History Of The Newark Fire Department             

Caves Lumber Fire Early 1955

Poster 1934 39th Annual Convention Poster

The history on this page outlines the first one hundred and seventy four years of the
Newark Fire Department (1835-2009.  As early as 1835, long before the village of Newark was incorporated in 1853,
 a group of men formed a fire company and manned the town-owned fire engine. This, of course, was hand drawn equipment.

We are in the process of updating our history books, please bear with us

• Newark Firehouse history

• History of the Deluge Hose Company

• NY Central Hose after 100 years

Newark Firehouse history

The following was part of a series of articles written for the Courier-Gazette by Cecilia Jackson. Many of the articles were compiled in a 1978 book, Annals of Arcadia.

The consolidation of Newark's fire companies in one central headquarters is indicative of the changing times. When a hamlet is first settled it is not long before a school, church and fire department are organized.

As early as 1835, long before the village of Newark was incorporated in 1853, a group of men formed a fire company and manned the town-owned fire engine. This, of course, was hand-drawn equipment.

As the village grew, it was found necessary to have such hand-drawn equipment placed in other parts of the village. Also, with the coming of the West Shore Railroad in 1884, a house on the north side of the village could burn to the ground while fire equipment on the south side waited for a long freight train to pass.

Since the names of the early fire companies have been changed, it is a little difficult to know which were the ones stationed at the fire headquarters in City Hall, and which were at the New York Central or East Newark. History tells us the Newark Engine Co. No. 1 was organized on June 1, 1859, and, at the same time, the Arcadia Fire Co. No. 2 was born.

It was on March 29, 1859 that two fire engines were purchased at $350 each. These were hand-drawn vehicles. On June 17, 1862, the Hook and Ladder Co. was formed and the Protective Extinguisher Co. No. 1 followed in April 1882. The Excelsior Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 was organized in 1886.

Difficulties with the West Shore crossing stimulated the organization of the New York Central Hook and Ladder in January 1888 and that same year M.J. Flynn was named chief of the entire department. Joel H. Prescott was the first fire-chief named in 1864. Mr. Prescott was a Phelps native and came to Newark in 1844 where he conducted a general store until 1854. He was major, colonel and paymaster of the 71st Regiment, N.Y. Militia. He became secretary of the Wayne County Mutual Insurance Company and continued in the insurance business which is still active today under the firm name of Ely and Leene.

Mr. Prescott served as president and trustee of the village for a decade and for nine years was president, trustee and secretary of the Union School and Academy of Newark. He was postmaster for eight years and was the first presidential appointment in the village. In 1851 he became one of the founders of St. Mark's Episcopal Church and has served as vestryman and warden. Prescott was prominent in the community and this has been true of firemen to this day.

In 1894 Landmarks of Wayne County reported four fire companies in the village; the Protective Extinguisher No. 1, the Deluge Hose Co. No. 1, the Excelsior Hook and Ladder No. 1 and the New York Central Hose Co.

M.J. Flynn is credited with bringing horses to the department, although this was only at City Hall. The East Newark and New York Central companies still struggled with hand drawn equipment until the department was motorized in 1919. M.J. Flynn once told the story of his means of getting the horses. While he was attending a meeting of the village fathers to ask for horses the fire whistle sounded. He enlisted the board members to haul the equipment to the scene of the fire. Exhausted, the board returned to their meeting and voted for horses.

Flynn also was given credit for directing the establishment of the fire alarm system and the first motorized equipment was installed under his direction in 1919. Flynn was chief for 21 years, but not successively. He was a member of the department from 1864 when he served with Ray Pomeroy in the Deluge Hose Co. as torch boys.

After the City Hall was built in 1908-09, quarters were provided for the fire truck driver and his family. This was ended some years ago. Disaster struck when Herbert Lagenor, one of the early fire truck drivers was killed when the horses ran away. He was replaced by the late Police Chief Solon McKown who drove the fire truck horses, Tom and Jerry, several years before joining the police force.

