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History
1833: At a meeting of a number of citizens of West Chester favorable to the formation of a "New Fire Company" held at the home of Joel Matlack the ninth day of January A.D. 1883, William Williamson was called to the Chair and William P. Sharpless was appointed Secretary. On motion of William Darlington, Esquire, the following paper was read: "Whereas the Old Engine Company having provided themselves with a new Engine and Apparatus and thereby having both the old and new engines on their hands, have in their meeting recommended to the attention of a sufficient number of young men in the borough, the formation of themselves into a Company for that duty and to take the old one off their hands; which is now in good repairs. Therefore, we the subscribers feeling the necessity are willing to form ourselves into a Company to take and keep the Engine and Apparatus in good repair, provided it and the house can be procured on proper terms". The document was signed by thirty-six names - seventeen of whom attended this meeting tonight. William Williamson Samuel Way
Yarnall Baily The seventeen men resolved to organize a fire company, and for that purpose appointed a committee to draft a constitution. One week later, the committee reported and the meeting adopted the constitution as presented, the first article of which reads: "This association shall be denominated, "The Neptune Fire Company". A committee from the First West Chester Fire Company attended the meeting and made an "absolute unconditional transfer of the old engine to the Neptune Fire Company." The offer was accepted and the thanks of the Company were extended to them for their liberality and favor. According to the Constitution, each
member was required to provide himself, at his own expense, with two
leather buckets marked with his name and that of the fire Company. The members were subject to fines varying in amounts from six and a quarter cents to fifty cents for the following offenses: Absence from roll calls, absence from meetings, for leaving a meeting without permission of the President, for leaving engines without consent of Chief Engineers, for non-compliance with the reasonable injunctions of an engineer and for leaving his bucket at a fire twenty-four hours after the fire had been extinguished. All officers were fined fifty cents for neglecting or refusing to perform any duty assigned them. For absence, double the amount of the fine was imposed on other members. The clerk was required to deliver to each member on the morning of each day of a meeting a written or printed notice of the time and place thereof, inspect the buckets of the members and report their condition to the Company. For omitting to service a notice or inspect the bucket of any member, a fine of six and a quarter cents was imposed. Nine members constituted a quorum. The Company was permanently organized January 26, 1833, by the election of William Williamson, President; David Meconkey, Secretary; William Darlington, Treasure; Angus McKay, Chief Engineer and five Assistant Engineers. The Treasure was required to be
bonded in the sum of five hundred dollars. The President was instructed on
behalf of the Company to address a respectful letter to each of the
insurance companies which had insured property in the borough of West
Chester asking their friendly assistance in the aid of the general objects
of the Association. The Neptune answered two calls in the first year of service, the first being at E. Smedly residence on April 30; the second on June 10th at Daniel Buckwalter's house for a hay wagon in front of his home. 1834: On February 20, 1834, a house call was answered by the Neptune Company at the residence of D.W. Worthington. 1836: On November 26, 1836, between ten and eleven o'clock at night, a fire broke out in the frame dwelling house adjoining the George Hutchinson house which was occupied by Charles Clayton. In taking the Engine out of the house the front axle broke and the Engine was left in the street unfit for service. 1837: An Engine was purchased from Good Will Fire Company of Philadelphia for $650.00. The name of the Association was thence changes from "Neptune" to Good Will Fire Company." At this time the old apparatus that had been presented to the company by the West Chester Fire Company was in turn presented to the Independence Fire Company (now the Fame Fire Company No.3).
