In 1895, fire service for what would become the Borough of Oaklyn was provided by the Defender Fire Co. No. 1 of Orston (later Audubon). Several Defender members were from Oaklyn, a section of Haddon Township. Minutes from the Defender Fire Co. No. 1 dated April 22, 1902 note that a motion was made for $43.26 to be drawn in favor of the Oaklyn apparatus fund. That is the first mention of what would become Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1. On the first page of the beginning minutes book for Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1, dated April 25, 1902, it is stated that “at a meeting of the Oaklyn branch of Defender Fire Co. No. 1, held at the station (Defender’s fire house), to raise funds to finish Fire Apparatus, also to procure a Charter for a Fire Co. to be known as Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1, the following Officers were elected for one year.” Officers were elected and it was agreed that membership would be limited to twenty (20). David E. Oakes was elected President and Conrad Bart was elected Chief. The next meeting was to be held at Mr. Oakes’ house on April 30th. At a meeting at Montgomery Hall (present day location of Dunkin Donuts on the White Horse Pike) on June 7, 1902, the name of Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1 was adopted and the new company officially organized.
Membership was increased to twenty-five active members at a meeting held on June 30, 1902. The company’s first apparatus was a two-wheel cart with a large wooden barrel and reel of hose. An 1867 two man W.C. Douglas hand pump was mounted on another two-wheel cart. This pump is on permanent loan to the fire department courtesy of the McCarthy family whose ancestor had purchased it from the fire company so long ago.
Locomotive tires were obtained from the railroad and housed in wooden frames about twenty feet high. A sledge hammer attached to a pulley and rope was used to sound the alarm of fire. These frames were located throughout the town.
Fundraisers were held to raise monies for a fire house and a fire wagon. Members built a temporary wooden fire house between September 5 and 7, 1903 on a parcel of ground being purchased from Joseph C. Hollingshead. This lot was located on Newton Ave. at the foot of W. Greenwood Ave. and was paid off in February, 1904.
On February 13, 1905, a new fire wagon was ordered from Procejus & Knauf in Camden City. The cost was $330. The apparatus was delivered in late May and housed on June 3, 1905. The company now had a horse drawn apparatus. That same year, the Borough of Oaklyn was incorporated.
Locomotive tires were obtained from the railroad and housed in wooden frames about twenty feet high. A sledge hammer attached to a pulley and rope was used to sound the alarm of fire. These frames were located throughout the town.
Fundraisers were held to raise monies for a fire house and a fire wagon. Members built a temporary wooden fire house between September 5 and 7, 1903 on a parcel of ground being purchased from Joseph C. Hollingshead. This lot was located on Newton Ave. at the foot of W. Greenwood Ave. and was paid off in February, 1904.
On February 13, 1905, a new fire wagon was ordered from Procejus & Knauf in Camden City. The cost was $330. The apparatus was delivered in late May and housed on June 3, 1905. The company now had a horse drawn apparatus. That same year, the Borough of Oaklyn was incorporated.
On July 3, 1906, Borough Council voted to move their meetings from Montgomery Hall to the fire hall (Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1) that evening. The rental fee was $4.00 per month.
In April 1906, citizens who could not join Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1 due to its closed charter held meetings to form a second fire company. After months of planning Welcome Volunteer Fire Co. was chartered on November 19, 1906 and incorporated November 21, 1906. The first meeting was held in the cellar of Albert Traunecker’s home located on the northwest corner of W. Beechwood and Newton Aves. The members chose “Welcome” because the newly formed company had an open charter. Anyone who desired to help protect life and property from fire was welcome to join their ranks. Herman Heiligman was elected as President and Chief.
A short time after organizing, the company relocated to the barn of member William Traumbauer on W. Collingswood Ave. A forty foot wooden ladder and several buckets were purchased and utilized by the members. The ladder and buckets were hand carried to the fire scene by the members who formed a bucket brigade to shuttle water to the fire. Welcome’s first apparatus was a fire wagon built in 1908 by one of the company’s members who was a wagon builder. It was drawn by a single horse and a pump mounted atop the wagon was added in 1909. Ed Bartels’ barn housed the horse to pull the apparatus. Unfortunately, more often than not the members pulled the wagon to the fire. On one occasion, Welcome was called to assist Audubon on a fire and the members hand pulled the fire wagon to the scene. Upon arriving, they fell in the street exhausted from their efforts. Audubon’s firemen were able to use Welcome’s equipment to good advantage.
In April 1906, citizens who could not join Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1 due to its closed charter held meetings to form a second fire company. After months of planning Welcome Volunteer Fire Co. was chartered on November 19, 1906 and incorporated November 21, 1906. The first meeting was held in the cellar of Albert Traunecker’s home located on the northwest corner of W. Beechwood and Newton Aves. The members chose “Welcome” because the newly formed company had an open charter. Anyone who desired to help protect life and property from fire was welcome to join their ranks. Herman Heiligman was elected as President and Chief.
A short time after organizing, the company relocated to the barn of member William Traumbauer on W. Collingswood Ave. A forty foot wooden ladder and several buckets were purchased and utilized by the members. The ladder and buckets were hand carried to the fire scene by the members who formed a bucket brigade to shuttle water to the fire. Welcome’s first apparatus was a fire wagon built in 1908 by one of the company’s members who was a wagon builder. It was drawn by a single horse and a pump mounted atop the wagon was added in 1909. Ed Bartels’ barn housed the horse to pull the apparatus. Unfortunately, more often than not the members pulled the wagon to the fire. On one occasion, Welcome was called to assist Audubon on a fire and the members hand pulled the fire wagon to the scene. Upon arriving, they fell in the street exhausted from their efforts. Audubon’s firemen were able to use Welcome’s equipment to good advantage.
Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1 had a two-story brick fire house built in 1907 at the same location of their wooden structure. The company moved into their new quarters in August, 1907. The cost of the new building was about $3300. The first meeting in the new fire hall was held on August 12th of that year. On August 6th, Borough Council approved an annual rent of $50 for use of the new fire hall for council meetings. The bell in the bell tower was obtained in a trade with Audubon Fire Co. No. 1. Oaklyn Fire Co. No.1 traded one of their locomotive tires to Audubon for the bell.
Welcome’s first fire house was built from block by members in 1907 and completed on February 29, 1908. It was located on the southwest corner of White Horse Pike and W. Clinton Ave. where the borough hall stands today. The ground had been given to the fire company in 1907 by William Trumbauer, a charter member.
By 1912, Welcome’s members built their second horse drawn fire wagon. Joseph Roberts made the iron work. William Linck made the patterns for the brass work in his pattern making shop assisted by Bill Trumbauer. George Gibson wove the wire for the wagon and William Casperson painted it. This new apparatus would permit two horses to pull it. Several of the parts for this piece were presented to the company by the Pennsylvania Railroad after a train demolished a travelling hurdy-gurdy killing the owner and his son. The new wagon boasted an improved pump.
The town’s first fire hydrants were installed by United Water Co. after a contract was approved by Borough Council on September 7, 1909. Between July 2, 1910 and September 23, 1912 fifteen fire hydrants had been installed.
On March 5, 1912, Borough Council approved an agreement to rent Welcome Fire Company’s hall for $50 per year and appropriated funds for a wagon to move the furniture belonging to the Borough to the new location. Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1 had raised their rental fee to $100 annually during 1910.
During the spring of 1913, each fire company appointed a committee to jointly meet and discuss the possibility of consolidating the companies. Unfortunately, the committee members could not reach an agreement and the subject was dropped until 1916 when Welcome Fire Co. members corresponded with Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1 that Welcome was in favor of consolidation. Discussions lasted nearly one year before negotiations ended when each company stated that they did not want to relinquish their respective fire houses. In March of 1917, both companies submitted proposals to Borough Council offering to turn over their equipment and buildings to the Borough.
Council initially rejected both offers as they couldn’t accept either one because each offer stated the use must be a fire house. Welcome revised their offer stating that the land, building and contents and fire apparatus would be donated for the use of the citizens of the borough as either a fire hall or borough hall. The deed was transferred to the Borough of Oaklyn by Welcome Volunteer Fire Co. on August 14, 1917 for the sum of $1.00. This offer was accepted by Borough Council resolution on September 19, 1917. Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1 notified Borough Council that its members decided to retain their building as a fire house.
Members of Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1 adopted a company motto of “Freedom, Friendship and Protection on May 7, 1917, nearly one month after war was declared. A few weeks later, discussions began regarding a new motorized apparatus for Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1. On October 12, 1918, the fire company housed a new motorized Ford/American LaFrance pumper.
The Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance on July 30, 1920 which created The Fire Department of the Borough of Oaklyn to consist of fifty men as well as a fire commission. This ordinance called for the disbanding of the volunteer fire companies and required them to turn over to the new Fire Department all the apparatus belonging to the borough.
Welcome’s first fire house was built from block by members in 1907 and completed on February 29, 1908. It was located on the southwest corner of White Horse Pike and W. Clinton Ave. where the borough hall stands today. The ground had been given to the fire company in 1907 by William Trumbauer, a charter member.
By 1912, Welcome’s members built their second horse drawn fire wagon. Joseph Roberts made the iron work. William Linck made the patterns for the brass work in his pattern making shop assisted by Bill Trumbauer. George Gibson wove the wire for the wagon and William Casperson painted it. This new apparatus would permit two horses to pull it. Several of the parts for this piece were presented to the company by the Pennsylvania Railroad after a train demolished a travelling hurdy-gurdy killing the owner and his son. The new wagon boasted an improved pump.
The town’s first fire hydrants were installed by United Water Co. after a contract was approved by Borough Council on September 7, 1909. Between July 2, 1910 and September 23, 1912 fifteen fire hydrants had been installed.
On March 5, 1912, Borough Council approved an agreement to rent Welcome Fire Company’s hall for $50 per year and appropriated funds for a wagon to move the furniture belonging to the Borough to the new location. Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1 had raised their rental fee to $100 annually during 1910.
During the spring of 1913, each fire company appointed a committee to jointly meet and discuss the possibility of consolidating the companies. Unfortunately, the committee members could not reach an agreement and the subject was dropped until 1916 when Welcome Fire Co. members corresponded with Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1 that Welcome was in favor of consolidation. Discussions lasted nearly one year before negotiations ended when each company stated that they did not want to relinquish their respective fire houses. In March of 1917, both companies submitted proposals to Borough Council offering to turn over their equipment and buildings to the Borough.
Council initially rejected both offers as they couldn’t accept either one because each offer stated the use must be a fire house. Welcome revised their offer stating that the land, building and contents and fire apparatus would be donated for the use of the citizens of the borough as either a fire hall or borough hall. The deed was transferred to the Borough of Oaklyn by Welcome Volunteer Fire Co. on August 14, 1917 for the sum of $1.00. This offer was accepted by Borough Council resolution on September 19, 1917. Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1 notified Borough Council that its members decided to retain their building as a fire house.
Members of Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1 adopted a company motto of “Freedom, Friendship and Protection on May 7, 1917, nearly one month after war was declared. A few weeks later, discussions began regarding a new motorized apparatus for Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1. On October 12, 1918, the fire company housed a new motorized Ford/American LaFrance pumper.
The Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance on July 30, 1920 which created The Fire Department of the Borough of Oaklyn to consist of fifty men as well as a fire commission. This ordinance called for the disbanding of the volunteer fire companies and required them to turn over to the new Fire Department all the apparatus belonging to the borough.
