History


        After attempting to form a fire fighting unit from the early 1910's, Stuyvesant Fire Co. #1 was officially organized and had its first meeting on July 18, 1950.
        The first meeting was attended by 38 members. This meeting was held in the Stuyvesant Hotel. It was decided at that meeting the charter members would be assessed $.25 dues. For the next few months the membership was busy drafting the Fire Company's by-laws and Constitution, organizing the officers and their duties, and trying to raise money. Stanley Phillips, who was the Chairman of the entertainment Committee, started the first of many raffles held by the company. The prize was a 14 inch Crosley television, valued at $190. The raffle, which was won by John Mazure of Stottville, netted the Fire Company $292.50. In 1951, the Fire Company held it's first clambake, which was a big fund raiser and started collecting used paper. Later in the year the Fire Company encouraged the formation of a Ladies Auxiliary, which was formed at the end of 1951.
        On March 11th, 1952 the first official meeting took place in the new firehouse. Of course, it was a very special occasion. There were many things that needed to be purchased. Among them were silverware, chairs, tables, a refrigerator and a stove. In the fall of the year the Fire Company installed a heating system which was changed in 1990.
        In 1954 the Company started hosting Bingo Nights, which continued until 1959. At the January meeting in 1955 it was announced that a well would soon be driven at the firehouse and toilets installed.
        The first annual banquet was held on June 11, 1955 with tickets costing $1.75. The Company realized a profit of $4.75.
        The Company also attended 4 parades in 1955, with an average attendance of 49 members at each parade. On February 18, 1956 an appreciation night was held for Steven Montie, who most members will tell you "built the Fire Company".
        Later in the year the membership voted to install a telephone in the firehouse and a mirror on the right side of the fire truck. Building was started the kitchen and lounge in 1957 and was finished the following year. In 1959, Frank Doyle, Jr. was elected as the Treasurer of the Fire Company, a title he held continually up until 1993.
        In 1960 the Company purchased new uniforms for the members at a cost of $19.75 each. On May 15th, the Company started the Annual Roast Beef Dinner for the public which is still being held. Tickets back then were $1.00 for adults and under 12 free. On July 16, a 10th anniversary parade was held in town. According to the minutes the weather was nice and "a good time was had by all".
        It was reported at the November meeting in 1961 that there were 98 active and 35 social members. 1962 saw the Company purchase a ping pong table for the amusement of the younger members. This would be in addition to the dart board.
        At the annual clambake in 1963, over 400 were served. The Chief reported in December of '64 that there were 9 fire calls for the year. The Fire Company and the Fort Crailo Band combined efforts August 26, 1965 to hold fund raising concert. In 1966 cabinets and a work island were built in the kitchen for glass storage and to support the meat grinder.
        At the July meeting in 1967, the Company decided to disband the Blood Bank, which they had belonged to since the early 1950's. In 1968 a utility van was purchased and a new addition was added to house it. 1969 the prise of a clambake ticket had gone from $5.00 to $7.00 per ticket.
        At the March meeting in 1970 the Fire Company voted to canvas the town to sell its annual Roast Beef Dinner tickets. On February 9th, 1971 the monthly drawing, which continues today, was started. The first winner was Clyde Tipple from Mellenville. On September 17th, 1972 members participated in a donkey baseball game sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary. The following year a rug for the lounge was purchased, awnings were placed over the doors and a dry well was installed. Later, in 1974, the Fire Company voted to build a bay for the new fire truck at no cost to the tax payers. On July 12th, 1975 the 25th Anniversary of the Fire Company was held at Kozel's with 172 people attending. On August 22nd, 1976 an open house was held to show off the new addition and the new truck. The Ladies Auxiliary held their 25th Anniversary Banquet on November 20th, 1976.
        In 1977 the Company built a shed to enclose it's clam steamer and they had vinyl siding installed on the rear of the firehouse. At the April meeting in 1978 it was decided that a larger tank would be installed on the old pumper and that the truck's front bumper would be chromed. In 1979 the Company voted to put another addition on the firehouse.
