The Beginning 1923

The need for forming a Fire Company in Marilla was realized after a devastating fire occurred in the village. The date was Tuesday, July 17, 1923 at 7:00 A.M. when this peaceful village woke to the ringing of the Baptist and Methodist Church bells. The residents upon rushing to the center of the village found the home of Frank Hurley on fire. This house was located at 1731 Two Rod Road. Mrs. Henrietta Ewell, the next door neighbor, called in the alarm. Neighbors and others came bringing pails and cans with which to carry water, but it was seen at once that they could do little, and calls were sent to Alden, Town Line, Lancaster, East Aurora, Ebenezer and Gardenville Fire Companies. Apparatus was sent from all but Alden, whose new motor truck had not been delivered. The trucks from the first three fire companies were equipped with chemicals only, and these kept the fire from burning quite so furiously and also saved the buildings next to the burning house. When the Ebenezer fire truck arrived, they threw their suction hose into the creek and soon had an effective stream of water playing on the fire.

In the meantime, the bucket brigade had not been idle and the men worked like heroes to save the store building of Mr. Ewell, which was located next door. During the time the fire was burning there was a great deal of speculation as to where Mr. Hurley was, but none thought that while they watched the progress of the fire a man was burned to death. After Mrs. Ewell had given the alarm, Mr. Hurley and his son rushed into the burning building to see what they could save, and it was believed Mr. Hurley must have been overcome with smoke. It was not until late afternoon that the embers had cooled down enough to find the body of Mr. Hurley, his arms and legs burned off his torso.

This incident was a tragic shock for this small township of 1200 people. These were the days when you knew all of your neighbors, and a wave of grief swept the town. Then Town Supervisor Howard Adams stressed the need of forming a fire company. On Friday, August 31, 1923, a meeting was called in order to form a fire company. Our town doctor, Lester H. Lougee, called this meeting together and was appointed Chairman, and Louis H. Monchow was appointed Secretary. Mr. Wagner, of the East Seneca Fire Department, was present and provided data and information on forming a fire company. Harry Shearing made the motion that the bylaws of the East Seneca Fire Department be adopted, subject to necessary revisions. The First Officers and Trustees: President Edward Hall, Vice-President William Foster
Recording Secretary Leo Boldt, Financial Secretary Ervie Ewell, Treasurer Louis Monchow, Chief William Roloff, Assistant Chief John Mosher Jr., Trustees Howard Adams, Harry Foster, Harry Shearing.

The next order of business was the buying of equipment and a place to store it. At the October 24, 1923 meeting it was decided to buy a truck with hose, axes, pike poles and all the items that the new fire company needed at this time. The truck was a Stewart chassis with a Hanley chemical and commercial pump on it. The cost was $7,219.00, and the company was ready to operate. The truck was picked up in Prospect, Ohio by member Martin Antholzner and was put into service the week of March 10, 1924.

The rest is "History". The Marilla Volunteer Fire Company currently has approximately 55 active volunteer members, 2 class A pumpers, a mini pumper (brush fire truck), a heavy rescue with Hurst tool and fast team supplies, an Advanced Life Support ambulance, a rescue ATV and sled. We continue to this day in the image of our forbearers, providing fire protection, search & rescue, and emergency medical service to our community.