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| During the March 17, 1922, meeting Mr. Clarence Hope of Wilmington, a local architect, was given a contract to layout the new building and on April 17 the plans were approved. On May 25, by a vote of 27 to 3, J. C. Willis was awarded the contract to build. The building cost was $22,324.00; heating installation by Dan Stoll added $2,885.00; electrical work by Electric Company of Delaware cost $294.00. The Trustees of Newark Academy in October 1922 asked the company to go one half of the expense of a walk and stone wall, same as the fire house. Company approved payment of one half of the cost and the wall was put up on Academy Street and down Main Street to the end of the Trustees' property. In March 1923 a new pump was ordered for the Thomas engine and in April the members were told the pump could not be obtained. Since a new pump could not be found the old pump, now ten years old, was repaired and the truck put in good condition again. In February 1924, two bowling alleys and a double shuffle board were purchased for $400.00 from North East Maryland. Carnival profit in July was $5,301.08. An order was placed in October for 500' of 2 1/2" hose @ $1.30 per foot. In November, a motion was approved to get bids on a new engine as the old one was in very poor condition. Also to get bids on how much it would cost to fix up the old Thomas engine. A siren was installed this year, being used the first time on October 25, 1924, at 11:00 p.m. The fire was a small building in back of the Women's College which was practically destroyed before the alarm was received. Damage was $200.00 and the fire recorder was Frank M. Lutton. On the 25th of January, 1925 the old Thomas engine was repaired at a cost of $575.00. The carnival profit this year was $7,545.48. On October 29 the Directors called a special meeting to discuss the purchase of a new fire apparatus. Bids were received from Mack, Seagraves, Stutz, and U. S. Fire Apparatus of Wilmington. It was voted on November 1 by a vote of 30 to 16 to buy a Seagraves and the old Thomas to be sold. The Seagraves ordered was a 750 gallon pumper with 40 gallon chemical tank, one 20' ladder, one roof ladder and a hose bed to carry 100' of 2 1/2" hose. Cost of the new engine was $11,500.00. At the January 1926 meeting it was voted to send Cranston Heights $250.00 to be distributed to the families with a letter expressing sympathy for the firemen killed when a Cranston Heights engine turned over. The new Seagraves was received in February and in April 500' of new 2 1/2" hose was ordered. The first ambulance, a Studebaker, was purchased in 1926 and placed in service the following year. This was a much needed service and Aetna has furnished the area ambulance service ever since. In 1927 the bell was moved from on top of the building and placed on the siren tower. New tires were purchased for the Stutz in 1929 at a cost of $440.00 for the four. In July an inhalator and two smoke masks were purchased. In 1930 the ambulance was given a motor overhaul and a new rear had to be put in the Stutz this year. The 1930 carnival profit was $2147.31. In 1931 the Town Council suggested a paid driver and they would increase the company's appropriation to $1,200.00 instead of $500.00. Company turned down the offer because they could not afford to pay the difference. A siren was placed on the ambulance for the first time in 1931. The company's assets in 1932 including cash, building, apparatus, and accounts totaled $65,454.13. New uniforms were ordered this year. Because of the depression it was decided not to hold a carnival until business was much better. A new chemical hose was purchased for the Seagraves in 1934. The company members attended the Maryland State Firemen's Convention in Cambridge on June 22, 1934; thirty members and the Seagraves made the trip. In January 1935 the membership total was 140 and the average monthly meeting attendance was only 18. The president asked for more interest to be shown with regard to meetings. A new gas tank was placed on the Seagraves. In 1936 the ambulance engine was rebuilt at a cost of $117.00. In July all 2 1/2" hose was tested; 300' were no good and 500' new 2 1/2" hose was ordered. The company held a picnic on August 15 at Delaware Beach. Motion was passed at the September meeting to appoint a committee to look into doing away with the ambulance, as the company was financially not able to operate it. It was necessary to cash $2,000.00 in building and loans to meet expenses. Howard Murphy was elected caretaker as Mr. Gregg advised he wished to move. Committee was appointed to get prices on an oil burner to replace the coal furnace and 500' of 1 1/2" hose. The hose was purchased and the oil burner purchase held up. In December the ambulance committee reported working out plans with town council to keep the ambulance in service. In January 1937 a bell was added to the phone in the upstairs apartment so it could be easier to hear. A new ambulance was ordered, and a drive by both the company and town council was made to pay for it. Company started a new ambulance account to be kept separately as no more ambulance bills were to be paid by the fire company. The new ambulance was received May 7. In April it was decided to write Stutz Corporation and secure a bid on rebuilding the Stutz engine. The bid to rebuild the Stutz was $5,650.00 which was approved and the chiefs were to work out details with the Stutz Corporation. The chemical tank was replaced with a booster