        At the January 8th meeting in 1980 the Fire Company voted to start a 10 week club. They have been held every year since then. In 1981 the firemen started serving breakfast on Sunday mornings. Later that year the Company bought a plaque for the front of the fire house in memory of the late Steven Montie.
        At the August 10th, 1982 meeting the Fire Company endorsed George Treitler as a Director of the Columbia County Fireman's Association. In 1983 Mr. Treitler was elected as a Director which meant that the 1992 Convention would be held in Stuyvesant. In 1984 the Company purchased the sign in the front of the firehouse. At the annual election in 1985, David Montie, who was Fire Chief for 15 consecutive years, chose not to run for re-election. In 1986 part of the parking lot was blacktopped. 1987 brought concern to the Fire Company with talk of a burn plant in Stockport. The Chief reported a total of 28 calls for that year. In 1988 the Company purchased a new rug for the lounge, tables and chairs for the hall, and saw and port-a-power for the rescue truck. At the February meeting in 1989, the by-laws of the Fire Company were revised to change with the times. At the end of the year the membership was starting to gear up for the coming convention.
        At the August 14th meeting in 1990 it was reported that the Columbia County Fireman's Association gave permission for the Stuyvesant Fire Company to take care of the yearbook for the '90-'91 year. When the yearbook was finished in 1991 it was the largest book ever done by the Association at that time.
        At the 66th Annual Convention in Chatham, on July 27, 1991 George Treitler was installed as President of the Fireman's Association. Later that year a satellite dish was purchased for the firehouse. The firehouse was painted inside and out, new shutters were installed and work on the parking lot was done.
        1992 was the year that the Annual Convention was held in Stuyvesant for the first time. The Membership proudly and gratefully hosted firefighting from our area was a huge success. In 1993 the Fire Company sold its satellite dish and got cable installed. In September of 1994 the Company decided to sell 52-1, which was the first fire truck that the Company owned. At the April, 1995 meeting, the Company voted to endorse Bradlee Webster, Sr. for the office of Director of the CCVFA. In 1996, the pool table was resurfaced and it provided very lively competition after meetings for years. Betty Thomas donated some adjoining land to the Fire Company in 1997. 1998 saw the installation of acoustic tile to the hall walls in an effort to keep the noise down. In 1999, the Fire Company bought several bricks for the Firefighters Memorial.
        On July 14 - 16, 2000 the Fire Company celebrated 50 years of service to the community. There was an open house, golf tournament, banquet and fireworks. A time capsule which was dedicated and sealed in a wall at the firehouse will be opened in 2025. In  February of 2001, the members of Stuyvesant and Schodack Landing visited the Fireman's Home for "Bingo Night" as they have for many years. August of 2002 saw the Company purchase a new computer to help keep the records up to date.
        From 2002 to 2003, the Fire Company worked on the yearbook again. It was another success with 200 pages. On July 26th, 2003, Brad Webster was installed as the new President of the CCVFA. Since then and into that year, Mr. Webster was keeping the membership busy with both Quarterly Meetings and Directors Dinners.
        Today, Stuyvesant Fire Company #1 continues its commitment to protect and serve the town of Stuyvesant and its surrounding communities. Although the history recorded here is note worthy, the real history of our Company is in the countless fire calls and emergencies answered since 1950. Many of the names and faces have changed in our Company, but our commitment to excellence and community service shall always remain the same.
 


                              First Officers
              Of the Stuyvesant Fire Company in 1950

President.................Valentine Farinacci
Vice President............Jacob Gelhorn
Secretary.................William VanAlstyne
Treasurer.................William Berlin
Fire Chief................John Ptaszek
1st. Ass't Chief..........Lawrence Calkins
2nd. Ass't Chief.........Charles Mason
Captain....................Robert Clow
1st. Lieutenant...........Ralph Ham Sr.
2nd. Lieutenant...........Keneth VanAlstyne
                         
                                 
                                  Trustees

Harold Vedder                     Harold Clow                          Ira Hinkle



                    Charter Members

Edward Bedford
William Berlin
John Bloemer
Arthur A Calkins
Lawrence Calkins
Harold Clow Sr.
Harold Clow Jr.
Robert Clow
Joseph Costa
Chauncey Craft
Louis Crocco
Samuel Crocco
Stanley Cross
Charles De Marco
Frank Doyle Sr.
Frank Doyle Jr.
Valentine Farinacci
Harry Folmsbee
Guy Gamello



             

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