The Melville Volunteer Fire Department
How we Began ... "The First Year"
How it all started ... During a casual conversation over ice cream sodas at Bill Gow's Soda Shop, Bill and "Maggie" Graeser got into a discussion with Bill Gow about the influx of new homes and the growth of the community in general. Gow explained the situation to them and suggested "what this place needs is it's own Fire Company". This planted a seed in Bill Graeser"s mind.
He began discussing this problem with some of his friends and neighbors and after many conversations over coffee at the Graeser"s home, it was decided to call together some of the able bodied men of the community. A few like John "pop" Houser and Jim Edwards agreed that something should done about the need for their own protection.
Two informal meetings were held by an Organizing Committee chaired by William Gow to study the potential for such an organization, as well as to discuss the boundaries of the area to be protected. Mr. Norman of the Huntington Manor Fire Department was invited to the Second meeting. He suggested that if a Company was formed, the Water District could be approached regarding installing additional water mains or relocating some of the existing hydrants.
On February 17, 1947, The First Regular Meeting was held at the Melville Schoolhouse. At this gathering, approximately 56 men were in attendance. Two "outsiders" were invited as guests. One was Albert Sammis, then Assistant Chief of the Halesite Fire Department who complimented them on their willingness to assume this responsibility. The Second guest was Louis Simmel, a representative of Ward La France Fire Apparatus Company.
During the meeting, those in attendance agreed to form a fire company and pledged themselves as Members of the Melville Volunteer Fire Company. It was decided to elect Officers of the newly formed Company that night.
John Houser, son of Pop Houser was a member of the Huntington Manor Fire Department. It was felt that his firefighting experience, he would serve this "fledgling organization" well. He was nominated and elected as the first Chief of the Company.
Many of the new Members knew Bill Graeser well and felt that his ability to "get a job done" despite any problems, made him a good choice for "second Man". He was duly nominated and elected to the position of Assistant Chief.
Edward Abromoski was elected Captain and Olaf Rassmussen, Lieutenant. Arnold Edwards was then elected Secretary and George Lyes, Sr. as Treasurer. After much discussion, the sum of One Dollar per month was settled on as dues and it was agreed to meet once a month.
With the leadership established, the Members then elected Three Trustees. William Gow, Robert Dorn and Harry Schnell were entrusted with this responsibility.
At the conclusion of that First Meeting, Mr. Simmel presented the new Melville Volunteer Fire Company with their first piece of fire fighting equipment, a 1 1/2 inch hose nozzle. This was how it all started ...
As we learned last month, the seed which was planted by a off handed remark during a casual evening had sprouted and the newly formed Melville Volunteer Fire Company was growing.
On Monday, March 10th, the second monthly meeting of the Melville Volunteer Fire Company was once again held in the basement of the Melville School located on Sweet Hollow Road. At that meeting 16 more men signed up and were accepted as charter members. Bob Titus was one of them.
A report was given, relating the many activities, which the Company was involved in. A report was given on the meeting of the Officers and committee of Members regarding the establishment of Company Bylaws. A preliminary draft of proposed bylaws was presented to the Membership.
The secretary read a copy of a letter received from the Town of Huntington Fire Chiefs Council commending the Membership on founding of the Fire Company. He also read those received from various groups, which were contacted by the Company during the month regarding requests for assistance. This included one to Arthur Godfry, a radio celebrity on a New York City station.
During the meeting William Gow, one of the organizers, offered to sell to the Company a parcel of land which was approximately 30 X 128 feet, located on the East Side of Walt Whitman Road, just South of Old Country Road. This site was at the approximate geographical center of the area, which the new Company proposed to protect.
After much discussion, a motion was made to consider his offer. During the discussion, the suggestion was made regarding the possibility of contacting Misses Lizzie and Amelia May who owned two adjacent parcels each 20 X 128 feet.
When approached and advised of the need, these Ladies both graciously agreed to donate their parcels to the Company. Upon hearing of their decision, Bill then agreed to donate 20 feet of his parcel. This plot totaling 60 X 128 feet was to become the site of the first firehouse.
A motion was made to keep the Company Roll open for Six months. Any one accepted for membership during that time was to be considered Charter Members.
