Cassadaga Village Historian John Sipos who introduced many of the county officials, presented a brief history during the 100th anniversary celebration of the Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department.

Special to the OBSERVER

CASSADAGA — The village of Cassadaga became incorporated in 1921 so that a fire department could be formed.

There had been some major fires, and it was decided that a fire department was needed for the protection of the people and the village. By 1924, a two-story two-bay garage had been constructed at Maple Avenue and Mill Street.

The garage doors were wood folding doors and there was a blackboard to write the location of the emergency, and the only siren was located at the peak of the building. Cassadaga was organized in 1809 and was well settled with residents and businesses. The first firetruck was a 1913 Model T truck with a garden hose on a reel and ladders.

In August of 1925, the first custom built firetruck was purchased. In 1933, a Chevrolet firetruck was purchased and had the number H-13, which was later changed to Pumper 103. The fire department still has this firetruck which is used in parades now.

The fire department is a volunteer fire department and still is to this day. Volunteers were eager to help and become members. During a lengthy fire, the wives of the firemen would make sandwiches and hot coffee for the firemen, and so the ladies auxiliary is probably as old as the fire department.

Citizens who were not members of the fire department also made food for the firemen. The fire department members are very thankful for the auxiliary for their support and help all these years. During World War II, the fire department almost dissolved, but after the war became a strong organization in the village.

Fire equipment improved over the years, and now the trucks carry water for fires and are able to pump large amounts of water per minute. The emergency unit of an ambulance was introduced with the used 1956 white Cadillac ambulance.

The women of the auxiliary would wash the sheets and blankets. Today, these items are exchanged at the hospital when a patient is brought in. The fire department members and the ladies of the auxiliary would march in village parades. During special times such as Halloween or Christmas, the firemen would hold parties for the children giving them fruit and a gift. A new four-bay firehall with a hose drying tower and a community hall was constructed in 1973 on Mill Street.

Each member goes through many hours of training on their own time which makes that person a very dedicated member.

During this last weekend, the Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department celebrated its 100th anniversary. The anniversary committee included Chris Wichlacz, Danna DuBois, Dan Russell, Tammie Wichlacz, Laurie Logan, and BJ Swansfaeger.

David Muscato, chairman of the 100th anniversary celebration and a Life Member of the Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department, welcomed all, and led everyone present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Cassadaga Community Choir, led by Debby Runge Meder sang two patriotic songs for all. Mayor William Dorman, also a Life Member of the Fire Department, introduced the village officials: Deputy mayor and village trustee Bill Astry, village trustees Cindy Flaherty, Cathy Cruver, and Danna DuBois, Village Clerk and treasurer Annette McChesney, and Deputy clerk Roxanne Astry,

Cassadaga Village historian for 20 years John Sipos then introduced Sen. George Borrello, representative of the 57th District of the State of New York, Congressman Nick Langworthy’s representative, State Assemblyman Andy Goodell of the Assembly of District 150, County Executive PJ Wendel, John Penhollow Chautauqua County legislator, and David Wilson, town of Stockton Supervisor.

Sipos then presented a brief history of the Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department. Next was Don Woodfield, retired Fire Chief of the Jamestown City Fire Department and New York State instructor, and then members of the Pine Bush Fire Department. Next was Donald Minnich 1st Assistant Chief of the Fire Department, who spoke of one of the firemen who died in the line of duty. Danna DuBois, President of the Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department concluded the special program with the introduction of the Line Officers, and the introduction of the Business Officers. Sipos said the most important word of the day was the “protection” that these volunteers provide.

Food trucks were on site. Music was then provided in the afternoon by the Honkey Tonk Heroes, and in the evening a street dance with music provided by Party McFly.

The next day included a craft and vendors show with a farmers’ market in Ames Common, then a chicken barbecue at the Cassadaga American Legion Post 1280, the grand parade along Maple Avenue, the annual Ducky Derby at the bridge on Maple Avenue, music by Furious George, and fireworks at the Fessenden Ball Fields on Maple Avenue.

Shown is Cassadaga Village Historian John Sipos who introduced many of the county officials, and and presented a brief history during the 100th anniversary celebration of the Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department.