History of the New Oxford Community Fire Company - Formerly Adams County Company # 13
1887-1907 - The First Twenty Years
A group of people concerned with the safety and welfare of their neighbors, friends, and the community of the borough of New Oxford met on January 14, 1887 in the public schoolhouse, which today is an apartment building on Lincoln Way East. Their purpose was to organize a volunteer fire company known as "New Oxford Fire Company #1." At this meeting, which was presided over by H. L. Gitt Esquire and recorded by C. Stanley Myers, thirty persons signed their names to the company endorsement. As members they in turn held elections for the offices of President, Vice President, Secretary, and treasurer, with F. M. Miller being duly elected President, J. Wesley Diehl, Vice President, C. Stanley Myers, Secretary, and C. H. Harr, Treasurer. After the elections, a motion was made to adjourn and meet January 18, which carried.
At the January 18, 1887 meeting, President Miller appointed two committees, one of which was made up of five members whose duty it was to draft a constitution. On this committee were J. C. Barnitz, E. G. Cook, G. A. Miller, C. S. Myers, and E. G. Topper. The other committee was made up of the twenty-five remaining members, whose task it was to receive and assist the borough council with an inspection of the engine. On January 26, 1887, the company elected M. J. Smith Financial Secretary and E.G. Topper, Fire Chief.
An item of intrigue was revealed from the minutes of the August 12, 1887 meeting where a committee was appointed for the purpose of asking borough council to purchase the following items with the allotment of funds for a janitor's salary, four lanterns, four torches, four axes, two picks, two bars, two stoves, fuel pumps, oil, spittoons, a financial secretary's book, and keys for each member. All of the items were sanctioned except for the spittoons; council deemed it would be best if tobacco chewers furnish their own spittoons! At the September 26th meeting a motion to except the conditions set forth by the borough council for transferring the engine house, located on West High Street, and the engine with all its equipment to the care of the company was approved. On September 29, 1887 the company officially took over the care of the property.
The engine was of the horse and buggy era, but it was not drawn by horses. Instead it was pulled to the fire scene by man power, and the same man power-team which pulled the engine by means of its long rope also operated the hand pump. Most fire fighting of the time was done by hand. Even so, the engine helped dramatically the job of fighting fire, because all of the water supply on hand was from wells, since there was no means of mass water supply at the time. Most of the business of the fire company during its first year was with setting up shop; procuring articles necessary to furnish the hall in a pleasant and comfortable manner.
At the January 3, 1888 meeting, a motion to meet bi-monthly was made and carried. The company today holds its regular membership meeting on the first Wednesday of each month and, its executive board meets the second Wednesday. The February meeting saw the appointment of a vigilance committee, also a committee to purchase two large pictures of a great fire scene to be hung in the fire hall was appointed. The two pictures obtained by this committee are still with the company today. On April 21st, the company recognized the passing of Brother D.S. Sherman with a special meeting to make arrangements for attending his funeral. It was moved that the membership attend in full body and that the firehouse be draped in mourning for thirty days. One member missed the funeral and was fined $.50 for not attending.
It was not an easy matter to finance the company; the expenditures for 1888 were $139.64, which was more than could be raised from the $.25 per month membership dues and the $30 year donation from the borough council. But the towns people came to the support of the company. They organized a Ladies Auxiliary and with the aid of the men, put on bazaars, plays, and picnics of which the proceeds went to finance the early years of the company. The total receipts of the company for 1888 were $141.23, which left the company a balance of $1.59 to start 1889.
In January of 1889 a committee of five was appointed to arrange for a festival or fair funds for the company, but it wasn't until May 24, 1893 that the first festival was sponsored at the firemen's hall. The festival ran for four nights and had a total receipt of $72.82, the expenses where a total of $24.29, leaving a profit of $48.33. Another way of raising funds before the fair was by holding public dinners, the first being an oyster dinner held Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1890.
On July 3, 1889, The Western Maryland Railroad recognized the fine job the company had done. The membership voted accordingly by having all members wear their best dark slacks with white shirts. Also the membership wanted some outward symbol to recognize them as firemen, so the company ordered their first badges. There were sixty members in the company at this time. At the June 9th meeting, the first meeting after the festival, the membership decided to hold a Fourth of July picnic at The Grove. This would start with a parade in town in the morning and end with a fireworks display in the evening. With the monies raised by the festival the company bought caps and belts and ordered the first official company shirt: it was cream colored with a blue monogram on it.
