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In June of 1939, the Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department was organized. It was incorporated on August 21st of the same year, with an enrollment of 40 members. To name one individual as being primarily responsible for its beginning would be impossible. The foresight, cooperation and determination of the whole community were essential elements in what has helped to bring Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department to the distinguished level of accomplishment and commitment we have today.
As with all organizations, they saw the need to establish a charter and by-laws with which to govern themselves. Many of the basic guidelines put forth in the original by-laws remain, whereas others have changed to fit the needs of the community and to keep pace with the changing times. Most of the more basic guidelines are still practiced and enforced today; such as the rules concerning elections, membership, meetings, voting, etc. However, some of the rules and regulations observed then are obviously not enforced today. For instance, Rule #5 from an original copy of the Charter and By-Laws which reads — “Members will use cuspidors” — is not enforced today simply because the practice of tobacco chewing is not as widespread as it once was.
The penalties put forth in the original by-laws also reflect the changes of the last 50 years. The monetary fines for offenses range from 50¢ for using another member’s equipment to $1.00 for consuming liquor in the firehouse. Anyone found guilty of bringing “a female of bad repute” to the firehouse drew the worst penalty of all…
expulsion.
We find that before becoming incorporated the firemen and ladies from Bishopville participated in a parade. Unfortunately, they did not have a fire truck to enter in the parade, so they quickly made one. Many believed the first fire truck Bishopville had was a 1939 Ford / American LaFrance. However, this is not true! The men found a Model T truck and quickly gave it a coat of red paint. They then proceeded to attach a 55 gallon drum to the back and coiled 200′ of garden hose around the back of the truck. About 50 men and their homemade fire truck participated in the parade, along with the ladies auxiliary, which was dressed in its red capes, caps, and white gloves.
The first firehouse was a garage located relatively in the same area as our firehouse today. Mrs. Charlotte Collins, who owned the garage, allowed the newly formed fire company to use the garage to house their equipment, free of charge. For reasons unknown, the Bishopville Fire Company then moved to a different location, which some say was where the post office is now located.
In the 40’s Bishopville Fire Company was very active, as were most fire companies then, in operating carnivals. The Bishopville Fire Company was very successful in their endeavors. They also fielded a baseball team and oversaw the maintenance of a baseball field. Around this time, however, the war had started and took many men to the armed services. The remaining men on the home front, however, were very actively involved. These men used the building on the carnival grounds to house a fire truck and as a lookout for planes. The men would serve as minutemen and identify any aircraft they spotted and “call them in.”
Their first official piece of equipment was a 1939 Ford pumper. She was equipped with a 500 gpm American LaFrance pump and carried 250 gallons of water. When purchased, this fire truck was an open cab with just a bench seat. They quickly saw that the water capacity of the pumper was inadequate for a rural district and began to build a new piece of equipment, which in later years has become known as a tank wagon or tanker. In June, 1942, a 2200 gallon water tank was purchased and in February a White truck was purchased. The men then outfitted their new tanker with a pump which they mounted on the front bumper. Bishopville takes pride in becoming the first in Worcester County, and possibly the state, to acquire this type of apparatus. Since then, practically all rural companies, as well as some incorporated towns, have adopted this idea.
As the Bishopville Fire Company continued to grow, they saw fit to purchase a garage and dwelling in
October, 1943, from Mr. Josh Hickman, to be used as a new firehouse. This property is located where Dennis Thrift Shop is today. With the company’s newest piece of equipment being a tanker that was capable of holding 2200 gallons of water, the floor in the garage had to be replaced. A new 4 inch floor was installed due to the weight factor of the tanker.
For the next couple of years everything seemed to go along fairly smoothly. In reviewing some of the minutes, we find that on March 13, 1944, it was passed on the floor that the first aid kits on each of our fire engines would contain one pint of whiskey, to be used as a stimulant, and the chief or officer in charge would be responsible for its distribution.
As far back as January, 1948, we find that there was discussion at a meeting on buying an ambulance. A committee was then formed to look into the matter and reported, during the following month’s meeting, that a Ford ambulance from Frankford could be purchased for $600.00. As far as we can determine, the matter was tabled and an ambulance was not purchased until 1967.