On August 16, 1920, Borough Commissioners appointed “The Fire Department of the Borough of Oaklyn” with Ed Bartels as Chief, Howard Fox as First Engineer and Herman Heiligman as Second Engineer and seventeen men as members. Those named were from both fire companies. The new department was never consumated as 139 residents and taxpayers protested and the Borough Commissioners voted to repeal the ordinance on August 27th and invested Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1 and Welcome Fire Co. with all the powers and duties of the volunteer fire companies in the Borough of Oaklyn.
However, nine of the individuals had been sworn in. On September 3rd, Mayor MacMullen informed Chief Bartels by letter of the repeal of the ordinance. The mayor notified Deputy Chief, Oaklyn Fire Department A. Jost on September 23rd that he was to at once to form a Fire Squad for the purpose of taking charge of the Fire Apparatus belonging to the Borough and housed in the Borough Hall. The squad was to consist of fifteen men, more or less, and be under Deputy Chief Yost’s control. On October 1st Deputy Chief Yost informed the mayor that he had selected thirteen men for the squad pending the approval of the mayor.
These men were sworn in on October 8, 1920. Adolph Jost was appointed Chief of the Fire Department with Charles Carter and Charles M. Edgar appointed Deputy Chiefs. Chief Jost and Deputy Chief Carter were members of Oaklyn Fire Co. No.1 while Deputy Chief Edgar and the other firemen were all members of Welcome Fire Co. They were to operate the fire equipment housed in the borough hall formerly owned by Welcome Fire Co. With the appointment of the Fire Squad, Welcome Fire Company’s existence came into question as its members were part of the Fire Squad. Minutes for the company no longer exist for this period, but a treasurer’s book survived and indicates limited activity until 1925. In January, 1921, Deputy Chief Edgar approached the new Borough Commissioners asking that the fire wagon be replaced due to its inadequacy. Borough Chief Jost stated that he felt the town was adequately protected with the current fire equipment and no further action was taken.
In the autumn of 1923, the Borough Commissioners offered to finance the purchase of a new fire apparatus for Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1 with the fire company accepting the offer. On February 1, 1924 the Borough Commissioners approved a bid of $4335.00 from Hale Fire Pump Co. Inc. for a three in one Fire Apparatus. The Commission also approved the purchase of 1000 feet of standard fire hose from the United States Rubber Co. The Reo/Hale 300 gallon pumper with the new hose was housed on February 9, 1924.
In March of 1925, the Borough Commissioners sold the old fire wagon to John Haney for $25.00. All fire fighting equipment was then housed at Oaklyn Fire Co. No.1 and Welcome was in a semi-merger situation with Co. No. 1. As fate would have it, a fire struck the Baptist parsonage at 14 West Bettlewood Ave. on the evening of August 16, 1925, while Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1’s members were in Philadelphia attending the funeral of former member Louis Fields. Mutual Aid calls were sent out to Collingswood, West Collingswood and Audubon for assistance while some of Oaklyn’s residents were able to drive Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1’s pumper to the fire where it was placed in service by some of the other firemen. Collingswood Fire Co. No. 1 responded to East Bettlewood Ave. before realizing the blaze was across the White Horse Pike. Meanwhile, Chief Fox of Oaklyn was telephoned of the fire and quietly assembled some of his fire fighters at the funeral home. They responded in a taxi cab. The home was heavily damaged.
Borough officials then realized the need for two active fire companies in the town. A plan to reorganize the Welcome Fire Co. was developed by a group of citizens and presented to the Borough Commissioners. The Commissioners approved the plan and Welcome held its first meeting on August 31, 1925. William J. Welsh was elected Chief on September 21st and appointed Deputy Borough Fire Chief on February 11, 1926. According to Welcome member Charles Abel, “the only equipment we had was a step ladder and some buckets. We were given permission to ride on Oaklyn Fire Company’s trucks.” There was a keen sense of competition between the two companies which hampered this idea. One of Welcome’s members was knocked from a fire truck and broke his arm. It was evident that the idea of two companies using the same equipment wasn’t feasible.
The Borough Commissioners received a petition from Welcome’s membership and other citizens on November 30, 1925 requesting the purchase of a “Combination Pump, Chemical and Hose Apparatus; motor driven, together with the necessary equipment for proper operation of the same.” The Commissioners agreed that a truck should be purchased but didn’t have the funds to do so. The fire company arranged to buy an American LaFrance 400 gallon Cosmopolitan apparatus at a cost of $6500.00. The truck was ordered in March, 1927 and delivered in June of that year. Welcome’s members stepped up and ran smoker evenings and held carnivals to raise funds to make payments for the new truck.
This was Welcome Fire Company’s first motorized apparatus. In early 1927, the Borough Commissioners approved $1000.00 toward the initial payment of the new pumper. On the evening of June 29, 1927 the new LaFrance was housed in the borough hall (Welcome’s quarters).
However, nine of the individuals had been sworn in. On September 3rd, Mayor MacMullen informed Chief Bartels by letter of the repeal of the ordinance. The mayor notified Deputy Chief, Oaklyn Fire Department A. Jost on September 23rd that he was to at once to form a Fire Squad for the purpose of taking charge of the Fire Apparatus belonging to the Borough and housed in the Borough Hall. The squad was to consist of fifteen men, more or less, and be under Deputy Chief Yost’s control. On October 1st Deputy Chief Yost informed the mayor that he had selected thirteen men for the squad pending the approval of the mayor.
These men were sworn in on October 8, 1920. Adolph Jost was appointed Chief of the Fire Department with Charles Carter and Charles M. Edgar appointed Deputy Chiefs. Chief Jost and Deputy Chief Carter were members of Oaklyn Fire Co. No.1 while Deputy Chief Edgar and the other firemen were all members of Welcome Fire Co. They were to operate the fire equipment housed in the borough hall formerly owned by Welcome Fire Co. With the appointment of the Fire Squad, Welcome Fire Company’s existence came into question as its members were part of the Fire Squad. Minutes for the company no longer exist for this period, but a treasurer’s book survived and indicates limited activity until 1925. In January, 1921, Deputy Chief Edgar approached the new Borough Commissioners asking that the fire wagon be replaced due to its inadequacy. Borough Chief Jost stated that he felt the town was adequately protected with the current fire equipment and no further action was taken.
