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A Bell For Pioneer Fire Company No. 1
On January 8, 1883, Mrs. Emma H. Coomper, a dressmaker living on Seventh and Landis across from the Methodist Church spotted smoke seeping from one of the church windows. She ran across the street and being the first to arrive began piling cushions on the floor above the fire which barred the draft and partially smothered the flames until help arrived.
The alarm had been given promptly by the bell of the same endagered building. Men from neighboring homes brought buckets filled with water controlling the surface fire. When the firemen arrived with the engine truck more efficient work began. They found it necessary to cut away portions of the woodwork to stifle the flames. They worked for more than an hour after which several men offered to remain during the night with water supply to prevent a second outbreak.
After this incident, it became clear to the firemen and citizens that a fire bell specifically for that purpose was needed. This feeling was stated in the Evening Journal on January 10th when it started: "Vineland needs and must have a first class fire bell, which should be of incalculable advantage in many cases. As it is, firemen and citizens generally find it impossible to distinguish any particular difference between the ringing of the church bells for fires, funerals or meeting. A good bell could be procured for about $300."
The Weekly-Independent seconded its rival by stating on January 11th: "In view of the trouble in this case to raise on alarm, the suggestion that a bell be placed on Firemen's Hall and sounded only in case of fire is particularly opportune and is respectfully recommended to the powers that be."
The firemen appointed a committee to secure information on the bell and cupola. The report was presented to the Fire Directors with a recommendation of raising $400 to cover the cost. The recomendation was accepted by the Directors and favorably voted on by those within the voting district on March 11th.
The committee worked rapidly and on April 19th the Weekly-Independent stated: "A tall tower arrangement is being placed on the engine house. A fire alarm bell will be placed in the same, and our people will know they ought to go to a fire when the bell rings." On the 26th another announcement stated, "The Fire Bell is in town."
The bell itself was purchased from McShane and Company for $196.00 and the total cost of building the cupola and installing the bell came to $411.08.
Through the passing years, many hours of sleep were lost to the clanking of Pioneer's bell. As it sat in its pedestal above the fire station ringing out alarms which were answered by the first settlers of Vineland, it was still there awakening their sons and grandsons. Through the turn of the century, it competed with the noise of a growing town. From the clatter of horse hoofs to the roar of the automobile, it rang out its dire warning. And it saw the young town mature to a prospering city with telephone wires strung to its own height.
Yes, the fire bell was in town and it served its time well. And then the day came when its ringing could not be heard above the sounds of progress and the cupola had become weak with age. The bell was taken down to be stored in the City's warehouse until sold as old metal.
Before this fate became a reality, it was rescued by members of the Fire Department and Historical Society. It now rests in silence at the corner of Seventh and Elmer Streets with a bronze tablet inscribed, "Fire Bell of the Pioneer Fire Company, Vineland, N.J., April 1883." And if you listen carefully, you may be able to hear through its silence the sounds of the past.
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Brief History
History Written By Linda M. Kandle in 1976.
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