It was in 1869, near the time of the erection of Grange No. 1, that the first Fredonia Fire Department was organized. There were two companies at that time, Fredonia No. 1 and Cataract Fire Company No. 2. On September 16, 1873, the Cataract Fire Company became the M. M. Fenner Hose Co. No 2. at the Academy Hall. The officers were J. C. Hamilton, foreman; L.P. Pritchard, 1st Assistant; W. B. Darby, 2nd Assistant; F. I. Stevens, Secretary; A. N. Clark, Treasurer. These, with C. H. Barmore, C. W. Searls, and C. A. Rockwood, were the originators of the plan to form a new company to man the old engine “Protection No. 1.” The engine was being stored in Dr. Walworth’s barn on Main St., which was transferred to the engine house.
On April 27, 1868, the engine was badly burned at the fire on Main and Water streets. At this fire the citizens tried, and almost succeeded in running it into the fire, because it would not work, the reason of which was that it had not been taken care of for many years. After the Company had become thoroughly organized the village trustees remodeled it somewhat by lowering the air chamber and putting the suction over the engine in squirrel-tail style. J. J. Fagan, C. W. Searls and D. W. Tate, all members of the Company, volunteered to paint the engine and hose cart. If the Company would furnish material, which they did, and its appearance was greatly improved.
The first fire this Company ran to was at Tunstall & Lewis handle factory on May 15, 1874, more then half mile from the engine house, at which time they had the first stream on the building.
Dr. M. M. Fenner was elected an honorary member of the M. M. Fenner Hose Co. #2 on June 26, 1884.
On April 27, 1877 the hose cart was broken as it was being run out of the engine house to a fire. In consequence of which the trustees recently purchased a four-wheeled carriage from F. J. Miller, of New York, for $325, which has been recently repainted by the company.
On August 7, 1877 the Company became a member of the New York State Firemen’s Association, and are still a member today.
The M. M. Fenner Hose Co. # 2 did not disband on May 18, 1891 at noon but adjourned with the two other companies when the Village Board replaced the companies with an on call paid department. These paid departments consisted of about 20 men and were paid on a yearly basis with each receiving about $20 per year.
At the Village Board meeting on February 22, 1901, after several big fires including the Normal School fire, a resolution was passed declaring the intention to organize two hose companies and one hook & ladder company. The revival of these three splendid companies will gladden many Fredonians, and they will no doubt do as good service as they did in the old days.
On March 26, 1901 president Albert L. Andrews called a special meeting. A motion by Warren H. Wilson to accept the invitation of the Village Trustees to go back into active service was approved. A committee consisting of Kirby F. Hayward Sr., Henry F. Adams, and Merritt E. Wheelock was appointed to recruit new members. A committee consisting of F.B. Wilson, G.P. Marsh and John J. Fagan to wait on Dr. Milton M. Fenner in regard to allowing his name to be continued to be used in connection with the company.
On March 29, 1901 a special meeting was held and the membership reported favorably on thirteen names and the secretary was instructed to cast a single ballot for the new members. Motion also made that the Charter be closed and all applicants hereafter pay a fee.
The charter members of the M. M. Fenner Hose # 2 are: Henry F. Adams, Albert L. Andrews, F. P. Ball, Joseph Bileske Jr., George E. Blood Jr., John Cray Jr., Frank A. Dorsett, Walter E. Dunkley, John J. Fagan, John T. Fagan, S. Ray Fairbanks, Frank Francis, Kirby F. Hayward, Ely P. Lamphear, R.S. Marsh, Frederick Martin, G. P. Marsh, Thomas J. O’Neil, George A. Palmer, Leroy L. Pierce, Bert A. Rice, Augustus P. Schifferli, Frank E. Schifferli, Walter H. Schmeiser, C. W. Searl, Blair F. Simons, J. J. Stebbins, Gaius M. Tremaine Jr., J.S. VanAlstine, Peter Wagner, Merritt E. Wheelock, Earl J. Wilson, F. B. Wilson, Warren H. Wilson, and H. K. Wolfers. Torch boys were Miner Tyrrel and Charles Jacket.
The committee reported that they had called on the Honorable M.M. Fenner and announcing their mission were very warmly welcomed and were invited to cigars and “so forth” after which Dr. Fenner expressed himself very much pleased to hear that the Company wished the continuance of His name, which he granted with many thanks and good wishes for the company. Dr. M. M. Fenner was elected an Honorary member of the M. M. Fenner Hose Co, #2 on June 26, 1884. Election was also conducted at this meeting with these results: Henry F. Adams, President; Blair F. Simon, Secretary; George E. Blood Jr., Treasurer; John J. Fagan, Foreman; Merritt E. Wheelock, 1st Assistant; George A. Palmer, 2nd Assistant. Trustees were Albert L. Andrews, Ely P. Lamphear, G. P. Marsh, F. B. Wilson and Kirby F. Hayward on the finance committee was C.W. Searl, J. J. Fagan and S. R. Fairbanks.
