Blast From The Past

BLAST FROM THE PAST

September 2, 1904 --- $6,000 FIRE THIS MORNING --- The Weaver Hardware Store Partially Gutted -- Water Did Much Damage. J. Leroy Weaver Almost Suffocated. -- Fire broke out in the Weaver hardware store in Monongahela avenue this morning about 3 o'clock and damage to the extent of $6,000 resulted. The most of the damage was done by water. The loss is fully covered by insurance. The interior of the building to the rear is only slightly damaged and can doubtless be repaired at a small expense. The most of the damage is to the stock.. About 3 o'clock this morning, J. LeRoy Weaver, the senior member of the firm of the Weaver Bros. Hardware company, was awakened out of his sleep by the smell of smoke. When he attempted to dress he staggered and was almost suffocated. He rushed downstairs and when he reached the front door, No. 2 fire company had arrived and soon a stream of water turned into the building, which was so dense with smoke that it was impossible to see any distance at all. The boys of No. 2 worked heroically when they were joined a few minutes later by company No. 1. It was impossible to ascertain for a time where the fire was burning, and was only discovered when an incision was made in the wall at the rear of the store. As soon as the air reached this spot flames shot up between the brick and veneered woodwork. This reached the second story and was beginning to eat up everything with which it came in contact. A stream of water soon reduced the flames and finally extinguished them The fire boys then proceeded to another section of the building and found the same thing existing as in the lower story. The position of the fire made it hard to get at and it was only with the hardest kind of work that the firemen saved the entire structure. The rear end of the store is gutted but the storeroom proper is not so badly damaged.. The stock is owned by the Weaver Hardware company, and the building is the property of the heirs of the Cummins estate.. The fire companies deserve much credit for their timely appearance and the heroic manner in which they worked.. The fire was practically discovered by Charles Harbaugh, who is doing extra police duty. He was coming up Monongahela avenue, when he smelled a strong odor of burning wood. As he approached closer to the Weaver store, the odor became stronger and soon he observed that the store in question was on fire. A general alarm was sent in by the engines on the P. and L. E. railroad, which brought out the fire companies.. J. LeRoy Weaver, the senior member of the firm, when seen this morning, said the first thing he thought about was the awful affair which befell his brother and the late Mr. and Mrs. Cummins. He said he could not understand how he stood the smoke as long as he did. Mr. Weaver continued: "My wife and family, as luck would have it, are away, and I'm sure if they had been here they would have suffocated. I staggered like a drunken man when I jumped from my bed and as soon as I reached the stairway, I was confronted with great clouds of smoke. How I reached the street in safety, I don't know.".. When asked how the fire originated Mr. Weaver said: "I am unable to answer that question. I have been trying to ascertain the cause, but cannot. From all appearances, the fire was confined between the brick and wood veneer work. I expect as soon as the insurance is adjusted, to get things into shape and open up again for business.".. No damage, whatever, was done to the tin repair shop building which adjoins the general store. Source: McKeesport Daily News
March 29, 1905 --- TWO FIRE COMPANIES CALLED THIS MORNING --- Gas Plug Blew Out in the Condensing Department at the Coke Works. Two Men Slightly Injured. -- A plug blew out of one of the gas mains in the condensing house at the Pittsburgh Gas and Coke company's plant early this morning. The gas ignited in some manner and flames shot toward the roof. The rafters soon caught fire. An alarm was sent in and very soon Nos. 1 and 2 fire companies were on the scene and extiquished the flames before much damage had been done. Two men whose names were given as Anderson and Lynchwere slightly burned as the gas ignited. The prompt work of the firemen averted what was at first it was thought would be a costly conflagration. Source: McKeesport Daily News.
