wallkill valley times, wednesday, july 14,...

Wallkill Valley Times, Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Wallkill Valley Times, Wednesday, July 14, 20102M


On February 17, 1810, Montgomery became one of the first dozen or so incorporated villages in New York State. Almost 100 years earlier, British and German settlers came to the area to colonize the land grants awarded. A major development for the region was a grist mill erected by Johannes Mingus, a German miller who dammed the Palz (now the Wallkill) River. Then James Ward bought mill rights from Mingus and built another mill parallel to the original. To facilitate serving the needs of customers on both sides of the river, Ward built a log bridge and gave his community a name -- Ward’s Bridge -- which was maintained until 1812, when it was renamed the Village of Montgomery for the general who fell in the battle of Quebec. In an area where elk, deer, bear, moose, panther and wolf abounded, our community prospered. The Newburgh - Cochecton Turnpike and the Delaware and Hudson Canal added to the commerce possibilities, and in 1867 the Montgomery and Erie Railroad opened from Montgomery to Goshen. The 1820s and 30s brought construction of the Presbyterian and Methodist churches. Our first village school was set up in 1813 when the state first began to distribute money for this purpose. A building on Boyd Street first housed our early scholars, and in 1892, the Academy building became our high school. When the Civil War came, Montgomery was involved and the story of the Orange Blossoms has become his-tory. Because of the introduction of the railroad right after the war, Montgomery became a resort region. The

Montgomery Race Track drew crowds for years, as did the Orange County Fair, which was held near what is our present Memorial Park. Many large farmhouses became popular summer hotels and boating on the dammed Wallkill was a leisure time activity. Progress, in the form of public electric lighting hit in December of 1910. Along with this progress of the 20th century came the wars that bound Americans together against a common foe. At the end of the first World War, the American Legion Montgomery Post was formed. It was named after Emory Osborn, the first Montgomery

man to die in the war. At the end of World War II, it was renamed the Osborn Fitzsimmons, the first Montgomery native to die in that war. In World War II, we made national news with an outstanding number of garment bundles sent to England from the Montgomery branch of the Red Cross. Major expansions in housing brought our quiet vil-lage to its sesquocentennial in the summer of 1959, with even more changes in the last 25 years. Valley Central High School was opened in 1961, and the former Montgomery K-12 school on Union Street became the Montgomery Elementary School. Subsequently, the his-toric Academy building which had housed an overflow of elementary school students was turned over to the vil-lage government. In 1970, the village offices and library were moved there. Today, this well-preserved early 19th century structure houses the court room and judge’s office, the historian’s office, the police station and meet-ing rooms. The former home of the library and village offices has become the Montgomery Nursery School. Pride of ownership is demonstrated every where in the homes, old and new, of Montgomery’s citizens. Love of our beautiful and historic resources and knowl-edge of its many accomplishments make the people of Montgomery inhabitants of a village with special charm.

- Kathy DenmanFirst published July 25, 1985

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Montgomery's changing face

Montgomery Railroad station, circa 1880.


Since much of the early history of the Montgomery Fire Department is so closely interwoven with the early

history of the Village of Montgomery and because of the destruction of all the fire department minutes prior to 1913 in the disastrous fire of that year, it is nec-essary to review the early history of the village to get a clear picture of the orga-nization of our present fire department. The village was incorporated by the act of the Legislature in 1810, only eight years after the incorporation of the Newburgh-Cochecton Turnpike (1802) which, with its tollgates and milestones, opened up the territory from Cochecton to the Hudson River at Newburgh and over which passed market wagons and ox-teams with their loads of grist to be ground into flour. The village incorpora-tion took place twenty years after the founding, in 1790, by Johannes Miller of the famous Montgomery Academy (the fourth oldest Academy under the Regents in this state) and from whose walls ema-nated many people prominent in the business and professional life of New York. The charter of the village provided for the appointment of fire wardens and on March 6, 1810, the first fire wardens appointed were Joseph Conklin, Joseph Nicholson and Walter Mead. From this date, our fire department history started. These fire wardens were required to visit every home to see that its hearths, chimneys and stoves were in safe condi-tion. They were also required to see that each house was provided with a leather bucket, which when a night alarm of fire was given, would be thrown on the side-walk while the occupant of the property dressed. This method enabled a quick assemblage of a “bucket brigade” as the buckets were gathered up by anyone passing, this ensuring an earlier arrival at the scene of the fire. In those early days, the chief sources of fire protection were barrels and tubs collecting water from the roofs of the buildings, cisterns, the Wallkill River and the common spring from which “Spring Street” derived its name. This spring was located east of the present railroad track between the Pine Bush Auction building and Chambers garage. For thirty years after the origin of the department, many amendments to the charter of the village and ordinances relative to the fire department were adopted. One ordinance “forbade the blocking of streets by piles of firewood.”

