auxilliary history

Starting early in 1947, several wifes of the members of the Schonowe Fire
Department met periodically to discuss ways to support the volunteer work of
their husbands. These dedicated women saw the importance of encouragement
and interest in what their husbands believed to be a very worthwhile cause.
These men were commissioned to protect the lives and property of the residents
of Fire District No. 7

The first organizational meeting of the Auxiliary of the Schonowe Fire
Department was held in March of 1949 at the Schonowe school with Mrs,
Katherine Kilgallen acting as temporary president. Later that evening she was
duly elected as the first president of the Schonowe Auxiliary. The other officers
elected that evening were Betty Schermerhorn, 1st Vice President, Helen Fox,
2nd Vice President, Wilma Corcoran, Recording Secretary, Helen Smith,
Financial Secretary, Dorothy Coutermine, Treasurer, Ruth Wilcox, 1 Year
Trustee, Betty Wagner, 2 Year Trustee, Josephine Guyette, 3 Year Trustee, and
Virginia Simone, Sergeant at arms

Originally there were 36 names on the roster, all willing to support the firemen of
Rotterdam District No. 7. Many of those names are still listed as either active or
social members of this Auxiliary. Over the years that number has changed, but
always one thing has remained the same -- the desire to support, aid and assist
the Fire Company and to benefit the community through charitable acts.

We the members of the Auxiliary admire and respect the efforts of the men and
women of the Fire Company and Auxiliary who have continued to contribute
their time and energy to make this fire department one of friendship and goodwill
to the residents of the Schonowe area.