During the meeting, James Forster and James Edwards were elected as two additional Trustees of the Company.
At the close of the meeting the balance of the Company treasury was $320.00
Monday, April 14th saw the third regular monthly meeting of the Melville Volunteer Fire Company convened by Chief Houser with 48 members in attendance.
Three new men were accepted as members that evening, and dues were collected from all present. Harold Peterson made a motion to send chance books to other established fire departments to obtain additional funds.
Arnold Edwards, the Secretary read a list of members who had in addition to their dues, made generous contributions. They were James Edwards, Joseph Abramoske, and Floyd Baylis.
He then read correspondence to various fire departments inquiring about the availability of surplus apparatus, which they had, for sale. Arthur Godfrey, a famous radio celebrity wrote suggesting that the Company contact Edward Tighe who replied to the inquiry quoting the price of $400.00 dollars.
In addition letters were sent to Plainview and Deer Park Fire Departments inquiring of their District boundaries. The Wyandanch Fire Department invited a delegation to meet with them to discuss their boundaries.
A letter was received from the Huntington Town Board in reply to the Company's request to be recognized as a formal company. They suggested that the Company be incorporated before it could be officially accepted. A motion was made to obtain the services of Seth Cole, Chairman of the Law Committee of The Fireman's Association of the State of New York to assist in the incorporation process.
The Chief announced that Amelia and Lizzie May had given two plots of land adjacent to the plot given by William Gow.
He then raised the question as whether it was best to obtain fire apparatus before building a firehouse or not. A motion was made to obtain apparatus first and find a building to house it and hope to build later. The Secretary was directed to write to the War Assets Administration in regards to obtaining a "war surplus" Quonset Hut which could provide temporary shelter for a vehicle.
A motion was then made to purchase three surplus Air Raid sirens from the City of New York. One was 5 hp the others were 2 hp each.
Robert Dorn, who was appointed a trustee during the first meeting, announced his wish to resign from that position. A motion was made to accept his request. Conrad Herrmann was then elected to the position for a two-year term by 28 votes
The fifth regular monthly meeting of the Melville Volunteer Fire Company was opened with a salute to the Colors led by John E Hauser Jr., Chief of Company, on Tuesday, May 20th.
The meeting was once again held at the Melville Schoolhouse and there were 65 members present, with 31 absent when the Rolls was called by Arnold F. Edwards the Company Secretary. As each member answered, he was presented with a Badge of Membership as well as a copy of The Company Constitution and By-laws.
Chief Hauser introduced Arthur Goeller an insurance broker of Huntington as well as two representatives of U.S. Guaranty& Fidelity Co. who discussed Section 205 of the NYS Insurance Law as it relates to coverage for members of volunteer fire companies.
The Members discussed the desirability of setting aside the section of the by-laws, which limit Charter Membership. A motion was made, seconded and carried to do so and Twenty (20) new members were accepted, bringing the total membership to Ninety Six (96).
A motion was made to appoint Six Members to serve as a committee to represent The Company in the incorporation process, which was discussed at the April meeting. The Committee, appointed by The Chief consisted of Joseph Abramoske,Joseph Bookman, John E. Hauser, Sr. (Father of the Chief) Leo Klarman, Thomas Rae and Paul Wicks.
The Chief then read a letter, which was intended to be sent to the business community of Farmingdale Village as well as Huntington, discussing the proposed Firehouse Building Fund. The latter stated that any individual making a donation to the Building Fund would have their name installed on an appropriate plaque, which would be installed on a wall in the proposed Firehouse. A total of $684.00 dollars have been received to date.
The following Standing Committees were established:
Good and Welfare: Paul McCallum, William Jackman & Ed Johnson.
Examination: Robert Denton, Robert Dorn & George May.
Finance: Jack Fahr, Arvid Carlson, Harold Peterson, James Mulvey & Henry Katnack.
Arnold F. Edwards, our secretary, read several pieces of correspondence.
A letter was sent to the Trustees advising them that Section 11, Article 19 of The Company By-Laws had been invoked against Member Eugene Galvin for his failure to attend Three-(3) consecutive Company meeting.
