Culver - Union Township Fire Department 1934-1943

1934 - Jan 10 - Alfred Cromley has been, elected chief of the Culver Fire, Department, succeeding Arthur Fishburn, Wayne VonEhr was named assistant chief.

1934 - Jan 10 - TREATS FIREMEN Ralph Osborn was host to the Culver Fire Department Friday evening at a dinner given in appreciation of the work the fire fighters did in saving his house recently.

1934 - Officers:

Alfred Cromley / Jul 23 - Wayne VonEhr- Chief
Wayne VonEHr / Jul 23 Monton H. Foss - Assistant Chief
Monton H. Foss - Treasure
Jack Taylor Secretary

1934 - Jan 31 - The Culver fire truck has been taken to L ogansport wjere a new water pump is being installed at a cpst pf $1,596.50

1934 - Feb 2 Boberg, Procher and Cummins appointed to audit 1933 books; M. H. Foss made motion that no more than twp men to be left at station when run's mad

1934 - Mar 12 - Made in Feb. meeting and presented to Town Board for approval was past and same recorded in bylaws

1934 - 16 July - The only department fatality occurred when a fire truck crashed on a curve refered to as "Judah's Curve" while responding to a fire call. Overturning on a freshly oiled road located on the east side of Lake Maxinkuckee. Alfred B. Cromley, chief who was 38 lost his life. Others injured were: Cary Cummins, Art Fishburn, Eddie Boberg, and Jack Taylor.

1934 - Jul 16 - Special Meeting Teh COulver Fire Dept. with eight (8) member prestn met in s special meeting at 7:30 p.m. Called by Wayne BonEhr the company's asst Chief following the death of our Chief Mr. A. B. Cromley. Afte some talk of our loss and of what the needs of his family maybe it was unamously carried to draw up on the fire co . fresure for the son of ($20.00) twenty dollars, in favor of Mrs. A. B. Cromley which was done at once, it was also recommended that was as a company request the Town Council (who were then in their regular seesion) to give Mrs. A. B. Cromley a donation or gift, or to at least give her an advance payment on the #2000 held for her by the Town Board, on Insurance as a Fireman. It was voted on and carriedf that we as a fir co. get a wreath of f lowers for the funeral of our, Chieg Mr. Cromley. We then ask the Town Board for a meeting with them, which was granted. The general talk, led to the question of Insurance as carried on the fire boys, and the town clerk produced the isurance paopes and then read aloud for all to hear that the insurance called for payment of $2000, two thousand dollars to be paid in cas of death and $1000 per month (one hundred dollars) as compensation and in the firm belief that the Town BOard will carry out the insurance needs. NOTE it was ordered on Oct 25 1981 that the minutes be cut out of the book and framed with the photos of photos of the accident

1934 - Jul 23 - Application of Harold Davis and duly elected; it was unanimously agreed by all firemen that the fire truck be not driven at anytime over the speed of 40 miles per hour; this meetinf was declared as an emergency meeting; the sppointment of a new truck driver was left in hands of CHief VonEhr



1934 - Jul 25 - Repairing Fire Truck locally - The fire truck which was damaged in the recent accident, is being repaired locally. It is beleived by the members of the town board that this method will save a considerable sum of money over sending the truck to the manufacturers.

1934 - Aug 1 - Damaged Fire Truck to be Ready Soon

Work is progressing on the repair of the fire truck damaged in the recent accident and it is expected that the fire fighting apparatus will be available for use within a week if there is no delay in securing parts.

The Lake Shore Garage has completed the work of straightening the body and chassis, while the suction hose has been repaired and the ladders rebuilt.

1934 - Aug 14 - application of Kennith Bush and duly elected; Harold Davis appointed driver; McLane elected as Assistant Chief; It was voted and cerried the the fire trucks must not exceed at no time 25 miles per hour inside the city limits or 40 miles per hour outside of limits. Also cars going around fire trucks while on road their number's taken and reported to the Chief of Police for arrest; all money paid by the State FIre Marshalls office for reports of fire paid diret or indirect to any member officers of Culver Fire Dept. shall be turned over to the treasure andput in gen. fund

1934 - Aug 15 - ATTEND CONVENTION Carry Cummins, member of the local fire department, attended the Indiana Firemen's Association annual convention in Fort Wayne on Wednesday and Thursday.

1934 Nov 21 - Firemen to hold trap shoot Sunday, Nov 25 - A trap shoot, sponsored by the Culver Fire Department will be held Sunday Nov 23, on the Academy grounds back of the boat house. The shoot will be from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will include turkeys, ducks, chickens, geese and augat. A full line of supplies will be on the grounds The public is invited to participate

1934 - Dec 4 - NOTICE OF ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION

TO THE TAXPAYERS OF CULVER CITY, MARSHALL COUNTY, INDIANA:

You are hereby notified that the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Town of Culver City, Marshall County, Indiana, at their regular meeting held on November 19,1934, adopted a Declaratory Resolution to make additional appropriation in the total sum of of Eight Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy-five Dollars ($8775.00) to be used from the General Fund of the Town for the following purposes:

Repairing of Fire Truck and purchasing certain Equipment to be used in the Fire Department - - $2,200.00. ...

1934 - Dec 19 - Von Ehr Elected Chief of Fire Deaprtment

Wayne VonEhr was elected to serve another term as chief of the Culver Fire Depaertment at the annual election held last week.

He has been filling out the term of the late Chief Alfred Cromley

Other officers chosen were:
Cary Cummins, Assistant chief;
Perchis Blanchard, Secetary; and
Mont Foss, Treasurer.

1935 - The officers of the club as elected at the first meeting of the year are: Chief - Wayne VonEhr
Assistant Chief - Cary Cummins
Secretary - Harold Davis and
Treseaurer - Mont Foss

1935 - Jan 2 - Firemen Issuing 1935 Community Calendars

The Culver Fire Department is issuing a community calendar for 1935, and plans to place one in every business house, residence and summer cottage in this community.

Any person not getting a calendar may secure one from Wayne VonEhr

The calender carries a a large number of buisness cards, a picture of the fire company and truck, a list of emergency telephone numbers and a three-month calendar in two colors.

