The History of

Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire Company

Please understand that this history was written approximately 25+ years ago and has not been updated recently.  As soon as I get the information, I will be updating this page.  It is in best interest of the Fire Company that the history be untouched.   A few side notes have been added.   Updates will follow!

Be sure to visit the World War Memorial Plaque that sits in front of the fire hall.

Ladies Auxiliary History

Download the Microsoft Word Document:  History.doc

PREFACE

Because the following story was originally written for publication in the O’Hara Centennial book, the writer has included some sidelights concerning the community.  Also several paragraphs will be found which are specifically directed to the public.

The Company has never had an official historian and because some of the records have been lost, the writer begs forgiveness for errors in context and for the unintentional omission of some names who contributed so much to the formation and progress of the Company.

Only a portion has been devoted to what might be called actual history.  Some elaboration has been made on certain events, and of the founder of the Company, George S. Weir.

Some parts might be classified as fantasy, but it is hoped it will bring a little nostalgia to the older and retired members, and a chuckle or two to the younger buffs.

Credit and thanks are given to the many members who have contributed to the compiling of this narrative.  Special thanks to ; Charles Mertens, Edward Lutz, Cyril Farbacher, Ray Staniszewski, Walter Schiffbauer, and William Fischer.  Also to some members of the Ladies Auxiliary and to the files of the Sharpsburg Herald.

                    Arthur J. Fugh

OUTLINE OF THE EARLY DAYS

The simple chronological listing of the events during the sixty-six (now ninety-one)-year history of the Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire Company would not be an accurate story.  Nor would it make for very interesting reading, nor would it reflect the triumphs and the heartaches of those early pioneers.

Rather it must be the tale of many dedicated men who diligently and unselfishly devoted their time and talents during the early years to provide some sort of fire protection for this small community in the southwestern corner of O’Hara Township.

While Pleasant Valley was not an industrial community, it was composed of many closely spaced frame houses.  Heated for the most part by coal fires, or by oil heaters, or in some cases by open fireplaces.  These conditions in themselves posed quite a fire hazard.

It was rare indeed at that time for townships of the second class (which O’Hara was then) to have their own fire protection.  They relied instead upon nearby towns or boroughs for this service.

A few bad fires, one at the Johnson home on Kittanning Pike, and another at the Whited home on Winschel Street (in which it is reputed that one or two lives were lost) triggered a few civic minded citizens into action.  As a result, George S. Weir called upon interested persons to meet at the home of John A. Aupke (who lived at that time in the large house just west of the present fire house) for the express purpose of organizing a fire company.

The first group met on March 29, 1909, with Mr. Weir presiding.  While there may have been more present at this first meeting, the records mention only these few: Charles Aupke, John Aupke, John C. Fugh, William C. Schneider, and Mr. Weir.

At this session, Charles Aupke was elected treasurer, William C. Schneider as secretary, and John C. Fugh president, an office he held until 1944.

Within a period of a month, four more meetings had been held.  The next two at the Aupke place, and the latter tow at the Seitz School House, our present site.

By now a set of by-laws was under construction, and the roster comprised the following names in addition to those already mentioned: Rudy Becker, Henry Beuhler, Varentine Borne, J. “Clay” Burke, Samuel Eastland, Theodore S. Eiszler, Albert Gallagher, Elmer Grubbs, Frank Grubbs, John Harrison, Jr. James Meade, Henry Hofer, Fred Jacob, Theodore Kunde, Alex Meyer, Albert Smith, Harry Smith, William A. Stamm, Oscar Whited and Wilson Wunderlich.

These names are mentioned not only because they became known as charter members of the company, but also because many of them were, or came from families who were residents of the area even before O’Hara Township became a separate political sub-division.

Within another month a parcel of land had been leased from the Center View Hospital Association for an annual rental of $15.00.   This lot was located on Kittanning Pike opposite the foot of Mary Street.  By July a new structure appeared on this site, the first permanent home of the fire company.

It may be of interest to note, in these days of inflated prices, that the cost of materials for this building was $192.00.   Contract to supply same was award to W. T. J. Saint Co.  They were lumber and hardware dealers and the predecessor of the present Sharpsburg Hardware Co.

The building was a modest two-story structure about twenty foot square.  The lower floor was two house the anticipated new fire apparatus, with a meeting room upstairs.  Furniture for the meeting room, consisting of a table, “Captain’s” chairs, and of course some cuspidors which were obtained for a nominal sum from a local club.

Labor to erect the building was entirely volunteer, with Mr. Albert Smith (a carpenter) in charge.  Mr. Smith then resided at the present home of William Kelly on Ann Street.  There being no electricity in Pleasant Valley at that time, the building was piped for gas at an additional cost of $12.00.

Those of us who wince at present utility bills will take no comfort in learning that the Company’s gas bills amounted to less than $1.00 in summer and less than $3.00 in winter when gas stoves provided heat for the engine and meeting rooms.

An interesting sidelight is that the Company installed a gas light outside, havind a continuous pilot.  A dangling chain permitted passersby to turn it on at nightfall and off in the morning.  This, together with a few other such lights at Stamm’s Store, Balbach’s and Brindle’s taverns, provided the street lighting system of the day.  It is reputed, however that a few post mounted such lights along an old boardwalk in a portion of the Valley also provided some sort of public illumination.   How modern can a small community get for early twentieth century?

