Mechanicville High School - Halfmoon Yearbook (Mechanicville, NY)

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6 Halfmoon Yearbook, 1947 — Foreword It was during the winter of 1874 that dozens of minor blazes swept out of the control of bucket-brigadeers and several times threatened to demolish a large portion of our community. The wooden frame buildings of that period were at the mercy of the slightest spark, and when ever they caught lire they generally burned to the ground. Bucket brigades had been used to squelch the flames but they lacked proper equipment and training. This fact convinced the citizens of our city that something besides elbow-grease and courage was needed to combat flames. Consequently the city’s first fire company was organized in the spring of 1875. It was known as the Mechanicville Volunteer Fire Department. Later, conferences were held which led to the formation of the famous Wash- ington Engine Company No. I on June 3 of that year. This company acquired a hand pumper, which meant that dozens of homes once doomed when the kero- sene lamp toppled over would now be saved. Applications for membership in this new organization were so heavy that in a short time the Washington Hose Company No. I had to be organized to take care of the overflow of would-be firemen. A two-wheeled hose cart and a few short lengths of hose comprised all of this company’s equipment. These two organizations fought Mechanicville’s fires efficiently for eight years. But during that period of time several knitting mills had been erected, other industries had been started, and railroad facilities and residential construction had increased, all of which indicated the need of further, more modern protection. Therefore the town voted in favor of a plan to secure a steam pumper and to organize a company to handle this new piece of apparatus. Thus it was that in 1883 the D. E. l.a Dow Steamer Company was organized. Their new fire engine, which still remains in our city, is now a firemanic tradition throughout this section of the country. At the turn of the century the La Dow Company was rated as one of the best volunteer fire companies in Northern New York State. The third company to be organized was the Strang Nome Company, which was founded in 1893. It claims the distinction of being the first volunteer fire company in New York State to secure a piece of motorized equipment. This event occurred in 1912. It was in 1899 that the J. L. Short Hook and Ladder Company was formed in order to supplement the apparatus of the town s other fire-fighters. Several vears ago this company was united with W. L. Howland Chemical Company No. 5. which came into being in 1904. Mechanicville’s fourth oldest active fire company is the W. B. Neilson Home Company which set a local speed record by building and equipping their original fire house in less than seven days. Today Mechanicville’s 3 (ire-companies serve her faithfully and are a credit to the community.

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Half moon Yearbook, 1947

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Halfmoon Yearbook, 1947 7 DEDICATION We, the class of '47, dedicate our yearbook to all the firemen of Mechanicville. The firemen of our city make up one of its most valuable organizations. Few people realize how important a position these men hold. In dedi- cating this book to them, we wish to express our appreciation for their fine work.