Tracing the early history of the Hook and Ladder Company is extremely more difficult than the other three companies in the Fredonia Fire Department. The main reason is only bits and pieces, in village and the department documents, give a slightest hint that there was a Hook and Ladder Company. The first possible reference of a ladder company surfacing is in the village minutes dated July 1831 when eight ladders were ordered made for “the corporation”. It can be safely assumed these were for fire fighting and the corporation likely being The Franklin Fire Company as mentioned earlier in the department history. These ladders apparently had been completed by the fall of 1831 as records show “it ordered that Richard Webber be paid $20.00 for making eight ladders”. These ladders would be stored in a safe place by T.G. Abell in 1837.
When the ladders went into storage it seems so did the Franklin Fire Company. There is not a reference made to this company henceforth. In 1851 the Protection Fire Company was introduced and in 1853 the Reliance Hook and Ladder Company, with A.H. Hart as the company’s Foreman, was an added into the fire service. With the omission of a Chief Engineer at the Reliance company level it can be safely assumed that A.E. Tyler, who was the Protection Fire Company’s Chief had command of the Reliance Hook and Ladder Company also.
As was the cycle of the early department, the interest in the fire companies disappear, and with it, documentation of what equipment and manpower participated was lost. A report to the Village Board in 1858, by a committee to investigate the preparedness of the Fire Company, found that the company hasn’t disbanded but there is little resemblance of a company and “the ladders mostly lost.”
The next mention of a Hook and Ladder Company eclipses nearly three decades of village history. In 1884 the two Fire companies, Fredonia Fire Company No.1 and the Cataract Company No.2, reorganized and renamed themselves D.R. Barker Hose Company No.1 and M.M. Fenner No.2 respectively. Almost as a side note, the mention of a Hook and Ladder Company is reported in the Fredonia Censor. As it gives the date of June 6, 1884 when the two hose companies report their officers to the Board and the “Citizens of Fredonia” asking to be organized as “Fredonia Hook and Ladder Co. No.1, and the petitioners were granted”. Officially, at the Village Trustee meeting, on June 20th 1884 the “new” department was acknowledged with the new names of the hose companies and a hook and ladder company added.
There are some ironical items in this article worthy of mentioning. First, in a few paragraphs above the Fredonia Hook and Ladder section, the Barkers reported as being ready for service and listed their officers. In 1884 the President and a trustee of the Barker Hose Company No.1 was identified as John S. Lambert. The same John S. Lambert the Hook and Ladder Company is today named after. Second, The Censor later reports that “ On October 31st 1884, a Hook and Ladder Company had formed and asked for a truck…” The subtitle “New Carts Bought” introduced the paragraph where the term “truck” is used in the sentence. The two terms may have been used interchangeably during the period especially because the ladder cart was so much longer than the other apparatus of the department. The exact date the “truck” was delivered is obscured because the original department minutes have a huge record-keeping lapse. The minutes go from January 10, 1884 on page 178 that are the minutes of the annual meeting then immediately following, on page 179, are minutes of a special meeting that is dated “Mar. 9, 1887”. With this large gap of over three years the names of the roll for the Fredonia Hook and Ladder Company is also missing. The only name that can accurately be associated with the Ladder Company is M.M. Dunning who is listed, as being appointed to a committee that would help draft a village ordinance, at the bottom of the March 9th 1887 entry. After that entry, on the following page is a description of an insurance matter dated March 27, 1887. The last sentence on the same page reads “The department disbanded May 18, 1891 at 12 o’clock Noon.” With that sentence the apparatus of the Fredonia Hook and Ladder Company was turned over to the Village Board and the members went home “to answer the fire whistle no more.” That is the early history of the Hook and Ladder Company.
The tragic fires that occurred in 1900 are detailed in the early history and do not need to be duplicated here. It is sufficient to reinforce, however, that these events spring board the beginning of the current Hook and Ladder Company of the Fredonia Fire Department. A special meeting was called to order on March 27, 1901 with E.E. Collis presiding. The following is an excerpt of first meeting of the reorganized Fredonia Hook and Ladder Company:
“The meeting was called to order by E.E. Collis. Roll called 11 old members responded.
On mot [On motion] James Conroe was Elected for President. On mot [On
motion] E.E. Collis was elected for vice President. On mot [On motion]
J.F. Willson was elected for Secy. On mot Procede to Ballot on new names
And the following names was declared elected to become Members
Chester Washburn-F.B. Glasier-Wm. Ludwig-Andrew O’Neal-John Abeel-A.H. James-J.W. Rood-Issie Gibbs-Tom Murthaw-Tom Nolan-J.F. Willson, Jr.-Clifford Collis-S.E. Miller-F.R. White-A.Tastor-J.H. Scott-C.F. Wilson-M.S. Guest-N.B. Morrison-Grant Newcomb-Harry Apthorp-C.E. Tefft- Geo. T. Willson- Tom McDonald-Ed Flander-Henry Mercer.
