HISTORY | Sanborn Fire Co.

A Brief History of the Sanborn Fire Co.

The Sanborn Fire Company

was established in September of 1883 and was the first fire company in the Town of Lewiston. The original name was The Sanborn Protection

Fire Company. The first chief was Chief Dr. W.L. Huggins and the first equipment was a wagon with 9 ladders.

The first fire house was built on

November 7, 1883, it took one day to build. Locks and keys for the hall were obtained for all the firemen who wanted one and given out at a cost of $0.12 each.

After purchasing a wagon, ladders

and building a hall to house them,

the company worked to maintain and

upgrade themselves. New equipment

was made and purchased: hooks, ladders,

pails and axes were added to their inventory.

In 1891,talk of a new “Truck“ to carry the equipment was started. After looking around the county, it was decided to build their own truck. Wheels, axels, springs and frame parts were brought and assembled. The truck was a large hand drawn wagon with a ladder and other equipment on it.
There are no records from 1898 to 1916 and in 1916 the company was rejuvenated with new members and enthusiasm. Four hand chemical extinguishers were bought and placed on the truck.
In November of 1917, a two-tank chemical cart was purchased for $346.00. The chemical cart served until 1921 when it was mounted on four wheels instead of two.

In 1927, the company purchased a Nunda Chemical Fire Truck.
The Sanborn Protection Fire Company incorporated on September 29, 1927 and was renamed the Sanborn Fire Company Inc.

In 1930, a new hall was purchased on Niagara Street.
The fire company held its first field day July 19,1930 and the Boy Scout Drum & Bugle Corp. was formed. It would later become the Sanborn Fire Company Drum & Bugle Corp. then finally the Sanborn Fire Co. Band.

In 1933, an American LaFrance pumper was purchase for $5500. It is still at our hall to this day and is used as one of our parade trucks.

In 1938, a service building was built on part of our current property and stills serves us today. Also, a band stand was built on the same property. Sadly, it is no longer standing. It was torn down a few years ago.
In 1939, A Ford truck was purchased, and a tank was mounted on it. The cost was $1207.88.

In 1950, a used tank pumper was purchased for around $2700; it was used for over 20 years.
In 1952, a new hall was built at the corner of Buffalo St. and Tallman St. which was completed in December of 1954.

In 1960, a Tilt Cab Ford (21-T-3) with a 750 GPM pump and a 1500-gallon water capacity was purchased and served the company for 22 years. It was sold in 1982 to a fire company in Rexville, New York.

The Ladie’s Auxiliary was organized in 1966.
In 1966, a Ford Tilt Cab Truck (21-E-1) was Purchased. It was a 1000 GPM pumper.

In 1969, an addition to the hall was completed. The addition was used for bingo, meetings, and private parties.
In 1971, plans for additions of a new truck bay, board room and generator room for controlling our 60kW emergency generator were started. A 1971 Ford four-wheel drive 1500 gal. Tank Pumper was also purchased.

In 1973, a Ford Tilt Cab (21-M-5) was purchased for an emergency fire rescue equipment truck.

In 1982, a custom-built pumper on a Duplex Chassis (21-E-2) with a 2000 GPM pump was purchased from the Young Fire Equipment Co.

In 1992, a new pumper (21-E-1) was purchased from Marion Body Works.

In 1997 our first EMS (21-M-4) vehicle was purchased.

In 2004, our last Field Day was held.
In 2004 & 2005, the current truck bays and remodeling of the old bays was completed.
In 2006, 2 used Chief vehicles were purchased.

In 2013, 2 New Chief vehicles were purchased.