The following letters were sent and received regarding apparatus:
To Farmingdale Fire Dept, offering $600.00 for a Mack pumper.
From Lawrence-Cederhurst Fire Dept, offering a pumper for $2500.00.
To Smithtown Fire Dept,inquiring about apparatus they had for sale.
To Massapequa Fire Dept, inquiring about surplus apparatus.
A letter in response was received, inviting The Company to come and inspect two American LaFrance pumper's which they are disposing of.
A letter was sent to Seth Cole, advising him that The Company wished to retain his services for the purpose of incorporating.
After a discussion regarding the purchasing of fire apparatus, the Company directed a Committee consisting of the Trustees and Officers to visit Huntington and Massapequa Fire Departments. They were to report back to the Membership at the next meeting. No action was to be taken on Farmingdale until a response was received to our offer of $600.00 for their Mack pumper.
A motion was made, second and carried to empower the Truck Committee to spend up to $1000.00 for apparatus provided it met with the New York Board of Fire Underwriters requirements.
Chief Hauser directed the By-Law Committee to meet regarding the inclusion in the Company constitution, of a provision for the election of and removal from office, the Trustees. They were also to compare the Company By-Laws which were patterned after a Fire District department with those of an Incorporated Fire Company which is what Melville will become.
On Tuesday, June 19th, at 8:25 PM, the sixth monthly meeting of the Melville Volunteer Fire Company was opened at the Melville Schoolhouse by Chief John Hauser.
The first order of business was to accept the following Seven people for Charter Membership: John B. Bradlee, John Honick, Frank Bottego, Arno Heck, Louis De Lalie, William Rhodes and Joseph Hager.
Chief Hauser then announced that the afghan donated by the Melville Community Club would be raffled off with all proceeds going to The Company. The Members were asked to pick up their chance books for this as their name was called. The roll was then called with 59 Members present and 44 absent.
Committee Reports were given with a report from the Housing Committee who recommended obtaining an army barracks for storage of future apparatus. It was suggested that it might be more economical to construct a permanent building now. William Graeser, Asst. Chief was appointed as Chairman to investigate the cost to do so. William Gow was named Chairman of a committee to effect the transfer of property from the owners to the Melville Volunteer Fire Company. The Truck Committee reported that the truck available at Wantaugh was not acceptable and that the price for the one in Merrick was not set yet as the truck was not available. Huntington has two vehicles which would be available soon for $202.00. It would cost about $300.00 more for alterations.
Harold Peterson, Captain of the soft ball team asked for more Members to play and also for funding of a team. The Members contributed $37.00 of their own money. Edward Johnson was appointed Captain of the Company Bowling Team.
The Chief advised the Members that he planned to speak to the Town Board for permission to hold a "Tag Sale" over 4th of July weekend.
A bill was presented from Emerson-Ross for the sum of $294.92 for Company badges. A motion was made, seconded and carried to pay same.
Meeting was adjourned at 10:53 PM.
Six months after its founding, Chief John Hauser, opened the sixth monthly meeting of The Melville Volunteer Fire Company on Tuesday, July 15th at the Melville Schoolhouse.
The first order of business was the collection of money from the sale of the raffle tickets for the Afghan which had been donated by the Melville Community Club.
The roll was then called with 65 Members present and 29 absent.
Upon the call for reports of committees, Assistant Chief Bill Graeser spoke for the Building Committee. He reported that plans were being developed and "budget" prices obtained for the construction of a Firehouse.
Bill Gow relinquished the Chairmanship of the Property Committee. Chief Hauser assumed this duty.
The three surplus Air Raid sirens which were purchased from New York City were demonstrated to the Company. These units were purchased after the motion was made at the April meeting.
Under Unfinished Business, Chiefs Hauser and Graeser discussed the high cost of obtaining a surplus Quonset Hut to be utilized as temporary shelter for a fire truck as was suggested at the April meeting. They also advised the Members of the preliminary prices obtained for building material.
The Truck Committee then reported that they were to meet with the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Huntington Fire District on July 22nd to discuss the purchase of Two trucks for $101.00 each. It was determined that it would cost approximately $500.00 more to put them both into service.
