Culver - Union Township Fire Department 1903 - 1913

History of Firemans Maltese Cross

1897 - As early as this date there was the plea a fire department. The public first public call was made by the editor of the Culver Herald on July 30^th.
1898 - Mar 8 - another quip was found in reference to no fire protection for Culver:

“In times of Peace, prepare for war,” is good advice to follow in case of preparing to fight fire, in case of necessity. After the horse is stolen the idea of locking the barn door would be preposterous. Now is the time to plan for fire protection. Now is the time to got a move upon you, ye city dads. A good hand engine properly handled, would have saved Dr. Rea's building and possibly the Koontz building on the night of the recent fire. Three or four good cisterns, a first class hand engine and two thousand feet of hose would be the means of saving thousands of dollars worth of property at the right time. Bremen has a first class hand engine, which can be purchased right, why not make an effort to buy it? “ Procrastination is the thief of- time.”

1900, June 22 - a quip in the Herald seems to realy an attempt to get fire protection for the town:

E . F. Obenchainz, who represents Obenchain & Co. manufactures of chemical engines at Logansport, has been in town a few days confering with the trustees of Culver, relative to furnishing this city with two 45 gallon engines and a hook and ladder truck. When we look over the list of a great many cities and towns which are using these engines, snd give them their unanimous endorsement, we feel that it is practically the duty of the town board to allow Mr. Obenchain a fair chance to prove all be claims for his engines. The fact that we need fire protection stares us in the face in no compromising manner, and every citizen is fully aware that some system should be adopted that would be effective as a fire extinguisher and not very expensive; and as our city citv can procure the entire outfit for $425, it should give the matter careful consideration and the engines a fair trial

There still seems to be a discussion of having a fire department in the issue of 14 Jan 1904 Culver Citizen:

TO THE TOWN COUNCIL
Our prosperous town is exposed to the most dangerous element, that, of fire. In our helpless condition should fire destroy the town, or greater portion of it, our town officials would emulate the officials of Chicago in trying to fix the blame on others but the people would convict them, if not in the courts, in public opinion, of gross negligence. The attention of our town council has been called, to this matter of fire protection so often, and so forcibly, that no excuse could be offered by them. The public demands that some action be taken in this matter. We have, the same as all other communities, a few chronic grumblers, who would oppose any needed improvement that would require the expenditure of money but these same grumblers would be the loudest in their condemnations should there be any considerable loss by fire, especially if their property were destroyed. Some action should be taken at once

1903 - the 22nd of January [another source has given 9 Feb] - Culver Fire Department was organized at the Foss Harness Shop. Confirmation of this comes in the form of a invitation to fellow to come celebrate the occasion with the Saine's

Found in a ledger titled " Constitution and By Laws of Culver Fire Company No. 1" is

Fire Company Charter Members< This Company was organized in Wm. A. Foss' and Son Harness shop Jan. 22nd 1903 with a membership of thirteen members and a law tat the Company be allowed (15) fifteen members which was presented to the City Council and accepted. Geo. W. Smith call the meeting by order of the City Council at which this Company was organized. Following are the Charter Memebrs: - - Harry Saine, Chief Arthur Morris, Asst. Chief J. Russell Saine, Secy Thos. Slattery, Treas. Ora Byrd Walter Byrd Edward Zechiel Chas Medbourn Fred Cook Wm. Cook Monton Fess G. W. Smith Alva Mawhorter additional memebrs signing the pramble were: I. G. Fisher and A. M. Roberts

By the issue of 29 Jan 1903 of the Culver Herald - Harry Saine was appointed fire chief. The only equipment was canvas buckets - thus they were called the "bucket brigade". It is said that a few rubber buckets and three ladders was all that the town purchased as equipment and that these ladders were so heavy that it required a dozen men to raise one.

The Culver fire department was organized January 22, 1903, in accordance with a resolution of the town board. The charter members were: 0ra M. Byrd, Ed Zeckiel, Charles Medbourn, Fred W. Cook, Al Mawhorter Walter Byrd, William "Will" Cook, Monton H. Foss, G. W. Smith, Thomas E. Slattery: Arthur Morris, T. 0. Saine and J. R. Saine.

