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THE HAMPSTEAD VOLUNTEER FIRE ENGINE & HOSE COMPANY, NO. 1
The First 100 years
When the company was first organized, the alarm was given by sounding the bell on top of the firehouse. This was done by the first member who arrived at the firehouse. When informed of the location of the fire, he would strike the tolling hammer the number of the district, as follows:
NORTHER FIRE DISTRICT (comprising the territory north of Middletown Road) – Two taps, repeated three or more times.
MIDDLE FIRE DISTRICT (comprising the territory between Middletown Road and Railroad Avenue) – Four Taps, repeated three or more times.
SOUTHERN FIRE DISTRICT (comprising the territory south of Railroad Avenue) –Six taps, repeated three or more times.
The organization of a fire company (the “Company”) for the Town of Hampstead probably was the direct result of action on April 15, 1899, at a meeting of citizens of the Town called for the purpose of considering the holding of a carnival. The object of holding a carnival was two-fold: first, to promote interest in the Town; and second to raise funds, which could afterward be devoted to some public purpose.
A committee was appointed, and as a result of their active work, a carnival was held on Saturday, May 27, 1899, from which the committee realized net proceeds of $67.30. It was estimated that three thousand people were in attendance.
The committee, having funds in hand, met on several occasions to consider a use that would be of best interest to the community. In July 1899, an effort was made to form a permanent organization for fire protection, but the effort was unsuccessful.
On January 2, 1900, the committee decided to invest the carnival proceeds in the purchase of a hook and ladder truck. On January 6th, just before sundown, a four-wheel hook and ladder was towed into Hampstead by a hay wagon returning from Baltimore. The truck, purchased from the Baltimore City Fire Department, was equipped with four ladders (10’, 18’, 24’, 35’ in length), as well as axes, picks, hooks, crowbars, gum buckets, and other appliances. It was equipped with a tongue and shaft and could also be pulled by hand. The cost of this ladder wagon was $75.00.
THE FIRST OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
President – J. Oliver Murray Board of Managers
1st Vice President – Dr. Edgar M. Bush Miles C. Grogg
2nd Vice President – Amos R. Schultz Thomas J. Hunt
Secretary – Weldon B. Wooden Charles V. Tipton
Assistant Secretary – Robert T. Shugars Richard C. Wells
Financial Secretary – E. Watson Turner Charles H. Sapp
Treasurer – John W. Gill
Assistant Treasurer – B. Frank Stansbury
Chief of Company – W. Chester Stick
Assistant Chief –John A. Schnell
The acquisition of the hook and ladder apparently aroused the active interest of the citizens of the town, who in meetings held on January 19th and 22nd, completed definite plans for the organization of a volunteer fire company, including the election of the first officers. The following persons then approved a charter having been prepared by the committee for that purpose and submitted at a meeting held February 12, 1900. J. Oliver Murray, Edgar M. Bush, Amos R. Schultz, Weldon B. Wooden, Robert T. Shugars, E. Watson Turner, John W. Gill, B. Frank Stansbury, W. Chester Stick, John A. Schnell, Miles C. Grogg, Thomas J. Hunt, and Richard C. Wells, Charles V. Tipton, Charles H. Sapp.
The company authorized the purchase of uniforms for it’s members on May 23, 1900, and held its second annual carnival in July of that year from which it had net receipts of $218.14. On January 14, 1901, it approved the purchase of two six-gallon fire extinguishers at a cost of $30.00.
The regular meeting of October 14, 1901 saw the Company approve the purchase of a 600 lb. bell from the Montgomery Ward & Company of Chicago, IL. for the sum of $47.00 plus freight.
Action of the Company on November 28, 1901, authorized the purchase of a Chas T. Holloway chemical fire engine at a purchase price of $300.00 or less.
The election of officers at the meeting of January 13, 1902 hit a snag when the gentlemen nominated for President (R.E. Murray and E.W. Turner) declined prior to the election. "Dr. Bush was then nominated for Pres & elected by acclamation". Thus beginning a run of 53 straight years at the helm of the Company.
