From Square Dances to Help in the Night: 50 Years of Radnor Fire Company's Auxiliary

Fifty years ago there was a vote by the members of the Radnor Fire Company to allow the formation of a Women’s Auxiliary, which would help the volunteer firefighters raise money. Surprising or not, the vote to start the organization was a close one, said Nancy Wood, chair of the Auxiliary and one of its charter members. 

The Auxiliary, which has dropped the word “women’s” and now includes men as members, is celebrating a half-century of service to the Radnor Fire Company this year. 

Back to 1963, Wood told Radnor Patch that some of the company members wondered if the women would be “a help or a hindrance. Some husbands didn’t want their wives to participate.”

About 40 women showed up at a meeting about its organization, and there were 16 charter members. Five of those charter members are still living and two, Wood and Wayne resident Marie Domenick, are still active, Wood said.

The Auxiliary’s mission has always been to serve the fire company and provide any assistance requested of them. They have historically provided food and drinks to the firefighters during and after long calls from making breakfast sandwiches in the fire house to bringing soup and hot dogs to a fire scene. 

They organize annual spaghetti dinners, Easter buffets and Santa’s breakfasts to raise money for the fire company. They also hold an annual raffle. In years past they have held fashion shows, square dancing events, Christmas bazaars, and Election Day luncheons, Wood said.

Dues are $10 a year. Half goes to a charity and half is donated to the fire company. But “We don’t have as many young people as we’d like to have,” Wood said. You don’t have to be related to anyone in the company; a little less than half current members are. Contact the fire company if you are interested in joining.

These days, unlike in 1963, there is no hesitation about the value of the Auxiliary, Wood said. “They are very appreciative,” she said of the fire company members. The fire company is even planning a November 16 cocktail party for the Auxiliary members.

Upcoming Events

Spaghetti Dinner

November 10, 4 to 7 p.m.

Radnor Fire House

Breakfast with Santa

December 8, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Radnor Fire House

Easter Bunny Breakfast

April 6, 2014, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Radnor Fire House

Memorial Day Stand

May 26, 2014, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Radnor Fire House