The Fire Apparatus was turned over to the company on April 2, 1901 at noon. The apparatus was a four-wheeled hand drawn cart. Shortly after 1PM that day the fire alarm sounded and the Fenner’s responded promptly. The fire was in the back roof of the Andrew Kinney house on Newton St. and was out before arrival of the firemen. During the early years of the Department there was great competition between the companies to be first on the scene and to have a stream of water on the fire.
A special meeting on April 3, 1901 at the Hotel Columbia a committee was appointed to meet with other companies and for a place and time to hold a department meeting. The rules and regulations governing the Department as drafted by the Department officers were read by the Secretary and were adopted as read.
Starting on April 19, 1901 meetings were held in the Temple of Honor on the first Friday of the month. Letter was read from Dr. M.M. Fenner stating that he would be pleased to have his name so used and had enclosed a check for $50.00 and requested that we call on him in time of need.
In August of 1901 the company ordered 44 caps and badges for use in parades. The company meets and took the 1 o’clock car to the Fair Grounds in a body to the parade wearing a white shirt, dark pants, coat and the caps.
In December 1901 plans were made to have a dance on New Year’s Eve and to be known as our First Annual Ball. This event was always well received and enjoyed by all in attendance. The Fenners held this ball for many years into the mid 30’s.
On February 26. 1902 the Fenners held a minstrel show at the Grand Opera House and a profit of $80.90 was made. This was one of the many fundraisers that were held by the Fenners.
In May 1902 it was decided to purchase uniforms. They were a short military coat with a stand up collar of maroon trimmed with black. The cap was a regulation cap with a spring top and drop visor-cloth the same as the suit. The bid of Henderson Ames for $9.75 was accepted. Each member will pay $3.00 towards the cost of the uniform.
The Fenners went in with the other Companies and hired the Portland Band for the July 4th parade in Dunkirk. The Fenners share of the band was $16.00. The Fenners were pronounced by the judge to be the best appearing company. The new uniforms were worn for the first time and 39 members marched.
The new Fire Station at the corner of Church and Center Sts. was opened in November of 1902. An open house and dance was held with the Lake City Orchestra of Dunkirk playing. About 250 tickets were sold for the occasion and an enjoyable evening was had. All the firemen were in uniform of their Companies and it was a very impressive site.
The first meeting in the new Fire Station was held on November 7, 1902. The new lockers were received and the secretary will keep one key and it was voted that no one be allowed the use of a locker for less than 50 cents and that choice of all lockers shall be sold to one who pays the most for it. Choices of 25 lockers were sold at the auction which raised $17.00.
Meeting on December 5, 1902 it was voted to have two Torchboys. For the 2nd annual ball the Lake City Orchestra of 7 pieces and members to wear their uniforms to the dance. A profit of $117.05 was made on the Ball.
In early 1903 the parlor and bunk rooms were furnished. The cost of the decorated ceiling was $35.00 and $18.00 for 3 leather cushions for the front corner area. A new lock and 40 keys were purchased for the parlor door. It was decided to purchase a spoon for the girl that rides the parade cart in the parades. An Invitation was accepted from Conneaut, OH to attend the grand parade and tournament on September 17th and 18th. Dr. Fenner was invited to come.
At a special meeting on October 26, 1903 it was voted to make a rule no smoking in the parlor. Also pictures of the company were completed and hung in the parlor.
The Hon. George R. Moose was voted an honorary member of the Company on September 2, 1904. He was the President of the Village and in December of 1905 he died.
At the regular meeting on November 4, 1904 it was voted that red and white be chosen as the Fenners colors.
On March 15, 1905 plans were made to attend the funeral of Dr. M. M. Fenner on March 17, 1905. Dr. Fenner was Fredonia foremost and valuable citizen, very generous and staunch friend of the Fenner Hose Co. and the Fredonia Fire Department. Dr. Fenner established the prosperous business of manufacturing People’s Remedies under a company name of M. M. Fenner Co. He represented the district in the State Assembly in 1880 and 1881.He had the controlling interest in the Dunkirk & Fredonia Railroad Co. and play a large role in the building of the Hotel Columbia which was one of the most beneficial enterprises of the village. A frame was purchased for the Honorary certificate for Dr. Fenner and be given a place in our parlor along with a picture of Dr. Fenner.
