Pelham Manor Voters Voted to Disband the Pelham Manor Fire Department in 1928

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Tensions were high in 1928 between the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham Manor and the Pelham Manor Fire Department.  Five years earlier, at the urging of the Board, the Fire Department had followed an emerging trend in New York State and incorporated.  Though the intentions of the Board of Trustees and the Fire Department at the time were good, the act of incorporating the department gave it a measure of independence from the Board of Trustees that became a source of irritation.  Among other things, the Board had no power to appoint or remove officers of the Department.  Instead, it could only grant its approval or disapproval.  Such matters meant that the little irritation that previously existed erupted into a full scale war in 1928.

About a year earlier in 1927, the Village Board became aware that the Pelham Manor Fire Department had not conducted the number of drills that the Board believed it should have held.  Nor had the department conducted the number of inspections the Board thought appropriate.  Additionally, the Board arranged for inspections of fire hydrants throughout the village and discovered that many were not in working order.  Pelham Manor Mayor Elliott C. House was outraged.  He concluded that the all-volunteer fire department was in need of more professional leadership.  He decided to do something about it.

Mayor House led an initiative to install a full-time paid, professional Fire Chief to lead the department.  Though the members of the fire department nominated one of their own, Antonio Galati, to serve as Chief of the Department, the Board of Trustees rejected the Galati nomination and proposed the installation of John J. Brennan.  The members of the fire department refused to accept Brennan as their new chief.  

Thinking that they would have the support of the Pelham Manor community, the members of the fire department petitioned to hold a "permissive referendum" to have property owners in Pelham Manor vote to "decide whether or not a paid chief is needed in the village."  

The war was on.

The Village Board met and decided that it no longer would recognize the incorporated Pelham Manor Fire Department as the official fire fighting unit of the village.  The Board further announced that it sought to place responsibility for all fire fighting equipment under John J. Brennan and stated its hope that members of the former department would join the newly-constituted unincorporated fire department.  As the firemen pointed out, however, the village never disclosed how fires would be fought during the interim.

A referendum was scheduled for May 28, 1928.  Turnout was expected to be massive.  For the next two weeks, members of the Board and members of the Fire Department canvassed for votes, spoke at gatherings, and placed newspaper advertisements to advance their causes.  A citizens committee of prominent village residents announced their support for the Board of Trustees.  The entire Town -- not just the Village of Pelham Manor -- was abuzz.

On May 28th, the Village of Pelham Manor held its "largest taxpayers' vote in the history of the village" up to that date.  By a vote of 258 to 203, the taxpayers of the village endorsed the action of the Board of Trustees in abolishing the incorporated volunteer fire department.  As the local newspaper reported, "Thus the 'tempest in a teapot' simmered down to a simple ratification of the Trustees decision in appointing John J. Brennan, paid chief, of the fire department."

The members of the abolished fire department, however, were not finished.  They announced that effective immediately they no longer would answer fire alarms.  They further announced that they would continue both as a political organization and as a volunteer department that would compete on behalf of the Village of Pelham Manor during the upcoming "Firemen's Field Day at White Plains."  They also announced that anyone who joined the new unincorporated department led by Chief Brennan would be expelled from their organization.

The Village Board proceeded to build a new department without many of those who formerly participated in the incorporated version of the volunteer fire department.  As the Firemen's Field Day at White Plains approached, members of the abolished department hoped to win events as a "mute denial to the charge of the Village Board that they were not efficient."

When the day arrived, the members of the abolished department appeared and competed in the main event in which departments raced to connect a hose and begin to throw water as fast as possible.  Intending to dispel any notion that the abolished department was "inefficient" as the Village Board claimed, the members of the abolished department raced like madmen.  They finished the event by making their connection in thirty nine seconds -- five seconds faster than any other team.  However . . . . 

The team was disqualified because its coupling to the hydrant was deemed inefficient and faulty. . . . 

When he learned of the results (published in The Pelham Sun a few days later), Pelham Manor Mayor Elliott C. House must have enjoyed a good laugh.  Soon, Pelham Manor had its new, unincorporated fire department.

Memorial in Firemen's Memorial Park at Corner of

First Street and Wolfs Lane. Photograph by the Author, 2002.

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

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Below is the text from a number of articles describing the events leading up to the abolishment of the Pelham Manor Fire Department (Incorporated) in 1928.  Each is followed by a citation and link to its source.

"Manor Firemen May Parade Their Grievances On Memorial Day
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Petition For Referendum To Taxpayers On Appointment Of Paid Chief Served On Village Board -- 'Will Act On Its Legal Merits' Says Mayor House -- Firemen Hire Band For Memorial Day Parade; Will Ask Village Board For Appropriation To Pay For It
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Ultimatum of the Volunteer Firemen of Pelham Manor, who refuse to accept John J. Brennan as chief of fire department was received Tuesday night, by Village Clerk Gervas H. Kerr.  It was the much talked of, but heretofore unseen petition demanding a permissive referendum, at which the taxpayers of the village may decide whether or not a paid chief is needed in the village.  In official form it states that the resolution rejecting the nomination of Antonio Galati, chief of the department and other officers was an abolition of part of the fire department and demands that it be submitted to vote of the taxpayers.  