The calendar was printed at The Citizen office.

The top from an original calender

1935 - Jan 14 - Calenders were sold and made $18:82; Perchis Blanchard was elected as Secretary for 1935 but refused to serve and Harold Davis was appointed as Secretrary

1935 - May 22- Wayne VonEhr has resigned as Fire Chief of the Culver Volunteer Fire Department, effictive June 10; Cary Cummins, Assistant Fire Chief becomes Chief

1935 - May 20 - New Law to Take Taxes Off Volunteer Firemen

Under a new law passed by the state legislature members of volunteer fire departments receive certain tax exemptions. They are relieved of town corporation poll and property taxes up to $500 valuation of property.

1935 - Jun 10 - Phillip McLane was elected as Assistant fire chief

1935 - Jul 10 - TO FIREMEN'S MEETING Jack Taylor has been elected to represent the Culver Fire Department at the annual convention of the Indiana Firemen's Association at Madison on August 7 and 8

1935 - Sept 11 - Pride of Organization Basis of Fire Company's Success

1935 - Nov 13 - Firemen to Hold Trap Shoot, Nov. 24

A trap shoot for the public will be held Sunday, Nov. 24, by the Culver Fire Department on grounds of the Academy one-fourth of a mile north of state road 10.

The shooting will get under way at 9:00 a. m. and will continue until dark.

Turkeys, geese, ducks, and chickens will be awarded.

1935 - NOV 20 - Good way to get your Meat for thanksgiving

our pilgrim forefathers secured their thanksgiving meat through their trusty rifles and local marksmen will have the opportunity to ape them when the Culver fire department stages it trap shoot Sunday Nov. 24

Turkeys, geese, ducks and chickens will be available.

The meet starts at 9:00 a.m. and will continue until dark while the ladies will shoot at 2:00 p.m.

Hot lunch will be served on the grounds.

1935 - Nov. 27 - Firemen's Trap Shoot Draws Good Crowd

The Fire Department's annual! Thanksgiving Trap Shoot drew a good sized crowd Sunday in spite of competition.

The affair was well managed and plenty of prizes were on hand for the shooters.

The firemen plan to hold several of these shoots during the winter and those interested are asked to watch the store windows

1935 - Dec 9 - zofficers for 1936 elected; Audit committee for 1934 books Boberg, Burns, and Porcher

1935 - DEC 11 - Foss and McFeely Retire from Fire Company After Three decades of Service

After more than three decades of service as members of the Culver Volunteer Fire Department, Mont Foss and Ed McFelly have retired.

As an expression of appreciation they will be presented with their badges and suitable engraving thereon.

Foss was the oldest member of the department, having served 34 years, while McFeely was only two years behind him. This is a long period to serve the community in a volunteer capacity and the community extends its congratulations fo the fine work they did and acknowledges its debt to them for their faithful service as firefighters.

Due to insurance technicalities the places of the two retired men will not be filled until next year. This reduce the company to 14 men.

At the annual election held Monday night Cary Cummins and Philip McLane were reelected chief and assistant chief respecively. Horace Ewald was named secretary and Kenneth Buch treasurer.

1935 - Firemen to Hold Trap Shoot on New Year's Day

Another trap shoot will be held by the fire department as the one staged Thanksgiving Day was so successful and the participants asked for an encore. This shoot will be held New Year's Day on the Academy grounds as before and will start at 1:00 p. m. Attractive prizes will be offered.

1936 - Officers:

Cary Cummins - Fire Chief
Philip McLane / Dave Burns - Assistant Chief
Jack Taylor - Secretary
Kenneth Bush - Treasurer.

1936 - Jan 13 - M. H. Foss appointed by town board ot fire dept 1936 - jan 22 Fireman Balk At Pay Raise Set by Town

The members of the Culver Volunteer Fire Department have not accepted an incease in salary offered by the town board it was reported at the latter's meeting Monday night.

The fire company has been drawing $360 annnualy, which has been pro rated among the members according to fire and meetings attended. This maked an average of about $25 a YEAR to each member of the company, which is most cases does not more than cover the damage to clothing, shoes, etc.

Since the town is receiving financial aid from the township in keeping up the department, the members had requested that the allowance be increased.

The board recongnized that the present compense was inadequate in comparison with services rendered by the fighters and offered the company an increased to $500 annually.

It was reported that the fire lads did not accept this as there was the feeling that the figure should be $600.

1936 - Feb - 5 - Editorial in Citizen

FIRE PROTECTION

The two services rendered by a town in which the public is most concerned are police and fire protection. In Culver the former is a minor item. making fire protection our greatest interest.

We believe Culver's fire department is much better than that usually found in towns of this size. The members are interested in their company and proud of its achievements, while the equipment has been above the average.

The fire fighting problem is greater here than in most towns, as the company must serve the town, the rural area, the Academy, and the lake homes. The last named constitute the greatest problem as the conditions vary in almost every case.

Water must be pumped from the lake and the approach to the lake varies so that the firemen must be acquainted with the entire shore line to know just where to go for water to serve each cottage. The few minutes lost in hunting a way to the lake may make the difference between saving or losing a home.

Protecting property of this type requires more skill, practice and study than that of town houses, that reason the Culver department must be trained in a line not encountered in nearby towns.

Like a chain, a fire department 110 stronger than its weakest link. It may have the best truck in the state, the best trained firemen, a thoroughly trained chief, but if a piece of hose bursts in the midst of a fire all the other factors are of naught until that piece of hose has been replaced. And so it is with each angle.

Probably one certain factor is so taken for granted that it is never thought of by the layman, yet it must be kept up or will fail in a time of need and a delay at a fire means loss of property.

Thus it was with the fire siren recently. It had sounded when needed for rears and its failure to sound for the Vonnegut fire probably meant the difference between a small fire and the complete destruction of the house.

This brings up the question of an emergency siren to be available as a double protection. Of course, the overflow from the water tank freezing on the siren caused the trouble and now an electric gauge has been installed so that it is claimed this will not happen again. Nevertheless, the incident proves the need of checking all angles against a possible failure that would prove costly to some unfortunate property owner as it did a week ago.

