NY Central Hose after 100 years

History - Newark

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.

By Donna Comella

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.

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