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The Reinholds Fire Company No.1 was organized and held its first official meeting on December
18, 1914, in what was known as the Reinholds Band Hall. A committee was then appointed to
decide on the means by which money could be raised for the purchase of a fire engine. These men
realized that no organization could be run without a constitution and by-laws and therefore, on
January 15, 1915, application was made for a charter. This charter was received about April 15,
1915.

On February 27, 1915, a committee was appointed to hold an outdoor fair to raise funds for the
purchase of a fire engine. This fair, which was the Fire Company's first, realized a profit of
$184.51.

On April 6, 1915, the company purchased a Howe combination water and chemical fire engine
with 500 feet of 2 inch hose. The fire engine was delivered on May 10, 1915.

The first fire hall was build around July 1915 on the land of J .M. Brunner. Moved back about
200 feet, the building is still in use as a storage house for antiques. Its bell tower is now on the
property of Luke Gottshall. The alarm bell used on this hall was moved to our new building where
it is still proudly displayed.

On June 16, 1916, the company built, for the sum of $65, a cistern 20 feet long, 8 feet wide and 8
feet deep, as a source of water in the event of fire in Reinholds itself. This cistern, which lies next
to the old fire hall, holds 500 barrels of water.

The company continued to hold fairs and festivals at different places in the community but most
of these proved too small for the Fire Company's needs. Thus arose the need for an adequate
building not only to house the engine but also to serve as a place of recreation for the entire
community.

After much discussion and observation of different sites, the trustees were ordered to purchase
the comer lot (Galen Hall Road and East Main Street) on which the Reinholds Amb. Building
presently stands. On December 6, 1919.

It was decided that a structure three stories high, 90 feet long and 36 feet wide be built. The
basement was to be used to house the fire engine and was to be 8 feet high. The first floor was
planned to be 16 feet high making it among other things, suitable for basketball. In this and other
ways the company has always encouraged the young people of the community to participate in
sports.

One end of the floor, about 15 feet wide, was made into a cookery where the women of the
company have done more than their share of hard work to make the Fire Company a success. The
auditorium and cookery have been used by our churches, Sunday Schools and other organizations
to hold suppers for many worthy causes. The other end of the hall was made into a stage which
has been the scene of many local dramas and plays. This stage has also been used to present
vaudeville acts and musical organizations at the many indoor fairs held by the Fire Company. A
balcony was also built above the kitchen.

The second floor was made 10 feet high and has been used by our local fraternal organizations
until a few years ago when it was taken over by our splendid Ladies' Auxiliary.

In 1924, it became apparent that this company could not hold the support of the community with
its horse-drawn fire engine. After a great deal of discussion with the Hahn Company, they agreed
to build a fire engine with pneumatic tires and a much lower driver's seat than had been the
custom previously. This was the first engine of this type built by Hahn and it was shown and
demonstrated in many places before it was delivered to our Fire Company. The cost of this fire
engine was $5,500.

On January 6, 1925, the Fire Company had outstanding notes amounting to $11,200 and a
treasury balance of $1,832.26. The total debt was $9,367.74 lust before the time our new fire
engine and hose were purchased. With the purchase of this new equipment, the total debt rose to
$16,117.74 representing the highest amount in the history of the Fire Company. On June 4, 1925,
$2,000 was paid to the Hahn Motor Truck Company, and $3,500 as the balance was borrowed on
a note to the Hamburg National Bank. This note was paid off in amounts ranging from $200 to
$1,000 between September 1, 1925 and May 3, 1927. Later the siren was bought for the Fire Hall.

In connection with the West Cocalico School Board, the Fire Company, on January 7, 1930,
purchased the site which now includes the school building, the school playground and the Fire
Company carnival grounds. The school grounds include a frontage of 250 feet and an area of 3
acres. That of the carnival grounds include a frontage of 100 feet and an area of a little more than
4 acres. A total of $950 was paid for this land. The Fire Company realized that a large outdoor
space would be required in order to hold large fairs so that funds could be raised to maintain the
company and payoff its debts. This carnival ground has proved itself to be the life blood of the Fire
Company, especially in the depression years when indoor fairs were at a very low level.