The discussion of the warning system brings up the point of whether or not the fire chief should have a telephone at his home. The chances are that he probably has little need of a phone for his personal use, yet he should hare one so that he can be reached in case of emergency. He should not pay for this himself, but the phone should be installed in the chief's home as a matter of course and paid for by the town and township.

Hose costs money and taxpayers do not like to see their money spent needlessly, but when a few extra feet of hose would furnish an additional safeguard in case of fire most of us would be glad to see the hose purchased. Maybe it would be an extreme case when it would be needed, but if the extreme case were our house we would want the hose available.

This goes for all the other equipment a fire company needs, as well as the servicing of present equipment so that there is no doubt of its 100 per cent efficiency.

The fire company is entitled to our deepest concern and its affairs are, due to their public nature, our affairs. But naturally we can not individually be checking on these various angles, but must depend on our town board to see that this Number One Public Concern is functioning properly and is trained, equipped, and ready for any emergency.

1936 - Feb 10 A fishburn appointed Assistant Chief until McLane returns from Indianapolis

1936 - Feb 12 Firemen Hosts At Family Party.

On Monday evening members of the Culver Fire Department gave a party in the basement of the town hall at which their wives and families were honored guests.

Cards formed the evening's diversion, and the serving of an oyster supper concluded the evening's entertainment.

Places for twenty-four guests were laid at tables attractive with valentine decorations and appropriate favors, and the entire basement was transformed into a party mood by decorations in keeping with the tables.

1936 - Apr 8 - REPAIRING FIRE TRUCK - The large fire truck was taken to Detroit the first of the week for a general overhauling by the manufacturer. Fire Chief Cary Cummins drove the truck.

1936 - Apr 29 - Firemen Figure Way To Get More Business

If business isn't so good go out and get it. That is the motto of the Culver Fire Department, Sunday the fire fighters started a fire themselves, sounded the siren, called out both trucks and had a rip-roaring good fire out of it.

The occasion was the burning off of the heavy marsh grass back of Long Point.

In past years this area has been the cause of a number of alarms each spring, so this year the department decided to make one trip suffice and burn the grass with plenty of help on hand.

Monday morning the department was called to Burr Oak, when shingles on the Rev. Hoskins house caught on fire. They were extinguished before the truck arrived.

1936 - May 23 - FIREMEN ENTERTAINED

The members of the Culver Fire Department entertained former members of the department and visiting firemen on Monday night at the Hayes Building.

Firemen from Knox and Bremen were among the guests.

A. E. Wennerstrom told of his experiences on the ill-fated "Titanic.".

1936 - Jun 3 - By this the fire deaprtment had a softball team

Firemen Divide With Giant Team

The Culver Volunteer Fire Department softball team split a double header with the East End iants Tuesday evening.

Giants won the first game 8 to 4, and the Firemen took the second 5 to 0. D. Burns and C. Miller formed the battery for the Firemen in the first game and Young and Miller in the second; for the Giants, Thessin, Kemple, Overmyer, and Babcock in the first, Lowry and Babcock in the s econd...

1936 - Jun 6 - J. Taylor appointed to fill vacancy of Ewald as Secretary

1936 Jul 12 Howard Linsinmier duly elected to COmpany 1936 - Jul 22 - Old Fire Truck Obsolete Chief Tells Trustees

The old fire truck is completely worn out and useless as a means of fire protection the town board was told Monday night by Fire Chief Cary Cummins.

The result is that when the new truck is out of the corporate limits the town is actually without fire protection.

The truck is 20 years old and has been repaired frequently, but Cummins claims that it is now to the point where reapairs are useless as there are too many worn parts.

Its engine will not even make it up a hill, the chief assereted, while its pumping ability is fare from a certainty at any time.

Cummins told the board that a new light truck was the only solution if township fires were to be fought and adequate fire protection maintained in town.

The board took the report under advisement.

1936 - Aug 5 - Report on Fire Truck fire Chief Cummins reported to the board on the type of equipment needed to give adequate fire protection for the town and township. His recommendations were taken under advisement

1936 - Aug 12 - Township makes most calls for fire fighters, survey reveals

1936 - Aug 19 Officlals agree on need of new fire aparatus

Officials of the township and town arrived at a definite agreement Monday night that a new fire truck must be pruchased if the thownship is to be given adquate fire protection, and set next Monday night for a joint meeting with representative of the fire equipment manufacturers.

At this meeting the officials will ascertain the type of fire truck needed to meet the problem of furnishing complete protection to rural property. The lack of water at many farm homes presents an angle not found in town or around the lake. The officals will seek a set-up that will handle this situation adequately.

Ralph Thornburg and John Newman attended the meeting Monday night as representatives of the Farm Bureau and stated that most farmer wanted a township fire truck, but that they wanted equipment that would meet the demands of rural fires better than has been furnished in the past.

A conrol committee.

It was agreed, since the township was joining in the purchase of a fire truck, that it should have control in its management and that a committee of a representative from the town board, one from the advisory board, and the fire chief, should be established.

The township officials expressed themselves as desiring that the town fire department name the township truck.

Both taxing units have provided in their current budgets for the purchase and maintenance of the fire equipment.

1936 - Aug 26, Culver-Union Twp Fire Dept. Formed - Formation of the Culver-Union Township Fire Department was effected at the joint meeting of town and township officials at the town hall on Monday night.

1936 - Sep 2 - Officials Parley Over New Fire Equipment

Officals of the township and town conferred Monday night on the proposed purchsse of a new fire truck to serve the township, but no definite decision was reached or contract signed.

Members of the fire department were present to aid the officials with practical suggestions on the type of equipment needed to meet all needs in the way of rural fire protection.

The officials of the two units also discussed the drawing up of an agreement regarding the operation and maintenance of the new truck, but no document was signed

The matter of past agreements also came in for considerable discussion and percussion.

1936 - Sep 9 & 16 - LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Notice is hereby given that the Trustees of the Incorporated Town of Culver City, Marshall County, Indiana, under date of September 1, 1936, adopted a resolution providing for the purchase of a certain fire truck and equipment according to plans and specifications now on file with the Town Clerk in the town of Culver City, Marshall County, Indiana, and that bids will be received on Monday, October, 5, 1936, at a regular meeting to be held at that time by the Board of Trustees of said town in the Town Hall at Culver City, Indiana.

