Hundreds of firefighters, firefighting enthusiasts enjoy polkas, pierogies at fire museum
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - An antique piece of fire apparatus from Girardville is displayed at Thursday's open house at the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society in Shenandoah.
SHENANDOAH – Pierogies and polkas were part of a sort-of “Shenandoah welcome” for hundreds visiting the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society Thursday.
Several busloads of people — members of the Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America (SPAAMFAA) — came to town for an open house and tour of the venue.
“We’re proud to preserve the history and the heritage of, in this area, volunteer firefighting,” Michael J. Kitsock, museum curator, told the Sentinel Thursday. “We have generations of families that have protected life and property in our communities. Today is the day to celebrate that.”
Kitsock said the busloads came from across the country, as well as Canada, to see the museum on South Jardin Street, which was formerly the Columbia Hose firehouse and Shenandoah Borough Hall.
Antique fire apparatus from the borough and points as far away as California have been displayed and preserved by the society, as well as all sorts of artifacts from the fire service.
Rolled out onto the driveway for all to see was an antique Ford Model T from the Rangers Hose Co. in Girardville.
Talking about the importance of preserving the history, Kitsock said over 30 firefighters have lost their lives in the line of duty in Schuylkill County.
“We don’t want that to be forgotten,” Kitsock said. “These fire engines here, some of them protected their communities for 30, 40, 50 years. You have a strong attachment to that, especially if you had to raise the funds to buy it.”
Jardin Street was closed in front of the museum to allow for apparatus displays.
The Shenandoah All-Star Polka Band provided live entertainment, and Shenandoah staples — pierogies and kielbasi — were served as well.
Over in Mahanoy City, the historical fire society opened the doors to their warehouse — the former General Cigar plant — where several dozen more trucks are preserved. Some are owned by the society, and some are privately owned and left in their care.
Full Photo Gallery
About Author
