The year began with obtaining an architect to draw up plans for the new firehouse. In March, the architect had the building plans drawn up and ready for approval. In May, we organized the “Sparkies” and made arrangements for Rescue’s ambulance in Middletown to respond on all fire calls. In June, Mr. McCorkel’s bid of $12, 700.00, to erect the shell of the building, was accepted. In July, the company purchased a truck tractor from Capital Baker’s for $1000.00 and Espenshade’s donated a tank trailer. In August, the bank approved a mortgage of $26,000.00 to build the firehouse. We are ready to go. We also held a company fair at Corby’s, we featured “Pappy Crater and his Hillbilly Polka Platter Band”. In September, the first well was drilled to 300 ft. on the property. In November, a tornado damaged the Londonderry Elementary School and caused approximately $100,000 in damages. The building’s outer block shell was up and the trusses were being set when tragedy struck the fire company as well.

The trusses collapsed and knocked down much of the block walls. The company gave the contractor 15 days to rebuild. The year ended with a Christmas tree sale and the rebuilding was still not re-started.