The company was retaining housing locations for its equipment and, in order to improve that condition, was making efforts to locate a suitable lot in or near the center of town for construction of a hall. Its efforts were realized when Mr. H.R. Lippy acquired a property in the center of town and offered the Company a portion thereof, the purchase being authorized on January 27, 1902. A hall was now necessary and a committee was authorized to obtain proposals and estimates. On May 22, 1902, the Company approved the construction of a two-story brick building with a metal roof, measuring 30’ X 75’, at an estimated cost of $3,700.00. This action was later amended so as to provide for a building measuring 36’ X 70’.
The cornerstone of a building (a marble block donated by A.R. Schultz) was placed September 6, 1902. In order to finance the construction, the Company obtained loans of $1,000.00 from T.J. Hunt and $2,500.00 from the Hampstead Bank of Carroll County, Maryland. The hall was dedicated on September 18, 1903, with the Company having a parade and bazaar in celebration of the dedication. These events resulted in net proceeds of $487.38, the said sum being a substantial help in payment of construction costs. The Company was obliged to borrow additional funds to complete payment for construction and to pay the obligation to T.J. Hunt, and a number of members voluntarily agreed to sign the Company’s note guaranteeing payment of the obligation. Costs of construction of the building to the date of dedication amounted to $4,179.00, which did not include stage equipment, window shades or other furnishings. Furnishings for the hall were acquired as necessity arose and money was available for payment.
In 1905, the Ladies’ Auxiliary was organized and purchased leather harnesses for hitching horses to the Company’s two pieces of fire apparatus. The Ladies’ Auxiliary also purchased and provided many other necessities for the Company and, in April 1907, gave the Company the sum of $150.00, thus enabling it to pay the $200.00 balance remaining on an obligation incurred about the time of completion of the hall building. On a later occasion, December 13, 1909, the Auxiliary contributed the sum of $100.00 to be applied to the debt payment.
From time to time, member’s interest in the business of the Company lapsed, and this developed to such an extent that the president called a special meeting for December 20, 1909, ‘…for the purpose of discussing the advisability of either continuing or disbanding the Company.” The records indicate that the active officers of the Company were worried somewhat about the unpaid obligation of the Company. At said meeting, a resolution was passed authorizing action to issue and sell bonds securing the indebtedness of the Company. However, the Ladies’ Auxiliary again came to the Company’s assistance and, on January 27, 1911, gave it the sum of $150.00 to help pay an additional $300.00 on account of its indebtedness. On January 27, 1912, that Auxiliary contributed another $150.00 to the Company for payment of debt, followed by another $150.00 January 27, 1913, and $175.00 on January 26, 1914. At a regular meeting of the Company held on February 9, 1914, the members present determined to organize a campaign for the purpose of raising, within thirty days, a sum sufficient to enable it to pay off its remaining mortgage indebtedness of $800.00. The campaign was so successful that the sum of $906.00 was raised by popular subscription and the debt was wiped out.
The Company operated horse-drawn apparatus until the year 1918, when it purchased an American LaFrance 350 gallon-per-minute (gpm) combination pumper with soda acid tanks and extinguishers at an approximate cost of $7,200.00. This was a serviceable piece and was used until it was sold in 1937 to the volunteer fire company of Secretary, Maryland on the Eastern Shore.
In September 1920, the Company acquired a used automobile chassis and had constructed thereon a suitable body, which was used to transport or draw the Company’s hook and ladder truck, previously drawn by horses. It was also arranged for this vehicle to be used as a light truck to transport material and equipment to field and forest fires. The used automobile chassis did not render satisfactory service, and in July 1923 the Company purchased a one-ton Chevrolet chassis to replace it, the same giving general satisfaction until 1938.
Early in the morning of Tuesday, June 21, 1921, a fire broke out in the rear of Keller’s Garage. This fire later proved to be the most disastrous fire in Hampstead’s history. The garage, as well as the house and its belongings, fell prey to the fire, as did the Merryman Overall Company. By 2:00 a.m., the fire was spreading along both sides of Main Street and it looked as if the entire business section of the town of 1,500 was doomed. Residents were moving their belongings and everybody in town formed bucket brigades to try to ward off the flames. The loss sustained by the fire was estimated at about $55,000.00.
