A History of the Union Fire Company No. 1 Part 2: The more recent years Submitted by Gail Roberts Oxford Area Historical Association The Union Fire Company No.1 is the fourth oldest fire company in Chester County and covers approximately 92 square miles. This makes up the largest district for any one company in Chester County. The district is comprised of the Oxford Borough, East Nottingham Township, West Nottingham Township, Elk Township, Lower Oxford Township and portions of Upper Oxford Township. The fire company serves from two locations, the “midtown station” on Market Street and the Nottingham station. A combined total of nine pieces of apparatus and three EMS units are housed at these locations and used to provide services. Part One of this article appeared in the last issue of the Oxfordian and ended with the success of the 1946 carnival. After World War II, young members of the fire company returned from military service and were anxious to take control. Clement Rogers, who had been chief for 18 years, was defeated in an election by Horace Reynolds, who became Chief on Jan. 1, 1947. The new chief was tested when on January 2nd, the biggest fire in the company’s history broke out at the Oxford Cabinet Company plant at South and Franklin streets. This building had originally housed the Oxford Caramel Factory. It was reported that the fire started from defective wiring and was fed by flammable materials such as paint and oil. The entire main building and a storage building valued at $250,000 were destroyed. There had been a snowstorm before the fire. It spread to other nearby buildings. This experience led the company to discuss the purchase of new equipment. In 1948 they agreed to purchase a Type 505 Mack Triple Combination 500 gpm pumper with a seven-man cab at a cost of $13,874. The Fire Company’s Blue Haze Marching Club was formed in 1949. This unit went 62
Fall/Winter 2021 | Volume 47
on to win money and prizes in numerous parades in the region. The Club was led by Captain Everett Twyford and Lieutenants Willard Ayers and H. Leroy Johnson. In years past, the fire company had incurred expenses to hire marching bands for their parades, so it made sense to have their own marching unit. In 1950 the Blue Haze Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps was added. Also in 1950, the Ladies Auxiliary was formed. The fire company gave $50 to this organization to help them get started. The Ladies Auxiliary raised money through bake sales, dances and card parties. In 1951 they created a Disaster Committee to provide hot meals for firemen who were working past normal duty hours to fight large fires. Over the years, the ladies group has helped families who were victims of fires, and the group has also donated to community projects. In 1954 they made a large donation to the fire company for the purchase of radio equipment on the fire trucks. Originally the Auxiliary prepared meals in the small room used for storage space for the ambulance equipment. During the early 1950s, the fire company added to their equipment. A tank truck, which could hold 1000 gallons was purchased in 1952. In 1953, an open cab 85 Mack 750 gallon pumper with a 45-foot aluminum ladder was added. In 1954 two way radio communication was installed. A rescue squad was organized in 1955. One of their early responses was to help rescue a drowning victim in Dilworthtown. This incident helped convince the West Chester Fire Company that they needed their own rescue squad. At one point, the Oxford Community Ambulance Association was a separate entity, but in 1958, this organization disbanded and the ambulance operation was officially turned over to the fire company. The Ambulance Association had purchased a 1957 Oldsmobile ambulance which became fire company property. Later, in 1964, an ambulance club was formed to help raise funds for the ambulance division and a new ambulance was purchased in 1965.
March 22, 1959 was a significant day in the fire company’s history. They responded to 13 fires in one day. The Hale pumper that had been purchased in 1935 broke down. This pumper had served the company well. In 1953, 27 men rode on the pumper on the way to a fire on Third Street. Apparently, only the front bumper and hood could be seen. Additional equipment was purchased in November of 1959. In 1961 it was recognized that the communications control center needed to be remodeled. A new radio control room was constructed by Robert Brown and Frank Peters. The company paid for materials but the men donated their time. In 1965 the building committee hired Paul Risk to develop plans for dismantling the bowling alleys and adding a kitchen, meeting room and space for two ambulances. The addition of the kitchen was helpful to the Ladies Auxiliary. They were able to start serving banquets, wedding receptions, firemen at fire school and ambulance classes. Thankfully, the carnivals continued to be successful fund raisers. The 1966 Carnival brought in a record breaking amount; gross receipts were estimated at $70,000. While on the way to assist the West Grove Fire Company in fighting a field and woods fire in February of 1968, the company’s Dodge field truck was involved in an accident and eight firemen were injured. Ronald Simpson was the most seriously injured. Because of this accident, the Chester County Fire Marshall imposed an open burning ban in southern Chester County. In 1970 the company purchased a new pumper at a cost of $25,000. It was manufactured by the Hahn Fire Equipment Company with a Hale pump mounted on a Dodge chassis. The tank could hold 750 gallons and had a pumping capacity of 1,000 gallons per minute. In 1971 the fire company celebrated its 100th anniversary with a week of activities which culminated with a large parade on