Even with the low costs at that time the young Company found it difficult to meet its obligations.  By September of 1909, only $134.25 had been raised by popular subscriptions.  The nation was just recovering from the recession years of 1906 and 1907.  While the records do not point it out, there is no doubt that the members, in addition to their time and efforts and the Company dues of 25 cents per month, ($3.00 per year) also aided financially to balance the budget.

The membership continued to grow, and while it is not feasible to list all these by name, William H. Fischer was among the very first.  He was then caretaker of the Tree of Life Cemetery and the grandfather of our chief (ret).  The active membership list was limited to twenty-five for some time.  However a waiting list soon developed, known as associate members.  Thus any vacancies occurring in the active ranks caused by death, resignation, removal from the Township, or by suspension, (Yes, they even had disciplinary action in those days), were quickly filled.  Those applying for membership faced one undesirable and probably unnecessary obstacle.  The original by-laws denied membership to anyone who received three no votes (commonly called black-balls).  It should be said however in defense of such a ruling that not more than one or two applicants were denied membership in this manner. And that possibly because of some physical reason rather than personal.

Meanwhile the first piece of fire-fighting equipment was under construction by the Weir Wagon Works.  This works was located in Pittsburgh on what was then Pike Street, later moving to 25^th and Liberty Ave.

It may be appropriate here to point out a few pertinent things about George Weir, the founder of the Company and of the Weir Wagon Works.  Mr. Weir and his father, James Weir were old residents of the area.  They resided then where Charles L. Mertens (former Commissioner of O’Hara Township) now resides.  James G. Weir was the one time Commissioner of Allegheny County.  He was instrumental in having Kittanning Pike macadamized from Sharpsburg Borough line to Dorseyville Road.  While it became a toll road then (hence the name Pike) it was among the first, if not the first road to be so paved in Allegheny County.

George Weir was president of the Greenwood Cemetery Co.  He will be remembered by the lunches he served to the Veterans during their services there on “Decoration Day”.  Even today, he is honored by the Veterans who place a wreath on his grave on Memorial Day.

George was interested in sports and sponsored several ball clubs.  He was an excellent shot on the billiards table, but his forte was bicycling racing.  He once won the National Championship Bicycle Race from Buffalo, New York to Pittsburgh.  It was reported that the rivalry and betting on this race was very keen.  So keen in fact the some henchmen of an opponent of George’s tried to poison him.  A deed for which they were apprehended and served some time in prison.  And these were supposed to have been the “Good Old Days”. (?)

Mr. Weir also served as Justice of the Peace in O’Hara Township for many years.  Stories are told of how he always tried to resolve the issues brought before him so that both parties departed contented, and this he did with considerable success and regularity.  He said that on one occasion he found it necessary to impose a fine of $5.00, but when learning the defendant had no money, he had to pay the fine himself.  Maybe this is why he never earned the title of “Fining Squire”.

He, together with Fire Chief W. C. Meyer, of Sharpsburg were among the organizers of the Western Pennsylvania Firemen’s Association, this is about 1889.Weir was a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and attended several conventions of the same in foreign countries.   One convention of the International he liked to talk about was held in the United States aboard one of the palatial steamers that once sailed our Great Lakes.  While the steamer plied the waters from Cleveland to Chicago, the business of the convention was conducted.   He said the percentage of delegates answering roll call at the meetings was extremely high.  The reason is obvious.

In addition to building and repairing wagons, the Weir Wagon Works (of which George was a partner) designed and built many pieces of horse-drawn fire fighting apparatus.  They built the first apparatus for the Borough of Sharpsburg, as well as for many other towns in Western Pennsylvania and for the City of Pittsburgh.  Mr. Weir liked to relate some of the problems encountered when they were commissioned to build the first eighty-five foot, hand-winched raised, wooden aerial ladder for the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire.  Their pride was understandable when the darn thing worked!

In slack times they would make sleds and bird houses for the kids.  There was scarcely a boy or girl (yes, girls used to sled-ride too) in the Valley who was not the proud possessor of one of Mr. Weir’s bright red wooden sleds, with his or her name neatly painted on it.  The cost of these sleds or houses? Nothing!

The writer would also like to elaborate upon some of the other “first members”, but for the sake of brevity (Huh?, the admirable quality of brevity has already been violated) will not.  However I will defend my case by saying that the foregoing facts (some perhaps little known) about the FOUNDER of the Company may be of some interest to some of the present members who did not know Mr. Weir.  That from him, and of course, man of the other first members, they may get some additional inspiration and zeal to further them in their adopted avocation of fire fighting.

Let us just mention briefly:

President John Fugh, who guided the actions of the infant Company in the proper direction, and who, acting exofficio on all committees prodded them to progress.

William A. Stamm, long time treasurer, whose guardianship of the exchequer, and whose wisdom had a great leveling effect on the members.

John A. Aupke, the first Chief, whose efforts to teach his rookies the basics of fire-fighting with the meager tools available, kept up interest in the Company.

William C. Schneider, who so accurately kept the records and whose ethical principles created an aura of respectability for the young Company.

Oscar Whited, whose mania for cleanliness always kept the premises presentable.

Numerous others, whose talents as carpenters, plumbers, painters and just handymen kept the property of the Company in repair.

And of all those whose ability in conducting social affairs, in fund raising, and spreading the gospel of fire protection among the residents.  Slackers in the Company were rare, indeed!

