The South Queensbury Volunteer Fire Company Inc. located at 100 Lower Dix Avenue, Town of Queensbury, was founded and
organized by a few men meeting at the home of Kenneth Crossman, Phillips Ave. durring the winter of 1949. In addition to Mr.
Crossman were Roger Stevens, Leon Nassivera and Lawrence Denton. By March 1st of that year, there was sufficient interest
in the community that meetings were moved to the old Imperial District School House. Kennith Crossman was elected Temporary
Chairman and Lawrence Denton was Temporary Secretary.
The Company was chartered March 14, 1949. It is interesting
to note that the Company has had only one financial drive covering it's territory since it was charted 14 years ago. Also
of interest is the fact that fourteen of the original Charter Members are still enrolled in the present 42 member company.
The
first slate of officers consisted of President, Kenneth Crossman; Vice President, Roger Stevens; Secretary, Lawrence Denton;
Financial Secretary, Charles Nassivera, Jr; Treasurer, Philip Ashline; Chief, Erwin Harver; First Assistant Chief, Joseph
Suchinski; Second Assistant Chief, Joseph Daire. The Board of Directors consisted of Leon Nassivera, Donald Sullivan, Madison
Taylor, Arthur Gray, Everett Stevens, Stephen Jackowski and Raymond Sollohub. Mr. Harvey served as Chief untill 1962 when
he was succeeded by Allan A. DuFour, the present chief. Mr. Harvey was recently elected President of the company.
The
first fire truck was purchased by the Company in November of 1949. It was a 1950 Chevrolet, American Marsh which is still
in service. Erwin Harvey converted a barn on his property to house this truck untill 1953 when the present Fire House was
erected. The first alarm came at 11:00 P.M. on a -20 degree night. A house on Carroll Street was burning badly, but was put
out with a minimum amount of damage.
There are several fires that remain etched in the memories
of the firemen of the South Queensbury Compant. Within its own district was the Monarch Motor Freight Terminal Fire of January
11, 1956. The biggest fire in the town of Queensbury was the Sherman Avenue fire of a year ago. The most dificult Mutual Aid
call outside the county was the Fort Edward Lumber yard fire, While in the City of Glens Falls the Company assisted with two
very bad fires, the Hotel Towers, and Haskell Avenue Fire. One of the outstanding events in South Queensbury's memory
is the Governor's Convention held at the Sagamore in September of 1954. It was the job of this fire company to stand by
at the airport as the Governor's planes arrived and departed. Proofs of this service are the autographs of Ex Vice President
Nixon and over half of the then 48 governors which are proudly displayed at the fire house. In addition to the autographs,
the company hasa a framed display of letters from Mr. Nixon and 18 of the governors.
South Queensbury
Volunteer Fire Company now has two fire trucks; the 1950 Chevrolet American Marsh pumper with two booster lines, a 500 gallon
tank, 1000 feet of 2 1/2 inch hose and 300 feet of 1 1/2 inch hose. The newer truck is a 1962 Ford American Marsh pumper holding
750 gallons of water and furnished with 1000 feet of 2 1/2 inch hose and 400 feet of 1 1/2 inch hose. Both truchs are radio
equipped. The company also has two Scott Air Packs, a resusicator, two portable pumps and four indian tanks.
As
with all Volunteer fire companies, this success story has been made possible by untold hours of volunteer work. the support
of the fire district which it represents and the backing of the auxillary have greatly aided this company in its work. The
active auxillary of the South Queensbury Volunteer Fire Company has contributed considerable equipment to the Fire Company
and deserves mention in this review of our work.
Walt Baker
RX2-1263