First Officers: Chief, T. 0. Saine; assistant chief, Arthur Morris; secretary, J. R. Saine; treasurer, Thomas E. Slattery. T. 0. Saine held the position of chief until he resigned August 9, 1906, when 0. A. Gandy was elected to fill the vacancy, and was reelected January 10, 1907. March 16, 1905, the company purchased a building, where it has a permanent home.

At the time of its organization the company had no equipment save a few rubber buckets and three ladders purchased by the town, which were so heavy it required the combined efforts of a dozen men to erect them. With the installation of waterworks in the fall of 1907 a hose cart and hose was provided and the company had some real practice in the art of fire fighting, developing a degree of proficiency surprising in view of their unfamiliarity with fire apparatus.

In November 1907, through the generosity of Chief Fred H. Kuhn, of the Plymouth fire department, the company was presented with a hook and ladder truck, which has been thoroughly overhauled and repaired and proves to be ideal for their requirements. - History of Marshall County Indiana (1908) Daniel Mc Donald pg. 128

and other account if found in the 1949 Culver citizen:

...January 24, 1903 when thirteen men petitioned the town board to organize a volunteer fire company. The petition reads:
This is to certify that on January 22, 1903 a meeting was called for the purpose of organizing a Volunteer fire company for the City.
The project of the meeting was fully carried out and the company was organized with a charter membership of twelve members. These members with the officers are: T. Saine, Chief; Arthur Morris, assistant Chief; J. R. Saine, Secretary; Thomas Slatery, Treasurer; Orr Byrd, Edward Zechiel, Charles Medbourn, Fred Cook, Al Mawhorter, Walter Byrd, William Cook, Monton Foss and G. W. Smith.

At the time of the organization an invoice was made of the fire fighting apparatus which reveals that the equipment included"two extinguishers, 22 rubber buckets and the inventory points out that one of these was not good, 13 cans of chemicals,and one very heavy extension ladder."

The new fire chief requested two sets of ladders, two ladders with hooks, one car for ladders, one fire hook with chain, two keys for church, one-half inch rope for extra tapper on bell (we presume for church), one pick axe, and more rubber buckets.

An appendix indictated the town council "recieved the report favorably increasing the number of buckets by four, and purchasing two axes. They went on record as saying that they would look the matter up and buy where the could get the materials the cheapest."

Each member of the group paid a dollar fee for the privilege of belonging and each new member was charges a dollar. It was with this money that the fire fighting equipment of rubber buckets and a ladder was purchased.

They had installed a fire alarm on the belfry of the Methodist Episcopal Church. -

Every member was to be exempt from road work.

Since they did not have a firehouse the monthly meetings were held in the business places of the members. They met in the blacksmith shop, the harness shop, the machine shop, the tin shop, and the back porch of the Saine store

Members were 14 and met in William Foss' Harness shop.

1st fire Department - "Bucket Brigade"

Front Row Left to right: Olin Gandy, Art Fishburn, Arthur Castleman, Fred Henshaw , dog named Pork, Harry Saine.

1903 - Dec 17 - At the last meeting of the Volunteer Fire Company it was decided to put a toller on the M. E. church bell, so arranged that in case, of fire it can be tolled from outside the building

1903 Jan 21 - The fire company had a fire alarm toller placed on the bell in the town clock town last week. It is so arranged that an alarm can be founder from outside

1903 - Jan 22 - A meeting was called by Monton Foss for the purpose of organizing a Volunteer Fire Company. Temporary officers were elected by the thirteen Charter Members. Those elected were

Chief Harry Same,

Asst. Chief Arthur Morris,

Secretary J.R. Same,

Treasurer Thos. Slattery.

The members then resolved to divide the town into four wards.

1st Ward all North of the Bakery

2nd Ward all between Bakery and Mawhorter's corner

3rd Ward all between Mawhorter's Cornerand Assembly Grounds

4th Ward all South of North Assembly Grounds Corner

1904 - Feb 11 - The New Fire Alarm

Mar. 11 - There was a reading of the By-Laws as a whole and a reading of Fees and Fines. (The members were fined 20 cents for missing a meeting and10 cents for being late.) Motion was made to adopt the Constitution and By-Laws by C. E. Medbourn and seconded by Geo. Smith and carried. Motion by Monton Foss for anyone addressing Chair to address Mr. Chief instead of Mr. Chairman. (Mr. was dropped) Seconded and carried. (Then they signed the Constitution andrthe By-Laws.)