In the autumn of 1923, the Borough Commissioners offered to finance the purchase of a new fire apparatus for Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1 with the fire company accepting the offer. On February 1, 1924 the Borough Commissioners approved a bid of $4335.00 from Hale Fire Pump Co. Inc. for a three in one Fire Apparatus. The Commission also approved the purchase of 1000 feet of standard fire hose from the United States Rubber Co. The Reo/Hale 300 gallon pumper with the new hose was housed on February 9, 1924.
In March of 1925, the Borough Commissioners sold the old fire wagon to John Haney for $25.00. All fire fighting equipment was then housed at Oaklyn Fire Co. No.1 and Welcome was in a semi-merger situation with Co. No. 1. As fate would have it, a fire struck the Baptist parsonage at 14 West Bettlewood Ave. on the evening of August 16, 1925, while Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1’s members were in Philadelphia attending the funeral of former member Louis Fields. Mutual Aid calls were sent out to Collingswood, West Collingswood and Audubon for assistance while some of Oaklyn’s residents were able to drive Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1’s pumper to the fire where it was placed in service by some of the other firemen. Collingswood Fire Co. No. 1 responded to East Bettlewood Ave. before realizing the blaze was across the White Horse Pike. Meanwhile, Chief Fox of Oaklyn was telephoned of the fire and quietly assembled some of his fire fighters at the funeral home. They responded in a taxi cab. The home was heavily damaged.
Borough officials then realized the need for two active fire companies in the town. A plan to reorganize the Welcome Fire Co. was developed by a group of citizens and presented to the Borough Commissioners. The Commissioners approved the plan and Welcome held its first meeting on August 31, 1925. William J. Welsh was elected Chief on September 21st and appointed Deputy Borough Fire Chief on February 11, 1926. According to Welcome member Charles Abel, “the only equipment we had was a step ladder and some buckets. We were given permission to ride on Oaklyn Fire Company’s trucks.” There was a keen sense of competition between the two companies which hampered this idea. One of Welcome’s members was knocked from a fire truck and broke his arm. It was evident that the idea of two companies using the same equipment wasn’t feasible.
The Borough Commissioners received a petition from Welcome’s membership and other citizens on November 30, 1925 requesting the purchase of a “Combination Pump, Chemical and Hose Apparatus; motor driven, together with the necessary equipment for proper operation of the same.” The Commissioners agreed that a truck should be purchased but didn’t have the funds to do so. The fire company arranged to buy an American LaFrance 400 gallon Cosmopolitan apparatus at a cost of $6500.00. The truck was ordered in March, 1927 and delivered in June of that year. Welcome’s members stepped up and ran smoker evenings and held carnivals to raise funds to make payments for the new truck.
This was Welcome Fire Company’s first motorized apparatus. In early 1927, the Borough Commissioners approved $1000.00 toward the initial payment of the new pumper. On the evening of June 29, 1927 the new LaFrance was housed in the borough hall (Welcome’s quarters).
Meanwhile, Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1 purchased a Hale 500 gallon pumper for $6,105.40. It was housed on December 4, 1926. The Borough Commissioners approved $1000.00 toward the purchase price.
Also in 1927, a bell was placed atop the borough hall to sound the alarm of fire. This bell was cast from various metals and silverware collected in a house to house canvas by Welcome’s members. It remained in use until replaced by an electronic siren. Oaklyn No.1 already had an electronic siren on their station which was installed during 1923.
During the 1930s, Welcome’s American LaFrance had upgrades including replacement of the chemical tank with a booster tank for water. Equipment was upgraded for both fire companies.
On July 30, 1940, the most devastating fire in Camden County’s history destroyed the R.M. Hollingshead Company chemical plant in Camden. Both fire companies rendered valuable service during this conflagration. This disaster led to the creation of an organized County Mutual Aid System, of which Welcome’s Chief Edward Flemming was chosen chairman.
In November 1940, the old borough hall was torn down to make way for a new building. The new structure would house both the police department and Welcome Fire Company as well as borough offices. During the construction Welcome’s equipment was housed in member Clayton Dorsey’s garage on West Collingswood Ave. and White Horse Pike. The garage became Welcome’s temporary quarters until the new building was completed in 1942.
In 1942, the Borough purchased an International stake body truck (only a few months old) from a junk dealer in Camden. This was for Welcome Fire Co. Its members removed the stake body and the chassis was driven to Hahn Motor Co. in Hamburg, PA who built a fire truck body per specifications drawn up be Welcome’s members. The apparatus was delivered in early 1943 with a 250 gpm front mount pump. The Borough also purchased a 1939 Brockway truck with a 1941 motor for Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1. It, too, was driven to Hahn Motor Co. and customized to the company’s specifications. This engine was delivered in March of 1943. It should be noted that metal supplies were quite limited during the war as most were aiding the war effort. Thus, the purchase and outfitting of two used trucks for fire fighting was highly unusual. A local car dealer donated a 1934 Ford panel truck to Oaklyn No. 1 during World War II. Members converted it to a rescue truck and utilized it for four years. When it gave out, the 1926 Hale pumper was utilized not only as a pumper but also as a first aid wagon.
Both companies also trained on and operated a trailer pump which was purchased to protect the Bettlewood section of Haddon Township during World War II. Oaklyn’s fire companies provided fire protection for that area.
Construction began in late 1946 for a bay addition to the south side of Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1’s building which was completed in early 1947. A new engine was being ordered to replace the Brockway which had been taken out of service due to severe brake problems. The new Ford 250 gpm pumper with booster reel was delivered on July 3, 1947. Another bay was added to the north side of Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1’s building. It was dedicated on September 18, 1949.
