Proudly Serving the Spring Mill Section of Whitemarsh Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania since 1923

Past Fire Company Officials

Miss Spring Mill

THE HISTORY OF THE SPRING MILL FIRE COMPANY NO.1       

(1923 TO 1998)

In September 1923 a dozen residents from the Spring Mill area and surrounding vicinities had a meeting at The Prizer Hotel on Hector Street to discuss the organization of a volunteer fire company.  Frank Davidson was elected chairman and was to notify all male residents of Whitemarsh West of a meeting at the Spring Mill School House.  Sixty-five men attended and officers were elected as followed: David Dowdle, President; Arthur Youngjohn, Vice President; Reuben Kilpatrick, Recording Secretary; John Gravel, Financial Secretary; Samuel McFarland, Treasurer.  Trustees were Roscoe Prizer and Thomas W Morris.                                                                                                                     

The Treasurer’s report amounted to $61.00 by contributions.  The first fund raiser was a carnival held in October 1923 and netted a profit of $474.00.                                             

The Charter was filed on November 18^th 1923  .By the end of 1923, the total membership was at 105 and a Treasurer report showed a balance of $992.00.  The next very important step was to purchase a piece of apparatus and obtain a building to house this.  On May 2, 1924, “Mr. Young, a salesman from the Hale Fire Pump Company, appeared at a meeting and stated that his company would furnish an apparatus as on display in the school yard at a special price of $2,500 if the contract was signed within 30 days.  The regular price of this machine, a chemical apparatus mounted on a Reo Speed Wagon Chasis, with two 35 gallon chemical tanks, 12 foot  ladder, 20 foot extension ladder and 700 foot hose body , etc. was $2,850.  The terms were one-half price on delivery and the balance within 30 days.  If cash was paid on delivery a discount of 2% would be allowed.  After discussion a motion was made and seconded that the apparatus as described be purchased”  … “Motion was then made and seconded that a committee be appointed to canvas the vicinity and raise funds to purchase the apparatus.  Motion carried and Phillip Kelly was appointed Chairman in charge of committee to cover Borough Line to Botto’s corner,(North lane & Hector Street)  and Allen Frankenfield was appointed Chairman to cover lower end from Botto’s corner, including Cedar Grove and Miquon.”  On December 6, 1924, a housing ceremony was held in the new quarters with the Washington Fire Company of Conshohocken as sponsors.

On June 5, 1924, “arrangements were made to hold a street carnival on the grounds in front of the Lee plant on Saturday afternoon and evening, June 28^th.”  This was the first of the many carnivals to be held by the fire company.   In later years, this carnival became the Fire Company's biggest fund raiser; a 10 day fair, held for 28 consecutive summers, until 1956 when the District Attorney of Montgomery County cracked down on lotteries and other gambling devices.

On August 1, 1924, “a motion was made that the Fire Co. purchase the Poplar Shop for $400.00, giving a note for three months with interest at 6%.”  This property was  a scale house located on the Hamilton property at the intersection of Barren Hill and Cedar Grove Roads.  The ground was leased at a cost of $1.00 per year. 

The next order of business was the election of a fire chief.  On September 5, 1924, a fire chief was elected for 1924-1925  “Samuel Glass, 13 votes – George T. MacFarland, 6 votes; - Mat Pester, 2 votes.  Samuel Glass elected.” On October 3, 1924, “the Fire Chief announced the following appointments:  Frederick Oppelt, First Ass’t Chief; Harry W. Cressman, Second Ass’t. Chief; George T. MacFarland, Engineer; John Shulkaski, First Ass’t Engineer; John M. Graul, Second Ass’t. Engineer; Samuel Kilpatrick, Jr., Third Ass’t. Engineer; Norman Wright, Fourth Ass’t. Engineer.”

On November 6, 1924, “ A committee appointed to meet Township Supervisors reported that the Fire Company would be granted $500.00 per year.  The first payment to be made in June next.

"On December 5, 1924, “After testing the Siren, motion was made and carried to purchase the Siren-the price to be paid therefor being $125.”

The Ladies Auxiliary was also organized in 1925 and the officers and members of the company had good reason to be thankful for such an organization. Its financial support throughout the years has been a great asset to the Spring Mill Fire Company.                             

On July 3, 1925, it was reported “The Fire Company participated on the parade at Flourtown on Saturday, June 20^th, and by reason of the showing therein took first prize amounting to $25.00 for the largest number in line.  It was the opinion of all present that this Company also made the best appearance but as it was unfair to grant two prizes to the one Company, the prize for the best appearance was given to the Ambler Co. they having more apparatus than any other Company in line.”