tank at no cost to the company. The engine was shipped to the Stutz plant at Hartford City, Indiana, in June 1937. A motion to look into removing the post in the engine room was approved. The bid ($1,015.00) was too high and the post was not removed as the company did not feel they should spend this amount at this time. A radio was purchased for the social room for $39.00. Town Council and Chamber of Commerce were contacted to see if they were in favor of holding the state Firemen's Convention here in 1938. The Chief reported he had checked with both and they were favorable. The company's softball team under Charles Eissner was champion this season. Aetna housed Christiana's new fire truck on September 18, 1937, and presented them with a rotary light. The insurance check in 1937 was $828.00 and the state appropriation was $750.00. The Stutz was received in February 1938 in good condition except for a cracked windshield. New 3/4" hose was purchased for the Seagraves. The inside of the station was cleaned and painted by Charles Tasker at a cost of $564.00. In May, trouble was reported with the Stutz pump. The Seagraves was painted in July by Fader Motor Company at a cost of $195.00. In August the outside of the station was painted by Charles Tasker, costing $265.00. The State Firemen's Convention was held here on September 7 and 8, 1938; chairman was Edwin L. Shakespeare. Advertisements in the program book paid for the convention expenses with $140.00 balance left when all bills were paid. Chiefs asked for dual wheels to be placed on the rear of the Stutz approved and ordered. On February 3, 1939, a committee was appointed to contact the Newark Town Council to increase our appropriation to $1000.00 a year. Council asked for a statement of expenses for the past year. This was approved to be submitted. Also the State Firemen's association entered a bill this year to increase each company's appropriation to $1,000.00. In November, Council advised they had not received our financial statement and the president ordered the secretary and treasurer to send it at once. The statement was sent and the appropriation was approved. The company also received from Levy Court $1,250.00 annually. In March 1940 a new booster tank was put on the Seagraves at a cost of $151.00. In July, signs for members' cars were purchased for 30 cents each. The council questioned how much they should now appropriate the company; and increased their appropriation to $1,500.00 a year. Two more smoke masks were added and more firefighting coats and helmets. The New Castle County Firemen's Association asked for a financial report for the past year and the president ordered the treasurer to mail the same one sent Newark Council with updated information. Motion was approved to exempt all members who are in the service or go in the service from payment of dues till further notice. In January 1941 a committee was appointed to get information and bids on a new apparatus. During the June meeting a new Seagraves was ordered at a cost of $9,256.71 and a new Hale pump was put on the Stutz at a cost of $2,593.00. Also a committee was appointed to go over the building to see how the new engine would be housed. In July 1200' of 2 1/2" hose and 200' of 1 1/2" hose were ordered for $1,740.00. Twelve new chairs were ordered for the basement and the first water cooler was ordered for the station, costing $131.00. The addition of a wing on the north and south side of the building was approved. The architect was Mr. G. Morris Whiteside and the contractor was W. S. Hawthorn & Son; bids were $13,460 for construction; $807.60 for architect fees. The new Seagraves was received in March 1942. An Open House was held in June to show the house and equipment to the area residents. Trouble with a leaky roof was reported during the first year in the South wing of the new building. This was finally corrected after months of contact with the builder. During 1943 the meeting room was used for a Red Cross nurses' class. Building Loan shared that became due were put into war bonds. The Stutz had new brakes put on it and coats and boots were ordered for twelve men. The insurance check this year was $910.99. A carnival came up for discussion but no action was taken. Cigarettes were mailed to all members overseas. In January 1944 the fire phone was put up in the apartment with an extension downstairs. The subject of a carnival again came up, with no action taken. The city's appropriation check was received in August for 1943. Christmas supper was attended by 84 members. Caretaker Howard Murphy advised he would move in April 1945. George Neighbors was made chairman of the ambulance committee to handle all ambulance problems. Motion was approved to look into buying a new ambulance in October and to ask council to pay $2,000.00 and the committee would raise the rest from the town residents. Council approved and the members contracted local companies and residents and raised the balance. A new siren was placed on the tower in February 1946. An additional alarm system was discussed in March and a committee was appointed to look into it. They recommended another siren at another location. No action was taken because of cost. The first Scott Air Mask was purchased in April from Southern Oxygen Company for $152.20. A party was given for the returning service members on July 26, at a cost of $378.60. This was paid for by special donations at no cost to the company. The Back Room Committee or social committee was started this year. An order was placed