and compartments on Ford Chassis purchased by the Hamburg Fire Department for $ 4956.50. This Tank Truck soon replaces 1946 Dodge.

12/12/1963  Hamburg Village Lanes, 221 Buffalo Street is destroyed by fire. Armor, Scranton, and Eden assist. Lake View, Big Tree, North Boston, and North Evans all stand by in Village Fire Stations. Est. loss $ 100,000.

3/16/1964  Mutualaid Scranton fire at Leisureland complex estimated at one million dollars. Three engine companies, Hook & Ladder, Tanker, Rescue and Ambulance from Hamburg to scene.

3/17/1964  New and old Tank trucks both respond to scene of house fire on Versailles Road, mutualaid to Lake View.

8/5/1964 - Dept. Family picnic held at the Hamburg Moose Club Grounds.  Fred Carr, Chairman. $1.50 per head.

9/2/1964 - Marching unit receives first prize, Kingsmen receive first prize, Drum Corps, Hamburg Fair.

1/6/1965 - Committee formed to look into new fire hall to replace Center St. Hall. Don Tyrrel Chairman.

2/3/1965 - Bid from American LeFrance of $28,878 for a new pumper is accepted.

4/7/1965 - New Fire Hall Committee recommends parcel of land owned by Mrs. Gib Emerling with 100 Ft. frontage on Buffalo St. and 41 Ft. frontage on Pine St. be purchased.  Cost of lot, razing of garage, and construction of new building estimated at $80,000.  Recommendation passed on to Village Board. - Comm. formed to look into new dress uniforms.

4/30/1965  Department Hook & Ladder sustains $ 15,000 damage in a collision at the intersection of Lake and Union Streets

responding to a false alarm. No one is injured. Old 1946 Dodge Tank Truck, which had been turned over to the Village DPW, is put back in service as a temporary "Ladder Wagon" until repairs are completed to the damaged truck.

6/2/1965 - Motion carried to spend $200 to erect a fountain in the "Village Green" across from the Palace Theater in memory of deceased firemen.

7/7/1965 - Motion carried to spend additional $150 on fountain. - Village paints hydrant tops red, yellow, and green to signify relative capacity as suggested by Fire Dept.

8/4/1965  A new American LaFrance pumper replaces the 1942 unit as Engine 2. A 1500 GPM pumper, its cost is recorded as  $ 28,000. Old pumper #2 is kept for a time as a Reserve Pumper and is later sold to Donald Terryberry of Gowanda State Road. - Dept. "Hot dog stand" nets $150 at "Music in motion" program. - Dance Comm. Presents $150 to offset Dept's additional expense for fountain.

9/1/1965 - Marching unit receives prize, best appearing at Fair. - $90 contributed as matching donation Town Fire Company share to refurbish room at Home-on-the-Hudson.

10/13/1965 - Fountain on the "Village Green" dedicated.

1/30/1966  Fire destroys Hotel and Tavern at 3725 South Park Avenue. Hamburg Hook & Ladder, mutualaid to Blasdell.

3/2/1966 - Firemen reject opportunity to receive $500 tax exemption as proposed by State law.  Letter sent to State suggesting repeal of this law as we are Volunteers. (Law - Sect 466 of Real Property Law).

3/7/1966 - Firemen assist Red Cross Bloodmobile in loading of blood.  A practice that continued for a number of years.

4/6/1966 - Chief Whitford suggests that radios be installed in Chief's vehicles at $350 per unit.  Motion made and carried.

12/7/1966 - Comm. formed to purchase new Emergency Truck.

2/1/1967 - Contract signed with Marion Body Works to construct Emergency truck on International Chassis. Est. $16,000.

1967  New Station #3 is built on lot fronting on both Buffalo and Pine Streets, purchased from Mrs. Gilbert Emerling, widow of deceased member.

1967  New International Rescue Truck replaces 1949 GMC Emergency Truck at a cost of $ 17,000. This vehicle was dedicated to Jack Lamm who was extremely active in firstaid response for just a little over two years, half of which was accomplished as he fought what proved to be a terminal illness. Desperately ill, he reponded until he was no longer able.

2/26/1967  Milliondollar fire destroys Old Dutch Food Plant in Big Tree District, (Blasdell ?) Engine 2 responds on mutualaid.

2/27/1967  Fire causes $ 100,000 damage to Sacred Heart Church on Abbott Road. Engine 2 and Hook & Ladder respond on mutualaid request from NewtonAbbott.

4/1/1967  Hotel Hamburg, southeast corner of Main and Buffalo Streets, is gutted by a stubborn, smoky fire and eventually razed (site now Centennial Park). Estimate of fire damage placed at $ 100,000. Three Town Companies respond plus North Boston, East Aurora, Orchard Park, and  Lackawanna.

4/5/1967 - Quotes received from United and Weber for new uniforms.