An early source of revenue for the Company was the holding of the Annual Turkey Shoot and Raffle on Thanksgiving Day.  These were held at Hofer’s Blacksmith Shop, located on Kittanning Pike and Lower Road.  The “shooting” range being alongside the shop, with the “paddle-wheel” inside.  The wheel was a real “paddle-wheel”, marked off in thirteen spaces, numbered one to twelve and one blank space.  Tickets, rather than of paper as used today, were made of wood in the shape of a small paddle.  Of course the paddle had to be retrieved after each spin of the wheel.  Some of the purchasers would wander off with them but the “paddle-caddies” knew they could usually be found at Balbach’s, the nearest tavern.   These old time wooden paddles no doubt gave the name “Paddle-Wheel” to the present wheel-of-chance.

 Sharpshooters, toting their precision guns, would come from far and near to display their marksmanship.  Some became consistent winners, however this did not deter others from trying their skill, using the rather inferior rifles provided by the Company.   Sometimes even one of these would hit the bullseye on the target.  The offerings to the winners in those days included LIVE turkeys, chickens, ducks, geese and even suckling piglets.

This annual event has been continued even to the present day (not since the late seventies), with minor (?) variations.   The shooting range has gone, the paddle-wheel and tickets have been replaced with bingo cards, it is no longer held on Thanksgiving Day, and the live stock has been replaced with frozen carcasses.

One such event is worthy of note.   In the early thirties, in the present building, when James McChesney was chairman of the Social Committee (Mr. McChesney was also a former Commissioner of the Township) a new type of bingo was proposed by him.  He suggested selling a card for 25 cents, each card good for twenty-six games.  Less than a penny a game!  A chicken to every winner, and every fifth game a turkey to one lucky player.  Impossible!  Ridiculous!  Can’t make any money that way!  Everyone said to Jim.  But Jim had foresight.  He said this was something new.  A lot of people would come.  Well he was right!   A lot of people did come.  Four hundred and eighty four by actual count.  We had bingo players on the dance floor, in the engine room, in both upstairs rooms, even sitting on the staircases to play their cards.  As the immense crowd grew, we quickly borrowed more tables and chairs from surrounding fire companies and undertakers.  About three thousand bingo cards were being played.  It was a huge success, and the skeptics had to eat a lot of “crow” and admit that Jim was right.

We continued this type of play for several years, and to eliminate confusion, call boxes were installed in various rooms to relay a winner back to the “caller”.

Other notable Chairmen of the “Social Committee” consisted of Harry Popp, Clarence Thompson, Lawrence Cook, Edward Lutz, Lester VanScyoc, Irvin Black, and others which have slipped the writer’s mind.

It was a proud and gala day indeed for the old firemen and the citizens of the Valley when at last the little four-wheeled, hand-drawn fire cart (costing less than $100.00) finally arrived.  For fire fighting gear it boasted of four two and one half gallon soda-and-acid extinguishers (then called Babcocks) and three 14-foot ladders to reach almost any house in the Valley.  Complementary equipment consisted of axes, crowbar, pike-pole, rope and buckets.  A large toolbox mounted above the rear axle provided storage space for supplies for the extinguishers.  A gong was mounted at the rear left to gain right-of-way if this was indeed necessary.   For lights, two kerosene lanterns graced the front stanchions, while two beautiful cone-shaped, nickel-plated oil torches adorned the rear ones.

It is quite a thrill to see a big modern fire truck speeding to the scene of a fire, with its well trained crew ready to do battle with the monster fire with the most up-to-date equipment and tools.  Even more exciting was the sight of an old time horse drawn hook-and-ladder, or an old steam pumper, with its stack belching black smoke to get up steam to operate the pump while in route to the fire.

But picture, if you will, our old timers responding to the call of a night fire with their little cart.  Many of them only half clad, pulling their beloved wagon noisily over the rough streets, the fumes of the flaming rear torches biting into the eyes of those helping to push on the rear of the ladder bank.  Notice the one proud individual valiantly yanking on the gong rope.

At the scene of the fire (and not wishing to downgrade or belittle ANY present fire department, with all their 300 horsepower rigs, it must be said that sometimes the oldsters arrived even sooner than the modern behemoths) a bucket brigade was quickly, if not more or less clumsily, formed from the nearest well to the top man on the ladder.  Even in those days certain men had their specific duties.  There were ladder men, axe men, chemical men, bucket men, and of course the officer with the big leather megaphone shouting somewhat meaningless orders to his men.   But the great (if rather dubious) honor of unreeling the draw rope and pulling the cart, with the lucky two acting as tillermen, those who grasped the two large iron rings at the front of the short tongue, with which to steer the apparatus.  Fantasy?  Perhaps.  Keystone Comedy?   Maybe. But to them in those days the Glory was REAL!

What these old timers lacked in equipment, they made up for in fervor and enthusiasm.  The record of homes saved, where a minor blaze may have become a conflagration is quite impressive.

One such example was the Seitz School house, when a minor blaze was quickly extinguished and saved the school from possible destruction.

Probably the longest run this cart was called upon to answer was a barn fire ateh the Shaner place, atop Greenwood Hill.   A distance of about a mile, and all uphill.   The barn was ablaze on arrival and lost, but surrounding homes were saved, and this in spite of high winds.  Isn'’ this about all sometimes present firemen are able to accomplish.

Another bad fire occurred in a tenement house on Division Street.  Those trapped by the fire were successfully rescued.  Help was summoned from Sharpsburg and Etna but again the building was lost, however nearby hoses were saved.