All bids must be made on forms provided by the town and must be accompanied by a certified check of not less than $200.00 as evidence of good faith.

The Town reserves the right to reject any one or all of said bids.

BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE INCORPORATED TOWN OF CULVER CITY, MARSHALL COUNTY, INDIANA
By J. E. Foreman, Clerk-Treasurer

1936 - Sep 9 - LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS OF CULVER CITY, MARSHALL COUNTY, INDIANA

You are hereby notified that the Trustees of the town of Culver City, Marshall County, Indiana, will, under date of September 21, 1936, pass an additional appropriation ordinance for the current year, as follows:

Fire truck, including Ford chassis, for the total amount of $3.723.50 and has set Monday, September 21. 1936, at 8:00 p. m. at the Town Hall in the town of Culver City, Marshall County, Indiana, as the time and place for the hearing of any objections to the making of said additional appropriaItions. Ten or more taxpayers, other than those who pay poll tax only, who feel themselves aggrieved by the above proposed additional appropriation may appeal to the State Board of Tax Commissioners by filing a remonstrance with the County Auditor within ten days after September 21, 1936.

The Tax Board will fix a date for a hearing in this county. Dated September 1, 1936.

BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE INCORPORATED TOWN OF CULVER CITY, MARSHALL COUNTY, INDIANA
By J. E. Foreman, Clerk-Treasurer.

1936 Sep 14 - Burns elected Assistant Chief

1936 - Sep 24 - State to Hold Fire School Here Sept. 28 The State Regional Fire School will be held in Culver Monday, September 28. This school is for the instruction of firemen in the art of fire fighting and fire prevention. This is the third year of these schools. Last year instructions were given to more than three thousand firemen throughout the State. One or more of these regional schools is being held in each county and the neighboring cities are asked to have their firemen attend at least one day.... The school comes to Culver with no expense or obligation to anyone as the expense is defrayed entirely by the State Fire Marshal Department. All that is asked is the cooperation of the fire departments and town officials.... (See full article by clicking on photo)

1936 - Oct 7 - Order New Fire Apparatus for Township

A contract for a new fire truck to be used in answering alarms in the township was signed with the General Fire Apparatus Co., of St. Louis, Mo., at the meeting of the town board on Monday night.

The total purchase price is $3,013.50, and is to be paid equally by the town and township

The truck is to have the ususal equipment with certain specifications to meet the problems of fighting rural fires.

The hose bin is to have a capacity for 1,200 feet of two and one-half inch hose, which is larger than usual.

There will be one 30 foot extension ladder, one 12-foot roof ladder, one 10-foot folding ladder, and one 10-foot pike pole in addition to the usual accessories.

The number of fire buckets to be carried has also been increased to ten.

The truck will be well equiped for furnishing lights at a rural fire. There will be two hand electric search lights, one 10-inch swivel electric search light and two adjustable search lights.

Large Booster Tank

The truck will carry a 200-gallon booster tank, which will allow the refilling at rural fires without stopping the pump. There will be two 3-gallon chemical extinguishers.

The booster tank will be equiped with 200 feet of three-quarter inch hose.

The pump is to have a capacity of 350 gallons per minute and is to be equiped with both cooling and heaing systems, the latter to prevent freeze-ups in cold weeather. There will be automatic shutters on the radiators.

The balance of the apparatus is standard on most outfits.

"Culver and Union Twp. F. D." is to be the lettering in gold on the red background.

The truck is to be delivered by the latter part of this month.

1936 - Oct 21 - Trap Shoot Sunday, Oct 25 North of Road 10 Academy Grounds starting at 1:00 p.m. and continuing until dark. Variety of attractive merchandise prizes Sponsored by Culver Fire Department The public is invited to come and enjoy an afternoon of Trap shooting

1936 - Nov - Chas. Ferrier duly elected to company

1936 - Nov 25 - Chassis Delivered for New Fire Apparatus - The A. R. McKesson agency has been notified that the new Ford chassis, 1937 model, has been delivered to the General Fire Truck Corporation, Detriot, and that work assembling the apparatus is under way. It is expected that the fire fighting equipment will be delivered around the first of the year.

1936 - Chas Ferrier resigned

1936 - Dec 23 - Cummins Re-elected Chief of Fire Department

Cary Cummins was re-elected chief of the fire department at the annual meeting helf last week. Kenneth Bush was named assistant chief, while the balance of the uncumbants were reelected

The actual photograph used - Standing is left to right: 1) Fire Chief Cary Cummins; 2) Wayne VonEhr Kneeling left to right is: 1) Harold Davis ; 2) David "Dave" Burns; 3) Mont Foss; 4) Ed McFeely; 5) Howard Porcher; 6) Kenneth "Kenny" Bush; 7) Horace Ewald; 8) Arthur "Art" Fishburn; 9) Perchis "Perg" Blanchard; 10) Jack Taylor; 11) Phil McLane; 12) Ed Boberg - Sep 11, 1935 -

1937 - Officers:

Cary Cummins - Fire Chief
Kennith Bush - Assistant Chief
Howard "Rivets" Linsenmier - Secretary
Monton H. Foss - Treasurer.

1937 - Jan 11 1937 Donald "Mike" Mikesell duly elected to company; New fire whistle installed by E. O. Byrd Serial #10442 Volts 220 Motor H.P. 3 Phase 1 amps 30 cycles 60 1937 - New Fire truck delivered (per meeting notes Feb. 8 1937)

1937- Jan 20 - New Township Fire Apparatus Ready for Use.

"This new truck gives the community the best fire protection of any its size in the state." That is the way a representative of the General Fire Truck Corporation, Detriot, rated the local fire fighting set-up with the arrival of the new township fire truck

The new apparatus arrived Sataurday and after tests on Sunday and Monday the town board on Monday night formally accepted the job.

It will be maintained by both the town and township, but will be used only for township fires.

