Paying off loans and purchasing the barn

Paying off Loans and Purchasing the Barn

Shortly after their second year in existence the department had paid off the Reo pumper and purchased and renovated the barn that served as the station. They also purchased additional hose and fire extinguishers, along with two sirens.

Things were going well for the Association. They expanded into property owners when they purchased the Harmony Hotel in 1927. This building was converted into a library, which opened on May 13, 1929. Books were contributed by the Edgewood Library, as well as purchased with a two-dollar monthly contribution by the Fire Department.

An addition was added to the building in 1931 to house the Reo and other fire fighting equipment. Once it was completed the old barn was raised and former motel rooms were reconfigured to form a spacious dining room and kitchen. This turned the building into a local gathering place, where food and dancing were a regular event. These events included the traditional Ham and Bean suppers, which help raise money for the department.

Some of the money was used to purchase a 1933 dump truck, which was converted into a homemade fire truck with a 275-gallon domestic oil storage tank serving as the water tank. Although subject of many jokes about its looks, the truck served the main purpose to the department, supplying plenty of water to fight fires.

Coming next time... The War Takes Many Firefighters Away

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