for 500' of 2 1/2" hose and 300' of 1 1/2" hose in October at a cost of $1,090.00. The financial condition of the company in December 1946 showed total cash assets of $31,888.02, or just a little more than the cost of new apparatus. In February 1947 the company voted to start carnivals again and a committee was appointed. During March $100.00 was sent to the Elsmere Fire Company who had a fire loss of station and equipment. George Neighbors suggested, at the April meeting, letters be sent to area residents for donation to help buy a new engine. No action was taken. Mr. George Moore donated the company an old fire axe claimed to be over 200 years old. This was placed in the trophy case. A Coke machine was placed in the social room in July, with profit to go to the social committee. The carnival profit was $7,832.17 in 1947. In January 1948 the company and city paid $75.00 each for a cutting outfit to be used by both. North East Fire Company carnival supplies including stands, wheels, etc., were purchased in March for $750.00. The heater room and basement were cleaned, painted and tile put on the floor. The pump on the old Seagraves was rebuilt at the factory during May and June. Carnival total receipts were $16,902.82 and net profit was $5,639.77. Levy Court check for insurance this year was $1,308.17. A motion to raise membership from 200 to 250 members was defeated by a vote of 34 to 15. A permanent carnival bingo stand was built on the Willis property and, between carnivals, the other stands were stored in this stand. Christmas dinner was held December 16 and was well attended. Most of the food was donated. The first television set, an RCA, was purchased in January 1949 at a cost of $425.00. A bingo game was held in the basement in February and was unsuccessful. In June the Continental Band was turned over to the company with the Board of Directors appointing the governing body. Dave Chalmers was the Band Director. A committee was appointed to investigate the purchase of a tank-wagon (either a Dodge or Ford was recommended) with an 800 gallon water tank. The vote was Dodge 40 and Ford 8. A contract was signed with Duncan Fire & Safety for American Fire Apparatus Company to build the body and pump. Costs were Rittenhouse Motor Company for the truck $3,618.75; American Fire Apparatus for the body, pump, etc. $5,026.00 - making a total of $8,644.75. The Ladies Auxiliary was formed this year. In December 250' of 2 1/2" hose and 800' of 1 1/2" hose were ordered costing $1,382.00. The Ladies Auxiliary, even though only formed a very short time, donated a new nozzle for the Dodge tank wagon in January 1950. A membership drive for "Aetna Ambulance Association" was started by the ambulance committee this year and received just over $2,000.00. This annual drive is held each spring. An Iron Lung was presented to the company by V.F.W. Post 475. The highest net profit on a carnival, $10,146.27, was made this year with Walter Wassmer as chairman. The university of Delaware gave the company 800' of 1 1/2" hose. The Directors started having monthly meeting during this year. Fifteen coats and boots were purchased in November. After a complete search of the deed, the company acknowledged, in January 1951, they could not prove ownership of the old station. A committee was appointed to look into the ground on which the Academy Street and Delaware Avenue station stands. The original land assigned for the center part of the station stands, plus both wings and 26' north of the north wall of the station, was purchased from the Academy Trustees for $6,200.00. A $2,000.00, down payment was made with the balance to be paid off at the rate of at least $1,000.00 by October 1st of each year. Discussion for more sirens around town again was held pointing out to do this would require 13,660' of wire @ $334.00, four starters @ $80.00, labor @ $150.00 - not including the cost of the sirens. No action was taken because of the cost. A committee was appointed to look into the purchase of an aerial ladder wagon. Bids were received from Mack ($35,539.00), Seagraves (no bid), and American LaFrance ($31,900.00). The vote was American LaFrance 17, Mack 6, Seagraves 0. An order was placed in April for the LaFrance Ladder Wagon; and after making some changes the final acceptance price was $29,875.00, delivered. In May the company went on record as opposing the one way street program for Main Street and Delaware Avenue. The first full set of tools was purchased for the engineers at a cost of $96.00. Carnival profit this year was $8,132.26. Twenty-five-year pins were purchased from William B. Bridgewater, cost $694.00. The first 1000' of threaded 2 1/2" double jacket hose was purchased from Fabric Hose Company, cost $1.930.00. The Christmas dinner was held on December 6 and was well attended, cost per ticket was $1.50 each. The new American LaFrance aerial truck was received and the company borrowed $8,000.00 to pay the balance of the cost in order to leave the company's reserve in bonds and building and loan intact. These were the only cash assets the company had. An A-D-T system covering the Chrysler Parts Plant had been in the station for several years; in January 1952 a Gamewell system was put in for the Tank Plant. The first fire school with an outside instructor was held that year, with Chief Whalen of the Wilmington Bureau of Fire acting as instructor. The state radio Fire Net was started with Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Company as New Castle County's base station. A large