The History of The Ladies Auxiliary in The Years of

 1960’s

• February, 1960, Mrs. Guy reported that Mr. Abell has a juke box we may have and it will be used for teen dances (Junior Hop).  Also, Barbara Montgomery joined the Auxiliary on February 23, 1960.
• March 24, 1960, Mrs. Jean Burch, Lorretta Alvey, Libby Johnson, Carrie Copsey, and Muriel Bowling joined the Auxiliary.
• May 24, 1960, Discussion was held on the buying of Uniforms.  Phyllis Pilkerton made the motion that we try to get the uniforms and it was seconded by Peggy Guy.  Once Mrs. Roberta Guy finds out all information and prices on the uniforms, a special meeting will be called to decide more on the subject.
• A special meeting was held the summer of 1960 regarding uniforms.  Twelve uniforms were purchased and each uniform costs $20.80.  Each lady paid $10.80 (a little over half the price and the Auxiliary paid the rest.
• September, 1960, It was suggested that we have a married couples dance and charge $3.00 a couple.
• November 29, 1960, Discussion was held on joining the Ladies Auxiliary to the Southern Maryland Fireman’s Association.  Motion was made by Mary Burroughs and seconded by Nellie Burroughs that we join the Association.  Delegates will be Mary Burroughs, Roberta Guy, Betty Cairns, Peggy Lee, and Peggy Guy.  Alternates:  Carrie Copsey, Edith Bennett, Jean Burch and Libby Johnson.  A Sunshine Club was started with the purpose of sending flowers and cards to those members who are ill.  Motion made by Nellie Burroughs, seconded by Eleanor Mattingly with the chairman to be Mary Burroughs.
• January 24, 1961, A meeting was held at the Hughesville Fire House on January 4th of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Southern Maryland Fireman’s Association.  Those attending from Mechanicsville were Mrs. Mary Burroughs, Roberta Guy and Peggy Lee.  Those ladies brought back from this meeting Pins and Earrings with the official Auxiliary Emblem.  Majority voted to buy pins for ties to wear with Uniforms.  We have been informed that the firemen will no longer sponsor a “Miss Firefighter” contest.  Gave the men $100.00 at the banquet to go towards a walkie talkie for the jeep.
• March 28, 1961, $100.00 is in reserve for the purchase of a walkie talkie for the jeep but Mrs. Guy reported that it would cost approximately $513.00.  There was some discussion on this and decided it was too much for us to undertake.  There is a radio that can be purchased for around $150.00 that would serve almost the same purpose.  Nothing definite was decided upon.
• May 23, 1961, Discussion was held on the possibility of paying for the motor for one of the trucks.  The motor costs $196.12.  Motion was made by Genevieve Wood, seconded by Etoyle Howard that we give the $100.00 already promised and if a profit is made a the dance we will give $150.00.
• June 27, 1961, A shelf was made for the first trophy won by the Auxiliary by George Johnson and Eddie Long.
• September 26, 1961, Discussion was held on the “Miss Firefighter” contest.  Age limit 16 thru 21 – unmarried.  Dance to be held on October 14, 1961 at the Immaculate Conception Church Hall in Mechanicsville.  The Rhythm Rascals will be the orchestra.  Admission $1.00 per person.  Mrs. Guy attended a meeting on September 13th in Hughesville for the Tri-County Association.  Discussion was mostly concerning a Canteen Truck for the three counties.  More details in the near future. 
• October 24, 1961, The dance for “Miss Firefighter” was held at the Immaculate Conception Church Hall on Oct. 14th, and the winner was Virginia Raley with Rosie Pilkerton as runner up.
• November, 1961, The new slate of officers are as follows:  President, Betty Cairns; Vice President, Phyllis Pilkerton; Secretary, Peggy Lee; Treasurer, Carrie Copsey; Chaplain, Mrs. Edith Bennett.  A letter was received from the Blue Cross stating that the Ladies Auxiliary as of December 1 will no longer be covered by Blue Cross as a group.
• January, 1962, There was some discussion on ways to raise money.  Betty Cairns suggested to order paring knives to sell for $1.00 a piece.  Jean Burch made a motion to order 50 knives for a start.  It was seconded by Katherine Caywood.