Mayor Elliott C. House announced last night that if the demand is legal, the referendum would be authorized.  Village Attorney, Edgar C. Beecroft, told The Pelham Sun, that the petition need not be regarded by the trustees as it has no legal founding.  Attorney Beecroft holds that no part of the fire department was abolished by the action of the Trustees.  It is expected that this stand will be taken by the Trustees at their meeting, next Monday night.

There were 115 signatures to the petition.  All were attested by members of the fire department.

According to statement of one who was present at the company meeting last night, it was proposed that the Memorial Day parade be used as a means of flaunting the disagreement between the firemen and the Village Board.  Galati announced that he had contracted for the New York Letter Carriers' Association Band to head the Manor Firemen.  He stated that one half the expense, $190 would be borne by the firemen.  He volunteered to request an appropriation of $200 from the Village Board to defray the expenses of the fire department's Memorial Day program.  He was so authorized by the company.

'What about the apparatus?', he was then asked.

Burgess B. Field, paid driver, offered the information that the apparatus could not be taken out without orders from Chief Brennan.

'If they won't give us the apparatus, I have a tractor that will pull a jumper,' said Galati.  'We can decorate the jumper with flags.'

'And put on a big sigh reading 'This is all that is left of the Pelham Manor Fire Department,' said another member.

The suggestion was greeted with enthusiasm from the members of the company.  'It would be worth $95 just to be able to walk behind that jumper,' laughed one member.  

The firemen take their situation seriously.  Several times during the meeting, expenditures were proposed, but they were all voted down, with the remarks to the effect, 'We can't spend money now we have important business of our own.  Proposal to make a donation to the Salvation Army Fund was rejected on such ground.

Even former Chief William Templeton was wary of the situation.  Invitation was received to attend a Volunteer Firemen's Convention in June.  'We might not be in existence as a company by June', said Templeton and the matter was laid on the table.  

Gordon M. Buck, of Edgewood avenue, presented the company with a gift of cigars, in appreciation of its service in extinguishing a fire at this home recently.  Mr. Buck highly praised the work of the firemen.  The blaze was the first that the department fought after Chief Brennan had been appointed by the Village Board.

In a statement to The Pelham Sun

(Continued on page [sic]

Manor Firemen May Parade Their Grievance, May 30
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(Continued from page 1)

Mayor House replied to the question of the firemen, who sought to know why they were not informed when the board was contemplating a paid chief.

'A year ago, I conferred with Clyde Howes who was then president of the company, and Nelson S. Rundlett', said Mr. House.  'At that time I suggested that there be a change in the leadership of the fire department.  I spoke of Chief Brennan, who I thought would fill our requirements.  they suggested that a volunteer chief be first considered, and recommended Col. C. Sidney Haight for the position.  I was agreeable, but was surprised to find that their recommendation was not followed by the firemen.  Instead, they re-elected Galati.  It was inter intimated that conditions would be improved or Galati would not continue for another year.  During the last year there was no evidence that conditions would be improved, so I re-opened negotiations with Brennan.'

Members of the fire company said that a statement to this effect was made at the recent conferences between the Board of Directors of the Fire Department and the Mayor and Trustee Greene.  They said however, that Howes and Rundlett had not been authorized to speak for the company.  

Cornelius J. Hickey, president of the company, stated last night, that Nelson S. Rundlett had nominated Charles B. Clark for chief at the election, referred to by the Mayor.

The recent series of conferences between representatives of the Fire Department and the Village Board led to nothing.  It is understood that the firemen offered one plan of compromise.  They proposed that if John J. Brennan was required as head of the local fire department he be appointed Fire Commissioner, and that a volunteer chief by the active head of the department.

The trustees refused to agree to this, maintaining that such management that was afforded by Chief Brennan would best be active rather than in theory.  They informed the members of the fire department that they could elect all officers with the exception of chief, and promised to give favorable consideration to every candidate recommended.  The question caused much discussion, but neither faction would concede anything to break the deadlock."

Source:  Manor Firemen May Parade Their Grievances On Memorial Day -- Petition For Referendum To Taxpayers On Appointment Of Paid Chief Served On Village Board -- 'Will Act On Its Legal Merits' Says Mayor House -- Firemen Hire Band For Memorial Day Parade; Will Ask Village Board For Appropriation To Pay For It, The Pelham Sun, May 11, 1928, Vol. 19, No. 11, p. 1, cols. 6-7 & p. 8. cols. 6-7.  

