This history was prepared by Jack Washingron, Sr. With help from Everett S. Hayes and Edward D. Knox. Portions are extracted from "Out of the Part:" a history written by Raymond W. Wall, Jr.

"We face the past with pride and the future with courage". This quotation sets the theme of the past account of the Ogontz Fire Company and our hopes for the future. Previous to 1892, eight years before the government of Cheltenham Township was formed, the area was made up of a few estates, farms and a handful of hamlets. It was not a teeming suburb of Philadelphia, as it is today, and the only fire protection the people had were bucket brigades, made up of neighbors organized on the spot, when a need arose.

In early 1892, Frank Engle, owner of the general store in Ogontz and Abram T. Clayton, the village druggist, raised $100 to install a fire hydrant in the town. In October the fire company was founded as a result of the installation. The first officers were Frank Engle, President; Louis A. Nagle, Vice-President; A. T. Clayton, Secretary-Treasurer. Mr. Engle also was the first chief.

In December of 1892, a drive for funds netted S175; of this $160 was spent for 250 feet of hose and the remaining $15 was paid to Horace Ervien Sr., for a hose cart.

In 1896, another drive netted the company $125. The funds were used to replace hose and to buy a larger hose cart, which was again built by Horace Ervien Sr., for the sum of $17.50. The members symbolically buried the old cart. They had three dollars in cash when the year ended.

In 1908, the firemen decided that they should be chartered, and accordingly a charter was granted on September 8th. The charter members were: Joseph Bosler, who owned and operated a grist mill and who also at this time was assistant United States Treasurer; Engle, Clayton, Nagle, Morris P. Horner, a plumber; Alfred Tyson, Carl J. H. Luckow, a barber Ervien, Sr., and Eugene Hawlk, who then owned the Cheltenham Coal and Ice Company.

On September 16th the officers held a meeting and voted every resident of the village a fireman. In 1908 the hose cart was replaced with a new and more up-to-date hand reel carrying 500 feet of hose, one nozzle, two lanterns, a chiefs white hat, a white rubber coat, two fire axes and a fire bell.

In 1909, the company played a leading role in the formation of the Montgomery County Fireman's Association. Ogontz is still active in the Association.

Following a period of inactivity from 1914 to 1922, the company was reorganized on November 16, 1922. These charter members were present: Horner, Ervien, and Luckow. They elected Ervien president pro-temp and Samuel Johnston, secretary -treasurer pro-temp. This meeting was called to put the company back into an active fire-fighting unit and to fill the offices made vacant by the deaths of Engle and Clayton a short time before. They had held office continuously since 1892.

A few days later the members elected a complete slate of permanent officers. The new president was James O'Neil, a builder and house mover by trade. He served in this office until 1930. The treasurer was a charter member, Luckow, who served until his death in 1946. The new chief was J. Harvey Gottschalk, owner of a garage. He served as chief until 1924. His five sons in later years served in many offices of the Ogontz Fire Company. The secretary was Samuel Johnston who served in this office until 1939. His son, S. Clarence Johnston, became Chief of the Township Police in 1949.

The members of the rejuvenated company found that they had about $1,000 left over from the old company. The members decided to buy their first motor truck. This truck was a used, right-hand drive simplex chassis upon which was mounted an American-LaFrance Pump. This truck carried two fifty-gallon tanks, 500 feet of hose and two ladders. The active crew then had twenty-three men.

In September 1923, Eugene Hawlk loaned to the company a building at 8036 Old York Road for their meetings and social events. The truck was stored in the township garage.

In February 1925, the company moved into its own home at 8100 Old York Road. Here the company could carry on all of its operations under one roof. The land was leased from the Reading Company and the cost of the building came to about $2,500. Members built the second or upper story. This was the company's home until March 1953.