On June 2, 1905 it was voted to purchase a hose wagon from Fisk & Frost and to be fitted with roller bearings. The hose wagon was inspected on November 20, 1905 and will be painted in a first class matter. The cost of the wagon was $188.50 and $45.00 for painting the wagon. The hose wagon was sold on February 5, 1919 to Frederick Frost for $25.00.
In January 1906 a new combination hose wagon with roller bearings, carrying two – three gallon chemical tanks and 650 feet of hose was put into service. The total cost was $350.00 and the entire expense was paid by the M. M. Fenner Hose Co. This wagon continues in service until December 30, 1915 when the first piece of motor apparatus was put into service.
On March 2, 1906, voted to place the name of Milton M. Fenner Jr. on the Honor Roll of our Company and that he be presented with a honorary membership certificate and keys to the building. Also on October 4, 1907 Fred Frost was elected an honorary member.
Special meeting on August 16, 1909 it was voted to purchase 30 pairs of white flannel pants at $3.50 each. This action shall be kept quiet and any member making it known outside of the Company of anything that has transpired at this meeting regarding new uniforms be fined one dollar. At the August 5, 1910 meeting it was voted to wear the black pants to the Silver Creek parade and change to white pants just before the parade.
The Fenner Hose during the years went to many parades and tournament and won many prizes. Some places where the Fenners Traveled for parades were Bradford, PA; Conneauant, Oh; Batavia, NY; Brantford, Ontario Canada; Niagara Falls, NY; Buffalo, NY; Westfield, NY. They would take a special car along with the other companies from Fredonia. In the parades they pulled the parade cart and had a young girl sitting on top this usually carried off the prize for having the finest apparatus in line. The girl riding the parade cart was always presented with a spoon.
On June 3, 1910, H. M. Clark was elected as an honorary member of the Company.
A new motor truck was put into service in December of 1915. Chief Salhoff outlined at the January 7, 1916 meeting that only 6 members beside the driver would be allowed to ride to a fire. No one is to attempt to jump on when going at full speed and cautioned all to be careful in taking off or putting on hoses.
On February 29, 1916 the by-laws were changed making the regular meeting nights the first Wednesday night in each month and fire drill the second Wednesday of each month.
In 1932 Fredonia went on Daylight saving time but by mistake. Elton Morrison, Paid Fire Driver, who was entrusted to blow the noon whistle. This day he was working upstairs and when the church bells chimed he looked at his watched and thought it was noon and blew the noon whistle at Eleven. This caused much many phones to ring and many back fence gossip. There wasn’t nearly as much excitement since the war ended. Elton admitted to the reporter it was all a mistake and at noon he again blew the Noon whistle.
In a letter to the Editor a Taxpayer wrote the following in 1932:
Dear Sir:
The recent Firemen’s convention at Salamanca was an inspiration to me as a taxpayer. As I watched the many types of fire apparatus on display I could not help but feel proud as I thought of our own Ford Pumper back in Fredonia. I think that I can honestly say without gross exaggeration that our relic surpasses any in the state. It should be looked upon with pride. Few towns of our size or even smaller can boast of a piece of apparatus so efficient and so modern. Of course the fact it will only go 5 miles per hour and that the pump doesn’t work, is only a small item. Then, too, the fact that it is always necessary to keep a pan beneath the radiator doesn’t prove a thing. Many an outsider has been known to smile at our truck and a few even laughed out loud. Isn’t it time we woke up and deposed of a piece of junk before some antique dealer makes us an offer. ( it has been is service 13 years and repaired several times)
In November of 1932 the Department voted to purchase a new Pumper from Buffalo Fire Appliance Co. this vote was not final and the Village Board purchased a Pumper from the American-LaFrance Company of Elmira, NY. At the suggestion of Trustee Anthony Battaglia that in view of the frequent calls outside the village that the Town of Pomfret be asked to become part owner of the new truck but did not find favor with other members of the board. The new Pumper arrived In February 1933 on the New York Central siding. The fire hall was crowded on Monday and Tuesday night with men looking over the apparatus. The Pumper passed all the underwriters requirements with flying color.
In May 1930 the old Fenner Hose parade cart was offered as a gift to the company. After considerable discussion particularly in regard to storage it was voted not to accept the cart. Ion January 1933 Harold Cooke said if the Company would give its consent that the Village board would give the parade cart to the Fredonia Exempts Firemen Association and pay for having same restored to its former condition and provide a place to house the cart as a relic. Motion by Blair F. Simons and seconded that this is agreeable to the Fenner Hose Co.