On August 7^th, 1925, “Communication was received from American Legion Post for appointment of a representative to attend meeting to arrange for celebration of Armistice Day and the 75^th Anniversary of Conshohocken.  John J. MacFarland was appointed without instructions.”

On November 6^th, 1925, the “Chief announced the following appointments: Frederick Oppelt, First Ass’t. Chief; Walter Landis, Second Ass’t. Chief; John Schulkaski, Chief Engineer; William Frankenfield, First Ass’t. Engineer; Frank B. Davidson, Second Ass’t.             Engineer; Axel Swanson Jr., Third Ass’t. Engineer; Charles Nixon, Fourth Ass’t. Engineer; John Mack, William Glass, Louis Frankenfiled, Sr., and Matthew Pester, Fire Police.

In January 1926, a committee was appointed to begin looking  for ground for a new firehouse and to investigate the styles of different firehouses in the area.

On February 9, 1926, “The Auditing Committee reported … the balance on hand in January 1925 was $444.07 and balance on hand in January 1926 of $1,969.89, a profit during the year of $1,525.82.”

On March 23^rd, 1926, “A community meeting was held in the School-house on this date in the interest of the new firehouse.  The meeting was presided over by President Robert E. Smith.  Invitations were sent to prominent men who were either residences of the vicinity or interested in industries, but none of them appeared.”

On April 13, 1926, “Bingo Committee reported that a Bingo party would be held on Friday night, April 30^th, 1926 and also on Saturday night May 1^st, 1926,…”

Also, a “Motion made that a Committee of three be appointed to confer with the Barren Hill Fire Co. as to forming a Relief Association.  Motion passed and Samuel Glass; Allen Frankenfield and Frank B. Davidson were appointed.”

On December 14, 1926, a committee was appointed to arrange for the first annual banquet.  “It was voted to make the banquet a stag.”  The first annual banquet was then held in February, 1927.                                                 

On April 12, 1927, “Communication was received from Barren Hill Fire Co. #1 as to its housing of its new apparatus on Saturday afternoon, June 18^th, 1927, and requesting this company to take part in the parade and ceremonies.”

On January 10^th, 1928, “The Chief submitted the following report for the year 1927:

Number of fires - 17; Times in service – 10; Number of field fires – 6; Number of house fires – 6; Number of store fires – 1; Number of hay barn fires – 2; Number of automobile fires – 2; Total number of chemical used – 123; Number of feet chemical hose laid  - 600;    Number of feet of water hose laid – 550; Number of miles traveled to and from fires – 37;    Average attendance at fires – 9.  Signed by SAMUEL GLASS, Chief”

 The grounds committee also reported that Mr. Harper sent a letter to the Fire Company stating “…that you stake out about the amount of ground you want in the neighborhood of the location of the present fire house, with the idea of getting enough ground to allow you to put up a good looking building.  At one time when the writer was down at your brother’s store, (Sam McFarland’s Ice Cream Parlor), we felt that part of the ground should come from the Hamilton property.”  It appears that Mr. Harper was president of Andorra Nurseries.

On July 10^th, 1928, “the question of purchasing the Spring Mill Country Club property (old Righter property) from the Philadelphia Electric Co. was brought up, it being the consensus [sic] of opinion with the members that nothing could be expected in the way of getting any property from Mr. Harper.”

On July 17^th, 1928, “S.C. McFarland reported that the price for the property, consisting of 31 acres, more or less, was $40,000 – 25% cash and a balance, or 75%, on Mortgage for at least 3 years and possibly 5 years, at 6%.  After considerable discussion motion was passed that the Committee be authorized to make an offer of $36,000 for the property, but to go higher but not over $40,000…”

On July 24^th, 1928, an offer of $37,000 was made and accepted, with an allowance for the electric company to use an area of 25 feet for right away for high tension lines.  The settlement date was set for November 1, 1928. 

On September 11^th, 1928, the Fire Company received an offer from Carl Block of $150.00 for the one story building being used as an engine house.  Given the uncertainty of the occupation of the Country Club, the matter was tabled.  The building was sold in June 1929 to the Spring Mill Church for $80.00.

On November 1^st, 1928 the historical colonial buildings, together with 32 acres of land, were acquired from the Philadelphia Electric Company.  One of the buildings the Fire Company acquired was the Mansion House called  “Mount Joy”, a four-story dwelling that was built about 1715.  Peter Leguax, a French nobleman who owned the mansion for many years, was host to George Washington on July 22^nd 1787. At one time the property was the home of the Santa Maria Country Club with golf course and tennis courts.  When the property was a country club, the Philadelphia Athletics would come and play ball on Sunday.  The games were popular because professional baseball then was illegal on Sundays in Philadelphia.  Several years ago The Peter Legaux House was entered onto the National Registry of Historic Places.