As you may have surmised from this, the oldsters were not too proud to call for help in the time of need.  It is recorded that in addition to letters of thanks to assisting Companies, a box of cigars was usually included.  Something for the neighborhood firemen to enjoy at their next meeting.

In fancy, let us sit in on one of the meetings of early P.V.V.F.Co.  Listen to the pioneers sitting around in a smoke filled room, discussing the last social event, or perhaps planning the next one.  Or re-hashing the latest fire.  A fire which became more of a holocaust, and the deeds of the men more heroic with each re-teller.  Take part in the argument (if the treasury permitted it) whether to buy a new extinguisher, a new card table, a checker board, some new playing cards, or perhaps even a bright new shiny brass cuspidor.  A discussion, which before it was over, probably waxed hotter than at some of the present day meetings trying to decide whether to buy a new 1000 gallon pumper or a new aerial truck.

Even after its retirement the Little Red Cart was preserved for some time, but alas, today it has gone the way of the “One Horse Shay”.  The final, and rather humorous use of that cart happened sometime during the thirties.  It was rumored that Pittsburgh City Council had decided to abandon Fire Station No. 9, at Butler Street and McCandles Avenue.  Some concerned citizens of Lawrenceville ask if they bay borrow the Cart.   When permission was granted, they paraded it around the streets bearing signs “This will soon be our only fire protection”.  It is not known what effect this may have had, but Engine Co. No. 9 is still there.

By January of 1910 the first alarm system was installed.  This consisted of a gong placed outside the fire station, and several alarm boxes scattered throughout the Valley.  The system was powered by a battery of primary (blue vitriol) cells.  An eight-day wind-up clock, arranged to break the circuit every three hours, sounded the gong and provided a time check for the residents, as well as a circuit check.   The clock was later replaced with a self-winding timepiece.

Soon a tower was erected alongside the building to house a 36-inch bell and striker.  This tower really added to the appearance of the building and made it look a lot more like a Fire House.  The system was augmented from time to time by the addition of more call boxes, extending along the Lower Road as far as Maurers Lane on Kittanning Pike.  When electricity became available in the Valley (about 1917) the primary cells were replaced with Gamewell F.I.P. storage cells, and a motor-generator installed.  This also necessitated a new switch board.

Much credit is due Chief W. C. Meyer and Mr. Walter Wetzel, then Superintendent of Water and Light in Sharpsburg, for helping to procure and install some of the equipment.After moving to the present location, the final improvements were made on this system.  A small mill siren was installed on the Lower Road, self-charging devises were added, and later a larger siren placed atop the belfry.  This system served well until the mid sixties, when, with the aid of the Township and Federal funds, the present telephone-radio call system was installed.  This radio system provides communication between all the local fire departments and is a great aid in calling for help.

About 1917 an addition was added to the old fire house to provide more room for social adctivities.  The second floor was extended rearward to more than twice its original size, and an outside stairway provided.

While the primary purpose of the addition was to provide more space for money raising activities, it was also made available free of charge to any non-profit civic group in the area.

Many of the older residents will recall some of the events held in this hall.  How about the boxing matches, the fish fries, corn roasts, pie socials, suppers, smokers, card parties, and of course, the box socials.

Ah!  Those box socials.  In case some of you youngsters don’t remember the old time “Box Social” it worked something like this.  The young ladies would prepare a lunch and pack it in an elaborately decorated box.  These were auctioned off to the highest bidding gentlemen.  This determined partners for the party.  Some coy young ladies would hint to her best beau how here offering was decorated.  Imagine his consternation when after offering a bid, his “buddies” would overbid him until he had to part with half a week’s salary to buy it.  Or consider the chagrin of the fellow who (perhaps even being double-crossed) would part with his hard earned dollars only to find he had obtained someone not of his choice.   But it was all in fun, and the Fire Company was the gainer.

If this seemed to have a romantic overture, maybe this is the place to mention about the time the Company unwittingly played Dan Cupid.

The Western Pennsylvania Firemen’s Convention was held in New Kensington in 1926.  The Company’s first motorized apparatus was just about a year old, and they wished to show it off at the convention parade.  The convention town also was holding as a part of the convention, a beauty contest.   Participating Companies were invited to select a girl from their town, put her in the parade to compete for the prize.  It so happened that one Kathryn Pollock of Pleasant Valley had entered the Miss Pittsburgh contest a year previous, and placed among the first ten.   Miss Pollock consented to represent Pleasant Valley in the parade.  However the problem was, no one in the Valley had a suitable convertible with which to parade our beauty through the streets of New Kensington.  A debonair young man from Sharpsburg had a nice convertible and by some persuasion was prevailed upon to do this chore.  Well, Miss Pollock placed only fourth in the contest, but she placed firest in the heart of the young man.  The young man married the young lady, moved to Pleasant Valley, became a member of the Fire Company and started a business.  You will all remember the pair as Katey and Cy Farbacher.

The new addition, or hall, to the old fire house was also used by other groups.  These included baseball, football, and basketball teams.  One group called the Honor Girls, held many affairs there for the benefit of and entertainment of the boys returning from service in World War 1.

Speaking of soldiers, a small honor roll was placed at the old fire house to pay homage to those of the third district O’Hara having served in the first World War.  Today, at our present site a large bronze tablet, set in a beautiful stone mounting commemorates those of all wars from both the second and third districts.  This was paid for by popular subscription while the maintenance was underwritten by the Fire Company.