"Voters Will Settle Fire Department Controversy In Manor; Active Support For Trustees Pledged By Residents
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Claiming Village Board Cannot Exercise Control Over Incorporated Fire Company, Plan Is To Disband Present Organization and Substitute New Volunteer Dept. -- Chief Brennan In Charge Of All Fire Equipment
-----

In support of the action of the Pelham Manor Village Trustees, who on Monday night passed resolutions calling for a referendum May 28 at which the taxpayers will vote on the abolition of the incorporated volunteer fire department, and its replacement with an unincorporated volunteer fire department, a group of prominent citizens of the village met last night and unanimously registered their approval of such action.  Former Village President Newton M. Argabrite presided.  The following resolution was passed:

'We, the undersigned, hereby endorse the action of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham Manor in abolishing the volunteer fire department, incorporated, and organizing a new voluntary department which shall be unincorporated, and constitute ourselves a citizen's committee to support the action of the trustees and to present the matter to the taxpayers of the village at the coming election.'

The resolution was signed by the following:  Newton M. Argabrite, W. T. Owens, Clarence G. Campbell, Julius A. Migel, Lockwood Barr, Chalres Jackman, Lawrence Austin, John G. Shattuck, Charles M. Hart, Harold B. Barnett, Charles Wadsworth, Morton R. Cross, Theodore M. Hill, Mortimer C. Reynolds, Matthew G. Ely, Thomas F. Black, and Arthur F. Richardson.

Harold B. Barnett, president of the Pelham Manor Association, offered the meeting of his organization, Wednesday night, at a Mass Meeting at which taxpayers will be enlightened.  The committee heartily endorsed this suggestion.  Mayor Elliott C. House will speak as well as many others who are familiar with the problems of the village government.  The meeting will be held at the Village Hall.  A large attendance is expected.  

Both the village trustees and the firemen claim a moral victory in the trustees' order for a referendum, which will be held May 28.

The petition of the fire department which was presented Monday night, was tabled in favor of the resolutions of the trustees which were more conclusive.  They charged that the incorporated volunteer fire department took from the village board the control of that important branch of village government, and further charged that the fire department as organized was incompetent.  John J. Brennan, whose appointment as paid chief is contested, was placed in charge of the fire fighting equipment pending the settlement of the dispute.  His salary will be $250 a month.

Although it was rumored that the volunteers would take the resolutions too literally and refuse to respond to alarms until after their status is determined, the firemen consider the action of the trustees as a point in their favor and have announced that they will continue to serve the village.  On the other hand the trustees have announced that they are prepared to have the village fully protected should the firemen neglect their duty.

(Continued on page 3)

Manor Trustees Order Fire Dept. Referendum
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(Continued from page 1)

It was just a matter of routine for the Board of Trustees to lay the petition of the fire department aside and order the referendum itself.  It was evident by the little interest displayed in the petition and the lack of comment upon the new proposal that the Trustees had discussed the situation to great length in executive session which had been held previous to the meeting.  Mayor House presented the fire department's petition saying:  'I imagine that you gentlemen are all familiar with this.  Do you want it read?'

There was no answer, Trustee Lawrence F. Sherman took it and inspected it.

'What's your pleasure gentlemen?' asked the Mayor.  

Trustee Sherman moved that it be laid on the table.  The motion was seconded by Trustee Edward F. Haskins.  The motion was put carried and the village clerk laid the petition away among his papers.

Then Trustee Joseph N. Greene Fire Commissioner, proposed the following resolutions which were moved by Trustee Sherman and unanimously carried:

'Whereas the Board of Trustees is obligated by law to provide and maintain proper and adequate means for the prevention and extinguishment of fires within the Village of Pelham Manor;

'And whereas, the organization of the fire department of the Village of Pelham Manor (Incorporated) as a separate corporation chartered under the laws of the State of New York, prevents and estops the Board of Trustees from exercising the control and supervision necessary to secure the selection of qualified persons to serve as officers of the department and to enforce discipline and to provide and require proper and adequate training of personnel;

'And whereas, in the judgment of the Board of Trustees the fire department of the Village of Pelham Manor (Incorporated) is officered by persons lacking the technical knowledge and experience necessary to the proper prevention and extinguishing of fires, and is lacking a degree of discipline and training necessary to cope with the fire hazards which now exist and which may reasonably be expected to arise in consequence of the rapid development of the village; 

'And whereas, the Board of Trustees has exhausted without success every means within its power and jurisdiction to persuade the fire department of the Village of Pelham Manor (Incorporated) to select and appoint as officers persons possessing the necessary qualifications to serve as such, and to organize and train its personnel into an efficient firefighting organization; 

'And whereas, in the judgment of the Board of Trustees the existence of the fire department of the Village of Pelham Manor (Incorporated) as a separate corporation over which the Board has no effective control or supervision is unsatisfactory and has failed to bring about the efficient departmental organization necessary to provide the village with adequate fire prevention and fire-fighting services; 

'Now therefore be it resolved, that the volunteer fire department of the Village of Pelham Manor (Incorporated) be and the same hereby is abolished as the official fire fighting organization of this village, and that the Board of Trustees organize a new voluntary fire department.

