The Bucket Brigade
A charter was granted to the Parkesburg Hose Company No. 1 by the Chester County Court on June 11, 1894. Although we know local area residents worshipped at the Upper Octorara Church as early as 1720, and took their refreshments at the Fountain Inn (1734), there were no American fire companies until Benjamin Franklin founded the first in Philadelphia about 40 years later.
When the state railroad shops were located here in 1832, fire calls were handled by the employees, who worked and lived at the present site of the Parkesburg Government Center, formerly known as Johnstone Engineering and Machine Company at South Gay and First Avenue.
The oldest newspaper clipping of a Parkesburg fire call, in the files of the Chester County Historical Society tells of a barn blaze at the Fountain Inn (still standing at 131–133 W. Main Street) The news clipping is dated September 13, 1877. This barn was completely destroyed by fire, according to another clipping on September 12, 1877. It states that the "bucket brigade" saved the nearby buildings.
Parkesburg, formerly known as Fountain Inn, became a borough in 1872, the same year that the Parkesburg Iron Company organized and moved into the state railroad shop buildings. Borough council was organized that year and the minutes of 1877 show it assumed fire safety precautions by purchasing buckets and ladders for community use. These buckets and ladders were kept in a house on Main Street until the borough hall was built on State Street in 1884.
The town grew and prospered and as a result, a group of Main Street businessmen circulated a petition for a fire company charter. The petition, dated May 12, 1894, was notarized by Charles G. Owens and bore the names of A. P. Reid, R. C. Potts, Thomas E. Boyd, Frank Weaver, Joseph W. Harvey, Sobeceus Cromleigh, and Alfred C. Clarke. Arthur T. Parke, Parkesburg attorney, acted as solicitor for the fire company when the charter petition was presented to the Chester County Court. Judge Wadell approved the charter on June 11, 1894, and it was recorded on June 13.
The 34 names listed as subscribers were the orginal 7 from the petition as well as Millard F. Hamill, Harry E. Smith, J. Wilson Wright, Charles C. Owens, Samuel Jackson, Peter C. White, Philip D. Handwork, John S. Eshleman, John H. Dunn, John R. Clarke, J. N. Stelle, William Wilson, Amos Strickland, Newton Stewart, 0. P. M. Baldwin, William B. Weaver, Adam Wagner, William Dickson, Joseph Worrall, R. Preston Shoemaker, Wilton Woodward, A. Lee Moore, L. H. Lawrence, George Dunn, Frank M. Weaver, James Smith, Morris W. Jackson, and Howard Morris.
Newly Organized Parkesburg Hose Company
Since the Borough Council only used the Borough Hall for monthly meetings and the housing of an occasional law breaker, an arrangement was worked out with the newly organized Parkesburg Hose Company. The firefighters were given the responsibility of furnishing and heating the two-story frame building, which they soon organized into a first floor equipment room, a second story meeting and recreation area, and a basement storage space. The two cell lock-up was also housed in the building.
Since there were no minutes of the first two years of the company, it's unknown who the officers were in 1894 and 1895. The first entry in the fire company minute book lists the following as the 1896 officers: John H. Eshleman, President; R. Preston Shoemaker, Vice President; William B, Weaver, Secretary; William Dickson, Treasurer; A. P. Reid, J. Wilson Wright, and Alfred C. Clarke, trustees; and Mr. M. F. Hamill and Dr. T. E. Windle, auditors. A board of 12 foremen was elected and served as the authorized fire crew. The 1896 foremen were A. P. Reid, William B. Weaver, Morris W. Jackson, J. Clarence Reid, William C. Wilson, William Dickson, John H, Dunn, Peter D. White, Alfred C. Clarke, Dr. T. P. Windle, T. Jefferson Kennedy, and Newton Stewart.