Civil Defense siren, weight 2 1/2 tons, was donated to the company in June by the Chrysler Corporation. A minstrel show, with Walter Gainer as chairman, was held to buy new and additional uniforms. It was very successful. All carnivals were stopped this year due to a State law. Fund Drives were started late this year under chairman John Cunningham. The drive ran into 1953 due to its late start. In January 1953, a boot sink was placed in the engine room and the chief requested equipment to be kept as clean as possible. He also requested the men to attend a weekly instruction class on Tuesday nights. The new siren tower and the large C-D siren were put up by George Moore, riggers, at a cost of $2,439.63, with one half paid by Civil Defense. The first portable pump was ordered in April from Capitol Fire Equipment at a cost of $426.00. A committee was appointed to secure bids on a new engine: 1 750 gallon pumper. A new American LaFrance apparatus was ordered that August, at a cost of $15,600.00, partly paid by Civil Defense. The new engine included a foam tank and a 300 gallon water tank. Fire Chief Ellison died on September 2, 1953, and the engines in the convention parade in Wilmington on September 12 were draped with black. His seat on the lead truck was vacant. The company members turned out in force for the parade, in honor of their past chief, and won first prize ($100.00) and the Govenor's Cup. The apartment was completely repainted, new electric fixtures installed and John List, Sr. was elected caretaker. Small badges could be purchased if the members wanted them, but each member would have to pay for his own. Two more smoke masks were purchased and two sets of Oklahoma Manuals for fire training were ordered. This year's fund drive netted $11,500.00. Lockers for the most active firemen were assigned in January 1954, including helmet, coat and boots. President and Directors met with City Council and requested the appropriation be increased to $5,000.00 annually; and asked why the $1,500.00 had not been sent for 1953. The Council approved $3,600.00 to be paid at $300.00 a month; and advised they would send the $1,500.00 for 1953 as soon as possible. Two-Way radios were purchased for all apparatus lacking them. In April, 500' of 1 1/2" hose and 75' of 3" hose was ordered. The Directors and Officers met with the Brookside Civic officers to discuss a fire company in Brookside. After many meeting, all present felt it was best to leave the fire protection to the Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Company. A new ambulance was purchased in June and the members were asked to help all they could to man it. A 4' opening was made in the stone wall between the north engine bay and Academy Street in order to have an opening to the parking lot. a two-way radio hook-up was completed with the Elkton Fire Company; we purchased a receiver on their wave-length; they purchased one on ours. The Air Force Recruiter started using the station each Wednesday afternoon for recruiting duty in the Newark general area. The fund drive this year raised $10,259.00. The first rescue truck was purchased in January 1955, used, for $250.00. A 500 gallon gas tank was placed at the north end of the building by Shellhorn and Hill as the company's gas purchases had reached an all-time high. The company received so many requests for water during this dry spring that a motion was approved to haul water only to those who were trying to make arrangements to secure water from new wells or mains as soon as possible. The Chief Engineer was elected for the first time this year; this office had been an appointed one. A special savings account was opened with Wilmington Savings Fund Society for future fire station expansion with $10,000.00 from was war bonds that had matured plus a $4,000.00 depreciation fund account for new apparatus. The company supported the passage of a State Fire Code along with other county and state companies. Plans for a Delaware Avenue extension, consisting of three engine bays with a television and game room, were submitted, approved and sent out for bids. The first accident on an ambulance occurred this year; a hernia while lifting a patient. The insurance company turned down compensation but, several months later, paid the claim. The members played the Lions Club in a donkey baseball game with all the $420.28 profit going to the fire company. In August, 1000' of Dacron 2 1/2" hose was purchased, at a cost of $1,680.00. The parade committee under chairman James Wood held a fun fair and raised $856.56 for new uniforms. The addition to the building, with three bays facing Delaware Avenue, was approved for $20,348.00. Nowland Brothers, being the lowest bidder, received the contract in October. A new motor was put in the 1941 Seagraves at a cost of $2,200.00. The old Seagraves was sold to Rodney Dann for $250.00. A change was made in the by-laws so the president would be elected by the membership, instead of by the Board of Directors. The fund drive totaled $16,069.65; $4,000 was placed in the depreciation fund for a new apparatus, the balance deposited in the building fund. In January 1956, a new International Rescue truck was ordered for $2,551.00. The old carnival stands were sold in February as company plans to raise needed money by Community Fund Drives. A plaque was placed in Station 9 Rec Room in memory of Chief Ellison. The County Civil Defense truck was assigned to the company and we were advised to use it if it were needed. The company sponsored Benson Brothers