This same room was also used as a meeting place by the Township Supervisors, and later by the Township Commissioners when O’Hara became a first class Township.  The Commissioners also held their meetings at the new firehouse until the present Township Office building was erected on Fox Chapel Road.  While no formal rental was charged, a token sum of $30.00 per annum was proffered.   After 1932 the Commissioners saw it fit to raise the tent to $60.00 per year.

By 1922 the waiting list of Associate Members had grown quite long.  It was decided to change the by-laws to permit 50 active members.  This new quota was soon filled.  It might be said the growing Company had reached a sort of plateau, a king of hay-day, if you will.

About this time a new Fire Company was being formed in O’Hara Township, in the Hoboken section.  This company was the forerunner of the present day Blawnox-Glenover Fire Department.

Talk now turned to the possible purchase of a piece of motorized fire equipment, and tentatively to purchase a new lot and erect a new building.  The lot and new firehouse did not materialize at this time, but a new fire truck did make its appearance.

In 1925 a Chevrolet truck chassis was bought from the Pleasant Valley Garage, John J. Collins, prop. and also a member of the Fire Company.  Contract was awarded to American LaFrance Co. to mount thereon two 30-gallon soda-and-acid chemical tanks, hose bed, ladders, and other fire fighting paraphernalia.  Total cost of the equipment, about $2,100.00.

The acquisition of this new truck greatly increased the area served by the Company.  Indiana Township was still without fire protection.  The Borough of Fox Chapel had not yet been informed out of O’Hara Township.  While the new Hoboken Company took care of the eastern part of O’Hara quite well, the Valley covered the entire western area and southern Indiana Township to the Dorseyville section.

While the alarm system did not extend throughout this whole area, the telephone was now coming more and more popular and fire calls were received via phone.  These calls were received at either the Grocery store of William A. Stamm or the Seed store of John C. Fugh.  Because of extension phones in their residences, calls could be received both day and night.  It was noted that vibrations caused by the holding of dances, etc. in the upstairs hall affected the sensitive mechanism of the self-winding clock, and it was moved to Fugh’s store.  A circuit breaker arrangement on the clock permitted the rural alarm (2-3; 2-3; 2-3; 2-3) to be turned in quickly from that point.

A few of the more important fires at which the Chemical Truck saw action was the Gillispie residence on Dorseyville Road (Indiana Township), The Hutchinson Dry Cleaning Plant, Glenshaw Glass Company, and the Enameled Metal Works in Etna.  Because of the nature of the inflammables at the latter three mentioned, the use of chemicals was a valuable adjutant.

By an arrangement of valves, these 30-gallon tanks could be discharged alternately, thus providing a continuous stream through a 1-inch hose.  Bicarbonate of Soda and Sulfuric acid were added to the water in the tanks.  The acid providing the pressure and the soda augmenting the water in its fire fighting properties.  Invariably, when recharging, some of the acid would be spilled, and because protective garments had not yet been secured, the firemen delegated to the task of recharging would have their clothing ruined by the corrosive action of the acid.

These tanks, as well as all railings, valves and other appurtenances on the truck were made of either copper or brass.  Our renowned Assistant Chief at the time, Charles (Chunky) Schroth, insisted that apparatus be kept spotlessly clean.  More labor was probably expended between fires at this chore than at the fires themselves.

Rapid progress was made in other matters during the next few years.

In 1926 the Ladies Auxiliary of the Company was formed.  The ladies at once became a valuable asset to the Company.  In their own inimitable way they raised money to augment the coffers of the Company.  An early project of the Auxiliary was the purchase of a flag and banners for the Company, and had a case constructed to house and protects them.  The motto “Willing and Ready” was adopted and lettered on the upright banner.

In 1927 the members were outfitted with their first uniforms.  They consisted of blue trousers with a red stripe, a firemen’s cap, black bow tie and white shirt complete the outfit.  The entire ensemble, exclusive of the shirt costing about $9.00.  Some of the firemen purchased for themselves a matching coat.  This would sometimes create an argument as to what consisted the official uniform, those having coats claiming the coat was part of the uniform while those without said no.  But the official dress uniform remained “without coats” until when at some later date the entire Company was furnished new complete uniforms, including coats.

Again the waiting list had become sizable and the by-laws were changed once more to permit seventy-five active members.

In 1928 a small fife-and-drum corps was organized among the members.  At first they hired a music teacher to instruct them, paying him for each lesson from their own pockets.   But as week after week passed, and fewer and fewer became more each time, he was fired.  Fireman Howard Johnson (a famous concertinist) took over the group and whipped them into some semblance of present-ability.  The twelve fifers, three snare drummers, and the bass drummer, wearing their bright red whipcord jackets, at last proudly led the firemen in parades.  While the music was not good, the drummers were at least loud.  At one parade they even won the prize for the best fife and drum corp.  Reason; no others were present.

The Company held its first Street Fair in July of 1928.  These became an annual event until such a time as space and parking was not available.  The first one was held at Hawkins’ lot, along Noble Street at Kittanning Pike.  This site was actually in Sharpsburg.  They even found room on this lot to bring in a Ferris Wheel for attraction.  Other fairs were held on the lot now occupied by Joe Fluhr’s radiator shop (now O’Hara Lawn and Garden Center).  Some were tried in front of the present firehouse, having some attractions on the outside, bingo, lunch counter, and the Big-Six wheel on the inside.

