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History of the Antietam Fire Company

The Antietam Fire Company had its original roots in the old Lafayette Company which first formed in 1808 and became known by its current name in 1835. During the early 19th century, Hagerstown began organizing fire companies. At this time, the town was officially named Elizabeth Town, incorporated in 1791. There were over 200 houses, mainly of log with a population around 2,000. The area was developing commercially and becoming a transportation center boosted by the construction of the National Road . As the larger cities had already discovered, building expansion created a greater threat and incidence of fire. Wood was the only fuel and all of the roofs in town were constructed of wood.

A chimney sweep was the only means of preventing chimney fires, a town ordinance passed in February 1793, fined homeowners seven shillings and six pence for chimney fires. The first fires were fought by bucket brigades composed of every able-bodied individual. Losses were usually high. As a result of the destruction of both a house and barn of a prominent citizen, the first organized volunteer fire company (the United Fire Co.) was formed on New Years Day in 1791.By 1803, the firemen divided the town into two districts using two hand - pumper engines. Regular meetings were held and attendance was mandatory under penalty of a fine of 25 cents, and  $1 for directors.

Still, firefighting at this time was ineffective. Dark streets at night pose problems for firemen getting to the scene of fires. Citizens were requested to help by placing lighted candles in their windows upon hearing a cry of fire. In 1822, another fire affecting a prominent citizen prompted the forming of the First Hagerstown Hose Company. In May 1824 an ordinance was passed requiring all white male taxpayers to assemble and form themselves into  fire companies. Also, every owner of a dwelling worth $300 or more was required to provide two black leather buckets with their name and fire ward on them. Individuals were fined $1.00 per month without the buckets and .50 cents for using the buckets for other things.

When the Antietam Fire Company was incorporated in May 1835, Hagerstown had five fire companies. Members of these companies were composed of prominent, local citizens. Some of those who signed the constitution of the Antietam Fire Company in 1834 included J. Dixon Roman, William D. Bell, and Alexander Armstrong.7 At this time the following officers were selected: president - W. D. Bell, vice president - William Hollyday, secretary - J. H. Heyser, and treasurer - Jacob H. Harry.

The organization of the incorporated Antietam Fire Company in 1835 consisted of engine men divided into three divisions with 48 men total. There were three captains, four axe men, six hose guards, four ladder men and four hook men.  They ordered badges for "thirty-four colored men to work the suction engine". On May 2, 1835, the company purchased a lot adjacent to the Court House for $125. A building costing $150 was then erected (not the present site). The Antietam Fire Company owned the only city fire bell from the I850s -70s. Purchased in 1850, the bell was struck in the little cupola in the company's first building located in Court House Row. The bell was still in their possession in 1894. 

During this period, the fire company obtained revenue from imposing fines on members who failed to show up for meetings, fire alarms, or fires. The early minutes of the Antietam Fire Company records long lists of names and fines. In November 1835, a committee was appointed to collect fines and appropriate them for buying more hose. The appointees were Howard Kennedy, Alex Armstrong, and D. Carver. However, honorary members could pay an annual fee of $1 to $2.50 and be exempt from any fines. Also, fines were sometimes waived if the absence occurred on a false alarm. In the mid 19th century the Antietams had a large pumping apparatus which required 40 men to operate. Perhaps this was another reason for fining members who did not show up at for alarms.

Some additional funds came from the city of Hagerstown. A May 7, 1836 Treasurer's Report shows that the town treasurer and commissioners supplied a large sum of money. By March 2, 1839, the company voted to abolish the practice of fines for non-attendance at meetings. In March 1843, a resolution was adopted to solicit both male and female citizens as honorary members of the company for $1 per year. Incorporation signer, J. Dixon Roman was among the list of honorary members. 

The funds collected were used to buy additional equipment such as hose, lamps, ladders, and fire buckets. Improved firefighting was essential not only for the safety of the community, but to maintain the company reputation. Efforts at efficiency were reflected in the minute records of the l83O's and 40's reporting that exercise meetings were held to perform practice runs to check the equipment as well as various cisterns throughout the city. In April 1842, the men were divided into three classes: large engine, suction, and reel hose. 

Socialization of the firemen at this time was an important factor. Companies became like fraternities or clubs. Meetings were adjourned to the "Brew House" for camaraderie and refreshment. Firemen's parades were also a popular public event and the March 1842 Antietam Fire Company minutes detail discussing a meeting with the Hagerstown Hose Company to have a firemen's procession. 'Hose battles in the Town Square were brought the firemen out for competition, as well. These battles stopped before World War II due to an injury sustained by one of the firemen. Hagerstown companies no longer compete as in days gone by although some cities still do in some manner. 