On January 23, 1923, the Company formed a men’s drill team with Albert A. Phillips, Sr. as drillmaster. Uniforms were purchased on May 2, 1935. The drill team was very active throughout the County and State, winning many trophies and money over the years. They made appearances at the Maryland State Fireman’s Association conventions, some of them being Westminster (1933), Frostburg (1942 and 1947), Baltimore (1943 and 1944), Hagerstown (1945) and Frederick (1946). One trip remembered by many was their appearance at the New York State Fireman’s Convention and the World’s fair in 1939.
As the community grew, the Company also grew in service. With additional equipment to house, and needing more space for suppers and social gatherings, in 1923 the Company constructed an addition to its fire hall. The total cost of the addition was $2,846.60.
Also, as a service to the community, the Company advanced to the Mayor and Council of Hampstead, the sum of $2,050.00 in 1924 and 1925 to enable said municipal corporation to obtain necessary paving on streets at the center of town. The Company improved its property with electric wiring and equipment in the summer of 1925 when electric current became available in town.
In the summer of 1931, it acquired a 750 gpm American-LaFrance combination pumper at a cost of $12,5000.00.
The Company had constructed, at three convenient locations in the town, reinforced concrete cisterns or reservoirs to contain approximately 20,000 gallons of water each, at a cost of $2,445.00. Of this amount business people and residents of the community contributed $1,921.50. In order to use the water supply to advantage, the Company also purchased 1,200 feet of 2 ½ - inch fire hose, making its supply of hose approximately a ½ mile in length, sufficient to reach from a cistern or reservoir to any point in town and nearby sections of the community.
On June 22, 1931, those three recently constructed water tanks probably saved the Town of Hampstead from a general conflagration when a fire broke out at 4:00 a.m. in the Central Garage. The garage, owned by C.F. Gorsuch and containing four apartments, the Central Theatre, a barbershop, and three resident-owned garages, was completely destroyed. Also destroyed were ten automobiles and three work buses. The total loss was approximated at $100,000.00. One woman was injured when she leaped from the blazing structure. Another, found unconscious was rescued through a window.
From time to time, the municipal government of the Town of Hampstead had considered the advisability of constructing and installing in the town a waterworks system for fire protection and other purposes, but had difficulty in providing it because of the necessary expense involved. On March 9, 193, the Company again provided help for the town by advancing the sum of $4,000.00 in order to enable the town to proceed with and complete the project. A number of years thereafter, when the town’s funds were available, the Company was reimbursed for this advance of money.
With a municipal water supply becoming available and its first piece of motor apparatus approximately eighteen years of age and being not too dependable, the Company considered the purchase of some more modern equipment. On September 18, 1936, it entered into a contract with the American-LaFrance and Foamite Corporation for the purchase of a 600-gpm-combination pumper with a closed body at a cost of $8,375.00.
The Company also purchased, in January 1938, an International one-half ton pickup truck to be used for forest fires and carnival purposes, as well as miscellaneous hauling.
On September 19, 1946, it entered into contract for the purchase of a Flexible-Buick ambulance with all modern equipment. This ambulance was delivered to the Company on June 30, 1947, at a cost of $6,047.89.
The fire hall was constructed in the years 1902 and 1903 to provide housing for two horse-drawn vehicles. During subsequent years, the Company had acquired motor vehicles and, in 1946, expecting the delivery of an ambulance and having three other pieces of apparatus. The members realized some arrangements should be made to facilitate the housing of equipment. Accordingly, and with the approval of the Board of Managers, the Company arranged for the improvement of the building by reconstructing and reinforcing its front. This included a provision for an additional entrance and improvement of the interior with the installation of steel beams to eliminate the posts supporting the second floor structure. The improvements were completed in 1947 and 1948 at an approximate cost of $15,000.00.