1903 - April 8 - A name was proposed for membership with the fee of 25 cents paid. It will be balloted upon at the next meeting (The vote is taken by ballot and should here be no black balls the candidate is elected. If one or more black balls appear another ballot is taken, and if two or more black balls appear the candidate is rejected and so declared.) A Motion was made that we adopt a By-Law as follows: Any member who is absent two successive meetings shall be notified by the Secy to be present at the next regular meeting and if He fails to appears or send a Lawful written excuse He shall at the discretion of the Company be expelled. Carried. Discussing the question of meeting in the Council Chamber held the floor for a short time. Brother Al Mawhorter extended to Our Company the privilege of meeting in His Tin Shop.

1903 - May 13 - Another name was presented, with fee, for membership. Resignation of Asst. Chief Arthur Morris. Fred Cook being elected Asst. Chief to fill the vacancy, Moved and seconded that we present petition to the City Council asking for permission to meet in City Council Chamber.

1904 - June 16 - There will be a special meeting of the Volunteer Fire Company on Thursday evening.

1904 - Jul 14 - The new instruments for the Volunteer Fire Company band arrived Tuesday. If the boys keep on with the push and energy displayed so far, - Culver will soon have a band that they can well be proud of.

1904 - Aug 4 - The Fire Company Band is progressing nicely. Clarence Behmer is acting as instructor.

A postcard of the Culver Volunteer Fire Company NO.1 Culver, Ind.

In the photo pictured at the side here is the Culver Volunteer Fiire Company No. 1 of many years ago. Also shown is the fire-fighting equipment used at the time and in the background the fire station ; which is in the same loction as our present stattion (1963)which was located at Plymouth Street and Cass Street across from Grace United Church of Christ.; appeared in the citizen dated Nov. 27, 1963. Firemen shown from left to right are, back row (around the hose cart wheels): Mont Foss, Ed McFeely, Henry Listenberger , Archie Blanchard, Charles Asper and George Howard. Front row: Ira Hubler, Jake Saine, Al Roberts, Harvey McFeely, Olen Gandy, Earl Zechiel, Art Fishburn, Art Castleman and Fred Hinshaw. The dog was one of two Spaniel, named Pork and Beef respectively, beloning to Dan Walter.

1905 - Jan 5 & 12 - Attention, Firemen. All members of Culver Vol. Fire Co. No, 1 are requested to be present at the regular meeting Jan. 12, as officers will be elected. A. BLANCHARD, Sec'y pro tem.

1905 - On 16 March 1905 the members met at the harness shop to discuss purchasing a building owned by Peter Kellar which was a barber shop, for use as a permanent meeting room and fire station. $40 was the proposed cost of the building. Though the location is not stated it was possibly noted on the Sanborn fire map of 1906.

It was voted on to sell shares for $3 per share to raise funds. No member was to hold more then 3 shares. This was the beginning A share certificate that had been purchased by Charles Asper hangs on the fire station wall.

1905 Mar 23 - The Fire Company has moved the building formerly occupied by Peter Keller for a barber shop, on the Henry Litzenberger lot. They have bought the building and will have a home of their own

On 13 April 1905 the purchase of the building was completed. It was moved to property __ paid one dollar a year for what they called ground rent - tho from the Culver Citizen is found

1906 - 18 January The Culver Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 elected the following officers Tuesday night:

Chief - Harry Saine;
Ass't Chief - Archie Blanchard;
Secretary - Monton H. Foss;
Treasurer, Earl Zechiel

1906 - The 1906 Sanborn Fire Map gives the location of the first Fire Department building as being on Main Street - in the middle of the block on the East side in between Madison and Marmont Streets. In behind a building which would be the approximate location of where the horeshoe building was located before it was tore down in the late 1980's in which Emil 'Bud' Runhow Jr. had his Sheet metal buisness (where the black dot is inside the building).

The first location of the fire department was down on South Main Street by the Sanborn map of 1906 - Lot 36 - This is 232 S. Main today and what would of been 226 S. Main

The status of the fire department was also stated within the seal: Water Facilities Not Good; No Steam or Hand Engine, No Independent Hose Cart; No Hook & Ladder Truck

1906 - May 1 - a subscription drive was started to raise funds to purchase proper apparatus for fire protection.