The most successful fairs however were held where now stands the Equitable Gas Co. (now a mattress factory and doctors office) at the north end of the Highland Park Bridge.  This was then a part of O’Hara Township.  A few Firemen’s Parades were held in connection with the fairs.  Some of us will never forget the faithful Township policeman, Charles (Sonny) Johnson, who always appeared at the close of the fair to conduct us to the night depository with the night’s receipts.

The success of these fairs (and other fund raising activities) was due in large measure to the fine, unselfish and dedicated labors of the “Social Committee”.  To mention a few: James McChesney, Clarence Thompson, Harry Popp, Lawrence Cook, Edward Lutz, and others.

The chairmen had excellent support from the rest of the membership, each contributing his own talents.  The Ladies’ Auxiliary too, could always be seen lending their aid.

At the risk of bing chastised for omissions, the writer would like to mention some of the faithful soulds in by-gone days: Lester VanScoe, Charles (Manny) Johnson, Charles Mertens, Chas. (Chunky) Schroth, Jacob Ferla, John Craig, Cy Farbacher, Ray Staniszewski, Louis Wagner, Irwin Black Sr., Irwin Black Jr., Fred Lehr, Vincent Stachelek, George Vidina, Charles Bauer, Frank (Pat) Braeudigan, B. J. (Benny) Dlutowski, Frank Yerkins, John Prager, Michael Smithhammer, George Kern, Raymond Burk, Joe Krystopolski, Hugh McChesney, George McCready, Walter Hahn, William Fischer, W. Verne Kelley, Robert Koch, Leonard Newman, Howard (Tinder) Johnson, Edmond (Oscar) Dlutowski, Robert Love, Lawrence Morrissey, Edward Switalski, Al. G. Schnek, Dick Rome, Laverne Farbacher, John Prager, Clifford Yerkins, Don Slater, Cornelias (Duke) Klinefelter, Paul VanScyoc, Raymond Slater, William Roop, Joseph Ehlinger, Herman Fischer, Felix Michalowski, Howard Irwin, Michael Galvik, Adam Wagener, Edward Reese, Arthur Claus, Karl Christ, Kenneth Siese, Frank Siese, Stanley Merkelewicz, John Griffiths, John Ranhart, Alex Chalmers, Steve Woods, Walter Schiffbauer, Edward Schiffbauer, Edward Lehr, Russell Poppleton, Edward Campbell, Earl Campbell, Herman Wolf, Russel Schroth, Curtis Seidel, William Bauer, Jeff McClafferty, George Hahn, Joseph (Riley) Ruszkiewicz, Richard Fischer Sr., Joseph Clark, Bill Samm, Elmer Eastland, Nelson Downing, and others.  The order of this random list in no way reflects their period or years of service.  Yours truly usually acted as treasurer for many of these events.

The Company’s Relief Association was formed in 1928.  This entity receives funds from the Auditor General’s Office.  The money can only be used for certain specific purposes, such as buying insurance for the men who may be injured or killed in the line of duty, or for the purchase of life protective equipment.

These funds are obtained from a tax levied by the State of Pennsylvania upon out-of-state insurance companies.  All taxable insurance written in O’Hara Township is returned to O’Hara for distribution among the several fire departments.  Because all of O’Hara is in a Pittsburgh Post Office address, it is highly important for the property owner to make certain the words “O’Hara Township” appear on the heading, or address portion of the policy.  The location of the property as listed in the body of the policy and is sometimes overlooked.  Your attention to this matter will assure proper allotment of funds.  Regardless of where you live, your local firemen will appreciate your attention to this matter.

The present Fire Station, the old Seitz School House, was purchased in 1929 at a cost for $2,500.00.  Seitz was then being abandoned in favor of the then new Kerr School.

Alterations were quickly under way.   The lot had to be filled to road level and one downstairs classroom was converted to an engine room.  One upstairs room was used as the company meeting room and the other furnished for use by the Township Commissioners.

The nucleus of what is now Fox Chapel Borough was now forming.  With the increased population and property value, the need for additional fire equipment was apparent.   Solicitations were made throughout the area for the purchase of a new pumper.

In December of 1930 delivery was accepted on a Seagrave Suburbanite 500-gallon triple combination fire truck.  The cost of this apparatus, not including fire hose, was $5,500.00.  This, together with the chemical truck still in service provided more or less adequate protection for the time.

While still no water lines were available (except in the Delafield area) many of the newer residents had swimming pools or small lakes, and a number of farmers had by now built farm ponds from which water could be drafted.  Squaw Run and Seitz Run also provided a good source of water.

A few of the earlier fires at which the Seagrave proved itself at drafting water include the Ingersol fire along Squaw Run, The Michael Thomas and the David McCargo fires in the Dorseyville area, and one along Seitz Run near the end of Alsop Road.  Unfortunately at on fire on Noble Hill, the residence of Thomas Clark, the water level in the cistern from which water was being drafted became to low for lifting and considerable damage was done.

Some revenue was derived by demonstrating our new truck to other fire companies interested in similar equipment.  The single-stage centrifugal pump (as used on this rig) was an innovation of the Seagrave Co. at that time.  They would pay us from fifty to one hundred dollars for each demonstration.

Some of the drivers at that time liked to recall how some fires were located.  The directions by phone were usually vague, so they would watch for smoke by day or sky reflections by night.  Because of the long runs in many cases the building was too far gone to be saved.  The firemen concentrated on surrounding buildings.  By now of course, Indiana and West Deer Townships and Fox Chapel Borough have excellent fire protection of their own.