In the Spring of 1944, after a slow and stormy start, the Fire Company initiated a series of
carnivals. This series of carnivals surpassed anything that had been done before and as a fitting
climax, 3 extra nights were added in the Fall. All records for carnival attendance up until this
time were broken. It seemed as if the entire community, sensing that we could raise enough
money to pay the balance of our debt which was now $5,400, turned out to help make this the
banner year in the history of the Reinholds Fire Company No.1.

In all our communities and in all organizations, in fact, in all walks of life, there are certain
individuals who go about unheralded, unsung and unrecognized. These people give all their time
and energy silently without asking for honor but their unlimited support is felt at all times. This
refers to the LADIES the wives and daughters of our Fire Company men.

These women labored alongside of their men as they strove to get sufficient funds for their fire
house and equipment. These women well remember how they cooked and cooked and cooked and
are still cooking (and how these women can cook) for fairs, carnivals, picnics and other good
times.

Perhaps these women recall how they sold $300 worth of homemade candy (the men certainly
remember how good it was) and $200 worth of fancy work at one of the first indoor fairs held by
the Fire Company. The young ladies come in for their share of praise too for they can recall how
they worked and trudged about selling 10 cent chances on tables, chairs and many other items.

Finally, on February 9, 1942, these women realized the necessity for organization. A group of
women met in the factory of Frank Winter and started the .'Ladies' Auxiliary of the Reinholds Fire
Company." The first official meeting was held March 26, 1942 in the Fire Hall.

After more than a year of discussion and planning, the Fire Company on February 3, 1948
authorized the purchase of a new pumper to be built by the Hahn Motor Company at a cost of $10,
750. This truck, delivered in July, 1948 was to replace the Hahn pumper which was in service
since 1924.

Another step forward to increase the efficiency of the fire fighting operation of the Fire Company
was taken in 1953 when in conjunction with the other fire companies of Lancaster County,
two-way radios were installed in the fire trucks. This very valuable addition to our fire fighting
equipment was paid for and has since been maintained by the West Cocalico Township Board of
Supervisors.

President Robert Hershey on January 6, 1958 appointed a committee to plan the type of truck that
would best fill the needs of the community. Finally in May, 1959 after much planning by this
committee the Fire Company authorized the purchase of a new Ford chassis on which was to be
built a 1,000 gallon water tank and a 500 gallon per minute front mount pump. This truck
complete with 500 feet of 2 1/2 inch hose, 300 feet of 1 1/2 inch hose, a 35 foot extension ladder,
2 Chemox all purpose masks, and all the necessary fire fighting tools was delivered on New Years
Day, 1960, at a cost of $15,000.

The appreciation and generosity of the community was again shown by a very successful fund
drive which was conducted to pay for this truck, and together with a very generous contribution
of $3,000 from the Ladies' Auxiliary it made it possible to make final payment on this truck in
February, 1961.

A committee was appointed in August 1961 to hire an architect and have plans made to better
accommodate the fire trucks, and be a more useful building throughout.

The architectural firm of Muhlenberg Bros. of Wyomissing was hired and it was recommended
that since the second floor of the building was only rarely used anymore, and it would be quite
costly to retain it, it should be removed. The basement was converted into a banquet room with a
fully equipped kitchen, and a new oil fired heating system was installed in the basement. The
main floor which is on the Main Street level was converted into an engine room, restrooms and a
meeting room are also on this floor .

Work was begun on this project in May, 1962, by E.F. Martza1l, Inc., who was selected to do this
job, and by December of that year the building was completed to the extent that the trucks could
be returned to their new quarters, and finally in October of 1963 an open house celebration was
observed to officially open the building again.

In February of 1965 the Fire Company received two air masks to supplement the two Chemox
masks already in service.

In September of 1965 it was decided to relocate the original alarm bell to its present location,
which is at the front of the Fire Hall.

By January of 1967 the Zone 1 Fireman's Association had a motion to form a central alarm system.
And of course the Fire Company voted in favor of this system. By October of that year the central
alarm system was put into service, allowing the fire companies of Zone 1 to be centrally
dispatched.

To address the growing problem of a reliable water supply, 1000 feet of 3 inch hose was
purchased in September 1968. This made the relay pumping of water possible.

