Firehouse

Saturday, May 26, 1906, was a big day in the history of the town of Bryn Mawr. All the stores had been shut for the day. Many of the houses were decorated with bunting and flags were flying. Yes, it was the typical scene of a small town getting ready for a big parade. For today was the day that the town's new firehouse was to be dedicated and the apparatus housed. The route of the parade was crowded with thousands of people; all talking to their friends and neighbors till the parade time arrived. Finally, the band was heard in the distance. Everyone craned their necks to try to be the first to catch a glimpse of the marchers. First to appear was a platoon of Lower Merion mounted police in their Rough Rider outfits and cavalry hats. Behind them was the fire chief, giant "Is" Supplee, and his ten mounted aides. As quite often is apt to happen at one of these affairs, a fit of extra-unexpected excitement was added when Charles W. Humphries, one of the aides, fell off his horse. He was carried into the firehouse, though he was not badly hurt. Besides the Bryn Mawr Fire Company, there were 16 other companies, of which nine brought along bands.

After the parade, the different companies formed in line along Lancaster Avenue and Merion Avenue and the dedication ceremonies got underway. President Alba Johnson welcomed the visiting firemen from Conshohocken (two companies,) the groups from West Chester, and one company from each of the following places: Malvern, Norristown, Clifton Heights, West Conshohocken, Colwyn, Lansdowne, Berwyn, Radnor, Bala-Cynwyd, Narberth and Ardmore. Amid cheers and the blaring of the bands, the Ardmore firemen rolled in the chemical wagon, while the other two Lower Merion Township fire companies, Narberth and Bala-Cynwyd, contributed the services of some of their volunteers to roll in the steamer. Then came the speeches. Congressman Irving P. Wanger and Edwin S. Stuart, ex-Mayor of Philadelphia, both spoke about the history of fire fighting. The latter pointed out that Benjamin Franklin had been one of the best friends that firemen ever had. Incidentally, Mr. Franklin was the founder of Philadelphia's first fire company. State Senator Algernon B. Roberts, President of the Union Fire Association, spoke. John H. Converse, the first president of the Bryn Mawr Fire Company, who had been called by one of the speakers, "the father of his company", followed him. He declared that Bryn Mawr had the finest brigade in the state and would do great things for the community. After him came the Rev. Dr. Charles Wood of Philadelphia who said: "I love to see the fire engines go out to a fire. I like to see the driver skillfully guiding his team along and the firemen climbing over the engine, dressing as they hurry to the blaze."

Though things have been modernized since that time, it still seems to describe the feelings of a typical spectator. Dr. Wood also warned the firemen not to swear, not even to say so much as "gee whiz". Ex-Burgess Charles H. Pennypacker of West Chester finished the oratory. The visitors then went to a field nearby where luncheon was served after which the firehouse was opened for inspection. The new firehouse, at the time it was built, was one of the finest in the whole state. It was heated by gas and electricity and had a billiard table and bowling alleys in the basement. There were six horse stalls. Bryn Mawr was known as the Millionaire Fire Company, yet the fire house and equipment had not been paid for by any of its millionaire members, but instead, by the combined efforts of the company members of the town and of the citizens of Haverford Bryn Mawr and Rosemont. Rich or poor, they all worked together to make their fire company the best.

Bibliography.