As announced in the Fall 2000 issue of the Focus, the year 2001 marked the 50th anniversary of the West Bloomfield Fire Department. Our President, Jim Mansfield, recently shared with me a copy of a paper written by past member Afton O. Kilmer in 1976. The paper documents the early history of the department, from the very first organizational meetings of 1950, to the relatively “modern” department of 1976. In the next few issues of the Focus, we will share some of this history by re-printing portions of the documentary. 50 years is a significant accomplishment, and we hope you’ll enjoy the story of how the WBFD came to be.

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               A Brief History Of The West Bloomfield Volunteer Dept.

                                            ~From 1950 to 1976~

                                                By Afton O. Kilmer

                                    Part I            Part II           Part III



PART I     Back to Top


Sometime during the year 1950 a group of concerned citizens met in the Hamlet of West Bloomfield, Ontario County, New York, to discuss the need for and the feasibility of organizing a volunteer fire department for the dual purpose of protecting the lives and property of its citizens, and to secure more favorable fire insurance rates for all residents of the community which it would seek to protect. Thirteen men attended the first meeting which was held on the 12th of June, 1950, One Frank Yates, then residing in West Bloomfield, was really the “Spark Plug” of this infant movement, and he was chosen to be its first, “Temporary Chairman,” to be assisted by the following:

Vice President Gerald Stanton
Secretary Donald Ayers
Treasurer John Sargeant

This meeting took place in the W. Bloomfield Town Hall, and a few fundamental rules were adopted, including one which determined the minimum age of department members to be established at 18 years. Officers were authorized to investigate steps necessary to the incorporation of the department and to the equipment needed and its procurement. During the weeks and months that followed, the interested group grew in numbers and knowledge, ably assisted in the latter by one Joseph Nataline, formerly of the U.S. Air Force; Attorney, John Buyck, whom Nataline procured and introduced; Walter Neenan, an officer in the East Bloomfield Fire department and President of the then young Ontario County Firemen’s Association; and one Allan Case, representing the Young Fire equipment Co. of Buffalo, N.Y. which built our first fire pumper on a 1948 International chassis.


Attorney John Buyck did the legal work in the procurement of the department’s charter, the application for which was signed by 36 members. He also took care of the incorporation of the department, which was consummated on September 21, 1951. Previous to this date, Temporary President, Frank Yates, who had ably and faithfully served in the early stages of the formation of the Department, had served notice that he felt that his own work training did not qualify him to assume the duties of President of an incorporated, state chartered firefighting organization, under a legal contract to provide protection to a township or district. It was the “business” end of the office that bothered him and he wished to be relieved of the responsibility. At that time, a man named Kilmer, an insurance agent residing in the township and also a currently co-owner of a small summer resort on Canandaigua Lake was asked whether he would assume such a responsibility if elected to it. After a bit of persuasion he agreed, and at an election meeting held on October 8th, 1951, he was formally elected and installed in the office of President, although he had already been acting in that capacity during previous meetings when the business of incorporating, charter seeking and other matters pertaining to fire organization and protection had taken place.


Afton then served as President for the following nine consecutive years, and again, later, served for several years as secretary or in other capacities. Other officers elected at the above-mentioned meeting were: Vice President, Arthur Pollex; Chief, Ellis Shetler, Asst. Chief, Earl Farley. The term, “Secretary” was changed to “Adjutant” conforming to that of the military, or veterans’ organizations. One Donald Ayers was named Adjutant, and Robert Zuber, Treasurer. John Sargeant, Captain; Kenneth Vincent, Lieutenant. Directors were also elected for one-year terms. Such were Frank Yates and Joe Nataline. All of the above constituted the first Board of Directors. Of course, various committees were named at this time but the element of space limits the listing of all such in this brief history. Also, again because of space needed, from here on, only the names of chiefs, presidents, adjutants and treasurers will be listed in this history. The names of all other officers, directors and important committeemen may be found recorded in the official “minutes” of the department.