In October 1948, the Company purchased a 1½ ton Ford truck chassis and cab, upon which it had constructed and mounted a body with portable pumping engine, portable gasoline-powered generator, flood lights and portable lighting equipment, together with hose, extinguishers and necessary supplies. The total cost was approximately $4,185.00, with the same being used as auxiliary motor-driving pumping apparatus.
The Hampstead Volunteer Engine and Hose Company No. 1 was organized on February 13, 1900, and on March 17, 1950, celebrated its 50th anniversary with a banquet for its members. At the banquet Dr. Edgar M. Bush, one of the few surviving members at the Company’s organization, was presented with a gold certificate evidencing his filling of the office of President of the Company for fifty years.
The Company found that its ambulance service was very much in demand, requiring extensive use of its equipment, and in 1952 considered it advisable to acquire a new ambulance – a Flexible Buick costing $4,554.00. In March 1953, the Company acquired a new Mack 750 gpm combination pumper at a cost of $17,813.50.
Thereafter, the American-LaFrance 600 gpm pumper acquired in 1937 was equipped and converted into a rescue truck at an approximate cost of $5,000.00 in 1955.
The ambulance operations continued to increase and the vehicle previously used was replaced with a Superior Cadillac ambulance in August 1956 for $10, 2600.00. This vehicle was used until August 28, 1959, when it was replaced with another Superior Cadillac costing $18,899.00.
The Company obtained a combination American March front-end pumper of 500-gpm capacity, mounted on a Chevrolet truck chassis, at a cost of $14,634.00. On the same chassis were mounted the floodlights and portable equipment which had previously been used on the Ford truck acquired in 1948.
Operators of the ambulance felt that replacements should be obtained with reasonable frequency, and in May authorized the purchase of a new ambulance not to exceed funds then available for that purpose. The vehicle, a Superior Cadillac with partial fiberglass body, was delivered in August 1962, at a cost of $5,950.00, in addition to the trade-in allowance for the previously owned Cadillac. In March 1964, the Company purchased a Chevrolet pickup truck for hauling equipment and for use in connection with the carnivals.
During the fall months of 1964, that Company had many calls for service at field and forest fires where pumper trucks were difficult to handle. The Chief and assistants requested that the Company consider acquiring a four-wheel drive or Jeep-type vehicle to be used for such service. On December 14, 1964, the Company authorized the purchase of a new 1965 Willys Universal Jeep and it’s equipment, tank, hoist, and pumping equipment recommended by the forestry department – the total cost to be approximately $3,800.00. The vehicle was received and equipped accordingly.
At a regular meeting on July 10, 1965, a sales' representative was present and recommended the purchase of a new Superior Cadillac ambulance, submitting quotations. After consideration of the matter, the Company authorized the purchase of such a vehicle of the 1966-year model. The ambulance was received in April 1966, the cost being $8,150.00.
During 1966, the motor went bad in the 1932 American-LaFrance rotary gear pump. The Company decided not to spend any more money on this piece of equipment due to its age, and it was sold to Mr. Sterling Walsh. This same year, the Company entered into a contract with Mack Truck, Inc. for a C-85F pumper with a five-man canopy cab for a cost of $31,000.00. This engine had a 750 gpm midship centrifugal pump. It carried 750 gallons of water, 45 feet of extension ladders, 1,799 feet of 2½ inch hose, two 1½ inch lines of 150 feet each, a portable light plant along with a rectifier to give light from the engine itself, as well as many small tools, and salvage covers. It had a divided hose bed to be able to lay off two lines of 850 feet each or one line of 1,700 feet. In June 1969, this engine received first prize at the MSFA Convention in Ocean City for best-appearing pumper of the 750-gpm class.
Early in 1970, both the Frederick and Thomas properties on North Main Street in Hampstead became available. This committee recommended to the Company that the two properties be purchased. The Company voted to buy the same and, in the first part of May 1970, final settlement was made.
On Memorial Day, May 30, 1970, with equipment and men from Walsh Construction Company and many man-hours of hard work, the two old buildings were torn down and burned. The following weeks, the trash was hauled away and the lots graded as they are now.
