By 1923, residents of Brandywine Hundred became so alarmed over the increasing number of fires and lack of fire fighting equipment they took action. Completing a series of meetings to discuss and plan for the establishment of a volunteer fire company, the "Brandywine Hundred Fire Company No. 1" became a reality on March 19, 1924.
The first fire engine was a 1924 Reo built by U.S. Fire Apparatus Company in Kirkwood Park, Wilmington. This motorized engine cost $4,500. For many years, the engine was housed in Chief Wigglesworth's garage on Rosedale Avenue in Bellefonte.
Until 1928 when Claymont and Talleyville Fire Companies formed, Brandywine Hundred was the only volunteer fire company covering New Castle County north of the city.
In 1930, the company purchased the Bellefonte Community Hall and added two engine bays providing the first permanent house for our trucks. The hall was located at our current site.
In the early years, holding carnivals financed company operations. These carnivals were held on an open field on the east side of Philadelphia Pike between Bellefonte Avenue to Schoolhouse Lane to the north. It is said these were the largest carnivals on the East Coast and the social event of the summer. Professional acts were hired as entertainment and a new car was raffled off each evening. "Free parking for 5,000 automobiles" was advertised.
During World War II, Ladies' Auxiliary members who volunteered were brought into membership for the fire company. They were trained and helped perform the fire fighting tasks of the men, who were in short supply due to the war effort.
By 1948, the company had three trucks: 1930, 1931, and 1948 Hahn pumpers. In 1954, the Civil Defense Agency provided the company with a Reo rescue truck. This was the start of the Rescue Division. Population continued to grow north of the city, and at the community's request, the Ambulance Division began in 1955. Profits from teenage dances raised the $1,500 needed to purchase the first ambulance, a used 1948 Pontiac.
As the area continued to grow, the fire station was just too small to accommodate the needed additional equipment. The company then built a new two-story fire station in 1958, at a cost of $200,000. To make room, the former Bellefonte Community Hall, the original station, had to be demolished.
In 1959, the New Castle County Fireboard (central emergency reporting center) began operations. No longer was there a need for the fire telephone at the station or the extension in the Chiefs house that had been manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
As in the years before, as improvements to equipment and gear occur, upgrading continues. This is an ongoing necessity. In 1971, we recognized the need in the district for an aerial truck, so acquired a 75 ft. Aerialscope at a cost of $86,000.
In 1994, our 1930 Hahn pumper returned home. It had served our community well as an active fire truck from 1931 through 1965 when it was traded in for a new truck. Our "antique" is now a permanent engine room showpiece when not taking part in parades and other activities. Youngsters who drop by with their families or school classes to tour the station (this is .encouraged), enjoy sitting in the front and ringing the bell. |
