Indian River Fire Company Holds Hall Dedication Rites

May 25, 1954

Millsboro Civic Club Presidents, Town and County Fire Officials Aid in Ceremonies Saturday To Open New Building; Gifts Listed

Special to the Journal-Every Evening

Oak Orchard, Del, May 25—The Indian River Volunteer Fire Company dedicated its new fire hall Saturday.

Taking part in the ceremonies were:

Harvey H. Lawson, president of the Millsboro Lions Club; Samuel Timmons, president of the Millsboro Kiwanis Club; Mayor Saunders P. Garden, of Millsboro; Mayor Harvey B. Spicer, of Georgetown; Howard Abbott, Georgetown; William Batchelor, chief of the Millsboro Volunteer Fire Company; Mrs. Ella J. Roach, of Rehoboth, president of the Women’s Auxiliaries Association of Volunteer Fire Companies in Sussex County, and Miss Ruth Vaughn of Rehoboth, secretary of that association.

Chaplain Gives Invocation

Raymond M. Trice, president of the year-old organization, was master of ceremonies.  The invocation was given by Rev. Dr. Thomas C. Mulligan of Georgetown, chaplain of the state volunteer firemen’s association.

A ceremony was held in memory of a deceased member of the company, William Oettel.

A number of gifts were presented to the fire company, included a large table for use in the house, presented by Mr. and Mrs. Arthur McCauley; a large American Flag by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bird, of Wilmington and summer residents of Oak Orchard; a check for $25 by Mrs. Roach, president of the Sussex Auxiliaries Association; a check for $10 from Mr. and Mrs. Elwood Evans of Wilmington (Mr. Evans is a member of Talleyville Volunteer Fire Company) and a check for $5 from Mrs. Carl B. Meyers.

Additions Are Possible

The new building is of concrete block construction, 30 x 60 feet; with room to two engines and equipment and a room for kitchen facilities in the rear.  The plan for the building was drawn in a manner which would permit additions as needed in the future.  The company has one pumper truck, one tank truck and a portable pump for service in areas adjacent to Indian River.