Housing continued:

Firefighters from Edge Hill Fire Company ceremoniously "push" Engine 88 into the firehouse

Part of the traditional housing ceremony includes having the firefighters push the new apparatus into the firehouse which stemmed from the time of horse drawn equipment could not be easily be backed into the building by the horses.

Firefighters from Wissahickon Fire Company ceremoniously "push" Traffic 88 Fire Police Van into the firehouse.

There are numerous such instances in the records of Lancaster, Reading, York and other fire Companies. In many cases, a local band was hired to accompany the escorting company. Serenades and concerts often followed the "housing." An example from the records of Union Fire Co. No.1 of Lancaster, PA notes in 1851 that "a new carriage, built by Messers Cox and Suydam was ordered on March 8 and was housed on July 4^th. Parading for the occasion, Newton Lightner, Esq., acted as chief marshal, the Friendship and Sun companies had the honor of the housing."

Although there was no band, firefighters and their families proudly looked on as the ceremony played out. Following the ceremony everyone enjoyed light refreshments served in the main meeting room.

In 1857 the Union purchased a button "hay wagon", which was the city's first suction engine. The company, accompanied by the Fencibles Band, went to Philadelphia to receive the engine which was shipped from Seneca, NY. They were entertained in Philadelphia by the Diligent Fire co. And upon return to Lancaster, were met by the American Fire Company "which took charge of the engine, hauling it through the streets and housing it at the Union House.

While we are always training to the latest and best techniques of Fire and Rescue, old traditions are still an important part of a volunteer organization like the Fort Washington Fire Company.

Photos courtesy of Company Photographer Bill Gift.