1906 - May 17 - A Matter of Serious Importance

An awakeing interest in the question of fire protection has been shown during the past week and wo citizen's meetingd have been held for the purpose of arousing public sentiment as well as to consider ways and means.

Members of the fire company, notably Monton Foss, inaugarated the agitation, thought it may be said that our citizens generally realize that the time has come for action.

It be known action in this matter Culver has been peacefully sleeping have a volcano that at any hour may bring as relative a sweeping disaster as the earthquake at San Feransico. We are horrified at the loss and suffering of the people in the coast city, but precisley the same condition threatens our own community.

It requires no great stretch of imagination to draw a picture of the desolation of a two hours' fire, started under certain conditions, which the inhabitants of Culver would look upon. It is easily possible for a chance spark finding lodgement under an old shingle of tinder dryness to start a conflagration that one of our frequent high winds would carry from building to building in the business district until the entire business district would be reduced to ashes.

Not only would stocks of goods be swept away, but a score of families who occupy apartments over our stores would be homeless. Most of our business men have a large portion of their capital invested in their stocks of goods, and a fire such as we fear would set them back years in their financial circumstances.

And yet, face to face with such a probability, there seems to be a childish that because so such calamity has occured, none is likely to. The history of ten thousand small towns in the United States stands as a solemn warning to our own people to prepare for an emergency that is every day imminent and overshadow

Culver needs a new school building, but a building of some sort we have. We desire our streets to be in repair, but streets are here and will remain. Necessary as we know these improvements to be, more necessary and pressing is the need for fire protection

And the people of Culver cannot too promptly recognize the importance of the matter now under discussion and take steps to save themselves from the most frightful visitation to which a frame-built town is subject.

Methods have been discussed at the recent meeetings which are practical and easily adoptd when once the citzens decide to take action. A good engine and a few cisterns will protect two-thirds of the property of the town. The town board may or may not at this time be able to assume the responsiblity for the expense; that will be known when the matter is taken up by them, as they promise they will do, at their next meetin. The purpose of this article is not to deal with the practical problem of the cost (which will be solved by competent persons), but to urge the community to sit up and take notice; to get a move on themselves, and to shake off the everlasting indifference which so often stands in the way of the safety and progress of the average small town.

Chairman Replogle has appointed the following committee of five to canvass the town to see how much can be raised by popular subscription toward the cost of procuring proper apparatus and facilities. This committee will take such action as is necessary after the next meeting of the board of town of trustees.
M. H. Foss;
O. A. Gandy;
Frank McLane;
G. R. Howard;
O. T. Goss

1906 - June 7 - A Fire Engine

H. L. Cremer, representing the Waterous Engine Works Co., of St. Paul was in town this week and appeared b efore the town board in the interest of the gasoline fire engine which his company manufactures and of which over 600 are in use in this and foriegn countires.

The board as well as the members of the fire company and the citizens with whom Mr. Cremer spoke, were favorably impressed with the apparatus, the cost of which, with 1000 feet of hose and a cart, will be $1850.

The board agrees, if the citizens will contribute the first payment of $370, to take care of the balance by issuing 6 per cent warrants due in one, two, three or four years at the option of th board.

The Citizen has not the room this week to enlarge on the subject. It must suffice to say that our people realize the grave need of fire protectin and that the majority of the buisness men are in for of an engine .

In an hour's canvass Tuesday evening the committee secured over $100 in subscriptions, and should have no difficulty whatever in raising the required amount.

1906 - June The issue of 7 June 1906 of the Culver Citizen reported one of the first great fires of Culver - The CMA $50,000 new gymnasium burned to the ground around midnight Friday. When discover the trumpeter was sounded and the bucket lines were formed from the lagoon to the building. The gym was 130 by 76 feet and had been erected in 1904; Albert Knell was the architect and John E. Barnes the contract. It was covered by insurance and immediate plans were made to replace it.

1906 - June A big block of Ice Houses burned near the south end of town burned. The Bucket brigade was ineffectual in saving them. They were re-built before the winter's ice harvest.

The first fire truck was a hand push cart which was donated by the Plymouth Fire Department and was equipped with a bell and hose. Plymouth also donated a light weight hand - pulled ladder truck.

1906 - Jul 19 - Harry Saine tendered his resignation as chief at the last meeting of the fire company. The matter not acted upon.