Circus on the Stafford property on Ogletown Road which was unsuccessful. The State Fire Schools were now held in Camden-Wyoming and Aetna had a number of men attending these classes. The members voted not to take part in the proposed County Call Board if it went into effect. In March a new Cadillac Ambulance was purchased for $3,000.00, plus the ambulance which had been damaged earlier that month in an accident at Glasgow. All ambulance drivers were again requested to use extreme care in their driving at all times. A new and larger fire siren was purchased and the old rescue truck was sold to James Julian Company for $150.00. The company joined the Mutal Relief Association of the Delaware StateFiremen's Association and dropped the insurance they had been carrying. In October a letter was received from caretaker John List advising he was moving. The company's Little League team won the pennant in 1956 for the second straight year. The company membership voted to close the membership until new by-laws could be incorporated. The parade committee made $641.09 from the fun fair for uniforms. Eight new tires for the Dodge and Stutz and a second portable pump were ordered. Mrs. Marion Mayko was accepted to be the answering caretaker and the cleaning was to be done by the members. Arthur T. Moore painted the siren tower at a cost of $365.00. The Christmas dinner was held on December 13 and was very well attended. Four shares of stock in "American Telephone & Telegraph" were given to the company by Chester E. Ewing. A committee was appointed to look for a location for a second fire station and instructed to check with city and county planning committees on location. A new two-way radio was purchased for the ambulance and it was changed from the State Police Band to the Fire Radio net. The fund drive total was just a little over $15,000.00 and the city appropriation was $2,600.00 a year. In January 1957 an intercom system was installed between the apartment and the Newark Police Station. A second ambulance was added in April at a cost of $12,950.00. A new gas heating, hot water system replaced the old oil burner at a cost of $2,050.00 providing heat and hot water for the station. The pump was rebuilt on the 1941 Seagraves. The ground on East Cleveland Avenue could be obtained for a second fire station and they were looking for other locations. A committee was appointed to draw up specifications and send for bids on a new pumper-tank truck. The American LaFrance Company submitted the low bid of $23,465.00 and received the order for a new pumper-tank truck with 750 gallon pump, 750 gallon water tank, to carry 1200' of 2 1/2" hose, 400' of 1 1/2" hose on each side pre-connect, with rear end intake. Fund drive this year was $17,248.25. The Company went on record as requesting Aetna of Newark to be the host company for the 1959 Delaware State Firemen's Convention. The company membership went on record in February 1958 to advise council they favored Main Street and Delaware to remain two-way streets. The representative for the 1958 convention program book was requested by the Board of Directors to leave Newark and not to solicit because of his statements to some of the business people. Aetna sent Smyrna a check for $100.00 with a letter advising them of this action. Olan Thomas was elected County President and a Director of the State Association for the year of 1958. He was the first member of Aetna to hold both the County Presidency and a State Office. The membership requested Harry Crissman to contact Levy Court to see if Aetna could buy the Civil Defense rescue truck. The old siren was reported as blowing too long and members were asked to turn it off after the apparatus had gone into service. The addition of sirens or radios was recommended and a guard rail to be placed around the ladder in the siren tower, no action was taken on any of this. The wooden railing around the top of the north and south engine bays was taken off in April. Mr. Albert J. Windsor of Brookside gave the company an old model steam apparatus and clock to be placed in the meeting room. Four indian tanks for field fires were purchased. For the first time, two company fire schools were held at the same time: one for advanced firemen, the other for new or less than two-year firemen. A phone was placed on the front of the station for reporting of alarms and ambulance calls. A new water tank was placed on the Dodge and two new Scott Air masks were purchased. Mr. Robert "Bert" Crow, a past Assistant Chief. died in the station after answering a phone alarm for a barn fire on June 11, 1958. A new flag was given the company by the Junior Order of American Mechanics. The old rest room on the second floor was removed and a chief's office replaced same. The 1941 Seagraves and Dodge were proposed for sale and the purchase of a new pumper-tank truck to replace them was recommended. The company was offered $8,000.00 as a trade-in for the two trucks for a net cost of $16,700.00 for a new engine. The chiefs were instructed to get all the information and report back. Both trucks could not be released at once, one must stay in Newark until the new one could be received. Aetna housed a new engine for Hockessin Fire Company in September. New chairs were purchased for the television room. The Middle Department of Fire Underwriters made a study of Aetna's fire equipment and advised the company's present apparatus was satisfactory and would still be satisfactory if two old engines were replaced with one combination truck. The old 