On December 5^th, 1928, a report was presented by a Committee that they had “… visited buildings heated by oil-burner and all seemed to be very satisfactory…oil was cheaper and less trouble than coal.”  The Fire Company ten authorized the Treasurer to borrow $2,000 to purchase and install an oil fire boiler in the firehouse. 

In January, 1929 the Fire Chief reported for 1928  “Total number of fires 14.

4 automobile; 1 gas main; 3 filed fires; 1 forest fire; 3 house fires; 1 barn fire; and 1 out-shed fire.”   

On April 9^th, 1929, “… the question of allowing intoxicated persons on the dance floor was brought up and it was decided that any intoxicated person would not be allowed in the fire-house or to attend the dances.”

On January 4, 1930, “Fire Chief presented his annual report which was accepted and the recommendations therein laid on the table for new business.  Report was as follows:    Number of Fires – 13.  Miles traveled – 39; Gallons of chemical used – 292; No. of feet chemical hose laid – 1,000; No. of feet of hose laid – 850.  The recommendation of the Chief was as follows, - ‘Due to lack of keeping a record of attendance at 4 fires, it will be almost impossible to make an annual award for attendance at fires for 1929.  I would also suggest that the idea be abandoned, as the purpose for which the idea was created has not proven results, that of better attendance at fires, as at nearly every fire the same group of men are in attendance; however, it is a matter for the Company to decide whether it shall be continued or not’.  (Signed Samuel M. Glass, Chief)” “The recommendation of the Fire Chief in his annual report …was taken up and carried, that this custom be dispensed with beginning January 1^st, 1930.”

On Janaury14th, 1930, “Motion was made that the Annual Banquet, instead of being a stag affair, be opened to the Ladies Auxiliary and the families of the firemen.  Motion carried.”

On August 12^th, 1930, “Trustees were authorized to have a For Sale sign erected for the back land containing about 10 acres with 50 ft. frontage on the Spring Mill-Cedar Grove Road.

On June 12^th, 1934, “May 1^st mortgage due Electric Company reduced rate of interest to 5% from 6% for present interest due.”

September 1935, a Hale 500 GPM pumper was purchased for $6,555.  The original apparatus was subsequently disposed of for $175.00.

On February 9^th, 1937, “Fire Chief Glass reported on one fire and appointments of his assistants as follows:-Ass’t. Chiefs: John Lebold, Matt Pester.  Chief Engineer, Robert Walcove, Ass’t. Chiefs Norman Wright, Rut Quigg, Engineers John Botak, Raymond Fairlee and Wm Pepper, Jr.  As explained by the Chief, these men were taken and chosen as being available at all times, and mentioned the fact , that if they did not show up, he would place others in their places, however stressed the fact that all members turn our for drill on Sundays and learn something about the apparatus.

On April 27^th, 1937, “the Treasurer spoke of the coming event of the Fire Chief getting married and it was moved and passed that we present our Fire Chief with a present of $50.00, as a token of esteem from the members of the Fire Company, this was passed during his absence from the meeting room.”

On May 11^th, 1937, “Owing to the members being so worried about the officers and directors being late and missing meetings, it was suggested that the company authorize the payment of $5.00 to each director for being on time,…”

On March 11^th, 1941, a proposal was presented from W.C. Hamilton  & Sons paper company for drilling of the lower fields, (the land which the Fire Company owned across Hector Street.  “… an option for 120 days to experimentally drill for water for the sum of $250.00 rental to be $1,200 per year.” This proposal was accepted.  The May 1941 meeting reported that the drills are still working but they have not received enough water to meet requirements.

On April 8^th, 1941, the Treasurer reported that $5,000 was paid on the mortgage leaving a balance of $2,500.  The balance was subsequently paid with a mortgage burning celebration being planned for October.

In February 1947, the Fire Company entered into a contract to purchase a Maxim       700 GPM pumper with a 500 gallon tank.  The cost of this unit was $8,085.  In 1969, the fire company converted this pumper into the Dive Rescue Unit equipped with a cascade unit, six complete wet scuba suits, the motorized boat, air-powered tools, a 1,000 foot five-eighths inch nylon rope on a powered reel and hand tools.  The truck was sold in April 1981 to the Ulster-Sheshequin Fire Association for $400.00.

On May 13, 1958, the Fire Company voted to purchase  a  Maxim 700 GPM for a cost of $22,000.  The apparatus was delivered in April, 1959.   With repairs being too costly to this vehicle, the truck was sold  in November, 1981 for $475.00.