Visiting were the early version of political or business conventions in which one department would host another for a few days of business and pleasure. The celebration would include parades and receptions with the highlight being firefighting competitions. The first tournament on record in Hagerstown was in 1851, when the Antietam Fire Company welcomed the Independents of Frederick on a visit. A contest of water throwing was held in front of the Court House and the Antietams beat the visitors by twenty- five feet. The Antietams performed well in competition through the years. In 1907, the reel team won a victory in Annapolis. They won another competition in 1912 according to the Minute Books. The 1914-15 Fire Company Minute Book entry dated July 1, 1914 (p.20) hails congratulations to the Reel Team on establishing a new world's record of 36 1/4 seconds in the Hose Race at Westminster, MD.

The 1880's was an active time for the Antietam Fire Company as evidenced in the Minute Book, 1883- 85. Invitations were received to several fairs and a parade. However, rowdiness was apparently a problem. The February 1884 minutes mention the suspension and attempt to expel members for disorderly conduct at Greencastle, PA. On July 7, 1885 they voted to have a convention with the other Hagerstown fire companies to discuss working together. The Company again supported improvements in fire fighting with in the city in 1908. They adopted a motion to endorse a conference with the Hagerstown fire companies to investigate the possibility of establishing rules and fire lines with in the city limits. Brawling and competitiveness was not unique to the Antietam Fire Company. It had been a national problem aggravated by the monetary rewards often paid to the first company at the scene of a fire. In addition, fire companies were politically powerless and the rowdiness was overlooked. The Antietams held themselves to a high standard of behavior which is still continued today. The old minute books have numerous examples of meetings held in which members were disciplined and/or expelled for misconduct, theft of company property, and breaking the "law of the land".

Today, the Antietam Fire Company, Inc. is managed by a small core of volunteers; 15 active firefighters and 30 active members out of a membership of over 600. They come from a variety of careers. A random look at the membership records for the 20" century reflect the various industries located in Hagerstown, civil servants, and middle management. As fire companies nation wide made the transition from volunteer to paid departments in the second half of the 19th century, the era of the social fraternity began to wane and prominent citizens played less of an active roll as volunteers. The city of Hagerstown has incorporated the volunteer companies within the city fire department.

Thus, the Antietam Fire Company is a combination company. It relies mostly on its volunteers to fight fires, but has city owned equipment and city paid drivers for the engine. Training for fire fighters has changed through the years with the change of technology. Gone are the days of the practices and contests in the town square to sharpen the skills of the men. Today, the volunteers must pass a basic Fire Fighting I course given by the University of Maryland in order to ride the apparatus. Written and physical tests are also given to ensure that firefighters meet professional standards. Their skills are kept current with monthly training sessions. (James Sprecher, Jr., interview, July 21, 1999).

Outside of fire fighting the Antietams sponsor two youth baseball teams and its annual carnival. The carnival, one of the area's oldest fire company carnival began in the 1940's to raise money to renovate the Hall. Since then, the money is used to pay taxes and maintain the building. Sites for the carnival have included Coss Welding Lot (Memorial Blvd), the Municipal Stadium, and Longmeadow Shopping Center (Daily Mail, 8/11/79,TheAntietam Carnival Week", by Tyler E. Ward). It is currently being held at Bester School. Although the Antietams currently sponsor youth baseball teams with the National Little League and the American Little League, their trophy case reflects involvement in a variety of other leagues throughout the 20~ century. In 1937 and 1938 they won the Blue Ridge League Cup for the Washington County Baseball League Championship. The Antietam Bowling League was champs for 1958/59, and won the Washington County Fireman Bowling Award for 1 964/65. In 1996 their American Little League team was the Minor League champs. The active members of the Antietam Fire Company take their training and their jobs as firemen seriously. They want to be known for their contributions to the fire service in the areas of training and technology such as the introduction of the use of new equipment. Overall, they want to continue to be recognized for their professionalism (Sprecher, July 21, 1999), a trait that the members of the company have guarded well throughout their history.

THE FIRE HALL  

The Antietam Fire Station is known to have inspired the design of the nation's only War Correspondents Arch, a memorial to U. S. war correspondents'. The original front facade of the building dates back to 1895 and survived two fires in the early 1900's. The building houses the Antietam Fire Company, Inc., the second oldest incorporated fire company in the history of Hagerstown. The fire station is part of the Hagerstown (National Register) Historic District which includes a variety of functions from commerce/trade and industry to social and government uses. During the time of construction, Hagerstown was experiencing massive industrial growth. The elaborate Romanesque exterior is typical of the era following the 1893 depression known as the "golden age of architectural design for firehouses". The interior of the fire station has been modernized through the years and is still a working firehouse. A second floor has been rented to various local businesses since 1897.

The Antietams have almost consistently rented out unused areas of their hall throughout the 20th century to commercial industrial businesses (see attached tenant list). This contributed to Hagerstown  status as a major manufacturing city in the state. By 1914 it was second in manufacturing in terms of product value. By 1929 there were 110 industries based in Hagerstown manufacturing different products. These included organs, furniture, gloves, leather, silk, shoes, and women's apparel.