A report was given by Harold Peterson, Captain of the Soft Ball Team. They defeated Halesite in the last game and were scheduled to play Huntington Manor next. A motion was made to expend $50.00 for team expenses.
Resignations from the Company were submitted by Edmund May, Charles Friedank, Jack Reynolds and Warren Herbert. A motion was made to accept same.
Chief Hauser announced that a meeting of the By-Laws Committee would be held on Monday, July 28th. at his home.
A motion was made to adjoin at 9:55 PM.
At 8:40 PM on Tuesday August 19th, John Hauser, Chief of The Company called the members to Order at the Melville Schoolhouse for the Seventh time.
The roll was called by the Secretary with 52 members present and 43 absent. As always, the payment of dues was in order and $75.00 was collected by the Treasurer.
A motion was made, seconded and carried to accept William King and Charles Ward as new members bringing the total number of active Members to 97 men.
The Chief then announced that $260.00 was collected by the raffle of The Afghan which had been donated to the Company by the Melville Community Club. The Secretary announced that $75.00 had also been donated to the Company since the last meeting.
Chief Hauser advised the Members that building material for the proposed Fire House would cost approximately $5000. Those areas within the District which had not been canvassed yet would have to be covered so as to sell 5000 Tags. It was agreed to send the trucks out for this Fund Drive on Sunday August 24th. In addition, Tags would be sold to motorist driving through the area on Saturday, August 30th and Sunday August 31st. Ads would be taken in the local newspapers alerting the residents of this drive. Twelve Members volunteered to work on Saturday and Twenty signed up for Sunday.
All Members who wished to "qualify as Chauffeurs" were directed to report to the School on Thursday August 21st and August 24th at 6:30 PM. for driving tests.
Because of all the business which had to be conducted by the Members, a motion was made, seconded and carried to hold Two meetings a month for a while.
Proposed revisions to the By-Laws were read by the Secretary for informational purposes only. Action could not be taken due to the lack of a quorum.
Under New Business, John Herrman, a Member, offered to allow the Company to park one of the Trucks in his new garage. The offer was accepted and he was given a "Rising Vote of Thanks".
The Chief announced that permission had been received from The School Board to mount a Fire Siren on both of the Schools temporarily. The third siren will be installed on a pole, donated by "Coony" Herrmann,on the North end of the District.
He also advised the Members that 30 Fifty foot lengths of 1 1/2 inch hose had been purchased for only $5.00 a length.
On Tuesday September 16th the eight regular monthly meeting of the Melville Volunteer Fire Company was called to order at The Melville Schoolhouse by William Graeser, the Assistant Chief of the Company at 8:40 PM, in the absence of Chief Hauser.
As the first order of business, a motion was made accepting Three men as new members of The Company. They were Charles Rappold, Xavier Rossano and Vito Rossano, Jr.
Arnold F Edwards, Company Secretary then called the Roll. There were 52 members present and 47 absent. He then read the minutes of the August meeting. There were no reports of Standing or Special Committees.
The following correspondence was read by the Secretary:
A letter was sent to Local #1292, Carpenters & Joiners of America, soliciting a contribution for The Company.
A letter was received from Seth Cole, Esq. advising that the Incorporation Papers for The Company were now in the hands of the Justice of The Court, Second Judicial District awaiting his signature.
Bills were presented for various operational expenses amounting to $51.50. The necessary motion was made, seconded and carried by the Members present to pay same if found correct.
A motion was made under New Business to consider holding a Bingo Party to raise funds for The Company. After much discussion, a motion was made Seconded and carried to do so. Brother Reynolds was appointed, by The Chair as Chairman of a committee to organize it.
The Secretary then read a list of 16 names of Brothers who were delinquent in attendance at meetings or payment of dues or both. A motion was made seconded and carried by those Members present to forward the list of names to the Board of Trustees for their action.
The Chief and Officers of the "newly formed" Dix Hills Fire Company were then introduced and congratulated on their action. There being no further business, a motion was acted on to adjoin at 10:00 PM.
The ninth regular meeting of the Melville Fire Company was called to order at the Melville School House on Tuesday, October 7th by Chief John Hauser.
