The History Of The Poestenkill Fire Company

On Tuesday, May 22, the Poestenkill Historical Society will present a program on The History of the Poestenkill Fire Company. Late in 1919 a group of civic-minded men, led by Marvin Foster, worked long and diligently to organize and equip a fire department in Poestenkill. The first official meeting was held on January 7, 1920. The following officers were elected. President – Marvin Foster, Vice President – Jacob Veith, Treasurer – Nelson Fisher, Secretary – Garrett Ives and Chief – George Prediger. Building began on October 4, 1920, and was completed November 1921.
The first annual field day was on July 4, 1920, at “Jake” Veith’s pasture on White Church Road. In the early days, alarms were sounded by wildly ringing the church bells. In 1925 an electric siren was purchased for $36.75.An Overtine Boyer Double Tank Engine with a hand-drawn chemical wagon was purchased for $625. It was replaced by a 1926 Model T Ford which was replaced later by a 1932 Ford. Finally, in 1939, the Company voted to purchase a new American LaFrance pumper mounted on an International truck.
In 1948 an emergency, or first aid squad, was organized and trained by Charles Brunelle.
The Ladies Auxiliary has always been an extremely active group. Thousands of dollars have been earned by the Auxiliary since its formation in the 1920s.
This program will be held in the Poestenkill Town Hall, Rt. 351,Tuesday, May 22, at 7 pm. The program is free, and the pubic is welcome. Refreshments will be served. You are welcome to bring any photos or memorabilia of the Poestenkill Fire Company. For directions, call Pat at 518-283-5223.