By Matt Maris, LocalHistoria
This year marks 150 years of a duty, pride, and traditiona since Logan Fire Company No. 1 organized in 1870. To say the least, it is a unique year for the Logans to make some history. The COVID-19 pandemic forced a cancellation of the Sept. 12 Sesquicentennial Parade but the Bellefonte community can still honor the Logans for this major milestone!
Leta s consider what it means to be a Logan. I visited the fire station to try to get a glimpse into their world. Walking into the oldest fire company in Centre County, you can immediately feel its history and kinship, like walking into a deeply loved Pennsylvania deer hunting camp. It was a lot to try to process. The a pride in ownershipa reflects off of the shiny clean floors, apparatuses, and pictures on the walls of members, helmets of those who have passed on, fireman and volunteer of the year names on plaques, and a shovel commemorating breaking ground for the new (current) fire station in 1969.
When Courtney Lueth invited me in, I quickly realized she was introducing me to not just members, but her family, a family of 100% volunteers committed to serving this community even at the peril of their own lives. Since 1870, many Logans have given their blood, sweat, and tears to the Bellefonte area and will continue to do so. As their long held motto says, a where duty calls, there you will find us.a
In an old town like Bellefonte, duty has called time and time again. Therea s a lot of firefighting and rescue service that happens over 150 years. Following Courtney into the Logan meeting room was like being invited into the epicenter of their history; an arsenal of firefighting memorabilia, 19th century paintings of fires, cabinets of neatly organized photos, cases of trophies from firemena s conventions, as well as handwritten minutes and roll books going back to when Ulysses S. Grant was President.
There was a particularly enchanting painting that pulled me in. It depicted the Logans and Undines waging war on a fire on the corner of the diamond in 1887. The Millheim Journal recorded on March 3, 1887, a Another Bellefonte Firea struck at 4 oa clock and spread its wrath from Reynoldsa Bank, including the H.Y. Stitzer book store, to the newly built Garman Hotel; unfortunately 125 years later another fire in 2012 would write the final chapter of the Garman. The red and black uniformed Logans can be seen in the painting stretching lines from their hose cart to put streams on the roof and other Logans ready with the axes for some good old fashioned stick work. Undines in blue are also manning a stream from their ladder. The painting reflects how far back the two companies have teamed up to serve this community.
However, prior to 1868, the community did not have a dedicated or organized fire company, just the bucket brigades of the citizenry. It became apparent in the final year of the Civil War, when the entire block on the west side of South Allegheny burned, taking with it the fine Pennsylvania House (present Brockerhoff), that an engine and an organized fire company were essential.A After that Great Fire in January of 1864, the opinionated editor, Peter Gray Meek, proclaimed in his Demoratic Watchman that a we have always been of the opinion that a town of this size of Bellefonte should be provided with some means of extinguishing fires, either in the shape of Engines or Fire-Plugsa | we should be prepared for the next one, come when it will.a
In 1868, the Bellefonte Borough purchased a hose-carriage from the Schuylkill Hose Company of Philadelphia, and according to John Blair Linn, the Logans usedA a primitive a mud-boxa machine called Little Belt that would be filled with buckets and pumped into hoses. That was until December of 1890, when the Logans purchased from the Silsby Company, located in Seneca Falls, N.Y., one of their “best and latest improved” steam fire engines. It was this engine that the Logans rolled down W. Lamb and fought like tigers to try to save the old mill (present Gamble Mill) on May 25, 1892.
By 1897, Conditions at the West Howard Street Fire Hall were such that at the beginning of that year, the public felt the need for a new headquarters for the Logans, and the Borough built a more suitable fire station at the 118 Firehouse on East Howard. There, the borough held meetings and community dances took place upstairs, but downstairs was for the Logans. When duty called, the bells were rung, and they headed for the smoke.
The Logans were not motorized until 1917 and still relied on a team of horses regularly until 1922. To help the struggling company during World War I, Col. W. Fred Reynolds gave the company their first vehicle that was collecting dust in his carriage house, a beautiful Pierce-Arrow touring car that was fitted with a a sawed offa top for fire service. According to Charles Mensch, on the night of November 25, 1918 a a contingent of Logansa piled into their new ladder truck with a a lot of hosea and raced to help the Alphas in State College to attempt to save the old brownstone Engineering Building on the corner of College and Allen Streets. Despite the efforts of the firemen, including some who came out from Tyrone, the building could not be saved, but they did succeed in preventing the blaze from spreading to the Nittany Inn just across the street. After the fire on the way home, four of the eight Logans were injured when they ran into a ditch, throwing some from the vehicle, knocking some unconscious, and hospitalizing another.
