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Our Proud History Fire Fuels the Need for a Local Fire Company In 1943 several buildings were destroyed by fire. They included a combination store, garage, and barn owned by Herbert Britt, a barbershop and apartment (also owned by Mr. Britt), Alfred Bronson's morgue, which had been converted into a chicken house holding over 3,000 chicks, and George Wesley's apartment house. The explosion of a heating apparatus in the brooder house was the cause of the fire and the approximate loss was $40,000. The first fire company to respond was the one from Harveys Lake and townsfolk were afraid the fire would engulf the entire town before they arrived. A meeting of residents was held at the Church of Christ hall to establish a fire company. Forty two people attended. The original officers elected were: George H. Bronson, President, Wayne B. Callendar, Secretary, and Daniel E. Davenport, Treasurer. Fund-raising efforts yielded $11,000. The largest portion, $7,100, came from the North Lake Association. The Back Mountain Lions contributed $1,000. Individuals contributed another $2,000, and $900 was raised from roast pork dinners. The first piece of equipment purchased was a truck chassis from Warren E. Boston, a dealer in Pikes Creek. Wayne Callendar loaned the fire company $4,000 to buy the truck and he and his twin brother, Warren, donated the land for the firehouse in memory of their parents. On that land Roy Callendar had previously built a garage for his truck. Later it was the location of a gas station run by Earl White and then Harold Cragle. The old building was torn down to make way for the fire house. George Wesley, Alfred Bronson, Sherm Kunkle, and Warren Boston drove the truck to the John Beane Pumping Company in Lansing, Michigan to have a High Pressure Fog System installed and to attend a 3-day training session. The truck was delivered to much fanfare amid a chicken dinner in March, 1947. The Story Will Continue Sweetvalleyfire.com is looking for your photos and stories. If you have photos of Sweet Valley buildings before they burned, fires being fought, photos of fire company members, or if you have memories of fires or fire company events to share, we want to talk to you. Help us document the stories for our community to share. email svvfc@epix.net if you have any pictures you would like to share (This information was reprinted with exclusive permission granted by Sheila Brandon, Webmaster of www.lowerluzernecounty.com All copyrights retained by Lower Luzerne County, PA.)