The ladies Auxiliary of the Brewster Volunteer Fire Department was
founded by five women back in 1942. After several meetings at the home of Mrs. Anthony
Bruno, these five women got sixteen other women to join them, and on February 16th,
1943 they held their first official meeting at the Brewster Fire House. At this meeting,
with twenty-one women in attendance, the first election of officers took place with the
following taking up their duties immediately:
President Mrs. Anthony Bruno
Vice President Mrs. B. Manning
Secretary Mrs. Henry O’Hara
Treasurer Mrs. Marion Orton
It was decided that a monthly meeting would take place on the third
Tuesday of each month, at 8:30 p.m., at the Brewster Fire House. The Auxiliary immediately
formed a committee to hold their first fund raiser, a covered dish supper. The fund-raiser
was a great success enabling the ladies to purchase a flag for the new fire house and
supplies for the kitchen. The Auxiliary was very active holding a covered dish supper and
card party each month. They helped the men with their carnival and served food and coffee
to the men during major fires. They even saved sugar coupons to purchase silverware. The
Ladies marched in parades with the men and because funds were not plentiful, the Ladies
wore navy blue skirts and white blouses, making the skirts themselves. In 1947, the
Auxiliary was able to purchase its first uniform. Over the years, uniforms were purchased
changing with the times, but always keeping uniformity with the fireman. In 1976 the
Auxiliary, with the help of the Fire Chief, became chartered. This incorporation marked
another milestone in the history of the Auxiliary. In the beginning, the Auxiliary
consisted of only those women related to the members of the Fire Department. Over the
years, this has changed to include women of the community who reside or work in the Town
of Southeast wishing to join. Though membership has fluctuated over the years, the
Auxiliary has always remained active. Fund-raisers are still for the benefit of the Fire
Department and the community. Donations are made yearly to various organizations in the
community and a special scholarship fund has been set up for a deserving college bound
student. "Throughout the years the first and foremost aim of the Auxiliary is to
assist the fireman at any time and we’re always ready to do our part in any project
beneficial to the Brewster Fire Department." |