In 1895 the fire company held the first Queen contest in conjunction with the festival. The winner was decided by choosing the lady who raised the most money by the end of the festival. The winner received a gold watch.
1908-1927 - WWI
On December 3, 1924 the company purchased its first piece of motorized equipment; a 1925 Reo Truck with a 400 gallon per minute Hale pump. The price was $4,275. It arrived on January 17, 1925.
1928-1937 - The Depression Years
September 8, 1930 saw the adoption of the Relief Association. The purpose of this Association was to determine benefits for sickness, accident, or death of members in good standing, with the amount being paid for each set by the Association. Funds were furnished by the insurance tax set by the state, of which the Association received $48.04 for the year 1930. During 1931, the borough council gave its permission for the company to place the sign "New Oxford Fire Company No. 1" on the front of the engine house, and on December 15, the company held its first Bingo Party to benefit the Outdoor Relief Fund.
The period of 1932-1935 saw little activity from the company. They appointed a committee to investigate the possible properties for purchase to build their own fire hall. The company saw a problem with an inadequate water supply, and talked with farmers about building dams on their properties with small streams to aid the firemen in case of fire on or near the farm. The first Solicitation Committee, along with the Ways and Means Committee, was formed. The company took a strong stand against foreign imports by charging a $10 fee for answering any fire call involving any type of foreign motor vehicle. The first electric siren was bought and donkey basketball was used as a fund raiser.
1938-1947 - WWII
The years 1937-1947 saw much activity. Fifty years of service was celebrated! The celebration was to be a three day affair, but because of rain it was just a one-day fan-fare.
A 1939 Ford Darley Triple Combination Champion Pumper was purchased for $2,442.62. This is currently owned by New Oxford Community Fire Company member Greg Staub.
This was also a time of war for the country, and many members were going overseas. During the Christmas of 1944 the company sent Christmas boxes to the boys in the service.
The Lions Club gave the company its first ambulance, a 1946 Buick, fully equipped and ready to go.
1948-1957
During the period of 1948-1957, the company undertook some major changes. August 1948 saw a ground breaking ceremony at the corner of North Bolton Street and Golden Lane. The company changed its name to New Oxford Community Fire Company and on November 23rd at 4:06 pm officially became incorporated.
On May 13, 1950, a bid was awarded to Hoffeins Brothers to build the new firehouse for $24,900; a year later the company moved in.
1952 saw the carnival being held behind the new fire hall, and also the first radio communications for the company.
A 1955 Ford F-800 with a Seagrave pump.
A1957 Chevrolet ambulance with a National body.
1958-1967
In 1962 saw another engine purchased, this time a 750 GPM Seagrave pump on a Chevrolet chassis. 1964 brought the arrival of a new Pontiac ambulance with a Wolfington body. Being that 1964 had twenty-eight fire calls and 236 ambulance calls, the equipment purchased was needed.
Along with the new equipment the need for more space arose, and in 1966 the company expanded the fire hall to what stands with modifications at the present time.
1968-1977
The years 1968-1977 saw the company continue to upgrade their equipment with the purchase of a 1972 Cadillac ambulance along with the addition of a 1973 walk-in rescue, which was outfitted with the first Hurst Rescue Tools in the county. This was used six times in 1974. This rescue truck is no longer in service, however in 1975, a Darley pump on a Chevrolet chassis was purchased, but was later destroyed in an accident on Dec. 18 1985.
There was also other activity than just updating equipment. The company returned the bell which had been donated by the Jesuit Priests of Conewago to the restoration efforts of the Conewago Chapel. Formation of a Junior Fire Company took place in 1973.
1978-1987
Between the years of 1978 and 1987 the updating of equipment was called on again. Three pieces of equipment: a 1982 Ford Darley engine, known as Engine 13-2, which carries 1000 gallons of water with a 1000 GPM pump, replaced the 1962 Chevrolet, also a 1985 Ford ambulance with a Yankee Coach Lexington box replaced the 1977 Chevrolet ambulance. Another addition was a 1987 Pierce Lance engine which features a six person enclosed crew cab, 1500 GPM Waterous pump, and seven pre-connected hose lines with a master stream pre-connect. The basic engine cost was $160,214 with $20,011 for various equipment; the total cost of the engine being $180,225. This engine was known as Engine 13-1, which replaced the wrecked 1975 Chevrolet Darley.
