September 16, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES II, III & IV • Page 15 100th ANNIVERSARY (continued from page 14) and an adjoining all-purpose room. Fire headquarters was located there for the next six decades. Midland Park officials, realizing the borough was growing quickly, recognized the need to motorize the fire department. After a 1918 study of specifications and cost, Mayor Schleicher and the council were presented with plans and specifications for a new Federal truck. The Federal apparatus, which was priced at $2,900 was approved and purchased. The City of Mount Vernon, New York, offered for sale a chemical pump for an additional $600. This pump was also approved, purchased and mounted on the new truck. The speed of the new truck could be “increased to 10 miles per hour with perfect safety,” the department reported. In 1923, the department sought $12,000 for an engine of the Ahrens Fox type. However, this new vehicle did not become available until after the schoolhouse fire of Janu- Dedicated service ary 1924. On July 11, 1929, the fire department received its charter in the New Jersey State Association of Exempt Firemen. Firefighters who completed seven years of active duty became eligible for special state benefits. Its first officers were Barney Vandersnow, president; Henry Gunther, vice president; Adolph Schleicher, secretary; and A.F. Hall, treasurer. Changes in fire apparatus, and the growth of the department’s membership, led to a request for additional space. In 1958, a new bay was added to fire headquarters at the municipal building. However, the receipt of a Great Eastern Pumper in 1971 pushed the firefighters to seek a completely new home. On June 10, 1977, a second filing for public works funds was awarded to the Borough of Midland Park for construction purposes. The council passed an ordinance to bond construction, which opened the door for bids from contractors. The firehouse/municipal garage complex designed by Midland Park Architect Albert Vierheilig was about to become a reality. Groundbreaking ceremonies took place on Granite Street (Witte Drive) with the entire department and Midland Park officials looking on in December 1977. The ceremonial shovel was provided by Road Superintendent and former Fire Chief John Osenga. Participants in the ground breaking were Mayor Robert Hamilton, outgoing Chief Henry Hazen and Chief-Elect Charles Paulson. The firemen’s building committee, under the chairmanship of William Yonkers, had worked closely with the architect, borough engineers and the council in the years prior to the groundbreaking. The fire company organized a committee to establish equipment specifications, design interiors, purchase materials, and supervise the installation in the large public room, company lounge, and kitchen. As the project reached completion in 1979, the fire company’s financial investment totaled over $60,000. Committee members included: Samuel Iannuzzi, James McCombs, Richard DeJong, Eugene Bellusci, William Yonkers, Daniel Bardzell, James Trost, Robert Jeffer, Edward Smith, Roy Burrows, Richard Van Winkle and Delbert Campbell. Ladies Auxiliary members included: Marge Paulson, Lois Amos, and Jane (continued on page 16) ����������� Hair Care ������������������������ ������������������� ����������������������������� ������������������������ ����������������� ���������������������������� ������������������ �������� Congratulations to our centennial heroes, past and present... we are so proud of your great service!!! Betty Sullivan Cell: 201-788-5355 Email: bsullivan@tocr.com �������������� ������������� �������������������������� ����������������������������������� �������������� �������������������� ���������������������� Wednesday thru Saturday 10:30-5:00 201-445-3074 • 201-652-5585 • THE BROWNSTONE MILL SPECIALTY SHOPS Items We Carry 9-16-09 janine TerriOConnorSullivan3x3(9-16-09) 3 x 3” • Oil Paintings & Prints • China • Lamps/Lighting • Furniture • Dolls • Doll Houses & Accessories • Depression Glass • Vintage China • Mirrors • Crystal Chandeliers 11 PATERSON AVE, MIDLAND PARK Rt.4W or Rt.287 to Rt.208, exit at Goffle Rd./Midland Park, 2 miles • Antiques • Toys • Trunks • Silverware • Playbills • Vintage Games • Collectibles • Comic Books • Ephemera • Postcards • Sheet Music • Vintage Jewelry • Sterling Silver Best Wishes to Midland Park Fire Department on its 100th Anniversary Services We Provide • Reiki Wellness • Chairs Glued • Decorative Accessories • Upholstery • Trunk Restoration • Drapery • Hair Salon • Custom Painted Furniture • Window Treatments