'And be it further resolved, that a special election of the duly qualified electors of the Village of Pelham Manor be held on the twenty-eighth (28th) day of May. ,1928, at the Village Hall, in the Village of Pelham Manor, and that at said election the polls be open between the hours of 8 o'clock a.m. and 9 o'clock p.m., on that date, and that at said election the following proposal be submitted:

'Proposition No. 1.  Shall the resolution adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham Manor, N.Y., on the fourteenth day of May, 1928, and reading as follows:  'Resolved, that the voluntary fire department of the Village of Pelham Manor (Incorporated)  be and the same hereby is abolished as the official fire fighting organization of this village, and that the Board of Trustees organize a new voluntary fire department' be approved?

'Resolved, that the appointment by this Board dated April 9, 1928, of John J. Brennan, as chief of the First Department of the Village of Pelham Manor is hereby terminated at this date.

'Resolved, that John J. Brennan shall be and hereby is designated to have full and absolute charge of all the fire apparatus and other equipment of the Village of Pelham Manor used in the extinguishment of fires and that the voluntary fire department of this village shall act under the orders exclusively of the said John J. Brennan, effective May 14, 1928.

'And be it further resolved, that the said John J. Brennan be employed by the village to serve at the pleasure of the Board at a monthly salary of $250.

'Resolved, that the resolution passed by this Board December 12, 1927, and which became effective December 25, 1927, and known as the Fire Prevention Code, be and hereby is amended to as follows, wherever the words 'chief of the fire department' or 'chief' appear said phrase or words shall be changed and amended to read 'a person designated by the Board of Trustees' or 'person' respectively.

'Resolved, that this Board designate John J. Brennan as the person to enforce the fire prevention code and to issue all permits described therein."

Source:  Voters Will Settle Fire Department Controversy In Manor; Active Support For Trustees Pledged By Residents -- Claiming Village Board Cannot Exercise Control Over Incorporated Fire Company, Plan Is To Disband Present Organization and Substitute New Volunteer Dept. -- Chief Brennan In Charge Of All Fire Equipment, The Pelham Sun, May 18, 1928, Vol. 19, No. 12, p. 1, cols. 6-7 & p. 3, cols. 2-3.   

"AS THEY SEE IT

The Pelham Sun publishes herewith statements which were issued by Antonio Galati ousted volunteer Chief and the Board of Trustees, after the Village Board had ordered the Referendum on the abolishment of the Volunteer Fire Department.
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THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

'To the Citizens of Pelham Manor:

'The wording of the resolution of the Board of Trustees dispensing with the services of the existing incorporated Fire Department makes clear the fundamental problem with which the Board has had to deal in its efforts to provide the Village with adequate fire protection.

'The responsibility of the Board of Trustees to furnish adequate fire protection cannot be denied.  In the opinion of the Board the present fire service is inefficient, but due to the peculiar organization of the present Department the Board is powerless to correct that inefficiency.

'This inefficiency arises from the fact that the present fire Department is a corporation separate and distinct from the corporation of the Village of Pelham Man or.  The officers of the department are nominated by the members of the department and the trustees may approve or disapprove one or all of the persons nominated.  In the event that the trustees disapprove a nominee, the trustees may appoint some other person to the position.  But -- and here is the essential point -- whoever the trustees so appoint must be a member of the department.  

'In other words, under the present system, the Board of Trustees is held responsible for the adequacy of the Fire Department, but is denied the fundamental right to select and appoint its own agents to fulfill that responsibility.

'The same situation exists in regard to the administration of the department whose activities are governed by a set of by-laws which provide for the general conduct of the department including the number of drills.  These rules may be amended by the department upon the consent of the Board of Trustees, but -- and here is the next essential point -- the Board cannot initiate any amendments to those rules irrespective of the urgency so to do.

'The present system of dual control deprives the Board of Trustees of the executive and administrative powers essential to proper organization.  The only remaining course left open for the Board to take is to dispense with the services of the incorporated department and replace it with an unincorporated department which will be directly under the control and jurisdiction of the Board.

'This step the trustees have now taken and simultaneously have authorized the organization of an unincorporated Fire Department.  This new department will be organized on the volunteer basis and at this point it is desirable again to emphasize that the Board of Trustees have no desire or intention of establishing a full paid fire department.

'Under the law the trustees are not required to order a referendum unless they are petitioned so to do by property owners equal in number to 20% of the number of qualified electors of the Village.  A petition has been presented to the Board but it sets forth no question which can be submitted to referendum vote.  In view, however, of the desire of the incorporated department to submit the matter to a vote the Board has on its own initiative provided for a prompt submission of the matter to a vote of the qualified electors on May 28. 1928.  

'The owners of real property will now have the opportunity to ratify or reject the resolution of the Board dispensing with the services of the incorporated Fire Department.  Ratification of that resolution will place the administration of the fire fighting services solely within the control of the Board of Trustees.  Rejection of the resolution will continue the present system of ineffectual control of the Fire Department and consequent divided responsibility with continued danger to life and property.

'In conclusion the Board of Trustees assures the citizens of the Village that it has made provision for fire protection until the matter is disposed of and is prepared to take care of any emergency.

