Before 1893, the firefighters were designated the “Bucket Brigade” and had among its members the leading citizens of the what was then the “Village of Collingswood”. Their equipment was neither awe-inspiring or extensive, just one fire ax and one dozen buckets. “Whether from a lack of enthusiasm or the exceeding dearth of fires, this company fell into a tranquility from which it never recovered and, like the fire buckets, soon passed out of existence.
The year 1894 saw the town rapidly expand and the erection of several new buildings impressed upon the minds of the citizens the necessity of better fire protection. Among them were several firemen, who urged that the town take immediate steps to guard the lives and property of the people. Under the leadership of Mr. Escher, they met to achieve this goal. A public meeting was held in the spring of 1894, at the residence of Mr. F.A. Knight, and the real organization of Collingswood Fire Company No. 1 was affected.
Mr. Richard T. Collings was elected president and Mr. John Bailey, secretary. Nothing further was done until January 8, 1895, when steps were taken to call a meeting, for the purpose of incorporating the company. The meeting was held on March 5, 1985, and the company was incorporated in the mean time. Mr. Collings and Mr. Bailey having resigned, the honor of being the first president fell to the lot of Mr. Walter C. Boyce. Mr. F.M. North became secretary. Mr. F.A. Knight was elected vice president. The first steps toward securing a permanent home was taken this meeting, when Mr. Howard L. Merrick was requested to interview the Collingswood Water and Lighting Co. with a view of securing the Devoe property adjoining the stand pipe on Collings Avenue.
The first committee on by-laws, consisted of Messrs. W.J. Moss, Wm. Darnell and John Flynn presented their report at this meeting and were discharged. Messrs. Henry Bennett, John Escher and Eugene Darnell were appointed a committee on entertainment. The first contribution came through the generosity of Mr. L.F. Hurff, who donated the use of the hall (Tatem’s Hall).
The next meeting was held on March 12, 1895, and the articles of incorporation secured by Lawyer Wm. Darnell were ratified. The following were enrolled as charter members. H.L. Merrick, Henry, Frech, F.A. Knight, Henry R. Tatem, L.F. Hurff, FM North, Henry Bennett, Harry W. Smith, Harry S. Woods, Henry B. Willetts, Thomas Jack Jr, Joseph E. Scott, Theo. Austermuhl, John L. Flynn, H.L. North, Wm. J. Moss, Chas. Albertson, John C. Escher, James Jaggard Sr, Chalkley Parker SR, Walter C. Boyce, W.E. Macrea and Glen Devoe. They duly signed and ratified the certificate of incorporation, which was to run for a period of fifty years.
It being necessary according to law, to have some person, of an incorporate, to witness the signatures, Eugen Darnell was selected and thus deprived of the honor of being numbered among the incorporates, by unanimous consent, however, his name was added to this role.
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