The following names was rejected Casper Plumer-Chas.Clark-
Henry A????-A. Kusneski”
The remaining Company elections resulted with James H. Scott as Foreman, John Ludwig as First Assistant Foreman, Chas. Sampson was elected, as Second Assistant Foreman and C.E. Tefft became Treasurer. The minutes elaborated further that a “committee of 3”, consisting of E.E. Collis, James Conroe and James Scott, would present the Fredonia Hook and Ladder list of names and Officers elected to the Village Trustees on the evening of Monday April 1st.
April 3rd brought the Fredonia Hook and Ladder together again to approve of new members and to show the company’s support for J.M. Zahm for Chief and F.N. Wilson to become first or second Chief. Harry Apthorp and Henry Mercer had their names dropped from the rolls with no reason explained. George T. Willson was removed from the active rolls and the first name from the “new” Company to be placed on the “Honor Roll”. The company appointed another “committee of 3” to investigate the ‘Excanning truck and find what was needed in tools and repairs’ and report on its status next meeting.
An immediate concern of financial support becomes apparent with the first business meeting of the company and the formation of a committee to make arrangements for a dance. A motion was made and passed that the tickets would cost $1.00 each and that “Each and every member buy one.” Another discussion must have arisen and may have even gotten quite heated. The secretary doesn’t identify any specifics except for the tone of the concluding paragraph of the minutes seems out of character with the flow of the rest of the entry. Simply written is the sentence “ It was descided [decided] that this company stand up and fight for our Rights.” Then the secretary continues with the appointments the Foreman made concerning the fire operations of pike men, axe men, who attaches hooks, who is responsible for “chemicals”, raising ladders, pole men, pike men, bucket men, tiller men and lantern boys.
Friday April 5th brought the Company together for the third time in five days. This third meeting is, by far, the most historic of the week. J.W. Rood reported that he meet with Dr. Fenner in regards to the hook and ladder cart. The minutes suggest that Fenner made an estimate that a cart would cost $6.00 and when told why Rood was raising money for the Fredonia Hook and Ladder Company the good doctor presented the Company with a check for $10.00. The next motion is mentioned with a vote of thanks to be delivered to Dr. Fenner and inform him that his name had been placed on the “Honor Roll” of the Company. At this point it seems very possible that Dr. Fenner could have had two companies named in his honor. Except there was another “committee of 3”, not mentioned in the previous minutes. They had another task to perform for the Company. This committee was to ask if Judge Lambert would give permission to have the Hook and Ladder Company named after him in his honor. On that night of April 5, 1901 a motion was made, and passed, that the company’s official name will now be the Lambert Hook and Ladder Company No.1. Another motion was made and passed that Judge Lambert be placed on the “Honor Roll” and that he would be notified of the action taken by the Company.
The Lambert Hook and Ladder Company No.1 next business meeting was held on May 6, 1901. The dance that had been mentioned earlier was a success that brought the company close to $100.00. Also several names were accepted into membership and introduced to the company. This was unique process by today’s standards. The company had a small box with a spindled handle sticking out on one end. The top was of the box had two hinged pieces that would allow a voter to lift the lid and pick from a number of marbles. These marbles were of two colors-black or white. A member would place a black or white marble into the slot that would allow the marble to travel between a divider and go on the other side. The person who was holding the box could not see what color marble had entered because the top of the box, on his side, would remain closed until after every member had voted on the candidate for membership. If that candidate received five black marbles that candidate was not accepted into the company. Thus the phrase of being “black balled” can be traced back to the voting for membership process of the early fire service. The Lambert Hook and Ladder Company carried on a tradition that had been established several years earlier in other fire departments throughout New York State.
Another entry into the minutes on that May 6th date is very interesting. A motion was made and it was ordered that the lanterns of the company be “painted Red and Green”. The color red had been connected with the fire service for years, but where the color green comes from is not known. There is no written mention of a discussion about the motion only that the motion passed so it was ordered.
The first drill of the Lambert Hook and Ladder Company was to take place on May 8th at 7:30 pm sharp. Apparently the drill didn’t go very well. The June 3rd minutes throw in another drill having taken place on May 15th. That can be understood with the members being either rusty, from being out of service when the department disbanded ten years ago, or they were green from having little if any experience in the fire department.
The officers and members of the Hook and Ladder Company made it very clear very early that they were going to stick to the rules and enforce them. Thomas McDonald has the distinction of being the first member of the company to be expelled for non-payment of fines. The December 2nd minutes make mention of a motion to notify the Barker’s and the Fenner’s of the company’s actions.