C.J. Dangle, who came to Newark from Buffalo in 1899 followed McKown as driver. He and Mrs. Dangle had just been married, she once recalled, and he taught his bride to slide down the brass pole and hitch up the horses while he was getting into his uniform.

C.E. Brinkerhoff followed Dangle. Bringerhoff's son, Melvin, recalls that the family had just moved into the fire headquarters when the Armistice was announced of WW I in November 1918. He recalls the whistle blowing for the false alarm, then for the actual event. Brinkerhoff remained driver after the motorized equipment was voted in 1919. Arthur Lyman took over the job in 1943 and was the last of the resident fire drivers.

Paul Priebe is Chief of the Fire Department and is responsible for a two-year period for all fire functions. Gerald Velte is first assistant; Richard Colacino, second assistant and Earl Fagner, third assistant. Each of the four fire companies, now active, have three members on the Fire Council.

The Protective Extinguisher Company with only four living members claims it has not disbanded but turned its books over to the town historian and its treasury to the village board a number of years ago. The last banquet of the Protectives was held in 1947. Members today are T. Spencer Knight, L.H. VanTassel, Harrison C. Bloomer, and Justice M.E. Livingston, who term themselves "Armchair Firemen".

Election of officers of all fire companies occur in April. Walter Zehder was elected president of the Arcadia Hose Co. in East Newark in April 1976; Lynwood Kouwe is president of the New York Central Hose Co. No. 5 on North Main Street; Kenneth Merton is president of the Excelsior Hook and Ladder Co. No. 4 at City Hall and Donald E. Ahrens, president of the Deluge Hose Co., No. 1 at City Hall.

Chief Engineer Harold Glerum, who was appointed in May 1965, is responsible for maintenance and care of all fire apparatus and the municipal fire alarm system, as well as the building in which they are housed. He is also in charge of all paid assistants of which there are five full-time and four part-time firemen.

"Consolidation of all fire companies in one place," Glerum explained, "is for maintenance and security." He pointed out that while Newark has never had vandalism to contend with, the Palmyra Fire department suffered severe damage two years ago and since then security has been provided the East Newark and New York Central stations.

The new quarters on East Miller Street provide a place for all fire equipment, even the department's reserve pumper and the rescue vehicle which were formerly lodged at the village car barns. Not only is the equipment all in one building, but the fourth floor of the village owned property, the former Commercial building, provides offices for each of the four fire companies as well as quarters for the Firemen's Auxiliary, a subsidiary of the department.

Gone are the days when a freight on the West Shore would hold up the fire engines. Long gone are the days when huffing and puffing firemen arrive at the fire with handdrawn equipment. No longer is it necessary to harness "Tom and Jerry" for a run to the fire. Today modern equipment is housed in a modern firehouse for fire protection for the entire village.

Photos and postcards from the collection of Bernard O'Connell

History of the Deluge Hose Company
By C. A. Huebler, 1-21-83

On May 26, 1859 there appeared in the Newark Courier a legal notice announcing the formation of the Newark Fire Engine Co. No. 1. This notice announced that: 'We, the undersigned residents of the Western District of the incorporated Village of Newark, do hereby tender our services to the Village Trustees as firemen.' Following this was a list of 50 names of men who had volunteered their services. This then was the beginning of a volunteer company that has served the Village of Newark faithfully for the past 100 years.

A committee of five men had been selected to present the names of members to the Village Board. Serving on this committee were: Joel H. Prescott, E.D. Smith, Solon Taylor, A.C. Bartle and William M. Bristol.