John Sullivan served as chief from 1925 to 1931. In the fall of 1926 the Ogont~ Fire Company placed an American-LaFrance Pumper, costing $6,300, into service. In March 1929, the company replaced the old Simplex with another American-LaFrance truck at a cost of $5,600. This truck served the company for ten years.

In 1930 Jack Hulme became president for two years. Former Chief John Sullivan became president for a year in 1932.

William N. Gottschalk became chief in 1931 for a year. Gottschalk was an employee of the Township Highway Department and later rose to the rank of Building Inspector and Fire Marshal. He was the son of the late J. Harvey Gottschalk, who was chief for two years in the early 1920s. William Gottschalk became chief again in 1937. A year later, John Norris, a contractor, was Chief. From 1933 to 1935 Henry Kammerer served as Chief.

In late 1933, James O'Neil was returned to the office of President. He led the company through the late depression years. During a meeting in September 1938, he lapsed into a coma and died two days later.

In 1933, the company received a new Hale Pumper at a cost of $4700. This truck was in service for seventeen years.

In 1935, S. Clarence Johnston became Chief but his police duties forced him to resign a year later. William N. Gottschalk, who was Chief in 1931, became chief again. He held this office until 1948.

In October 1939, Samuel Johnston, who was secretary since 1922, became President for eight years. After leading the company through the war years, he left office in 1947, and served as trustee until 1959. He died the following April.

In April 1940, the company received a Mack "45" Pumper for $4,800. This truck was in service for thirteen years.

The company started to buy government Bonds during 1941 and as the war progressed, more money was invested in bonds. When the bonds paid off ten years later the funds from this source enabled the company to replace worn-out equipment without undue hardship.

During World War II, forty members of the Fire Company served their country. One member, William McNeff, was killed in service. In July 1946, Carl Luckow, Treasurer for twenty-four years, died. In 1947, William H. Adair, Sr., became President for a year and a year later James Goodwin became President.

Later in 1948, John Steinmetz, who was twenty-three years old, became one of the youngest men ever elected as Chief. He was in office for two years.

In 1949, William Gottschallk who was Chief for ten years, became President. He held this post until October 1953. His younger brother became Chief a year later and was in office until 1953.

During this time, members began to draw up plans for a new building. A lot at York and Church Roads was procured for $6,500. In 1952 the final plans were approved and groundbreaking took place in September of 1952. In 1950, the company paid %13,000 for a Mack "85" Pumper truck.

Three years later, a Mack "75" Booster truck was placed in service at a cost of 515,000. Both were formally housed when the building was dedicated in May·1953.

In March 1953, the building that housed the Ogontz Fire Company since 1925 was sold to the Fleck Company. On the weekend of the same month, the company moved into its new quarters.

On Saturday, May 16, 1953, a formal ceremony and parade marked the official opening of the new firehouse. In attendance were the Township Commissioners and the Honorable William F. Dannehower, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, who was the main speaker. The Township Manager, the Honorable Harold C. Pike, presented President Gottschalk with an oversized key to mark the occasion.

In October, President Gottschalk retired as President and was elected a Trustee. The following spring he was honored at a ceremony marking the dedication of the Township Training Facility which was named by the Commissioners "The William Gottschalk Training Center." On June 24, 1955, he passed away.

Jacob Wildemore became President for two years. From 1950 to 1958 Richard Gottschalk and A. Thomas Potts held the office of Chief and Deputy Chief almost on a rotating basis. During this time the active crew of the company was made into a separate group and the membership was broadened to include men sixteen to eighteen years of age.

Richard Gottschalk took office as President in August 1955 and served until 1958. During Richard Gottschalk's term the company was reorganized into its present form in January 1956. The annual meeting and elections were changed from October to January and the number of meetings was reduced to one a month. Meanwhile, the training programs for the active crew were increased to reflect the new techniques of fire fighting. Mr. Potts stepped down, as Chief in 1958 and Robert H. Fritz became Chief for two years. Mr. Potts returned to the office for two more years in 1960-61.