Borough Council provided Oaklyn Fire Co. No.1 with a 1952 Ford 500 gpm pumper for their 50th anniversary. After the new pumper arrived, members stripped down the old Hale pumper and converted it into a rescue truck which replaced the converted panel truck. The following year Council ordered a Ford/ Great Eastern 750 gpm pumper for Welcome Fire Co. It replaced the 1927 LaFrance which was sold to Gibbsboro, NJ.
In 1958, Welcome’s members purchased a new Willys Jeep with a cab over engine. Asst. Chief Joe Dooley Sr. designed a rescue body and the Reading Body Company of Reading, PA built the body to his specifications. It boasted a removable rack that carried the company’s stainless steel rescue boat.
Oaklyn No. 1 purchased a new 1959 Plymouth station wagon for use as a first aid squad and later as a fire police unit. The next apparatus purchased by the Borough was a 1963 Ford/Great Eastern 750 gpm pumper for the Welcome Fire Co. This replaced the 1942 International which had served the company well. Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1 received a Ford/Great Eastern 750 gpm pumper in 1966.
The topic of unification arose again in 1968 when Mayor Kern requested that committees from each fire company meet to discuss such a plan. The first meeting was held on March 25, 1968. Numerous meetings occurred over the next few years. Borough Council agreed to build a new fire station provided the two companies merged. Members of both fire companies approved council’s offer and consolidated into The Oaklyn Fire Department in April, 1976. David G. Aron was elected Fire Chief and Frank Burgo, President of the newly combined fire department.
Also in 1927, a bell was placed atop the borough hall to sound the alarm of fire. This bell was cast from various metals and silverware collected in a house to house canvas by Welcome’s members. It remained in use until replaced by an electronic siren. Oaklyn No.1 already had an electronic siren on their station which was installed during 1923.
During the 1930s, Welcome’s American LaFrance had upgrades including replacement of the chemical tank with a booster tank for water. Equipment was upgraded for both fire companies.
On July 30, 1940, the most devastating fire in Camden County’s history destroyed the R.M. Hollingshead Company chemical plant in Camden. Both fire companies rendered valuable service during this conflagration. This disaster led to the creation of an organized County Mutual Aid System, of which Welcome’s Chief Edward Flemming was chosen chairman.
In November 1940, the old borough hall was torn down to make way for a new building. The new structure would house both the police department and Welcome Fire Company as well as borough offices. During the construction Welcome’s equipment was housed in member Clayton Dorsey’s garage on West Collingswood Ave. and White Horse Pike. The garage became Welcome’s temporary quarters until the new building was completed in 1942.
In 1942, the Borough purchased an International stake body truck (only a few months old) from a junk dealer in Camden. This was for Welcome Fire Co. Its members removed the stake body and the chassis was driven to Hahn Motor Co. in Hamburg, PA who built a fire truck body per specifications drawn up be Welcome’s members. The apparatus was delivered in early 1943 with a 250 gpm front mount pump. The Borough also purchased a 1939 Brockway truck with a 1941 motor for Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1. It, too, was driven to Hahn Motor Co. and customized to the company’s specifications. This engine was delivered in March of 1943. It should be noted that metal supplies were quite limited during the war as most were aiding the war effort. Thus, the purchase and outfitting of two used trucks for fire fighting was highly unusual. A local car dealer donated a 1934 Ford panel truck to Oaklyn No. 1 during World War II. Members converted it to a rescue truck and utilized it for four years. When it gave out, the 1926 Hale pumper was utilized not only as a pumper but also as a first aid wagon.
Both companies also trained on and operated a trailer pump which was purchased to protect the Bettlewood section of Haddon Township during World War II. Oaklyn’s fire companies provided fire protection for that area.
Construction began in late 1946 for a bay addition to the south side of Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1’s building which was completed in early 1947. A new engine was being ordered to replace the Brockway which had been taken out of service due to severe brake problems. The new Ford 250 gpm pumper with booster reel was delivered on July 3, 1947. Another bay was added to the north side of Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1’s building. It was dedicated on September 18, 1949.
Borough Council provided Oaklyn Fire Co. No.1 with a 1952 Ford 500 gpm pumper for their 50th anniversary. After the new pumper arrived, members stripped down the old Hale pumper and converted it into a rescue truck which replaced the converted panel truck. The following year Council ordered a Ford/ Great Eastern 750 gpm pumper for Welcome Fire Co. It replaced the 1927 LaFrance which was sold to Gibbsboro, NJ.
In 1958, Welcome’s members purchased a new Willys Jeep with a cab over engine. Asst. Chief Joe Dooley Sr. designed a rescue body and the Reading Body Company of Reading, PA built the body to his specifications. It boasted a removable rack that carried the company’s stainless steel rescue boat.
Oaklyn No. 1 purchased a new 1959 Plymouth station wagon for use as a first aid squad and later as a fire police unit. The next apparatus purchased by the Borough was a 1963 Ford/Great Eastern 750 gpm pumper for the Welcome Fire Co. This replaced the 1942 International which had served the company well. Oaklyn Fire Co. No. 1 received a Ford/Great Eastern 750 gpm pumper in 1966.
The topic of unification arose again in 1968 when Mayor Kern requested that committees from each fire company meet to discuss such a plan. The first meeting was held on March 25, 1968. Numerous meetings occurred over the next few years. Borough Council agreed to build a new fire station provided the two companies merged. Members of both fire companies approved council’s offer and consolidated into The Oaklyn Fire Department in April, 1976. David G. Aron was elected Fire Chief and Frank Burgo, President of the newly combined fire department.
In the early 1970s, the Oaklyn School Board was notified that the original portion of the Mary A. Finney School building had been condemned. Board members realized that additions could be built to the existing junior high school to facilitate students from the elementary school. This was done and in 1973 students were moved to the new location.