Ita s not just the fires and emergencies that sets volunteer fire companies like Logan No. 1 apart, it’s whata s done in between, day in and day out for this community, from the Childrena s Fair, to school outreach and fire prevention, to handing out candy at the Trick or Treat night, the Halloween Parade, Bazaars, Carnivals, countless Chicken BBQs, to Asst. Chief Mike Wilson standing alone in the middle of a closed street doing fire police so everyone at Bellefonte Under the Lights can have a great time. Any event we hold near and dear to our community, like the Bellefonte Cruise, is possible by the volunteerism and skills of our Fire Department and EMS.
Annual traditions going back to the 19th century include attending Firemena s conventions to keep their skills sharp and morale up. Balls and masquerades were held at the Bellefonte Armory on Spring Street and at the Bush House. In 1899, the Logans and the Undines took their bands and friends to the Central Pennsylvania District Firemena s Convention in Tyrone and the Logans came home with a prize of $15 for being the best uniformed company of the nineteen in parade.
On Jan. 3, 1896, the Democratic Watchman reported that the most popular fireman was awarded to a Mr. E. A. Beck, Bellefontea s well known German barber. He is a member of the Logan engine company and is as proud as a boy with a new sled over the honor thus won.a The gold medal was awarded to him at the a The annual ball of the Logan steam fire company, No. 1, of Bellefonte, held in the Armory (Spring Street)… was a delightful success in every particular. There was a large crowd present to enjoy the dance and good music lent very materially to its enjoymenta | The Logans, with the Bellefonte and Coleville bands, paraded during the early part of the evening and made a magnificent appearance in their long tan coats and hats to match. The company led the grand march in uniform and this was one of the nicest dances it ever gave.a
When I asked about popular members today, names like Kevin Snook, Charles Salvanish, and Paul Kline came up, but Charles reminds us that a we dona t really have just one. There are many people who stick out!a However, this yeara s annual Firemen’s Parade and company banquet were cancelled due to the pandemic. Courtney says, a It was supposed to be our best year, but with the loss of two life members, Douglas McDonald and Pat Dehaas as well as not being able to connect with the community as directly, ita s been a challenging one, but thata s when this family comes together and perseveres.a Just a few days after I spoke with Courtney, we also lost life member Matthew Fultz.
Talking to Courtney, I was impressed by a feeling of wisdom and kindness in the young woman. Any Logan Ia ve talked to has had such a positive attitude. Maybe they understand something about life thata s been passed down for 150 years that most of us dona t. While talking to Courtney she got serious when she mentioned Chaplain Greg Shipe. She said a hea s there for the volunteers when things get hard,a and they inevitably do. Not only for losses of landmarks like the Bush House on a cold day in February of 2006, but when things get really tough, the Logans have a sincere devotion to each other and the people of this community, the faces they know deeply or just meet once during an emergency. She said a ita s a tough joba | I understand death, people are born and they die, some dona t get to grow old,a maybe thata s why therea s a sense of calm and kindness that radiates from these first responders. Life is a precious thing. When they lose a lifetime member, they ring the red bell at the entrance of the station for the number of years that the member served. That bell means a lot to us,a Courtney expressed.
As we celebrate 150 years for the Logans, we are grateful for the Logans and all the first responders in our community. Despite all the legends of riffs between the Logans and the Undines, there are no more Catholic-Protestant quarrels or fist fights over who gets to put out the fire. Maybe there never was — they are siblings, competitive and loving brothers and sisters, supportive teammates that make each other better and face the same heat of battle together, after all they are in the same department. As Courtney Lueth puts it, a Wea re trying to make it a better known fact that there is a very good reason there are two companies in Bellefonte a the Logan Fire Company is the Engine-Rescue Company of the Bellefonte Fire Department. The Undines are our Engine-Truck Company! We work together, try to train together, and a completea each other considering we respond to the same calls and each have our duties when on scene.a Logan as No. 1 and Undine No. 2 make up the 100% volunteer Bellefonte Fire Department. I couldn’t think of a better family to be a part of, from nerf gun fights to staying overnight and having hot dogs together when the weather’s going to get bad, just to ensure they are ready when duty calls.