The truck has a 1937 Ford chassis, the first used this year by the General Firre Truck Corporation and uses dual rear wheels so that it can go into fields and places the heavier vechicle couldn't venture.

Has Heavy duty pump

The truck pump has a rating of 350 gallons per minute but can deliver over 500 gallons per minute as it is a heavy duty pump.

The truck carried 740 feet of two and one-half inch hose and 350 feet of one and one-half inch hose.

Then there is a 200 gallon booster tank, with 200 feet of hose. This tank is double the capacity of the one on the large truck and exceeds by 50 feet the amount of booster hose carried by the town vehicle.

It is pointed out that the booster tank is the ideal equipment for rural use as it permits refilling while in use and this tank equals ten chemical tanks. Chemicals in themselves do not extinguish fires, but merely furnish the pressure, while they damage household furnishing where water will not. All modern fire trucks are now using the booster tank instead of chemicals, a fire authority declared. By starting promptly with a bucket brigade from any nearby well the booster tank can be used without interruption in fighting a fire.

Is fully equiped

The truck is completely equiped with the ususal accessories which include an attic ladder, a roof ladder, a 28 foot extension ladder, 10 buckets, 2 axes, 2 electric hand lamps, 4 floodlights, an automatic winter front for the engine, a siren, a flashing red light on the front of th e engine, bell, crowbar; various hoses connections one Foamite for gasoline fires, one hand pump for attic use, a hand extinguisher for the truck's engine, a cellar spray nozzle, 2 two and one-half inch nozzles, 2 one and one-half inch nozzles, a suction hose screen for use in lake and another for use in cisterns, and hose for pump.

With this equipment it is stated that the new truck is better prepared to fight rural fires than the larger vechile. It is the most complete and finest in its size ever manufactured by General Fire Truck Corportation, a representative of the company asserts.

The pump is protected against freezing at any temperature, and it is the only style pump adopted for use by the U. S. Government.

Cost Totals $3,478

The truck and equipment cost the town and township $3,748 and will last from 25 to 30 years with ordinary care, it is stated.

The Old truck, which had reached the ripe age of 20 years, has been traded for $150 worth of fire hose and will be delivered next Sunday to the company at Hartford City, Indiana.

The other truck which is to be used now for tiwn fires only, was purchased in 1930.

1937 - on Sanborn Fire map the fire department was still located on Plymouth St. across from what is now Grace Reformed church of Christ and the property is now the churches parking lot.

The notations on the map were: S.W. & W. prevailings winds. Paving: all streets paved or improved. Grades: Level. Water facilities: Municipally owned. Source from 2 deep wells, 14" diameter and average depth 108'. Direct and gravity pressure system. One 60,000 gallon gravity tank, elevated 100' feet above ground on steel tower. 1 Worthington centrifugal pump, capacity 450 gallons per mintue, gasoline engine driven. 1 Worthington centrifugal pump, capacity 350 gallons per minute, oil engine driven. About 5 1/2 miles of 2" to 8" water pipes. 38 double and triple hrdrants. Average daily consumption about 50,000 gallons. Domestic pressue 42 lbs. Fire pressure 100 lbs. Fire Department 1 chief, 1 assitant chief, and 10 men. 1 station. 1 Diamond "T" truck, General-St. Louis equipment, 500 gallon per minute pump with one 100 gallon booster tank, 1,000' 2" hose, 300' jhose and 150' 1" hose. 1 Ford truck, Genral-Detriot equipment, 350 gallons per minute pump with one 200 gallon booster tank, 800' feet 2" hose, 200' 1" hose and 300' 1" hose. Fire alarm by telephone and electric siren. Fire-resisitive roofing ordinance. Ordinance prohibits wooden shingle roofs within Corporate limits, adopted 1926.

1937 - March 31, 1937 - Local Movies As Benifit for Fire Company

April 1st marks the opening of the movie "See Yourself and Your Town in the Movies."

See yourself and your town in the movies

The movie will be shown Thursday and Friday nights at the Culver Community Building and will start at 8 o'clock. It is being given in two nights in order to permit every one to see it.

The day the cameraman took pictures downtown was an exciting time as everyone enterd into the spirit of the idea.

It is estimated that these pictures will not only prove intersesting but mirthful as well - especially the real fire that was held at the fire hall and the Academy's special fire department.

Ameteur contest

Another interesting part of the program will be the amateur contest, with entrants all from a radius of 10 miles.

A special rehearsal of entrants is being held tonight, Wednesday, at 7 o'clock. Captain J. I. Rich will be both msster of ceremonies and auctioneer of the county store Auction when merchandise donated by various merchants will be auctioned off to the highest bidder.

The Culver Volunteer Fire Department is putting on this show to raise some money for their general fund. From time to time it is necesssary that they purchase extra things to aid them in their job in the community and they ask the support of all

Miss Ellen Kingston, the director of this show, wished to express her appreciaion for the very cordial manner in which she was received by local business men, their generous spirit of cooperation being a large factor in putting the advertising program over.

Becomes record

This film, which consists of two reels, becomes the prpoperty of the Culver Fire Department after it has been shown at the school on Thursday and Friday nights, and may be used from time to time by other organizations in the community in as much as the school recently purchased a 16 mm projector.

The picture is interesting today, but in a few years as the town changes and new faces replace old ones, it will become a most valuable record.

A door prize is being offered each night andf it is hoped that noe one will miss this oppertunity to see there local moves at popular prices.

Mont Foss Helps Make Movie Shots Realistic

When the firemen were having moving pictures taken last week, Mont Foss contended that they should have a real fire to which to make a run, but the idea was vetoed as impractical.

The fire fighters went through all the motions of answering a fire alarm just the same and when they stopped smoke was smelled and investigation revealed that a lighted pipe, jammed in a coat pocket in the excitement, had ignited Mont's clothing.

A hand extinguisher was brought into play and soon Mont's fire was brought under control.

It is said that the cameraman had the presence of mind to keep on grinding and save this historical event for posterity.

Another unexpected event happened as the men were running to the fire station when the leader slipped and fell on some ice, several of his mates piling up on top of him.

The camera man also caught this, he claimed. The two unexpected happenings should make the movie more entertaining than had been planned.