At this stage in the Department’s development, there were many changes: “comings” and “goings” among members and prospective members, as is always the case with newly formed associations. A few were never recognized as “active,” but rather as “supporting” members due to age or other considerations, and these proved very helpful as such. A few left to help form a fire company in a nearby hamlet. Because of their work, some moved out of the township, some became disgruntled for minor or imagined grievances; others were disillusioned when they found that there is more work than fun or excitement in being a volunteer fireman, and that it takes time, as well as “dedication” and sacrifice to remain and become an efficient one.



Following, are the names of all of the Charter Members, but those who never attended future meetings or became active in any manner, have an asterisk (*) in front of them. Also, those who left to form or join another fire company.



Ayers, Donald Kilmer, Afton *Floyd, Sharp *Barnes, Donald *Launt, Clifford Shellman, Edward Broadwell, Elmer McGeary, John Shellman, James Carlson—Glenn Michel, Charles Hugh Shetler, Ellis *Corbin, Leon Moore, Calvin *Smith, Ben Courneen, Francis Nataline, Joseph Tenny, Edwin Dechau, Charles Niles, Harry, Jr. Turner, Harry Farley, Earl O’Brien, Donald *Vandenberghe, George Farley, Gerald Pero, Edwin Vincent, Kenneth *Fitzgerald, Ray Pollex, Arthur *Williams, Harry Goodberlet, Phil Rose, Irving *Williams, Thomas Hagstrom, Albert Sergeant, John Yates, Frank Johnson, Richard *Schweickhard, Leo Zuber, Robert



Russell Sage and Otis Thompson joined the department just too late to be properly designated as “Charter Members,” and Otis did not stay with it, but Russell, faithful and efficient through all the years following, has always been, and still is regarded as one of the original members by all the “Old Timers.” (2001 Note: Russell Sage is still faithfully serving the department, and is currently Vice President—K.C.) The use of the shed at the rear of the Town Hall was given the department by the Town Board, and the members, under the direction of the capable and enthusiastic Art Pollex; with saw, banner, paint and electrical fittings made it usable. There was nothing lacking in skill and willingness.



Soon, the members were attending fire schools at home and throughout the county, and the Procurement Committee, headed by Joe Nataline, called at the factory of the Young Fire Equipment Company, in Buffalo, with the specifications for the new Fire truck and work went forward toward its completion.




PART II     Back to Top


The first fund drive, headed by Arthur Pollex, was carried out during the fall of 1951, and was pronounced successful. Dinners and other events also helped to raise needed funds for the new department. The fund drive has been an annual event ever since, and the residents of West Bloomfield Township have always responded generously. The drafting of a constitution and by-laws had been going on under the direction of President Kilmer and, at the December 1951 meeting, these were announced as complete. At this time, Sage and Nataline were appointed to see about procurement of a fire siren to be mounted upon the temporary fire house. Glenn Morse, Jr. and Charles Grundman joined the department at the December 1951 meeting. Glenn Morse, Sr. and M. Jorgensen also joined at this time. Gerard Pero and Raymond Heath joined the department at the February 1952 meeting. Edwin Pero joined soon after.



During these winter months of 1951-‘52 and the three months following, the young department really “got off the ground,” with many willing and efficient workers to do the hundred and one things necessary to the launching of any new association which has a real work program ahead. Because of the multiplicity of these accomplishments and in the interest of time and space, I will bunch them all together instead of listing them in detail and under separate dates. And this procedure will be used from now on throughout the remainder of this history. Bingo games, under the direction of Sage, Pollex and Kilmer were carried on during the winter for needed funds; a used siren was purchased From Mendon and installed on the roof of the temporary fire house; The now pumper was finished by Young and Nataline, Kilmer and his son, Ray went to Buffalo for it. Nataline and Kilmer drove it home, while Ray drove the car back. The arrival of this new pumper in West Bloomfield marked a milestone in that hamlet’s history, and was a great day for the infant department. It created new enthusiasm among the members and potential members, and bolstered the support of the citizens. A front end pump had been purchased and this was duly installed by Nataline and helpers. A contract was executed with the Town Board for the fire protection of the township and all necessary and adequate insurance was procured for the men and equipment. The President negotiated with the New York State Fire Insurance Rating Board and an inspection of the department by the Board resulted in a “C” fire rating for the Town, which brought down rates appreciably. Regular drills were Instituted for the department, along with sporadic “Mutual Aid” drills with other departments and companies, and these, combined with the training schools, experience, enthusiasm and basic skills of the members soon brought the ability of the department to a high degree of efficiency and it established, at once, an enviable record of accomplishment throughout the surrounding area, which record it proudly holds to the present day. Occasional suppers were put on with much help from the ladies to augment our fund raising endeavors and a bean crop on land loaned for that purpose was fathered by Pollex, with the aid of many volunteers. During this period, a Ladies’ Auxiliary to the Department was organized, which has functioned admirably through all the succeeding years and has been of inestimable help and value. Shetler proved an able and courageous chief, and if any fault could be found, it was that he sometimes tried to extinguish fires single-handedly, instead of relegating the actual work to his men. He was a hard worker and much beloved by all members.



