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A History of Vineland Fire Company 5
The growing population of 23 years expanded the area of East Landis Township to a thriving community of farmers and residents who desired the peace and quiet of country living. As more people settled, of course, fires followed.
In 1946 a fire in the produce storage building of David Demantte on Panther Road prompted the area residents to form their own fire company. The residents had previously depended on Buena Vista Township #2 and South Vineland Fire Company for protection. Again, the traveling distance was just too extensive.
A vote was taken in the district and a fire department was approved 100 per cent. Five Fire Commissioners were elected with Charles Galeordi as Chariman and the department began with 26 charter members. The residents of the district were very generous and a group of men donated $200 each funding beggining costs which was later repaid. The Fire Commissioners then set up a $10,000 bond appropriation. The firemen themselves purchased the bonds. In fact, so many insisted on doing so that a drawing was held and the $10,000 was sold in ten minutes.
Frank Franceschini donated the land for the fire hall located at Panther and Italia Avenues and steps were taken to purchase a siren and 35' tower which was bought totally by the members.
The new fire hall and apparatus was dedicated on September 27, 1947 in the presence of a score of county and municipal officials and fire chiefs from neighboring districts with Charles Galeordi laying the corner stone. Member Max Buckholz presented the company with a large American flag.
Galeordi presented the key to the fire truck to Chief Anthony Flaim who thanked the district for their generousity. In accepting the key, he stated "Previously the district depended on Buena Vista Township Fire Company and South Vineland and now we are only too glad to come to their assistance any time we may be called."
It was noted in Galeordi's address, "The fire company represented the realization of a year's dream in the district."
A dream accomplished as Vineland has seen so many times by people working together for the enrichment of the community.
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Brief History
History Written By Linda M. Kandle in 1976.
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