At the organization meeting another committee of five consisting of Clark Mason, Paul Ackerson, Edwin Blackmar, H.E. Hudson, and A.I. Bristol along with members of the Village Board were appointed to draft a constitution and By-Laws to report at a subsequent meeting. June 1, 1859 saw the first actual meeting of the newly formed fire company. On motion of H.E. Hudson, the company proceeded to ballot for officers with the following individuals being elected in competitive contests; Clark Mason was elected the first Foreman; the assistant Foreman was Ira Pratt; the first Secretary was Anthony Bristol; and the man receiving the Treasurer's duties was Joel H. Prescott.

The fire company was now in business and the first order of business was the members paying a $.25 membership fee. It was also decided that the first Wednesday of each month would be the regular meeting night for the Company. Dues would be $.10 per month. It was further resolved that the Constitution and By-Laws be presented to the Village Board of Trustees for their approval as well as a list of the newly elected Officers.

A lengthy discussion was also held as to the regulation uniform for the company. It was finally decided that until otherwise ordered that the uniform would consist of an oil silk glazed cap with cape 12 inches in length attached to the back of the cap extending half-way around. Number 1 was to be painted on the front piece. Also, a dark blue flannel shirt and a glazed leather belt, and dark or blue trousers with a stripe on the side would be worn.

June 2nd was the second meeting of the company. On this night at the order of the Asst. Foreman all members reported to the building in which the engine was then stored. They brought the engine out on trial and, after exercise and drill, the machine was returned and housed. This was probably the first practice class in the history of the Newark Fire Department.

After the formation of the company, many local wives probably had the same complaints of many of our present wives. From the original minutes of the company we find that the company held meetings on 9 different nights in the month of June alone.

During this time many committees were appointed and looked into the many problems facing any newly formed fire company. Much time was spent in drawing up the list of fines and dues to be charged against members. Another problem was to be the picking of an official name of the company. Material for uniforms presented another problem. Deciding who would be Honorary Members of the company was still another reason for discussion.

One of the biggest subjects of discussion during the first month of our organization was the name to be bestowed on our new Engine. A committee had been appointed to suggest a name for the new Engine. At the June 22nd meeting they presented for choice of the Company two different names. The first suggested name was 'Cataract.' The second proposed that it be called 'Newark.' Neither of these names could get the necessary number of backers to carry the name through. The Company then proceeded to choose by ballot a name for the new Engine. On the 7th ballot the name 'Quickstop' was adopted. However, on June 29 or one week later, there had been a change of feeling in the Company and a new and different name was proposed. A motion to change the name to 'Deluge' was offered and after much discussion adopted by a 14 to 7 vote of the regular Company members. The Secretary was instructed to contact the manufacturer who was building the Engine and inform him of the name change of the Company. Since June 29, 1859 the Company has carried on under the Deluge name.

Up until August 3, 1859, the Company was known as The Deluge Engine Company No. 1. On this date it was proposed that another group be added to the Company to be known as the Deluge Hose Boys. This hose company was to have 16 members and be under the supervision of Officers of the Deluge Engine Company. The Hose Boys could elect their own foreman and assistant foreman but they would be responsible to the foreman of Deluge Engine Co. Under this organizational setup the Company operated for many years. The name of the Company was changed to become the Deluge Engine and Hose Co. No. 1.

September 1, 1869 was a big day in the early history of the Deluge Hose. On this day the new Bowing Engine was delivered from the manufacturer in Seneca Falls, New York. This was described as an engine second class and was considered, in those days of hand pumps, to be a quite-powerful machine. It could, if properly manned, throw a stream of water 161 feet. To receive the engine, Newark's other fire company, Arcadia Engine No. 2. was asked to join in a reception parade. This they did and the day progressed with-many-speeches and parades. As a note of interest, it might be pointed out that this new pumper cost the Company $450 which was raised by subscription. The new pumper now on order to replace the last Newark pumper is going to cost almost $20,000.

In March, 1860, a bill was drawn upon the Treasurer of the Company to pay R.H. Groat the balance due him for building the new hose cart the Company purchased for the hosemen. This bill was previously audited by the Village Board of Trustees and ok'd. The Deluge Company was to be reimbursed by them for this charge at a later date. They also appointed a committee to meet with the Village Trustees for the purpose of visiting Rochester and Seneca Falls for the purpose of purchasing fire hose.

