 ChincoteagueThe Fire Company |
(The text and photos included in these sections are from Lillian Mears Rew's book, Assateague & Chincoteague: As I Remember Them. The copyright belongs to Mrs. Rew's family, and the sections included here are reprinted by permission. Please note that the text and photos may not be reproduced in any form without prior written permission.) |
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First Fire of Chincoteague - September 5, 1920
A disastrous fire on Chincoteague, Virginia, which broke out at 1 o'clock on Sunday morning, September 5th, 1920, destroyed several of the largest and most important buildings of the town and a number of dwellings. The flames swept every building in a whole block from Church Street, to and including the Atlantic Hotel; every building was burned to the ground, and at one time the whole town was threatened with destruction. The fire originated in the ice cream parlor or saloon of L.N. Doughty and was fanned by a stiff northeast wind, and thus quickly it spread to other buildings. The town at this time was not connected by Causeway with the mainland and, therefore, could not receive assistance from other fire companies. However, the Assateague, Wallops, and Popes Island residents went to the scene and rendered what help they could by collecting furniture and other things that could be saved. The fire engine failed to work, and little headway could be made by those who fought bravely with buckets. The white building facing the Causeway today, now owned by the Watson heirs, and huge trees, prevented the spread of fire to other buildings. Some place the loss in buildings at $90,000, though some Insurance was collected. The following buildings were completely destroyed: Atlantic Hotel and furniture owned by William J. Matthews, Mrs. C.S. Burton's House, the home of John T. Mears, ice cream parlor run by Mrs. Selena Bodley (stock valued at $1000), dwelling and store owned by Charles Jeffries, "Corn Crib Home" owned by William C. Bunting, The Marine Bank, the ice cream parlor conducted by L.N. Doughty. A number of people were left homeless by the fire, but they were taken care of by the good people, who opened their homes to them. Second Fire - February 25, 1924Chincoteague Island was visited by the second largest fire in its History on Monday night, February 25th when a fire, originating in the barrel factory of the Farmers Manufacturing Company on North Main Street, swept the factory, railroad dock and offices, and the Whealton big store, occupied by Belote Lewis and Company, within a short time. Back of the big store were the offices and dock of Whealton's Oyster Company, and the Ice House of "Wimbrows" Sons. The offices of Doctors W. M. Burwell and Warren P. Lewis were on the second floor of the Whealton Store. Just how the fire originated is unknown. Passersby saw a light on the inside of the barrel factory and gave the alarm. The fire had gained such headway that it was impossible to control it. Fanned by a northeasterly breeze, the flames quickly spread to the dock adjoining, and to the Whealton Store. The fire was discovered about 9 o'clock and by 12 o'clock was under control, with the loss as above stated. That the loss was not greater is due to the fact that the Vesta Clayville dwelling south of the big store had recently been moved across the street, and the vacant lot gave an advantage to the fire fighters in centering their efforts to save the buildings occupied by William D. Steelman. The volunteer fire fighters were handicapped by a snowstorm.
The fire loss was very heavy, some estimates running to $50,000, with $30,000 insurance. The estimated losses were: Belote and Lewis and Company, stock of goods worth $20,000 with $15,000 insurance; big store, building worth $15,000 with $7,000 insurance; Railroad office and dock, $5,000; barrel house, $1,000; on the dock at the time of the fire were quantities of clams belonging to J.T. Rowley, K.J. Jester, and James C. Steelman. The Big Store, the largest and most up-to-date on the Eastern Shore, was owned by D.J. Whealton. The Masonic Temple and Marine Bank were damaged by the fire. As soon as the fire was discovered the alarm was sent to neighboring towns. The Pocomoke fire fighters came to the scene, but before they arrived the fire was under control. They stayed for quite some time pouring water on the burning ruins,. Plans were soon made to rebuild and clean up the town during these dark days of their troubles and losses. Pennsula Enterprise While Pocomoke firemen were fighting the fire in Chincoteague, flames threatened Pocomoke City, Maryland, where the Evans store was destroyed. Chincoteague Volunteer Fire CompanyOn September 5, 1920, the East side of town was destroyed by fire, and on February 25, 1924, the West side of town was destroyed by fire. These events caused a group of men to organize aganist such terrible things with the help of the first chief, Mr. Ebe Jones, and a few men and very hard workers. Today we are proud to say the town of Chincoteague has one of the most modern Fire Companies on the Eastern Shore and Chincoteague is proud of these faithful firemen, who are always ready and willing to answer the call when needed.
The motto of this company is "Service for Others." Today a large number of firemen serve this community, and other communities when needed. Many members have served as officers of this great Fire Company.
Some of them were Paul Tatem, Secretary; T. Brooks Hudson, President; Wilson Thornton, Treasurer; Lloyd Williams, lst Assistant; Chief James Quillen, Vice-President; Allen Quillen, Assistant Secretary; William Wimbrow, Chief; Carl Jester, 2nd Assistant Chief. Other officers have faithfully served the Chincoteague Fire Company, many of whom have gone on to receive their reward. In 1983, the following officers were elected: Harry Thornton, President; Benny Bowden, Vice-President; J.W. Jeffries, Secretary; Keith Thornton, Assistant Secretary; Wilson Thornton, Treasurer; Ollie Reed, Chief; Joe Thornton, Jr., lst Assistant Chief; Roland Hitchens, Chief Engineer; Chris Conklin, Assistant Chief Engineer. Ladies Auxiliary of the Volunteer Fire CompanyAbout 40 women joined this great Auxiliary in 1924. These were difficult times for everyone on the Island, for great losses had occurred in many ways because of the fires that had left many without homes and businesses in our town. When the men decided to organize a fire department, the women decided to help the firemen by organizing a Women's Auxiliary. A meeting was held one night in a cold, dirty room over the restaurant of Mr. John Gallagher. At this organizational meeting, "Miss" Victoria Pruitt was elected the first president of the Ladies Auxiliary, along with a vice-president, secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer, and chaplain. At the first meeting of the firemen, it was decided that a pony penning would be an annual affair, and the last Thursday in July was declared to be Pony Penning Day. On that day a certain number of ponies (brought over from Assateague on Wednesday) would be sold at auction. On Friday those not sold would swam back to Assateague. People from all parts of our Country came to join in the festival of that day. It was then the women of the Auxiliary made plans to serve meals to those who came, which was a big undertaking for them. The officers and the other members began to make their plans. Everyone seemed to be willing to do her job. The women that couldn't help at the Carnival ground did many things at home to aid them. Potatoes were carried to the older ladies' homes. These were peeled, washed, and cut-up and sent out to those who cooked. Salad was made and potatoes were used in their "pot pies" of chicken and dumplings. Turnip greens were picked, washed, and cooked, and many other vegetables were prepared. Women would make cakes, pies, cornbread and other things to be sold by the Auxiliary. Those who couldn't do some of the things mentioned above would give to the collectors of each neighborhood, money, coffee, cream, sugar, flour, and many other articles that were needed by the workers of the Auxiliary. By doing these small things, they made big things. And, remember, too, most all of these things used were donated to them. The nearby farmers gave willingly to help this great cause - The Firemen's Organization. Today times have changed greatly. Most of the Charter members have passed away. (The writer is a charter member and one or two more). Most of the records of Ladies Auxiliary couldn't be located at the present time, though from 1950 to 1957 some records were located.
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