Discussions began as to the disposition of the Finney School property. In June of 1973, mayor and council proposed that the property be transferred to the Borough for a nominal fee for use as a recreational and meeting facility with parking and for any other public use. Long time Welcome Fire Co. member and President of the Oaklyn School Board Don Kincaid worked with board members to possibly place the property in the possession of the Borough of Oaklyn to primarily be used as a public safety facility.
The school board stood their ground and passed a resolution to do so in 1974. Council introduced a resolution on July 9, 1974 stating that the Borough would demolish the original portion of the school and use it as stipulated by the school board. An agreement was reached suitable to both parties and the Borough assumed possession of the Finney School property.
The old building was demolished and a new fire station engine room built to house the newly combined fire companies. Members of the fire department renovated the west wing of the school while the Borough renovated the east wing for office and meeting room purposes. The auditorium was to be used by the fire department to raise funds through rentals. The new facility was completed and the firemen moved in during October, 1976. The new engine room boasted four bays with a radio room, turnout gear rooms, a workshop, an SCBA room, a hose dryer and hose rack room, a restroom and a room with a sink, washer and dryer.
The wing was renovated with restroom facilities, a meeting room, caucus room, offices, storage and a recreation room for the firemen. The old Oaklyn No. 1 firehouse was sold to a machine shop operator with some of the funds used to finish the interior of the west wing and for the installation of a quarry tile floor in the engine room.
The Borough purchased a used 100 foot aerial truck from Camden during 1976. The apparatus was originally delivered to the Philadelphia Fire Dept. in 1950. Its American LaFrance tractor was replaced with a B model Mack tractor in 1962 and the main ladder was replaced during the 1960s as the original had been damaged. Philadelphia sold the ladder truck to Camden, NJ for $1.00 as Camden was in need of working apparatus during 1973-1974. Oaklyn’s fire fighters spent thousands of man hours on an extensive renovation project when the ladder truck arrived.
Fruehauf Trailer in Philadelphia did the major work required. In all, it took nearly a year and a half to complete the entire project at a cost of about $10,000, which saved taxpayers over $100,000. Before its completion, the truck responded to an apartment fire on West Oakland Ave. and the ground ladders were utilized by fire fighters to rescue three residents of the building who were trapped. The main ladder was condemned during an inspection in 1983. Fire fighters were able to track down a former Philadelphia ladder of the same style in a Odessa, Delaware scrap yard. Arrangements were made and members drove the existing ladder to Odessa in late November, 1983. There they were assisted by scrap yard employees and a crane to remove the old main and replace it with the used one. Ground ladders, a gear box and other truck parts cost the department $1000.00. The ladder was tested, passed and placed back in service.
A new 1000gpm Pierce pumper was received by the department in the spring of 1979. It was the first new apparatus to have a crew cab. Specifications for this engine were drawn up by the members of the department. It replaced the 1953 Ford/Great Eastern 750 gpm pumper. The new engine saw its first working fire only a few days after being placed in service. The Pierce pumper and the aerial ladder were housed on October 13, 1979 following the largest parade in Oaklyn’s history earlier in the day. Over one hundred fire companies participated.
During 1982, the members of the department purchased a Chevrolet truck chassis and ordered a stock body from the Reading Body Co. of Reading, PA. These were assembled by Finnesey Trucks in Collingswood, NJ. Members added a generator and lighting along with other equipment and placed the new light rescue in service at a cost of about $16,500. Over $30,000 was saved by ordering the vehicle in this manner as compared to ordering one from a fire apparatus dealer. This apparatus replaced the 1958 Jeep Willys which was sold locally.
Work began on replacing the 1963 Ford/Great Eastern pumper in 1985. The department’s truck committee researched several manufacturers and recommended that the department write specifications toward a Hahn pumper. A bond issue was approved by Borough Council on April 8, 1986 after advertising for bids and a new 1250 gpm Hahn engine was ordered by the end of the month. The new engine was delivered in late March, 1987 and placed in service the following month. It was housed following that year’s 4th of July parade.
A used 1989 Ford Van was located in Norristown, PA and purchased by the members of the department in late 1990 for $13,300. It was already painted red so a emergency lighting and lettering were added and the unit placed in service during the Spring of 1991. The van replaced the 1959 Plymouth station wagon which was sold to a local car collector.
Discussions began as to the disposition of the Finney School property. In June of 1973, mayor and council proposed that the property be transferred to the Borough for a nominal fee for use as a recreational and meeting facility with parking and for any other public use. Long time Welcome Fire Co. member and President of the Oaklyn School Board Don Kincaid worked with board members to possibly place the property in the possession of the Borough of Oaklyn to primarily be used as a public safety facility.
The school board stood their ground and passed a resolution to do so in 1974. Council introduced a resolution on July 9, 1974 stating that the Borough would demolish the original portion of the school and use it as stipulated by the school board. An agreement was reached suitable to both parties and the Borough assumed possession of the Finney School property.
The old building was demolished and a new fire station engine room built to house the newly combined fire companies. Members of the fire department renovated the west wing of the school while the Borough renovated the east wing for office and meeting room purposes. The auditorium was to be used by the fire department to raise funds through rentals. The new facility was completed and the firemen moved in during October, 1976. The new engine room boasted four bays with a radio room, turnout gear rooms, a workshop, an SCBA room, a hose dryer and hose rack room, a restroom and a room with a sink, washer and dryer.
The wing was renovated with restroom facilities, a meeting room, caucus room, offices, storage and a recreation room for the firemen. The old Oaklyn No. 1 firehouse was sold to a machine shop operator with some of the funds used to finish the interior of the west wing and for the installation of a quarry tile floor in the engine room.