The Company was now in position to repay some of the debt incurred to neighboring towns for assistance rendered in the past, and was called upon to do so on many occasions.

As early as 1927 the residents and the firemen of the Valley prevailed upon the Commissioners of the Township to provide a water line and hydrants in Pleasant Valley.  Such a line was finally completed about 1940.  With the extension of the Fox Chapel water line into the Noble Hills section, hydrants became available throughout the area.

In 1931 construction was begun on an extension to the other downstairs schoolroom.  Charles Mertens engineered this project, Cliff Yerkins and Curtis Seidel were hired as carpenters.  Other work was volunteer, including the structural iron work installed by Verne Kelley.  This provided a dance floor 27x57 feet, plus stage and kitchen.   From its completion this floor was the scene of “Old Time” dances on alternate Tuesdays.  Who can forget Emil Neuman playing the concertina for these delightful affairs?   In addition to Emil and his group, the Fort Pitt Ramblers also provided music.  The younger set enjoyed dancing the “modern” steps on Saturday nights to popular combos of the day.  Regularly scheduled bingo parties were also held in this hall.

As the years of the Great Depression waned, the Company prospered and soon found itself free of all debt.  This might be considered the second plateau, or Hey-Day.

Tragedy struck in the early morning of January 3^rd 1940.  About 1:30 a.m. Karl Christ, on his way to work noticed flames arising form the new home of Chief Weir.   A quick response was mad to the alarm but upon arrival at the scene the blaze had reached major proportions.  Sharpsburg was summoned for help.

Mr. Weir had jumped from a second story window and was severely injured by the fall and exposure to the bitter cold.   The men quickly entered the house to search for George.  Only when the fire was under control was Weir’s body found in the basement pinned by a heavy bookcase.   Apparently he had returned to his study to salvage some papers when the floor joist gave way.  Thus had their beloved Chief lost his life at the hands of the very element he had devoted his lifetime to combat.  Ironic indeed it was, as the firemen gazed at the body of the man who had taught them to observe safety-first at all times.

Firemen of note came from far and near to pay their last respects to the “Old Warhorse”.  The funeral procession to the cemetery was nearly a mile long.

And thus was the demise of George Weir.  Fire Chief, magistrate, Philanthropist, Sportsman.  A legend in his own time.

In 1941 an order was placed with the Diamond T Truck Co. for a new chassis.  Intention was to build on this a squad car or service truck.  While the truck company was making certain alterations on this chassis to adapt it to our specification for fire department work, World War 2 broke out.  Delivery of the chassis was frozen.  The truck company was anxious to get rid of it and we were anxious to get it.   After much “red tape” through local authorities, a telegram was finally sent to the proper people in Washington, signed by the chairman of the Township Commissioners.  The chassis was soon released.

By now Civil Service, with auxiliary firemen and auxiliary police had become a way of life.  The Company took a large part on this activity.  Because of this, the Company decided to install a pump on this new rig.

Priority was obtained for materials and a contract was awarded to the Schnable Body Co., of South Side Pittsburgh, to complete the job.

Much credit is due to our new Chief, Charles Schroth, for the design of the new piece of fire apparatus.  Chief Schroth and Chief Driver Arthur Fugh spent many hours at the Schnable plant to iron out difficulties to install the pump, for which the chassis had not been designed.  We now had two pumpers, the chemical truck having been retired.

During the mid fourties and early fifties, the Company rendered ambulance service.  They purchased an S & S ambulance mounted to an old Buick chassis.  This service was augmented by a number of the members and of the Ladies’ Auxiliary taken the Red Cross first-aid course.  When replacement parts for this outfit became impossible to obtain the service was discontinued, never to be re-instated.

In 1960 the Diamond T was retired and a new piece appeared in the fire station.  This was a triple combination, 750-gallon per minute, series parallel pump, providing high pressure for fog application when necessary.  A 1000-gallon water tank, portable pump, light plant, gas masks, smoke ejector, radio transceiver, and other minor tools, made up the complement.

This new truck, together with the old Seagrave, now converted to a service truck, constituted the present equipment.

The latest addition to the building was complete in 1973.  The addition provided for more apparatus space and a greatly enlarged kitchen.

Plans are now under way for the purchase of a new 1000-gallon pumper and a new Rescue Truck to render increased protection for the area.  (These two pieces are now in the fire station, and the old Seagrave, still in running condition, is used mostly for parades.)

Present (as of 1975) fund raising activities include a monthly bingo, a monthly raffle, the distribution of “coin cards” among the residents, and hall rental.

The Valley Firemen were for many years vigorously opposed to accepting any funds from the Township.  You might say they were a stubborn lot, but they took great pride in being able to provide fire protection through their own efforts.  Under second class township code, the authorities were unable, by law to allot such funds.  It is recorded that even when the Township became first class and were permitted to do so the Commissioners proffered the sum of $300.00, which was promptly returned.

Today the Township allots certain funds to the three- (3) Fire Departments in the Township.  It is a great help but scarcely enough to provide for the replacement of equipment.  Hence the necessity for the departments to still hold money-raising affairs.  A marked change has taken place however, in the last couple of decades.   The exodus of urbanites to the suburbs.   In the cities, fire protection was taken for granted, all support coming from taxation.  In the suburbs this could only be accomplished by increased mileage, which everyone seems to be opposed to.  The need for public support still exists, and missionary work is needed among the newcomers.