A large amount of legislation, like the above mentioned, was enacted to protect the young town from fire. The firemen feeling that such legislation was war-ranted to protect their village. The fire-men were also exempted from jury duty provided the number of firemen exempt did not exceed sixteen. On March 29, 1842, a second amend-ment to the village charter was passed by the legislature, and its first article related to better fire protection through the orga-nization of fire companies, the erection of suitable houses for them and regular inspection of fireplaces and chimneys and construction of public cisterns, wells and water supplies. In conformity with this law, in the year 1866, when Allen Mead was village president (mayor), a large brick and domed roof cistern was erected in village square at the intersec-tion of Union and Clinton streets. This cistern was so well constructed that when the huge twenty-ton boiler for the Walker Paper Mills passed over it, it held up under severe strain and for many years thereafter it never showed a leak or any damage from the heavy loads of pulp and paper, carted from the paper mills to the depot. This village cistern continued for many years to be the chief source of fire protection from which the hand pumpers would operate. It was frequently refilled from the Wallkill River when the

rain waters could not fill it. On the 8th day of November, 1817, a committee made up of Daniel Frye and David Strachan reported to the Village Board of Trustees that they had pur-chased a fire engine for the village. The committee purchased this engine from the City of Kingston in Ulster County. This became Montgomery’s first fire engine, which was then second hand, and became known as “Engine No.1”. This engine was for many years, until the erection of the first fire station, on Clinton Street, next to the Academy, stored in a small building on the lot which was the blacksmith shop of noted firefighter and future chief, Joseph W. Haskin. In the year 1850 came the erection of the first fire station (at the site of the present entrance to the village parking lot) and the ancient engine was moved to this new location. This first fire station was a two-story, small frame structure, capable of holding two pieces of appara-tus and had its bell tower equipped with a bell for fire alarms. This fire station was known as the “Fire Hall” to the resi-dents and firemen of Montgomery. This first building gave way to a larger and better fire station and the first fire sta-tion was removed to the rear of the Egan, or later Wildermoth, blacksmith shop. The second brick and frame fire house

was built in the year of 1887 by Chauncy Brooks at the cost of $3,200. It was a well-built structure with trustees’ rooms, fire-men’s parlors overhead, with fire appa-ratus stored on the first floor in three bays. The basement of the fire station had two jail cells and a courtroom. This courtroom section was the scene of many spirited law suits, political meetings and firemen’s fairs. In 1860, the village had installed a central water system which provided crude hydrants throughout the village, thus increasing the efficiency of the fire department. Also in this year, the Board of Trustees voted to provide the fire department with $1,000 to purchase a new fire engine and to repair the old engine. The new Button and Blake engine from Watertown, N.Y. was purchased at a cost of $800 along with ninety-nine feet of hose for $103.95 and the repairs to Engine No. 1 cost $87.05, bringing the total cost to $991.00. At the time of the purchase of this new engine, a new com-pany was organized on November 3, 1860 to take charge of it. This company was known as the Wallkill Engine and Hose Company No. 2. The Wallkill Engine and Hose Company was later incorporated on September 2, 1913. Also in 1860, the office of the chief came into being in the Montgomery Fire Department. Prior to 1860, firemen were directed and controlled by the “foreman.”

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Fire Department as old as the village

The Hook & Ladder Company of the 1910 celebration. Photo by George Eager, courtesy Montgomery Free Library.


The “foremen” were the modern day equivalent of department officers, such as captains and lieutenants. The rank of foreman was the top spot, followed by 1st assistant foreman, 2nd assistant foreman, and so on. On the organization of the Wallkill Engine and Hose Company No. 2, in 1860, Henry H. Hallett of Ward Street was chosen as the first chief engineer of the Montgomery Fire Department. On November 6, 1882, the Board of Trustees, upon request being made to it, organized an additional fire company, known as Independent Engine Company No. 1, giving Montgomery two fire com-panies. The new company took charge of the old Engine No. 1 which was pur-chased in 1817 and repaired and bought new hose for it. Independent Engine Company No. 1 continued to exist until 1893, when it was disbanded because of a lack of membership after many of its members had moved from the village. On April 4, 1895, the Board of Trustees voted to construct and better maintain a system of water works in the village. This system was constructed during the summer of 1895 and it was filled with water in October of that year. This gave the Wallkill Engine and Hose Company No. 2 new life, as they now always had a water source from which to fight fires from. On November 4 of 1895 the Board of Trustees, upon request, organized yet another fire company, known as the Fleet Hook and Ladder Company No. 1. In 1896, the Fleet Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 purchased a Gleason and Bailey horse drawn ladder truck to use as its appara-tus. On October 7, 1899, the Fleet Hook and Ladder Company became incorpo-rated. In 1902, the department purchased a beautiful hose carriage at Roanoke, Virginia, which was used by Wallkill Engine and Hose Company No. 2. Also In 1902, the firm of William Crabtree and Sons, donated to the department a chassis to motorize the Fleet Hook and Ladder Company No. 1’s horse-drawn 1896 Gleason and Bailey ladder truck. The machine shop of William O. Hall