In 1961,a Willey’s Utility Jeep was purchased with a generator unit, lights and electric cords.  The cost of this unit was $2,861,00.  The Ladies Auxiliary housed the unit.  This unit was sold in April 1991 for $825.99.

In 1964, a Maxim 750 GPM pumper with a 500 gallon tank, 1,250 feet of 2 ½” hose, 600 feet of 1 ½” hose, a smoke ejector and 3 air packs was purchased.  The cost of this unit fully equipped was $29,175.  The Fourth District housed the unit.  In 1992, pumper was donated to The Mill Rift Fire Company, located in Northeast Pennsylvania,  This unit became their first out unit and is still in service today.  The truck was donated due to the need of the company for a truck but insufficient funds to purchase a new vehicle.

In July 1968, after much discussion, the Scuba Diving Unit was formed as a river rescue unit. Preparations began to give scuba diving classes to the members of the company. In October, the Whitemarsh Township Lions Club donated the first Rescue Boat to the Spring Mill Fire Co. for drowning and river searches.

On February 6^th 1970, The Ladies Auxiliary acquired their Charter.

In March 1971, there was a discussion about forming a fire police unit to close roads at fire scenes, park cars at the fire house for functions and other special services as required.  In April, the company approved to purchase equipment for eight members of the Fire Police Unit.

In June 1972, Hurricane Agnes swept through the area dumping several inches of rain.  The Fire Company rescued people out of local factories as the Schuylkill River overflowed its banks and flooded the area.  The members pumped out basements for 64 hours.  Whitemarsh Township gave a plaque to the members for a job well done.

On May 9^th, 1972, the Fire Company purchased a 1973 Ward La France 1,000 GPM pumper with a 500 gallon tank, 1,000 feet of 3” hose, 1,000 feet of 2 ½” hose, 500 feet of 1” booster hose, a 3,800 watt generator with 2 quartz lights, a smoke ejector and 2 air packs.  The cost of this unit was $43, 906.  This truck was sold in 1993 to Southern Fire Equipment for $18,111. 

The Ladies Auxiliary acquired new uniforms for the 50^th Anniversary to participate in the festivities.

1973 SPRING MILL RENOVATIONS

Extensive renovations were made to the firehouse in 1973 under a contract for additions and alterations. The changes to the first floor included one additional  apparatus bay and an extension of the rear existing engine room. Also, a complete renovation of the first floor meeting rooms, clubroom, as well as the addition of new rest rooms and stair towers to the first floor. The changes to the second floor included a new wing on the west end of the auditorium, a relocated kitchen area, remodeling of the existing auditorium and new rest rooms. The exterior of the building included a new architectural metal Mansard roof, new windows and all new plastered sidewalls. New electrical wiring and lighting was added along with air conditioning added to the meeting rooms and auditorium.  The heating system was also updated.

On October 6^th 1973, a celebration was held for the marking of the 50^th anniversary of The Spring Mill Fire Co. No. 1on the grounds adjoining the firehouse.  The Guest Speakers were State Senator Richard Tilghman and State Representative Anthony Scirica with Reuben Kilpatrick as Master of Ceremonies.  Festivities were to include a parade of local fire companies, housing of a new pumper and dedication of the renovated firehouse.  The celebration was held on the grounds of the company because the remodeling was still in progress.

In July 1978, the annual carnival returned to Spring Mill after being closed down by the District Attorney of Montgomery County for 22 years.

In January 1979, at the 55^th Annual Banquet, the Auxiliary donated $5,500 to the company.  This was the largest amount ever presented by the Auxiliary.

On March 25^th, 1980, the Fire Company voted to purchase an Emergency One Chevy Rescue Truck and Air Cascade Unit was purchased.  A 6-bottle cascade system was installed on the truck to fill air bottles for the firemen and the dive unit.  A generator was mounted on the truck to supply lighting for an accident or a fire scene.  The truck also had a boat mount on top of the vehicle to carry the boat to a rescue scene.  The cost of this unit was $44,500.  The truck was sold in 1996 to Wyne Fire and Rescue Equipment for $15,000.

In 1982, an Emergency One 55' Telesquirt 1000 GPM Pumper with a 500 gallon tank, 400 feet of 1 3/4" hose, 1000 feet of 3" hose, 250 feet of 1" booster hose, a 3,800 watt generator, 3 air packs and other fire fighting equipment was purchased.  This unit was the first multi-purpose apparatus the company had purchased.  The cost of this unit was $200,811.  This unit is still in service as the first out unit today.