The Company was now over a year old but still wanted to keep progressing. Up until this time fire alarms were rung by church bells in the Village. In July of that year a committee was appointed to approach the Village Trustees to see if a suitable bell might be procured to sound fire alarms in the Village. This project took several months but they were eventually successful in convincing the Trustees that a bell for alarms was needed and the Village purchased this item.

In the early days the firemen spent a great deal of time holding parades on various occasions. Both the Deluge No. I and Arcadia No. 2 held annual festivals at which time they turned out for parade in full uniform. There was also the annual parade and review of companies by the Village Board of Trustees. These events always lasted the entire day and evening. The Deluge would parade from Washington Hall to East Newark. There they would join the Arcadia No. 2 for a review in the square. Then the companies would reform and march through the principal streets of the Village to the center of Newark where another review would be held. They would then return to their respective engine houses for dismissal. At night they would again-report to the engine houses and reform for another parade. This time it would be a torch light affair and cover the principal streets again. Music for these events was furnished by the Newark Coronet Band and Newman's Band of the City of Rochester. This latter band received much praise in clippings from local papers for the fine military appearance and sweet music. Their splendid uniforms added much color to the parades.

In the year of 1861, members of the Deluge Hose Company felt that there was necessity for the formation of a Hook & Ladder Company. A committee was appointed to confer with the Village Trustees by the Foreman. This committee had the conference and argued for the formation of such a company but the Trustees apparently could not agree with Company members so the matter was dropped. No further attempts were made for formation of a ladder company by the Deluge Engine & Hose Company. Several years went by before the present Excelsior Hook & Ladder was formed. Even during the early days of the local Fire Department the members were having trouble with citizens interfering at fires. To try to eliminate some of this trouble a committee of three was appointed to draw up resolutions covering this interference and present same to the Village Trustees for their action. This committee was formed on Dec. 18, 1861 and had many meetings for months afterward. It was during this same period that steps were being taken to institute the office of Chief Engineer in the local Department. This man was to assume overall command of the Volunteer Department and was actually the same as the Fire Chief of today.

About this time a decorated front piece for a helmet was received by the Deluge Company from the Lafayette Engine Company No. 4 of Newark, New Jersey. This front piece is still in possession of the Company and on display in a glass case in the Company rooms. In return for this gift, a committee was appointed to look into the matter of obtaining a suitable gift to give in return. It was finally decided to give this company a photograph of our engine along with photos of the Company in full uniform. This was done in the next few weeks.

The early 1860's being wartime, the Company voted to pay an enlistment bonus to every member who volunteered for service in the U.S. Army. Several members of the Company did enlist for service with the Union Armies and were paid the bonus by the Company. After five years of drawing their engine and hose cart by hand the members must have begun to think that there surely must be an easier way to get the equipment to fires. At the May 3rd meeting in 1866 a committee was appointed to look into the matter of arranging the engine so that it could be drawn by horses. The committee carried out their duties and now the engine was equipped so that a team could pull it if a team was available.

The Fourth of July was always a very active day for the local fire companies. Each year they raised funds by subscription and after holding parades, games and other events concluded the day with large firework displays. This custom continued for many years. All equipment was decorated with flowers, etc., and we notice where the ladies were thanked many times for their assistance in decorating the hose cart and engine.

In the early years of the Company we find that they, like their brothers of today, took part in many parades in area towns. However, then the mode of travel was very much different. To get to another town meant going by train or a special coach, etc. It is written that on one trip to Lyons for a parade the Company hired a canal boat from a local firm and made the trip to Lyons by barge. They were accompanies by the Newark Coronet Band and also took the Engine. This event was a day long affair. Activities consisted of a parade, tournament, and picnic.