7 1/2 hp Federal Siren was loaned to Civil Defense so an electric siren could be blown from State Civil Defense controls center. Charles Wollaston was appointed chairman for the 1959 State Convention to be held in Newark. A committee was appointed to get bids on an emergency generator large enough to run all of the station's equipment. Bids were received and the generator purchased from Graybar Electric Company for $4,632.50. A steel building was placed under the siren tower for the generator at a cost of $839,80. fifteen sets of coats, boots and helmets were ordered. All companies in the county were on the Call Board system by the end of the year, except Goodwill Fire Company of New Castle and the Aetna Hose of Newark. The fund drive for 1959 brought in over $17,000.00. The County Civil Defense rescue truck was purchased in 1959 for $3,000.00, including all the equipment. Twenty new tables for the Auxiliary were ordered for the basement, and were to remain in the basement. The International Rescue truck was sold to Cecilton Fire Company, Cecilton, Maryland, for $1,600.00 and the Civil Defense rescue truck just purchased was painted red. A stone mason checked and repaired the building masonry. The 1941 Seagraves was traded for $3,000.00 and a new American LaFrance pumper-tank truck was purchased for $22,450.00. The new engine was a 900 series, 750 gallon pumper with 750 gallon water tank plus 1000' of 2 1/2" hose. The company accepted a special Philadelphia Inquirer feature, having the front page covering Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Company. The entire station was painted inside and outside by John Tweed. A field fire truck (a government 3/4 4X4) was discussed; no action was taken. It was decided to have the two social rooms air-conditioned but, at the following meeting, this was canceled. A new public address system was purchased from Rawlins & Kincaid for $250.00. The fund drive folder was changed and cards for names and addresses of invalids were included. A metal "I" was placed on the front of all homes where invalids lived. An air compressor was recommended with no actions taken as it was felt not enough greasing was done to warrant this. The meeting room floor was sanded and refinished, a storm door was placed on the television room entrance, a new trophy case was made in the rear of the meeting room, and all new window shades were purchased. An Addressograph machine was discussed; no action was taken because of cost. The members asked the old Armory Building on Delaware Avenue in Newark be turned over to the City of Newark and so wrote the Governor. Roofs were repaired on the north and south engine bays. General discussion was held on hiring janitorial services to clean the station; estimates were too high and the members continued to clean the station. A new Cadillac ambulance was purchased in August for $5,890.00 plus trade in. Four battery trickle chargers were ordered: one for the generator and three for all other station apparatus, total cost $250.00. The state convention, held in Newark on September 18th and 19th, was very well attended. Wilmington Trust Company gave the company a large safe for the office, plus a great many chairs for the meeting and social rooms. Aetna had a second member elected to a state office: George Smith became Treasurer of the State Fire Chief's Association and elected President of the County Fire Chief's Association. The fund drive went over the goal of $18,000.00 by more than $1,400.00. In January 1960, committee was appointed to again study the siren, radio, and telephone methods of alerting members. A safety ring was put around the ladder on the siren tower, plus a new metal floor on top of the tower and a metal railing around the top deck at a cost of $1,180.00, with one-half paid by Civil Defense. Fifteen new tarpaulins were purchased at $4.00 each; and a new smoke ejector was purchased for the rescue truck. The City Council was asked to increase the yearly appropriation from $4,200.00 to $6,000.00 a year. The first Spring banquet was held on May 28 and was well attended. A check for $50.00 was sent to Smyrna Fire Company for Glen Mathews, an ambulance driver from Smyrna who was in a serious ambulance-car accident. Chief Clifton Knotts reported enough time had been spent looking for a surplus truck for brush fire use and recommended a used army truck be purchased as soon as possible. This was approved, was purchased and equipped for $2,500.00 plus a few hundred dollars for small equipment and a radio. The apartment was painted by John Tweed for $225.00. A general meeting was held with all local civic association leaders to assure them our protection was adequate, and to secure a lower fire insurance rate for them. This was successful; the National Board approved a lower rate for all protected areas in the county with fire hydrants. A new 1961 Cadillac ambulance was purchased in November and the oldest one traded in. New tires were purchased for the ladder truck. Olan Thomas was elected president of the Delaware State Fire Chief's Association. Jackets were purchased by the members and were paid for when ordered by each man. A calendar of events was started in January 1961 so that more than one group would not be scheduled to use the basement at one time. A copy of both Directors' and Regular meeting minutes were mailed to all Directors on a trial basis and this has been made a standard procedure. A ventilating fan was placed in the meeting room. The slate roof on the main building was repaired. Members