These days, volunteers are needed more than ever. If you’re interested in joining this historic, proud tradition, and family of Logans, all you have to have is a simply the drive and passion to volunteer and stop by the station for an application.a Take a moment to read the following statements from the Logan members themselves. More of the history of Logan No. 1 and BEMS can also be found atA http://www.loganfireco1.org/history.html.
Question #1: Wow 150 years, what is one of your favorite things about being a part of this historic Fire Company?
a Helping and being a part of the community. Knowing i’m part of an organization that is 150 years old and the oldest fire company in Centre County.a – Michael Weaver
a The feeling of family! The closeness when one is down or not feeling well to come to their aid or just a quick hello, how have you been. It isna t easy, but the brother and sisterhood is tremendous when something is needed.a -Charles Salvanish
a Logan Fire Company is like a second family or as we like to call it our fire family.a – Michael Wilson
a The extended-family feeling is definitely my favorite thing about the Logans a considering I grew up out of the area and rarely get to see my own family; I know I have somewhere to go and people who care. We dona t only serve our community a we serve each other.a – Courtney Lueth
Question #2: Who is the most popular member at Logan Fire Co. #1? You may self nominate or nominate another!
a Charles Salvanish and Paul Klinea – Michael Weaver
a We dona t really have just one. There are many people who stick out!a – Charles Salvanish
a I dona t know if I am the most popular but I believe I am around the station the most, one of the top responders to calls and I have a lot of duties and responsibilities as Asst Chief and Head Trustee, also the Company Training Officer. I also work as an EMT at BEMS, all while having a full time career as a teacher and driving instructor. I usually stop by the station every day to check on the apparatus, equipment, personnel, or the building. I feel like I live here at the station.a – Michael Wilson
Question #3: Who is one of the unsung heroes of the department? Honorable mentions, any names you want to recognize or remember, perhaps a name we cana t leave out? If you would prefer to not focus on an individual thata s totally fine but herea s a chance to recognize someone past or present.
a Bill Grafmyre (RIP), Bob Frazier, Douglas McDonald (RIP) and Pat Dehaas (RIP).A Bill was the driver/operator for most of the fire calls I was on when I first started out. He kept this fun and was a joy to be around.A Bob took me under his wing when I first joined and taught me a lot. We became close and to this day we still refer to each other as father and son. Douglas and Pat were always around to help with fundraisers and after calls. They were great to talk to and always made you laugh.a – Michael Weaver
a Again we have so many that I cana t just name one. When something is needed someone always jumps to action.a – Charles Salvanish
a I would say it has to go out to the Trustees. We do a great deal around the station and take on a great deal of responsibilities, at all ends of the spectrum.a – Michael Wilson
a The great thing about the Logans is how we operate as a well-oiled machine. There isna t any one in particular considering everyone has a place (which is something we want EVERYONE who is thinking about joining to know!) No matter how small of an impact you think YOUa RE making, it could mean the world to someone else!a – Courtney Lueth
Question #4: Any interesting or little known facts about Logan Fire Co. #1? Perhaps statistics on numbers of calls?
a We are the oldest fire company in Centre County first founded in 1868 before being disbanded several times before being founded as it’s current entity in 1870. We have always been on Howard St with our meeting and fire house being the house behind Wetzler’s Funeral Home. I have been told we were founded by tea toting/protestant/republicans.a – Michael Weaver
a We are a family oriented company. Generations of Son, Daughters, nephews, nieces, grandchildren of many past and older members have kept the tradition of a Being a Logana alive.a – Charles Salvanish
a Wea re trying to make it a better known fact that there is a very good reason there are two companies in Bellefonte a the Logan Fire Company is the Engine-Rescue Company of the Bellefonte Fire Department. (The Undines are our Engine-Truck Company!) We work together, try to train together, and a completea each other considering we respond to the same calls and each have our duties when on scene.a A – Courtney Lueth
Question #5: If someone wanted to join/volunteer and become a Logan, what are the requirements or how can they get started?
a There are no requirements besides a willingness to help the community and make a difference. Just stop by the fire station fill out an application.a – Michael Weaver
a None except commitment! We can train anyone from the bottom to the top as far as someone wishes to go.a A – Charles Salvanish
a Simply the drive and passion to volunteer and stop by the station for an application.a – Michael Wilson
a There are no real a requirementsa … we have an application to fill out and in accordance with certain state laws we do run everyone through a background check before they may join. Otherwise we just ask the incoming members have a good heart, an open mind, and are ready to be a part of something so much bigger than themselves.a – Courtney Lueth
Question #6: Aside from saving lives and property, you all do a ton of things for our community. What are the routine community events that you provide or assist in? Which ones are you most proud of or have a fond memory helping with?