donated all the labor in assembling the truck placed on this chassis and the vet-eran fireman, John D. Haskin, donated the iron for the job. Thus, the department received its first motorized truck at no cost whatsoever. In 1910, the village and fire depart-

ment celebrated their centennial anniver-sary. It was a huge celebration, with spe-cial trains on the Erie and Wallkill Valley railroads, bringing thousands for the day. Though the temperature was ninety, there was a big fire parade and banquets and a grand display of fireworks in the

evening. In March of 1913, at about 4 a.m, in sub-zero weather, the Palace Hotel livery stable barn, only a few feet away from the fire house, caught fire from what was believed to be the tobacco pipe of a man sleeping in the barn which was filled with hay and straw. The adjoining build-ings and sheds, which were occupied by the Lare Livery stable, caught fire and quickly spread to the adjacent fire station and the Academy because of the gale-force winds. The building was entirely consumed, with its storage of fire appa-ratus, old fire hats, valuable maps and many articles of the Montgomery Fire Department Drum Corps. One of the great losses in this fire was the destruc-tion of all the minutes and records of the fire department from its date of incep-tion. Although much was lost, the fire-men were able to pull out the old Engine No. 1 which had been scorched by the fire. In this fire, one ludicrous, though seri-ous, incident occurred. Officer Jones, the village policeman at the time, had placed two men in the cells on the lower floor of the fire house to keep them from freezing to death since the temperatures were far below zero. These two cell doors had been locked by the officer. One cell contained an unknown man and the other cell was occupied by Morris “Bowery” Collins. The firemen were unaware that the two cells contained prisoners. When the fire was at its height and the roof was about to collapse, the unidentified man, in some unknown way, freed himself from his locked cell and ran unknown to any-one and never returned even to identify himself. “Bowery’s” screams resulted in his release just as the roof collapsed and he was led over to the Hanlon Harness Maker shop, across the street to a safe place where the man remarked “that he had never been so near Hell in his life. ”Engineer Charles B. Crabtree, after a water shortage became apparent, placed the big triplex pumps at the Worsted

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The firehouse decked out for a 1901 parade.

Continued on page 6M


Mill near the Wallkill River into action to pump water direct from the Wallkill River into the village water mains. The Montgomery and Walden firemen who battled this blaze were becoming exhaust-ed with the long early morning hours of firefighting. The fire was difficult to bring under control with so many buildings burning and very few firemen to battle them. The Goshen Fire Department was appealed to and they responded on a spe-cial Montgomery and Erie train at about 7:30 a.m of that terrible morning. The Goshen Department was under control of Chief Engineer Frank Hock and forty assistants. With Walden and Goshen’s help, Montgomery was able to gain control of the fire and undoubtedly averted the complete destruction of a large section of the village. In the end, the roof and top floor of the Montgomery Academy were destroyed along with the fire station, hotel, and dozens of small homes and barns. Many other buildings in the village were also scorched by this fire, includ-ing the Presbyterian Church on Clinton Street. Shortly after this fire, the village and firemen erected a Village Hall and fire sta-tion at Clinton Street and Wallkill Avenue. Through donated labor for the cellar by fire company members, the building was constructed for the small sum of $9,000. The construction was under the supervision of trustee Edward Puff, with Chauncey Brooks and Harry Ward, con-tractors. In this building, a new fire siren replaced the larger traditional iron ring used after the destruction of the bell in the burned out brick fire station.In 1921, the Wallkill Engine and Hose Company No. 2 purchased a Mack truck with certain extra equipment at the cost of $8,500 to replace the hand engine. It was the first motorized vehicle the Wallkill’s owned. The year 1926 brought about the use of the universal thread and the standardiza-tion of hoses and hydrants, thus assuring the interchangeable use of all fire equip-ment.

