Past History

History of the Schonowe's Name

On January 27, 1661 Arent Van Culer was given some land along the
Mohawk River then known as Groote Vlacht which is Dutch for great
flats. The Indians called it S gaun-ho-he which the white man thought
sounded like Scho-no-we. In the Indian language S gaun-ho-he
meant "the open door beyond the flats" This information was taken
from the history of the "Schenectady Patent" by Professor Jonathan
Pearsons. A.M.

During 1942 the office of civilian defence requested the residents of
this community to organize a fire fighting unit similar to that in other
outlying sections of industrial cities. This request met with a positive
response from 31 members of our community. The training course
and practical tests were taken and passed by all members. During the
next year, we were loaned a truck and an O,C.D. skid-type pump unit.
This equipment was used for drills in preparation for the threatened
enemy. As the need for this service diminished during the latter part
of 1943 and 44 we adapted the equipment serve our community by
adding a 250 gallon tank and purchasing booster lines and other
equipment. Volunteer labor was furnished by members and
necessary purchases were made from our company funds. There
seemed to be enough interest in having a fire company here so a fire
district was established, and on March 15, 1946 Rotterdam Fire
District No. 7 was officially formed.

The first meeting was held in the Schonowe School on March 15,
1946 when the district was officially formed. Commissioners
appointed were Roy Smith, Chairman Albert Getz, John Marlette,
William Gerding, Charles Cherko and Laurits Andersen treasurer.

The first Fire Chief was Henry Dutcher, the first Captain was Adam
Seiler, Lieutenants elected were Albert Getz, Roy Smith, and Charles
Cherko.