[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 107 (Friday, August 5, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 5, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
         THE CENTENNIAL OF HILLBURN'S VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______


                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 5, 1994

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, October 1, 1994, the Hillburn 
Volunteer Fire Department in Rockland County, NY, will be celebrating 
its centennial. I invite my colleagues to join with us in 
congratulating the officers and members of this historic organization 
on marking this milestone.
  The Hillburn Volunteer Fire Department began as a series of meetings 
led by E.H. Terwilliger. At those meetings, committees were established 
for the purposes of setting up the fire department, raising money for 
its maintenance and providing benefits for its members.
  Despite the initial doubts of the community regarding its validity 
and importance, the Hillburn Fire Department was incorporated into the 
Hillburn village organization in April of 1904 under the leadership of 
its first chief, F.W. Snow. The department established its headquarters 
in an occupied portion of the barn belonging to the Rampo Wheel and 
Foundry Co.
  Having been accepted into the community, the Hillburn Fire Department 
began a tradition of fundraising picnics and balls, making $80.46 at 
its first picnic. Those popular events continue today to be an 
important means of raising money for maintenance and for equipment of 
this volunteer organization.
  The late 1890's also brought about many efforts to improve the 
department's efficiency. After several false alarms, the department 
finally established a successful system in July 1896 that is still in 
use today. In order to quicken its responses to alarm calls, the 
department instituted a fire apparatus with horses harnessed to it. 
This mobile unit was the first of many important steps toward the use 
of our modern-day fire engines.
  Perhaps the most important event in the history of the Hillburn 
Volunteer Fire Department occurred on August 19, 1899. As a 
commemorative gesture for their 50 wedding anniversary, Olive and 
William Snow bequeathed a plot of land and a construction grant to be 
used for the establishment of ``The Hillburn Hall''--a building to be 
used by the fire department and rented out for other functions. After a 
few years of meetings, discussions and arguments, a suitable plot of 
land adjacent to the property of Henry Becraft was decided upon. 
Construction of The Hillburn Hall began on July 24, 1905. This original 
structure is part of the building that exists today. The Hillburn 
Volunteer Fire Department has expanded its headquarters resulting in a 
hall today that can seat 550, as well as including various meeting 
rooms, an apparatus room, dining room, bowling alley, and janitor's 
quarters.
  Mr. Speaker, the fire department, which established itself against 
the expectations of the entire community, serves today as a pillar of 
the village of Hillburn. It is both an important service and social 
organization that demonstrates the value of public service at the most 
fundamental level. The generations of volunteers who have valiantly 
protected their community are to be commended for their selfless 
dedication. As an inspiration to all residents of the village of 
Hillburn, and especially its youth, the Hillburn Volunteer Fire 
Department is also a reminder of the importance of volunteer work and 
community cooperation.
  Mr. Speaker, Jerome Taylor, centennial chairman, and Sandi Jeanette, 
publicity chairperson, have diligently worked to plan a memorable 
centennial celebration. Accordingly, I invite my colleagues to join 
with me in commending the Hillburn Volunteer Fire Department upon their 
celebration of a successful 100 years, and in congratulating all its 
members and officials as they embark upon their second century of 
service.

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