The Borough purchased a used 100 foot aerial truck from Camden during 1976. The apparatus was originally delivered to the Philadelphia Fire Dept. in 1950. Its American LaFrance tractor was replaced with a B model Mack tractor in 1962 and the main ladder was replaced during the 1960s as the original had been damaged. Philadelphia sold the ladder truck to Camden, NJ for $1.00 as Camden was in need of working apparatus during 1973-1974. Oaklyn’s fire fighters spent thousands of man hours on an extensive renovation project when the ladder truck arrived.
Fruehauf Trailer in Philadelphia did the major work required. In all, it took nearly a year and a half to complete the entire project at a cost of about $10,000, which saved taxpayers over $100,000. Before its completion, the truck responded to an apartment fire on West Oakland Ave. and the ground ladders were utilized by fire fighters to rescue three residents of the building who were trapped. The main ladder was condemned during an inspection in 1983. Fire fighters were able to track down a former Philadelphia ladder of the same style in a Odessa, Delaware scrap yard. Arrangements were made and members drove the existing ladder to Odessa in late November, 1983. There they were assisted by scrap yard employees and a crane to remove the old main and replace it with the used one. Ground ladders, a gear box and other truck parts cost the department $1000.00. The ladder was tested, passed and placed back in service.
A new 1000gpm Pierce pumper was received by the department in the spring of 1979. It was the first new apparatus to have a crew cab. Specifications for this engine were drawn up by the members of the department. It replaced the 1953 Ford/Great Eastern 750 gpm pumper. The new engine saw its first working fire only a few days after being placed in service. The Pierce pumper and the aerial ladder were housed on October 13, 1979 following the largest parade in Oaklyn’s history earlier in the day. Over one hundred fire companies participated.
During 1982, the members of the department purchased a Chevrolet truck chassis and ordered a stock body from the Reading Body Co. of Reading, PA. These were assembled by Finnesey Trucks in Collingswood, NJ. Members added a generator and lighting along with other equipment and placed the new light rescue in service at a cost of about $16,500. Over $30,000 was saved by ordering the vehicle in this manner as compared to ordering one from a fire apparatus dealer. This apparatus replaced the 1958 Jeep Willys which was sold locally.
Work began on replacing the 1963 Ford/Great Eastern pumper in 1985. The department’s truck committee researched several manufacturers and recommended that the department write specifications toward a Hahn pumper. A bond issue was approved by Borough Council on April 8, 1986 after advertising for bids and a new 1250 gpm Hahn engine was ordered by the end of the month. The new engine was delivered in late March, 1987 and placed in service the following month. It was housed following that year’s 4th of July parade.
A used 1989 Ford Van was located in Norristown, PA and purchased by the members of the department in late 1990 for $13,300. It was already painted red so a emergency lighting and lettering were added and the unit placed in service during the Spring of 1991. The van replaced the 1959 Plymouth station wagon which was sold to a local car collector.
On December 16, 1991, members voted to purchase a used 1974 CF model Mack tractor drawn 100 foot aerial ladder from a used truck dealer in Allentown, Pennsylvania at a cost of $5000. The truck had served the Allentown Fire Department. The membership agreed to a spending cap of an additional $30,000 to prepare and equip the new ladder for service. Lee’s Emergency in Tuckerton, New Jersey did the major work and the members did the rest. The ladder was housed on July 4, 1993 after being placed in service only weeks before.
Work began on specifications for a new pumper during 2000. The truck committee investigated several manufacturers before compiling final specifications in January, 2001. Borough Council placed the apparatus out for bid and awarded the contract to Seagrave Fire Apparatus in Clintonville, Wisconsin. This new 1250 gpm pumper was delivered in late November, 2001. The engine was placed in service in late January, 2002 replacing the 1979 Pierce pumper.
Meanwhile, plans were under way for the housing of the new 2001 Seagrave pumper and the 100th anniversary of the department. On April 20, 2002 a banquet was held at Nicolosi Catering in Woodbury, New Jersey to celebrate the century of progress. Many presentations were received by the department in honor of the event. The Seagrave was to be housed on the 4th of July following the borough’s parade in which several local fire companies were to participate as was the Camden County Emerald Society Pipes & Drums. Unfortunately, a major fire occurred in Gloucester City just after midnight on July 4th.
Oaklyn was called to assist in battling the blaze which took the lives of three firefighters and three children when the home collapsed on them. Two of the fire fighters were close friends of Oaklyn’s members.. The day was tragic and their was not a dry eye to be found when the Pipes & Drums stopped in front of the fire house and played Amazing Grace in memory of our fallen comrades. The parade ended and the members participated in the borough’s festivities. The housing of the new apparatus was quietly done and the station closed in mourning. We shall never forget that day!
The next purchase of apparatus was a 1974 Mack 75 foot Aerialscope. The unit had served the Perkasie, Pennsylvania Fire Company and was heavily damaged in a downtown fire during 1988. The apparatus was totally rebuilt and updated in 1989 and placed back in service by Perkasie. After being replaced by a new truck in 2006, the Aerialscope was sold to the Cherry Hill Fire Co. No. 1 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Borough Council purchased the apparatus for $30,000 in late 2008. Additional funds were provided by the department to make necessary repairs and the truck was placed in service in early 2009.
In February, 2012, the membership appropriated $62.000 to purchase a used 1999 Freightliner/ E-One rescue truck from the Borough of Collingswood. This apparatus had a 20, 000 kw power take off generator, a winch, mobile radios, permanent and portable lighting and other equipment. The unit was equipped from the 1982 Chevrolet utility and newly purchased equipment and placed in service later that month as a utility support vehicle. It has a walk-in box that is heated and air conditioned for firefighter rehab.
Marine units have been part of Oaklyn’s fire service since the 1930s, serving neighboring communities as well as our town. Over the years, the marine units have responded as far away as Mercer County, NJ during massive flooding and locally in Newton Creek and the Cooper and Delaware Rivers in Camden, Gloucester and Burlington Counties.
