The History of the Minquas Fire Company No. 2

 The birth of the Minquas Fire Company No. 2 took place on the evening of April 2, 1908 at the Downingtown Opera House.  That evening, a small group of ambitious men, who had given much thought to this dream of theirs, chose W.E.E Ash as their secretary and Frank Miller as their acting chairman.  Initial name for the fire company considered were: Brandywine, Downingtown and Minquas.  It did not take the firemen of the East Ward long to vote unanimously for the title of “Minquas Fire Company No. 2”. 

 In order to raise funds for their fire station, the eager men of the Fire House #2 donated much time and effort to such enthusiastic projects as their first fair which netted them over $2000 and a well attended Thanksgiving Day Dinner.  They also took over the operation of the Opera House which offered moving pictures, illustrated songs, minstrel shows etc… for entertainment.

 

With all their business matters and busy work, the firemen began to see the need for an addition to their family of workers.  The ladies were not to be forgotten.  Joseph Bicking, W. Carey and E.I. Griffith were appointed a committee to organize ladies auxiliary.  The woman held their first meeting in August 1908 with Mrs. Alfred Crowe officiating as President and Grace Casey as Secretary.

 

The first Chief if the company was William H. Broschard.  He was followed in order by:  I. Havard Downing (1 yr.), A.G.C. Breze (1yr.), T. Vance Miller (3 yr.), William H. Carey (3 yr.), J.K Smith (3 yr.) and J. Martin Binder.

 

The Fire House building stood much the same as it was in 1909 except for the addition of bowling alleys around 1930 as a means of revenue.  A beautifully decorated social room was added in 1948 replacing the old gymnasium used for town basketball and other sporting events during the twenties. 

 The first ambulance was self made by the Minquas volunteers around 1923.  Now round the clock EMS services are offered for the citizens of Downingtown.

 

 

 

 

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Important Dates of the Minquas Fire Company No. 2

1909 – Minquas entered into an agreement with the Downingtown Motor Company to supply air for a fire horn at the fire house.

 

1916 – Minquas was the recipient of a howitzer and steel flag pole donated by Gen. Hancock Post G.A.R for use in the front of the fire house.
 

1917 – Minquas had it’s first motor pump delivered.
 

1922 – President J. Hunter Willis appointed representatives from the company to meet with other county fire companies to form the Chester County Firemen’s Association.
 

1925 – Minquas purchased a new Buick Ambulance

 

1925 – Minquas created a separate ambulance committee and separate ambulance funds.

 

1973- The Silsby Steamer was sold but made available for the company’s use.

 

1974 – Minquas removed the wall between the engine room and bowling alleys and enlarged the engine room to accommodate more emergency vehicles.

 

1982 – Minquas Ambulance Committee purchased a 1982 AMC Ambulance making it the first time the Minquas Fire Company had two ambulances.

 

2013 – Minquas relocated to a new 7 bay Station at 141 Wallace Avenue. 

2013- Minquas Ambulance Committee approves purchase of a third ambulance. This is the first time  the fire  company operates three ambulances.