Footnotes:
The film, which consists of two reels, becomes the property of the Fire Department, which is raising money from the shows for their general fund. The picture is interesting today, but in a few years as the town changes, it will become a most valuable record. A cameraman took silent film of Culver Burr Oak, Hibbard, and the Maxinkuckee Village, including churches, schools, storefronts, and more. Also included were the firemen as they were preparing to make a (fabricated) fire run in which a lighted pipe jammed in a coat pocket had ignited fireman Mont Foss' clothing

A film was made of Culver - probably in conjunction of the film made on the academy at that time and a source said it was turned over to the fire department at that time. By Mark A. Roeder in his book on Culver revised and published in 2004, writes:
In early 1937 a film was made of Culver and its people. After its showing it became the property of the fire department. A copy of this film may still exist if someone can find it.


Thus implied that the film has been lost - as far as I have known the fire department has always had custody of it - back in 1972/3 because of the condition of the original footage of the film then Fire Chief David Burns had it sent in through Mr T's Drug Store and had the what footage could be salvaged restored and re-mastered.

Because of age, wear and tear of the many showings; breakage and splicing back together, the film was in very very fragile condition. He kept the original footage; and while in his possession Edward "Red" Kowatch borrowed it and made a copy from it in VHS format.

Upon David Burns' death on 23 Aug 1990; his widow Judith turned the original back over to Fire Chief Lance Overmyer and the fire department, to have and do with as they please.

From what David Burns always said of the film one gained the impression that the fire department had a film made as part a fund raising project for the department - it was of the town of Culver. David use to show it to organizations in Culver and narrate it during the 1970's and early 1980's.

1937 - Apr 7 - Firemen Realize Good Sum on Benefit Show - The firemen's benefit held last week brought in a neat amount to the organization's treasury. Movies of local scenes were shown, an auction was held and the amateur contest was won by Marian Louise Buntin, with Meta Ann Grove second, and the "Four M's" third.

1937 - Aug. 18 - The fire company is also organized with the following assignments:

Chief: O. A Gandy
Nozzlemen: J. R. Saine, Ira Hubler, E. McFeely, M. H. Foss

Hydrant men: H. Litzenbereger, G. R. Howard, A Blanchard, J. McFeely

1937 - Oct 20 - Firemen to Held Trap Shoot Here Next Sunday - A trap shoot will be held next Sunday under the auspices of the local fire department. There will be two traps and plenty of prizes. The shoot will be in a new location-east of the new bath house on Road 17. The public is invited.

1937 - Oct 27 - Record Crowd Attends Firemen's Trap Shoot - The largest crowd ever to attend a trap shoot here enjoyed the matches held Sunday by the local firemen. Shooters were present from Indianapolis, South Bend, and other points in the state, as well as a throng from this vicinity. It is estimated 3,170 clay birds were shot.

1937 - Nov 3 - PLAN TRAP SHOOT - The firemen announce another of their popular trap shoots on, Sunday, Nov. 7, in the town park. Details are given in an advertisement on another page of this issue.

1937 - Nov. 8 - Henry Hinkle duly elected into company

1937 - Nov 24- ORDINANCE FOR APPROPRIATION

An ordinance appropriating moneys for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the several departments of the town government of the town of Culver City, Ind., for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 1938, and ending December 31, 1938, including all outstanding claims and obligations, and fixing a time when the same shall take effeet.

Section 1. Be it Ordained by the Board of Town Trustees of the Town of Culver City, Ind., That for the expenses of the town government and its institutions. for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1938, the following sums of money are hereby appropriated and ordered set apart out of the funds herein named and for -the purposes herein specified, subject to the laws governing the same. Such sums herein appropriated shall be held to include all expenditures authorized to be made during the year, unless otherwise expressly stipulated and provided by law.

Section 2. That for the said fiscal year' there is hereby appropriated out of the "General Fund" of said town, the following:
General Fund
1 SERVICES PERSONAL... Compensation of Firemen 500...

1938 - Apr 13 - SPRING IS HERE The annual burning off of the marsh between Long Point and the railroad on Monday night furnished a signal that spring is here. The firemen started the fire so as keep it in check and forestall some other whenit might damage adjacent property

1938 - Aug 12 - Clinton Short Dies from Injuries Received in accident Passed Away Wednesday Night At Hospital; Burns and Tayor Recovering... was driving to fire at the Dimmick farm on the Behmer road with Dave Burns and Jack Taylor, members of the Culver Fire Department, accompaning him.

1936- Aug 17 - NOTICE TO TAX PAYERS OF TAX LEVIES

In the matter of determining the tax rates for certain the civil town of Culver City, Marshall County, Indiana. Board of Town Trustees. Notice is hereby given the taxpayers of Culver City, Indiana, proper legal officers of said muncipality, at their regular the 6th day of September, 1935, will consider the following Budget Classifications for Towns

GENERAL FUND... Compensation of Firemen 625 ...

1938 - October 3 - An addiional doorway has been built into the west wall of the town hall and the township fire truck placed next to its big brother, the pumper. The chemical truck has been housed in a shed in back of the town hall but with the clearing of the land to make room for the new water tower it was necessary to find a new home for the township's fire apparatus.

1938 - Nov - Newman's Dairy Barn burns.

1938 - Dec 14 - ORDINANCE FOR APPROPRIATION

An ordinance appropriating moneys for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the several departments of the town government of the town of Culver City, Ind., for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 1939, and ending December 31, 1939, including all outstanding claims and obligations, and fixing a time when the same shall take effeet.

Section 1. Be it Ordained by the Board of Town Trustees of the Town of Culver City, Ind., That for the expenses of the town government and its institutions. for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1939, the following sums of money are hereby appropriated and ordered set apart out of the funds herein named and for -the purposes herein specified, subject to the laws governing the same. Such sums herein appropriated shall be held to include all expenditures authorized to be made during the year, unless otherwise expressly stipulated and provided by law.

Section 2. That for the said fiscal year' there is hereby appropriated out of the "General Fund" of said town, the following:
General Fund
1 SERVICES PERSONAL... Compensation of Firemen 500...