A sad note to the last twenty five years was the loss of Kathryn Murren Hippensteel on December 31, 1985, who gave her life as the result of injuries suffered in an engine accident on December 18, 1985 involving the Engine 13-1 (1975 Chevrolet Darley Engine). While responding to a three-alarm call in Abbottstown, Kathy gave her life in the line of duty. The company had endured hard times before, but this was the hardest and one which no member is likely to forget. On October 5, 1986, a memorial was dedicated at the firehouse in memory of this dedicated, fallen firefighter.
1988 - 1997
The fire company realized in early 1989 that the community's need for a rescue truck was overwhelming. The 1974 rescue truck was deteriorating fast. In May 1989, a committee was set up to look into a new rescue truck. In May 1990, it was approved by the membership to build a 36 foot Pierce Lance rescue at a cost of $288,000. In late August 1991, the new rescue truck arrived. In September of 1991, it was placed into service. A dedication was held in November 1991. There were various pieces of new equipment purchased for this unit. In September of 1992, the New Oxford Fire Company was faced with another obstacle. The 1985 Ford ambulance was long overdue for a replacement. A committee was appointed in October 1992 to look into a new or refurbished ambulance. The committee elected to purchase a refurbished ambulance. This consisted of the same Yankee box with a new 1993 Ford chassis which cost $44,674. The ambulance was placed back into service in early 1993.
It seemed as though every so many years, the New Oxford Fire Community Fire Company was forced with equipment and apparatus updates. In January 1994, a committee was formed to look into the building of a four-bay engine room. Late in 1994, the ground breaking had started on Bolton Street beside the existing building for the new engine room. In January 1995, the building was placed into service by housing the four pieces of equipment that the company had at the time. There was a dedication ceremony held in June 1995.
In 1996, the company realized that the 1982 Ford Darley engine was in need of being replacement or refurbishment. A committee was appointed and later that year it was decided to purchase a 1997 Pierce Sabre engine. This engine arrived in late 1997 and was placed into service a few weeks later. The 1987 Pierce was moved to backup status as Engine 13-2, the 1997 Pierce is now known as Engine 13-1. The 1982 Ford was later sold.
In early 1997 the need to put paid EMS personnel on during the daytime hours was realized. Due to the stress being put on the volunteers because of our call volume the company approved the hiring of four EMT's. On September 29, 1997 at 4 am the first crew of EMS personnel began their tour of duty. This crew consisted of Chris Warner and Bill Fissel. Along with the other two personnel, Kevin Brehm and Phil Hagerman, the project was a success.
1998-2007
In April 1998 a second ambulance arrived, a 1997 Yankee Coach. Additional personnel were hired so that both units could be manned at once and also to provide a routine transport service to New Oxford and the surrounding communities.
1999 has seen some updates in the facilities around the firehouse. In January we were faced with an emergency replacement of our furnace in the 1966 building. Bids were rapidly gathered and Aero Oil of New Oxford was awarded the Job. We thank them for a very professional job. They helped us make it through the Super Bowl Party with the use portable propane heaters. Aero Oil again came through for the company in July. With less than a week before carnival, the galvanized water line supplying the 1966 building sprang a severe leak. They responded to our plea for help and were on the job within 30 minutes digging up the concrete with a jack hammer. The leak was repaired by the end of the day and concrete replaced the next morning. We also have approved to purchase 2 new stoves and a new stacked oven to replace our aging equipment which will become unsafe in a few years. In addition we are faced with major roof repairs including major masonry work above the roof that is causing leaks on the 1948 building.
2007 has been a major milestone in company history with the addition of the first aerial apparatus being placed into service on Jan. 1, 2007. On March 7, 2007 a new ambulance was also placed into service. We have again had a problem with the kitchen roof and are looking into a major renovation in the kitchen.
Though it seems quiet most of the time, the fire company is full of activity. To an outsider, the New Oxford Community Fire Company would seem like a small business operating on a twenty-four hour work day. But in reality it is a group of men and women who volunteer their time, energy, and monies to make their community a safe place to live, work, play, and visit. These people truly deserve a tremendous amount of thanks for an extraordinary job well done.