In September, 1871 we find that the members were having trouble with the engine. After several years of service this machine was beginning to show signs of wearing out. At the October 12th meeting, after much discussion for and against the idea, it was resolved that, 'We as firemen of Newark ask the corporation to trade off our present engine for a steamer and that we are willing to contribute our surplus funds as a part payment. The corporation by general tax to pay the balance and that a committee of three be appointed to confer with the Village Authorities in regard to the same. '

At this same meeting a big discussion was held as to whether or not the Company should help victims of the great Chicago fire. A general relief contribution was voted down. However, it was voted to donate $75 (a large sum in those days) for the relief of firemen made destitute by the fire in Chicago.

The Secretary was instructed to contact a Mr. Allerton in Chicago to see what relief was needed by firemen and then proceed to do what the Company could to help. This action was in common with firemen all over the U.S. The Deluge as well as brother firemen from other companies throughout the country in the moment of need responded to the aid of the Chicago brothers. This spirit of helping each other in time of need has always been firm in the volunteer/fire service. From that spirit has grown our mutual aid and other mutual assistance agreements of today.

December, 1871 shows the membership still much concerned with the purchase of a steamer. A committee had been working with the Village Trustees but had not made much progress. At this meeting, the Company voted $250 toward the purchase of a steamer. However, no official action was taken on the part of the Village Trustees. This lack of action on the part of the Village Trustees was a sore point with members of the Company and within the next few years almost caused the Company to be dissolved. By 1876 we note many remarks in the minutes of the Company pertaining to the poor condition of the engine and hose belonging to the Company. Interest in Company activity also hit a new low with many members resigning. In 1876, a resolution was passed at a company meeting to divide the funds in the treasury in proportion to length of time that each member had served. This was done and the company almost disbanded.

A few faithful members remained in service, however, and in February, 1877 we find that the President of the Village along with all Village Trustees and the Village Clerk attended the Company meeting. Remarks were made by the Village President and a Mr. Perkins stating they would aid the Company all that was their power. After a pleasant exchange of views between the Village officials and members of the Company, several grievances were settled. They apparently attended several other meetings after this time and approved money to repair or replace worn out equipment. They also voted $300 to buy new uniforms for the Company.

The matter of a steamer again arose. However, the committee that conferred with the Village Trustees reported that under the Village Charter no more than $1500 could be raised by taxation. A steamer cost more than that and unless a special act was passed by the State Legislature, it would be impossible to purchase a steamer. With this information the Company dropped their demands to the Village Board to purchase the new engine.

This was the period when the various Fire Associations first became active. The Deluge Company became charter members of both the State Firemen's Association and the Northern Central Assoc. This membership has continued until this day. Delegates have been sent to each yearly meeting of these groups.

During the 1880's and 90's the Company held many dances and ice cream socials and these apparently were very popular events in the village. Large Committees were appointed to handle the dance programs and usually the dances were uniform dance. Attendance was by invitation only and guest lists were quite long. Dances were held in Elliott's Hall of the Opera House.

A financial report of the Masque Ball of Jan. 27, 1898 showed receipts of $133.41 with expenses of $111.20. The Company made a profit of $22.21. expenses for renting Sherman Opera House were $35; for music to C. F. Cunningham of $20. Door prizes and food expense accounted for the other expenses.

In 1909 a committee was appointed to see about getting the Company a meeting room in the new City Hall. They reported back that the Deluge had been given first choice and they had selected a room in the northwest corner.

1909 was also the 50th anniversary of the Company. On May 12th of that year a special meeting was held to plan a celebration for this anniversary date. The vote in favor of a celebration was unanimous. Appointed to the Committee were M.J. Flynn, H.W. Parker, Thomas Despard, William Bloom, and Abram Porrey. Records indicate that this celebration cost the Company a total of $93.90. A banquet and dance for all members, their wives and all honorably discharged members was held on June l,1909.