At the regular meeting held on April 7, 1902 a discussion on the floor came about when the company wanted to buy uniforms. The conversation must have been directed toward what color the “suit” should be? In the middle of the page is the tally of a vote that had been taken that reads “for Green 15 Blue 12”. The Lambert Hook and Ladder started to find its identity within the department starting with the decisions to have their lanterns painted partially green and then voted to have dress uniforms with the color green in them. Who was the member or members that liked the color green enough to have conspicuously come up twice in two discussions when color was involved? The possibilities could be focused in a few directions asking some questions. Who can control the floor discussion for a significant length of time? Who has the authority to “order” lanterns painted? And who carries enough influence that other members would support their idea? The most likely candidates would be the President-James Conroe and/or the Foreman-J.H. Scott. The solidifying factor that contributed to the Hook and Ladder Company colors took place just before the Dunkirk Fourth of July parade. It is mentioned in the July 7th minutes that a committee of two will personally call upon “J.S. Lambert and thank him in behalf of the Co. for the buitfully banner he presented us”.
Since the company had new uniforms and a new banner to parade with a very interesting entry is made shortly after all this comes together. A fine of $15.00 will be levied for any member not in uniform for a parade the company decides to enter. They could also be expelled by a two-thirds member vote. Keep in mind this is 1902 and fifteen dollars is an enormous sum to pay. The message is pretty clear that a member of the Lambert Hook and Ladder Company was expected to attend parades in the early years.
This did create some membership problems. The company would pay approximately half, or three dollars, towards the uniform and the member would pay the remainder. Philo Vanway, John Ludwig, and Dennis Goggin were all expelled from the company for not buying their uniforms.
The regulations and laws of the department were adopted by the company and in accordance with these J.W. Rood, F.N. Willson, J. Conroe, J.F. Willson and C.E. Tefft became the Lambert Hook and Ladder fire police. C.E. Tefft will be mentioned again in the Fredonia Fire Police Company chapter. Incorporation papers were filed in the company name during the summer of 1902. The only disappointment seems to occur on September 22, 1902 when the company holds a special meeting to make arrangements for “Brother J.W. Rood’s funeral”. Rood died of apparently of natural causes. His obituary makes no reference of any accident or anything out of the ordinary. J.W. Rood becomes the first deceased member of the Lambert Hook and Ladder Company No.1.
The history of the company seems to follow a consistent pattern of “business as usual” when reading through the minutes. Usually a dance to raise money, new membership and appointing a “committee of 3” to look into a matter. The exception to that rule comes in when there is discussion about the company acquiring an updated piece of apparatus. In 1919 the Fredonia Fire Department became fully mechanized when the “Hooks” became the last company to obtain a motor driven ladder truck. The ACME Hook and Ladder truck that Fredonia purchased was a unique style. This particular truck came manufactured with one of the longest chassis that the ACME Company ever made.
The Fredonia Fire Department and the Lambert Hook and Ladder Company actually made history locally, state wide and nationally in 1937. The department Chief was William Ogilvie who was also a member of the “Hooks”. Ogilvie and his truck committee had the opportunity to design a ladder truck of their dreams, as long as it stayed within budget figures. The Cayasler Manufacturing Corporation from Buffalo, New York custom built “America’s first enclosed city service truck”. The October 1937 issue of Fire Engineering magazine features the design and specifications of Fredonia’s new apparatus. The article is worth duplicating.
“First Fully Enclosed Ladder Truck”
“Herewith is illustrated the first enclosed city service ladder truck built in America, and probably the world. It was recently delivered to the City of Fredonia, and was built by the Cayasler Manufacturing Corporation, of Buffalo. The ladder equipment consists of all aluminum ladders; one three-piece 65-foot extension; one 35-foot extension; one 22-foot wall ladder; one 16-foot roof ladder; one 12-foot roof; and one 16-foot inside extension ladder. The 65 and 45-foot ladders are nested together in a single bank formation and the balance of the ladders are in double bank. The three pike poles of various lengths are also of aluminum.
Directly under the double bank of ladders, between the running board and the underside of double bank, are compartments of various sizes, 12 inches wide and approximately 30 inches high for storage of tools, coats, boots, extinguishers, pitchforks, door opener, wire cutter, electric lanterns, etc. The ends of the short ladders in the upper tier are kept flush with the rear and this gives room for another large compartment, over a foot high, allowing sufficient space for carrying a quarter fold life net. Directly in the rear of the cab, a compartment is built for housing a Homelite outfit, with doors on each side allowing removal from either side. All in all, there are approximately 160 cubic feet of storage space for supplies, all compartments being watertight. All of the compartments are fitted with small lights, which give good illumination at night.
Directly to the rear of the compartment for the lighting plant, there is a 100-gallon copper booster tank with small door opening into this on the top. Booster pump (probably Barton) is to be mounted later.
