Laura McNamee
By Laura McNamee
On April 16, 1830 the NYS Legislature authorized the incorporation of the “Walden Fire Company”. Little is known of the initial fire organization of Walden, as it predated the formation of the Village by a quarter century. The little we know is that it was incorporated by business owners (Scofield, Galatian, Neafie, and Capron). It is assumed they operated a citizens’ bucket brigade in the earlier years and after the incorporation of the Village were reorganized as the Cataract Engine Company operating hand pumped fire apparatus like those on display at the Firefighters Museum in Montgomery. This company only lasted briefly however as many members left to join the Union Army during the Civil War, leaving the company to disband.
After the Civil War it was reorganized and on June 11, 1872 the Enterprise Steamer Company No. 2 was established. This newly organized fire company received a steam powered fire engine and new uniforms giving a moral boost to the entire village with this new sense of security. This 1872 horse drawn fire apparatus is still around, and is also on display at the Firefighters Museum.
In 1877 the first regular hose company, Eagle Hose Company, was organized to supplement the engine and steamer companies. It would disband after only two years.
1884 saw the creation of two more fire companies, the Fearless Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, as its name implies, hooks, ladders and axes were the focus of their firematic work. The second company was the Orange Hose Company No. 1, similar to the Eagles, they would provide hose for the steam fire engines. It was regularly noted that they attract attention and admiration for their formal appearance, but their response to the ‘bell-call’ is quick and enthusiastic.
Finally, Col. Bradley Hose Company No. 2 was the final company to be formed in 1900. This company came about after the discussion for protection easily accessible on Walden’s West Side.
In the earlier years, access to water was tricky with the water coming from the Wallkill River or the Tin Brook (Ten Broeck). They accessed the water through hundreds of feet of hose. However, there were also three cisterns in the village- one on Main Street near the Masonic Lodge, one near the old woolen factory and another on First Street, between Center and Walker Streets. In 1892 the Village began installing pressurized fire hydrants, allowing the hose companies to fight fires without the need of the steamer, and it was relegated to large fires when additional water from cisterns, the Wallkill, or Tin Brook were needed.
If you have a chance stop by the OC Firefighters Museum in Montgomery- check Facebook for dates/times that it will be open.
Don’t forget- Tuesday August 4th Walden’s National Night Out 6-9p.m. at Bradley Field!
News from the Library: The Teens/Tweens will meet on Thursday, July 30, 6 p.m. for the rescheduled Book Bedazzling program. Join us as we bedazzle the covers of our favorite books. All supplies are included, but you are welcome to bring your own book. Bring your creative ideas as we get together for a fun evening. Work in teams or individually. Snacks served! Magic the Gathering Club for Teens/Tweens will begin new sessions on Saturday, August 1, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Dungeons and Dragons for Teens will meet the same afternoon, 2 - 5 p.m. The Walden Wrestlemaniacs Club will meet on Monday, August 3, 6:30 p.m.
The Teens/Tweens will be busy again on Tuesday, August 4, 6p.m. for “Newburgh Creates”. Last year’s session filled up quickly so book your spot today. Newburgh Creates is a hands-on STEM and arts program with a focus on dynamic art and technology.
Children’s author Nanette Jenkins will join us for a special Storytime on Tuesday, August 4, 10:30 a.m. Ms. Jenkins will read from her new book, Nanette’s Yellowfinch, based on her story as a little girl. You’ll be enchanted by a sweet little bird and the author’s connection. Copies of her book will be available for purchase.
Think you know Benedict Arnold’s real story? Join us for a lively book discussion on God Save Benedict Arnold: the True Story of America’s Most Hated Man by Jack Kelly on Thursday, August 6th, 6 p.m.
For questions or additional information on any of the above programs please call (845)77807621.
Saturday August 1 is a busy day at the Jacob T. Walden House! First at 12 Noon Mary Ellen Matise will give a talk about how Walden, NY became a factory town.
And then, at 7p.m. the Jacob T. Walden House is hosting a paranormal investigation and gallery reading. The event will be put on by Full Moon Paranormal.
Museum Hours for the Historical Society of Walden and Wallkill Valley are 11a.m.-4p.m. on August 1st, August 15th, August 29th and September 12th, for both the Shafer House and the Walden House.
Village of Walden Outdoor Soccer Registration is open. Boys and Girls Ages 5-13, games to tentatively begin in September and take place at Bradley Park on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6p.m. Village of Walden Residents $50, Town of Montgomery Resident $60, plus online registration fee. To register visit waldenrecreation.sportngin.com or call 845-778-2177 x1524.