1841: At a special meeting in February the Constitution of the Good Will Fire Company was adopted. The first hose carriage was purchased. The water works commenced with H. Taylor laying the pipes, and on July 4th the supplying of water to the people commenced. James Powell was first to drink from it. A six inch main was laid from Chester Creek to the Reservoir. 1846: The Good Will Fire Company was incorporated in this year. 1849: A four-wheeled hose carriage was bought from Ringgold Hose Company of Philadelphia for fifty dollars ($50.00). The apparatus to date was second all second-hand and in need of constant repair. The Engines were housed in a stable on the south side of Market Street, nearly opposite the Court House. The Company purchased a lot on Church Street and build a two-story house thereon, which was enlarges in1858. 1850: The constitution was amended so that members who had served five successive years were entitled to the privilege of an honorary membership. From this time the older members, at their request, were placed on the retired list, leaving the management to younger men. On the breaking out of the Rebellion, many of the members volunteered to serve their Country and left the Company in a weakened condition. Interest flagged and meetings were slimly attended until ten names were left on the roll. 1851: The Borough Council passed an ordinance appropriating one hundred dollars annually to be used for fire equipment. Fires appear to have been of much more frequent occurrence in the early history of the Company. At a fire the members were arranged in two rows, one passing the filled buckets from the well to the engine, the other passing the empty buckets back. The water was poured into the engine, where it was thrown on the fire through the hose by means of one long lever worked at each end by several men. Although the apparatus was not first class, the Company was generally prepared for service as we find the following extracts from the reports of the Engineers: "The Good Will was promptly ready for action and continued through the whole time in the most active manner, performing very valuable duties." "She performed with comfort to herself and satisfaction to her friends." "The Good Will was promptly in an excellent situation for duty, went early into action and saved much of the surrounding property, and, with the assistance of other companies, succeeded in quelling the flames without much injury being done to any building other than that originally fired." "Performed with her accustomed meekness and good will." "Hose Carriage on the ground early and secured the best situation and was instrumental in saving much property…and had water on before either of the other companies arrived." IT is hard to reconcile these reports with this entry which we find about the same period. "The Good Will, as usual, was the last to leave the grounds." 1856: The Company purchased the Harmony engine of Philadelphia for $1,000, selling their old one to Harmony Engine Company for $270.00 and changing the name on the engine to "Good Will". The Company meetings were changed to the Robert Irvine resident. On July 8, a boy named William Bates, between 11 and 12 years of age, was killed yesterday morning under the following circumstances: An Engine (Good Will) had been sent from West Chester to the City for the purpose of being repaired. It was taken from the depot to the shop of Mr. Agnew, on Vine Street, with the tongue made fast to a furniture car. At 15th and Arch Streets, while the horses attached to the car were going along at a walk, young Bates stumbled and fell. The hind wheel of the engine passed over his head, killing him instantly. An inquest was held in the case by the Coroner, at the dwelling of the parents of the deceased, on Jones Street in the Ninth Ward. The driver of the car was exonerated from censure. 1859: A new carriage was built for the Company at a cost of $250.00. For twenty-seven years, William Darlington, Esquire, w as the leading spirit and during the whole time held the office of Treasurer. He was characterized by his straight forwardness. 1875: At a meeting irregularly called on March 11, a Committee consisting of William S. Kirk, J. Bayard Jefferis and John McGrath were appointed to sell the real estate and personal property of the Company at either public or private sale. In July, it was resolved to have a public sale on Saturday, August 7, and that the sale be advertised in the Sunday Mercury and the Public Ledger of Philadelphia. The money derived from the sale was to be divided among the ten remaining members. However, the sale did not take place. The hose and carriage was loaned to the Fame Fire Co. 1876: On January 10 the following committee consisting of William Hoopes, William Darlington, Michael Clark, Henry P. Sharpless, and the President, William S. Kirk, were instructed to visit Borough Council and ascertain their views upon the purchase of a Steam Fire Engine. Reported that the Borough Council purchased a Button Steam Fire Engine. Arriving on the 9th of November, it had been satisfactorily tested and on motion it was unanimously resolved that the said engine be accepted by the Company and that the Trustees be authorized to sell the old hand engine. 1878: On March 11 the old hand engine was sold to T.P. Apple for $50.00. 1882: A committee of William S. Kirk, Levi McCauley, George Johnson, Benjamin Sweeney, R. Newton Thomas and T. Walter Embree were appointed on December 18th to prepare for a banquet in honor of their 50th Anniversary of the Company to be held at the Mansion House of January 9th, 1883, at which time the Borough Council West Chester an Fame Fire Companies were their guests. During the evening remarks were made by Hon. Washington Townsend, Dr. J.B. Wood, Hon. William B. Waddeli, Theodore R. Apple, Hon. R.E. Monaghan and others. 