First
Seneca Voluntary Fire Department
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Following information
and photo Courier Tribune 1938.
Click on picture to change pictures
A preliminary meeting toward the organization of a fire department was held in Seneca on December 14, 1880. On January 17, 1881, this organization of 22 members was perfected by the election of the officers including Simon Conwell as President. In March of that same year, the Council decided to purchase hook and ladder trucks, with four Babcock extinguishers, six ladders aggregating ninety-six feet in length, ten oak-tanned fire buckets, and other accessories.
In 1884, a department was organized called the Hook and Ladder company. John Gilchrist was the fire chief. The first fire engine, a Halloway Chemical “Squirter” was purchased for $1,500 in July of 1889. This engine was credited with saving the Opera House on January 17, 1890. Information from Courier Files at Library.
The Fire Station was located in the 500 block on north side of Main where the City Hall is located today. The City Hall was contracted to be built in 1916 and dedicated January 1 1918. The Fire Station shows up in several other pictures on this website. See more on Volunteer Fire Department from index page
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This page last updated on 06/06/2005