The Columbia Hose and Steam Fire Engine Company No . 1 was organized July 11, 1870 and became the first fire company to protect the borough of Shenandoah. The company was chartered July 29, 1872. The Columbia was first located in the "Old Brown School House" on Lloyd and West Streets. On November 28, 1870, the company moved to a new home on Market Street between Centre and Lloyd Streets. On December 2, 1870, a hose wagon arrived. The first fire was recorded on April 3, 1872. The first steamer was purchased in June of 1873.A second was purchased in March of 1878. The company then moved to a new hose house on December 22, 1874 which was located at 107 South Jardin Street. The borough hall, police department and the jail quarters were also at this location. Two horses were borrowed from the Columbia Brewery to pull the steam engines. They were trained to go to the front of the building and backed into the doors and the reigns that were fastened to the ceiling were dropped onto them.
Atop the building inside a tower, hung a 1,540lb brass bell. This bell was casted on December 20, 1875 by McShane Bell Foundry of Baltimore, Md. at the cost of $555.50. The bell was hoisted up into place on December 30, 1875....just in time to ring in the New Year, which was the centennial year of the United States of America. The tower itself were the bell hung was built by a local carpenter, Jerry Mears, who did not charge the Columbia for installing the bell. This bell rang its way thru fires and other disasters, the Centennial and Bicentennial of this country, two world wars, several other wars, conflicts, and "police actions". It was also rung for the 100th anniversary of the borough of Shenandoah in 1966. The bell was actively used until July 1970. Although it was moved on April 23, 1976 to sit in front of the current borough building, the bell is still in fact owned by the Columbia Hose Company. It is still rung on certain occasions.
The first motorized piece of equipment purchased was a 1921 LaFrance Pumper. The two steamers were dismantled in 1943 for scrap metal as an effort towards WWII. They were melted down and used to make bullets.
The Columbia has had many members in its history. At one time or another, the membership was well in the 100's. Parades for the Columbia were monumental as members were dressed in their company blues and marched proudly through the streets.
The building at 107 South Jardin St; remained the address of the Columbia Hose until 1997. The Columbia Hose is now located at 742 West Centre St. The old Columbia is now the home of the Schuylkill Fire Historical Society. A few apparatus' came and went between 1921 and present. Currently, the Columbia has a 1974 Hahn Engine(ironically, the engine company number is 742 and so is the company's address) and also has a 1989 GMC Equipment Carrier. On Friday February 9, 2007, we brought home our 2007 Pierce Enforcer Pumper!!! It's the latest piece into the company since the carrier. It's been long over due!!! Anyone is welcome to stop by our station and take a look.
Our 2007 Pierce truck housing took place on Saturday April 28, 2007. It was an awesome day for all who attended. There were 59 trucks in attendance. The ceremony was quite memorable. Phil Groody(fire chief from Ashland) was our MC, Frank Zangari(fire chief from Girardville) and Mike Kitsock(president of the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society) were our guest speakers. The speakers did an excellent job explaining our company history and what it means to have such a great new piece brought into the company. The Columbia is the first company in town to have rescue equipment for motor vehicle accidents. The company had 26 members complete all 3 levels of rescue training. The day also included an award given back to the company for the best overall Hahn; 3 awards given to company member Al Bubnis for his years of service; and last but not least the company created a special "Boom Bah" award that Rangers Hose Co, of Girardville walked away with for being the fun and outstanding company at our housing. We even gave out party beads to everyone!!! It was such a memorable day that will now be a part of Columbia's history. Check out the housing album page!!! Also there are a few pics on the Pierce Memories page...but we're in the process of adding more...from the first intial signing to order the Pierce til we brought her home.
Well as of Friday July 13th, 2007; our 1974 Hahn has found her way back to her original home on Jardin Street (the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society). Instead of trying to sell the piece or scrapping it, we thought it would be best to preserve the apparatus for future generations to see and admire. Also to hear stories of its 33 years of dedicated srevice to Shenandoah and its surrounding communities. The Columbia Hose is proud to say that this latest addition to the society has joined the Columbia's 1921 LaFrance that was placed in the museum last fall. Both trucks are back in the building where they were first initially put into service. Quite ironic! Anyone wishing to see these pieces along with many other apparatus from around the county plus various firefighting memorabilia may contact the historical society at 622-4302.
There are photos on the fun pics page of the Hahn returning home.
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