In July of ‘52, a private line phone hook-up was arranged with the Telephone Company, following an agreement with them that they wave the $25O.OO installation fee and that we be charged only the $l7.25 monthly service charge.



September, l952 saw the department embark on the first of many clam bakes. It was a success as all have been, but definite figures are not available in the minutes of any meeting. The bean crop, too, proved a financial success and was a distinct help to our solvency at a time when money was needed for, it seemed, everything.



A marching unit was formed in either ’52 or ‘53, exact date not on file, which began to make itself known throughout the area and county and which proved to be, perhaps, not only our greatest fund raising asset, as it assured the success of our own carnivals, but also, again our greatest “public relations” asset, as it pleased both children and adults to be spectators at our parades, thus forging a valuable link between us and those whom we sought to serve, but also, between our department and those our neighboring communities. Our first carnival was held during the summer of l953, on ground along Routes 5 and 20, upon which is now situate the Bloomdale Trailer Park. It was “chaired” by Earl Farley, and he and his faithful wife, Kate, worked tirelessly to make it the success it was. Since then, the department has held a carnival every summer. They have had many different chairmen, all capable and efficient, and the members have worked and cooperated faithful1y in their successes. Through experience and growth of the department, these carnivals have grown in scope and volume until now they have reached a point of outstanding importance in the social and entertainment life of the community. Some persons, not members, have helped greatly with these, notable among them Bob Rose, who, with capability and willingness, has been a real asset in times of dire need. Other men, mostly farmers and Town employees, have also helped greatly. During the early ‘50s, your then President was fortunate in becoming associated, in county and state firematics, with Gustavus Wehrlin, of Farmington, a man of seemingly unlimited knowledge, brains and willingness, to say nothing of generosity, and this man has helped us amazingly, with advice, support, parade assistance and influence down through all the years.



On the 28th of January, l957, a cold and stormy day, an accident while at work, took the life of a great man and a great chief, our beloved Ellis Shetler. A severe blow to our department, surely, and an even greater blow to his family and to the community. In September of l958, Edwin Pero took over as Chief, and Jack Michel as Treasurer, when Shetler had declined the office of the former, and Zuber had declined the office of the latter. Also, it would seem well to here mention that Earl Farley was elected Vice-President. He never attained to the office of either President or Chief, but not because of either lack of capability or popularity. He declined the nominations of both these offices on several occasions.



In September, 1961, Kilmer, after nine years as President, declined to run again, and Glenn Morse, Jr. was elected in his place. Harry Barnes, as Vice-President. Edwin Pero was still Chief, and was re-elected. Russell Sage, new treasurer. Ray Baker, after serving four years as Secretary, declined and Ray Kilmer was elected in his place. He served for two years. Ray Baker did an outstanding job as Secretary—for neatness—for accuracy—for form and detail.