In 1936, the first fire protection dis-trict was established for the outlying area. This protection cost the residents of the district $350 per year. Also in 1936, the Fleet Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 purchased an American La France Quadruple truck with pumper and boost-er tank, which was added later, to replace the motorized Gleason and Bailey ladder truck. In 1948, the village purchased an American La France pumper at a cost of about $14,000 used by the Wallkill Engine and Hose Company No. 2 which replaced the Mack truck. In 1955, the first resuscitator was pur-chased by the Montgomery firemen. Also in the 1950s, the village purchased its first 65’ International-American La France aer-ial ladder truck (which was the first of its kind in the area) to be used by the Fleet Hook and Ladder Company No. 1. This ladder replaced the previous American La France ladder truck. In 1960, knowing the need for getting water immediately to a fire in the fire pro-tection district, which had no hydrants, the volunteer firemen convinced the district and the village residents to raise money to purchase a 1,500 gallon former oil truck to be used as a tanker. Also in the 1960s, the village purchased a rescue van for the fire department to be used at car accidents and other rescue calls and a Ward La France pumper at the sum of $42,000 to replace the previous American La France pumper for the Wallkill Engine and Hose Company No. 2. The 1970s brought the adoption of a fire police squad to be composed of vol-unteer firemen to aid in traffic control at emergency scenes, the purchase of a Ford brush truck, and a 1,500 gallon Brockway pumper/tanker. To go along with the adoption of a fire police squad, the first fire police van was donated to the fire police by Al Turi in Goshen. Mr. Turi used it for a pool business and the van was in poor shape. The fire police squad, with members like Eugene Reynolds Sr. (captain), John Matthews, Frank "Tex" Dayton, Walt Standard, Ed Shaffer, George

Wheeler and more, raised money to refurbish the van. They took the van to Wallkill Correctional Facility and had all the mechanical work re-done on it and painted. It then came back and the fire police squad did the lights and interior. All money for the van was raised by the fire police squad members themselves. On May 25, 1978 the department began fund raising activities to build a new fire station. Land was purchased from the Chambers family with a down payment on April 3, 1981. The Village of Montgomery agreed to lease the four bay fire station being erected at the location.The 1980s brought about the purchase of an 85’ Pirsch aerial ladder truck to replace the International-American La France ladder for the Fleet Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 and a new Chevrolet van to replace the previ-ous Chevrolet van to be used for the Fire Police Squad. In 1983, on January 1st, the current fire station was placed into service at 11 a.m. when the last of the fire trucks were backed into position in the new bays. It should be noted that much of the labor and materials used to build this new station was volunteer, provided by the members themselves. Then, on January 1, 1987, the Montgomery Fire Department separated from the Village of Montgomery to become a fire dis-trict. Fire protection by the department would be the same as provided when it was village owned, at this time, the fire district would lease the village-owned station.During the 1990s, the fire district purchased their first Chief’s vehicle (a 1995 Jeep Cherokee), an Emergency-One walk-in rescue truck to replace the earlier rescue van, a 13’ Quicksilver rescue boat with a 20 horsepower motor, a 2,000 gallon Young pumper/tanker to replace the for-mer oil truck being used as a tanker, and a 1,500 gallon Central States pumper/tanker to replace the Ward La France pumper. In January of 1992, an addition of three bays and offices was added to the fire sta-tion. Much of the labor and material for this was volunteer, like the construction of the original fire station. In December 1992, the department was able to purchase the adjacent Cole property. This prop-erty was rented out as another source of income until 2008 when it became vacant. It is now in the process of being demol-ished for possible expansion of the fire department. The new millennium began with the purchase of a 100’ Emergency-One aerial ladder with 500 gallon water tank to replace the 85’ Pirsch, a new 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe to replace the Jeep Cherokee chief’s vehicle, a Ford F-350 4x4 brush truck to replace the previous Ford, a Ford F-350 pick-up truck with a swab pioneer series rear to replace the Brockway pumper/tanker since the Montgomery Fire Department had