Under the rear of the frame, a sliding hose body has been built, of sufficient size to carry 400 feet of 2 ½-inch double jacket hose. Legs are provided to support this body when withdrawn for loading.
The deck gun … is temporarily placed, and provision has been made for the mounting of the gun at a later date.
The chassis is 250 inches. The overall length of the truck is 36 feet.”
This truck was custom built for a price tag of $4,800. It is plain to see that Chief Ogilvie was meticulous to detail and had given a tremendous amount of thought developing a practical truck to meet the needs of the community and the department. Current members often have mentioned that William Ogilvie brought the Fredonia Fire Department into the modern age of firefighting. Even though The Stewart/Cayasler Hook and Ladder truck is gone now, those who were members when it was in service reminisce with a tremendous amount of pride in their voice.
Another member of the “Hooks” left their mark in company and department history. John A. McCraith became Chief of the Fredonia Fire Department in 1948. Chief McCraith built the structure of the current fire department, on every level, as it exists today. From the revision of department by-laws to being the drum major for the department resurrected drum and bugle corps, John made a positive contribution. The practice of pre-planning fire scenarios and the concepts of how to logically and strategically place equipment on apparatus, where to place the apparatus at a scene, are examples that mark the firematic genius that characterizes the legacy of Chief John McCraith. John carries on with his distinctions as also being a member of the department for the longest. May of 1935 John McCraith’s name was read and approved for membership that became a 66-year love affair in the fire service much to the benefit of the people in Fredonia and the surrounding communities.
Fredonia received the replacement for the Cayasler Ladder truck in February of 1968. A new American LaFrance with an 85-foot aerial ladder. [ADD SOME SPECS HERE] This piece of apparatus has served the department for over thirty years.
On May 6, 1979 the Fredonia Fire Department made another mark in its history with a Lambert Hook and Ladder member at the helm. Chief Roger Britz was in charge of the department when it made the move to the present fire hall at 80 West Main Street. After several months of planning and meetings the realization of an up to date station came to fruition.
One activity that has been carried on throughout the “Hooks” history is the hose race team. On a yearly basis members have volunteered to show their skills running for the best time, in front of an audience, at connecting hose and knocking out a target. The simplicity of the competition has basically stayed the same for a hundred years. The hook and ladder hose race team of the early 1900’s can be proud of the 2000 teams that competed with the same vigor and intensity that they did.
Several members of the Lambert Hook and Ladder Company have taken their passion for the fire service to another level. These members went from being a volunteer in the department to becoming a professional firefighter. E.E. Collis, A.P. Tastor, John McCraith, John Green, Dave Ludemann and Floyd Krugen are all examples of the quality firefighter that existed and still exists in the “Hooks” today. The company consists of several Emergency Medical Technicians that accompany the rescue team. Several members of the “Hooks” have trained on the new Thermal Imaging Camera that was recently purchased by the department. This camera allows a firefighter to visually identify hot and cold areas inside a structure that is filled with smoke and the human eye would not be able to see other wise.
Firefighting tactics have changed greatly and how members of the “Hooks” participate in training or at fires has also. Members of each company help out where needed at a scene. Many members are trained in auto extrication and use the Hurst Tool commonly known as the “Jaws of Life”. In 1999 at the New York State Chiefs Convention three members of the company Bill Fleckenstein, Mike Schwertfeger, and Paul Trippy, Jr. went through Fire Attack and Strategical Tactics (F.A.S.T.) training. Some regions also call it Rapid Intervention Team (R.I.T.). These members were the first team in Chautauqua County to be trained in this technique.
Recently the current fire hall on 80 West Main Street received a new addition on the front of the building. Through the combined efforts of the Lambert Hook and Ladder President, Julius Leone and the Barker’s, Assistant Chief Steve St. George, the vision of a museum to house the Barker Hose Cart will become a reality. The Hose Cart is to return to its home in April or May of 2001. It has been currently on display at the County Court House in Mayville, New York. The museum will have a variety of fire fighting related displays centered on the history of the Fredonia Fire Department.
What the future holds for the Lambert Hook and Ladder Company No.1 no one knows for sure. There are definite challenges that lay ahead for its members to consider. The need to replace the 1968 American LaFrance truck with a newer, safer and longer extension aerial will have to be addressed. In 1968 the price for the aerial ladder came to $48,000. The price of a new aerial in the year 2001 starts conservatively around a half million dollars. Fire coverage for Maytum Hall on the State University Campus and the downtown business section would be inadequate without a ladder truck in the department, even if Dunkirk assisted with theirs. If a ladder truck cannot be financed would the ladder company become the third hose company in the department? Will the Fredonia Fire Department evolve, yet another time. Will all the separate companies then consolidate, into one large volunteer department with no sub-divisions, if a ladder company doesn’t exist?