During the year, 1955, we lost one of our most valued members, Joseph Nataline, as regards personal presence and activity. His work called him to the Buffalo, N.Y. area. But he still owns property in W. Bloomfield and he retained his membership and interest in the Department. He was voted a paid-up, Life Membership in the department for outstanding service in helping to organize it, train it and get it off the ground. During the later ‘50s, the need for a larger and more adequately equipped fire house became apparent and a suitable and available site for same came under study. It was agreed by the majority that this site should be farther east and on higher ground than the then carnival grounds so that, for seven of eight fires, the heavily-loaded equipment would not have to start its journeys with an up—hill climb. At last a very suitable site was located on South Road, (Dark Hollow Road,) and the lot was finally purchased on the 25th day of September, 1957 and plans for the new fire house were put into operation almost immediately. These plans included a kitchen, planned and executed under the supervision of former Treasurer, Robert Zuber; running water, rest rooms and meeting facilities for members. The main work was done by Sleight Brothers, of Honeoye Falls, but much of the work, including the painting, plumbing and electrical work was done by the members themselves.




PART III     Back to Top


Early in l958, another parcel of land to the south and bordering on the original lot was added, executed through a “Quit-Claim” deed, inasmuch as a clear title could not be obtained because one of the owners, with several heirs, died intestate. The work involved in chasing down all of these potential heirs and securing their signatures on a “quit-claim” was tremendous and was accomplished by Attorney Basil Moore, then Mayor of Honeoye Falls, assisted somewhat by President Kilmer, who accompanied Mr. Moore on most of these journeys. And, right here it is important to record that Attorney Moore, did not charge the department anything for all his services. Some of the then members, through ignorance, thought that he did, as there were certain charges, but these were the charges of transfer and recording and tax stamps by the county, and the guaranty of title by the Rochester Abstract Corporation, in order to obtain mortgage money where the deed is issued by “quit-claim.” Mr. Moore, himself a volunteer fireman and a member of the original Rochester Fire Department, also did free work for the Honeoye Falls Fire Department, as well as for the American Legion, of which he was also a member. Mr. Moore’s memory should always be respected for these unselfish, expert and time-consuming services. He did not even charge us for car expense.



At this time, it was deemed desirable to place a piece of equipment in the Hamlet of North Bloomfield for more convenient access there, and a third parcel of land was purchased there for this purpose on the 26th of June, 1963. However, due to circumstances, this project was never carried out. The deed date on the first parcel purchased on South Road was: Jan, 7, l958.... On the second parcel: August 17, 1960.



In 1963, Chief Edwin Pero purchased property in and moved to another county and at the September elections, A1wyn (“Corky”) Rose was duly elected as the new Chief. Glenn Morse, Jr., was again re-elected as President. Sage remained as Treasurer, and Afton Kilmer was elected Secretary, to replace his son. Edwin Pero was an outstanding fireman and a conscientious and capable chief. He had a wider vision than some of our men and took an active interest in county and “sectional” firematics as well as his local department. He had at least two opportunities to assume a county office but declined both because he felt that they might interfere with his local duties.



About March 1st, 1964, a used fire pumper was purchased from the Henrietta Fire Department for $250.00. It was a 1946 International chassis, and mounted a Young mid-ship pump, and carried some equipment. This truck served us well. In September, 1964, Rose remained Chief, John McGeary was elected President, Jack Yates Secretary and Russell Sage remained as Treasurer, Al Smith elected as Asst. Chief.



1965 was a busy year for the department, but nothing of outstanding importance or change occurred. The carnival was a huge success; a water storage tank was installed and some changes made in telephone service and radio communication. At the September election, McGeary and Morse, Jr. changed places; McGeary becoming V. President and Glenn Morse, Jr. again taking the President’s chair. Secretary and Treasurer remained the same. In January, 1966, Phil Owens took over the Secretary’s job from Jack Yates. A new tanker of 1400 gals, capacity was built for us by Young Fire Equipment Company, of Buffalo. We received delivery on same during the spring. (2001 Note: This truck is still in active service.) In the September election, Corky Rose was re-elected Chief with Morse for Assistant, and Gerard Pero was elected President. Phil Owens, Secretary and Russell Sage, Treasurer. In October, a plaque, with a generous inscription engraved thereon was presented to Kilmer. It was gratefully received as a splendid gesture by the department it had, for so many years, been his pleasure to serve. A “Base Station” radio was purchased from the Rochester Transit Co. and paid for in full, in early 1967. The license to operate same was received about December 1st, and monitors were purchased and installed in most of the “key” firemen’s homes. The 1967 elections again resulted in the following: Chief, Alwyn Rose; President, Gerard Pero; Secretary, Phil Owens; Treasurer, Russell Sage.