begun responding to ALS (Advanced Life Support) medical calls, an Emergency-One rescue/pumper with a 750 gallon water tank to replace the Emergency-One walk-in rescue truck, a new Achilles res-cue boat with a 30 horsepower motor to replace the previous boat (this was done with insurance and FEMA funds after the massive floods of 2007), an ice rescue trailer with equipment, and a Chevrolet Suburban to act as the new fire police vehicle. The fire department suffered a painful blow in March of 2005. On the 26th of that month, Montgomery firefighter trainee Robert Brooks Sr. was participating in a live burn drill with his fellow firefighter trainees when he collapsed outside of the taxpayer building at the Orange County Fire Training Center. Brooks had suf-fered a massive brain aneurysm and was rushed to the Horton campus of Orange Regional Medical Center. Tragically, on the 28th day of March 2005, Brooks suc-cumbed to his injuries. The passing of Robert Brooks Sr. was the first recorded line of duty death in Montgomery Fire Department’s history. The Montgomery Fire Department, as it exists today, makes its home in a seven bay fire station with attached rear barn. The station houses two pumper/tankers, an aerial ladder truck, a medical vehicle, a heavy rescue truck, a brush vehicle, a fire police vehicle, an ice rescue trailer, and two rescue boats (one which is only used for training). The station also con-tains a meeting hall with a kitchen, a lounge, the chief’s office, the officer’s room, the commissioners’ room, and many storage rooms. None of the above would have been possible without a generous public, the former Village Board of Trustees, hard-working officers, chiefs, firefight-ers, volunteers and a Board of Fire Commissioners with a vision for the future. Reference should also be made to the rapidity with which our brave firefighters answer the call to duty when an alarm is sounded by the siren. It is, undoubtedly, for this reason, that no major fire or incalculable loss of life or property has occurred. City dwellers, accustomed to a paid fire department, perhaps fail to realize that the village and town depend entirely for protection on volunteers and many have commented on the skill and alertness of Montgomery’s volunteers.

Information provided by:Chief Robert Reynolds Sr.

Past Chief Greg KaufmannVillage Historian Marion Wild

Past Fleet President Eugene TompkinsJoseph WilkinEdward DevittW.L. Dickerson

Edited by: Tyler Mulvenna

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OFFICIAL PARADE LINE-UPANNIVERSARY DIVISION

Church ClergyAmerican Legion Post 521

Color Guard

GRAND MARSHALEugene C. Reynolds, Sr.

Life MemberFleet Hook and Ladder Co. # 1

Trophy VehiclesColor Guard

Orange County Sheriff’s OfficeHudson Valley Police Pipes and

Drums

Montgomery Fire DepartmentChief: Robert A. Reynolds, Sr.

President: John NolanApparatus

Montgomery Fire District Board of Commissioners

United States Armed Forces Veterans

Village of MontgomeryMayor L. Stephen Brescia

Members of the Village Board

Town of MontgomerySupervisor Michael HayesMembers of the Town of

Montgomery Board

Orange County OfficialsNew York State Officials

Federal OfficialsOrange County Sheriff

Carl DuBoisOrange County Fire Coordinator

John Horan Orange County Deputy Coordinators and Fire

InvestigatorsOrange County Instructors

Orange County Hazmat

ESCORT DIVISIONMARSHAL

Greg KaufmannPast Chief

Fleet Hook and Ladder Co. # 1Goshen Emerald Society Band

Goshen Fire DepartmentCataract Engine & Hose

Chief: Jeremy CohenOfficer in Charge: Captain Rich

WileyPresident: Charles Norton

Apparatus

Middletown Fire DepartmentEagle Engine Company No. 2

Chief: Don LuisOfficer in Charge: Derek

CrawfordPresident: Randy Maclean

Apparatus: 2000 RD Murray Pumper

Monhagen Hose Company No. 1Chief: Kevin Duggan

President: Thomas Amodio

Apparatus

20th Century Limited Senior Drum & Bugle Corp.

Phoenix Engine No. 4Officer in Charge: Captain

Stewart DeGroat, Sr.President: Jay Fox

Apparatus:McQuoid Engine and Ladder

Company No. 3Chief: Lou Morse

Officer in Charge: Captain Tom Basso

President: Chris DeliloDixie Dandy Band

Cornwall Fire DepartmentHighland Engine Co. # 1Chief: Patrick J. Hines

Officer in Charge: Captain Shawn Conley

President: J. Kerry McGuinnessLadies Auxiliary President:

Dorothy Petrose Apparatus

Maghogomock Hose Company #1 – Port Jervis

Officer in Charge: Jim FullerPresident: Dave Claisse

President: Robert Worden, Sr.Apparatus

GUEST DIVISION MARSHAL

Raymond GillespiePast Chief

Wallkill Engine & Hose Co. # 2Walker Valley Marching Band

Walden Fire DepartmentChief: Gary Kurtz

President: Justin HallApparatus

Callicoon Fire DepartmentOfficer in Charge: William

MaxwellPresident: Ron Cucci

Apparatus: 1981 Pirsh Ladder

Hortonville Fire DepartmentChief: Ted Bauernfeind

President: Dan SpagnoliApparatus

Matamoras Fire DepartmentChief: Thomas Long

President: George RumseyApparatus

Napanoch Fire DepartmentChief: Donnie Paies

President: James WinkoopeLadies Auxiliary President:

Ann AveryApparatus

Bloomingburg Fire CompanyChief: Brian Hultslander

President: Kevin McGowanLadies Auxiliary President:

Seda BessonApparatus

Montgomery Township (New Jersey) Fire Department

Chief: Bill BallingerOfficer in Charge: Gene Keller, Jr.