August 18, 1905 --- WELL-KNOWN COUPLE UNITED IN MATRIMONY --- The Groom is Seized After the Ceremony and Placed on a Hose Cart by the Boys of No. 2 Fire Company and Given the Usual Ride -- Had to Set "Em" Up -- One of the leading society events of the season was that of last evening, when Mr. Emil Cherron and Miss Mamie Mayou, both well known young people of Glassport, were united in the holy bonds of matrimony. The happy event was solomized at the home of the bride's mother on Monongahela avenue. The officiating clergyman was the Rev. Father Rea, the pastor of St. Cecelia church of this place. The exercises were brief, but very solemn. After the usual formalities were over a tempting repast was seved to the many guests present. There were many useful and valuable presents bestowed. The bride is the daughter of Mrs. Joseph Mayou, and one of the leaders in society. The groom is one of the prominent young men of Glassport and has always been an active member of the No. 2 fire company. After the ceremony, he was siezed by his companions and given the usual ride in the hose cart to Otto and back. Of course he had to set "em" up, which he did in rare style. The many friends of the couple all join in wishing them a safe and prosperous voyage over the sea of matrimony. Source: McKeesport Daily News
January 26, 1907 --- FIRE DOES MUCH DAMAGE --- The borough last evening was visited with a second fire this week, when the house owned by John Davis at Seventh street and Ohio avenue was badly damaged. The fire was discovered at about 6:30 o'clock in the upper portion of the house and was confined there, the chief damage being due to water. Both fire companies responded to the alarm and did good work. The house was occupied by three families and two lost some of their household goods. The damage was estimated at $500. Source: McKeesport Daily News.

February 16, 1907 --- GROOM GETS RIDE --- Firemen Haul Edward N. Bourst About Town in Cart -- Edward N. Bourst, the popular bartender of the Hotel Wolf, who slipped away to Youngstown yesterday with Miss Alberta Crosby, of Otto, and was married returned home with his bride last evening and went to their home in Marie avenue. The newly married couple had hardly arrived in the house when there was a shout outside and a few minutes the house was surrounded by the members of Reliance Hose Co. No. 2.. Bourst was carried away and placed on an old cart, which the boys had secured, and given a ride about the town. After that he was taken to the rooms of the fire company where a big celebration was held. Bourst in addition to being a member of the Reliance Hose company, was a member of the Eagles' the Knockers' club and the Kind Kid club. Members of the various organizations to part in the celebration last night. Source: McKeesport Daily News.

May 18, 1907 --- RELIANCE TROUBLE IS THRASHED OUT --- Council Discusses Recent Events, But Does Not Act -- JOHN KEIM ENLIGHTENS MEMBERS FROM DAILY NEWS -- At the special meeting of council last evening to discuss the trouble between the fire committee of council and the Reliance Hose company, the whole matter was gone over from the beginning of the trouble until last evening. John Keim, who is chairman of the fire committee, and apparently is the one who had the trouble with the No. 2 company he refused to rent a room in Monongahela Avenue, spent much time at the meeting of council last evening in reading accounts of the trouble from copies of the Daily News. He criticized statements given out by certain members of the fire company and contended that the ultimatum and other notices supposed to have been served on him, were not served.. He, however, admitted that he had been informed by the foreman of the No. 2 company that that organization was compelled to move out of the Boyd building, and that council or the fire committee had provided no quarters on the hill for the department or had offered the company any quarters, when it is alleged to have refused to go on the hill. He also admitted that some of the best citizens of the borough are members of the fire company, but held that the company was responsible for the action of members who caused the various statements and notices to be published.. He also told of the treatment he had received from the No. 2 company, and averred that they had not treated him as a man in his position should have been treated Some of the statements as published and coming from someone in the No. 2 company, were "False, flurrish and slanderous," he said.. Rommell, Hughes and Griffin did not think the fire company had refused to go on the hill or had any official action been taken on the question of sending the No. 2 company on the hill. The clerk was instructed to look up the minutes in reference to this matter and it was found that while the motion gave the fire committee power to act in the matter of selecting a building, it did not specify that the company should be placed on the hill.. Mr. Hughes thought that personal grievances has much to do