The Roll was called by Arnold F. Edwards, Company Secretary. There were 49 members present, 40 absent and 3 excused for a total of 93 active Members.
Harold Peterson reported that the Softball team was returning $33.06 out of the original budget of $50.00 which was established at the July meeting. Edward Johnson reported that the Bowling Team has been organized and members are bowling weekly.
Correspondence received since the last meeting was read:
A letter from Seth Cole, Esq. advising that the necessary papers had been filed with The Secretary of State on September 15th. and as of that date the Company was now incorporated.
A motion was made, seconded, and carried to close the Charter Membership Rolls which was held open for the first Six months.
The Chief announced that Pump and Hose Drills were being held every Sunday morning. He invited all Members to attend.
He expressed his concern regarding the criticism of the Company Leadership which is being expressed by a few Members outside of the Company. He also asked the Membership for their comments on the lack of participation of Captain Edward Abramoske. At the request of the Membership, he agreed to contact the Captain and discuss the situation with him.
John Rassmussen advised that there was a possibility of the Company obtaining 70 folding chairs. He also offered to donate a 16mm Movie Camera to the Company. A motion was made, seconded and carried to accept his offer of the camera.
Chief Hauser appointed a Membership Committee consisting of Floyd Baylis, Paul McCullum, and Arno Heck with William Gow as Chairman.
He also appointed a Committee to obtain post cards with a pre-printed message which could be sent out advising all residents about the formation of the Company and the availability in the event of a fire. The committee consisted of Joseph Bookman, Cooney Herrmann and Charles Rappold.
A short talk was given by the Chief on Safety.He also spoke of his plan to obtain an Ambulance which would be operated by the Company.
After an open discussion on plans for the fire house, the meeting was adjoined at 10:50 PM.
The Regular Monthly Meeting of the Melville Volunteer Fire Company was called to order on Tuesday November 18th by John Hauser, Chief of the Company. First order of business was the Roll Call during which 53 members answered present. 40 members failed to answer and were marked absent.
The following Committee Reports were called for: Bowling;reported good progress was being made. Advertising; reported sample ca lender were being prepared and that several ads were already pledged at $5.00 each. Building; reported that drawings for the proposed Fire House were now completed. They were displayed for the Members viewing; Membership reported receiving one new application.
The Chief reported that now that building plans were completed, the property ownership can be transferred to the name of The Company. Now the long awaited construction can start.
He advised that five fires have been attended to date and stressed that no one was to touch the pumps other then those qualified chauffeurs who were: William Greaser, George Schmidlapp, Gus Haller, William King, Harry Schnell, Kurt Kuhn, Arnold Edwards, and Frank Schneider.
A letter was forwarded to The Board of Directors advising that seven members had completed pump training and recommending their names be added to the Chauffeurs List. They were: Paul McCallum, Arvid Carlson, Frank Bottego, Frank Spagnoli, Arno Heck, Olaf Rassmussen and Robert Titus
A letter was sent to the Federal Communications Commission requesting permission to utilize the three new Walki-Talkies which were purchased this month. A demonstration was given in their proper use by the Chief.
Arthur Goeller, the insurance agent forwarded the Extended Coverage on the Members insurance. He requested that all Members forward the names of their beneficiaries to his office without delay.
A motion was made seconded and carried to raffle a Basket of Cheer to raise funds for the Company.
Reports were given on surplus trucks which were for sale by Hicksville as well as Farmingdale Fire Departments.
Three Members requested leave of absence and 10 applied for Inactive Status. The Membership voted to approve these requests.
At 8:25 PM on Tuesday, December 16, 1947, the Eleventh Regular monthly Meeting of the Melville Volunteer Fire Company was called to order by John Hauser, Chief. Once again, this meeting was held at the Melville Schoolhouse.
The Company Roll was called with 49 Members present, 4 excused and 41 absent.
Standing Committee reports were called for: Paul McCallem reported that the Christmas Party Committee had completed all arrangements. Ice cream, cup cakes and soda was being donated and candy as well as a comedy movie was ordered.
Ed Johnson reported that the Bowling Committee was going fine. There was no report of activity by the Advertising Committee.