In early 1950, a 6×6 Studebaker, 6 wheel drive truck was purchased for $550.00. This truck was an Army surplus vehicle which was sold from the Armory in Baltimore. This truck, we find, was not used at all by the fire company, and was subsequently sold in May, 1951, for $700.00. Also, in the early 1950’s, the fire company decided to replace the bench seat on the 1939 Ford pumper with an enclosed cab which was purchased from a salvage yard. In addition to this, the fire company felt they needed to replace the truck chassis on their tanker. A new Ford truck chassis arrived at the station on April 9, 1951, at a cost of $3,921.56. The fire company then proceeded to remove the tank and pump from the old White chassis and mount them on the new 1951 Ford chassis. The final cost of their “new” tanker, which was named “Old Kate,” was $5,005.56. During the next meeting it was reported that the White chassis was sold for $500.00.
A service truck was added in 1955 to carry small tools, coats, boots, helmets, and other needed equipment to the fire scene, as well as doubling as an emergency vehicle in accident cases. This service truck was a 1951 GMC panel truck. From stories told by the men who drove this vehicle to emergency situations, we find that this vehicle was very, very top-heavy. During a meeting in January, 1957, it was voted to purchase radios for $150.00 each. These radios must have been used to help facilitate communications in the trucks. Also during this meeting, it was noted that the first Scott Air Packs were put into service.
The early months of 1957 proved to be busy months for the fire company, for they also decided to host the first teenage dance at the firehouse. It was a very big success, in that over 250 people attended. The fire company then decided at their next meeting to purchase a record player, P.A. system, and some records. The teenage dances continued to be a big success for quite some time. In fact, the crowds became so large, the fire company voted to purchase the feed house across the street, which was owned by Louis J. Hickman, and proceeded to fix up the newly purchased building. This newly renovated building soon became known as the youth center.
We found in reviewing the notes of the meetings, that some of the secretaries were very gifted in their ability to record not only the exact words which were spoken, but also the mood or tone of the evening. Mr. James Gault was the secretary in 1958 and after one of those upright and “temper flaring” meetings he concluded his notes of the meeting by saying… “after a session of smoothing down some ruffled feathers the meeting was adjourned.”
On February 9, 1959, the fire company voted to purchase an American LaFrance pumper for the price of $9,250.00. The chassis was a Ford Series 800 tilt cab which was purchased from Clifton Cannon at a cost of $5,500.27. Not more than 6 months later, the new fire truck was received at the station. This truck was equipped with a 750 gpm American LaFrance pump with a 1000 gallon booster supply. It is hard to believe that only 6 months elapsed from the time they placed the order and the time the truck arrived, completely finished and ready for service.
Realizing that even the best of equipment was little value if it was not properly manned by trained personnel, in the early 40’s – soon after it had been organized, the company started fire training courses under the direction of the Fire Extension Service of the University of Maryland. These courses were taken at home and at the university. In addition, periodic courses were held within the county in cooperation with other companies, in an effort to keep up with the latest methods of firefighting.
We find that during the June meeting in 1960, there was some discussion about a county wide central system of alerting the fire companies of an emergency. So, a base station and mobile units for the trucks were added in 1961 and the company was prepared to join the Worcester County Central Alarm System which was organized through the efforts of the Worcester County Volunteer Fireman’s Association and the Civil Defense System. This system was finally put into service in 1965, and by simply dialing the Central Alarm number for the county, 632-1313, and giving your name, address, and location of the fire or any other emergency situation, the nearest unit was dispatched to your assistance immediately.
With the knowledge that the men were unable to contend with some of the social activities occurring in the company without the help of their wives, a women’s auxiliary was formed in 1940. Since that time they have taken a strong, active part in the support of the company through their contributions of money and services. Their line of service has changed over the past years. We appreciate their services on the fire scene — supplying food and cold refreshments during the summer and hot coffee during the winter. Their services are also greatly appreciated during the spring and fall when the fire company holds its dinners. Today, they are as interested in the welfare of the organization as ever, and we take this opportunity to thank them publicly for their wonderful cooperation.
Starting in the early 60’s the members began to think strongly of a new firehouse. During the meeting on March 13, 1961, the floor entertained a motion to purchase a lot from Mr. Charlie Mumford for $1,500.00. This lot is where the existing firehouse is now located. It was reported in 1963, that the lot had been surveyed and would soon be cleared. A committee was then appointed to inquire about the design and construction of the new building.