1906 - Aug. 16 - Elected Chief -

At a meeting of the Culver Fire Company on Thursday evening the resignation of Harry Saine, presented at a previous meeting, was accpected

Four canidadted for a successor were put in nominiation - O. A. Gandy, Chas. Asper, Monton Foss and Henry Listenberger.

The election resulted in the choice of Gandy, and Asper was elected assistant chief to fill the vacancy caused by the promotion of Gandy.

1906 - BOUNDARIES OF FIRE WARDS.

There shall be four fire wards as follows:
First Ward - All North of Cass street,
Second Ward — All between Cass street and Madison Street,
Third Ward — All between Madison street and the North line of Assembly ground.
Fourth Ward - All South of North line of Assembly ground.

1907 - The town purchased a new Republic chassis and equipped it with three 30-gallon tanks

1907 Jan 17 - The following are the officers of the Culver fire department electer last thursday night

Chief - O. A Gandy
assistant - Chas Asper
secretary - Fred Hinshaw
treasure - J. R Saine

1907 - Feb 14 - The regular monthly meeting of the fire department will be held theis (Thursday) evening at 8 o'clock

1907 - Aug 1 - The fire Company

With the completion of the works system, and the arrival of the fire apparatus, the Culver Volunteer Fire Company is anticipating some real; practice in the science of fire fighting.

Heretofore the equipment was consisted princepally of a dozen of so leaky rubber buckets.

The company consists of fifteen young men, mostly strong and husky lads, who, it is believed, with a little practice will be able to make a first-class showing when called upon. That the have maintained their organization for four years in the face of consideable opposition and with an entire lack of equipment, and have responded to everl call and given their best effoets to the work in hand, has proven their mettle.

1907 - Aug. 22 - Water Works and Fire Company are Now Ready for Business

... Meantime the fire company is taking hold with enthusiasm, and is getting in some good solid practice work.

On Tuesday night the boys ran the cart carrying 500 feet of 2 1/2 inch hose fromt he Osborn Hotel, made a connection with the hydrant at the Methodist parsonage and has a stream playing over Dr. Rea's residence a block and a half from the hydrant in two minutes.

The company gives promise of furnishing efficient service in pratical fire-fighting.

Another cart and an additional 500 feet of hose will be supplied by the construction company.

This and the hook and ladder truck which is indispensable call for adequate quarters. to provide these the company askes the town board to build a cheap 14-foot addition to the rear of the building now owned by the company and to provide double front doors.

Of the town authorities intend to do anything for the compnay they cannot do less than this.

Chief Gandy has assigned the following positions:
Nozzelmen: J. R. Saine, Ira Hubler, E. McFeely, M. H. Foss
hyrdant men: H. Litzenberger, G. R. Howard, A. Blanchard , J. McFeeley


In telephoning in an alarm to central or 26-k give your name and the location of the fire.

1907 - Nov 7 - False Alarm

To afford a practical demonstration of the efficiency of the fire department Chief Gandy rang the alarm at 11 o'clock Monday night after setting fire to a stack of boxes saturated with kerosene.

The boys responded (those who heard the alarm) in quick time - two, Howard and Saine, being at the engine house by the time Gandy reached it after ringing the bell. Others were at the sceene of the fire almost as soon as the cart arrived.

The gasoline engine at the water station balked and refused to run, but the tank furnished pressure sufficient to have thrown a stream for three-quarters of an hour.

At the beginning of the fire there was 6 feet of water in the tank and 60 pounds of pressure after throwing one stream ten minutes there was 4 1/2 feet and 30 pounds - a startling waste.

The test was satisfactory so far as effiency of the company is concerened, but entirely unsatifactory as to the capacity and power of the water plant

There is a leak in the pipes at the station which will be difficult to locate as the pipes are menedded under a foot of cement floor.

The well supply is insufficient, but this is expected to be overcome as soon as the new 6-inch will is connected.

