[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 59 (Monday, May 15, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E721]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE GLENSIDE FIRE COMPANY ON ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOSEPH M. HOEFFEL

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 15, 2000

  Mr. HOEFFEL. Mr. Speaker, today I congratulate the Glenside Fire 
Company on its 100th anniversary. The town of Glenside was founded in 
1888 when Philadelphians sought residential summer homes in the newly 
developing suburbs of Montgomery County.
  Glenside was a small town of fewer than 200 inhabitants 100 years 
ago, but with the advent of the railroad the town began to flourish. In 
February 1900, W.T.B. Roberts, George D. Heist, and Frederick Smith led 
an initiative to create a local volunteer fire department. By March the 
fire company was officially founded. On May 17, 1900, the county 
officially granted the Glenside Fire Company a charter.
  The Fire Company progressed quickly. In June 1900, the company's 
first foreman and assistant foreman were elected. The firefighters 
bought a wagon with a hose and constructed a fire alarm by striking the 
rim of a steam locomotive with a sledgehammer.
  The Glenside Fire Company set up a temporary location near Mount 
Carmel Avenue and Easton Road. It was in 1901 the Weldon Hotel caught 
on fire and the company made its first official response. By 1907, the 
company established a permanent location about 100 feet away from its 
present location.
  In the past 100 years, many dedicated people have volunteered at the 
Glenside Fire Company. I am proud to have such an extraordinary Fire 
Company in my district. This anniversary should serve as a long-
standing tribute to hard work and dedication for all who have made the 
Glenside Fire Company the wonderful organization it is.

                          ____________________