Many projects to raise money for the new building was proposed and subsequently undertaken. Christmas trees were sold in December 1970, with a profit of $434.00. The same month, the Company had a cash drawing with a profit of $396.00. On Saturday, February 13, 1971, the Company held an Oyster and Beef Roast, catered by Horn & Horn, with a profit of $761.06.
Money Bingo was started in January 1971 and held on each Tuesday night. Being unable to accommodate all those who attended on one floor, it was necessary to purchase a public address system that was installed in the engine room and on the second floor. Again in December 1971, Christmas trees were sold with a profit of $450.85, due in great part to the efforts of Richard Ruby. At year’s end, the Chief reported 121 fire calls and 472 ambulance calls for the year.
Over the past few years, the building committee had been meeting to decide what type of building to construct. Many hours were spent discussing one-story and two-story buildings. At the March 2, 1972 meeting, the committee decided on a building 80’ X 120’. The building would be four bays wide, consisting of an office, recreation room, apparatus room, meeting room, toilet rooms, kitchen, dining room, and second deck over the rooms on the north side of the building for a bunkroom, recreation room and toilet room.
The Ladies’ Auxiliary had sponsored numerous activities over the past three years to pay for the kitchen for the new hall. Included in these activities were a bull roast, pancake breakfast, banquets, dances, serving refreshments at bingo, carnival stand, bake sale, and chicken fry. All of these activities and much hard work over a three-year period netted $7,765.88 towards the new kitchen. On September 25, 1972, the Auxiliary entertained the firemen at a covered dish dinner and presented then with a bronze memorial plaque for the future new building.
On February 5, 1973, the building committee received two sets of drawings and two sets of specifications for the general construction of the proposed new engine house. The heating, plumbing, air conditioning, and kitchen were separate from the general building. In April 1974, the building committee met at the fire hall. Those in attendance were Herman Hare, Ed Snyder, Robert Wheeler, Thomas Raver, John Lang, Wallace Boston, John Korman, Robert Albright and Dana Seipp. The committee met with Suburban Association Buildings, Inc. of Hanover, Pa to check over final plans and details of the proposed new firehouse. The contract was approved and signed. Early that same year, the Ladies’ Auxiliary signed a contract with Ottenheimer Equipment Company to supply kitchen equipment as per their specifications at a cost of approximately $35,000.00.
On May 12, 1974, due to heavy rain, the first part of the groundbreaking ceremony was held in the lobby of the Rendezvous Bowling Alley, and on June 10, 1974, grading of the ground was started for the foundation of the new fire hall.
On Sunday, December 29th, a new 1974 Chevrolet combination pumper-light rescue unit was put into service. The truck was purchased through Wheeler Chevrolet for the cost of $8,000.00 for the chassis and $20,000.00 for the light body. It had a 500-gallon booster tank and a 500 gpm Barton American front mount pump.
The annual Ambulance Supper was held in the new engine house on March 15, 1975, with very good results, and was followed by several dances and the County Ladies’ Auxiliary Banquet. The regular Company meeting was held in the new engine house for the first time on Monday, April 14, 1975.
The dedication took place on May 4, 1975 at 3:00 p.m. A group of about 400 witnessed the dedication of the new building, music was provided by the Alesia Band. President Wallace Boston called on Bessie Snyder, who presented an American flag that had flown over the Nation’s Capitol on December 6, 1974. The final part of the dedication was the laying of the cornerstone by Commissioner J. Norman Graham.
On May 28, 1975, a contract was let to Suburban Association Builders, Inc. to build a storage building for a cost of approximately $5,000.00.
In January 1976, a new Horton Ambulance body with a Chevrolet chassis was placed in service for $26,000.00.
A bulletin board was erected in the front of the building. Space was also provided for the original bell from the old firehouse and flagstaffs for the Maryland and United States flags.
On November 21, 1976, the Hampstead Firemen and Ladies’ Auxiliary hosted the annual Convention of the Maryland Fire Chief’s Association and Auxiliary.
