1 • Wednesday, July 31, 2019 - Shopper’s Guide
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Shopper’s Guide
VOL. 81 • NO. 31
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2019
Lena Volunteer Fire Department celebrates 150 years of service By John Day
CORRESPONDENT
2019 will mark the 150th anniversary of the Lena Volunteer Fire Department. Gary Price of the Lena Historical Society said, “Lena was established in 1854 by Sam Dodds. By 1869 the town had grown enough that a need was seen for a formal organization of volunteers to operate as a fire department. The number of wooden structures necessitated a group of well trained, disciplined fire fighters. The exact location of the first fire house is uncertain. The earliest structure that we have photographic evidence of being a fire house is a wood structure. This building may have originally been put up for some other use. “The first recorded incident of a fire in Lena was 1867. Soon thereafter the volunteer department was formed. We believe that several of the original members were Civil War veterans. “The Historical Society is fortunate to have 25 or more items related to the Lena Fire Department. In our collection we have firefighter’s equipment, helmets, hats and a Captains horn. The horn is a brass megaphone that was used to shout orders to firemen who were trying to contain a fire. We have a fireman’s uniform shirt that dates from the 1870’s.” Over the last 150 years there have been more than 230 volunteers who have given service to the Lena Fire Department. At present, there are 29 volunteers on the roster who con-
tinue the long tradition of service to the community. Brad Strong is the current Fire Chief. The department operates out of a new building and there 9 pieces of major, state of the art firefighting apparatus. Shane Gerber, 2nd Assistant Chief has been heading up plans to commemorate the 150th anniversary. Gerber said, “150 years of service marks an occasion that should celebrate the depart members who have served, both past and present. We’re planning an event that will take place on August 3. We’re having a parade, an open house and a dedication ceremony with a new plaque marking the 150th anniversary as well as a re-dedication of the 100th anniversary plaque. “The parade through town will feature all our equipment and volunteers as well as previous volunteers and some vintage firefighting equipment. “The dedication ceremony at 2:00pm will include the mounting of the original 100th anniversary plaque as well as a new plaque to commemorate the 150 years of service. The firehouse will be open to the public. Everyone will be able to see the inside of the station and take a look at our equipment. Firefighters will be on hand to answer questions and give demonstrations. “Courtesy of AJ’s Lena Maid Meats we’ll be offering sandwiches, as well as other snacks and cake. We’ll wrap the day up with a fireworks show behind the station starting around dark. We’re looking for
Pearl City Development Committee schedules public hearing tives were present from the village, Lion’s, Legion, Library, and Park District. The next meeting is scheduled for Saturday Aug. 17, starting at 9 at the Village Hall. Discussion will continue on the two previously discussed subjects. All taxing bodies, organizations, and churches are urged to have a representative present. Any questions should be directed to 815-291-3400.
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The Pearl City Development Committee met on Saturday July 20, at the Pearl City Village Hall for the purpose of discussing the availability of various types of meeting space within the village as well as discussing future plans for additional space. Also discussed were ways to better communicate to the public concerning activities of the local taxing bodies and organizations. Representa-
the fireworks to be a great show.” In addition to the celebration, Gerber talked about an additional plan to mark this special date and remember the volunteers who have served Lena. Gerber said, “A memory book commemorating our 100th anniversary was done in 1969. We’d like to do another edition, an update, cover-
ing the period from1970 to 2019 but, we need some help from the public. “If anyone from Lena, or elsewhere in our fire protection district has any photos, memorabilia or personal stories, we’d like to hear from them. We’d like as many photos as we can get for inclusion in this book. Anyone that can help, please contact
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us by email, Facebook or phone.” The Lena firehouse is located at 405 W. Railroad St. The phone number is 815-369-2715. The email is lenafire@hotmail.com and they are on Facebook. The Lena Historical Society is located at 427 Grove St. Phone number 815-369-4555 and Facebook.
MANDY FIELDS PHOTO Shopper’s Guide
Members of the Orangeville Education Foundation operate the brat stand at AJ’s Lena Maid Meats.
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