Washington Hose Co. Overview

Washington Hose Co. No. 1 - From the 75th Anniversary publication.

On November 18, 1867, a committee was appointed by Burgess William B. Morrison, consisting of Richard Strode, Craig Ridgway and Joseph Snydam to purchase hook and ladder fire apparatus, and house for same from Dr. Huston.

On June 1, 1868, the committee made this report to council. "Your committee appointed to ascertain the terms on which hook and ladder apparatus can be procured beg leave to report they have attended to the duty assigned them and find that the apparatus was bought by voluntary subscription for an amount something over $1700; a house was constructed for which to store apparatus, and a company formed. On the failure of the company to pay for the building, the apparatus was sold to defray the expenses. Il was bought by Charles Huston. M. D., for $480, at which price he is willing to sell it to the borough. We would therefore respectfully recommend the purchase of the apparatus and house on the terms of Dr. Huston."

On motion of Abram Gibbons, council purchased as per above resolution, apparatus and house for $480.

On April 13, 1871 council appointed Moses Rambo and Samuel M. Brown to procure hose carriage and hose.

Committee on May 1, 1871 reported having purchased hose carriage for $225 and 805 feet of leather hose with necessary branch pipes, etc., for $982.90.

The following resolution was passed by town council September 4. 1871; "That the burgess of Coatesville present the fire apparatus to Washington Hose Co. No. 1, for the use of said borough. but not to be disposed of by them. The council and their successors reserve the right to take possession of the apparatus should said company a t any time become inefficient or objectionable to council."

Signed-Burgess William B. Morrison, Councilman Samuel M. Brown, William T. Hunt, Samuel H. Lawrence and Moses Rambo.

Washington Hose Co., was organized June 12. 1871, and incorporated August 17, 1871.

The first meeting was held September 1, 1871. John Speakman was elected president pro tem. Samuel S. Wood was elected president.