had their blood typed, and cards with this information are on file in both the radio room and in the rescue truck. Vending machines for candy and cigarettes were obtained. The profit from these machines and the Coke machine is turned over to the social committee. A receiver and de-coder with controls to Number One fire siren were installed in April so the call board could blow our siren. The sum of $5,000.00 was willed the company on the death of a Newark resident who requested that her name be withheld. The planning and grounds committee reported the B & O Railroad had turned down Aetna's request to buy next to the A & P store on Ogletown Road. Addressograph plates were purchased for all members so mailings could be made often. Paul Gainer was appointed Company Chaplain. A Bell & Howell model 385K, 16MM sound movie projector and screen were purchased at a cost of $407.00 for fire schools and showing of fire film to civic group meetings. Two rifles were given to the company for parades by the V.F.W. Post 475. In June the members approved the purchase of 40 radios on the fire radio net, plus an encoder to activate them at a cost of $6,702.50. They then voted to go on the County Fire Call Board. The second fire siren was put on call board controls and all calls for fire and ambulance from this time on were answered by the call board, manned by full-time paid operators. A flag which flew over the Capitol Building in Washington was presented to the company by Senator Boggs. The first fire prevention film was purchased - a school safety film - costing $185.00. Replacement of the ramp in front of the engine bays on Academy Street to cost $2,219.70 was discussed. No action was taken as the officers recommended it not be torn out before the new station was completed unless absolutely necessary. The wall in the south bay was taken out to make room for all equipment and the south bay became an ambulance bay. Three tires for the ladder truck and six batteries for other trucks were purchased. George Willet was accepted as the caretaker and became the first non-member caretaker. The 1959 ambulance was traded on a new Cadillac ambulance, net cost $5,100.00. In September the members voted to purchase the lot on Ogletown Road from B & O Railroad who had reconsidered after receiving many letters from business men, educational leaders, the Mayor of Newark, and other interested persons in the area. A new timer was put on Siren Number 2 costing $85.00. A new metal trash container was purchased to be used with the new city trash truck, cost $150.00, and the old 50 gallon trash cans were removed from the side of the building and thrown away. The Christmas party was held on December 16th. A plot of ground on Chestnut Hill Road owned by the University of Delaware was discussed for a possible site for Station #3. It was moved and passed that arrangements be made for assignment of this lot. The annual fund drive totaled $19,246.00, with a few returns still to be received. In January 1962 large maps covering our fire district were placed on the walls of the radio room and in the hall by the radio room. It was noted that for years the company had been going under the wrong name. The correct name is Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Company of Newark Delaware" and not No.1, Inc. as had been used. Additional coats, helmets, boots, a siren for the brush fire truck, two Scott Air masks, and positive parking brakes for trucks #100 and #105 were ordered at total cost of $675.00. The Wilmington Trust Company gave the company six more chairs for the meeting room. Workmen's Compensation benefits for Aetna were discussed with no action taken. Financial officers Allen Smith and Sam Gray reviewed the company's financial condition and advised the membership it was practical and advisable for us to proceed with building plans. Architect Whiteside, Moekel and Carbonell were approved and advised to proceed with the building committee and chairman Robert Mitchell in drafting plans. The Home Committee of the V.F.W. Post 475 presented a large flag to the company. The fire station was used for Federal distribution of food for persons in this area all during the year. An insurance committee was appointed consisting of Don Butterworth, chairman, Allen Smith, Charles Eissner and Charles Wollaston. This committee reviewed Aetna's overall insurance needs and recommended and insurance Broker system. The committee and the broker have done an outstanding job since, The Spring banquet was held on May 12 at the Brookside Union Hall and was well attended. All during the year the major subject at all meetings was Station Number 2. Directors changed the time of their meetings during the summer months to 8:00 p.m. and thereby made all their meetings start at 8:00 p.m. throughout the year. The Mayor and City Council members were invited to a meeting in the company meeting room where a complete picture of this company's operation, both financial and fire fighting, was presented. All but one councilman was able to attend and a review was held with him at a later date. Caretaker George Willet advised he would move and in about four weeks the apartment would be available. Clyde Crow was accepted as the new caretaker. The large generator was changed to 3-phase by Hatzel & Buehler Company, total cost $610.00; the house was now covered by both 110-and 220-volt current all the time. Fifteen sets of firefighting gear were purchased at a cost of $825.00 as a great many new members were taken in during the last