By this time it became apparent that the 1948 Hahn would not be able to serve the community
much longer, therefore, a committee was formed to make recommendations. Finally, in April 1971
they recommended an Intemational/Howe pumper at a cost of $34,885. At a special meeting on
April 19, 1971 the Fire Company approved the purchase of this truck along with all the necessary
equipment. However, in May the company was notified that the Intemational/Howe was not
available. Therefore, it was decided to purchase a 1972 Hahn Custom pumper with a 1000 gallon
per minute pump and a 1000 gallon tank. This truck, powered with a diesel engine, carried a
price tag of $36,995, and was delivered on June 2, 1972.

During this time there also became an apparent need to quickly refill the cylinders of the air
masks. In February 1974 the Zone 1 cascade system was put into service on the 1948 Hahn. This
was then later moved to the 1976 Dodge Caravan where it is presently located.

With the potential for serious brush fires, it was necessary to replace the brush truck. By
February of 1976 the Dodge Power Wagon 4-Wheel Drive Brush Truck was put into service. This
truck was custom-built right here in the Reinholds Community. Richard A. Reinhold built the
truck for the Fire Company. This truck carries 2 portable pumps, 6 Indian tanks, Booster hose, 160
gallons of water, and a full complement of hand tools.

Since the Carnivals are the major source of income for the Fire Company, it was decided that the
carnival grounds needed improvements and also expansion. A new stage was erected by the 1976
carnivals and an addition was built onto the kitchen in 1978. In 1979, the Company bought the
farm land on the west side of the elementary school at a price of $42,000. This land was needed to
provide parking for carnivals and other community events held at the park.

The Fire Company is very progressive and always keeps up with advancements in extinguish
methods. In 1981, the 1 1/2 inch hose was replaced with newer 1 3/4 inch hose. This hose
allowed much more water to be applied to a fire while still being controllable by one or two
fireman

August 15. 1981 was the first of what would become many authentic quilt sales. These
handmade quilts were made each year by the women of the area. They gathered at the fire hall for
a week at a time and made many beautiful quilts. which would be auctioned in the summer time.

The end of an era came about in December of 1982 when the Zone's Central Alarm station, more
commonly known as "KUG 740" was closed. All of the dispatching and 911 services were
transferred to the Lancaster County Wide Communications Center .

Also, in 1984 it became apparent that the 1959 Ford would have to soon be replaced. A
committee was formed to develop specifications and in 1985 the company decided to buy a 1986
Hahn Custom Pumper. This truck was delivered in July of 1986 and has a 1500 GPM pump and
1500 feet of 5 inch hose. The cost of the truck was $146.837.

It was apparent that the price of fire apparatus was increasing rapidly and the Company in
February 1988, decided to refurbish the 1972 Hahn Pumper. The tank was replaced with a
fiberglass tank, the pump was overhauled, and the entire body was sandblasted and repainted.
Also numerous other improvements were made as well to this pumper. The complete job was done
for $43,360, which was a tremendous savings over the cost of a new fire engine.

On August 11, 1990, we celebrate our 75th year of service to the community, that we dedicate
the latest addition to the Fire Company, the Banquet Room and kitchen. These facilities will allow
us to have larger banquets and dinners. It will also be available to be rented for private functions.
This was a major undertaking and most of the labor was volunteer.

In the early summer or 1997 we started a new five bay fire station. The station has a meeting
room, small reception room, storage rooms, offices for Chief, President, Treasure and a Chief
Engineers work room. We also added large rest rooms for our country music shows. The building
was completed in the beginning of December 1997. The building is pictured on our home page.

The station East Main Street and Galen Hall Road was sold to the Reinholds Community Amb.
Assc..

Engine 1-8-1 was sent for a refurbishing on October 15, 1999. The following was completed:

ENCLOSED JUMPSETS
NEW WARNING LIGHTS
ADDED COMPARTMENTS ABOVE SIDE COMPARTMENTS
EXTEND FRONT BUMPER FOR TRASH LINE
ALL NEW COMPARTMENT DOORS
NEW GENERATOR & LIGHT
ALL NEW AL DIAMOND PLATING
The Engine was returned to the company on May 25, 2000. Work was done by East Penn Fire and
Emergency Sales and Service Inc., located in Pottsville, PA.

Reinholds Fire Company maintains the latest Equipment to provide the best protection possible
for residents and business in our community. We are proud of our heritage and look forward to
provide the best possible service many years into the future.