A group of people concerned with the safety and welfare of their neighbors, friends, and the community of the borough of New Oxford met on January 14, 1887 in the public schoolhouse, which today is an apartment building on Lincoln Way East. Their purpose was to organize a volunteer fire company known as "New Oxford Fire Company #1." At this meeting, which was presided over by H. L. Gitt Esquire and recorded by C. Stanley Myers, thirty persons signed their names to the company endorsement. As members they in turn held elections for the offices of President, Vice President, Secretary, and treasurer, with F. M. Miller being duly elected President, J. Wesley Diehl, Vice President, C. Stanley Myers, Secretary, and C. H. Harr, Treasurer. After the elections, a motion was made to adjourn and meet January 18, which carried.
At the January 18, 1887 meeting, President Miller appointed two committees, one of which was made up of five members whose duty it was to draft a constitution. On this committee were J. C. Barnitz, E. G. Cook, G. A. Miller, C. S. Myers, and E. G. Topper. The other committee was made up of the twenty-five remaining members, whose task it was to receive and assist the borough council with an inspection of the engine. On January 26, 1887, the company elected M. J. Smith Financial Secretary and E.G. Topper, Fire Chief.
An item of intrigue was revealed from the minutes of the August 12, 1887 meeting where a committee was appointed for the purpose of asking borough council to purchase the following items with the allotment of funds for a janitor's salary, four lanterns, four torches, four axes, two picks, two bars, two stoves, fuel pumps, oil, spittoons, a financial secretary's book, and keys for each member. All of the items were sanctioned except for the spittoons; council deemed it would be best if tobacco chewers furnish their own spittoons! At the September 26th meeting a motion to except the conditions set forth by the borough council for transferring the engine house, located on West High Street, and the engine with all its equipment to the care of the company was approved. On September 29, 1887 the company officially took over the care of the property.
The engine was of the horse and buggy era, but it was not drawn by horses. Instead it was pulled to the fire scene by man power, and the same man power-team which pulled the engine by means of its long rope also operated the hand pump. Most fire fighting of the time was done by hand. Even so, the engine helped dramatically the job of fighting fire, because all of the water supply on hand was from wells, since there was no means of mass water supply at the time. Most of the business of the fire company during its first year was with setting up shop; procuring articles necessary to furnish the hall in a pleasant and comfortable manner.
At the January 3, 1888 meeting, a motion to meet bi-monthly was made and carried. The company today holds its regular membership meeting on the first Wednesday of each month and, its executive board meets the second Wednesday. The February meeting saw the appointment of a vigilance committee, also a committee to purchase two large pictures of a great fire scene to be hung in the fire hall was appointed. The two pictures obtained by this committee are still with the company today. On April 21st, the company recognized the passing of Brother D.S. Sherman with a special meeting to make arrangements for attending his funeral. It was moved that the membership attend in full body and that the firehouse be draped in mourning for thirty days. One member missed the funeral and was fined $.50 for not attending.
It was not an easy matter to finance the company; the expenditures for 1888 were $139.64, which was more than could be raised from the $.25 per month membership dues and the $30 year donation from the borough council. But the towns people came to the support of the company. They organized a Ladies Auxiliary and with the aid of the men, put on bazaars, plays, and picnics of which the proceeds went to finance the early years of the company. The total receipts of the company for 1888 were $141.23, which left the company a balance of $1.59 to start 1889.
In January of 1889 a committee of five was appointed to arrange for a festival or fair funds for the company, but it wasn't until May 24, 1893 that the first festival was sponsored at the firemen's hall. The festival ran for four nights and had a total receipt of $72.82, the expenses where a total of $24.29, leaving a profit of $48.33. Another way of raising funds before the fair was by holding public dinners, the first being an oyster dinner held Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1890.
On July 3, 1889, The Western Maryland Railroad recognized the fine job the company had done. The membership voted accordingly by having all members wear their best dark slacks with white shirts. Also the membership wanted some outward symbol to recognize them as firemen, so the company ordered their first badges. There were sixty members in the company at this time. At the June 9th meeting, the first meeting after the festival, the membership decided to hold a Fourth of July picnic at The Grove. This would start with a parade in town in the morning and end with a fireworks display in the evening. With the monies raised by the festival the company bought caps and belts and ordered the first official company shirt: it was cream colored with a blue monogram on it.
