The soon learned that they could use water to put out small fires. Big fires became a problem in the Williamsburg area. When a house or building would catch fire, their neighbors would take their wash boilers, pots and pans to dip water out of the spring race, Piney Creek, Clover Creek, spring houses and carry water to the fires. It worked, but not too well. They needed something better. So, in 1900 they formed a fire company with Chief and Hose men. In 1902, after water lines were installed along with fire plugs, a hose cart was bought (it stands in front of the fire hall) along with 2 ½” hose, nozzles, and a gate “Y” so two lines from one plug could be used in fire fighting. The next piece of equipment was a 35’ wooden ladder. They stored the equipment in a shed in the back of the Methodist Church. In 1906, they started using the paper mill whistle to call out the fire company.

In 1925, after a fatal fire on Second Street, and tired of pulling the hose cart, decided to organize a new fire company. After becoming organized with 224 members (four were women), the received their charter in 1926. Fire chief, line officers, directors and first aid crews were elected. The first thing they did was take the money from the old fire company ($250.40), to buy boots, coats and helmets. In 1928, the borough bought the fire company their first piece of modernized fire equipment, a 1928 Chevy. They then moved into the fire hall on Plum Street, now the business of Evans Car Care and Body Shop. In 1936, a brand new fire truck was built in Altoona from the ground up. This was their pride and joy. By now, the fire company had gone through five chiefs and hundreds of firemen.

In 1942, a skid pump mounted on a Chevy frame was added to the fire company (courtesy of Uncle Sam and James Shaffer). The labor and parts were furnished by the paper mill and power plant. The war came along and took many of the firemen to fight wars instead of fires. The fire company had moved to the old silk mill building on Second Street that the Borough Council had bought. The paper mill and power plant installed a siren on the roof and reinforced the floors to hold the fire equipment. In 1954, the fire company went all the way and ordered a new fire truck from American LaFrance. It was delivered by railroad car to the Altoona freight yard, and driven to Williamsburg. In 1955, Homer Bechtel gave the fire company their first ambulance and the fire company started a rescue squad.

 In 1907, the old silk mill building was torn down and the fire company found a temporary home in the coal yard on First Street. In 1968, a fire commission was formed to use tax money from Williamsburg Borough, Woodbury Township and Catherine Township to help fund the fire company. This was only the second commission in Pennsylvania. In 1972, the fire company moved into their new and present fire hall, but they needed more room. So, in 1981, a new building was built on Park Street to hold the two ambulances and tank truck; the old ambulances having now been replaced by new, modern rescue ambulances.

In 1995, a new piece of equipment was added to help the fire company with wrecks and fires. All fire trucks have been replaced by modern equipment. Self-contained breathing equipment, new coats, helmets, gloves, boots, and pants are upgraded as needed. Fire school is a must for all firemen and this is done every year. All ambulance crews must attend school every year.

In 1995, the fire company auxiliary bought the old Patterson store building on Second Street to be used to play Bingo, raise money and used for fire company business. This building dates back to 1830 and was built and used by the Schmucker family. When they built the building, they built is around an old log house. As in the days of Adam and Eve, women have become a big part of fire company duties. They help with firefighting, ambulance crews, fundraisers and all fire company activities. The women used to meet their men when they came home from fighting fires. Now they go through the same feelings. God bless them all. Hey, Chief, someday you too may be replaced by a woman.

*We had many buildings, homes and barns destroyed by fire.

*We had people that lost their lives in fires.

* We like to brag about big fires we didn’t have.

*We like to brag about the people that didn’t die in fires.

This is a very condensed history of firefighting in the Williamsburg, PA area. To list all the fires, wrecks, schools, officers and members over the years would be impossible. I would like to thank all of you for allowing me to write this short history and for allowing me to be part of your company for 60 years.

Signed with pride,

William R. Frye.

 

*The above story was written by Mr. Frye for the 75^th anniversary of the Williamsburg Area Vol. Fire Co. No. 1. He was an active member for well over 60 years, and has since passed away. Thank you Bill.*

Additional items of interest will be added soon, updated history, photos, current events and much more.