Cheshire Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary History
The Cheshire Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary was established September, 1955.
With
the aid and encouragement of Ruth Chandler of the Prospect Auxiliary, by-laws
were
drawn up and adopted, and a new era began.
The early years were busy ones and a true feeling of comradeship and cooperation
came
to the fore as we conducted numerous fund-raisers: such as bake sales, Stanley
demonstrations and the annual rummage sale.The group also enjoyed potluck suppers, square dances and Halloween socials, as
well as
the “never to be forgotten” Valentine dances in the old barn rejuvenated with
cupid and
hearts. Members and their families looked forward to the annual picnic and
get-together
each summer in Milford where swimming, boating, and games were enjoyed by all.
In December, all members turned out to prepare dinner at the Grange Hall for the
New
Haven County Fire Chiefs’ Association Annual Christmas Party hosted by the
Cheshire
men. December also was the time for Santa to appear at the Children’s Christmas
Party
when the children enjoyed goodies along with some entertainment. During this
holiday
season, the Auxiliary donated a food basket, along with suitable articles for
children, to a
needy family.
When bingo was sponsored by the Department, members took turns working at the
refreshment table where coffee, donuts, and soda were sold. Another project,
undertaken
by the group was the making of an original design quilt which was raffled off.
It was
designed, hand sewed and quilted by the various members.
With the beginning of the parade season members turn out in considerable
strength for
the various parades and have won numerous trophies for their smart appearance
and
disciplined marching.
At the monthly meetings there have been demonstrations in various crafts,
including
needlepoint, candy making and toys. From time to time there have been wine and
cheese
parties as well as dinner get-togethers at area restaurants, during the holiday
season, with
the husbands.
While many things have changed over the years, many have stayed the same. We currently do not hold individual fundraisers as much of our time is now devoted to the Annual CFD Fund Drive. This project consists of coordinating the printing of 11,000 letters and envelopes, labeling the envelopes with addresses, then stuffing and mailing them.
Current activities include providing refreshments during Code 3 fires, marching
in
parades, sponsoring a booth during the biannual open house and hosting holiday
parties
for the children and grandchildren of the department. We continue to make
donations to
needy foundations during the holiday seasons to help the less fortunate.
Auxiliary members also attend the funerals of fallen firefighters, in full dress
uniform.
Just before Memorial Day, some Ladies and firefighters honor our deceased
members by
placing flags and flowers on their gravesites.
We currently have thirteen members and nine active lifetime members. We also
have
many other lifetime members that we do not see as often, but they should know
that they
are thought of frequently and are welcome to visit any time at our functions and
meetings. They built foundation of the Auxiliary and formed it into the support
system
that it is today. We are thanking them by building on its success, and bringing
it into the
new millennium.
We are always looking for new members. Spouses of firefighters are eligible to
join. For more information, please call Kim Quinones, Vice President, 439-0301
Current officers 2004-2005:
Barbara Tarbox Norton, President
Kim Quinones, Vice President
Tanya Jamele, Treasurer
Renee Brumleve, Secretary