Cassadaga Village Historian John Sipos introduced many county officials and shared a brief history during the Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department’s 100th anniversary celebration.
CASSADAGA — The Village of Cassadaga was founded in 1921 as a fire department.
Several large fires occurred and it was decided that a fire brigade was needed to protect the people and the village. By 1924, a two-story, two-bay garage was built at Maple Avenue and Mill Street.
The garage door is a wooden folding door, there is a board indicating emergency locations, and the only alarm is located at the top of the building. Cassadaga was founded in 1809 and is well populated with residents and businesses. The first fire engine was a 1913 Model T truck with a garden hose on a reel and a ladder.
In August 1925, the first custom-built fire engine was purchased. In 1933, a Chevrolet fire engine was purchased and designated the H-13, later renamed Pumper 103. The fire department still maintains the fire engine and is now used in parades.
The fire department was a volunteer fire department and still exists today. Volunteers are enthusiastic about helping and becoming members. During a long fire, the firemen’s wives prepared sandwiches and hot coffee for the firemen, so the female helper could be the same age as the fire brigade.
Citizens who are not fire department employees also prepare meals for the firefighters. Firefighters are grateful to the auxiliary for their support and assistance over the years. During the Great Patriotic War, the fire department was practically disbanded, but after the war it became a powerful organization in the village.
Over the years, firefighting equipment has improved and trucks can now carry water to fight fires and pump large quantities of water per minute. The ambulance’s emergency equipment was taken from a used white 1956 Cadillac ambulance.
Women from the support staff washed sheets and blankets. Today, these items are exchanged when patients are admitted to the hospital. Ladies of the fire and auxiliary services take part in a village parade. During special times such as Halloween or Christmas, firefighters organize parties for children with fruit and gifts. In 1973, a new four-bay fire building with a hose drying tower and community hall was built on Mill Street.
Each member undergoes many hours of training in their own time, making them very dedicated members.
The Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department celebrated its 100th anniversary this past weekend. The anniversary committee includes Chris Wichlatz, Danna DuBois, Dan Russell, Tammy Wichlatz, Laurie Logan and B.J. Swansfeiger.
100th Anniversary Celebration Chairman David Muscato, a lifelong member of the Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department, welcomed everyone and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Cassadaga Community Choir, directed by Debbie Runge Meder, performed two patriotic songs. Mayor William Dorman, a lifelong member of the fire department, introduced village officials: Vice Mayor and Village Trustee Bill Astry, Village Trustees Cindy Flaherty, Kathy Kruever and Danna DuBois, Village Clerk and Treasurer Annette McChesney and Deputy Clerk Roxanne Astry.
John Sipos, Cassadaga Village Historian for 20 years, then introduced New York State 57th District Representative Senator George Borrello, Representative Nick Langworthy, 150th Assembly District State Representative Andy Goodell, County Commissioner P.J. Wendel, Chautauqua County Legislator John Penhollow and Stockton City Manager. David Wilson.
Sipos then gave a brief history of the Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department. Next was Don Woodfield, a former fire chief and instructor with the Jamestown, New York Fire Department and then a member of the Pinehurst Fire Department. Next to speak was First Assistant Fire Chief Donald Minnich, who spoke about a firefighter who died in the line of duty. Danna DuBois, president of the Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department, concluded the special event with introductions from frontline and field officers. Sipos said the most important word today is “protection” that these volunteers provide.
There are food trucks on site. The Honkey Tonk Heroes will feature music during the day and Party McFly will provide music and street dancing in the evening.
The second day includes craft and vendor performances at the Ames General Farmers Market, followed by a chicken barbecue at the American Legion, 1280 Cassadaga, and the Grand Parade on Maple Avenue, the annual Duck Derby on the Maple Avenue Bridge with the music of Angry George. and fireworks display at Fessenden Field on Maple Avenue.
Pictured is Cassadaga Village Historian John Sipos, who introduced numerous county officials and shared a brief history during the Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department’s 100th anniversary celebration.
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Post time: Sep-11-2024