| On Saturday, October 1, 2011 members of the Red Knights traveled to Philadelphia to attend a historical marker ceremony commemorating the nation's first volunteer fire company formed in 1736. Members met around 8 AM and traveled be a the 30 bypass to Route 202 to Route 76 to Route 676 arriving in Philadelphia around 915.
Arriving in Philadelphia club made its way to N. 2nd Ave. and Market Street where the ceremonies were to take place. The club was greeted by a gentleman from the historical marker steering committee who graciously gave them a parking spot right out front of the ceremonies. Another member of the steering committee took us into Grindstone Alley the location of the first volunteer fire company showing us where the marker once stood. In the 1950s the marker was stolen most likely sold for drug money however the marker was replaced and in 2010 was once again removed due to it being unreadable. This marker is being redone and will be replaced in the near future.
Ceremony started at 10 AM with opening remarks from Edward Welch a member of the Wyndmoor Hose Company and a part of the Union Fire Company historical marker steering committee. The national anthem was sung by a gentleman named Jeff Chapman of old St. Joseph Church in Philadelphia. An invocation was given by Rev. Timothy Safford of the historical Christ Church of Philadelphia. Remarks were then given by several people including Dr. Benjamin Franklin himself the founder and charter member of the Union Fire Company, also Philadelphia Fire Departments Commissioner Lloyd Ayres.
During the ceremonies some of Philadelphia's finest Engine 20 and Ladder 290 came screaming by lights and siren in what seemed to be a fitting moment considering we're there to commemorate the first fire company in the nation, Commissioner Ayers said during his speech that that was not planned they in fact were responding to an emergency incident.
The time came to unveil the historical marker that now stood on the sidewalk in front of Grindstone Alley the honors were given to Philadelphia's Fire Department Commissioner Lloyd Ayres and Dr. Benjamin Franklin himself who lifted the blue historical cover off using to pike poles.
Following the ceremonies guest were provided with a light lunch prior to concluding the day's events. En route home members traveled I-95 passing Citizens Bank Park were hopefully history will be made later today as the National League East champion Philadelphia Phillies play their first playoff game. And next door sits Lincoln financial Field were hopefully the Eagles will get back on the winning track tomorrow.
Members of the Red Knights PA Chapter 2 like to thank Union Fire Company historical marker steering committee for their invitation to this event and allowing us to join you in commemorating the nation's first volunteer fire company.
News Link:
http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=8375277 |