At this point in the early 60’s the Bishopville Volunteer Fire Company owned the newly acquired lot, the youth center, and the building they used prior to purchasing the youth center. During the November, 1964, meeting the floor decided to put the building they had purchased from Mr. Josh Hickman in 1943, up for sale. This building and its property were eventually sold to Mr. & Mrs. Richard Dennis, Sr.
In February, 1965, we contracted with the James A. Hill Co., from Seaford, Del., to construct the new building for $62,000.00. This contract included the building only. It did not include any equipment for the kitchen, etc. Ground breaking ceremonies were held on March 6, 1965, at 2:00 p.m. The construction seemed to go along as scheduled with no unforeseen problems. After a little over a year, the dedication was held on Sunday, April 24, 1966. This ceremony featured many honored guests and speakers who expressed their congratulations to the Bishopville Volunteer Fire Company in the dedication of their new building.
The fire company, in July, 1966, was requested to send an engine and a crew to stand-by at the Ocean Downs Raceway, from which they would receive $25.00 per night. It was also possible for them to receive another $25.00 if they would send an ambulance and crew to stand-by. So, during the meeting in May, 1967, a committee was formed to look into the purchase of an ambulance.
This committee reported back to the company, during the next meeting in June, that a used ambulance could be purchased for $550.00. The members then decided to purchase the 1957 Cadillac ambulance. They also decided to purchase a radio for $790.00 which was to be installed in their new ambulance. The ambulance committee was to meet as soon as possible, after the meeting, to set up rules, regulations, and charges. In July of the same year, it was reported that the company was eligible to receive $500.00 from the County Commissioners in support of ambulance expenses. The ambulance responded to 19 calls during the first year in service. It was decided in 1968 to begin a membership drive to help support the ambulance. A total of 77 members were enrolled during the 1968 year.
In July 1968, it was reported that the 1939 Ford / American LaFrance pumper was sold to Marine Midland Development Corporation for $500.00. Also in July, a used 1964 Cadillac ambulance was purchased for $3,550.00. The fire company answered 25 calls with their ambulance in 1968 and doubled that amount to 52 in 1969.
In late 1966, it was voted to have biannual suppers to help pay for the new building. These suppers were originally held on the last Sunday in February and the first Sunday in October. These suppers were such a great success that we continue to have them today. It is interesting to note that in 1969 the prices of the dinners were $1.75 for adults and $1.00 for children. Today, the prices are $6.50 for adults and $3.00 for children.
A cadet advisory board was appointed during the meeting in June, 1969, to set up a long awaited cadet program. The cadet officers were announced during the October, 1969, meeting and the cadet meetings were scheduled for the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month.
Having been in the new firehouse for over 3 years, during the September 1969 meeting, the fire company decided to try to sell the youth center for $11,000.00 plus closing costs. It was not sold, however, until February, 1970, to Mr. Robert Hudson.
The fire company was still using the 1951 GMC panel truck as a utility / rescue truck in 1970. They decided in April, 1970, to purchase a 1964 International truck from Cannon Motors in Berlin. This truck had been used as a “biddy wagon” but was painted and converted to a rescue vehicle by Cannon Motors. The truck was purchased for $750.00 and the 1951 GMC was sold at an auction for $151.00.
The fire company was happy to announce in 1970, that the mortgage for the new firehouse had been paid in full. A mortgage burning was held during the summer.
In October, 1970, the ambulance committee reported that they had purchased a new 1969 Cadillac ambulance for $7,000.00 plus the trade-in on the old one. It seems as though the ambulance committee kept separate financial records, independent of the fire company during this time, for we find that during this meeting the floor voted to “lend” the ambulance fund $5,000.00 at 4½% interest.
In March, 1971, a committee was formed to purchase a new pumper and in July, 1971, unanimously voted to purchase a 1972 American LaFrance, Pioneer II, diesel engine truck for $33,410.00. This truck was equipped with a 750 gpm pump and was capable of holding 1000 gallons of water. The truck was sold in 2016 when replaced with our current Rescue Engine.