In February 1977, the Company banquet was held in the firehouse, catered by the Eastern Star Organization. It was hoped that this would become an annual event for the firemen, their wives, the Ladies’ of the Auxiliary, their husbands, and invited guests. Bob and Lydia Korman showed slides and movies of the new firehouse, beginning with the clearing of the old buildings from the lots up to and including pictures of the completed new firehouse.
On February 28, 1977, at 4:23 p.m., the Company was called to the Zemco Corporation at 900 South Main Street for an alarm of fire. This fire went to three alarms and will probably go down in history as one of the greater fires in the Hampstead area. The Hampstead firemen and Company stayed on the scene for over 24 hours. There were 31 recalls, using a total of 404 men and 939.5 man-hours from the Company.
In August 1977, than annual carnival was held on the town parking lot. For many years this lost had been too small and it had been mentioned that the Company should hold it some other place. Many places had been suggested, along with the grounds at the new fire hall. In September 1977, the Company purchased the property north of the firehouse (a piece of land 83’ X 401’) for the sum of $35,000.00.
In February 1978 the annual banquet for the men and ladies was held once again. Several members were presented the Life Membership cards, including: Reverend Elmer Sprinkle, Edgar M. Snyder and William H. Shaffer. The highlight of the evening was the burning of the mortgage by President Hare, Chief Korman, and Building Committee Chairman Wallace Boston.
In March of 1978, the Company started its first solicitation for the ambulance by mail. Past President Raymond Smith would handle this with donations going to him and being deposited in the Company’s account. One year later, the Company decided to do the same thing for the equipment side and Harold “Jake” Starner would handle theses donations.
From July 31, to August 5, 1978, than annual carnival was held behind and on both sides of the new firehouse.
The Company had four members (Roy Dean, Jack Stone, Gary Wheeler, and Mike Armacost) successfully complete the CRT (Cardiac Rescue Technician) program, thus enabling the ambulance to upgrade to medic unit status. Ensuring the citizens of Hampstead and surrounding communities of Advanced Life Support in the event of a heart attack or other medical emergency.
The Company purchased an army surplus vehicle for a brush unit. It also bought a portable pump tank unit to go on this vehicle for brush fires. This unit became Brush #26.
The Lions Club and the Rotary Club agreed to split the cost of $5,000.00 for the purchase of a Hurst Tool, which they donated to the Company.
During a meeting on December 7, 1978, after many prior meetings to review specifications for a new engine, the engine committee opened bids. After this meeting, the Company voted to purchase the Seagrave custom pumper.
A special committee reported that the Brooks property south of the firehouse was for sale. The Company would keep the rear lot and sell the house.
At the annual banquet on February 2, 1979, Clarence Miller, Edgar M. Snyder, Maurice Gosnell and Ernest Houck (all Life members of the Company) were recognized for over two hundred years of service to the Hampstead Fire Company.
In June 1979, the Company, along with many other Carroll County and Baltimore County fire companies, was called to the town of Woodensburg in Baltimore County to help fight a multi-alarm fire at the Suburban Propane Company. Nearby homes were evacuated when a series of blasts hit the facility, located just off Hanover Pike, at 10:45 a.m. that Saturday, two large propane tanks and numerous smaller ones were involved. Fire companies from locations as far away as Baltimore-Washington International Airport were called in to assist. Neighbors reported hearing in excess of 20 explosions.
On September 30, 1980, it was reported that the Company had applied for and received a low interest loan from the County in the amount of $115,000.00 for a new pumper. At the November 11th meeting, it was announced that the new pumper was completed and ready for pickup at the factory in Clintonville, WI.
In March 1982, a motion was made to purchase a new Seagrave Pumper with a low interest loan from the County. Hampstead was the only fire company in Carroll County at that time to have two engines with closed cabs in service. At the April 12, 1982 meeting, it was reported that the “Thumper” equipment was in operation. In May 1982, the second floor bunkroom, recreation room and toilet rooms were completed.
At the March 16, 1983 meeting, President Addie Leister and Treasurer Esther Singer of the Hampstead Women’s Club gave a monetary donation to help with the purchase of MAST trousers. Within twenty-four hours of receiving the pants, they were used to help save the life of a woman in Hampstead.