 In May 1889, the Antietam Fire Company purchased a lot where the present fire station stands for the sum of $1,100 from Martha and Rebecca Middlekauff. The construction of the building took place in 1895. The bids ranged from $6500 to $12,000 which was higher than the company had expected. The Building Committee cut the proposed cost by $1,100. They intended to propose new plans to closely model a Washington engine house. However, it is not certain whether this happened. In fact, John H. Middlekauff was named as taking the contract in the Daily Mail newspaper on May 4, 1895, but according to an article from the same source dated January 2, 1896, Clifton Lamkin was listed as the architect.

The year of 1914 was disaster for the Antietam Fire Company. On October 28 a raging re-spread from the roof of the adjacent Sherlay Building to the fire hall. The entire structure was destroyed except for the front facade at a loss of $30,000. The second floor served as the armory for Company B of the Maryland Regiment. The Hall was occupied by the Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company as well.

A special meeting was held by the fire company members on April 1, 1915. During this meeting it was stated that A. J Klinkhart, a prominent local architect was approved for the rebuilding of the fire hall. Amos John Klinkhart, 187&1954, had a reputation for specializing in the design of public buildings. He designed municipal structures in Washington County such as the Washington County Hospital, the Hagerstown City Hall, and the Beaver Creek School. He also designed the State Reformatory for Males in Breathedsville. The Antietam Fire Hall drawing plans were approved in June 1915 at a cost of $125. Unfortunately, another fire occurred within the Antietam Fire Hall in 1920. The extent of damage is unknown at this time; however, it is believed to have been less severe.

Despite the tendency to design elaborate firehouse exteriors, the interiors were generally plain. Towers were built to hang leather hoses to drain and dry. A second floor served as a bunk room during the 1880's and 1890's since horses were brought inside the firehouse to save time hitching them to the engines. The Antietams themselves, had horse-drawn fire equipment by 1890 (Warner article, Herald Mail 2/1/1977). An upstairs lounge was often furnish with easy chairs and card tables for club fraternization. Trophies, banners, and company portraits lined the walls.

The Antietams had two horses John and Jim to pull the hose wagon until they were killed 1912 by downed electrical wires on in their way to a fire. The stalls were in the fire hall until 1910 (Minutes, 4-6-1910) but then the company paid to have them pastured and boarded. The remains of the automatic horse harness apparatus can still be seen hanging from the ceiling of the north bay. The horses would automatically move under them at the sound of the fire ball. When the horses were killed, the era of the motorized motorized apparatus was ushered in. The company asked the Mayor and City Council for funds for an automobile fire truck (Minute Book, 7/19/12), however, mention of the company actually having a motor apparatus does not occur until 1917 (Minutes, 8/1/17) The Ahrens Fox was not purchased until 1948.

Currently, the Antietam Fire Hall has a first floor club room with a large television, easy chairs, and portraits reminiscent of the meeting rooms/lounges of the 19th Century. Apparently the towers of the Hall were never used for hose drying, according to Fireman Gearhart. The hoses were stretched out in the alley to dry. An electric hose dryer is now used. The sliding pole, no longer used, has been removed; the space having been made into a small alcove. The bunk room, at one time on the second floor, is now located in the north engine bay. Behind the engine is a lounge area with a table, desk, and trophy case creating an informal gathering place for the volunteers to wait for a fire call or drop by for a chat.
 

Current  History

In 2004, a KME pumper with a totally enclosed cab was purchased since firefighters no longer were allowed to ride on the tail board or in jump seats. The Company contributed 130,000.00 towards the purchase of the new pumper.

2007 brought great change to The Antietam Fire Company.  A new bunk room was built to accommodate our active volunteer firefighters.  For the first time in the history of the company the volunteer firefighters had their own living quarters, if they choose to spend the night. 

2007 also presented another first. The Antietam Fire Company has never purchased a motorized vehicle since the use of horse drawn equipment. The City of Hagerstown was responsible for all motorize vehicle purchases.

During the summer of 2007, The Company commissioned Plastisol Composites to build a utility type vehicle. On         November 4th 2007, The Antietam Fire Company officially put into service Special Unit 32.

Special Unit 32 is built on a Ford f-550 super duty, 4 wheel drive crew cab chasses. It is equipped with 4-scott 4.5 scba's, extinguishers, absorbent, step clocks, and a assortment of hand tools. The unit is equipped with A 1500 amp inverter, 2 100' cords and quartz lights.

As in the past tradition, Special Unit 32 was pushed into its quarters by the members and volunteers of The Antietam Fire Company.

This was a historical event and shows how fund-raising can benefit the community. The Antietam Fire Company purchased the Ford F-550 with funds raised through out the years. This unit now provides additional support to the Hagerstown Fire Dept.

During our 200 years, many changes have occurred.  From bucket brigades to hand pumpers with leather hoses, from horse drawn steam engines to motorize apparatus.  From All Service Mask to Chemox Breathing apparatus to Self Contained Breathing Apparatus.

 Additional changes brought with it Thermal Imaging Cameras, Female Firefighters and the Incident Command System. Our 200 years have seen many improvements but the heart of the company has never changed and that is because of our volunteers.