with the trouble, and both the fire company and the fire committee of counsel had handled the matter in an unbusinesslike manner. If the fire company had notified the chairman of the fire committee in writing and he in turn had notified the president of council and a special meeting held, as should have been done, he thought the trouble would have been averted. Mr. Rommel made several pleased with the members who voted to dispossess company at a former meeting to offer a motion to reconsider the former action, but none did so.. Mr. Blose stated that he was there to vote to reconsider if it was found that the charges against the company were not true. Rommell contended that no charges had been made against the company, but Keim asked, "What more was wanted." Griffin asked council to "Forgive and forget," and Murray said that while he was a member of the Reliance company he was opposed to some of the things the company is supposed to have done. He, however, admitted that he had not attended but one meeting in two years.. A committee consisting of Messrs. Aberdon, Lamourax and Young, of the Reliance company, was present at the meeting and stated that the fire company had not taken no action, refusing to go on the hill, and denied that the Tanney building had been leased over the head of Chairman Keim of the fire committee. The Reliance committee contended that the company had always leased their own quarters, but that the rent was paid by council.. Solicitor Powell was present and suggested a way out of the trouble, when it was seen that none of the five who voted to dispossess as the company--Blose, Keim, Murray, Randall and Reid -- would offer a motion to reconsider. He stated that the borough had no ordinance or resolution governing fire departments and that it was necessary that one be passed before council would legally appropriate any money for the volunteer companies. He suggested that an ordinance be prepared which would give all companies equal rights and bind all down to the regulations such as council may adopt.. Council, however, adjourned without taking any action, although that body is evenly divided on the question, -- Davis, Griffin, Hughes, Kass and Rommell being opposed to the action of council in dispossessing the company, while Messrs. Blose, Keim, Murray, Randall and Reid, are on the opposite side. Davis, Kass and Rommell were absent at the meeting at which the motion to dispossess the company prevailed by a vote of 5 to 2-- Griffin and Hughes opposing it. Source: McKeesport Daily News.
May 31, 1938 --- $1000 Blaze Here --- Fire last night resulted in damage estimated at $1000 to a residence owned by Harry Breen , at 713 Vermont Avenue Fire Chief Arthur Mayou, who estimated the damage, said the cause of the fire was unknown. No one was injured Chief Mayou said. Source: McKeesport Daily News.
January 6, 1939 --- $10,000 LOSS IN '38 FIRES --- Borough Companies Answer 40 Calls in Year --- Forty alarms were answered by Glassport's two fire companies in 1938, it was reported at a meeting of Citizens Hose Company No. 1 last night in the Municipal Bldg. Damage was estimated at $10, 000, Borough Secretary John Hester reported.. New officers of the company were installed. Frank Merta, reelected president, heads the group's officers.. William Dugan, Thomas McKernan and President Merta were named on a committee to meet with representatives of Reliance Hose Company and Borough Council fire committee Sunday at 2 p. m. in Council chambers to discuss establishing a new rate of pay for firemen here.. Council recently set up an ordinance concerning a fixed rate for the two companies rather than the "fifty-cents an hour" or fire-fighting plan in effect before. Exact amount of payment has not yet been set.. Henry Werner was named to make arrangements for a dance to be held the latter part of January for the benefit of the company's truck fund.. Monthly meeting of Glassport Volunteer Fire Company Relief Assn. is scheduled Sunday at 1:30 p. m. in the Municipal Bldg. Source: McKeesport Daily News.
January 25, 1939 --- OPENING THE NEAR FOR NEW HALL --- Reliance Building Set for February Use --- Framework for Reliance Hose Company's new Monongahela Ave. home is completed in workmen are completing inside details in an effort to have the building ready for occupancy the first part of February, according to President Seward Gross.. Opening of the new home is expected to take place while WPA workmen are enlarging the entrance and painting and repairing the Citizens Hose Company home as part of a Municipal Bldg. project. The Reliance home is being paid for entirely by the fire company after attempt to secure government assistance proven unsuccessful.. Cost of the new home is estimated at approximately $6000.. Opening of the new structure has already been delayed a month. Building plans call for a one story building with tile finish. It will include, in addition to engine and club rooms, a large hall for social purposes. Source: McKeesport Daily News.