1883: On February 14 the three local fire companies appointed committees to cooperate in drawing up plans for an own Fire Marshall. The proposal was accepted and resulted din more efficient operation of the town fire fighting facilities. Theodore P. Apple was elected as the first Fire Marshall of the West Chester Fire Department. The first uniform adopted by the Company was for the 4th of July parade and consisted of blue shirts, white "2" on breast, white canvas caps, white belts and white ties. There were forty-two of them procured. 1884: A committee, consisting of C.H. Hannum, A.A. Parker, T.W. Marshall, Wm. Woodward and Wm. Hoopes, was appointed in April to look into purchasing a new location for the Company. 1885: The committee reported in March on the Valentine property, when the following resolution was adopted by the Company: Whereas, "The Good Will Fire Company" have lately purchased of the widow and heirs of Chalkley M. Valentine, deceased, a certain three-story brick messuage and lot of ground, situated on the south side of Gay Street, between High and Walnut Streets, in the Borough of West Chester, Pa., for the use of said Company and are indebted to said widow and heirs in the sum of Four Thousand Dollars for the purchase money thereof; therefore, Resolved, That in order to pay said purchase money "The Good Will Fire Company" do borrow of "The Burgesses and Inhabitants of the Borough of West Chester," now known by its corporate title as "The Borough of West Chester," the sum of Four Thousand Dollars, to be due and payable on or before the first day of April, A.D., one thousand and eight hundred and eighty-six and to be without interest until the same is paid, and that Levi G. McCauley, President, and Edmund D. Hoopes, Secretary of the said "The Good Will Fire Company" are hereby authorized and directed to execute on behalf of said Company a mortgage for four thousand dollars on the said house and lot to the said "The Burgesses and Inhabitants of the Borough of West Chester" now know by its corporate title as "The Borough of West Chester" using a common school seal which shall be considered the seal of the corporation or company for said purpose. The new house having been remodeled and completed, the apparatus was housed on August 22nd, the ceremonies being a parade of the three fire companies, the Pioneers and the Borough Council. James B. Everhart presented the Company with a bell which was placed in the bell tower. On October 12th the old engine house on Church Street was sold to Dr. Jesse C. Green for $1,075. 1886: On June 7th, the new hose carriage purchased by the Borough of West Chester was properly housed and the old one ordered sold, Thomas H. Peto being the purchaser, for the amount of $35.00. 1890: In January the uniform was changed to maroon hats and long fawn overcoats. In the same year the company joined the State Fireman's Association. 1892: The first fair of the Company was held on Thanksgiving week and the proceeds were $1,652.77. The second fair of the Company was held in the Armory during the week of February 22, 1896, and the proceeds were $1,516.43. The third fair was held in the Tattersall property during the week of February 22, 1898. The proceeds were $1,306.68. 1893: On February 13th, it was approved that the Electric Company be notified to wire and light the Fire House, to be burned in the meeting room twice a month. 1897: The Company purchased the present site on East Gay Street from the estate of George Matlack for $4,500.00. Baker and Dollett drew the plans and P.E. Jefferis was awarded the contract for $5,285.00. The total cost of the building was $10,334.00. The building was started April 1st and completed in October of the same year. 1898: A supper was held at the Eagle Hotel on December 2nd at which 32 members of the Company were present and enjoyed themselves immensely. 1899: Fireman's Day was held in West Chester on Friday, October 13th, with a parade commencing at 1:30pm with Plummer E. Jefferis as Chief of the Fire Department. 1900: On August 20th several members of Good Will Fire Company gave a private dance at Lenape with 22 couples present. Music was furnished by Messrs. Ricketts, Washington and Thomas. A good time was had by all. Eighteen members of the Good Will Fire Company met to form a Fife and Drum Corps under the direction of Charles Riley. It hopes to be ready within a few weeks. 1901: On December 10th, at the regular monthly meeting, a handsome draft of the fire alarm system of the town was accepted. The draft was done by Clyde King, son of the President of the Company. It was placed in the engine room. On May 18th Good Will Fire Company put into operation their new custom of having members sleep in the house at night to be ready for all night alarms. The new bunks have been furnished and John Hazzard and Peter Supplee will be first to initiate them. 1902: At the March 27h meeting of the Good Will Fire Company, also known as the Goodies, it was decided to attend the fair of West Chester No. 1 on April 18th in full uniform. They have decided to buy six new horns valued at $35.00 each. AN invitation was accepted from Merion Fire Co. of Ardmore to attend the housing of their new apparatus November 15th. 1903: James Riley was fined $1.00 for being drunk in the Engine House on May 20th. 1904: An invitation to attend the Fair to be held in Kennett Square was accepted and had been decided to go by trolley on Thursday night, October 27th, at the cost of $30.00. The President reported he had collected $27.00 from 54 members with the $3.00 balance to be paid by the Company for the Drum Corp. 1905: On April 10th the Bell Telephone Company asked permission to place a phone in the Engine House. Request was granted. For the first time in the history of the West Chester Fire Department a volunteer fireman, Harry H. Wolf, was lost in the line of duty. Condolences were expressed to family and friends. 