The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Shirley Linder, Quill Editor
Sunday, December 1, the Village of Stronghurst held their annual 'Lighting of the Christmas Manger' with a small crowd in attendance.
Those present enjoyed doughnuts and hot
cider.
Following the invocation by Rev. George Knox, Village President, Eric Chockley, gave a few words about enjoying the park as a youngster and what a nice park it still is.
Eric spoke briefly of the fire bell that has been erected as a memorial to the firemen, stating that the late Richard Stone had suggested the project 10 years ago.
The monument that houses the bell is on the northeast corner of the village park, across from Banks & Beals Funeral Home.
Eric then introduced Brad Flatt, fire chief of the Media station of the MST Fire Protection District.
The bell
restoration, sand blasting and clear coating was done by Stronghurst Auto
Body; brick and mortar was done by Darrien Nichols; iron work by Dehner Welding
and Fabrication; plaque was by Leyda, Burrus and Metz with the design by
Amy Laue and Ron Sourwine; lettering was done by Amy Laue and the etching
was done by Roy Dixon.
Brad gave the following message:
Tonight we are here to dedicate the Stronghurst Fire Bell to honor our firefighters.
This fire bell was manufactured by the Meneely Bell Company of Troy, New York in 1895 for the Stronghurst Fire Department.
It was purchased at a cost of $103 and weighed 415 pounds. It was first placed in a tower on the roof of the village building that was located just east of the present water tower. It was later moved to the water tower and used to call firemen when there was an alarm.
It was replaced by a siren in 1925. The bell was removed from the water tower in the 1980's as the wooden supports were deteriorating.
Richard Stone was the Village President at that time and suggested that it be used as a memorial to the past, present and future firefighters, "In Honor Of Those Who Serve."
The original Stronghurst Fire Department was organized on November 9, 1894, with a committee comprised of E. W. Salter, O. L. Dunsworth, and H. B. Harter.
The department was reorganized as the Stronghurst Volunteer Fire Department on July 3, 1925.
To be able to provide protection to the rural area, the Media-Stronghurst-Terre Haute Fire Protection District was established on November 23, 1955. The trustees were Joe R. Peasley, Hugh Yaley and Harold Allison with Glenn Gillis as Fire Chief.
Today the district serves approximately 98 square miles and has 30 volunteers who train to prevent loss of life and property.
These volunteers not only provide service within the M.S.T. Fire Protection District, but also provide mutual aid with neighboring districts.
This monument is to honor those who serve, past, present and future.
Following the dedication, Starr Robinson sang a couple of solos, Delmar Jacob led group singing, Rev. George Knox gave a Christmas message and Rev. Maurice "Skeet" Stribling gave the benediction.
Despite the chill in the air, hearts and souls were warmed by the fellowship and music. A wonderful start to the Advent season in Stronghurst.