In August of 1936 a rare hand in pinochle in which eight aces was dealt to John Bileski in the Fire Hall. The hand was dealt by Bileski’s partner, Harry Schifferli, who was dealing one card at a time. The other players were Joe Wilson and Felix Work. It was claimed this was the first time eight aces had been dealt to one player in the Fire Hall.
July 25-26 1940. Fredonia Fire Department will host the Western New York Volunteer Firemen’s Association annual convention.
The titles of the Line Officers were changed in April 1942 to Captain, 1st lieutenant and 2nd Lieutenant.
In February 1959 Chief Robert Bileske announced the Department replaced the carnival with a Fund Drive. The Department and Companies have held a carnival for years along with other fund raising activities. These all were replaced with the Fund Drive, which is still conducted today in the first week of June.
The Fenner room was remodeled starting in October 1968 at a cost not to exceed $1300. An open house was held for members and families in March 1968.
The Fenners sponsored a girl in the Queen contest at Gala Days held annually at the Firemen’s ground in Stockton from 1958 thru 1981.
John J. Sullivan was appointed to represent the Fenners on the Department Building Committee. In a drawing for a room in the new Fire Hall he drew and had first pick and choose the large front room facing Main St. The Fenners moved their furniture and belongings to the new Fire Hall on Sunday, April 1, 1979. This year the Company had new pictures taken. In 1983 the room was redecorated with wallpaper and the mantle was bricked in. The addirons for the fireplace were donated by Mrs. John E. Shea from Perrysburg, NY. The fireplace was donated to the Fire Department by Chief George Zamn in 1902 and was moved to the new Fire Hall in 1979 and was rededicated in February 1983 in the Fenner room.
There are two trumpets on the mantle. One was presented by the members of Cataract Fire Co, #2 to their Forman John C. Hamilton on June 16, 1874. The other was presented to W. B. Darby, 2nd Assistant Foreman Cataract Fire Co. No. 2 by Rush Smitzer on December 25, 1875.
Many trophies are displayed on the mantle. The Red Wing Fredonia Farm Festival Hose Race trophy for the years 1975 – 1981 as the Fenner’s won the trophy in 1979, 1980 and 1981 to retire the trophy.
The Fredonia Volunteer Fire Department held a Tug of War contest at the Annual Picnic from 1975 thru 1986. The Fenners retired the trophy for the year 1975 thru 1981 by winning the tug of war for three consecutive years 1979, 1980 and 1981. Another Tug of War trophy for the years 1982 thru 1986 was retired by the Fenners for winning in 1984,1985 and 1986.
There are many Hose Race trophies from area races starting in the mid 80’s. Each year the team had new t-shirts with new colors and design. Yes, one year they wore pink. For the Hose Race at the Grape Festival in Silver Creek a limousine was taken so all could have a good time.
A display rack in a corner was made in 1985 displaying the old line officers helmets in the room. Group pictures of the Company taken in 1904, 1934,1960,1979, 1988 and a current picture of the current membership for the centennial and a picture of Dr. M. M. Fenner and his honorary certificate are displayed in the room. Also is a group shot of the members in uniform after taking 1st place in Dunkirk on July 4,1904.
In 1985 the Fire Department voted to allow residence from the Town of Pomfret to belong to the Fire Department. Robert Sayers who had been a member since 1976 was able to maintain his membership when he moved into the Town and Robert LeGrano was the first member to join the Fenners from the township. Both are still active in the Fenner Hose today.
In 1987 the Fenners took the financial responsibility of renovating E-11. This will take about 250 man-hours. The cost of the cross lay and plumbing was over four thousand dollars. This also involved completely rewiring of the engine. Many extra man-hours were put into this than planned and it took over 10 months to complete.
Fenners also donated $7000.00 for R –11 along with the other companies in 1989.
From 1995 the Company started a scholarship reward in memory of the deceased members of the M. M. Fenner Hose Co. #2. This is awarded to a senior at Fredonia Central School who is actively involved in community service.
In May 1999 the Company honor Richard J. Butts Sr. for his 50 years of service to the M. M. Fenner Hose Company. The Company also has two other members with over 50 years, Blair F. Simons 53 years and George A. Palmer with 51 years.
Over the years the Company has remembered the widows and invalid past members at Christmas with a gift certificate from a local grocery store.
In getting ready for the Centennial the Fenners have remodel the room with paneling and new blinds and the older pictures redone. Also have enclosed the old Fenner Parade Banner in a shadow box to be displayed on the walls. Individual pictures were taken to make a group picture of current members.