THE FIREMEN

To the Citizens of Pelham Manor:  

'In order that the citizens of Pelham Manor may not be misled by the resolution adopted by the Board of Trustees at meeting of such Board, held on May 14th, that the present volunteer Fire Department was inefficient, I will demonstrate by a few facts that the Resolution adopted by the Board of Trustees showed the Board's unfamiliarity with known facts, and was a pretense on its part to pass judgment on a subject of which it was sadly lacking in knowledge and was not based on fact.

'The facts are:  The present volunteer firemen are all trained men, and have served from 1 1/2 years to 20 years; a number of them are skilled mechanics, men who know and are familiar with the mechanical construction of every building in the village as well as the operation and mechanical construction of the fire apparatus.

'Figures show that fire losses, in spite of increased building operations which have taken place in our village, have been reduced in the past four years from $50,000.00 per year to $5,700 during the year 1927.

The cost of maintenance of the department has been reduced from the sum of $9,500.00 per year to $5,805.26, according to the report of the treasurer for the last fiscal year.

These volunteers have faithfully responded to every fire at a great personal loss in wages to them, which service was rendered for no other motive than that of service to their village.

In contrast to this type of efficient and faithful service the Board of Trustees now proposes to remove from office all these men who have been tried and found not wanting, and substitute in their place other volunteers, not trained or skilled in fire fighting and who may, owing to business, not be able to answer the fire alarm.

Do the members of the Board of Trustees believe that they are rendering efficient service as trustees to the citizens by having a fire department composed of men, not skilled in fire fighting, and incidentally leaving the community helpless to a conflagration?

If the Trustees really believe this is efficient service on their part I do not think the citizens in general so believe, more so am I of this opinion when the citizens realize that the trustees are asking the citizens to leave their dear ones at the mercy of untrained firemen sponsored and forced upon them by the trustees.  I am willing to leave the decision to the citizens.  

The very unsupported cause assigned by the trustees for abolishing the present volunteers they now intend to actually bring about.

Respectfully yours,

ANTONIO GALATI."

Source:  AS THEY SEE IT, The Pelham Sun, May 18, 1928, Vol. 19, No. 12, p. 3, cols. 1-2. 

"THE MANOR CLUB

Manor Club Members Hear Of Controversy Over Fire Department
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Mayor Elliott C. House and S. Joseph Fisher Of the Fire Department Give Both Sides Of Question
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At the meeting of the Manor Club, Tuesday afternoon, Mayor House, of Pelham Manor and S. Joseph Fisher, member of the fire department, presented the two sides of the fire department controversy that is agitating the residents of the village of Pelham Manor.

Mayor House stated that there was confusion of thought and lack of understanding of the situation as it really is.  Therefor, in view of the referendum that will take place next Monday it is important that the voters understand the case.

The Board of Trustees has no quarrel,' the Mayor said, 'with any individual member of the Fire Department, it has though, a serious quarrel with the system now existent and in effect since 1923.'  The Board of Trustees has no thought of nor does it contemplate a paid Fire Department in Pelham Manor.  Furthermore a paid department never has been in contemplation.  Pelham Manor has some of the best volunteer firemen in Westchester County and is proud of them.

There is no question of the individual ability of any member.  The Board does not want to substitute a new department for the present one.  It hopes to have the same men that make up the present organization, the men on whom they have relied.  The Board maintains that there has been a lack of drills, a lack of organization.  In last winter's investigation it was brought out that there had been no drill in the use of hook and ladder.

In view of all that has transpired, Mayor House said there might appear to be sharp differences of opinion between the Trustees and the firemen, but such is not actually the case.

Referring to the Washington avenue fire of last winter, Mayor House said the Department cannot be permitted to decide whether or not it will put out a fire.

Mr. House spoke of the necessity of looking to the future and the development that it will bring.

At present there are six apartment houses in Pelham Manor, he said, three more are under construction and two more are contemplated.  The population of the village has ceased to be a small one and very nearly comes under the category of the so-called small cities of the Middle West.  The Mayor urged that the village start to build an organization in simple form that will grow with the village.  In the future, aerial ladders will become necessary for the adequate protection of the large apartment houses, but nothing of that kind is now being thought of.

It is not only desirable but necessary to have trained men running the organization, one who, in an emergency, could command the combined forces that Pelham Manor might be forced to call in from New York or New Rochelle or both to fight a large fire.

'The matter of inspection has been neglected,' the Mayor said.

Out of some 150 hydrants inspected at a certain time some 28 were found to be practically useless.  The firemen contend the Board did not consult them in the matter, the Board maintains that the firemen have neglected this duty in spite of repeated urgings.  

Someone is needed to carry on the work of inspection which is an important part of fire prevention.

Since 1923 the Fire Department has been incorporated separately from the village.  The matter of control lies with the Fire Department.  The matter of responsibility lies with the Board.'  Mayor House characterized the situation as intolerable and one that would not be permitted to endure in any business.  Being responsible, the Board must be in control.