January 16, 1947 --- Annual Fire Report Listed by Chairman --- A report of fires during 1946 was released today by Borough Fire Chief John Lust, who noted that of a total of 75 alarms and fires reported, 29 were for grass fires. An approximate total of $3950 was estimated by Mr. Lust for fire damage during 1946.. Residents were requested to be careful when tending outdoor fires that they do not spread to surrounding areas before being checked.. In a report to Council by Joseph Faix, the air opening to the burning 9 had been sealed and suggested that similar action be taken to stop the condition, which he said would be a source of complaints from owners of new houses in that vicinity.. Corrective measures suggested by solons were pumping water into the mine, filling entrances with dirt or grading the property. The decision reached by Council was that M. Yobak, owner of the property, be notified by registered letter to take some action to eliminate the condition.. Mr. Faix requested Council to make a decision on a bill received from Reliance Hose Co. No. 2, the payment of which he had delayed. The stated that the bill, amounting to $18.60, was for motor wash and flushing and added that Council should not be responsible as it was not a repair bill. Solons referred the bill to the finance and fire committees for final disposition.. Street light okeyed.. Fireman of Citizens Hose Co. No. 1 were granted permission to use the council chambers during a Mon-Yough Fireman's Conference on Saturday, Jan. 25. Nearly 200 are expected to attend the event.. A request for a street light from residents of Plum Way and Erie Ave. from Fourth to Fifth St.was granted by Council. Steve Zurenda, chairman of the light and water committee, explained that Second Ward School cut off illumination in that district, adding that a light placed on Plum Alley would serve residents of both streets.. Solons also voted to advertise for bids for a new police car, with an without trade in value on the present car. Proposals will be opened Feb. 10. Source: McKeesport Daily News.
February 4, 1948 --- Reliance Firemen To Sponsor Fair --- New officers assumed duties at a meeting of firemen of Reliance Hose Co. No. 2 last night at Reliance Fire Hall, 720 Monongahela Ave.. Max Klein presided at the business session at which plans were discussed for the annual fair to be sponsored by the company. Date of the event will be announced later. Named temporary chairman for the fair was Arthur Wilks.. Members voted to invest part of the organization's funds in government bonds. Following the meeting, movies from the Westinghousc Electric Corp. and United States Steel Corp. were shown by Joseph Salzmann. Source: McKeesport Daily News.
August 23, 1948 --- Corn Roast honors Departing Resident --- The Ladies Auxiliary of Reliance Hose Co. No. 2 of Glassport will hold a going away party in honor of Mrs. Sadie Williams at the home of Mrs. Catherine Duncan on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.. Corn and weiners will be served, according to Mrs. Duncan, who is hostess for the affair. Mrs. Betty Benner and Mrs. Edith Dannenhauer will serve as co-hostesses. In case of rain, the corn and weiner roast will be held at the home of Mrs. Betty Martinko. Source: Daily News, McKeesport, PA
August 21, 1952 --- Firemen Slate Event Saturday --- The social committee of Reliance Hose Co. No. 2 announced today that the annual corn roast and picnic will be held Saturday at the home of George Neidermeyer, Fallen Timber Road, Elizabeth Twp.. The committee stressed the fact that the event is being held this week, as it was originally planned for Aug. 30. The change came after the realization that the members will participate in the observance of Firemen's day at the Allegheny County Fair at South Park on Aug. 30.. The main feature of the affair will be a softball game between the married and single men. The single men will be in charge of Mike Levkus, while the married men will be in charge of Arthur Wilks. Officers noted that the standing between the two teams is now one win each. Daily News, McKeesport, PA.
April 26, 1993 --- Matty's Day Bash -Borough residents and officials as well as friends and family of resident Matthew "Matty" Geracitano gathered yesterday at Sons of Italy Hall to celebrate Matty's 57th birthday. More than 200 people reportedly attended the gala event, which was sponsored by Glassport Heritage Society.. State Sen. Albert Belan brought a proclamation signed by Gov. Robert Casey and Mayor Thomas Urbanski proclaimed Matty "Mayor for a Day." Councilman Angelo Schinosi presented the guest of honor with a football signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers, and District Justice Edward Burnett, toastmaster, had a proclamation and gift for Matty. Chuck Widel had a South Allegheny jacket for the honoree.. Church of Jesus Christ supplied a suit for Matty and others offered individual gifts. His relatives from New Mexico and California were on hand. David Nolfi from Church of Jesus Christ gave the invocation and local football heroes Dave Roberts and Vic Shardon also made an appearance.. The event chairman is Orlando DiMarco. Glassport Heritage Society president is Andrew Hrehocik. Jim Ali from Reliance Hose Co. No. 2 and Mike Komondor, president of Citizen's Hose Co. No. 1. were also present and presented to Matty a fire truck trophy. The trophy was a gift from the borough's two fire companies. -- Source: McKeesport Daily News.

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