Most of these men were borough officials and operators of the Main Street business establishments. One of the foremen was chosen as the fire chief. Since the company records are incomplete as to fire calls during these early years, the first fire chief is unknown, although R. Preston Shoemaker served in this capacity in 1897. Other known company fire chiefs of the "Hose Company era" were: A. P. Reid, Morris W. Jackson, J. H. Smythe, Alfred C. Clarke, and John R. Humpton.
The outstanding service record of Alfred C. Clarke is notable in the 24-year history of the Hose Company. In addition to long service as an active firefighter and foreman, he served as a trustee, vice president, and president. His tenure as president actually covered 30 years. He was a natural choice to continue in office when the 1917 reorganization took place. Mr. Clarke was honored for this long service at a testimonial dinner at the present fire hall on March 17, 1938. The only other Hose Company presidents were: John M. Eshleman, A. P. Reid, Jacob B. Miller and T. Jefferson Kennedy.
Three specific individuals should be noted for their long and loyal service to the company. Eugene W. Harvey, Harry G. Cromleigh, and Rapheal N. Miller. Harvey acted as both secretary and treasurer during the inactive period prior to the 1917 reorganization. Harry G. Cromleigh became very active in the "new Company" as noted by his tenure from 1916 to 1928 and of the neatly typed and informative minutes that he maintained. And finally, Rapheal N. Miller, Sr., who succeeded Cromleigh as recording secretary and served this organization for 46 years until 1974 at this important administrative post. Miller also has service as a firefighter treasurer and house committee member.
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The need for modern methods of fighting fire was brought to the attention of the community on the night of September 9, 1906, when the hose carts were hurried from the old Borough Hall and Hurley's Livery Stable on Rumford Street (now Butler's Hardware on First Avenue) to fight a devastating blaze at the new Catholic Church on Chestnut Street. Even help from the Brandywine Fire Company from Coatesville, via the Conestoga Trolley, failed to save the church building. This brought about a much needed interest in the fire company. Other bad fires and the growth of the town prompted H. A. Beale, Jr., president of the Parkesburg Iron Company, to join the fire company. The employees of the company soon followed and improvements in organization and fire fighting methods came about. This "new blood" clamored for a motorized apparatus, so steps were taken to organize a financial drive and promote money raising benefits.
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A.H. Gerberich, vice president, served as chairman of the drive that was to bring a $5,000 Seagraves pumper to Parkesburg on Christmas day, 1916. Within a year, the company also owned a squad car. This community interest greatly increased membership and firefighting volunteers. The new apparatus was housed on the first floor of the old Borough hall. This attraction and a new pool table on the second floor brought many firefighters to the building every day.
Reorganization: Parkesburg Fire Company No. 1
Reorganization is noted by approval of a change in name to the Parkesburg Fire Company No. 1 by Chester County judge Frank E. Hause on May 10, 1917. John R. Humpton was named fire chief. Fire Chief Humpton and the board of foremen continued to be the official firefighting crew until the new set up became effective in January 1918. Harry Abbott was chosen captain and William E. Kalber, motor engineer. There were 12 elected hosemen and 6 individuals brought on as the first fire police.
This reorganization also resulted in the formation of the Fireman's Relief Association that today, is still very active in providing insurance and protective equipment to the active members. Frank Soule, long-time Coatesville fire chief, was instrumental in the establishment of the relief association.
The first mention of women in the company minutes is noted in the report on January 29, 1917, at which time a committee of members' wives was urged to organize a ladies auxiliary. There was no such organization at that time, but the April 25, 1921, minutes show approval of 32 women members. A ladies auxiliary was organized in 1925 and Mrs. M.A. Murphey was chosen its first president. Meetings were held in the Civic club room in the National Bank building on Main Street. The ladies auxilliary acted as supervisor of the community ambulance service, which was organized in 1948, under the leadership of Miss Mary McClay, auxiliary president, and Henry L. Skiles, fire chief.
