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HISTORY OF LADIES AUXILIARY
WESTWOOD FIRE DEPARTMENT
1925-2007
From the past….
The Ladies Auxiliary of
the Westwood Fire Department was established in October 1925 by then Mayor
Irving T. Brickell. The meeting was held in The Palm Room, above what was
“Charlie Nomics Candy Store”, in 1975 it was “Westwood Travel Agency” and
today it is “The Frame Store”. There were 31 ladies that were designated
Charter Members, as their names appeared on the rolls for the first year
of existence. By November of the same year, they had $17.00 in the
Treasury. They realized that they could not survive without money and at
the very first meeting collected dues and also conducted a “Dark Horse”
raffle. These receipts were deposited in their first checking account.
In order to raise money, each month from the time the Auxiliary was
formed, a card party was held. They also sold chance books, held hosiery
sales, minstrel shows and dances of all kinds.
In 1926 Chief Allison,
who had been chief when the Auxiliary began, donated to them a blue and
gold banner. One of the first projects undertaken was to help fix up the
Club Room at the Firehouse at the cost of $35.00. A linen shower was held
so that they could obtain towels that they needed. The first Christmas
party was held in the Club Room at a cost to the ladies of $25.00, the
Hook & Ladder Company donated $15.00.
In 1927 the Ladies joined
the NJ & NY Auxiliary. A card party was held and $25.00 was raised and
donated to them.
On March 22, 1928 a
dinner was given to the firemen, this was the first of which eventually
became the popular “Chief’s Dinner”. Each lady provided either an apple,
or lemon peel. The Auxiliary absorbed the remainder of the cost.
On October 30, 1929, the
ladies were invited to stand “Inspection” with the men. One year, during
the Depression, the town didn’t have the funds to sponsor the Inspection
Dinner. The Ladies came to the rescue and provided all that was
necessary.
Years ago, the Ladies
started a Merchandise Club, which was a successful way to raise money.
They also sold tickets to the movies, attended theater parties, had cake
sales, plant sales, sold candy, candles, pocketbooks, jewelry, had rummage
sales, blanket clubs and more recently Military Bridges. They also put on
an annual smorgasbord luncheon. They also started the town wide paper
drive, which the firemen eventually took over, as another way to raise
money.
We helped to organize and
eventually joined the “Bergen County Fire Ladies Auxiliary” in 1940. Our
members served this organization proudly with many elected as officers
over the years.
To the present….
Years ago, our main
purpose was to help the men in anyway we could and it’s still the same
today. We purchased thermoses, drapes, pots, pans, dishes, silverware,
and made curtains for the Club Room. We also purchased new flags for the
Color Guard and
First-aid kits for the
fire trucks. We would have bus rides to Asbury Park; attend the
conventions in Atlantic City and later in Wildwood. Gifts, flowers and
cards were always sent to the sick and bereaved. A Christmas party was
held every year at the Fire House. There was always entertainment,
provided by members, which everyone enjoyed. The Auxiliary is very proud
of the fact that at one time it contributed $1000 to equip a room at
Pascack Valley Hospital.
We’ve marched in many
parades, even as far away as Kingston, New York, provided floats, cars and
even gave funds, in some cases, to help pay for the band. Over the years,
we’ve even won our share of trophies.
 Our
membership has continued to this day with 37 members. Our purpose is to
continue the tradition of assisting the
Fire Department at fires serving food and beverages when needed as well as
giving them any financial support we can through our various fund-raising
activities.
Over the years, we have
also given our support, not only to our Fire Department, but also to the
New Jersey State Firemen’s Home in
Boonton, The Burn Unit of the Hackensack University Medical Center,
Pascack Valley Hospital, “Home For the Holidays” and other local Fire
Department causes.
The Ladies Auxiliary takes great pride in the
leadership of the women who organized the Auxiliary and in its members who
continue to volunteer their services. We look towards the future to
support the Westwood Fire Department and the community for many years to
come.
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