1938 - Officers

Cary Cummins - Chief Kennith Bush - Assistant Chief
Howard "Rivets" Linsenmier - Secretary
David Burns - Treasurer

1939 - Officers

Cary Cummins - Chief Kennith Bush - Assistant Chief
Howard "Rivets" Linsenmier - Secretary
Henry Hinkle - Treasurer

1939 - Mar 13, - J. Taylor dropped for non-attendance

1939 - Aug 16 - Made Test Run

The fire department made a test run Monday night for the Underwriters department, and the sounding of the siren brought out the usuasl crowd of spectators who wondered what it was all about

The test run was to the farthest point in town and then to the county line.

The time on the former was two and one-half minutes.

1939 - Aug 30 - NOTICE TO TAX PAYERS OF TAX LEVIES

In the matter of determining the tax rates for certain the civil town of Culver City, Marshall County, Indiana. Board of Town Trustees. Notice is hereby given the taxpayers of Culver City, Indiana, proper legal officers of said muncipality, at their regular the 5th day of September, 1939, will consider the following Budget Classifications for Towns

GENERAL FUND... Compensation of Firemen 625 ...

1940 - Officers Elected Dec 11, 1939

Cary Cummins - Fire Chief
Kennith Bush - Assistant Chief
Henry Hinkle - Treasure
Howard "Rivets" Linsenmier - Secretary

1940 - Jan 7 - Voted that the age limit of 55 years be taken out of the bylaws and the company at later date will make new bylaws.

1940 - Jan 15 - FINANCIAL STATEMENT TOWN OF CULVER CITY

Annual financial report of the Town of Culver, Marshall County, Indiana, for 1 the Fiscal Year beginning January 1, 1940, and ending December 31, 1940.
GENERAL FUND Disbursements
...Culver Firemen, salary_ _ _ 300....

1940 - Feb 14 - FIREMEN HOLD FEED The mebers of the Culver Fire Department, with members of the town board as guests, held their annual turkey dinner in the town hall Monday night.

1940 - Apr 3 - WILL BURN OFF LOTS - An offer to burn off vacant lots and fields without charge any place in Culver and Union township has been made by the Culver Fire department. The firemen are doing this to save themselves the necessity of, making runs at inconvenient times. Those wishing this service may call Fire Chief Cary Cummins at Ewald's Market.

1940 - Jul 31 - Warns Public to Keep Cars Away From All Fires

As a result of thoughtless motorists parking their cars immediately in front of the place where a fire was reported in the business section recently, Fire Chief Cary Cummins calls attention to a state law and town ordinance that makes it illegal for automobiles to be parked within one-half block of a fire or the fire truck.

Since motorists are hampering the work of the firemen with a resulting threat of additional loss of property, prosecutions will follow all violations in the future.

1940 - Aug 28 - NOTICE TO TAX PAYERS OF TAX LEVIES

In the matter of determining the tax rates for certain the civil town of Culver City, Marshall County, Indiana. Board of Town Trustees. Notice is hereby given the taxpayers of Culver City, Indiana, proper legal officers of said muncipality, at their regular the 3rd day of September, 1940, will consider the following Budget Classifications for Towns

GENERAL FUND... Compensation of Firemen 625 ...

1940 Sep 9 - Howard Linsenmier resigns; Howard Moaxley appointed secretary

1941 - - Officers Elected Dec 9, 1940

Cary Cummins - Fire Chief
Kennith Bush - Assistant Chief - resigned
Henry Hinkle - Secretary & Treasure
M. H. Foss - Assisant Chief - (elected May 14 1842) M. H. Foss - Secretary & Treasure -(elected May 14 1842)

1941 - Jan 22 - Firemen Coached On Nation Defense Role

How firemen may aid in the national defense program, and in the actual business of defending the nation in time of emergency, was the theme of a district meeting of volunteer firemen held in Bremen last week, attended by 114 men of the departments in this part of the state, from Culver.

The meeting was the first of four such district conferences to be held in the state as a volunteer firemen's extension course sponsored by Purdue University. Motion pictures showing various methods of fighting fires were exhibited for the firemen.

Firemen Eat Turkey, Hear Talks, See Movies

The members of the Culver Volunteer Fire Department and several guests enjoyed a delicious turkey dinner at Snyder's Cafe Monday night, with Fireman Dave Burns winning all honors for greatest capacity and endurance.

The dinner is an annual affair with the fire-fighters.

After a session of recounting the coldest day a fire was fought, the most dangerous incident, and a number of humorous happenings at fires, Chief Cary Cummins explained to the members the part firemen will play in national defense.

An inventory has been made of every fire company's equipment, and fire chiefs have been called for schooling on fighting fires in time of war.

Chief Cummins stated that Indiana has become the leading midwestern state in the production of war materials and for that reason defense measures were being stressed.

He told the firemen that they could expect extra training in the near future along lines specified by the government.

Members of the town board and Trustee D. W. Weaver were called upon for remarks, after which Marshal Charles Buffington told the role the police would play in national defense, and pledged cooperation with the firemen.

Movies of Mexico, shown by M. R. Robinson, provided the entertainment feature of the evening.

1941 Mar 10 - Fritz Kemple accepted as member

1941 - Aug 20 - NOTICE TO TAX PAYERS OF TAX LEVIES

In the matter of determining the tax rates for certain the civil town of Culver City, Marshall County, Indiana. Board of Town Trustees. Notice is hereby given the taxpayers of Culver City, Indiana, proper legal officers of said muncipality, at their regular the 2rd day of September, 1941, will consider the following Budget Classifications for Towns

GENERAL FUND... Compensation of Firemen 625 ...

1941 - Halloween Parade and Fun Friday Night to be Sponsored by Firemen

Culver kids of all ages, from two to ninety-five, will play ghosts, goblins or what have you, and wear their funny faces as they frolic on the streets of the town in the annual Halloween party sponsored this year by the Culver Fire Department.

The big frolic is set for Friday night, Oct. 31.

The paraders are to meet at the Lake Shore Garage at 7:00 o'clock and form the parade that will get under way at 7:30. The line of march will be up Lake Shore Drive to Main street and south on Main to /the bank corner.