President: Gene Keller, Jr.

FIRST DIVISIONMARSHAL

Charles WallaceLife Member

Wallkill Engine & Hose Co # 2Chairperson, Montgomery Fire

District

Maybrook Boy Scouts Troop 236 Band

Maybrook Engine Company No. 1Chief: Justin Mazza

President: Darryl CapazolliApparatus

Tappan Zee Bridgers Band

Cornwall-on-Hudson Fire Department

Storm King Fire Engine Co. # 2 Chief: Jeffrey ArmitagePresident: Doug Vatter

Ladies Auxiliary President: Marie Neville

Apparatus

Otisville Fire CompanyChief: Dan Dodd

President: Lou DoddApparatus

Hillburn Fire DepartmentChief: Thomas J. Strysko

President: Thomas W. StryskoApparatus

Professional Musicians of Orange County Band

Winona Lake Engine Company #2Chief: Anthony Weed

President: John LassiterLadies Auxiliary President:

Joan MarshApparatus

Plattekill Fire DepartmentChief: Ralph Davis

President: James HoppenstedtApparatus

SECOND DIVISIONMARSHAL

John NoklandLife Member

Fleet Hook and Ladder Co. # 1Coldenham Fife and Drum Band

Coldenham Fire DepartmentChief: Ricky Cameron

President: Cherie BissingerLadies Auxiliary President:

Kathy GasperettiApparatus

Hillcrest Fire Co. # 1Chief: Kim Weppler

Officer in Charge: Lloyd Hovelman

President: Frank YoungmanApparatus:

Slate Hill Fire DepartmentWawayanda Fire Co. Chief: Mike Hayes

President: Ed PetersApparatus

Mother Cabrini Marching Band

Washingtonville Fire DepartmentMonell Engine Company Chief: Chris VanRiper

President: Stephen SmithApparatus

Monroe Fire DepartmentMombasha Fire Company

Chief: Vinni TankasaliPresident: Katie Correa

Apparatus

Tarrytown VFW Drum & Bugle Corp

Cronomer Valley Fire Department

Chief: Dominick GreenePresident: Frank PattersonLadies Auxiliary President:

Dorothy BrownApparatus

Howells Fire Company No. 1Chief: Charles Gersbeck

President: Charles SchmidtApparatus: 1999 Pierce Pumper

THIRD DIVISIONMARSHAL

Philip HoeffnerPast Chief

Fleet Hook and Ladder Co. # 1Bullville Fire Department

Chief: Bill BaconPresident: Peter Bolte

Ladies Auxiliary President: Kim Dolson

Apparatus

Silver Lake Fire DepartmentChief: Mike Morstatt

Apparatus

Greenville Township Fire & Rescue

Chief: Bill ButlerPresident: Don Wiebolt

Apparatus:

Dan Leghorn Engine Company #1Chief: Vincent T. Spampinato

President: Patrick CaddenOfficer in Charge: George

Woolsey Jr.Ladies Auxiliary President:

Dolores RandolphApparatus

Highland Falls Fire DepartmentChief: Erik Smith

President: Kim M. LeeApparatus: 2001 KME Pumper

Yonkers Military Band

Tallman Fire DepartmentChief: Bill Tarantino

President: Wayne DolphinLadies Auxiliary President:

Louise RenudApparatus

Walker Valley Marching BandFlorida Fire Department &

RescueChief: Mark Slesinski

President Jeff BabcockApparatus

FOURTH DIVISIONMARSHAL

George WeedenPast Chief

Wallkill Engine and Hose Co. # 2

Broome Street Drum Corp.

Pine Bush Fire DepartmentChief: Timothy Fay

Officer in Charge: John BoylePresident: Sean Thomas

Ladies Auxiliary President: Judy Parsells

Apparatus

Mechanicstown Fire DepartmentChief: Andy Skrobanski

President: Dennis BaudendistalApparatus

Washington Heights Volunteer Fire Company

Chief: Gordon HealyPresident: Stephen Healy

Ladies Auxiliary President: Jennifer Bathrick

Apparatus

Nassau Firefighters Band

Warwick Fire DepartmentGoodwill Hook & Ladder Co. # 1

Chief: Gregg SnigurOfficer in Charge: CJ Dimarlo

President: Frank RitchieApparatus

Unionville Fire DepartmentMinisink Hose Company #1

Chief: Peter VandykPresident: Gene Kithcart

Apparatusw

Circleville Volunteer Fire Company

Chief: Walter SzulwachPresident: Dan Yanosh

Apparatus

FIFTH DIVISIONMARSHALL

Norbury “Skip” ChambersLife Member

Fleet Hook and Ladder Co # 1Campbell Hall Fire Department

Otterkill Engine Co. #1Chief: Jim Ballard

President: Michael SnyderLadies Auxiliary President: Vera

GreenApparatus

Palisade Park Police Military BandChester Fire Department

Chief: Joe VerbertPresident: Brian Jones

Apparatus

Walker Valley Chemical Engine No.1

Chief: Dan GreerOfficer in Charge: Michael

CentorcilliPresident: Sean Dempsey

Ladies Auxiliary President: Patty Ennist

Apparatus

Pocatello Fire CompanyChief: Anthony Kuhn, Jr.

