This Pennington N. J. Fire Company 125th Anniversary Booklet was published in 2016, and includes 64 pages with photos and information on current and past officers, members, and equipment. There are also extensive sections on the history of the history of the Fire Company and the Ladies Auxiliary.
The Pennington Fire Company is one of only four 100% volunteer fire companies left in Mercer County. It has provided fire services to Pennington Borough, Hopewell Borough, Hopewell Township, and the surrounding areas in Mercer County since 1891.
== View the Pennington Fire Co. 125th Booklet (PDF) ==
Around half of the booklet also has display ads for local area organizations and companies, which are wonderfully helpful for historical research into the place and time.
The history sections in the booklet include some fun tidbits that help understand the times, including discovering the power of pumped water:
On April 4, 1892 , the Company decided to purchase the Button Hand Engine, which arrived in the borough three weeks later and, to the delight of onlookers, proved its worth by putting a stream of water over the tall steeple of the Presbyterian Church.
And an explanation of how the town was able to broadcast the location of a fire:
On January 15, 1894 , Pennington put into service a steel tower and fire bell , at a cost of $169. Under the so-called “tap system” that was adopted for responding to fires, the bell was rung vigorously for a time; then, it was “tapped” once for north, twice for south, three times for east and four times for west. As Pennington had few side streets in the late 19th century, the system worked very well.
See the Pennington Fire Company website for background on the current organization, people, and equipment; information on supporting the company by donating or joining; and photos of activities from fire fighting to parades.
See below for similar anniversary booklets on the Hopewell Fire Department.
Please contact us if you have additional materials on Hopewell Valley fire companies or other local history that we can preserve and share – including photos, documents, and artifacts.
More on Hopewell Valley Fire Companies
Hopewell Borough – History
- Hopewell Borough Fire Companies – Full History Brief (PDF)
- Somerset St. – Rockwell Fire Brigade Brief (c1927) – Full History Brief (PDF)
- Hopewell Valley Fire Departments
- The Confusing Hopewell Firehouse – and Boro Hall and High School (1910)
- Van Doren Lumberyard Fires
Hopewell Borough – Documents & Media
- Hopewell Fire Department 100th Anniversary Booklet – and Mystery Photo
- Hopewell Fire Department 75th Anniversary Booklet – and 50th Anniversary
- Hopewell Parade Videos 1946 – 1948 – Memorial Day & 1948 Firemen’s videos
