A History of Geeseytown Community Volunteer Fire Company
This is an account of our humble beginnings.
- 1914 - A volunteer fire service was organized by acquiring a ladder and several
buckets or pails to carry water to put out fires, a bucket brigade. There were some
problems to solve, like where to get the water and how to get the people there to
help. The water was found near the fire scenes and the people were called with a bell
attached to the top of Dunmire's Garage where later the equipment would be stored.
- Early 1929 - A fire was reported in the Lind's Crossing area but due to the
inadequacy of the present fire fighting equipment the property was a complete loss.
Due to that fire a meeting was called for not only Geeseytown but all of Frankstown
Township addressing the need for fire protection. Then on August 16, 1929 the
charter for the Geeseytown Community Fire Company was created. Also that year a
Chevy chassis was purchased as the first piece of mobile apparatus. The rest of the
fire equipment included 1 fire extinguisher, 1 ladder, 4 buckets (10 quart), 1 double
bit axe, 2 oil lanterns and a few soda and ash fire extinguishers.
- 1930 - A successful campaign was organized to solicit funds from all of the
residents of Frankstown Township to build a firehouse. The new concrete block
firehouse was built on the south side of Route 22 and near the center of the village of
Geeseytown.
- 1931 - The new building was occupied and housed the fire equipment. At that
time the members purchased from the Hollidaysburg Fire Company; 2 45 gallon
chemical tanks which were installed on the 1929 Chevy. Not only was this a way of
storing additional water but for the first time provided a way to transport water to
the scene of a fire.
- 1943 - A 1937 Ford chassis with a tank capacity of 300 gallons was purchased.
Also about this time there became a lack of interest within the fire company and
there was a concern that the fire company would fade into oblivion. The company had
several meetings to decide whether to continue or abandon the fire company. In the
end they decided that the need for fire protection in the community was needed and
to continue their services.
- 1946 - A new pumper with a 500 gallon capacity was purchased and the 1929
Chevy was retired from active service.
- 1954 - to supplement the present fire fighting equipment and to provide
emergency ambulance service a 1949 Plymouth was purchased.
- 1959 - a 1939 Dodge tanker with a 712 gallon capacity and a 1955 Chevy with
a 1800 gallon capacity. The company could proudly announce that they now owned 4
pieces of fire fighting apparatus.
- 1961 - the 1949 Plymouth was traded for a 1957 Dodge.
- 1966 - a new International chassis was purchased and the tank from the 1955
Chevy was installed onto it. With the new tanker, the firehouse was no longer
adequate.
- 1967 - A meeting was held in the early part of this year, the need for a new
firehouse was presented; the plans were drawn and checked for the capability of
housing not only for the present equipment but also for future needs. The green light
was given and a committee was chosen. The sudden death of the committee’s
chairman created an adverse effect on the work of the new firehouse and lethargy set
in. On June 6, 1967 another meeting was called and the members were rallied to the
cause; plans for the new building proceeded. On September 1967, the ground
breaking ceremonies were held. Skilled craftsman were employed to lay the foundation
and start the new structure afterwards the members of the fire company gave freely
of their time and effort to complete the building. The reward was a 40 by 125 feet
concrete firehouse. This project unified the company with the older members sharing
their knowledge with the younger members by working together to create a place they
could be proud of.
- The above history was written for the dedication of the firehall. It has been condensed. Since that time there have been 2 additions to the firehall and more
apparatus bought. There is a new engine being built.
