Valley Girl Views: A Brief History Of Watsontown Fire Companies

Hope Hose Hook & Ladder Co, Watsontown Pa

Founded in 1873. Became the West Branch Fire Co in 1874

Note from Pete Bergen - Former ML Walker Residence! Now sits at corner of Elm & Brimmer Streets! When it was the Hope Fire Company it sat on the East side of Elm, moved west to it’s present location early 1900’s.

A Brief Early History Of the Fire Companies Of Watsontown

"Until 1873, Watsontown had no fire engine company. In the spring of that year and a hand engine and hose cart were purchased. June 11, 1873, the Hope Hose Fire Co. No. 1 was organized, and soon after another company, called Eureka Fire Co. Two years later the Hope Hose purchased a first-class hook and ladder truck, and being composed of the leading young citizens of the town was a model organization. It continued in active and efficient service until a few years ago, when it was disbanded and it's quarters, Hope Hose Hall, passed into the possession of the school district and the apparatus turned over to the borough.

June, 1874, the borough purchased a new No. 3 Silsby Steamer, and the two hose carts. This was in charge of the West Branch Fire Co, and housed in the borough engine house on Fifth street, where with the other fire fighting paraphernalia it remains to-day.

The West Branch Co. is yet in existance, a few of the members with the steamer being shown in the picture. The steamer is still in first-class condition, and under the efficient care of Mr. Jas. Watts is ever ready for duty.

With this complete equipment and the further protection of thirty fire plugs, well located, the town has ample abilities to combat any fire. So prompt... "

(The last sentence is destroyed in my copy of this paper)

From the 1907 Anniversary Edition of the Record & Star Newspaper

Find the entire newspaper here:

https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-watsontown-record-star-silver.html

1875

The West Branch Fire Company

The New No. 3 Silsby Steamer

With Members of the West Branch Fire Co, 1874

Watsontown Pa

The New No. 3 Silsby Steamer

With Members of the West Branch Fire Co, 1874

(The Steamer was lost in the Dewart Creamery Fire in 1911)

Watsontown Borough Hall, 318 Main Street

The Miller building was purchased by the borough in 1912. It was used by the West Branch Fire Company as well as the town hall.. It was torn down about 1960, and the current borough building was built in its place.

See more photos of this building, this block, and all of main street here:

Main St Watsontown Through The Decades

West Branch Fire Company, The Milton Standard, May 10, 1975

The West Branch Fire Company, 1967

As identified by Bill Kear:
Frank Kear, Art Sherman, Fred Rombach - Centennial ?Chairman? Bob Brown, Dick Hoffman, Bill Moll, Robt Deacon Barr, Ned Yocum, Ken Brouse R to L standing. Lloyd Baysore,Bill Cronrath, Cyrus Follmer, Harold McCollin, ? Tom Brown? , Ed Diefenbach, Wilmer Hall, ?"Skinny" Miller?, ?"Flannigan" Baker?, Bill Weaver, John Kreisher, Bob Herald in back, ? front, Ron Confer, Bill Wertman, Guy Erdley next to Bill Wertman, 2 fellows in back I do not know, Sim C. Cronrath in back. Front Row L to R Fire Police Charles Smith, ?, Ralph Burrows, Back row L to R. Nick Jones, I don't know, Ken Fairchild, I don't know. Last one.