EVFC Building Circa 1960's
Joe Sorrentino sent us this photo and said: This shows the front view of the building. The two bays housed four (maybe 5) trucks:
The original model A pumper, Model "A tanker, An International open cab, surplus I think we got from NAFEC, known as the "Crash Truck" (my favorite-load -open exhaust); An open cab GMC pumper/ladder truck, I think was a hand me down from Hammonton. I think we also purchased a new Ford pumper truck. Needless to say a full house.
The original building is the front block. The concete block addition in the back ( mid to late 50's) was built as the fire hall, for dinners, dances, meetings etc. In the north east corner of the hall was a radio room where Mullica Township Civil Defense was located. Our call sign was "Mike Tango". Still remember the "Yellow" radio with the CD insignia. Later it became the control center when we went modern and equipped all the trucks with radios. All the electronic installations was done by one of our own firemen George Holbrook (a master technician in my book). At the rear of the original building was the service kitchen. Any given Friday night Firemen would gather, fry up deer meat, onion and peppers and play cards (great smells from the stove).
Notice the box (far left) on the building front. That was the start and stop buttons for the siren. In those days if anyone saw a woods or other fire they would blow the whistle themselves and wait for the volunteers to arrive for directions to the fire.
Inside the side door was another set of start stop button and a black board so you could write the fire address. The siren at the top of the two poles was loud and could shake the ground. Was known as a seven mile whistle. Don't recall what size motor it was, but a big one. On a good day they said you could hear it in Nesco (was never there to prove it). Before I could be a member, I would run down to the firehouse and open the overhead doors, so there would be no lost time (I lived two door away). Heavy things (solid lumber construction).
Notice the low rectangular block construction along the side. That was the chicken barbecue pit for dinners we did to raise money.
Good Friday we would always have an Fried Oyster and Ham dinner. The place was always jamb packed with eat in and take outs. Ladies Auxiliary was key to the success of those operations. (you have a picture posted of the group). Always a great community spirit.
Notice the Apparatus fund was just getting off the ground.