Officer in Charge: Bill ShipmanPresident: Edwin Sabater

Apparatus

Fort Montgomery Fire Department

Chief: Seth ArmstrongPresident: Russell Carrasquillo

Apparatus

Sloatsburg Fire DepartmentApparatus

Huguenot Fire DepartmentChief: TJ Kalin

President: Ed SewallApparatus

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1985: Montgomery's 175th anniversary celebration

Clockwise from upper left: Mayor Richard Holmes and his wife Barbara danced at the costume ball; Keystone cops on patrol (l. - r.) Jimmy Wild, Brad Kaufmann, Darren Miller and Richie Reynolds.; revelers at the ball; Stephen Wild and Shannon Board, little Mr. and Miss Montgomery; Gerald Wanamaker wins the beard contest.

Wallkill Valley Times, Wednesday, July 14, 2010 9M


By RACHEL [email protected]

It took 200 years to make, but it’s finally here. "Images of America: Village of Montgomery" has hit local shelves just in time for the village’s 200th birthday and the Bicentennial celebrations taking place in the village. “When we go through celebrations like this we have fireworks, a grand ball, parades and so forth,” said Robert L.

Williams, one of the book’s authors. “They’re all wonderful events and they’ll last in the memories of those who attend, but then they fade. Our goal was to have something that would be a time-less tribute for the people who live in Montgomery, from yesterday, today and for years to come.” The book is a 127-page pictorial history of the Village of Montgomery. The history of the village dates from the 18th century, with the settlement of Ward’s Bridge, which was renamed Montgomery, in

honor of General Richard Montgomery. The village is well-known for its annu-al celebration in September, the General Montgomery Day Parade and Festival. The book states that the parade has “become the largest small-town parade in all of New York State. With almost 3,000 people in the parade, it marches from the

Orange County Airport, on the outskirts of the village, to Clinton Street amidst a wave of 25,000-30,000 people.” The book also highlights local fami-lies and the fire department, which is celebrating its own 200th anniversary this year, and major historic sites like the old National Hotel. The hotel once

Picture book celebrates Montgomery's past

The Senior Department Store, Montgomery, around 1900. Reprinted with permission from Village of Montgomery, by Robert L. Williams, Marc Newman, and Mayor Stephen Brescia. Available from the publisher online at www.arcadiapublishing.com or by calling 888-313-2665.

The cover of "Images of America: Village of Montgomery" by Robert L. Williams, Marc Newman and Mayor Stephen Brescia.


housed such notables as Legs Diamond, Al Capone, Frank Nitti and Babe Ruth. “I would have liked to add another chapter on the 1950s on,” Mayor Stephen Brescia said. Brescia is one of the three authors of the book. The book was a collaborative effort, written by Brescia, Williams and Marc Newman. Brescia stated he thought the addi-tional chapter would be nice for those who remembered the village at that time, but they were already bursting at the seams with information and pictures. Brescia thought there were interesting tidbits and stories in the book that read-ers will enjoy. Williams pointed toward an account of his grandmother’s near drowning in the Wallkill River. Both Brescia and Williams said they were pleased with the end result and made a point of stating that Carol Daley was instrumental in the process, helping them scan the numerous photographs and send them to the publisher. As much as they say it takes a village to raise a child, it took a village to make the book a reality as well. Numerous members of the community contributed photographs, stories and knowledge of the village, which the three authors fun-neled and crafted into a historic treasury in about six months. They put themselves on the fast time-table, as they wanted to finish the book in time for publishing during the village’s 200th birthday. “I thought, it’s a huge occasion and a book is perfect,” said Brescia. The book will be available at most local bookstores, like Barnes & Noble, but Williams said he would prefer for people to buy the book at the Village Hall. If the book is purchased at the Village Hall, Williams stated the proceeds will go toward the expense of the Bicentennial celebration. Williams offered a bribe of sorts, say-ing he would agree to autograph the book if they purchased it at Village Hall. "You’ll have to walk it up to my house, but then you get to see historical houses

in the process,” Williams joked. In all seriousness, there are three official book signings scheduled in the upcoming months, on July 24 at 2 pm in the village, on July 31 at 2 pm at Borders in Middletown and at Barnes & Noble in Newburgh on August 28. All of the royalties for the book have been donated by the authors to the vil-lage. “It is our hope that this book will be cherished by present and future resi-dents of the area and will enlighten all of the proud historical background of the village,” concludes the introduction to Village of Montgomery.

