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Monday, August 18, 2008 -
The Ladies Auxiliary met for the first time at the Clarion Press Building on December 10, 1949 and organized the Ladies Auxiliary of the West Hanover Township Fire Company #1. There were 23 ladies who formed the auxiliary at the first meeting and by the second meeting 74 ladies had joined. The first officers elected were: President - Jeannie Megonnel Recording Secretary - Helen Bower Financial Secretary - Carrilee Zimmerman Treasuer - Marian Carl Chaplain - Bertha Koons In May 1949, the meetings were moved to Houck's Store and on January 10, 1950 the By-Laws adopted. During these first years the ladies were doing their share to raise funds to support the firemen. They were busy making potholders, hankies and aprons to sell along with shampoo, dishcloths and vanilla. Plans were underway in 1950 to hold square dances as a fundraiser. The ladies made candy and pies and sold them at the movies, square dances, public auctions, firemen's picnics, banquets, Halloween parties, ham dinners and the Fall Fair held at the Manada Hill market. Pies were made at the Weaver Home and the donated chickens for the picnics were cleaned at Dan Carl's home. A considerable amount of money was raised through these efforts as evidenced by the following contributions they made to their fire company: dishes, silverware, roasters, kitchen utensils, tables and chairs. The cost of these items - all expenses to build cupboards, painting of the social hall and bathrooms, installation of the cupboards and floor coverings were significant dollars. On April 11, 1955, the first ladies auxiliary meeting was held in the firehouse as it is still done today. As they did then, they continue to support the fire company with their time and fundraising activities. The firemen of the West Hanover Township Fire Company #1 sincerely thank the ladies auxiliary members; both past and present...we couldn't of done it without you!
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