In 1895 the fire company held the first Queen contest in conjunction with the festival. The winner was decided by choosing the lady who raised the most money by the end of the festival. The winner received a gold watch.
1908-1927 - WWI
On December 3, 1924 the company purchased its first piece of motorized equipment; a 1925 Reo Truck with a 400 gallon per minute Hale pump. The price was $4,275. It arrived on January 17, 1925.
1928-1937 - The Depression Years
September 8, 1930 saw the adoption of the Relief Association. The purpose of this Association was to determine benefits for sickness, accident, or death of members in good standing, with the amount being paid for each set by the Association. Funds were furnished by the insurance tax set by the state, of which the Association received $48.04 for the year 1930. During 1931, the borough council gave its permission for the company to place the sign "New Oxford Fire Company No. 1" on the front of the engine house, and on December 15, the company held its first Bingo Party to benefit the Outdoor Relief Fund.
The period of 1932-1935 saw little activity from the company. They appointed a committee to investigate the possible properties for purchase to build their own fire hall. The company saw a problem with an inadequate water supply, and talked with farmers about building dams on their properties with small streams to aid the firemen in case of fire on or near the farm. The first Solicitation Committee, along with the Ways and Means Committee, was formed. The company took a strong stand against foreign imports by charging a $10 fee for answering any fire call involving any type of foreign motor vehicle. The first electric siren was bought and donkey basketball was used as a fund raiser.
1938-1947 - WWII
The years 1937-1947 saw much activity. Fifty years of service was celebrated! The celebration was to be a three day affair, but because of rain it was just a one-day fan-fare.
A 1939 Ford Darley Triple Combination Champion Pumper was purchased for $2,442.62. This is currently owned by New Oxford Community Fire Company member Greg Staub.
This was also a time of war for the country, and many members were going overseas. During the Christmas of 1944 the company sent Christmas boxes to the boys in the service.
The Lions Club gave the company its first ambulance, a 1946 Buick, fully equipped and ready to go.
1948-1957
During the period of 1948-1957, the company undertook some major changes. August 1948 saw a ground breaking ceremony at the corner of North Bolton Street and Golden Lane. The company changed its name to New Oxford Community Fire Company and on November 23rd at 4:06 pm officially became incorporated.
On May 13, 1950, a bid was awarded to Hoffeins Brothers to build the new firehouse for $24,900; a year later the company moved in.
1952 saw the carnival being held behind the new fire hall, and also the first radio communications for the company.
A 1955 Ford F-800 with a Seagrave pump.
A1957 Chevrolet ambulance with a National body.
1958-1967
In 1962 saw another engine purchased, this time a 750 GPM Seagrave pump on a Chevrolet chassis. 1964 brought the arrival of a new Pontiac ambulance with a Wolfington body. Being that 1964 had twenty-eight fire calls and 236 ambulance calls, the equipment purchased was needed.
Along with the new equipment the need for more space arose, and in 1966 the company expanded the fire hall to what stands with modifications at the present time.
1968-1977
The years 1968-1977 saw the company continue to upgrade their equipment with the purchase of a 1972 Cadillac ambulance along with the addition of a 1973 walk-in rescue, which was outfitted with the first Hurst Rescue Tools in the county. This was used six times in 1974. This rescue truck is no longer in service, however in 1975, a Darley pump on a Chevrolet chassis was purchased, but was later destroyed in an accident on Dec. 18 1985.
There was also other activity than just updating equipment. The company returned the bell which had been donated by the Jesuit Priests of Conewago to the restoration efforts of the Conewago Chapel. Formation of a Junior Fire Company took place in 1973.
1978-1987
Between the years of 1978 and 1987 the updating of equipment was called on again. Three pieces of equipment: a 1982 Ford Darley engine, known as Engine 13-2, which carries 1000 gallons of water with a 1000 GPM pump, replaced the 1962 Chevrolet, also a 1985 Ford ambulance with a Yankee Coach Lexington box replaced the 1977 Chevrolet ambulance. Another addition was a 1987 Pierce Lance engine which features a six person enclosed crew cab, 1500 GPM Waterous pump, and seven pre-connected hose lines with a master stream pre-connect. The basic engine cost was $160,214 with $20,011 for various equipment; the total cost of the engine being $180,225. This engine was known as Engine 13-1, which replaced the wrecked 1975 Chevrolet Darley.