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The Montgomery Coronet Band, comprised of members of the fire department. The photo was taken around the beginning of the 20th century, in front of the brick firehouse, destined to be destroyed by the Great Fire of 1913. Reprinted with permission from Village of Montgomery, by Robert L. Williams, Marc Newman, and Mayor Stephen Brescia.

St. Mary's Church was built in 1868. Reprinted with permission from Village of Montgomery, by Robert L. Williams, Marc Newman, and Mayor Stephen Brescia.


July 14 - 176-10 p.m. Wed-Fri 12-10 p.m. Sat

Montgomery Fire Department Carnival

July 164-7 p.m. O. C. Firefighters Museum Open House

6 p.m. Float Parade7-10 p.m. Block Party Route 66 Band

8 p.m. Award Ceremony

July 172-6 p.m. O.C. Firefighters Museum Open House

3 p.m. Firemen’s Parade8 p.m. Awards Ceremony

9:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Maybrook Boy Scout Band9:30 p.m. Fireworks

July 2312 noon Bi-Centennial Golf Outing

July 2410 a.m.-3 p.m. Car Show Rain Date: July 25

12-3 p.m. Concert “Ponytails” Rain Date: July 253 p.m. Beard Contest

3:30 p.m. Barber Shop Quartet8 p.m.-midnight Vintage Costume Ball

July 3110 p.m. Kickball Tournament

1 p.m. Whiffleball Tournament3 p.m. Homerun Derby

1-3 p.m. Mix 97 Live6 p.m. Family Movie Night

August 11 p.m. Family Picnic

1-5 p.m. Bluegrass Concert “Breakneck Annie”

August 79 a.m.-12 p.m. Plein Air (Outdoors) Paint Out

3-5 p.m. Reception & Auction of Paintings10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Historic Walking & Bus Tours

2-4 p.m. Digital Slide Show

August 146-10 p.m. Senior Prom

Classic Oldies ConcertMontgomery Memories Slide Show

August 207:30-9 p.m. West Point Band

August 2110 a.m. Tractor parade

12-6 p.m. Tractor Show/Farm Day Rain Date: August 22

12-2 p.m. WRWD Live7 p.m. Old Fashioned Square Dance

August 2810 a.m.-5 p.m. Salute to the Veterans

Rain Date; August 29th12-5 p.m. 124th NY Civil War Living History

12 p.m. Camp Set Up-5pm Breakdown1 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m. Demonstrations

1:30-2:30 p.m. & 3:30-4:30 p.m.4:45 p.m. Closing Ceremony

Hudson Valley Regional Pipe & Drum

September 36-10 p.m. Reggae Concert

September 411 a.m. – 4 p.m. Montgomery’s Old Fashioned Business

Showcase in the Park11 a.m. – 1 p.m. WRRV Live

5-9 p.m. Country Western Concert

September 5Christian Concert – One in Christ

September 11General Montgomery Day

September 185-9 p.m. Band Concert

September 18 & 198 a.m. – 6 p.m. MFD 100-inning Softball Game

September 255-9 p.m. Band Concert

October 211 – 5 p.m. Learn to Knit & Crochet

October 31-4 p.m. Taste of Montgomery

October 910 a.m. – 5 p.m. Village Yard Sale Day

October 9 & 167 p.m. Candlelight Ghost Tour

October 30MFD Halloween Party

4 p.m. Parade: OC Fire Museum to Park5 p.m. Judging at Village Senior Center

November 69 a.m. – noon. Civil War Conference

November 137-9 p.m. Coffee House

November 142 p.m. Create a Thanksgiving Harvest Basket

December 11An Old Fashioned Holiday Weekend

10 a.m. – 8 p.m. local businesses open11 am. – 8 p.m. Under the tent:

Ornaments and Poinsettas for saleWallkill River School Silent Auction

Crafts for the ChildrenStrolling Minstrels & Bell Ringers

1-3 p.m. Santa Coming to Town3-7 p.m. Horse & Carriage Rides

7:30 p.m. Tree Lighting and Caroling with Santa

December 12House decorating contest

Judging 6-9 p.m.

On the cover: William Crabtree's MillAbove: Wallkill Avenue

Pastels by Shawn Dell Joyce

Calendar of Events

wallkill valley times, wednesday, july 14,...

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