Parkesburg Fire Company Junior Firefighters
During the reorganization, many high school boys began to frequent the fire hall. Some of these manned the Seagraves pumper on January 1, 1917, when it won the $15 first prize in the Coatesville Mummers parade. One of the first high school drivers of the 1924 U.S. pumper was Matthew J. Minch, Jr., who became one of the area's best school teachers and a leader in youth sports programs in the community. The junior firefighters were, and still are, one of the most important parts of the firefighting crew. These young men attend weekly fire school sessions in addition to taking specialized training at the Chester County Fire School and Pennsylvania State Fire School field training courses.
The fire company banquet, with J. Ross Owens as chairman, was held in 1928. Limited community facilities restricted other such affairs, except the 1928 Alfred C. Clarke testimonial. The annual fire company banquet was started in 1952.
Breaking Ground on a New Home
Just prior to the closing of the Parkesburg Iron Company in 1926, the fire company began looking around for a new home. The poor structural condition of the old Borough Hall was of great concern to the firemen. New sites considered were the Community House on South Culvert Street, the National Bank building on Main Street, and the opera house on First Avenue.
Since the iron company had assumed much of the responsibility for equipment supervision and storage during the post World War I period, it was only natural that the fire company hoped for a land grant gift that would allow for the construction of a new fire hall. This never materialized and the present site was not purchased until the P. I. Company buildings were sold and dismantled.
During the depression years, the firemen's chief occupation was seeking federal aid to build a new home. Finally a plan was worked out whereby the Borough Council applied for a federal grant through the medium of the Local Works division. The plan called for the fire company to pay for materials in return for a free labor force. Many local area residents pitched in with money and labor to help erect the building that had its corner stone placed on December 7, 1934. An Old Home Week climaxed the dedication services on June 27, 1935. Gen. Smedley D. Butler, U.S. Marines, West Chester, the guest speaker, was introduced by Paul B. Dague, then State American Legion commander. In the belfry of the new building was placed the bell which the citizens had presented to Horace A. Beale, Sr. in 1872 in appreciation of locating the Parkesburg Iron Company on that date. The Fire Company building committee consisted of Clive Sudell, chairman; Walter P. Thompson, Harry G. Cromleigh, Dr. George W. Blymer, Fred T. Holl, Albert lamurri, M. Joseph Nolan, Harry 0. Stoner, N. J. DaPrato, and Fire Chief Roy Connell.
More Modern Equipment
Housed in the new building were the old Seagraves pumper, the Studebaker Squad Car, and the U.S. pumper. In 1938, the fire company replaced the Seagraves with an engine built by the Hale Fire Pump Company.
In 1955, the company purchased a Ford, four-door cab, 750 g.p.m. pumper from the Maxim Body Company. The four-door cab was a convenience for some, especially during foul weather, but many thought it to be a hindrance to firefighting as some of the men wanted to stay warm and dry during the entire fire. The engine was bought at a price of $17,280. The truck was put to the test in 1957 when the old P. I. Company basketball hall was destroyed by flames. Although the hall was lost, firefighters saved the nearby Baptist church.
The next engine to be placed into service was a 1962 Mack 750 g.p.m. pumper at a cost of about $21,000. The Hale pumper remained in service mainly being used for parades and field fires. A few years later, engine trouble forced the truck out of service with a cracked engine block. Many attempts to fix the engine failed and the truck sat in the parking lot deteriorating more each day. Eventually, the engine was sold in 1972 for $100.
In 1966, the Borough Coucil came to the company's aid, financially, and instituted an annual one mill tax contributing it to the equipment fund. Also, the fire company saw the beginning of the annual horse show that was held each July. This event remained a main source of income for the organization. With the show, fire protection money from the borough and nearby communities, door-to-door fund drives, fairs, circuses, and the like, the company has reamined in good financial status throughout the years.
To ensure even more safety from fire in the community, a direct alert system, which was connected to various businesses and churches was placed into service.
