[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8171]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              THE LADIES AUXILIARY OF CLAYTON FIRE COMPANY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 19, 2009

  Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise 
today to recognize the Clayton Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary upon the 
celebration of their 50th anniversary in the State of Delaware.
  The auxiliary's first meeting was on March 13, 1959, when members of 
both the Kent County Ladies Auxiliary and the Smyrna Fire Company 
Ladies Auxiliary were present to answer questions and explain the 
procedures behind founding an auxiliary. At this meeting, Jeri Hurlock 
was elected as the auxiliary's first president. It was then decided 
that Mrs. Hurlock, Mrs. Ethel Donaway, Mrs. Ann Dickerson, and Mrs. 
Julia Mast would meet and write the first constitution and by-laws. The 
next meeting, held on April 6, 1959, established a canteen committee to 
provide food and refreshment for the firemen while they were out 
fighting fires. With the appointment of this committee, the auxiliary 
began its now long-standing tradition of dedicating its time and effort 
in support of the Clayton Fire Company.
  Through fundraisers such as fashion shows and concession stands, the 
women were able to repay the Clayton Fire Company, which had provided 
the initial loan to establish the auxiliary. Over the past five 
decades, the auxiliary has successfully continued to raise funds to 
benefit both the fire company and the town of Clayton. A junior program 
for 16 to 18-year-olds was created in 1973, and today, membership in 
the Clayton Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary has grown to over 70 women, 
including 35 life members.
  On this 50th Anniversary, I would like to recognize the unequaled 
devotion of the Clayton Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. Since 1959, the 
women of the auxiliary have volunteered their time, their energy, and 
their hearts in support of the Clayton Fire Company and its surrounding 
community. I commend them for their tireless dedication and 
immeasurable contributions, and I wish them all the best on this 
momentous anniversary.

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