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In 1972, the Fire Company had one of its busiest years ever. One
major achievement was the introduction of Sunday night Bingo, which, until
recent history, was a major source of income for the Fire Company. Also in
1972, the Fire Company spent 3 consecutive days in service helping several
communities recover from the disastrous floods that accompanied hurricane Agnes.
In 1973, the Fire Company was planning a replacement vehicle for the 1950 ladder
truck and in April of 1974, delivery of a new rescue truck was received. It
was placed into service a few months later as most of the equipment installation
was performed by the company members. The cost of the truck and equipment was
kept to $16,500.00
In 1973, the Fire Company reorganized its softball team, and entered
the local firemen's league. The league consisted of teams from local fire companies
who competed in two divisions, with playoffs and a championship round held
each year. The Rockledge Fire Co. softball teams were in the playoffs each
year from 1974 through 1978 and were the league champions in 1974,1975 and
1977. The team sponsored a Beef and Beer each year to raise its funds for uniforms,
league fees, insurance and equipment.
Another major fire occurred in the Borough on January 19, 1973.
A fire from which the occupant of the building had to be rescued from the roof
destroyed Sayers Office Machines. In that same year, a fire hit the Breeze
Printing Company; an old, established business in town that at one time printed
the town's weekly paper. The fire started in the pre-dawn hours and was also
fought by the Rockledge, McKinley, Jenkintown and Huntingdon Valley Fire Companies.
Until 1976, the Fire Company had only one fire fatality in its
history, but on February 3rd at 6:00 A.M., a major fire struck a home at Fox
and Loney Streets. The fire gutted the home and took the life of 68- year-old
John Tansey. Men from Rockledge, McKinley and Huntingdon Valley Fire Companies
fought the blaze in the bitter cold. The entire community was deeply saddened
by the tragic event that served as a grim reminder that fire can strike anywhere,
and at any time.
Saturday, March 25, 1978 saw the Fire Company respond to another
major fire. This time the Blaetz Brothers Printing Company suffered major damage
in the early morning fire. Not only was the building heavily destroyed but
all the ballots and election supplies for the upcoming Montgomery County Primary
were destroyed. Six firemen were treated at Holy Redeemer Hospital for minor
injuries suffered as a result of the fire. Assisting Rockledge in the battle
were; McKinley, Independent, Pioneer, Bryn Athyn and Huntingdon Valley Fire
Companies and the Second Alarmers of Willow Grove.
In 1978 the Fire Company, after many years of hard work paid off
its last remaining debts on the firehouse. This happiness was short lived.
A few months later the Fire Company had to take a $22,000.00 mortgage to finance
the needed facade construction and interior repairs.
Also in 1978, the Rockledge Volunteer Fire Company #1 celebrated
75 years of service to the community. An anniversary parade was held on Saturday
October 14,1978, at 1 P.M.
1987 marked the year the Hook and Ladder Room transformed from
social hall to catering hall. The bar was no longer open Sunday afternoon for
social members and the hall was being rented for family events. Most importantly,
business was picking up. The time had come to replace the aging green tile
floor and dark brown paneling that had been greeting guests for the last 35
years. It was decided to decorate the hall to conform with other catering halls.
The green tile floor was replaced with a new shinier light color and the paneled
walls were replaced with painted drywall painted that was a light open color.
The drop ceiling was also replaced. One idea was to replace the long bar with
a small portable bar for added sitting room. It was decided to keep the permanent
bar as it is today.
Of course, with all construction projects, things will go wrong.
The hall is a little unique. Since it sits under the apparatus room, the ceiling
to the hall must support 50+ tons of fire trucks and equipment. It was tested
and found to be adequate for the current equipment but needed to be reinforced
to meet the future need of modem firefighting equipment. Steel girders were
added to the cement ceiling to satisfy this requirement. The old steel folding
chairs were replaced with more comfortable chairs and the long 8-foot tables
were replaced with round tables for a more welcoming feel.
In the later nineties, with hall rentals increasing, other updates
were needed for future quality. The multiple hollowed out refrigerators that
stored the beer were replaced with a walk-in refrigerator big enough for any
party. To meet present and future health requirements, the kitchen was remodeled
with a three-station sink and separate hand washing station. A new professional
oven with a 6-bumer top was installed, along with a contemporary fire suppression
hood and vent. The kitchen is complete a complete facility that satisfies the
needs of caterers and hosts. Plans are in the works for a bathroom downstairs
for persons who have a difficult time using the stairs to the current bathrooms.
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