The Board hasn't right of dismissal of any fireman or the right of selection of officers.  It has the right of approval or disapproval only, a condition which ties its hands.  Mayor House quoted the Governor of New York State, as saying that the trouble with most of the incorporated villages of the State was that they were run by their Fire Departments.

The Board of Trustees is anxious to have a large number of people out to vote on the matter and the polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.  One thousand ballots have been printed and it is hoped that they will all be used.  Mayor House in closing his remarks reiterated that the Board of Trustees being responsible should have control.

The question from the point of view of the Fire Department was presented by Mr. Joseph Fisher who said that the firemen realized the need for improvement and growth.  Even the Board, he said doesn't deny the efficiency of the department and the firemen have always tried to improve their efficiency.

In regard to the question of lack of drills, Mr. Fisher pointed out that at the County Volunteer Firemen's Field Days in the last four years, Pelham Manor Engine Co., has won on an average of three cups yearly.  In answer to the statement that the meet is unimportant, Mr. Fisher said that if this was the case then the drills were unimportant also.  The Board failed to take up its new ideas with the members of the Fire Board.  Instead of going to the members of the Fire Board, Mr. Fisher stated the matter was taken up with individuals.

'The Fire Department believes it a good thing to have a trained man such as Brennan,' said Fisher.  But we feel that the combined duties of fire, and building and street inspector would be suitable for such an officer.

Mr. Fisher pointed out that in 1923 at the wish of the Village Board the Fire Department of Pelham Manor was incorporated.  These men, he said, had the Village's interest at heart, it is only natural to conclude.  The system of incorporated departments has been successful throughout the state, he maintained, adding that the firemen are looking only for a fair deal.  The natural resentment of a local organization when a paid outsider is appointed to run it was touched on by Mr. Fisher.

In answer to charges of inefficiency, Mr. Fisher stated that the Fire Department can show letters of commendation that would seem to belie the charges.  If Brennan could be appointed to the combined job spoken of above, Mr. Fisher seemed to feel that the problem could be settled.  The members of the Fire Department have lost interest since the appointment of Brennan.  Comparing the Fire Departments in New Rochelle and Mt. Vernon, Mr. Fisher said that the fire losses in the latter city where the department is volunteer are smaller than in the former where the Fire Department is paid, although Mt. Vernon is larger than New Rochelle.

Mr. Fisher seemed to feel the appropriateness of a fire chief who would have come up from the ranks, pointing out the case of Chief Gargan in the police force.  Mr. Green and Mr. House admitted according to Mr. Fisher, that they had gone about the matter in the wrong way.  He added he felt that the majority of men would refuse to join a new department and placed the question before the people whether they would prefer to have inexperienced or experienced men to fight their fires and whether or not they were unmindful of the loyal service of the men who had served the village so long, neither seeking nor desiring compensation."

Source:  THE MANOR CLUB -- Manor Club Members Hear Of Controversy Over Fire Department -- Mayor Elliott C. House and S. Joseph Fisher Of the Fire Department Give Both Sides Of Question, The Pelham Sun, May 25, 1928, p. 13, cols. 1-3.  

Full Page Advertisement Published on Behalf of the Village of Pelham

Manor Board of Trustees Prior to May 28 Vote on the Board Resolution.

Source:  To Every Property Owner In Pelham Manor [Advertisement],

The Pelham Sun, May 25, 1928, p. 11, cols. 1-7.

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Full Page Advertisement Published on Behalf of the Pelham Manor

Fire Department Incorporated Prior to May 28 Vote on the Board Resolution.

Source:  DO YOU WANT TO CONTINUE THE PRESENT EFFICIENT FIRE

DEPT. -OR- DO YOU WANT A NEW UNTRAINED DEPT. [Advertisement],

The Pelham Sun, May 25, 1928, p. 4, cols. 1-7.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

"New Volunteer Fire Department For Pelham Manor
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Voters Uphold Decision Of Village Trustees In Abolishing Old Organization
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Newton M. Argabrite Heads New Board of Fire Commissioners
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Pelham Manor will have a new volunteer fire department.  By a vote of 258 to 203, Monday, the taxpayers of the village endorsed the action of the Board of Trustees in abolishing the incorporated volunteer fire department.  Thus the 'tempest in a teapot' simmered down to a simple ratification of the Trustees decision in appointing John J. Brennan, paid chief, of the fire department.  The situation was not without its serious moment, however, as the question was responsible for the registering of the largest taxpayers' vote in the history of the village.  Both the firemen who fought to retain their identity and the Village Trustees drew largely fro the taxpayers for approval of their respective sentiments.  

Hint was given this week that the firemen might bring a legal action against the village trustees to recover for the village, the salary paid Chief Brennan for his services before the Trustees ordered the referendum on the question of the abolition of the fire department.