In May  of 1983, the first computer system was purchased for $2,700.  The secretary was able to input all the minutes for the Company and Board of Director’s meetings and the Treasurer was able to do the bookkeeping as well.  Membership listings were kept in their appropriate files for the chairman to organize.

In June of 1983, a Dodge Van was purchased from Lincoln Fire Co.  This utility unit was utilized primarily by service for  use of the Dive Team and Fire Police for emergency calls.  This unit was sold in December of 1992 for $801.01..

May 1984, the fire company bought a Sea Eagle inflatable boat for $1,544.  This boat was the first responding unit to any water rescues or drowning.. 

In March 1990, the Fire Company entered into a lease agreement with Lee Park for use of Fire Company property.  The purpose of the lease was to renovate the grounds into parking lots for Lee Park Office Complex.  The Board of Directors, solicitor, and Brian and Michael O' Neill approved the details of the lease.  All maintenance of the grounds was to be handled by Lee Park.  Included in this lease was the complete renovation of the Mansion House. 

In August 1990, a Chevy Rescue Truck was purchased from Washington Fire Company for $1,400.  This truck was converted into a Dive Rescue Unit to carry all the equipment for the dive team.  This unit was sold in 1994 to Cameron County for $4,500.  

In 1991, the auxiliary and the members began bingo as a fund-raiser.                            

In March of 1991, an E-One Protector Series 1500 GPM Pumper with a 750 gallon tank, 1500 feet of 5" hose, 7 air packs, 600 feet of 1 3/4" hose and various fire fighting equipment was purchased.  The cost of this truck was $179,843.  Truck was delivered in June of 1991 and is still in service.                                

In September of 1991, the Fire Company replaced the inflatable boat  with a 17 ½ Foot Zodiak at a cost of $6,495.

In 1992, the first 9-1-1 system was implemented in Montgomery County.  The service was to better the response of emergency services to the public.

In May of 1992, a Ford utility van was purchased to replace the 1983 Dodge utility van.  The cost of the unit was $23, 851.00 and was to be used as a special services vehicle and by the Fire Police.   

On March of 1993, the first Fire Chief's vehicle was obtained from The Borough of Norristown.  The vehicle was to be used by the chief or his assistants for the response to emergency calls.  Rules were set forth by the Board of Directors for the proper use of the vehicle.  This vehicle was sold in August 1998 for $425.00.

In February 1994, the dive team was disbanded due to the lack of membership participation. 

In July of 1994, a 1986 Chevy Suburban was purchased from the Newtown Fire Association to be used as a command vehicle.  The cost of the vehicle was $6,500. 

In May of 1994, an E-One Rescue Truck,  Air and Light Unit, was purchased at a cost of $157, 293.  The unit will incorporate the mobile air cascade compressor along with a 25 foot Wilburt light tower.  The unit was inspected in December of 1991 and was rejected due to failure to meet specifications.  A new unit was built to specs and was delivered in March of 1995. 

At the annual banquet held in January 1995, all living past Fire Chief's received a helmet as a token of appreciation for their term as Fire Chief of Spring Mill Fire Co. No.1.   The helmets reflected the Fire Chiefs name along with the years served.       

A parade and celebration was held in August 1995 for the housing of the 1992 Ford  Van, the 1991 Protector Pumper and the 1995 E-One Rescue Truck. 

 A Houseman/Paid Driver was hired in November 1995 for the duties of cleaning of the firehouse and maintenance of the apparatus.  His duties also included driving the apparatus to the fire calls.

In January 1996, the first Dalmatian was donated to the Fire Company.  Ruby lives at the firehouse and responds to every call on the apparatus.

In June of 1996, a 100 foot Mack ladder truck was purchased from Hatboro Fire Co.  The truck was refurbished by J.C. Moore of Fredonia, PA.  The cost of the truck was $50,000 with the refurbishment being $50,000.  The truck was placed in service in February 1997.

In December 1997, the Bingo fundraiser was disbanded due lack of much needed help. 

In August 1998, the original chief's car was replaced with a Chevy Blazer purchased from Magarity Chevrolet at a cost of $12,900. 

In October 1998 Appreciation Night was held in celebration of the Fire Company’s  75^th Anniversary.  A beef and beer was held in the Auditorium where a good time was had by all that attended the occasion.

This history was prepared from the minutes of the Spring Mill Fire Company #1.  Every effort has been made to be as accurate as possible and when allowable, the actual minutes have been utilized to tell the story as recorded by the Secretary of the Fire Company.  It was determined to compile this information to ensure that that the memories and events which are the history for the Spring Mill Fire Company #1 will be accurately remembered for years to come.