About the first of the year, 1968, discussion became rife concerning a needed addition to our firehouse. The department had grown; now had four pieces of equipment with another one in sight, more space for housing and meeting purposes was sorely needed. And permanent buildings had now begun to be added to the carnival grounds, to get rid of and to expedite carnival work. During these latter years, annual banquets had been held for the firemen, wives and certain guests; we had sponsored (in name only) a Cub Scout pack, and, in 1968, an Easter Egg Hunt was held for the neighborhood kids, sponsored by Harry Barnes. During 1968, payment for the tanker was completed in full. Plans for an addition to the building, and for a new pumper were discussed at length. At the 1968 September elections, Rose remained Chief, with Keyes and Baker as 1st. and 2nd Assts.; Hugh Michel was elected President; Owens, Secretary and Sage, Treasurer. At the April, 1969 meeting, Phil Owens resigned as Secretary and Glenn Morse volunteered to act for balance of term.



At the September, 1969 meeting, the following officers were elected:— Chief, Harry Barnes; Assts., Keyes and Baker; President, Hugh Michel; Secretary, Bob Turnstrom; Treasurer, Jim Dunnigan. At the November 10th meeting, Prank Pitcher replaced Jim Dunnigan as Treasurer. During 1969, a used Seagrave Pumper was purchased from Brockport. (2001 Note: This pumper was later sold back to Brockport, and is now on display there in a firefighting museum.)



Routine business and plans prevailed for the most part during 1970, with parades, carnival, etc., as usual. At the September election meeting, the following officers were chosen:— Alwyn Rose; Chief; Asst. Chiefs, Frank Schultze and Ray Baker. President, Hugh Michel; Secretary, Ronald Kent; Treasurer, Frank Pitcher.


At the February 1971 meeting, the annual membership dues were changed from 25 cents weekly to a flat charge of $3.00 annually. Also, a seal for the department was voted. A popcorn machine was authorized in 1971, and the Town Board agreed to have a water line run into the fire house. Martha Schultze was made an Honorary Life Member. At the September, 1971 meeting, the following officers were chosen:— Chief, Wally Keyes; Asst. Chiefs, Frank Schultze and Walt Dolan; President, Russell Sage; Vice President, John Mackenzie; Treasurer, Prank Pitcher.


During 1971, plans and work had gone forward on a new addition to the building, and plans and specifications on proposed new pumper.



On November 15, 1971, Hugh Michel took over office of Secretary. February 14, 1972, Chief, Keyes reported he has license for Base Station. Department chose, by ballot, to buy the Sanford pumper instead of from Young, or American Fire Company. Lewis Wells, a faithful member for years, moved to Conesus, but was voted a Life Member.



At The September, 1972 elections, the following were elected:

Chief: Caryl Eckert
Assistant Chiefs: Frank Schultze and Walt Dolan
President: Russell Sage
Secretary: Ray Kilmer
Treasurer: Frank Pitcher


NOTE: In an earlier page of this history, it was stated that Bob Rose, though a willing and efficient worker, was a helping neighbor, rather than a member. This was an error. Though infrequently at meetings, he was a regular member.



George Strapp was voted an Honorary Life Member in 1972. At the November, 1972 meeting a “point credit system” for members was advocated by Chief Eckert and the subject was discussed at length. Eckert explained it thoroughly, and it was voted in at the December, 1972 meeting, to take effect at the first of 1973. The credit points are based on the various activities of the department, and each member must earn a minimum number of points annually, to retain his membership. At this meeting, the ladies’ Auxiliary voted $200.00 for meeting Room construction, and Arthur Golding was put in charge of its construction.



1973 was an important and busy year for the department. The “Point System” was put into operation with excellent results; the new Sanford pumper arrived, the meeting room was completed and the department paraded in Canada, at Fort Erie and won a prize there. Other activities were routine, with improvements in equipment and the carnival grounds. At the fall elections, the following officers for 1974 were chosen: Chief — Caryl Eckert; Asst. Chiefs, Prank Schultze and Walt Dolan; President, Clifton Whaley; Secretary, Dick Hamele; Treasurer, Prank Pitcher. Russell Sage was complimented for a job well done during his tenure as President.