• March 27, 1962, There was a discussion of having a Junior Auxiliary – age from 8 to 10 for marching in the parades.
• June 26, 1962, Catherine Caywood brought to the Auxiliary’s attention that if anyone had Gold Bond stamp book, write the Auxiliary’s name on the corner.  This way we could earn points and can order anything useful for the kitchen free of charge. 
• July 24, 1962, It was brought to the Auxiliary’s attention that we should pay for the gas used by members to attend business meetings.  Mrs. Mattingly made a motion that we pay 10 cents a mile for the transportation .  This was agreed by the members and seconded by Janet Guy.  Mrs. Mary Ellen Cooper joined the Auxiliary.
• August 9, 1962, Special Meeting called to order for making final plans for the Fashion Show.  Models were Mary Burroughs, Betty Cairns, Jean Burch, Libby Johnson, Catherine Caywood, Mabel Owens and Theresa Raley.  We have asked Diane Burroughs and Jeane Wood to be the teenager models.  Discussion on remodeling the kitchen and adding a bathroom.  Eddie Long was asked to give an estimate on the cost for materials to complete the kitchen.
• November 27, 1962, The entertainment for the fashion show will be an impersonation of Mitch Miller by Dr. Mossman and Mr. Morgan will play the piano.  There was a discussion of exchanging Christmas gifts in the Auxiliary and it was agreed that each member would bring a gift under $1.00 to the Special Meeting in December.  Chuck Wood was asked for a price on a refrigerator.  He quoted a price on one small Westinghouse Refrigerator for $30.00 and a 30 gallon Hot water heater for $75.00.  The cost of the kitchen so far has been under $100.00.
• January 22, 1963, Hilary Copsey is to be contacted concerning the purchase of a hot water heater and bathroom equipment and installation.  Betty will ask at Burch & Wise about kitchen supplies such as dishes, silverware, and cooking utensils, etc.  Libby Johnson made a motion we have a kitchen shower at our February meeting.  Mrs. Bennett seconded it. 
• 1963, Plans were finalized to publish a cookbook with member’s favorite recipes.  A motion was made and passed to amend the By-laws to allow officers of the Auxiliary to serve more than two years in any office.
• 1964, It was discussed about getting kitchen cabinets for the kitchen, extra outlets and a light over the sink in the kitchen.  The auxiliary voted to give firemen $300 toward a new fire truck.  The fire department asked the auxiliary to help at carnival.  The auxiliary held a bingo Party in November to benefit the new truck fund.  It was also voted to purchase tile for the entire upper floor of the firehouse.  A jeep was given to the auxiliary by Mr. Lewis Montgomery.  The cost to put it in running condition will be approximately $150.
• 1965, The cost of the new fire truck will be $3500 per year for ten years. The insurance on all Fire Department property and on firemen is $925 per year.  The Ladies Auxiliary was asked to consider paying the insurance bill.  Article III Section 1 of the constitution was amended to read…the membership may include any female sixteen years or over, if said prospective member is approved by two-thirds of the members present at the meeting a new member is presented.  Ten tables and 72 chairs have been delivered for the firehouse. Tables cost $25.20 each and chairs $4.75 each.  A chair rack will be purchased for $40.00.  Dedication of the new fire truck and open house will be held November 28th.
• 1966, Motion made to pay bills up to $150 for repairs, lights, lettering and paint for the jeep.
• June 28, 1966, Rules were read and posted on the use of the jeep.  Ladies won at Leonardtown parade for best appearing group.  Edith Bennett was appointed as member of SOMD auditing committee.  Teen Ball was held at Margaret Brent and Marilyn Raley won Queen and Warren Guy won King.  Ladies Auxiliary paid Partco $35.32 for jeep parts.  Dance was held and we charged 75 cents per person.  A lady from Indian Head will give majorette lessons for $1.25.
• July 26, 1966, Insurance was paid on the Jeep.  Majorettes price changed to 75 cents per member, per session.  Announcements were put on the radio.  Married couples dance planned.  Teenage dance planned with the Four Knights playing – donations are 75 cents.  Bingo party held to raise funds for new furnace.  Joyce Ann Cusic suggested someone be appointed to take pictures of interesting events.  Jackets were ordered.  Plate lunch $1.25 served at the Annual Jousting Tournament at Henry Fowlers.
