Some 68 years after several forward-looking Avalon men met to form a volunteer fire department "For the good of the Borough," Avalon suffered perhaps its most destructive fire December 31, 1966 when McSorley's Colonial Restaurant burned. Located on the present site of Advance Auto Parts. The fire started from grease spilling onto a hot stove, and quickly spreading into an upstairs storage area and the roof, causing an estimated $200,000 in damages.
Forty Avalon volunteers, equipment, and men from nearby Boroughs were needed to contain the blaze, which was only one of three in seven and one-half hours that day.
One of the first fires the Department was at the home of George Erdner on Erdner Hill. It was also the occasion of early recognition for the organization. Humbolt Fire Insurance Company donated $10 for the efficient manner with which the fire had been handled.
A call one night in January, 1905, routed the men from their new quarters in the Borough Hall where they were playing Euchres, to give assistance to Clifton Railroad Station in Ben Avon. A Passenger train, failing to heed a signal, rammed the rear of another. Both were bound for Washington, D.C. carrying passengers to the Inauguration of Theodore Roosevelt.
The firemen dragged two hose carts three and one-half miles over rough roads to quench flames eating at wrecked wooden coaches. The men directed by A.F. Campbell, chief, worked six hours to stop the blaze which killed seven passengers and injured 33.
To show their appreciation and improve the effectiveness of the department, Council with the approval of Avalon citizens, authorized purchase of a chemical engine cart after the holocaust.
Eight years after the Clifton Station incident, the department was called to another memorable fire at 516 California Avenue, Jones Grocery & Meat Market. The store was severely damaged, and three adjacent buildings destroyed in the early hours of March 23, 1913
Just one month later on April 12, Council purchased another hand truck and hose to place in North Avalon. Six years later, in September 1919 a motor truck was purchased, and used until 1932.
"For the Good of the Borough," Avalon Fire Department's Motto, has been well justified by its fire fighting performance over the nearly 80 years. But the department has always been a creative social and civic force as well.
Avalon Volunteer Fire Department began to take shape June 1, 1898 when Harry W. Taylor, chairman, and committee: John C. McDowell, H.S. Neely, and Dr. W.J.K. Snyder drafted by-laws , constitution and applied for a charter, before holding a general membership meeting on July 11.
A building and planning committee was promptly formed, which submitted plans to council for the installation of water pipes and hydrants, and building to house equipment- two hose reel carts as a beginning.
The purchase of equipment, usually expensive, always carefully planned, has never failed to be the occasion of public interest in the borough. Both wheel-mounted and stationary equipment has had to be purchased.
Especially important was a system of alarm bells placed in the homes of several firemen. The system, which used a coded number of bells, designated approximate locations of fires. It required some four miles of wire for its installation, and was finally discontinues in 1969, when the department began using direct telephone units instead.
A newly installed siren sounded its first call October 5, 1928, after Council agreed that it should be tested each evening at 9:00pm, to double as a curfew signal to under-aged children to get off the streets - a practice still in use today, but with a newer siren.
A really major purchase was an Ahrens-Fox pumper-ladder truck purchased in August 1931 for $10,250. and used until1964, when it retired, it was replaced in the park as playground equipment for children. A 1938 Diamond-T squad truck served double duty during a bus and trolley strike, by giving many residents rides to the Birmingham Avenue railroad station from California Avenue.
Another ward La France pumper was added in 1956, but the pride of the department is the Peter Perch truck with Pitman Snorkel - the first of its type in western Pennsylvania, acquired at a cost of $67,748 in 1967. Because of its large size a new equipment garage was erected at Fredrick Street and New Brighton Road, and all the department's equipment was moved to this new location in 1973. Completing the roster of equipment are a Ford Squad and a Ford utility truck.
Readiness to fight fires and cope with other emergencies involves much more the owning equipment, however. Firemen must be schooled and practiced. Sometimes they accomplish this in a semi-social fashion, through contests, or through schooling, (attendance at the Allegheny county Fire Academy) and through projects.
One of the early prizes was received in a 1902 tournament at Jeannette - first prize for the best hose and reel cart, and drill team. A year later they were recipients of a banner and trumpet in Parker's Meadow, near the present Avalon Loop.
A special aspect of their readiness is a list of residents who are bedfast, crippled or disabled. If a fire is reported at the residence of one of these shut-ins, the desk reports the position in the house where he is likely to be located so as to make prompt rescue possible.
The annual report for 1966 is indicative of the Department's activities: 10 auto fires, nine brush fires, three standbys, two railroad fires, one stand pipe check, seven drills, five parades, vehicle maintenance, for a total of 2793 hours of volunteered time.
Though time is volunteered, money is also necessary to the department. From early days special fund raising functions have been part of the department's concern - a first carnival in 1904. House to house drives, turkey raffles, monthly dues have also been used.
Known to all residents is the Fourth of July celebration, an annual affair for over half a century. In 1911 the Fire Department and the Berean Bible class of Avalon Presbyterian Church co-sponsored a celebration. A year later, the church dropped out, but the firemen have continued ever since, except during war ad depression years.
Another major civic contribution in1929 was a $1,000 gift toward the municipal swimming pool and park, dedicated July 4, 1930. The swings and slide were also donated by the Fire Company, a memorial to world war I men and women of Avalon answering the call of their country was dedicated in 1922. It was located in front of the Borough Hall, until 1948, when with two additional tablets, it was reinstalled in front of the high school, facing California Avenue.
Photos & Articles acquired from Avalon 1875-1975 Centennial Book