Prizes are to be awarded for the best tramp, cat. clown, cowboy, bandit, farmer, fat lady, worst looking, Hitler, sailor, witch, other nations, twins, and other such distinctive costumes.

There will be two grand prizes in addition to these for the two best costumes, regardless of type. One will be for $2.00 and the other for $1.00.

The fun session will be held at the platform at the side of the bank, with Capt. Jim Rich as master of ceremonies. After the costume prizes have been awarded there will be a variety of stunts. Among them will be a penny scramble, apple bobbing, apple on a string, balloon blowing, pie eating, and many others. There will be a prize for each winner.

All traffic will be directed off of Lake Shore Drive and Main street from 7:00 p. m. until the parade is over.

There will be surprise music to lead the parade.

Each child and adult will be given a number before they parade before the judges at the bank corner.

Don't fail to be on band Friday night and enjoy the big Halloween fete as the guests of the Culver Firemen.

1941 - Dec 10 - Firemen Get Equipment Ready For all Action - - With the purchase of new coats, boots, helmets and gloves, the Culver Fire Separtment is up to 100% efficiency and ranks amoung the best in the state in inventory of equipment. The firemen have been notified to be ready to send aid to Kingsbury and South Bend in case attackes are made of those important points.

1942 - feb. 11 - Firemen Eat Turkey, Plan Defense School, Hear Talk on Spirit. The Culver Volunteer Fire Department staged its annual turkey dinner Monday night in Snyder's Cafe...

1942 Apr 21 - Sam Wppds accce[ted as member; elected a captain to be in charge when Chief and assistant chief not present; Elected Fishburn as captain.



1942 May 11 - Bush resigns tun in equipment and given to Sam WOods

1942 Jun 8 - VonEhr asks for a leave of 6 months absences but will try to atten all fires and meetings possible; Kemple received into Army

1942 Jul 12 - Harry Young accepets as member and recceived Kemples equipment.

1942 - Aug 26 - NOTICE TO TAX PAYERS OF TAX LEVIES

In the matter of determining the tax rates for certain the civil town of Culver City, Marshall County, Indiana. Board of Town Trustees. Notice is hereby given the taxpayers of Culver City, Indiana, proper legal officers of said muncipality, at their regular the 8th day of September, 1942, will consider the following Budget Classifications for Towns

GENERAL FUND... Compensation of Firemen 625 ...

1942 Sep 14 - Hinkle granted indefinite leave to assume Army duties; M. H. Foss appointed Secretary and treasurer; Eobeert Ewald accepted as member

1942 - Oct 14 - Halloween Celebration To Be Staged Here Oct. 31 - Halloween will be celebrated again this year in Culver at a big party under the supervision of the Culver Fire Department, assisted by the Chamber of Commerce. The fete will be staged in front of the NIPSCO office if the weather is suitable, but in case of inclement conditions the show will go on in McKesson's Garage....

1942 Dec 14 - Hinkle turned in equipment and given to Bob Ewald

1944 Jun 14 - Chief Cummins resigned; Harry Edgington elected to membership; Dave Burns appointed Chief and HOward Maxley assistant chief.

1943 - Feb 10 - Firemen Hear of Peace Problems At Annual Fete

The problems of peace and the duty of every citizen in bringing about an end to continued strife were presented by Col. Charles C. Mather at the annual turkey dinner held by the Culver Volunteer Fire Department Monday night in Snyder's Cafe. After extinguishing the bountiful dinner, Cary Cummins, fire chief, reviewed the work of the company during the past year and its general condition. He explained that the firemen were ready for war emergencies as they had completed the courses in bombs and gases, rounding out all phases of the training prescribed for firemen. Short talks were given by Oliver Shilling, civilian defense chairman; E. W. Carter, president of the town board; Earl Foreman, town clerk-treasurer; and Verl McFeely, town marshal. Showing of movies concluded the evening's interesting program.

1943 - Culver Citizen dated 24 March - Medbourn Ice House Burns

1943 - Aug 4 - No New Tires for Spares - New tires will not be rationed as spares in the next few months except to such persons as firemen and doctors, OPA announced recently, Drivers that do not have a fifth tire usable for a spare occasionally, may get a certificate for a used or recapped tire for that purpose

1943 Sep 13 - Forrest M. Shaw elected into company

1943 Nov 11 - The new J. H. Emerson Resucatator was delivered and instructions of use given

1943 - Officers - Elected Dec 14 1942

Cary Cummins - Fire Chief
Dave Burns - Assistant Chief
M. H. Foss - Secretary & Treasure
Dave Burns - Chief - Elected June 14 1943
Howard Maxey - Assistant Chief - - Elected June 14 1943

1943 - June 26 - David Burns has been elected chief of the Culver Volunteer Fire Department to fill the vacancy created whe Cary Cummins resigned

1943 Jun 30 - Burns Succeeds Cummins As Culver's Fire chief

David Burns has been elected chief of the Culver Volunteer Fire Department to fill the vacancy created whem Cary Cummins resigned due to his work keeping him out of town most of the day.

Cummins served as chief for over eight years and during that time the fire department has developed to a high degree of efficiency and the equipment placed in first class condition. Under his leadership the members of the department were given special training in civilian defense.

Burns has been an outstanding member of the department for several years and the community is assured efficient fire protection under his leadership.<

Howard Maxey was elected assistant chief, following Burns' promition - 30 Jun 1943 Citizen

1943 - Aug 11 Lions Club to Donate Resuscitator As Saftey Aid to Community

1943 - Aug 18 - NOTICE TO TAX PAYERS OF TAX LEVIES

In the matter of determining the tax rates for certain the civil town of Culver City, Marshall County, Indiana. Board of Town Trustees. Notice is hereby given the taxpayers of Culver City, Indiana, proper legal officers of said muncipality, at their regular the 6th day of September, 1942, will consider the following Budget Classifications for Towns

GENERAL FUND... Compensation of Firemen 625 ...

1943 - Nov 10 - Lions's ResuscitatorOn Display This Week; Firemen Learn Uses The new resuscitator sponsored by the Lions Club is on display this week in the window of Easterday's Funeral Home

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