1907 - Nov 21 - Hook and Ladder - Plymouth Fire Department Makes Culver Valuable Donation

The fire company held an enthusiastice meeting on Thursday evening, nearly every member being present. The inspiring cause was the receipt of a hook and ladder truck, donated by the Plymouth fire department

A few weeks ago Chief Gandy suggested to Chief Kuhn of Plymouth that the racing truck of the Plymouth department, purchased a good many years ago for tournament purposes, and for which the Plymouth department how has no use, would be a welcome addition to Culver's fire-fighting equipment, and that probably a satisfactory arrangement could be made to take it off of Plymouth's hands. Mr. Kuhn became interested at one and expressed the opinion that the Plymouth department would turn it over to Culver as a gift. The Plymouth department subsequently authorized Mr Kuhn to make such disposition of the truck as he thought best, and on receiving notice Thursday morning that the Culver boys could have it and Welcome Gandy and Russell Saine hitched up and drove to Plymouth bringing the truck nack after noon.

THe apparatus is 22 feet long, light enought to be drawn by two or three men, and is in a good state of preservation. The boys willl repaint it and purchase ladders for it. It willl do effective service for a number of years, and culver certainly apprieciated the neighborly spirit which prompted its donation.

1908 - Jan 9 - The boys of the fire company are planning a big oyster supper and social evening to be given some time in the near future in the hall over Saine's store. The proceeds will be applied to the purchase of ladders and other needed equipment.

1908 Jan 16 - Fire Company Election

The annual election of officers of the Culver fire department Thursday night resulted as follows:
Chief - O. A. Gandy
Asst. Chief - G. R. Howard
Secretary - M. H. Foss
Treasurer - J. R. Saine
A. M. Roberts was elected to membership, filling the quoat of 15 allowed the company.

The other members of the company are Archie Blanchard, James and Ed McFeeley, Ira Hubler, H. Litzenberger, Arthur Castleman, Arthur Fishburn, Chas. Asper, F. Hinshaw, Earl Zechiel.

Harry Saine took a flashlight picture of the company of Friday evening.

1908 - Jan 16 - Everybody come and Eat Oysters with the Fire Boys Wednesday, January 22. From 5 o'clock on the fire COmpany will sere oysters in the hall over Saine's store. It is also expected that there will be music. Come and enjoy a social evening and hel along a good cause. he net proceeds of the supper will go toward the purchase of service ladders and other necessary equipment for the Culver Fire Depatment. This is a worthy cause and should have the support of every citizen. Here is where all can Help! Remember the date and Place Wednesday Jaunary 22 Saine's Halle Prices: Adults 25cents children 15 cents

1908 - Jan 30 - Nice addition to Funds - The fire company's supper last week was heartily patronized and the ladder fund is boosted to the extent of $30

1908 March - The band hall caught fire during a performance - story the 12 Mar. 1908 issue of the Culver Citizen.

1908 Apr 9 - Fire Ladders

the fire company has places an order for a 44-foot regulation extenion ladder. Wall and roof ladders will be purchased as soon as the one ordered had been received and tested.

These ladders coast approiximately $60 and are guaranteed to suppor the necessary weight.

Test are being made with a view to selecting an efficient alarm whistle to be operated by compressed air

1908 - May 7 - An ordinance establishing a fire department was introduced and laid over until the next meeting. The ordinance confers upon the board the power to fix the number of firemen and also gives the board the authority to elect the chief

1908 - May 25 - The new fire siren has arrived and is being tested.

1908 - Jun 4 - The Town Board - ...The other petition was from the fire company asking for the privilege of licensing attractions for the Fourth of July and applying the license fees to the expense fund of the celebration. The boad decided that it would control the issuing of the licenses, but would turn the fees over to the fire company.

1908 Sept 17 - Culver Endangered by lack of sufficient fire-fighting facilities ; damaged fire hoses

1909 Jan 21 - Fire Company Elections The fire company elected the following officers at their meeting on Thursday night.

Chief - A. M. Roberts

Assistant Chief - A. Blanchard

Secretary - M. H. Foss

Treasurer - J. R. Saine

1909 - Oct 7 - On account of his removal from the corporation limits Mont Foss has resigned as secretary and member of the fire department. O. A. Gandy was elected to the vacant office.

1910 - Jan 6 - Fire company elections

The fire company on Monday night elected
Chief - A. M. Roberts
Secretary - Arthur Castleman
Two new members, Harley Gaff and Arthur Swigart were admitted.

1910, Jun 16 - The fire company naw has its full quota of membership, having admitted two new members Monday evening - Clyde Wiseman and Charles Altheided.

