The History of The Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department, INC

The 1960's

1960

• In 1960, the first addition was placed at the firehouse. An additional bay was added to house an ambulance belonging to the Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad.

1961

• An annual carnival will be held in June. Like several departments in St. Mary's County, the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department owned the carnival equipment that was operated.

1962

• In 1962, one of the largest woods fires in the county's history originated in Mechanicsville's first due area. The legendary "Queen Tree" fire ravaged the Northeastern side of the county for three straight days. Men and machine were tested to their fullest. The terrain that the fire was located on was terrible. It was swampy in sections, and straight up and down hills in others.

1963

• A letter was written to the St. Mary’s County Fire Board telling them about the condition of the radios and the poor service received by the department (February 11, 1963).
• Jackie Guy reported that the truck committee had filed for a loan from Maryland National Bank for $30,000.00 to purchase a new truck and pay off the other loan (February 11, 1963).
• The committee reported back on March 11, 1963 in order to obtain the loan for the new truck, the newly purchased truck and the fire house would have to be mortgaged and the payments would be $3,400.00 a year. 
• The new generator is due to arrive at anytime. The department will have to pay for the installation and inspection. It was decided that 750 gallons of fuel must be kept in the tank at all times and the fire trucks would be filled from the tank (June 10, 1963).
• Sam Burch represented the Lion’s Club at the meeting. He made suggestions as to how the Lion’s Club could help the fire department. It was suggested that the Lion’s Club help pay the yearly insurance bill of $683.00, help raise money towards the new truck fund and also sell chances (August 12, 1963).
• A motion was made by Jackie Guy to send a letter of thanks to the following for their help on the fire at Halfway House:

1964

• The department received a check of $25.00 from the sale of the chassis from the 1946 Federal Tanker. Fox Burch originally purchased the tanker from the Federal Government Surplus at Patuxent River Naval Air Station (M&G) (July 20, 1964).
• At the meeting on October 12, 1964 after some discussion it was decided to pay off the loan on the building at the bank.
• Henry Fowler suggested a 30th Anniversary Party upon the arrival of the new truck (1964).

1965

• In 1965, Engine 23 was purchased. It has a 750 gpm Hale pump with 500 gallon booster tank situated on an International cab and chassis. Pirsch will build the body.

• It was requested that a letter of thanks be sent to the Hughesville and Hollywood Volunteer Fire Departments thanking them for the use of their trucks while our truck was being repaired (January 1965).
• In order to place the weapons carrier in service, $200.00 was requested for repairs plus a pump is still needed (January 1965).
• There was a discussion on the proposal to have a sub-station in all fire department districts. Further discussion was postponed until it becomes necessity (January 1965).
• Billy Simpson reported that a “Bill” has been passed to give each company up to $5,000.00. The “Bill” is awaiting signature by the Governor (April 1965).
• June 14, 1965 the carnival committee reported that the Leonardtown, Hollywood and Hughesville Volunteer Fire Departments would run one stand each.
• There will be a dedication of the “New” engine August 22, 1965 (August 1965).

1966

• At the meeting of June 6, 1966 the 1940 Ford was again up for discussion and a vote was taken to sell the truck to Leonard Copsey for $300.00.
• At the August 8, 1966 meeting, replacing the tanker chassis was discussed. After much more discussion about the replacing the chassis and motor on Tanker 2 it was decided to have the motor overhauled for $500.00 and keep the tanker (September 12, 1966).
• Fred Lewis will be in charge of taking carnival rides to Hughesville and running them for one day (August 8, 1966).
• Mechanicsville Volunteer. Fire Department to stand fire watch at the St. Mary’s County Fair on September 22 at 6 p.m. until Sept 23 at 6 p.m. (September 12, 1966).
• Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department makes donation of $5,000.00 for the use of the carnival rides (December 1966).
• The president gave permission to spend $100.00 per month for the next three months to purchase new boots, hats and coats (December 1966).

1967

• The carnival committee reported that three carnival rides were to be rented to Valley Lee Volunteer Fire Department for use at their carnival for $1,250.00 (March 1967).
• Carnival committee recommends the purchase of new tent to be used for Bingo at a cost of $862.11 (July 1967).

1968

• Board of Directors approves the purchase of International Scout (Jeep 2) for the cost of $2,680.50 (Feb 68)
• Mobile classroom burned at Margaret Brent Middle School (March 1968).
• The engineer reported to the department that gasoline in the amount of 100 gallons had been stolen from the trucks and gasoline tank; motor oil, a jack and other items were also missing from the station (March 1968).
• Burned out mobile classroom purchased to be used as the food stand for the carnival   (March 1968).
•  The “Land Committee” looks into the purchase of the land where the carnival is held (September 1968).
• A motion was made to return the check from the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department for the use of their own truck (September 1968).
• Board of Director vacancy due the death of Ray Quade (September 1968).
• The land for the carnival grounds was approved for purchase for $10,000 (October 1968).

1969

• At the business meeting on February 10, 1969 a donation was received from Caroline V. Sudeer, of 1304 N. Carolina Ave. NE Washington, DC. A motion was made to divide the check with the Rescue Squad (February 1969).
• Discussion from Fire Board has a new system in place for when there are three or more companies running on one fire it shall be called a “Box Alarm” (February 1969).
• Throughout 1968 and 1969 the department developed a “brush unit” with a variety of jeeps or 4X4’s converted for use as a brush unit. A 4X4 weapons carrier was purchased from the Maryland Agency for Surplus became our first heavy brush unit (March 1968).
• Department to hold raffle at annual Jousting Tournament August 24, 1969. There will be three prizes; 1st prize an 850 lb. live beef cow, 2nd prize one pig and 3rd prize an “old” ham (July 1969).
• Discussion about a “Fire Tax” would be brought to the attention of, and discussed with, the county commissioners (August 1969).
• After further discussion about the fire tax the department decided to vote against it. (October 1969).
• Discussion to be held at the next Southern Maryland Volunteer Fireman’s Association meeting about running mutual aid to Charles County (October 1969).
• Board of Directors approves the purchase of the land where the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department hosts its annual carnival for purchase at the cost of $10,000 (October 1969).