There arises one important question after the election.  Who will fight fires in the village until the new department is organized?  Despite the fact that it was stated that many members of the old department would join the new department, the firemen announced last night that they would not answer alarms.  The trustees have stated that they have a competent fire fighting organization, but have neglected to state what the organization is composed of.  An invitation has been extended to citizens of the village to join the new volunteer department.  The paid drivers of the department have signified their intention of continuing with their duty.  It 

(Continued on page 8)

New Volunteer Fire Department For Pelham Manor
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(Continued from page 1)

behooves every citizen of Pelham Manor to take an active interest in the situation.

Two important results were announced shortly after the election.  The first was the organization of a Board of Fire Commissioners to govern the new fire department which shall not be incorporated, and the second was the announcement that the old firemen would continue as an organized corporation.  The purpose of this organization was not announced, but inasmuch as the old volunteers retain much of their animous [sic] toward the village government it is expected that it will be of a political nature.

Former village president, Newton M. Argabrite, will be chairman of the new Board of Fire Commissioners of the First Fire District.  He will be assisted by Village Trustee Joseph N. Greene and Lawrence F. Sherman.

It is expected that the new board will be able to secure a closer contact between the firemen and the constituted authorities of the village.

One problem of both trustees and firemen will be settled by the new Board.  That will be the selection of officers of the department.

Although the old volunteer firemen have announced that they will not join the new department which is to be organized by Chief Brennan and the Board of Fire Commissioners, the Trustees maintain a firm opinion that the new department will be formed around a nucleus composed of several of the old members.  Invitation has been extended to male residents of the village to join the new organization.

The former members of the fire department met last night at the home of Antonio Galati, whose election as chief, the Board of Trustees failed to approve, and unanimously voted to retain their organization.  The following resolution was passed:

'Inasmuch as the Fire Department of the Village of Pelham Manor  Incorporated has been removed as the official fire fighting organization of the village, by vote of the property owners, it has been unanimously decided that this organization will not respond to any fire alarms.'

In answer to questions of a Pelham Sun reporter it was stated that individual members of the organization might join the new Fire Department, but they could not retain their membership in the Incorporated Fire Department.  Poll of the members present at the meeting showed none who would admit they would align themselves with the new fire department.

It was also stated that the old department had offers of fire fighting equipment from neighboring departments, but question as to which department made the offer went unanswered.

The old volunteers are so confident of their position that they have entered the Annual Field Day competition of the Westchester Volunteer Firemen's Association, and have also made plans for a Dinner which is to be held after the contest.

The firemen also asked The Pelham Sun to express their sincere gratitude to the 203 taxpayers who supported them in the referendum."

Source:   New Volunteer Fire Department For Pelham Manor -- Voters Uphold Decision Of Village Trustees In Abolishing Old Organization -- Newton M. Argabrite Heads New Board of Fire Commissioners, The Pelham Sun, Jun. 1, 1928, Vol. 19, No. 14, p. 1, col. 1 & p. 8, col. 4.  

"Firemen's Contests
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Hosted Firemen Led By Former Chief Galati Make Fastest Time But Lose By Poor Coupling
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Although their tie was five seconds shorter than the winning team poor connection was responsible for the disqualification of the team entered by the old fire department of Pelham Manor in the hose race at the Firemen's Field Day at White Plains, Saturday.  For the last four years the Pelham Manor firemen were victorious in this part of the program.  The race was won by the Mt. Kisco Engine Co.  A team from Rye took second place.  Official timing recorded the winner at 44 seconds.  The Pelham Manor team made its connection in 39 seconds, but the coupling was faulty.

The firemen who were disbanded as the official fire fighting organization by vote of the taxpayers had hoped to win the event as a mute denial to the charge of the Village Board that they were not efficient.  Antonio Galati, former chief of the volunteer department headed the team.  He was assisted by former Deputy Chief Charles B. Clark, John Flanagan, John J. Flanagan, Jr., William Templeton, Jr., James Templeton, Robert Cremins, Cornelious Lackey, S. Joseph Fisher, Nicola Caruso, George F. Harmon and Walter [Illegible]. . . . 

[T]he former Pelham Manor Firemen enjoyed a dinner at Lawrence Inn."

Source:  Firemen's Contests -- Hosted Firemen Led By Former Chief Galati Make Fastest Time But Lose By Poor Coupling, The Pelham Sun, Jul. 13, 1928, p. 14, col. 1.  

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Below is a list of prior Historic Pelham Blog postings that touch on firefighting and the history of firefighting units within the Town of Pelham.

Mon., Dec. 14, 2015:  Early History of the Village of Pelham Manor Fire Department.

Fri., Dec. 11, 2015:  Evidence of An Early Independent Firefighting Unit in Pelham Named "Indians."

Thu., Dec. 10, 2015:  Grand Fire-Fighting Competition and Parade Held in the Town of Pelham in 1891.

Wed., Dec. 09, 2015:  Pelham's Minneford Engine Company Built a New Fire House on City Island in 1894.

Mon., Dec. 07, 2015:  The Code Used on the City Island Fire Bell in the Late 19th Century Used for Fire Alarms.

Mon., Nov. 30, 2015:  Another Detailed Account of the 1901 Fire that Detroyed the Clubhouse of the New York Athletic Club on Travers Island.