During the July 9, 1984 meeting, a motion was made and seconded to pursue the possibility of selling Squad 2. In December 1984, the Company put into services a 1985 Road Rescue Ambulance on a Ford F-350 chassis.
In August 1985, a Chevrolet Crew Cab Pickup with a body built by Snyder Body Works was put into service as Life Support 2.
At 1:00 a.m. on November 4, 1986, there was a fire on the second deck of the firehouse in the recreation room. This resulted in considerable damage to the room, electrical wiring, etc., and burned through the roof. There was smoke damage throughout the building.
At the December 1988 meeting, it was decided to extend the block walls in the engine and dining rooms up to the steel purling with a top shelf on which to display the Company’s trophies.
There was also a fire in the coatroom on May 15, 1987 at 5:00 a.m., one day before the 64th Annual CCVFA Convention and the 45th Ladies Auxiliary Convention. This really brought out the community to help clean the hall for the convention the next day.
In January 1988, the Company paid Rill Contractors for work done to close the outside stairway.
On Saturday, February 11, 1989 at approximately 5:00 a.m., the Company received a call to Route 30 and the upper CSX railroad crossing. A truck carrying seven new General Motor’s vehicles had slammed into the 20th car of a 29-car freight train. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
An early morning fire broke out on Sunday, July 16, 1989 at the Four Seasons Sports Complex. Firefighters were kept busy as the fire went to five alarms, completely destroying the facility.
In June 1990, Silbaugh Memorials installed a marble stone for the front of the fire station. The stone would be inscribed with a Maltese cross and the date the Company was organized.
A motion was made in May to purchase a 1978 Seagrave 100-foot ladder truck (old FDNY Ladder 112) and have it refurbished by Interstate Truck & Equipment.
A modification was made to the Company’s Bylaws, effectively changing the requirements for Life Membership to forty years of service.
A tornado struck the Chartly Park apartments in Reisterstown in November 1990, and the Company was summoned by mutual aid to assist with the squad and medic unit. Also on November 17th that year the Company responded with both engines to assist with the Heagy’s Sporting Goods fire on West Main Street in Westminster.
On December 1, 1991, the refurbished 1978 Seagrave ladder truck was placed in service, becoming Truck #2. It was the second 100-foot ladder in Carroll County.
The Annual Maryland State Fireman’s 100th Anniversary Celebration was held June 1992 in Ocean City, Maryland, with all the Company’s delegation present.
On Sunday, June 22, 1992, Hampstead and nine other Carroll County fire companies responded to a call at the Sportsman Hall Skating Rink on Route 30 in Baltimore County. They battled the blaze from 5:00 a.m. until 7:00 a.m. Monday morning when it was declared under control.
A new 1994 International ambulance was put into service in November 1993.
In September 1995, a new Seagrave engine with a 1500 gpm pump, and a 1000-gallon booster tank was placed into service, becoming Engine #23.
The property just north of the existing Company parking lot became available upon the death of Thomas Wilson Alban. The Company voted to pursue purchasing the property. The ground consisted of a house, barn and lot measuring 103’ X 402’. The President and the Board of Managers spoke with Mr. Alban’s son, Tom, about buying the property.
The 1980 Seagrave E-21 was sold to Seven Valley Volunteer Fire Company. The 1992 Seagrave E-22 was returned in October from Interstate Truck Equipment Company ready for service.
At approximately 7:23 a.m. on December 31, 1996, the Company responded to a fire at the Western Maryland College gymnasium in Westminster. The fire went to five alarms.
On March 17. 1998, the Company put into service a new GMC 1998 Suburban, to be called Utility #2.
C.J. Miller INC, began tearing down the barn and house on the Alban property in September 1998. It was decided to seed the property, giving the Company an additional area to expand the carnival.
A new building was completed in August 1999, and will be used for storage and carnival use.
The Company has progressed from the horse-drawn hook and ladder truck in January 1900 to the 1995 electronically controlled pumper. As its members now look back over the years, they realize how much has been accomplished. They could not, however, help but wonder how much more would be done in the future.
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May 04, 2025