Through their proud history, the fire fighters of Oaklyn have responded to many large fires both in town and out of town. The largest fire in Camden County history was the R.M. Hollingshead Co. chemical plant on July 30, 1940. Both fire companies provided valuable service to Camden during this conflagration. Other major fires included a May 24, 1923 inferno that destroyed the Mantua Lumber Yard, the water works and numerous homes in Mantua, NJ; several multiple-alarm blazes at the Suburban Lumber Co. in Oaklyn during the 1940s, early 1950s and 1982 and 1991; the Oakland Garden Apartments in town on September 18, 1976; Oaklyn’s Club Honey Dew on June 1, 1977; the New York Shipyard warehouse fire in Gloucester; and the famous Garden State Racetrack fire in Cherry Hill on August 14, 1977.
Oaklyn’s fire fighters have responded to calls for assistance from Camden City on numerous major fires. Valuable service was rendered during the August, 1971 riots and on Mischief Nights including the year 1991, which proved to be the busiest 24 hour period of fires in Camden’s history.
One of the largest blazes in town was the Terminal Vending building on August 20, 2006. Fire fighters from throughout Camden County battled extreme heat, dense smoke and flames before controlling this seven alarm blaze. More recently, Oaklyn’s finest battled major blazes in Camden during June of 2011. Those fires reached 12 and 8 alarms respectively.
Our members continue to be dedicated to protecting life and property in our community and in nearby communities. This dedication personifies the department’s motto of “Pride in Service”. We continue to strive for improvement to better serve the citizens of the borough and Camden County.
Written by Lee Ryan
Work began on specifications for a new pumper during 2000. The truck committee investigated several manufacturers before compiling final specifications in January, 2001. Borough Council placed the apparatus out for bid and awarded the contract to Seagrave Fire Apparatus in Clintonville, Wisconsin. This new 1250 gpm pumper was delivered in late November, 2001. The engine was placed in service in late January, 2002 replacing the 1979 Pierce pumper.
Meanwhile, plans were under way for the housing of the new 2001 Seagrave pumper and the 100th anniversary of the department. On April 20, 2002 a banquet was held at Nicolosi Catering in Woodbury, New Jersey to celebrate the century of progress. Many presentations were received by the department in honor of the event. The Seagrave was to be housed on the 4th of July following the borough’s parade in which several local fire companies were to participate as was the Camden County Emerald Society Pipes & Drums. Unfortunately, a major fire occurred in Gloucester City just after midnight on July 4th.
Oaklyn was called to assist in battling the blaze which took the lives of three firefighters and three children when the home collapsed on them. Two of the fire fighters were close friends of Oaklyn’s members.. The day was tragic and their was not a dry eye to be found when the Pipes & Drums stopped in front of the fire house and played Amazing Grace in memory of our fallen comrades. The parade ended and the members participated in the borough’s festivities. The housing of the new apparatus was quietly done and the station closed in mourning. We shall never forget that day!
The next purchase of apparatus was a 1974 Mack 75 foot Aerialscope. The unit had served the Perkasie, Pennsylvania Fire Company and was heavily damaged in a downtown fire during 1988. The apparatus was totally rebuilt and updated in 1989 and placed back in service by Perkasie. After being replaced by a new truck in 2006, the Aerialscope was sold to the Cherry Hill Fire Co. No. 1 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Borough Council purchased the apparatus for $30,000 in late 2008. Additional funds were provided by the department to make necessary repairs and the truck was placed in service in early 2009.
In February, 2012, the membership appropriated $62.000 to purchase a used 1999 Freightliner/ E-One rescue truck from the Borough of Collingswood. This apparatus had a 20, 000 kw power take off generator, a winch, mobile radios, permanent and portable lighting and other equipment. The unit was equipped from the 1982 Chevrolet utility and newly purchased equipment and placed in service later that month as a utility support vehicle. It has a walk-in box that is heated and air conditioned for firefighter rehab.
Marine units have been part of Oaklyn’s fire service since the 1930s, serving neighboring communities as well as our town. Over the years, the marine units have responded as far away as Mercer County, NJ during massive flooding and locally in Newton Creek and the Cooper and Delaware Rivers in Camden, Gloucester and Burlington Counties.
Through their proud history, the fire fighters of Oaklyn have responded to many large fires both in town and out of town. The largest fire in Camden County history was the R.M. Hollingshead Co. chemical plant on July 30, 1940. Both fire companies provided valuable service to Camden during this conflagration. Other major fires included a May 24, 1923 inferno that destroyed the Mantua Lumber Yard, the water works and numerous homes in Mantua, NJ; several multiple-alarm blazes at the Suburban Lumber Co. in Oaklyn during the 1940s, early 1950s and 1982 and 1991; the Oakland Garden Apartments in town on September 18, 1976; Oaklyn’s Club Honey Dew on June 1, 1977; the New York Shipyard warehouse fire in Gloucester; and the famous Garden State Racetrack fire in Cherry Hill on August 14, 1977.
Oaklyn’s fire fighters have responded to calls for assistance from Camden City on numerous major fires. Valuable service was rendered during the August, 1971 riots and on Mischief Nights including the year 1991, which proved to be the busiest 24 hour period of fires in Camden’s history.
One of the largest blazes in town was the Terminal Vending building on August 20, 2006. Fire fighters from throughout Camden County battled extreme heat, dense smoke and flames before controlling this seven alarm blaze. More recently, Oaklyn’s finest battled major blazes in Camden during June of 2011. Those fires reached 12 and 8 alarms respectively.
Our members continue to be dedicated to protecting life and property in our community and in nearby communities. This dedication personifies the department’s motto of “Pride in Service”. We continue to strive for improvement to better serve the citizens of the borough and Camden County.
Written by Lee Ryan