Also, in the 70’s the Bishopville Volunteer Fire Company sponsored the local boys of the area in minor league baseball. There was much enthusiasm during these years and the fire company sponsored as many as 6 minor league teams. In fact, in February, 1971, the local Fraternal Order Of Police donated $60.00 for uniforms. Unfortunately, the enthusiasm and the number of boys gradually declined and after a successful decade of boy’s minor league baseball the Bishopville teams faded out.
During the meeting in October, 1971, the floor accepted a bid by James Hill Co. for a 21′ x 50′ addition to the firehouse for $5,600.00. The addition was to include an ambulance bay, two storage rooms, and a “For Members Only” room. It was started in November, 1971, and completed in February, 1972.
Most of the information compiled to write this history was gathered from the notes made by the secretaries during the business meetings. We have already alluded to one humorous note that was found at the end of one of the meetings and there were many more. On October 25, 1971, the notes read… “after futile efforts to have a controlled burning, the fire just would not cooperate, so a short meeting was held.” There were many activities the fire company did before having a supper and the notes mentioned a “pot scrubbing” was to be held.
We also find mention of a piece of property that was supposed to have been purchased by the fire company. On February 12, 1973, the floor decided to have the bank appraise the Dunn property and report back to the fire company. During the next meeting it was voted on and approved to purchase the Dunn property for $11,000.00. However, the subsequent notes do not mention whether the offer was accepted. Nevertheless, we know the deal did not go through.
In November, 1970, we find the floor decided to purchase Plectron monitors for the members who lived in St. Martin’s Neck. The fire siren could not be heard this far away from the firehouse, so these men received Plectrons before anyone else. Then in October, 1973, the ambulance committee bought 10 more Plectrons from the ambulance fund for the firemen who answered the most ambulance calls. Not until June, 1974, did the floor vote to purchase Plectrons for the remaining firemen.
During the July meeting in 1974, Dr. Rufus Johnson, from the Maryland State Bank, offered to donate a piece of land located near the bank, to the fire company if we would write a letter agreeing to cover all lands that were to be developed in lower St. Martin’s Neck. The floor accepted the offer, however, we find again, the land deal did not go through. But we still agreed to cover all lands in the lower part of St. Martin’s Neck.
We find in 1974, the ambulance committee purchased another ambulance. Instead of the Cadillac style, the committee decided on a van style body. This ambulance was a demo 1974 Dodge with a Superior body and was purchased for $16,500.00 from Wolfington, Inc.
It was not until 1975 that the first chief’s radio was purchased for his personal vehicle at a cost of $300.00. During that year the fire company saw the need for designing their own brush truck. It was determined to purchase a 1976 Chevrolet 4 wheel drive truck from Warren Motors in Selbyville, Delaware for $5,791.00. The price was estimated at $7,000.00 to include all the custom equipment and work. The final price was $11,313.43 as noted on February 9, 1976. This truck was outfitted with a 300 gpm pump, a 190 gallon water tank, and a front mounted winch.
The men take pride in this vehicle because it was designed and constructed by the men themselves. This truck was not manufactured by a brand name fire apparatus company, but was proudly done by the Bishopville Volunteer Fire Company at a tremendous savings to the company.
It is interesting to note that in the early months of 1977, the fire company was involved in the CETA program and hired a custodian/ambulance attendant for $3.64/hr. Also, around that time the fire company purchased their first turret gun for 902 for $844.00.
In 1977, the Bishopville Volunteer Fire Company suffered an unfortunate incident in that the ambulance was totaled. Due to this incident, we would have been without an ambulance. However, Ocean City graciously loaned us the use of an ambulance until we purchased one in April, 1977. The new ambulance was a demo 1976 Dodge van with a Horton body, which we purchased from Ritter Sales, Inc. for $18,710.00.
Also, in 1977, the company saw the need for a new tanker. In May, 1977, a 1973 Ford chassis with a 4000 gallon capacity tank was purchased from New Jersey for $16,000.00. This truck was used as an oil truck in New Jersey and had to be modified to suit our needs as a water tanker. In June the truck was equipped with a pro pump and other equipment for an estimated cost of $4,000.00 which included painting and removing portions of the baffles in the tank. Once this truck was put into service, the fire company sold the 1951 Ford truck with the 2200 gallon tank and pump, which was on their first tanker in 1942, to Mr. Charles “Buddy” Jenkins, Sr. for $2,500.00 in September 1977.