5/4/1967 - Sample uniforms presented. Motion carried to order from United. (prices not found to this dated)

8/2/1967  Fire causes considerable damage to Hexagon Wholesale Store on Main Street. Formerly Smith Bros. Hardware, the alarm came in while the Department was in the middle of a regular business meeting and the resulting quick respons was a big factor in saving the building. The cause was considered to by an electrical problem. No reported injuries nor estimated loss.

1/3/1968 - Motion carried to purchase old Emergency truck from Village for $400 for purposes of re-selling. - Motion carried to purchase white gloves as part of dress uniform.

2/25/1968  Gasoline explosion to the Harry Wyckoff home on Windover Court causes considerable damage but no fire. Son, cleaning a carburetor in the basement with gasoline suffers minor injuries.

3/6/1968 - New - ambulance Committee formed, Jack Bailie, Chairman.

5/1/1968 - Ambulance Committee recommends purchase of M&M Cadillac ambulance for $16,288 less trade-in.  Balance $12,328, carried.

5/15/1968  Large home at 201 Pierce Avenue, which had been converted into an apartment house, suffers extensive damage from a fire. The fire alarm call box was pulled by a passing cab driver at 10:25 AM. Only one person was in the structure and escaped unharmed. Considerable evidence of arson was found by Hamburg Fire Marshall Chester Schroeck and turned over to the Village Police. Nothing more found in regard to this matter.

1968  New Cadillac Ambulance replaces 1961 unit.

6/5/1968  At the regular monthly meeting of the Department,

it was voted unanimously to sever relations and sponsorship of the Kingsmen Drum Corps. This came as the result of a number of problems which had occurred over the past year or so regarding the behavior of many of the Corps members, a high percentage of which , by this point in time, were no longer area residents.

10/2/1968 - Comm. Appointed to initiate action on new Station Number 1.

11/6/1968 - Old GMC Emergency Truck sold to Carlton Fire Co. No. 1 Inc., Waterport, NY for $850.00. - Dept. Goes on record as opposing proposed new Town Fire Dispatching System as being too costly, suggests leaving it up to the Village of Hamburg Police.

1/18/1969  Bedroom fire, second floor, 81 Main Street, claims the life of Mrs. Catherine R. Vreeland, age 60, apparently smoking in bed.

5/23/69  The Bunting Block Building at 7 Main Street, along with two or three other buildings, are destroyed in the largest fire since the fivestore fire in 1883. All the Town fire companies respond under the mutualaid plan along with units from Lackawanna and the City of Buffalo. Two men, with Buffalo addresses, who were apparently in the building, were burned, one fatally, in the fire which was suspected as being arsonrelated. It was believed to have been started prematurely by John Giglia, age 40, who either jumped, or was blown through a second story window and died. Henry Aguilar, 33, was burned over much of his body but survived. The estimate of damages to the Bunting Block building was placed at $ 137,000, with substantial damage to adjoining structures which were later razed, up to and including Edie's Restaurant which was previously known for many years as Biehler's Tea Room and Restaurant.

9/3/1969 - Motion carried Dept. Purchase Chief's Vehicle.

10/1/1969 - Motion carried to purchase 1970 Pontiac Station Wagon for Chief's car for $3500 plus $400 for firematic equipment.

11/26/1969  Canning Factory fire in Eden. Engines 1 & 3, Ladder 6 respond.

6/10/1970  Ray's Delicatessen, on the southeast corner of Buffalo and Prospect, heavily damaged in stubborn, smoky fire and later razed. Fire damage placed at $ 75,000.

7/6/1970  Norm Zintz Paint shop on South Buffalo Street destroyed by fire. Firemen save attached residence.

8/5/1970 - Raymond F. Ueblacker, longtime Dept. Treasurer resigns; is named Treasurer Emeritus.  Succeeded by Fred Carr.

11/17/1970  Hamburg's Hook & Ladder responds to building fire in East Aurora. Estimate of damages unknown to Committee.

1/14/1971  Storage barn at Richardson Milling Co., Union near Scott Street, destroyed by fastmoving fire.

5/5/1971 - Committee formed to look into replacement pumper for new #3, Jack Bailie Chairman.

7/31/1971  Draudt Bros. Lumberteria, owned by Russ, Phil,and Doug Draudt, all Hamburg Volunteers, is destroyed by spectacular fire. Five mutualaid companies respond. Estimated $ 375,000 loss.

9/1/1971 - Motion carried to purchase 1500 GPM American LaFrance pumper for $40,863 as new Engine 3. - Delegate reports marching unit receives first in best appearing in class at SW Convention, Doyle Hose, Cheektowaga.

9/1971  Old Duggan Dairy barn fire, Taylor Road. Building had been reported to be occupied for a short time by some members of a motorcycle gang. A refrigerator was found propped on a staircase as a boobytrap for the Firemen. No one was injured.

10/6/1971 - Lot purchased by Village for possible location of new Fire Hall on Sunset Dr. & Holiday Lane - $5,000.00

11/3/1971 - Old-style cannister masks outlawed by Dept. Close with moment of silence for Dec. Exmpt. Frank Moritz.

