The Gloversville Fire Department
In 1877 a disastrous fire visited the block of wooden buildings located on Main street between Church
and Middle Streets. It was after this fire that Gloversville realized the need of an adequate fire protection.
Without any water works or organized fire companies, any building which would become ignited would
certainly burn to the ground however, shortly after the big blaze, the village of Gloversville possessed a
duly incorporated hose company as well as hook and ladder brigade.
The oldest fire company, first known as the A. J. Kasson Hose Company and later known
as the Neptune Hose Company. It was organized on April 21st, 1877. It included the following men.....
J. K. Belding, E. S. Botsford, W. H. Browne, C. W. Brockway, W. F. Cole, H. G. Dewey, B. J. Dye, W. E.
Lansing, S. Leibenhelm, A. B. Peake, M. F. Button and M. L. Shaffer.
The only piece of apparatus in possession of this company at that time was a chemical engine
worked by hand pumps.
Today as you walk past this section, you will see most buildings with the date 1877 on them. This is due
to the fact that the buildings were built in the same year of the fire. No small task to be sure.
Please visit the Firemen of Fulton County for photos of firemen, fires, equipment
and fire houses.
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