WAUPACA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

By Harold C. Schroeder

Presented 1957

 

            Pursuant to a call, a meeting was held by the citizens of Waupaca on the evening of May 11, 1871, for the purpose of organizing a fire company and the following are the proceedings of said meeting.

            “Officers were elected. George Howlet was elected foreman of the company; H.C. Mumbrue for chief engineer; foreman of hose, Willis Wheeler; first assistant foreman, Joe H. Woodworth; second assistant foreman, W.A. West; Secretary, Charles Brown; treasurer, David Parish; G.W. Palmer was appointed to take care of the engine.

            Membership fee to be 50 cents which would include Certificate.  Each member to pay assessment dues of 10 cents per meeting, such assessment to be used to pay G.W. Palmer for his duties.  Fines for members to be – disobey orders, 10 cents; disorderly conduct, 25 cents; not in uniform, 10 cents; absence from meetings, 10 cents.

            A motion was made to buy uniforms at once, such uniforms to be worn at all meetings and celebrations.”

            On June 29, 1871, a special meeting was called for the purpose of deciding what they should do to celebrate the Fourth of July.  It was decided to get up a picnic, which was done.  The day passed off very quietly and was generally enjoyed by all.  The ladies were out in force and did everything possible to make the time pass pleasantly.  This was the first Firemen’s Day celebration.

            At the next regular meeting it was voted to allow payment of a bill to R. Lea Company for $8.30 for flannel and metal buttons for the uniforms.

            On Jan. 21, 1872, it was decided by the Waupaca Fire Company, of which there were two units – the Hook and Ladder Company and the Hose Company – to hold a Firemen’s Ball. It was voted and carried that they would have it on the night of Feb. 22, 1872.  Stetson Hall was engaged for the dance, arrangements were made with Rice Band of Weyauwega to furnish the music for $30, supper to be served by Frank Vosburg for $1.00 per couple, dance tickets to be sold for $2.50 per couple.  This was the first Firemen’s Ball of the Waupaca Fire Company.

            The Firemen’s Band was organized in 1878 and full uniforms were furnished by the city.

            On June 18, 1926, the first fire truck was purchased from the W.S. Nott Company of Minneapolis, Minn., for $5,000.  There were 21 bids submitted at that time.

            On April 10, 1939, the City Council passed an ordinance grouping the hose company and the hook and ladder company into one group, that of the Waupaca Fire Department.

            On July 7, 1942, the city of Waupaca purchased one used Seagrave Fire truck from the city of Shawano.  That gave them two motorized units.

            In the year 1944, the townships of Farmington and Waupaca purchased a new Mack fire truck and entered into an agreement with the city of Waupaca to house and care for the truck and man it for fire protection to the respective townships.

            On Oct. 21, 1950, the City of Waupaca purchased a new Four Wheel Drive fire truck from the Four Wheel Drive Auto Company of Clintonville, trading in the Seagrave truck that was being used.  These units represent the fire protection equipment being used at present.

            In 1954, the Waupaca Fire Department, consisting of 22 men, followed the old tradition of having a Firemen’s Day celebration on July 4^th.  Also of having a Firemen’s Ball each year as in the past.  The proceeds from these events to be used for civic improvement.

            Through the efforts of the Waupaca Volunteer Fire Dept., playground equipment was purchased and erected at the South Park in 1955 and in 1956 they built he new bath house at the campsite of South Park.

            At this writing the fire department is busy planning the biggest celebration yet – Firemen’s Day on July 4^th, 1957.