History of the Elderton District Volunteer Fire Company

The Elderton District Volunteer Fire Company was established in 1951 after structural fires in the community claimed the lives of some of its citizens.

 On April 11,1914, Elderton had a large and devastating fire. The large brick hotel, post office, and harness shop were destroyed.

 At that time the citizens tried to organize a fire company, Ford City had bought a new fire truck and brought their old one out for a demonstration, to be sold at the price of $500 to the borough. After much discussion it was decided that it was too much money and the plans were abandoned.

 On December 19, 1932, another large fire occurred in this community that involved the Elderton High School building, formerly the Old Academy. The building and all of it's contents were destroyed.

 On November 19, 1934, another large fire occurred at the E.W. Williams store were considerable damage was done to the contents and building. The present building was erected on the same site.

 In June 1951, the worst disaster to date in the community was the loss of the Townsend building. Lost in the Townsend building fire were a drug store, several apartments, adjoining Mulberger house, and the lives of the Bothel family; father, mother, and two children. After the buildings burned for two days the citizens of Elderton, Whitesburg, Shelocta, South Bend Township, and Plumcreek Township once again

 decided to organize a fire company.

The first meeting was held on June 17, 1951. Mr. Joseph Frantz was elected as the first president. The company was chartered on August 13, 1951. The first equipment was ordered on October 22, 1951 from the McCune Motor Company of Kittanning and the Howe Equipment Company, Anderson, Indiana. A hand truck was loaned to the company by Howe until the new truck arrived and the Bierer Garage was rented to serve as the station. The new truck was put into service in July 1952. H.E. Shaffer was elected chief, Hershel McNealy and Neal Clark were elected as assistant chiefs. The property where the current fire station is located was then purchased from Frank Mulberger and plans were drawn up for the building. The contract for the new fire station was awarded to B.O. Wilt & Son, Indiana, PA. After the station was in service the company purchased a tanker truck from the Texaco Company to supplement it's water supply.

 Currently Co. 50 / IRP81 is equipped to provide the following services: Fire Prevention, Structural Fire Suppression, Fire Rescue, Wildland Fire Suppression, Vehicle Fire Suppression, Vehicle Rescue, and Basic Life Support.

 Training is held every Monday evening from 6:00 pm until ? Some special classes are offered by local PA state instructors throughout the year.

 Meetings are held the 2ND and 4TH Mondays of each month at 8:00 pm (7:30 pm during winter months).

For additional information on the Elderton District Volunteer Fire Company,

as well as the history of Elderton Borough follow the link below.