1919 was a big year in the Company history. In that year we obtained our first motorized apparatus. This plumber was the first powered pump in the Newark Fire Department. It was a 750 GPM rotary gear pump and powered by a six cylinder gasoline engine. This unit was built by the American LaFrance Company and served Newark for 21 years. It was replaced in 1940 by our present pumper. About 1940 the Deluge Hose built the first squad car for the Department. This was built on an old Pierce Arrow ambulance chassis. Later this was replaced by another squad car in 1962.

About 1939 the Company first became interested in first aid work. It was decided to purchase an inhalator. Funds would be raised by soliciting the village. The drive was successful and the first resuscitator was purchased to be kept in the fire house. A first aid team was also formed with members taking first aid training through the Red Cross. In 1948, however all first aid work was taken over by the Deluge Hose First Aid Committee. This committee is now a part of the local Community Chest and buys all the first aid and emergency equipment used by the Company. At the present time after completing 124 years of service to our community, the Deluge Hose stands ready to continue on for as many more years as it is needed by the Village. The membership now has 53 names appearing on their roll. The members have been grateful of the public's support in past years and pledge to continue giving the best service possible to protect our citizens' homes and lives in the future.

NY Central Hose after 100 years

The following was published in the February 26, 1988 Courier-Gazette to mark the 100th Anniversary of New York Central Hose Company.

The youngest fire company in town is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Even at that age, NY Central Hose Company #5 is as strong and vital as the day it began in January 1888.

The Hose Company was born of necessity. If a fire happened to be blazing on the north end of town while a West Shore train was passing through the village, southern fire companies were blocked from crossing the tracks. This left northern residences and industries unprotected and at the mercy of the train schedule.

The original NY Central Hose and Ladder Co. stationed itself on the corner of West Pearl and North Main Streets. For the next 15 years, a barn served as the company's fire house. The company building on North Main Street was raised in 1903 as a clubhouse. Original minutes of the company's meetings show that on January 7, 1903, company officers authorized the purchase of the lot for $50. Then to raise funds to build the "new engine house," the NY Central Hose Company Club was formed. Club members became "stockholders" who contributed to the building of the clubhouse. Used for wedding receptions, community activities, and fire company meetings, it is the only Arcadia fire house left standing.

The Hose Company's drill team was second to none. Many of the volunteers were railroad employees who used their free railway passes to travel to parades. Sporting horsehair-plumed helmets and carrying the company's banner, The NY Central Hose Company probably marched in more parades than any other company in NY. Although the original banner is missing, a sign on the wall still warns firemen of years ago: "All Fire Apparatus When Returning From Fires Will Travel Not To Exceed 20 Miles Per Hour."

Horse-drawn fire equipment protected the north side of town until May 1920. The Hose Company then purchased its first motorized firetruck - a second hand Cadillac. More than 50 years later, the modern equipment wouldn't fit in the engine house. The club had dwindled to only a few members, and the NY Central Hose Company's clubhouse was sold to the Village. The Hose Company continued to use the building, and within several years, the Company owned the fire house again.

Rich in history, the company tries to preserve the memories of its beginnings. After serving in the company for 54 years, President Willard "Jess" Ferris is a walking, talking archive. Ferris has held almost all offices in the company and is president for the third time since he joined in December 1934. Ferris, age 72, remembers the first party he ever attended. It was Halloween, he was ten years old, and it was held at the Hose Company clubhouse.

A kitchen/meeting room is now where the horsedrawn firetruck once stood. Tin ceilings are still in place. The mantel is surrounded with company memories - an invitation to the 5th Anniversary Banquet in 1893, two silver "trumpets"(used to shout commands at fires, and carry flowers in parades) and charter member B.L. Humeston's helmet. The pride of NY Central's present 47 members is evident in this house. It will also be evident at the 100th Anniversary Banquet, when past- and present will be celebrated - when members honor each other and those who came before.

To all the members of NY Central Hose Company - Happy Anniversary.