Cliff Whaley did an excellent job from the start. Alert and cool, with a quick grasp of the business in hand, he has exceptional skill as a presiding officer. Activities during 1974 were very progressive under competent leadership, but were routine for the most part. The Marching Unit was in fine shape; won a number of trophies, and again paraded, with fine results, at Fort Erie, as did our splendid Auxiliary, which is a credit to the department. Both the carnival and the fund drive were huge successes, as were attendances at fire drills and schools. A number of amendments were made in or added to the By-laws, as copied into the l974 “Minute” book. The results of the 1974 election of officers is as follows: Chief, Caryl Eckert; Asst. Chiefs, Ray Baker and Art Golding; President, Cliff Whaley; Secretary, Dick Hamele; Treasurer, Frank Pitcher. A $25.00 donation was made to the Firemen’s Home on the Hudson’s Endowment Fund; an Emergency Vehicle Fund was set up and a “Hunters’ Breakfast” held on November 14th.



The coming of 1975 saw many good innovations in procedure for the better care of and handling of the equipment, by Chief Eckert, and a better relationship with the Town Planning Board. The department is being put on a better business basis, due to efforts of Chief Eckert, and President Whaley, with cooperation of the Secretary and Treasurer. The proceeds of a “craft show,” by the local “Hobby Hut,” were donated to the Department, in June. Department now sponsoring a Boy Scout troop. Glenn Morse, Jr. and John McGeary voted Life Memberships. Chief attended Fire Chiefs’ Assn. Seminar at Sheraton Hotel, in spring. Gus Lindsay and Art Golding attended Firemen’s Seminar at the vets’ Hospital, in Canandaigua. In July, Gus Lindsay was named Public Relations Representative of the Department.



A new concrete “apron” was poured in front of the fire house addition by the members during August. A Life Membership badge was presented to John McGeary. Beginning the first of 1976, the treasurer will be paid a salary of $50.00 per year. On the evening of the final Thursday of September, the Department hosted the County Firemen’s monthly meeting, with Gus Lindsay as Chairman. President Whaley attended the “Smoke Divers” school. The Town of W. Bloomfield asked for a fireman to act on the Bi-Centennial Committee, and Hugh Michel volunteered for this. On November 17th, a “Hunters’ Breakfast” was again put on. Both carnival and fund drive-were again big successes. Clam bake also profitable, as usual. On November 18th, we hosted the County Fire Police meeting. Gun “party” also successful. Al Smith will be our “negotiator” on possible purchase of rear lot. An amendment to By-Laws will add two more Lieutenants to the line officers. The 1975 election of officers produced the following results:— Chief, Caryl Eckert; Asst. Chiefs, Russell Sage and Ray Baker; President, Bill Reddout; Secretary, Paul Reddout; Treasurer, Frank Pitcher. Whaley retired from the presidency with the thanks of all for a big job well done. It was suggested by Chief Eckert, that a brief history of the Department for use in the Bi-Centennial year activities be prepared. It was voted and the job was relegated to A. Kilmer. A Life Member badge will be given to Glenn Morse, Jr. The January, 1976 meeting produced the usual monthly business of committee appointments and other routine business and thus ends this brief history of The West Bloomfield Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.



THE END     Back to Top



A Note from the writer: I would, indeed, be remiss were I not to include a heartfelt “thank you” to all officers and members who so willingly helped me with this record of our start and subsequent growth. My thanks, especially, to our new Secretary, who so willingly bent every effort to placing all the known data of the Department in my hands. May I here state that I sincerely feel that our outfit was never in better shape: never in better hands: never composed of better or more efficient and enthusiastic members. And, men; I realize, fully, that this is no literary piece of art. Many of you could have done much better. But, in passing Judgement, just please remember that I am just one of the lesser members and an old “has-been.’ So do not judge too harshly. I am like the Polish elevator operator who lost his job because he couldn’t learn the route.


~Afton O. Kilmer