Municipal Building 100 years ago
100 years ago, in January 1924, Trafford Council approved plans to construct a municipal building. It was reported in the Republican Standard that “the building would be erected on the east side of Duquesne Avenue, opposite the new Methodist church. While the plans have not been definitely worked out, those discussed call for a 25x40 two-story brick building. Space will likely be provided on the first floor for the housing of a fire truck and for quarters for the jail. The second floor will be used for council chambers, burgess office, and firemen’s quarters.”
A bond was later issued for $15,000.00 to erect the municipal building. The council was also planning for the purchase of a fire truck by the summer of 1924 after the new building was completed. Discussion also took place for the reorganization of the fire department with the mention that the lives of all members be insured against accidents at fires.
In the early days of fighting fires in Trafford, equipment was staged at two locations in the town. At 113 Brinton Avenue, a "hose house" stored a hand cart, hook & ladder, 650 feet of hose, and two chemical fire extinguishers. At the top of Forest Avenue, another small hose house held a hand cart, hook & ladder, 350 feet of hose, and one extinguisher.
Next year, Trafford Fire Company No. 1 will be celebrating its centennial. Do you have photos of you or your family members serving in the Trafford Fire Company? Maybe you have photos of the Fire Company in a parade. Please contact us so we can gather these photos for a future celebration of our firefighters.