As is the case with other fire units, the Valley Firemen were no different in that it always rendered aid in other matters.   As previously mentioned their building was always made available to other worthy groups.  Christmas parties were held for the kiddies, in both the old and the new building.   During some of the depression years, baskets of food were prepared and distributed among the most needy.

After the arrival of the first pumper, and before the Township had suitable equipment, they were often called upon to pump out cellars after flash floods.  And by means of a special nozzle many storm sewers were cleaned out, thus saving the taxpayers considerable cost.

During the great flood of 1036 the Company housed about eighty refugees from Sharpsburg.  It should be noted that hardly a home in the Valley was without guests during this catastrophe.  By the use of a large copper kettle and a few coal-fired ranges, the firemen were able to feed about two hundred persons a day.  Much credit is due here to the Ladies Auxiliary and to farmers who brought in food from their larders.

After the waters had receded the firemen assisted in pumping out cellars in the flood area and cleaning streets of mud and silt.

Of course it was not all work and no play.  Good times were had by attending the conventions of the various associations.  Many will remember the fellowship among themselves and other firemen at the Camp Grounds at the Western convention.  During the depression years the men somehow had secured some camping paraphernalia and joined other companies camping at the convention site.  And the annual picnics.  For a good many years the Company held a picnic at some farmer’s place, or at a picnic grove.  Remember Locust Grove?  Remember the hospitality of farmers John Claus, Albert Schenk, and Philip Christ?  Nor soon will be forgotten the yearlong activities held during the Company’s fortieth anniversary.

The Pleasant Valley Fire Company has always taken an active part in the various Firemen’s Associations.  They hold membership in the Allegheny County Firemen’s Association, the Western Pennsylvania Firemen’s Association, the Firemen’s Association of the State of Pennsylvania and the Lower Allegheny Valley Firemen’s Association.  The first three groups being devoted to the training of firemen and to the legal and legislative matters, and for cooperation among the various units.  The latter being a mutual aid society for the promotion of harmony among the several member companies and assistance at fires.

The Valley Firemen hold a 100% individual membership in the County Association, while a scattered few maintain membership in the Western and State.  Many of our Chiefs also joined the Chief’s Association of Western Pennsylvania.

The Company enjoys the singular honor of having a number of its members listed among past officers of the various associations.  As previously noted, George Weir was one of the organizers of the Western and served as its president for a term.  Two members Clarence E. Thompson and Cy Farbacher held various offices on the County Association culminating the presidency.  Fred Lehr held the office of treasurer of that association for a number of years.

The Company has also had the rather unique distinction of having two of its members on the roster of the “Gooseneck”, and for a while concurrently.  When it is realized that the Goosenecks is an organization comprising of only 101 members, made up of both paid and volunteer firemen throughout Pennsylvania, you can appreciate the honor conferred.  The two members were George S. Weir and Clarence E. Thompson.

Another small and somewhat exclusive group know as the Past Presidents and Old Timers of the Western Association.   This is again composed of only 101 members and has numbered in its rolls four Pleasant Valley Firemen.  George S. Weir, Clarence Thompson, Cy Farbacher, and Art Fugh.

Over the years more than 300 names have appeared on the books of the Company as members in one category or another.  Dedication to the cause is borne out by the fact that many served as officers for a period of years

Examples:

The list of Chiefs include: John A. Aupke (first), George S. Weir, Charles Schroth, William H. Fischer, Walter Hahn, Edward Lutz, Arthur Fugh, Frank Yerkins, Ralph Blythe, Carl Carter, Edward Michalowski, Richard Fischer, Edward (Butch) Michalowski.

A few of the Officers serving in former years include: As line officers: Charles (Manny) Johnson, Irwin Black Sr., Lester VanScyoc, Joseph (Riley) Ruskewicz, Charles Bauer, Frank Braeudigan, Stanley Markelewicz, and others.

As Drivers: John J. Collins, Raymond Burk, Fred Lehr, George Kern, William Bauer, Sylvester Popp, Robert Love, Jack Ranhart, and others.

As Trustees: Clarence E. Thompson, John A. Herman, John Craig, Harry H. Huff, Russell Poppleton, and others.

As President: C. Cy Farbacher and others.

As Secretaries (recording and financial): Clarence Thompson, Fred Lehr, Carl Carter, Art Fugh, John A. Fugh, John Prager, Donald Slater, and others.

I am honored to have had the friendship and fellowship of the members of this Company, and also of the many members of other firemen’s associations.  I am proud to have been numbered among the membership of the Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 of O’Hara Township.

                      Art Fugh

The present Officers and Members of Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire Company wish to thank Art Fugh for the time and effort it took to compile and write this history of the Company.  As a result of the outstanding cooperation we have received with Art we will be able to add this to our archives for the enjoyment of present and future members who, I am sure, will greatly appreciate his time and effort at such a monumental task.

                    Joseph Schultz

                    President

Update: 1980

At the present time the Company equipment consists of: 1930 Seagrave Truck (used mostly for parades), 1960 F.W.D. Pumper, 1976 Ford Van (used to haul men and equipment), 1977 Ford Pumper (one of the most modern and up to date in the area).

The Company is presently working on plans to build a sub-station at a location near Kittanning Pike and Dorseyville Road to increase the efficiency and speed with which we can get to fires at the top of the hill.

Officers for fiscal year 1978-1979.

End of recorded records.

Download the Microsoft Word Document:  History.doc

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