History of the Ladies Auxiliary

History Photos

In 1858, L.P. Garner and Bros. lost their iron work by fire.  On June 5, 1860 according to Borough Council Meeting minutes, L.P. Garner and fifty nine residents asked council for an allowance for the purpose of establishing a “Hook and Ladder Fire Co.”  No action was taken until 1866 when a volunteer fire company was organized  On September 12, of that year council purchase two pair of fire hooks, 2 ladders (one 25 feet and one 40 feet) fifty fire buckets and 100 feet of hose. 

In 1867, the Washington Hook and Ladder and Engine and Hose Company was organized.  A Carriage and hose was purchased from the Enterprise Carriage Shop in Ashland for $500

In 1869, a site for a fire house for the company was selected on Tenth St. between Chestnut and Market, the contact for the building was awarded to Samuel H. Fenstermacher for $495.

In 1870, the “Hookies” asked council to take over the debt on their equipment and in turn they would transfer their property to the Borough. The transfer was completed in 1871. 

On July 7, 1875, the Washington Fire Company notified council of their intention to disband. On July 5, 1876, council offered an appropriation of $100 yearly to any fire company who would organize, the Hookies accepted this offer and returned to active service.

On September 12, 1881, the company received it's charter with the following charter members:

In 1883, the Washington Fire Co. purchased a lot on Centre St., west of 13^th for $1,100. Council took over the lot and built and new firehouse.  The contact for constructing the new building was awarded to Samuel Fenstermacher for $4,766. A dedication was held on January 1, 1885. W.A. Marr made the presentation and James F. Minogue accepted on behalf of the company.

On February 27, 1885, the old firehouse was sold to L.C. Bolich for $55 and was moved seventy-five feet west and was used as a livery stable.

In 1887, The Washington Fire Company initiated a yearly Fireman’s Parade on July 4^th, followed by a picnic at the Washington Park until 1897, when they were discontinued.

In 1890, the settling of the firehouse foundation had cause the brick to crack and the apparatus had to be removed. The nest year the tower and upper stories had to be removed. In 1892 it was decided to replace the remains of the firehouse with a frame structure.  The contact was awarded to Robert Magdeburg for $2,750, the new building was dedicated the same year.

It 1912, the fire company changed to screw couplings to enable the connection to the hose of surrounding communities because the need for mutual aid was growing.

In 1933, a new Seagrave ladder truck with a 750gpm pump was purchased for $4,000 (Borough Council paid $3,000 and the company paid $1,000).

In 1955, A Maxim 750gpm pumper was purchased

In 1959, an American LaFrance ladder truck was purchased.

In 1976, a 1000gpm Hahn Pumper  was purchased.

In 1978, The firehouse was completely renovated inside with the help of federal grant money.  The outside appears the same due to it's registry as a historical site.

In 1993, the 1959  ladder truck was completely refurbished by American LaFrance and retitled.

In 1999, a military surplus1986 Chevrolet pickup was acquired through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and placed into service as a brush truck. The work was completed largely in part by company members.

December 2002 - Hookies.org is on-line

April 2005, A contact was signed with American Lafrance to build a custom pumper to replace the 1976 Hahn.