During the meeting in June, 1979, the fire company narrowly passed a motion to purchase a combination rescue truck and ambulance. Many of the members saw the need for a second ambulance which would be used at Ocean Downs and to help answer the ever increasing number of ambulance calls in the community. This ambulance was a used 1976 Chevrolet dual-wheeled chassis with a 1973 Horton 500 box, which was purchased from Ritter Sales, Inc. for $12,000.00.
The first 5 pagers (monitors) were purchased in September, 1982. It seems as though 1983 was a quiet year, but in January, 1984, a new truck committee was formed to look into purchasing a new pumper by 1987 to comply with the state standards. Also, during the early months of 1984, the company was receiving bids on an addition to the rear ambulance bay.
Another unfortunate incident happened during a fire in March of 1984. The 1959 Ford / American LaFrance pumper (904) was severely burned. It looked as though she was totally destroyed. However, after further inspection the motor and pump were found to be in working order. As stated before, the fire company was thinking of enlarging the rear of the firehouse and therefore a decision had to be made on whether or not to fix up 904 or to go ahead with the addition. A special meeting was held in May to decide the matter. After seeing what the insurance company would pay towards refurbishing 904 to her original condition, it was determined to accept the offer from the insurance company and fix 904. The equipment committee, at that time, recommended that some additional repairs and optional items also be included in the fixing up of 904. These items totaled approximately $5,600.00. Since this figure was the only amount of money the fire company would have to spend, they also decided to go ahead with the addition as planned. The 1959 Ford / American LaFrance pumper was sent to Swab Co., located in Elizabeth City, Pennsylvania, for the complete repair job and was received back in the station on September 17, 1984.
Since 904 was out of service for approximately 5 months, this would leave Bishopville Fire Company with only one pumper. We would like to thank all neighboring fire companies for helping us in setting up dual response areas to aid in covering our territory.
During the meetings of June, July, August & September, there was much discussion on receiving bids for the new addition. Four bids were received, with Blades Construction receiving the nod of approval. Ground breaking was held on October 15, 1984, with a completion time of 2 months. Also, during these meetings it was decided to order 911 stickers and TOT finder stickers. These free stickers were distributed throughout the community in hopes that they would expedite the saving of lives, if the need arose. The Board of Directors also reported that 17 pagers had been purchased and had been distributed to the active members.
The new addition was finished in February, 1985, at a cost of $29,412.00 for the construction work that Blades Construction had completed, and $986.75 for the electrical work done by Davis Electric. This new addition decreased the parking space available which was of major concern during the two dinners which the company has in the spring and summer. The owner of the adjoining property, Mr. Warren Banks, has been gracious enough to allow us the use of his property for parking & various activities.
After many long months of compiling certain specifications that the fire company wanted to include in the purchase of their new fire truck, they sent bids to several manufacturers whom they felt were qualified to build this truck. When all of the bids were received back, the truck committee and the Board of Directors reviewed them and recommended to the floor that the FMC Co. had their nod of approval. During a special meeting in July, 1985, it was decided to accept their recommendation.
The cost of the new truck would be $136,317.00 for a custom-made pumper, and with the additional tools and equipment the final cost would be approximately $150,000.00. This new truck had a 1250 gpm FMC Ram Roughneck with a 1000 gallon water capacity. The chassis was a Spartan designed top-mount pump panel which allows unlimited visibility when pumping this vehicle at the fire scene. This truck was delivered in February, 1986, and placed into service on March 11, 1986.
During the fall of 1985, it was decided that our dining room needed a long awaited change of face. The room was panelled in a brighter color, new custom-made curtains were obtained, the ceiling structure was cleaned, and ceiling tiles were replaced, where needed.
A new ambulance committee was elected in December of 1985, and immediately began working on the purchase of a new ambulance. During a special meeting on May 5, 1986, the ambulance committee recommended that the company purchase a Wheeled Coach Box, Type 1 ambulance. This ambulance was a demonstrator model which had a dual-wheeled 1986 Ford chassis that listed for $54,000.00. This vehicle could be purchased from Wolfington Co. for $43,000.00. After further negotiations this vehicle was purchased for $39,000.00 and was received in May, 1986.
