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EAST ROCHESTER VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT--125 YEARS OF SERVICE

EAST ROCHESTER VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT--125 YEARS OF SERVICE

EAST ROCHESTER VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT--125 YEARS OF SERVICE

Submitted July 2023 by Anita M. Mance, Historian

     On May 23, 1898, a group of businessmen from Despatch (as East Rochester was known until 1906) met at Branshaud’s Hall on East Commercial Street to set up the first fire department.  On May 29th, the first official meeting was held, and the Despatch Fire District was formed.  During subsequent meetings committees were formed to find estimates for needed equipment, as well as for property and a fire hall.  It was determined that $1800.00 was the amount needed to outfit this first department.  Equipment included:  one dozen rubber coats, boots, and helmets, a hose cart, an alarm bell, a ladder truck, and three chemical carts.  Needless to say, the first fire trucks were either pulled by horses or pulled by hand.

     The first fire hall was built in 1903 on Main Street next to the Despatch Hotel.  Our fire department was initially comprised of three companies:  Despatch Hose Company #1, Ontario Hook & Ladder Company #1, and the Eyer Chemical Company.  Later, the Foster Armstrong Company (of the Piano Works), and Despatch Hose Company #2 were added.  The first Fire Chief was John Kane, owner of the Perinton Hotel.  The first real fire truck (i.e. purchased and built as a fire truck) was an American LaFrance 750 gallon pumper bought in 1925.  Used until 1958, it was lent a year later to the small community of Fishers while they waited for their new truck to be delivered.  Later found abandoned, it was restored by past fire chiefs, Willis (Skip) Burlingame and his son, Jim; and was donated back to the village in 1968.  Called Ol’ Betsy, it now proudly resides in the front left bay of our fire hall, and is often seen in our parades.

     Over the years our fire department has occupied three buildings.  In 1936, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) remodeled the existing firehouse/municipal building, and built a new façade.  A new firehouse was built on the corner of West Avenue and Main Street in 1968.  This building was enlarged and renovated in 2004.

     As is true of all fire departments, ours has continued to be very active in our community in ways other than fighting fires.  In 1952, we hosted the New York State Firemen’s Association Convention.  This was quite an honor for such a small village.  In the early 1950s, our department sponsored the Famous Actors Summer Playhouse, one of the earliest summer stock theaters in the state.  During the 1960s and 1970s, it sponsored the Town and Country Playhouse with plays produced by ER High School alumnus, Barry Tuttle.  In October, during Fire Prevention Month, the fire fighters have conducted school programs and firehouse tours to promote fire safety.  Since 2016, the department has collaborated with the East Rochester Alumni Foundation to purchase and distribute smoke detectors to second grade classes.  For many years, Christmas baskets for those in need have been distributed.  Since 1995, the department has sponsored the Easter Egg Hunt in Edmund Lyon Park.  In the summer it has hosted the Kiddie Parade during the Firemen’s Carnival.

     The East Rochester Volunteer Fire Department’s jurisdiction covers three square miles.  It has multiple mutual aid agreements with surrounding towns, and is a member of the 3rd Battalion in Monroe County.  It has always been an all-volunteer department and currently has 40 members.  Its current Chief is Jim Diego.  Over the years, fathers and sons have been members.  These fire fighters have a great sense of pride and truly believe they are “always at your service.”  This year’s carnival will take place, July 20th – July 22nd, and will honor the 125th anniversary of the department.
     
 

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AS SUMMER TURNS TO FALL – 1954

AS SUMMER TURNS TO FALL – 1954

     In looking through our old East Rochester Herald newspapers, I happened to find an interesting series of articles from late summer, early fall of 1954.  The stories brought back many memories.

     For many years summer recreation centered around our village parks and outdoor pool.  In particular, there were many activities offered in Edmund Lyon Park.  Children could make potholders, make things out of boondoggle, paint plaster of Paris plaques, and take part in contests in costume, dog, doll, and hat shows.  The August 20th issue of the paper described highlights of the annual costume show.  Prizes (ribbons and candy bars) had been given for the prettiest, funniest, most unusual, best cowgirl and cowboy, best clown, most original, and best foreign costumes.  The summer season at the playground would end August 20th with a picnic when the highlight of the day was the selection of a playground king and queen to rule over the day’s festivities.

     The August 27th issue described the moving of a home from where the new interchange cloverleaf was being built to link the eastern thruway connection with Fairport Road.  The stucco home, built in 1930, was moved from near Harwood Lane to the corner of Washington Street and Fairport Road.  There, Frank Cilento’s family would live.  The two hour move on a huge trailer was assisted by RG & E line crews who were on hand to cut wires wherever progress was impeded.

     The September 3rd issue focused on the beginning of the school year.  A detailed listing of the 71 teachers for grades K-12 was included.  In 1954, the two school buildings on East Avenue (elementary and junior/senior high) were our whole district.  Student enrollment was about 1700.  The Board of Education was going to hold a faculty reception on Sept. 7th, with classes starting on Wednesday the 8th; kindergarten would begin on the 9th.  St. Jerome’s school was adding a class for third grade.  The classes were still meeting in the CYA building.  In 1955, classes would move to the new school building next door.

     The September 10th issue had several articles of interest.  One honored three little girls (Jane Thomas, Marcia Ramph, and Donna Jean Rosen).  The girls had gone door to door in their neighborhood to collect money for the polio emergency fund drive.  They collected $20.00.  The polio epidemic was a very real fear during the 1950s.

     The issue also contained a full report from Sherman Reed, Swimming Pool Director and physical education teacher.  The summer season had lasted from June 26-September 6th (Labor Day).  When the Kate Gleason Memorial Pool had opened in 1954, it was one of the first outdoor community pools inthe area.  Throughout the 1950s and 60s the pool was packed seven days a week.  Attendance for the summer of 1954 was 34,525.  Swimming class enrollment was 271.  Mr. Reed was pleased to announce that there had been no serious accidents or injuries.&a

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PROJECT NOTIFICATION – WEST AVENUE

Dear East Rochester Resident:

The Town/Village of East Rochester will be installing new sidewalks on the north side of West Avenue from Roosevelt Road to approximately 100 feet east on Forest Road.  The project has been awarded to Villager Construction and is set to begin this week.  The majority of work will take place within the road Right-of-Way and will temporarily impact driveway access and parking along West Avenue near Concrest Park.    

During demolition and installation of the sidewalk, driveway access will be temporarily restricted. Stone will be placed to maintain temporary access during construction.     Residents will be provided a 24-hour notice of driveway closure. During the installation of the new sidewalk, driveway access will be restricted for 72 hours after the concrete has been poured.  Parking on adjacent streets and at Concrest Park is available.

Once the concrete sidewalk is cleared for reopening, stone will be temporarily placed again to allow access until repaving of the driveway apron.  All driveway pavement affected will be replaced in kind and disturbed areas restored with topsoil and seed as part of the project.

For questions or concerns please contact Tom Fitzgerald at MRB Group (585-381-9250).

Sincerely,

Thomas Fromberger

MRB Group

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