The '62 Mack also proved itself invaluable on the front line of fire attack in that year. Then Chief Robert Katherman and his men faced a fire that leveled the Parkesburg Dress Factory. The summer evening blaze was believed to be started by a lightning strike. Also in 1966, the E. H. Keen warehouse on Main Street was gutted by fire. Heroic efforts by firefighters saved nearby homes and other warehouses. Another major fire on January 5, 1968, left death and destruction in its wake as a set of row homes on Maple Street were destroyed. This, the worst fire in the town's history, killed seven of the eight children of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Hoover. Four families were left homeless as fire fighters braved flames and sub zero temperatures.
The Ford pumper developed a serious mechanical problem in 1970. This expedited plans to purchase a new pumper. Motor engineers worked late hours for many nights to no avail. The truck's problems were too serious, and since it was getting old, it was decided to try and sell it when a new truck was bought. On January 26, 1970, President Maris W. Mullen appointed Edward Patterson and Thaddeus W. Wilde as co-chairmen of a fund raising drive for the purchase of a new pumper. Fire Chief John D. Wilier, Jr., and the active crew drew up specifications and in September of 1970, the order for a 750 g.p.m. Mack pumper was placed. It was delivered in August of 1971.
Central Dispatch Created
In the fall of 1971, it was announced that the county was setting up a central dispatch center for all fire and ambulance calls. This center was to receive the calls via telephone and was capable of alerting firefighters in their homes by use of plectron home alert monitors. Also, the radio, room would be able to blow the house siren by using another monitor in the fire house.
This operation replaced the duties of Barbara Nolan who served the company faithfully for many years as radio operator. "Tokyo Rose," as she was dubbed by some of the active crew members, stayed at home most of the time. She dispatched all fire calls and got crews together for ambulance calls. No matter what time of day or night, the radio was manned by Barb and on the few occasions that she was not at home, there was always coverage, thus giving the Parkesburg Fire Company one of the best response times in the county. Her dedication also earned her an Honorary Life Membership.
Although in 1970 additional heat was added to the engine room and in the spring of 1971 the outside of the building was painted, the members realized that the present engine room was too small and something would have to be done to enlarge it. In January 1972, a cost committee was formed to investigate possible additions to the building. This committee being, John D. Miller, Jr., John D. Assetto, Delno Large, Daniel W. Stoltzfus, Bruce Johnstone, and Edward Patterson. After several meetings, the committee came up with some ideas, but President Maris W. Mullen went on record opposing any spending of money for an addition. He wanted an entirely new facility. The members knew there was no way to raise the amount of money it would cost so the idea, for a while, was tabled.
The members had another subject to occupy their minds, as the beginning of 1972 brought the excitement of the Borough's Centennial Celebration. This event was to be one of the greatest that Parkesburg had ever seen. During that week, July 23 to 29, there were many interesting activities. Among those were the production entitled, "100 Years of Progress," a play based on the history of the borough. The performance was given every evening at Minch Park. Also there were fashion shows, military displays, and several different category judgings. Climaxing the end of the week was a convention of the Chester County Firefighters Association, which was celebrating its 50th anniversary.
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The convention was followed by a large parade with over 55 companies in attendance along with several bands and drill teams. Civic organizations also participated in the parade. After the parade, the 1971 Mack pumper was housed and refreshments were served to all present. Chairman of the committee was Assistant Fire Chief, John D. Assetto. All expectations of the celebrations were true and it was the greatest affair that the borough has ever seen.
After the excitement had diminished, the matter of the over crowded quarters still remained. The different ideas on the way the company should approach constructing an addition were discussed at many company meetings, but to no avail. In April, 1973 the company was shocked by the passing of former Borough police chief and house committeeman, Earl F. Shipman.
Also during that month, the company purchased a 1968 Dodge Power Wagon to be used to save wear on the pumpers when fighting brush fires. Several of the active members along with the motor engineers worked on this truck to convert it into a field truck. The engine was painted at the M&N Body Shop in exchange for a snow plow. Since there was no room in the engine room to house the piece, the truck had many homes. It was stored first at the borough barn, then at Conover's Mobil, McGrail Equipment, and a stay at the Atglen Firehouse, before finally housed in our present location.