The fall months of 1986 brought the threats of devastating hurricanes. During one of these threats by Hurricane Gloria the Bishopville firehouse was used as an evacuation shelter. Many people from the community and from low lying areas of lower Delaware sought shelter here. Many people pulled together to make an unfortunate overnight stay as comfortable as possible for over 100 evacuees that found their way to our firehouse.
As the area that the Bishopville Fire Department encompasses continues to grow, and as future predictions foresee steadily increases in population, the fire company has entertained the idea of obtaining land in the lower St. Martin’s Neck area, on which a substation would be erected. During the meeting in October, 1986, it was noted that Mr. Louis J. Hickman would deed a lot 200′ x 200′ just off St. Martin’s Neck Road for this purpose. This deed was received and read to the members during the July, 1987, meeting.
It was brought up on the floor, during the November, 1986, meeting, that Mr. Bill B. Cropper and his family would sponsor a “Fireman Of The Year Award,” which would be given to a member who the fire company felt had gone above and beyond the call of duty for that year. This award would be given for at least the next 10 years. The members wholeheartedly accepted the idea and have successfully given the award to very deserving individuals.
The year 1987 was one in which general maintenance was accomplished on the firehouse, the fire equipment, and the property. The ceiling structure in the kitchen was repainted and new ceiling tiles were installed by the members. The 1972 American LaFrance (902) received a new paint job and minor design changes. The driveway was resurfaced with hot mix (blacktop) from the road to the end of the ambulance bays, and the parking lot was resurfaced with tar and chip. This resurfacing was done for a price of $11,450.00. An alarm system was installed by Tower Comm., Inc., from Seaford, Delaware, for $1,745.00. This alarm system will notify Worcester Central immediately when fire is detected in the building.
Also in 1987, we formed a rescue committee to look into the feasibility of purchasing a rescue truck. It seems as though much of the rescue equipment, whether used for vehicle accidents or for firefighting, is divided up among all of the fire trucks. A rescue truck would enable all of the needed equipment to be placed in one readily accessible location, whether on a fire scene or on an accident scene. After much discussion over the next few months the floor voted to send bids for a roll-up type truck rather than the more expensive box type. It was not until January, 1989, that a rescue truck was finally purchased. A roll-up type box was purchased from Hackney, Inc. and after the miscellaneous tools and equipment were purchased, the total cost was approximately $90,000.00. In the early months of 1988, the fire company took delivery of rescue equipment which had been purchased in the later part of 1987. These items included a Hurst tool with powersource, hose, cutter and spreader, a cascade system which allows us to refill our air bottles, and an air bag set which is used to lift heavy materials — aiding in the extrication of individuals which have been pinned beneath them. A Katolight 25 kw generator was also purchased in 1988. This reconditioned generator is powered by an L.P. gas driven engine equipped with electric start and is capable of powering the entire station during a power failure.
In May, 1988, an anniversary committee was formed, with Mr. Wayne Benson as chairman. Many special events have been planned to help us celebrate our 50th year of service. These events include an open house, to be held on April 23, 1989, and Bishopville’s first parade, to be held on September 30, 1989. Many items will be sold which announce our 50th year, such as t-shirts, hats, key rings, etc. A raffle is also planned. The winner will receive an all expense paid cruise for two.
Due to the unfortunate passing of two of our members, a P.A. system was donated in January, 1988, in memory of Mr. Harry Brasure, and the funds to construct a trophy case were donated in memory of Mr. William McCabe.
In 1988, a new addressing system was formed for the entire county. Due to the increase in the number of houses and the duplication of many road and street names over the past years, it has become increasingly difficult for Worcester Central Alarm to properly dispatch the needed equipment to the appropriate location. This new system was explained to our company during the October meeting, in which the members were asked for any input they might have. After much discussion and many explanations on how the system works the members were satisfied that this new system would help to alleviate most of the problems.
This fire department has seen many changes in its years of service — from an original enrollment of 40 members to an enrollment of 42 active members, and 9 associate members today. We feel as though we have come a long way since the 1939 pumper and a make-shift garage for a firehouse. This journey of 50 years would have been impossible if it were not for the community and its support. The Bishopville Fire Department is proud to serve the community of Bishopville and the surrounding areas.
