Newark post., 1911-05-10
Aetna Hose, Hook And Ladder
Company of Newark, Delaware

In response to a suggestion from
rhe Town Council of Newark meet
ing was called in the Grange building
December I7th, 1888. This was lor the
purpose of organizing fire company
for the protection OF the town The
insta ation OF the water works had
made this a possible and reasonable
demand. John A. Mullin was chosen
temporary chairman and |. J Moore,
temporary secretary.
On motion of G.. w. Williams, the
meeting proceeded to organize at once
A committee composed OF a. l.. FISH
.er, George Spence, W. H. Steel james
A. Wilson, S. A. J. Wood, Harry Nc
Kinsey and John A. Mullin was ap-
pointed, which Immediately went to
work on membership. A charter list
with 30 signers was reported. A COM
rnittee to draft bylaws was named
James Hossinger, J. A. Wilson. JOS
eph T. Willis, A. l.. Fisher and W. II.
Smpers
On motion OF Mr., J. 7. Willis the
name of the company was fixed as the
Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder Co.
The work moved steadily on, and on
January 9, 1880, a permanent organiza-
ton was effected Officers were elect
ed as lol ows: President, W. H. Sim
pers; vice-president, J. A. wilson;
secretary, l. ]. Moore; treasurer, Jas.
Hossnger. Election of directors re-
suited as follows Jos B. Luton. John
Pilling, S M. Donnel. H. B. Wright,
G.. w. Williams.
The active members elected JOS. /.
Willis, foreman and H. b. Wright ana
G.. L Spence, assistants; frerecorder
John A. Null and pipeman, George
Kari.
A committee was named to have the
company incorporated at the session
OF the Legislature.
On Nav 22, 1880, special meeting
was called to consider some way Ill
which to raise funds for hose house
The directors were instructed to make
canvass of the town and report the
lots suitable for such a purpose. a
special meeting to hear the report o.
this canvass was held the lowing
October Four were under consider
alton: the Evans lot on College ave
nue: PembertOn lot, Academy stree
and Delaware avenue, Hossinger lot
Choate street above Main. and Calet
lot. on the Creek road. above Main
Bv ballot the Hossinger lor wa
chosen Alter this meeting some dis
satisfaction was expressed at this de
cison At the next meeting com
nlunication was read from Wm. a
Miller in regard to .ot he agreed t.
lease to the Aetna H, H. & L. CO.
the lot between the public hall and tn
property OF J. w Praul, for a term c
90 years, with privilege OF buying TO
$500 the rental to be SIS per year, an
he wcu d donate the tirsr and secOn
wears to the company, making the co:
OF the lot $3.50
,- On motion of Mr. Donnel the abov
offer was accepted and a commltte
named to consummate the agreemen
and arrangements were at once di!
cussed for the building to be erecte'
Mr.. S. J. Wright, chairman 0; ii
committee on plans, visited Dover all
Middletown, and inspected their ho:
houses. After lengthy discussion Il
committee was instructed to get BIZ
on both brick and frame buildings, Il
cost not to exceed $4,000
On November 20, 1880, Mr. Wrig
submitted a sketch OF a house desig
ed by Mr. Carswe'l, OF Wi mlngto
which was approved by all presen"
Bids were at once received for
brick building according to plans, Il
contract to be given to the lowe
bidder provided the cosr did not e
ceed $4,000.
At the next meeting the motion
reference to limiting the price W
rescinded and the contract given
Joseph L. Willis, the lowest bidde
His price was $23o2
Work was at once begun, and {
building Immediately became the ce
ter OF town affairs.
On February I7th 1891, a resoluti
was adopred which provided tor I
setting apart OF council chamber al
the giving OF key to every member
Council, the same to be returned
his successor at the end of his term
A band was organized in June, Is!
and the use of lower room was offe
ed for practice, In 1896 Aetna ba
ball cub was granted use OF room
entertaining visiting clubs
BY the holding OF airs and picni
private subscription, etc, the compa
was gradually equipped for service
The following items OF interest a
CLEANED from the minutes:
Fire Chief Thom;s Riley report
the turning out OF the company on c
tober 9TH, 1853, to greet the return