1/5/1972 - Motion carried to purchase 1972 Mercury Station Wagon to replace Pontiac (Chief's Car) $2416.00 (plus $2692.00 trade in from Pontiac).

3/1/1972 - Trustees consider renovation of kitchen (Lake St.)

4/5/1972 - New Pumper #3 received.  New State law in effect "blue lights above headlights can be flashing, below headlights must not."

5/1972  New pumper from American LaFrance is placed in service as new Engine 3. Winch is transferred from old pumper to new, old pumper is recommissioned as Engine 4. Cost of the new unit is $ 40,000.

1972  Storage building behind the Lake Street Fire Hall, used first by the Village for the parking meter division and later as a sign shop is turned over to the Department for storing historical memorabilia, primarily for the 1927 Federal Hook & Ladder, the restoration of which had been started in Station One on Long Avenue by Hamburg Firemen.

6/13/1972  Spectacular fire destroys Winsick's Western Auto Store in the old Kronenberg building on the southwest corner of Main and Buffalo Streets, the site of the fivestore fire of 1883. Damage to the adjoining building, occupied by Jacob Hauck Insurance Company results in its being demolished. Nine Mutualaid companies assist. First estimates reported to be almost $ 500,000.

6/25/1972  Engine 2 travels to Olean to assist in pumping operations for the City during huge flood of the Allegheny River. Engine 3 relieves #2, the combined continuous pumping lasts for 35 hours.

9/6/1972 - Moment of silent prayer for Raymond F. Ueblacker long time Treasurer (Treasurer Emeritus).

12/18/1972  Fire in the Hamburg Schoool District offices (old Armor Elementary School on Abbott Road) causes considerable damage to contents and school records. Assisting the Armor Fire Company; units from Hamburg, Big Tree, Scranton, Orchard Park, and Hillcrest with Woodlawn and NewtonAbbott on standby.

1/3/1973 - Renovation Committee formed to initiate action on kitchen - Cline, Ashcroft, Stumpf, Zittel. - Committee formed to look into replacing ambulance, Jack Bailie Chairman.

2/7/1973 - Old Eng. 2 (1942 Alfco) offered for sale, asking $1200.

3/7/1973 - Comm. formed to look into replacing Ladder Truck.

4/4/1973 - Motion carried to purchase 1973 Dodge Van/Horton Module for $13,900.  Old ambulance to be sold.

5/2/1973 - Old Eng. 2 sold to Don Terryberry of Gowanda St. Road for $800.00.  Bid of $5,000 received from Towns Ambulance for old Cadillac, accepted.

1973  First vantype ambulance, on Dodge chassis, replaces 1968 Cadillac.

6/1/1973  Courier plane down, Picture Lake drive off Bonnie Lane, pilot and copilot killed instantly, minor damage to at least one home.

1973  (June ?) New Station One completed on Long Avenue.

Old Station on South Buffalo Street turned over to Chamber of Commerce. Report of serious injury to Firefighter Lee Peters while at work on pipe line site for Gas Company.

9/5/1973 - Dept. membership increased to 90.

9/11/1973  Erie County Sheriff's barn at the Fairgrounds, destroyed by fire. Hamburg units including Ladder Truck assist Armor.

3/12/1974  Mutualaid fire at the four corners in Eden destroys Millers Grocery Store, damages others. Hamburg Engines 1 & 2 plus Ladder 6 are at the scene with Engine 3 on standby at East Eden. Damage estimates run as high as $ 100,000 to structure and $ 75,000 to contents.

6/5/1974 - Comm. formed to look into possible construction of new Fire Hall in Forest Glen area.   Centennial (Village) Comm. Formed.  Will operate refreshment stand in Main, Union, and Buffalo Streets parking lot for six days during celebration as a fund raiser.

7/3/1974 - Centennial Comm. refreshment stand reports $3500 net with just a few small bills to pay. Newly-formed Jr. Fire Dept. members assist with clean up.

8/7/1974 - Firefighter Jack Lauchert agrees to act as liaison between Sr. and Jr. Fire Dept.

10/2/1974 - Eng. #4 participates in Fire Prevention parade in City of Buffalo.   New Fire Hall Comm. Rejects site on Sunset and Holiday as too close to fire district boundary, Village to be notified. Comm. Also questions actual need for fourth hall.

1975  American LaFrance 100 foot rearmount Aerial Ladder Truck with 1500 GPM pump is purchased for just under

$ 100,000 and replaces 1954  75 foot centermount unit which is sold to Bellevue Fire Company in Cheektowaga.

1975  Hamburg Ambulance, on route to the hospital with pregnant woman, is totally damaged in a collision on South Park and Route 20. The force of the impact sends gurney out the rear doors with the woman strapped in place and miraculously she and her unborn child are uninjured. The unit ends up on its roof, and with luck still on their side, none of the occupants are injured. A factory "sales car" is soon delivered to replace the destroyed unit.

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