Fri., Nov. 20, 2015:  Account of 1894 Fire in One of Pelham's Earliest Newspapers.

Wed., Sep. 30, 2015:  Was it Arson that Destroyed the Prospect Hill School at Jackson and Plymouth Avenues in 1917?

Thu., Sep. 17, 2015:  An Account of the February 28, 1925 Fire at Pelhamdale, A Home on the National Register of Historic Places.


Fri., Jun. 12, 2015:  The Tumultuous Reign of Pelham Manor Fire Chief J. Louis Cunningham in the Early 1900s.

Tue., Jun. 09, 2015:  Reminiscenses of Firemen Who Served From 1893 Until 1923 in North Pelham.

Wed., Jun. 03, 2015:  The Bell in Firemen's Memorial Park at First Street and Wolfs Lane.

Tue., Jun. 02, 2015:  Important Early Images of the Pelham Fire Department.

Fri., May 22, 2015:  History of Pelham's Beloved "Nott Steamer" Known as "Jim Reilly's Boiler."

Thu., Mar. 26, 2015:  Fire Destroyed the Old Pelham Manor Post Office in 1945.

Fri., Mar. 20, 2015:  Fire in 1932 Devastated the Bolton Priory in Pelham Manor.

Tue., Feb. 17, 2015:  More on the Early History of Organized Firefighting in the Settlement of Pelhamville.

Mon., Feb. 16, 2015: The Great Furniture Fight of 1896: Company of Pelhamville Firemen Resigned En Masse.

Thu., Feb. 12, 2015: Rare 19th Century Image of Pelhamville Firemen Who Served in Relief Hook and Ladder Company No. 1.

Fri., Dec. 12, 2014: Parade and Housewarming Hosted by Pelhamville Fire Department in 1894.

Thu., Dec. 11, 2014:  Pelhamville's First Attempt to Create a Fire Department in 1893 Failed Due to a Legal Technicality.

Thu., Jul. 24, 2014: Dedication of the New Fire Headquarters in the Village of Pelham on December 29, 1927.

Wed., Jul. 02, 2014: Election Shenanigans Involving Fire Commissioner Election in 1898.


Thu., Apr. 24, 2014: Information About the History of Fire Departments in the Town of Pelham Published in 1927.

Thu., Jan. 30, 2014:  The Night Pelham's Town Hall Burned.

Fri., Jan. 24, 2014: Early Days of Organized Fire Fighting in Today's Village of Pelham.

Thu., Jan. 23, 2014:  Another Account of the Devastating Fire that Destroyed the Travers Island Clubhouse of New York Athletic Club in 1901.

Wed., May 12, 2010:  Fire Partly Destroyed Pelham Town Hall in 1908.

Fri., Jan. 15, 2010: Photograph of Augustine C. McGuire, President of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the First District Fire Department in 1913.

Thu., Jan. 14, 2010: 1913 Report of the Firemen's Benevolent Association in Pelham.

Thu., Dec. 10, 2009: More 19th Century Baseball and Firefighting References.

Tue., Dec. 08, 2009: The Darling Triplets: Three Brothers Among Pelham's Earliest Firefighters.

Thu., Oct. 08, 2009: Firefighting Units on City Island in Pelham During the Early 1890's.

Fri., Sep. 04, 2009:  1901 Newspaper Article About Fire that Burned New York Athletic Club Clubhouse on Travers Island.

Mon., Aug. 31, 2009: Contest in 1891 To Determine Which Steam Fire Engine Company Could Throw a Stream the Greater Distance.

Fri., Aug. 28, 2009: Reorganization of the Minneford Engine Company on City Island in February, 1891.

Thu., Aug. 06, 2009: Brief History of the Fire Department in the Village of North Pelham Published in 1913.

Wed., Aug. 05, 2009: Pelham Manor Fire Chief Pleads for Taxpayers to Authorize Purchase of Village's First Fire Engine.

Wed., July 15, 2009: Liberty Hose Company Election in 1898.

Thu., Feb. 19, 2009:  The Old Hunter House Burns to the Ground in an Arson Incident on Travers Island on April 4, 1889.

Thu., Jan. 19, 2006: Pelham Manor's Earliest Fire Fighting Equipment.

Wed., Jan. 18, 2006:  Newspaper Report of the Infamous Vaughan's Livery Stable Fire in North Pelham in 1907.

Mon., Oct. 17, 2005:  The Firemen's Memorial of the Pelham Fire Department.

Mon., Aug. 01, 2005: An 1896 Inspection and Drill of the Fire Department in Pelham.

Tue., May 31, 2005:  The June 6, 1940 Fire That Destroyed the George M. Reynolds Mansion (Part I of II).

Wed., Jun. 01, 2005:  The June 6, 1940 Fire That Destroyed the George M. Reynolds Mansion (Part II of II).

Fri., May 06, 2005:  The Great Furniture Battle at Pelhamville's Relief Hook and Ladder Company in 1896.

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