For many years fire protection continued to be
provided by the Model T Ford Truck and the later addition of
a 1926 Cadillac fire truck. The depression years of the 1930's
saw little change or improvement in the department as economic
times were hard and money tight. Rudimentary medical services
were begun in 1934 with the purchase of a stretcher and first
aid supplies to be carried on the fire truck. (See EMS History
via link at left)
- SPECTACULAR FIRES
-
- It is during this period that Stanton Fire Department
faced some of it's greatest challenges. In December of 1933 the
Stanton Milling Company, located west of the main business district
burned in a large blaze. In September 1938 arguably the most
spectacular fire in the town's history took place when lightning
struck the 165' steeple of the Mamrelund Lutheran Church and
despite mutual aid from all surrounding departments, the entire
wooden structure was burned to the ground. The firefighters were
successful in saving surrounding houses which were directly exposed
to heavy radiant heat.
A public meeting was held In April of 1940 to consider the purchase
of a fire truck. Scott and Frankfort Townships were included
in the planning expecting use of the truck for rural fire protection.
Plans did not come to completion and in September 1940 the department
was authorized instead to purchase a used motor and to repair
the 1926 Cadillac fire truck.
FIREMEN'S DANCES
The Stanton Fire Department raised money for insurance,
equipment and uniforms by sponsoring dances or frolics. Usually
these were once a year and had been held at the School Gymnasium.
Due to the raucous nature of some of these events, after 1945
the firemen were denied the use of this facility for future dances.
In February of 1949 department members Sherman Peterson and Gene
Winchester approached the Stanton School Board for use of the
gym again for a Firemen's Ball. Opposition to the ball contended
that the dance had been of a rough and disorderly nature and
characterized as loud and accompanied by considerable drinking.
Both men admitted that dances in recent years had
been pretty rugged affairs but pledged good behavior on the part
of the firemen and declared that the dance would be carefully
policed both inside the building as well as the residential area
around the gym. The decision was put before the voters of the
school district and lost to a 134 to 130 vote. Dances were continued
but held at the Red Oak National Guard Armory or at the Stanton
American Legion Hall.
RURAL ASSOCIATION
The Stanton Community Rural Fire Truck Association
was formed in 1949. The Association asked each resident in the
Stanton Telephone Exchange to contribute $50 to purchase a fire
truck. Eight thousand dollars was needed to purchase the truck.
By March 1949 $7975 had been raised from 158 contributors and
a truck built on a Chevrolet chassis was ordered. The new truck
arrived in May, driven to Stanton by a factory representative
who would train the firemen. It had a large capacity water tank,
motor driven pump, chemical firefighting equipment, ladders,
tools, and spotlights.
The next month the new truck was demonstrated in
front of the American Legion Hall to about 50 of the 200 farmers
who had donated to its purchase. The truck was housed at the
Stanton Rural Electric Association building until a new firehouse
could be built.
The need to build a new firehouse was proposed by Dr. P.O. Swanson
and a petition for a $10,000 bond issue was presented to the
City Council in March of 1949. This bond issue would eliminate
the existing pump levy of $1.25 / $1000 valuation. The old firehouse
was one foot too narrow to house the department's new truck.
On two occasions that winter, firefighting equipment had been
frozen and had to be thawed out before being put to use.
More History 1950-1990
