. . Over the Top

Starksboro, a little History . . .

On May 20, 1959 seventeen Starksboro men, namely, Ruford Brace, Richard Burbank, Roy Carlson, Denis Corriveau, Authur Cota, Fenwick Estey, Wayne Hill, Frederick McGovern, Robert M. Merrsill, Antoine Parker, Leslie Rublee, Leroy Smith, Lloyd Stearns, Frank Strong, Russell Tatro, Charles Thibault and Frederick Wedge, met in the basement of the Starkboro Community House to discuss organizing the Starksboro Volunteer Fire Dept.

Officers were elected on May 29: Chief Leroy Smith, Asst. Chief Frank Strong, Secretary Fenwick Estey, Treasurer Lloyd Stearns.

The first donation of $50 was made by Harry Strong. By November 16th the department was prosperous enough to order a Darley portable pump on trial -- it was subsequently purchased for $172.43 and is still in use on a tanker.

1960 marked the beginning of the Annual Ladies Night. Held at the Lincoln Inn, 14 members and their guests attended.

In February 1961, eight complete sets of gear, consisting of helmet, boots, and coat, were ordered. A surplus Darley front mount pump was ordered for their Ford Truck.

The tragic death of Asst. Chief Frank Strong on June 25, 1963 saddened every member of the department. Frank, the only man who died while an active firefighter, was an enthusiastic, hard working member of the department. He cheerfully performed every duty asked of him. On August 5th, Mrs. Frank Strong donated the building known as Walston Store to the department. It serves as a fire station in memory of Asst. Chief Frank Strong.

The year was 1966. Starksboro became the proud owner the 'newest model' fire truck in the Addison County -- a 1950 Seagraves . . .

Check back, more coming soon . . .see ref (1)

(1) Historical data from the booklet: '1944-1994 50th Anniversary, Addison County Firefighters Association, Inc.' and was edited for use on this page. The booklet was researched and prepared by: Herbert Jackson, Ray Davidson, Sheila Turpin. Credit also goes to those un-named individuals in departments who contributed to their effort. A copy of the booklet is available from: ACFA, Attn. Terry Farr, P.O. Box 92, Bristol, Vermont 05443. Cost $3 plus 1.50 postage.