The Fire Department in its Infancy

In early March 1880, a meeting was held in the Brewster House, called for by concerned citizens: A. F. Lobdell, Philip Diehl, F. E. Foster, E. W. Dixon, W. T. Ganung and S. T. McMahon. A large meeting followed on March 19^th. A.J. Miller was elected chairman and W. Ketchum secretary. An organization was formed: with A. F. Lobdell, President, Frank Wells, Treasurer; and W. Ketchum, Secretary. T.H. Reed and James A. Peck completed a committee of five.

Departments' First President

A. F. Lobdell 1871

A water supply for the fire company was of great concern. The committee agreed to repair the old engine and procure a new one, to purchase a hook and ladder truck, with all modern appliances and to erect a suitable building to house equipment. The property owners of Southeast were asked to contribute to the goal of $2000, which the committee deemed necessary.

In the ensuing months the Protector Fire Company #1 of Brewster was organized and a firehouse was built on Railroad Avenue opposite the Baptist Church. On November 24^th, 1880, the firemen held their first annual parade.

Home of Protector Fire Company #1

The first firehouse decorated for the dedication ceremony.

Early Twentieth Century Parade!

Also in November of 1880, an Act was passed by the state legislature, empowering Town Boards to appoint fireman. Accordingly, the Southeast Town Board appointed 25 "legal" fireman. Again, in November, 1882, the south side of Main Street suffered another severe fire. The Brewster Fire Department and the Tonetta Hook and Ladder Company responded immediately and fought the flames valiantly. The Danbury fireman sent two companies (about 100 men) to assist. Despite these efforts, the Town Hall (erected some 12 years earlier, badly damaged in the 1880 fire and then rebuilt) and other buildings were destroyed. In 1893, the Town Hall built after the 1882 fire was burnt and an impressive building (The "Old Town Hall" as it is called today) was erected and dedicated in 1896.

Original 25 Members

Philip Beal

S. T. McMahon

E. W. Addis

Henry Peck

Alfred Vores

William Strang

A. F. Lobdell

Theodore Phelps

Adam Wiley

John Hancock

Benjamin Dykeman

Albert Shentac

A. D. Freer

John Day

Rufus Rundele

Walt Strang

George Moore

F. R. Hall

George Benedict

James A. Peck

Edward Brown

Lewis Rogers

S. O. Avery

W. Ketchum

Mills Reynolds

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