Archives: Date in CHVFD History

Captain Charles A. Keefe Funeral Held at Firehouse

Funeral services for Captain Charles A. Keefe were held at the firehouse. Captain Keefe was killed in a motorcycle accident. Pallbearers included Al Dorman, Norris Simpson, Neal McFarlane, O. Porter, J. Crawford, and George Finger.

Prince George’s County Police Court Moves from Capitol Heights Fire Station

The Washington Post reports that a letter was sent to the Prince George’s County Commissioners suggesting that the Prince George’s County Police Court be moved from the Capitol Heights fire station. No specifics were given, but this happened at about the same time that the fire department was reviewing plans for a new fire house that included a courtroom.

1922 Elections Held

The Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department held its elections for 1922.

Steamer Purchased from the District of Columbia

The District Commissioners from Washington, DC approved the sale of an old horse drawn steamer to the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department for $125. It has been told over the years that when the delegation from the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department arrived to pick-up the steamer, it was in use at a fire. Once the fire was out, the delegation brought it home to Capitol Heights. The department used a farm tractor to pull the steamer rather than horses.

Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary Organized

The Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary was organized. Charter members included Irene Conner, Marie Davis, Clara Bryan, Freida Fankhouser, Minnie Nuthall, Alice McGuire, Evelyn Jacobs, Elenore Noel, Lulu Miller, Annie Pierce and Dora Quill. The Ladies Auxiliary is believed to the first fire department ladies auxiliary in the United States.

CHVFD Announces Plans to Organize an Orchestra for Fundraising

A campaign was launched by the citizens of Capitol Heights to raise funds for the purchase of motor driven fire engine. In other efforts to raise funds, the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department announced plans to organize an orchestra to play at fund raising events.

Man Dies After Falling Asleep While Smoking

Issac M. Funk dies in a house fire in Capitol Heights. The Washington Herald newspaper reports that “at 11:30pm, a neighbor discovered the fire and spread the alarm. The clanging of the Town’s bell, brought scores of volunteer firemen and the small chemical engine coupled behind an automobile to the scene”. The Washington Herald quotes George A. Adams, head of the volunteer fire company, as saying “it was impossible to get into the house which was enveloped in fire” when they arrived.

Boys Saved from Burning Barn in Capitol Heights

April 20, 1915 – The Washington Herald newspaper reported on a barn fire in Capitol Heights. The barn was owned by O.B. Zantsinger. Dennis Quill, Property Clerk for the Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department, credited Buddy Osin, age 15, with rescuing Louis Litz and Crial Harris, both age 4, from the burning barn.

Many CHVFD Members Involved in Local Government

Members of the department were involved in local government. Former Mayor Charles L. Sweeney was nominated to succeed Mayor Lyman J. Laughton (both were members of the department) in the upcoming town elections. Candidates for Town Council also included J.W. Beavers, George W. Nairn, T.J. Tudge and Leon Litz (also members of the department).