In 1959, the active crew found that the trucks were being loaded down with new and special equipment items and room had to be found for the special equipment. The company purchased a GMC truck chassis and had a body mounted that would provide storage facilities for various heavy gear and transportation of personnel. This truck was called the "Squad Truck" and proved to be quite an asset that other fire companies in the area added trucks that were similar in nature and intent.

During the 1950s more and more modern equipment was being added such as self-contained breathing apparatus, foam generating nozzles, etc. In 1952, the company added FM radios. They pioneered the founding of the Montgomery County Fire Communication Association and many of the ideas are in use today by the fire companies in the area. During the 1960s a home alerting system was installed in the homes of the firemen to supplement the building's siren.

In 1958, Richard Gottschalk retired as President and was replaced by Mr. John Moore for two years. John R. Donahoe served for the first time as President in 1960-61.

On April 14, 1960, Mr. Samuel Johnston, whose life had been intertwined with that of the company since 1910, passed away. in his memory, the company placed a plaque on the front of the firehouse. Taken from a notation on a short history of the company that Mr. Johnson wrote, "May it never go asleep again..." was inscribed on the plaque.

In 1962, Mr. Fritz became the third former chief to step into the office of President. He served for two years. In 1960, Mr. Potts returned for the third time as Chief. He served for two more years. In 1962, Mr. Donahoe retired as President and was elected Chief, serving for three years. In 1965, Everett Hayes was elected President and served for two years. In 1966, Edward D. Knox was elected Chief and served for four years. During Chief Knox's tenure, the fire company took a major step forward by adopting white as an apparatus color and introducing diesel power for the pumpers. Two matching Mack C-95, 1000 gpm pumpers were delivered in the spring of 1966. Emblazoned on the cab doors was the Indian motif depicting the Indian Chief who was famous in the local area - Chief Ogontz.

John Donhoe returned for the second time as President in 1967. Everett S. Hayes followed him in 1968. This time, Mr. Hayes served for four years until Michael Moonblatt was elected in 1974. Jack Washington, Sr. was elected in 1975 after serving as Chief from 1970 to the end of 1974. Michael Moonblatt became Chief in Washington's place.

Together, Washington and Moonblatt, along with the late Thomas Norris, Jr., recognized the need to provide the company and the Township with modern rescue capabilities. They designed the 1971 Mack MB chassis with a Swab walk-in body to meet this need. The truck replaced the 1959 GMC Squad/Rescue. Two sets of the "Jaws-of-Life" were part of the extrication equipment carried on this new Mack truck.

As re-development came to the Ogontz area, the Fire Company began a search for a more efficient location for the physical plant. In 1980, Ogontz dedicated a new, multi-bay station on Old York Road where it meets York Road. At the same time, twin 1980 Mack CF 1250 gpm diesel pumpers replaced the 1966 Mack Pumpers.

To help defray the rising costs associated with the new facility and the new trucks, the Fire Company embarked on what has become a local tradition - the Annual Christmas Tree Sale.

Throughout the 1980's, the Fire Company continued to prosper, adding new members and innovative fire suppression and rescue equipment. This was led by Chief Charles Farrington, who started his tenure in 1981.

A progression of qualified administrators led the business operations of the company through the 80s and into the 90s. Jack Washington's Presidency was followed by Dr. James Hilty. Rick Gusdorff served a term with Dr. Hilty returning briefly, followed by Dr. William Sharp. The 80s closed out with Everett Hayes as President. The 90s administration began with Rick Gusdorffs return, followed by Ronald Costa. The current President, Robert Clearfield, was elected in 1994.

It was December 31, 1982, in the middle of the night, when a fire was reported at the Breyer Tract property at Township Line and York Roads, Elkins Park. Firefighters from Ogontz, Elkins Park, LaMott, and Glenside found "Oak Lodge" fully involved in flames. This spectacular blaze, termed "suspicious" in origin, was the last building remaining of the once prestigious John Wanamaker Estate. The building was used by the Philadelphia Council of Boy Scouts of America from 1946 to 1980. Firefighters were at the scene for over eight hours.