1906: The Tattersall property was the site for the fair of the Good Will Fire Company with clowns, baked goods, dinner booths, etc. The Company showed a net profit of $2,754.60. Edwin Leedom, Vice President, announced to members of the Company that he had paid off the mortgage held by the Borough of West Chester for $3,000.00 and satisfaction had been entered at the Court House and the Company was now out of debt. The trustees were authorized to buy 6 spittoons and have the broken tables fixed. 1907: On October 22nd 60 members in full uniform, and accompanied by the Drum Corps participated in the first Tri-County Firemen's Association Parade in Chester. On July 11th members showed their appreciation to William Middleton, Assistant Fire Chief, by presenting him with a gold medal engraved with his name and the office he held. 1908: On September 5th members of the Good Will Fire Company, accompanied by their Drum Corp., will leave on two special trolley cards for Clifton Heights, Delaware County, where they will participate in a parade and assist in the dedication of their new Engine House. Nearly every Fire Company in Chester and Delaware Counties will be represented. Word was received in West Chester that the parade would not start until the Good Will delegation arrived. 1909: The Good Will Fire Company also passed a resolution recommending the different companies to unite with them in electing William Middleton as Fire Chief of West Chester to succeed Henry R. Guss, of West Chester No. 1, whose term will expire in January. The Chiefs are elected for five years, the rule being to recognize each Company in turn, and the "Goodies" named Assistant Chief Middleton for the place. Extensive renovations took place this year with stairways being reinforced, the wall and ceilings being covered with metal casing and the third story being finished to use as a storage room. 1910: Mr. Middleton, having been elected Chief of the Fire Department, was presented with a fire helmet and horn by Past Chief, Henry Guss, John Cloud and Harry Griffith. 1912: New uniforms were purchased for Goodies from Wanamaker & Brown Uniform Company. Avondale Fire Company purchased 17 of the old uniforms for $124.50. A banquet was held at Turks Head Inn in honor of Good Will Fire Company and Fame Fire Company Indoor Baseball Teams on March 14, "Goodies" being the winners with a 4-2 record. Manager of the team was Kimble Kugler and David O'Brien as Captain. 1913: About 75 members of the Good Will Fire Company #2, headed by the Fife and Drum Corps, left West Chester last evening on the 6:30 trolley for Downingtown where they were the guest of the Alert Fire Company Fair. 1914: A committee of six men was appointed to learn to be chauffeurs for the new motorized truck to arrive later in the year. They were: L.W. Davis, James Brown, William Huber, Milfor Battering, George Ford and Edward Finegan. A Martin Chemical truck was housed on August 1st. Thanks were given to Fame for their contribution of a horn and to First West Chester for their loving cup. Special thanks were also given to Mr. Chalfont for his donation of the horn for the auto and to Martin Carriage Works for their speedometer and clock on the auto. 1915: Harry Griffith was elected Chief of Department from Fame Fire Company. 1916: The Chief Engineers report showed a total of 36 alarms for the year - 16 of them out of town; they used 1,120 gallons of soda and acid for the fires and laid 4,300 feet of hose. 1917: On May 15th the Good Will was the recipient of a patent device called the Morgan Smoke Helmet presented to them by the Women's Auxiliary of the Fame Fire Company. From the front of the Engine House of the Good Will Fire Company No. 2 of this borough of East Gay Street there was displayed a large service flag, bearing 27 stars, indicating the number of members of the organization who are in Military Service of Uncle Sam. 1918: On December 9th the company had life-size pictures taken of the members killed in France, also an Honor Roll was made up of all members in the Service with gold stars after the names of those killed, silver stars after those wounded in service to their country. William Underwood and Herbert Andress were appointed to attend to this matter. 1919: The new motorized pump arrived at Good Will Fire co. on April 26th and was housed on May 3rd with First West Chester, Fame Fire Company, Fire Police Chief Griffith and his assistants all taking part in the ceremony. The Engine House was also decorated in honor of the returning soldiers. On April 30th the new pump was tested at Milltown, pumping 915 gallons per minute. 1920: Roscoe Woodward, from West Chester Fire Company No. 1, was elected Chief of Department of West Chester. A rising vote of thanks was extended to Frank Simmler and his bride for ice cream and cake at the May 10th monthly meeting. "Goodies" pump got a good workout at C.E. Mather's farm fire. They were in service about 27 hours, used 3 gallons of oil, 43 gallons of gas and laid 1,300 feet of hose. 1921: It was voted for the Treasurer to draw a donation of $5.00 to Glen Moore Fire Company and $250.00 to the Good Will Baseball Club. | Page 2 |
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