A sad note to the last twenty five years was the loss of Kathryn Murren Hippensteel on December 31, 1985, who gave her life as the result of injuries suffered in an engine accident on December 18, 1985 involving the Engine 13-1 (1975 Chevrolet Darley Engine). While responding to a three-alarm call in Abbottstown, Kathy gave her life in the line of duty. The company had endured hard times before, but this was the hardest and one which no member is likely to forget. On October 5, 1986, a memorial was dedicated at the firehouse in memory of this dedicated, fallen firefighter.
1988 - 1997
The fire company realized in early 1989 that the community's need for a rescue truck was overwhelming. The 1974 rescue truck was deteriorating fast. In May 1989, a committee was set up to look into a new rescue truck. In May 1990, it was approved by the membership to build a 36 foot Pierce Lance rescue at a cost of $288,000. In late August 1991, the new rescue truck arrived. In September of 1991, it was placed into service. A dedication was held in November 1991. There were various pieces of new equipment purchased for this unit. In September of 1992, the New Oxford Fire Company was faced with another obstacle. The 1985 Ford ambulance was long overdue for a replacement. A committee was appointed in October 1992 to look into a new or refurbished ambulance. The committee elected to purchase a refurbished ambulance. This consisted of the same Yankee box with a new 1993 Ford chassis which cost $44,674. The ambulance was placed back into service in early 1993.
It seemed as though every so many years, the New Oxford Fire Community Fire Company was forced with equipment and apparatus updates. In January 1994, a committee was formed to look into the building of a four-bay engine room. Late in 1994, the ground breaking had started on Bolton Street beside the existing building for the new engine room. In January 1995, the building was placed into service by housing the four pieces of equipment that the company had at the time. There was a dedication ceremony held in June 1995.
In 1996, the company realized that the 1982 Ford Darley engine was in need of being replacement or refurbishment. A committee was appointed and later that year it was decided to purchase a 1997 Pierce Sabre engine. This engine arrived in late 1997 and was placed into service a few weeks later. The 1987 Pierce was moved to backup status as Engine 13-2, the 1997 Pierce is now known as Engine 13-1. The 1982 Ford was later sold.
In early 1997 the need to put paid EMS personnel on during the daytime hours was realized. Due to the stress being put on the volunteers because of our call volume the company approved the hiring of four EMT's. On September 29, 1997 at 4 am the first crew of EMS personnel began their tour of duty. This crew consisted of Chris Warner and Bill Fissel. Along with the other two personnel, Kevin Brehm and Phil Hagerman, the project was a success.
1998-2007
In April 1998 a second ambulance arrived, a 1997 Yankee Coach. Additional personnel were hired so that both units could be manned at once and also to provide a routine transport service to New Oxford and the surrounding communities.
1999 has seen some updates in the facilities around the firehouse. In January we were faced with an emergency replacement of our furnace in the 1966 building. Bids were rapidly gathered and Aero Oil of New Oxford was awarded the Job. We thank them for a very professional job. They helped us make it through the Super Bowl Party with the use portable propane heaters. Aero Oil again came through for the company in July. With less than a week before carnival, the galvanized water line supplying the 1966 building sprang a severe leak. They responded to our plea for help and were on the job within 30 minutes digging up the concrete with a jack hammer. The leak was repaired by the end of the day and concrete replaced the next morning. We also have approved to purchase 2 new stoves and a new stacked oven to replace our aging equipment which will become unsafe in a few years. In addition we are faced with major roof repairs including major masonry work above the roof that is causing leaks on the 1948 building.
2007 has been a major milestone in company history with the addition of the first aerial apparatus being placed into service on Jan. 1, 2007. On March 7, 2007 a new ambulance was also placed into service. We have again had a problem with the kitchen roof and are looking into a major renovation in the kitchen.
Though it seems quiet most of the time, the fire company is full of activity. To an outsider, the New Oxford Community Fire Company would seem like a small business operating on a twenty-four hour work day. But in reality it is a group of men and women who volunteer their time, energy, and monies to make their community a safe place to live, work, play, and visit. These people truly deserve a tremendous amount of thanks for an extraordinary job well done.