In July, 1973, the ladies auxiliary replaced the 1967 Cadillac ambulance with a new modern modular ambulance built by the Horton Company. Almost a year later, the fire company bought the Cadillac ambulance from the ladies after an unsuccessful attempt to sell it. Necessary emergency equipment was purchased and the ambulance, used for a back-up emergency ambulance and for routine transports, was stored outside in the parking lot, and then at the McGrail Equipment Company.
The Expansion Begins
It was evident that the fire company was expanding, but the space was not. In June 1974, consensus agreed that the direction to go was to sell the property to the borough at a nominal fee in hopes that the borough would be able to receive federal funds to construct an addition. The popular idea for the addition was to extend the east side of the building. By October, the two houses on the west side of the building were condemned and the rental accounts were closed on advice of the council. The council and the fire company at an earlier meeting had decided to abandon the east side addition in favor of an addition to the west side of the firehouse.
November, 1974, borough council members William E. Wilson, Jr., Harry Francis Boyd, and William T. Glenn, Sr., attended the regular monthly meeting and voiced their support in the company's wishes to expand facilities. At this meeting, the company members elected almost an entire compliment of company officers. Esteel M. Ratcliff, Jr., had defeated incumbent president Maris Mullen. This ended Mr. Mullen's term of 21 years of faithful service at that position. Other officers elected were, Bruce V. Johnstone, vice president, replacing Thaddeus Wilde, Howard Rissell, treasurer; Delno Large, Walter Morris, Sr., and Daniel Stoltzfus were trustees. At this time it is appropriate to recognize that the defeat of Rapheal Miller, Sr., for secretary, by Beverly C. Ely, marked the end of a period of 45 consecutive years in this position. Mr. Miller's lengthy and faithful service will always be remembered in the history of the Parkesburg Fire Company.
This election marked the turning point in the company's plan for an addition to the building, as the new president supported the idea.
March 12, 1975, Councilmen Glenn, Wilson, and Boyd met with the trustees and the building committee. The committee consisted of Chairman Edward Patterson, President Ratcliff, Fire Chief Richard Klingler, Secretary Ely, and Bruce Johnstone. It was decided at this meeting to wait until mid-May to see if federal funding would be available. The company was then advised to have the building to the west of the fire station demolished. By June, this had been done and the wait began for the plans to be drawn up.
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Also in June of that year the company expanded the services to the community by purchasing a utility truck from J. C. Hayes. The active crew converted this into a rescue vehicle for fires and auto accidents. Fire Chief Richard Klingler headed a small fund raising drive with large results. By the end of June, the company had purchased the Hurst Rescue Tool also known as the "jaws of life" at a price of $4,947. Also purchased from these donations were other rescue tools and protective gear.
Another truck was placed into service by the company. It was a 1961 International Oil Tanker donated by J. C. Hayes. Once again, the active crew pitched in and converted this into a tank truck. For his gracious efforts, Mr. Hayes was awarded an Honorary Life membership. The company now had seven pieces of apparatus in service with only room for three pieces in the engine room.
Meanwhile, the building committee had several meetings and by June 1976 plans had been completed. The architect was William E. Gallagher of McChesney Associates and a member of the fire company. In August a town meeting was held in the fire company engine room. A small turnout indicated that there was little interest in the matter of the addition by local residents. As a result of this meeting, the company voted to sell the property to the Borough and contribute the company's share of $25,000 to the building fund. The balance of the cost was to be received in the form of bonds.
By the beginning of 1977, the company had a builder and everything was in place for the project to proceed. Mr. Donald Cox of Kirkwood was awarded the job on a bid of $296,865.37.
March 1, 1977, the company had relocated the apparatus to a warehouse owned by John J. Fallon. He generously donated the building, located to the east of Johnstone Engineering, to the fire company rent free. He received an Honorary Life Membership for his invaluable assistance that might have left the company homeless while construction was underway.
