Millerton Fire Company celebrates 125 years

MILLERTON — In celebration of 125 years of dedicated service, the Millerton Fire Company marked its anniversary last week with a carnival, fireworks display and parade.

Originally known as the E.H. Thompson Hose Co., the Millerton Fire Company formed in 1892 when a large hotel fire in Millerton created interest of forming a village-wide fire department. At a meeting between the village trustees at the Millerton National Bank, the company was formalized, on Jan. 4, 1892, and the company was later named after former Millerton bank president, Edward Harris Thompson, on Feb. 3.

Since its initiation, the Millerton Fire Company has seen and adapted to many changes along its journey in the village of Millerton. By 1924, its name was changed to the Millerton Fire Company and later formed the fire district known as the North East Fire District. Yet throughout the years in which the company has been active in the community, its mission in protecting the community from fires, emergencies and all other incidents has never faltered.

“I’ve been in Millerton my whole life and I’m proud of the company,” said President Lenny Morrison, a 38-year fireman with the department.

To commemorate the last 125 years, the fire company offered four nights of fun for community members of all ages to enjoy.

Even when devoid of activity, the carnival at Eddie Collins Memorial Park supplied a spectacular view of lights, colors and excitement to enjoy.

From 6 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 9, through Saturday, Aug. 11, families were seen walking down the sidewalks hand in hand and arriving by the carload in anticipation of a night on the town.

From spinning teacups to the Ferris Wheel, the carnival rides provided thrills for children to enjoy with their friends and families. A unique variety of colorful stations enticed children to play a round of carnival games for a chance to win a prize, perhaps a goldfish. 

From the top of the Ferris Wheel, families gazed over their familiar village while timeless songs played out of loudspeakers. Underneath a strip of red and white tents, spectators dined on carnival fare and sipped beverages offered at the beer garden near the Pavilion. Bands performed live music, including 217 Band, Last Good Bender and Fender Benders.

Along with the four nights of carnival fun, the fireworks display was held on Friday, Aug. 11.

For the celebration’s grand finale, the Millerton Fire Company invited the public to attend a much-anticipated parade on Saturday, Aug. 12.

All along the village streets, families waited in anticipation for the parade as they sat upright in their folding chairs and on the edge of the sidewalks. With the minutes ticking down, spectators craned their necks to look down the sidewalk as the music from the bands led the way.

At the strike of 6 p.m., the growing thunder of drums was heard from a distance, and with the familiar rise and fall of the fire alarm, the parade took off down Century Boulevard. 

Enthusiastic cheers and applause resonated down the village sidewalks as the parade traveled to Eddie Collins Memorial Park. Along with the Millerton department, fire engines and firemen from various fire districts were featured in the parade, including Amenia, Wassaic, Pine Plains, Ancram, Milan, Pawling and Falls Village, Sharon, Lakeville, Kent, Conn., and many more. 

Dressed in uniforms of red, white, black and blue, countless firemen marched the village streets. Marching bands supplied a harmony of patriotic tunes with a variety of instruments, from drums and trumpets to bagpipes and sousaphones.

“I remember when I was a kid, we used to go to the carnivals and to the firemen’s parade,” recalled village resident Lori Brunese, whose father, John, served on the Millerton Fire Company for 25 years. “This is the biggest parade for Millerton.”

“It’s a nice parade,” agreed fellow resident Mindy Weiner.

Even when the skies turned gray overhead, the spectators’ eyes stayed with the action on the streets and the spirit of countless fire companies remained intact. As the parade slowly began to reach its end, attendees gathered their belongings and walked in the direction of the carnival for its final night.