two years. A picnic committee was appointed and a family picnic was held in August and a fine time was had by all. The radio alerting system was reported as having a problem as a great number of radios were not alerting when the tone was put out. In August, the Stutz had the valves cleaned and replaced where necessary; the work was done by the members. supervise by Chief Engineer Herman Gray. The fire school this year was attended by 49 members. Large parade badges would now be given to the new members instead of the small ones. Small ones can be purchased by the members if they wish them. A special meeting was held on August 17 in order that the new building plans could be fully outlined and any questions answered. Over 100 members attended and approved proceeding with the pans to erect the station and to arrange with the plans to erect the station and to arrange for a mortgage with the Wilmington Trust Company. Books will be kept on Station #1 and #2 and expenses and income will not be combined. The company station located at Academy Street and Delaware Avenue was changed from Station #10 to Station #9 and the new station on Ogletown Road will be Station #8. The 1960 Cadillac ambulance was traded in on a 19163 model at a net cost of $3,900.00. Six new tires were purchased for the small LaFrance pumper #92. The University of Delaware purchase a radio set for their maintenance shop. Now, when an alarm is sounded for the U. of D., their maintenance men guard force will go to the scene. A general discussion was held on replacement for the brush fire truck, with no positive action taken. It was also included that the exterior of the fire station should be painted in 1963. The fund drive produced $24,184.00, the largest fund drive total to date. Civilian Defense request to use the basement as a general shelter was turned down in January 1963 due to the layout of the building. Supplies were requested for use of the firemen who will have to man the station in event of an attack. The yearly depreciation for apparatus was raised from $5,000.00 a year to $8,500.00 a year to meet the increasing cost of a replacement apparatus. A bulletin board was placed in the social room with all members' names and the date they joined the company. All deputy sheriffs' badges were called in as the company will no longer ask for deputy sheriff appointments for some of the ambulance crew. Mr. Fred Stiegler passed away and the request was made that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be sent to the Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Company building fund; the total received was $245.00. This was the first time this was done. New lights were placed in the social room. New rear springs were put on truck #94 by American LaFrance Company as the original rear springs were never right and the apparatus now operates fine. Two Scott Air masks and insoles for all boots were purchased from State Fire Equipment Company in Dover. Also permission was granted to buy an international truck for brush fire service at a cost of $3,860.00. The Civil Air Patrol was granted permission to use the basement for a Red Cross first aid course on six Sunday afternoons and several Aetna first aid men attended. Aetna Fire Chief and Elkton's Fire Chief met with the Glenn Farms Civic Group and explained fire and ambulance response to this area. The Spring banquet held on May 4th in the Brookside Union Hall was well attended. The State Line Motel was voted as the place to make arrangements for the 1963 state convention. It was approved to gradually move out of loaning hospital equipment and to buy no more when what we have is gone. Medical questionnaires were given to active men and, when filled in, are to be placed in the Rescue Truck. The company entered a team in the city softball league and won the championship in August. Money given the company this year by the Ladies Auxiliary is to be used for tables and chairs in the new building. All insurance claims approved by the Fire Chief go to the insurance committee for review before being sent to the insurance company and to Mutual Relief. Three new chairs were purchased for the television room for $59.00 each. The international brush fire truck was received and put into service. Members added a portable pump, booster hose, piping, siren and a 200 gallon water tank. A two-way radio was installed by State Communications. The ambulance committee transferred $7,000.00 to the new building fund in June. Two insurance plans were presented by the Insurance Committee, one without Workmen's Compensation and the other including it. The plan with Workmen's Compensation was accepted. Mrs. Louisa Bensinger, mother of one of the members, passed away. She had requested contributions be sent to the Aetna Ambulance Fund in lieu of flowers. The annual picnic was held on August 11 at the Louviers picnic area from 2:00 p.m. until dark. It was a great success with about 400 members and their families attending. The firemen played a donkey softball game with the Junior Chamber of Commerce and won 5 to 2. Corduroy jackets with Aetna H H & L Co., Newark, Delaware" across the back were purchased by the members who wanted them at a cost of $20.00 each. The house committee reported Clyde Crow had been carataker for one year and had done a fine job. Uniformed members of the company won prizes at all the carnival parades they attended this year, for a total of $265.00. 1963 to Present Copyright © - Aetna H H & L Co. |
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