On March 13, 1977, the company hosted a groundbreaking ceremony in the rain. Those in attendance were the Borough Councilmen, William E. Wilson, Jr., J. Wilson Moore, Harry Francis Boyd, William T. Glenn, Sr. and Elmer J. Griffy. Also, Edward Patterson, and his committee, State senator Earl Smith, William E. Gallagher, Donald Cox and members of the fire company. Mr. Charles Persch, local businessman, kicked off the fund drive with a donation of $1,000. Local industries and business have contributed immensely to the company. Thaddeus W. Wilde headed up the fund drive.
Throughout the months, the fire company was relocated at the Fallon building, very little activity happened in the company, except for regular meetings, work nights, the usual compliment of calls and the horse show. Only the active firefighters had use of the building which served the company well while it was needed.
Dedication of the New Building
Finally, on October 15, 1977, the dream became a reality as the fire house/borough hall complex was dedicated after a parade.
At the dedication ceremony several guests were in attendance. Chester County Commissioner Earl Baker, State Senator Robert Walker, the current Miss Pennsylvania, Borough Council, Fire Company officers and members, the building committee, the builder, the architect and other guests. Following the dedication, the equipment was housed and a buffet was served. Later in the evening, the fire company was host of a free dance. Beverly C. Ely was parade chairman. By December, the fire company was in its new home at last. All apparatus now housed in one location. At this time it is in order to give credit to Mr. William E. Wilson, Jr., Mr. Edward Patterson, and Thaddeus W. Wilde. These men contributed their efforts greatly to aid the fire company in gaining a new addition.
Now, as in the past, the fire company stands for one word, SERVICE.
New Officers – New, More Modern Equipment
To continue in this history of service, the fire company continued to recruit a dedicated crew. The new officers as of the first of January, 1978, Joseph Prekup, president; John Thompson, vice president Alan M. Wolfe, secretary; John F. Mariano, membership secretary; Howard Rissell, treasurer; and trustees Daniel M. Stoltzfus, Walter F. Morris, Sr. and Delno C. Large. Fire Chief, Richard F. Klingler; Assistant Chiefs, Harry Franciscus, Sr. and Francis Legieko Captain, Jeremiah R. Ely; and Lieutenants, W. Scott Smith and John F. Mariano.
In addition to crew, the Parkesburg Fire Company continues to look to the future of the borough and surrounding community to ensure the necessary equipment is obtained and extensive training is provided. The Company purchased its first aerial truck from the city of Easton, PA, in 1984. Over the years various engines, pumpers, and rescue vehicles were replaced and purchased:
· 1984: 1965 American LaFrance 85' snorkel for $20,000 and became known as Snorkel 28.
· 1991: Snorkel 28 was replaced with a 1970 Mack 55' telequirt.
· 2003: 1974 Pierce 85' ladder tower purchased from the Kimberton Fire Department and is still in service today.
· 1989: rescue truck purchased from the Middle River Ambulance and Rescue Association near Baltimore, Maryland was replaced with a 1976 Mack pumper/rescue purchased from the Concordville Fire Company in Delaware County.
· 1993: sold the 76 Mack and replaced with the 1994 E-One rescue pumper that is still in service today.
· 1998: 1971 Mack pumper was sold and replaced with the 1998 American LaFrance/New Lexington pumper, also still in service today.
On March 19th, 2013 the Pomeroy-Parkesburg-Atglen Fire Companies took a vote and offically became the Keystone Valley Fire Department of Chester County Pennsylvania.
This date was the Offical start date of our consolidated Fire Department. The consolidation was a detailed and thought out process in our indivdual companies history involving of a combination of meetings from 2009-2013.
With technical assistance from state government, the Atglen, Parkesburg, and Pomeroy fire companies in Chester County will consolidate operations by early 2013 to improve services and reduce costs to taxpayers. It will be known as the Keystone Valley Fire Department.
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Sep 15, 2025