• August 23, 1966, Marian Long, Brenda Long & Sylvia Raley were voted in as new members.  Bake Sale was held on Election Day with baked goods and stuffed ham sandwiches.
• September 27, 1966, Faye Norris and Judy Hudson voted in and welcomed to the Auxiliary.  Some members ordered jackets with the FD emblem.  2 trophies were won at the Fair Parade.  Our “Miss Firefighter” Kay Yowaski was the runner-up for Queen.  A safety drivers course will be given at the firehouse – the fee is $1.00 per person.
• October 25, 1966, We paid a bill for $46.25 for insurance for the jeep.  A motion was made by Janet Guy to have a $10.00 working fund for a float to be used in 1967.
• November 22, 1966, Billy Cusic donated $3.00 for a tire for the float.  Each Auxiliary member to pay $1.95 for their meal for the LA-SOMD dinner meeting.  Catherine Wood made a motion that we give the FD $150.00 for the furnace.
• January 24, 1967, Newly elected Fire Chief Mr. Fred Lewis was introduced.  He presented the following expenditures:  $6,500 – Ferris Wheel, Kiddy Ride and 3 trailers for storing equipment.  $275.00 for material for constructing food booth.  Rebecca Guy was voted in as a new member.
• February 28, 1967, Jeanie Wood, Sandra Hill, Eloise Lewis, and Mary Belle Hill were introduced and voted in as new members.  Ladies Auxiliary presented the FD with a check for $600.00 at the banquet.
• March 28, 1967, Doris Wood and Helen Lee Long were voted in as members.
• April 25, 1967, Julia Wagner was chosen as “Miss Firefighter” with the runner-up as Verillette Nagle.  Majorettes Mothers Club has been formed with the following officers:  President – Helen Long; VP – Loretta Radcliff; Secretary – Loretta Alvey; Treasurer – Shirley Burch.  The 1967 Fire Prevention float is being made and plans are to have it ready for the first parade.
• May 23, 1967, Mary Burroughs will be asked to drive the jeep on May 28th for the parade.
• June 27, 1967, Teen Ball – Mary Belle Hill was chosen Queen with Tommy Wagner as King.  Fire Prevention Committee was named.  The FP float won a trophy at the Waldorf parade.
• September 26, 1967, By-Law Amendments – Chaplain was added to the list of elected officers.  A celebration for the 20th Anniversary of the Ladies Auxiliary in July of 1968 was mentioned.  Sandra Guy was voted in.
• November 28, 1967, Slate of Officers presented:  President – Judy Hudson; VP – Joyce Ann Cusic; Secretary – Faye Norris; Treasurer – Carrie Copsey; Chaplain – Marian Long.  The Secretary cast a unanimous ballot for the entire slate.
•  February 27, 1968, Firemen ordered a new Scout Truck.  They asked the LA for a donation as the down payment of $750.00 is due in 3 weeks.  Linda White was voted in, making the total membership 50.  3 members asked to be removed from Active to Inactive List – Martha Moeller, Tillie Roache, and Mrs. Daniel Rauche.
• April 23, 1968, We now have 11 members in the Junior Ladies Auxiliary and 15 future LA members.  Pat Yowaski is the new “Miss Firefighter” and Betty Guy is the runner-up.
• May 28, 1968, Janet Evans was voted in.  We received a trophy for 2nd Best Appearing Auxiliary at the Prince Frederick parade.  We received 1st place for both of our floats.
• October 22, 1968, Barbara Montgomery suggested the Auxiliary hold a raffle on a childs toy firetruck – selling chances at 10 cents a piece.
• January 28, 1969, Joyce Ann Cusic is Acting President as Judy Hudson has moved.
• February 25, 1969, New member Cindy Buckler.
• March 25, 1969, Junior Auxiliary to hold a dance to help pay for their uniforms – charging $1.50 admission price.  Joyce Ann Cusic current President appointed Linda White to be her Vice President.
• May 27, 1969, The men asked the Ladies to run the food stand and Bingo booth at this years Carnival.