Dewey Fire Company #1 4.41

On December 17, 1897, a preliminary meeting was held at the Cottage Hotel with about 35 men in attendance. Work began on drafting the Constitution and By-laws, and on January 18, 1898 the first officers of the Hellertown Hook & Ladder were elected. Admiral Dewey's victory in Manila Harbor on May 1, 1898 caused Milton Keller (the first Fire Chief) to suggest the name Dewey Fire Company to the volunteers. The name was formally adopted prior to the chartering of the organization.
The Company met at the Odd Fellows Hall on Main Street until some time in 1900 when the Borough erected a combination Fire House, Borough Hall, Police Station, and Jail on Saucon Street at a cost of under $4000. During those first decades of the organization, the Fire House became the focal point of the social lives of the members.