History

The Valley Cottage Engine Co Number 1 was formed in 1914. It was the evening of March 17, 1914 that the first regular meeting of the Valley Cottage Engine Company #1 was called to order by temporary chairman, Ira Hartwick. The other members present were: E.A. Anderson, F.F. Ackerly, J. Brooks, F. Brooks, J.H. Bierds, Frank Bierds, William Garrabrant, M. Goldstein, W.B. Hamblin, C. Hartwick, A. Hiscks, Henry Hess, Max Heymann, C.J. Meyer, William McVicker, and Willaim Nevin. Officers were elected, by-laws adopted, and showing an amazing optimistic outlook, 100 sets of by-laws and 300 applications for membership were ordered printed. They completed their organization activity by ordering stationery and arranging for the removal of trees from the property that would eventually house the fire station.

President:	Ira Harwick
Vice President:	William McVicker
Financial Secretary:	WB Hamblin
Recording Secretary:	CJ Meyer
Directors:	CJ Meyer, Frank Brooks, Frank Bierds
Foreman:	Henry Hess
1st Assistant Foreman:	J. Brooks
2nd Assistant Foremen:	William Nevin
Chief Engineer:	Edward Anderson

There were no fire hydrants in Valley Cottage, all the water for both fire fighting and general use came from wells. The first few fires were fought by bucket brigade. At the April 17, 1914 meeting the company approved J.M. Stevens as an architect, and estimates for a 35' by 75' building were ordered. Mr. Stevens donated his services, but the building itself would have to be paid for. The estimates/bids were as follows:

MW and H DeBaun:	$3,940
Isaac C. Post:	$3,850
Fredericks and Oycomans:	$3,914
John Dickerman:	$4,350
Charles McElroy:	$3.455
JH Rabian:	$4,300

These cost estimates were something of a shock. On July 17, 1914 the company's balance was $542.62, and although Mr. and Mrs. RA Kip had signed a quit-claim to the property, raising $3,500 was quite a feat. As the minutes of a meeting of September 1, 1914 members reported contacting the Rockland County Trust Company for a loan, but "..at the present time they (the bank) are not interested." Plans for a smaller building were developed, and the members decided to build it themselves. The project was completed and building first used on December 1, 1914. The final cost was $1,600, and the same Mr Rabian who had submitted the second highest bid along with Frank Brooks, William Nevin, William Garrabrant, and CJ Meyers did the bulk of the work. The majority of the work was done by the two Garrabrant brothers Frank and William A, who took two weeks from their jobs to finish it up. The first life memberships were granted to these two men, as well as William Nevin and JH Rabian for their service in the building the firehouse.