The end of January 1989 exemplifies what being a firefighter is all about - saving lives and property. A trapped victim on the second Boor of a home on Roosevelt Avenue, Glenside, was successfully saved by firefighters John Weed and Steve Farrington.

Another major fire, one that was featured on every major TV news program and the largest fire too ever hit "Downtown Ogontz", occurred on the evening of March 20, 1989. The Yorktown Inn was reported on fire at 5:39 PM. Heavy flames met firefighters from Ogontz, Ell<ins Park, and LaMott. Assistance was quickly summoned from surrounding fire companies. While the flames completely destroyed the 100-yeat-old building, the semi-attached Yorktown Mall of Shops was saved. Firefighters remained on the scene until 11:20 AM the following day, a total of 17 hours and 41 minutes.

A Mobile Air Compressor unit was added as the fourth piece of apparatus in 1990. This unit was built by Kenco and consists of a diesel powered air compressor and four bottle cascade storage system. The Ogontz Fire Company celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1992 with a centennial celebration. A large number of both local and national leaders participated, expressing their appreciation for the work done by the company over the years. Both the Ogontz and Elkins Park Fire Companies held a joint celebration for the firefighters, their families, friends, and the Public. Many of our sister fire companies presented us with their "fire marks" in appreciation of our years of service.

The heavy rescue truck that Ogontz currently operates was a prudent enterprise by the membership. They purchased an ex-New York City Mack pumper that had been a part of their Hazardous Materials Apparatus Task Force. Ogontz contracted with Kenco Fabricating, again, to build the body of this non-walk-in rescue. The truck was placed in service in April of 1993.

On April 16, 1994, a house fire broke out on Twickenham Road in Glenside. During the efforts to extinguish the blaze, Firefighter Ed Knox sustained a life-threatening injury. Fellow firefighters from both Edge Hill and Ogontz fire companies removed Ed from the building. Firefighter Richird Echevarria started to perform first aid and initiated CPR along with firefighters John Preston and Mark Salvatore. The Cheltenham Township Commissioners presented citations to firefighters Echevarria, Preston, Salvatore and to the Ambulance crew for their quick response and successful efforts. Ed Knox recovered and went back to work later that year.

After many years of excellent service, the time came to upgrade the first line pumpers. A dedicated team was formed in 1996, headed by President Robert Clearfield, Chief Charles Farrington, and Chief Engineer Mort Levy, designed twin, 1500gpm, Ferrara pumpers built on Simon-Duplex chassis. At this time, the Fire Company enhanced the distinctiveness of their apparatus by having the tops of the truck cabs painted "Ogontz Green". The Rescue truck was updated to match.

1997 marked another milestone in the history of the Ogontz Fire Company as the Busiest ever with 387 fire calls. This has doubled over the past 5 years when there were only 170 calls in 1992. The additional fire calls and training required to bring quality fire & rescue service has increased the amount of time the volunteers are away from their families and their work.

On March 1, 1998, Ogontz was dispatched along with LaMott and Elkins Park fire companies to a structure fire in Lynnewood Gardens. First arriving Ogontz Engine 5 encountered heavy smoke with fire showing while the police were saying the occupant was still inside. The firefighters from Ogontz, Elkins Park and LaMott fire companies were commended by Township officials for the successful rescue of the occupant. Company Citations were presented to Deputy Chief Steve Farrington, Captain David Washington, Lieutenant Joseph Dishler and firefighter Jonathan Verlin for their direct involvement with the rescue of the occupant.

As the needs of the community increase, so does the need to provide the top quality fire and rescue services for which we are known. Shortly, we will begin the process of designing a new rescue truck to be delivered in 2001.

Our recent housing is a tradition that enables your volunteers to officially dedicate the apparatus and re-affirm their commitment to you.