Under Communications, a letter from William Gow was read, advising of his resignation as Chairman of the Board of Directors. He would remain a Member of the Company. A letter was forwarded to that Board listing the delinquent Company Members. The Chief Fire Training Instructor of the Suffolk County V.E.E. Board wrote advising that starting on March 1st, the fourth Thursday of each month was available for Fire Training. After some discussion, it was agreed to accept this day for training.
Bills of the month were then read. A motion was made, seconded and carried to pay same.
Chief Hauser then discussed the new NYS Law covering Firefighters.
An election was held to select a new Member to the Board of Directors to replace William Gow. Joseph Abromoski was elected to that position.
The meeting was adjoined at 10:50 PM.
The Twelfth Regular Monthly Meeting of the Melville Volunteer Fire Company was opened on Tuesday, January 20, 1948 at 8:40 PM by Chief John Hauser. At Roll Call, 41 Members were present, 5 were excused and 48 were marked absent.
On reports of Standing Committees, Frank Schneider reported that the Bowling Committee was doing well. Thomas Ray reported that the Membership Committee had reviewed the application for membership of Frank Sklenka. The Membership voted by a secret ballot and 40 voted unanimously to accept him as a new Member.
The Chief reported that permission had been received from the Town Board to allow any available Members to be paid to shovel out fire hydrants within The Fire District. Several men had cleared out all hydrants since the last meeting.They have already received their checks. Chief Hauser and Deputy Chief Graeser donated their checks of $17.00 to the Company for the purchase of an American flag as well as a Company flag.
A formal application was received for scheduling the Company attendance at Suffolk County V.E.E.B. Fire School.
An individual Certificate of Insurance was given to each Member by Chief Hauser, with an explanation of benefits.
A discussion was held on the question of a Company Fair to be held that summer for fund raising. It was decided to discuss the matter at the next meeting.
Adjournment of the meeting was moved at 9:55 PM.
On Tuesday February 17, 1948, the Thirteenth regular Monthly meeting of the Melville Volunteer Fire Company was called to order at 8:05 PM. This meeting marked the First meeting of the Second year of existence of the fledgling Fire Company.
The roll was called and found 43 Members in attendance, 9 excused and 42 absent.
Reports of Standing Committees were given: Good and Welfare had no report but Bowling reported good progress. Entertainment promised a full report at the next meeting.
A letter of resignation was received from Ted Dorfmeister who was on a Leave of Absence. He stated that he no longer resided in the Fire District.
An announcement was received from Chief Johnson of the Suffolk County Fire Training School. The first class would be held in Melville on Thursday, March 25th at 8:00 PM. The Company would have to provide a 16mm movie projector.
The Board of Directors advised that they had accepted the list of Members who wished to go on inactive status, as well as the names of Members recommended by Chief Hauser as "Approved Chauffeurs".
Letter of thanks and a $10.00 donation received from H.J.Winser to The Company for filling his cistern with water at his home on Wolf Hill Rd.
The Hicksville Fire Department offered to sell a 1925 White Fire Pumper for $500.00.
Mr. Edward Johnson of Clifton Projectionist wrote advising The Company of several plans they have available to offer Movies Shows to the public for organizations to use as fund raisers.
A discussion was held regarding the fire which occurred on Saturday February 14th at the McIntire Estate, located on Half Hollow Road, Dix Hills.
Chief Hauser announced that there was to be a Special service on Sunday February 29th at Sweet Hollow Presbyterian Church to dedicate the new American Flag and Company Flag. All Members were to assemble at The Schoolhouse at 10:45 and march to the church. He also asked for a "show of hands" of Members who would turn out on Sunday morning to dry hose, service equipment and wash the trucks.
A motion was made, seconded and carried to accept the proposal of Film Presentation Company regarding the Movie Show fund raiser. The show was to be held at the Schoolhouse on Sunday April 4th at 3 PM. Admission was to be .30 cents for children and .60 cents for Adults.
The Chief advised that the Telephone Operators in both Chapel exchange which was Farmingdale as well as Hamilton which was Huntington would accept fire calls without special numbers. It was only necessary for the caller to state they wanted to report a fire in Melville.
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