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by William H. Rogers as a solution to what had become a quite heated debate as to what to call the new company. Although there had been some opposition to the addition of another fire company, their "business-like methods" quickly led to acceptance. After officially becoming a part of the fire department on February 5, 1869, the "Mons" were given Protection Engine Co. No. 2's old hose cart and truck house on East Main Street. In August, 1870, the building had to be demolished for construction of the present First Congregational Church. The Monhagens relocated to the Orchard Street School for a time, and to other places later.
Finally, on May 17, 1872, taxpayers voted funds to construct a double fire house on East Main Street, the site now occupied by Central Fire House. This area was once called "Wickham Square" and was donated to the village by Samuel Wickham. Some fifty years later, a clause in the property deed would prove troublesome for the city. Samuel H. Wilcox was the architect for the project, Theodore Wilkes, the contractor. Construction began in the fall of 1872. The foundation was completed in early December and bricklaying for the walls begun at that time. The structure was completed in October, 1873. The Monhagens held their first meeting in the new house November 3, 1873.
The William M. McQuoid Fire Engine Company No. 3 (the Eagles became Hose Co. No. 2 in 1872) became part of the fire department May 28, 1873. It was named for a Middletown businessman who helped overcome opposition against formation of a fifth fire Company. The McQuoids soon joined the Monhagens in the new East Main Street Fire House.
Regrettably, the old "Black Joke" was sold at public auction September 20, 1875, for $25 to S.B. Hunter who dismantled this historic piece of equipment.
From the early days of the "Bread Tray," a variety of methods were employed to alert citizens of a fire. The first request for a city-wide system was made in February, 1875, but it wasn't until 1887 that the measure was approved. The Gamewell Company was awarded the contract, and in December, 1887, work on the system was begun. The new system was tested and accepted February 9, 1888. Since then, the system has undergone many changes and improvements.
Growth of the city's north end, a result of the 0 & W's extensive yards and shops there, led to the need for increased fire protection in that area. A petition for permission to organize Ontario (after the Ontario & Western) Hose Company No. 5 was presented to the Common Council August 20, 1889. This granted, the company organized August 29, and was accepted by the city October 1, 1889. For a time, the Ontario's used hose cart was housed in a barn, then in a shed built on the fire house site. In September 1890, a contract was awarded to C.N. Hill for construction of the Ontario truck house. This was completed in August, 1891.