1911, Dec - Perchis Blanchard joins department

1911 - Jan 5 - Fire department

At the annual election of the Culver fire department Monday night
A. M. Roberts was re-elected Chief,
Ed McFeely was relected as assistant in place of Ira Hubler and
Charles Altheide was chosen in place of Arthur Castleman.

1911 - May 18 - Fire company meeting - The fire company will hold a special meeting Wednesday evening, May 17 (sic) for the transaction of impotant business

1911 - Jun 8 - New Fire Boundaries

At monday night's meeting of the fire company the town was redistricted into new fire wards as follows:

Ward 1 - Bounded by Washington street (Citizen corner) on the north, Madison Street (hardware corner) on the south, Plymouth street (Mrs. Hartzell's corner) on the east and Ohio street onthe west. This includes the four business blocks.

Ward 2 - All east of Main street (except the terrritory included in Ward 1) south to the Assembly addition

Ward 3 - All west of Main (except business district)

Ward 4 - All south of the north line of the assembly addition.

1911 - Sep 7 - For Sale

The following property owened by Culver Volunteer Fire Company is offered at private sale on and after this date September 6, 1911

Building - used as meeting room of the company located 3 door south of the hardware,size 12 X 14 feet is strongly built and warm, together with contents consisting of 12 folding charis, 2 solid wooden chairs, 1 table 1 Rochester lamp. 1 side lamp and other articles

One hook and ladder truck

Four ladders - extension, wall and roof

Spanners - four combined maileable hydrant wrenches and spanners.

Lanterns - two new No. 2 cold blast

Terms Strickly cash

For any information or to inspect property, see A. M. Roberts, Phome 69-K-1 or J. R. Saine, ' Phone 26-K

1911 - In the fall of 1911 the Main St. firehouse was sold for $15.00 and the furnishings for $13.81. and the department again had to meet in various buisness places until the new Town Hall in January 1912 - tho the following notation was found about the sale of the building<

Al Porter has sold for Garland Bogardus the Main street lot formerly occupied by the fire company to C. W. Newman for $450. Mr. Newman will move off the old shack, grade up the lot and put it in readiness for erecting a home for himself - May 2, 1912 Citizen

1911 - Oct 5 - OCTOBER 5, 1911 The Town Board is planning to build a one-story 20x40 cement block building as an addition to the water works pumping station which will accommodate fire fighting equipment, provide a meeting place for the board and fire department, and a polling place at elections.

1912 - Apr 18 Culver's New Town Hall

Plans drawn for the new town hall or municipal bulding have been adopted, and the constructiion will be let on May 9.

The building is to be 20 x 40, one story and basement high, built of conrete blocks.

The basement will contain a coal room, a storage room ofr tools and plenty of space for such other purposes as my be found convenient.

The ground floor will be a fire station, and will have two rooms for the use of the town board. The space used by the fire apparatus wull afford a convenietpollling place also.

1911 - Dec 14 - The town board has bought 500 feet of first-class hose for $450. The fire department now has 1,000 feet of good hose.

The purchase of lanterns and axes for the hose cart was authorized, and it was decided to paint the building owned by the company.

1912 - JANUARY 1 - A. M. Roberts was re-elected chief of the fire company and M. H. Foss was elected secretary.

1912 - Feb. 1/10 - Sale of Fire Building

The building owned for a number of years by the fire company has been sold to Walter Fishburn for $15

Fishburn will move it off.

The building was erected some fifteen years ago on the Kreuzberger land by Peter Keller and occupied by him as a barber shop until sold to the fire company.

The structure is 12 by 14, will constrcuted, and Fishburn gets a big bargain.

1912 - Dec 19 - Town Hall Completed ...It is a one story and basement cement block building, costing $1,700. The main floor is divided into two compartments. the front room is for the fire department apparatus...

1913 - Jan 9 - Fire Company Election.

The fire company met Monday evening for the first time in the new room in the town building. All the equipment has been re moved from the various hiding places about town and assembled in order, an inventory or all property made, and steps taken to repair and repaint all apparatus needing it. The following officers were chosen for the ensuing year:
Chief A. M. Roberts.
Assistant Charles Asper.
Secretary M. H. Foss.
Treasurer J. R. Saine

1913 - Feb 6 - The fire company in view of the fact that it has $47 in the treasury, last Monday night voted to purchase five helmets at $5 each and rubber coats for the balance of the fund



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