a We bring a fire apparatus to the Children’s fair. I enjoy seeing the kids look at our equipment and ask questions.a -Michael Weaver
a We love to give tours of our firehouse. Pride of showing off our engines and equipment to the public or groups. Nothing better than a smiling child leaving the station with their new fire cap and some pencils and erasers.a – Charles Salvanish
a Parades, Childrena s Fairs, Festivals, and most recently with some of the sports teams and birthdays, we have done drive bya s and escorts of the teams! Proud to support the community that supports us in return!a – Michael Wilson
a We participate in a wide variety of events both community-based and our own! We attend events such as the Childrena s Fair, Bellefonte Cruise, fellow fire company parades, Bellefonte Easter Egg Hunt, delivering Santa Claus to the Diamond, and so much more! We have our own parade, annual Chicken BBQs, and extra events here & there. I am most proud of our presence in the local elementary schools for fire prevention (usually October). We get to show the kids how firefighters are their friends and the cool stuff we get to do on a regular basis, as well as how to be fire-safe at home!a A – Courtney Lueth
Question #7: What is a memory or detail worth sharing about a fire/rescue you participated in (keeping it very general of course)? Consider the Academy, Garman, etc.
a In the early mid a 70s there was a suspected arsonist in the Borough. Buildings that were targeted all began with the letter a B.a Bush Arcade, Bush House Hotel and Bonfattoa s Restaurant. But if my memory serves me correctly, the Bonfattoa s Fire was later determined to be accidental. My fondest and proudest memory was at one of the many earlier Bush House incidents was when I was able to rescue an elderly resident from the third floor of the building. The cylinder of my breathing apparatus was empty. My backup firefighter had abandoned me to get another cylinder without telling me he was exiting the structure. Training taught us to enter and exit as a team. But that didna t happen. Upon starting to exit I found an elderly gentleman overcome by smoke and unconscious. Without concern for my own wellbeing I managed to put the victim into the firemana s carry and get him to safety. We both ended up in the ER at the Willowbank Hospital with smoke inhalation. We were lying side by side in the ER. He looked over at me and asked if I was at the fire and I responded yes. He then asked if I knew the fireman who had rescued him and I said no. He then asked to thank him for his bravery, and I told him that I would do that but I was sure the the fireman already knew he would be fine. Of all of my almost 50 years in the fire service and all of my accomplishments this has to be the most memorable and rewarding. This is what the fire service and first responders are all about!a – Mike Swartz
a The Cadillac Building used to be an old Cadillac Dealership.A I was in Undine at the time of that fire.A We actually ran down the block with ladders to get people down from the 2nd and 3rd floor windows.A It was started by a candle near a real Christmas Tree in a 3rd floor apartment on the front address side.A They panicked and fire spread quickly.A They were homeless for a couple of months and stayed in a hotel.A I took the student sneakers and clothes to wear the next day!a – Michael Wislon
a We were called for an Airplane crash w/ entrapment on Crosswind Dr across from the University Park Airport. We arrived on scene and found a small two seater plane upside down next to the road. Both occupants(a flight instructor and student) uninjured and stuck upside down inside the cockpit. As we are playing the instructor out he kept repeating he almost had the landing on the roadway. We later found out they had taken off from the airport and started having trouble shortly after taking off. The instructor took over and realized they couldn’t make it back to the airport so he tried landing on Crosswind Dr. When he touched down on the roadway he hit a rock and it caused them to bounce back up and flip onto its roof. They were both unhurt, just couldn’t get out of the plane.a – Michael Weaver
a In 1868 Bellefonte Borough purchased a hose carriage from the Schuylkill Hose Company of Philadelphia for the Logan Hose Company. This company only lasted two years and then the members of the Bellefonte Fire Company met to form a new Fire Company. Choices for names were Logan and Victory. Logan won out and on February 25th the Logan Fire Company was started and still runs today.a – Charles Salvanish
a No one call stands out. Every call is unique and different in its own right. I personally find it most gratifying to help those involved in vehicle crashes. At their worst hour you are their hero in some way. I also want the community to know how much we do but we are no different than they are. We just happen to give up our free time and have a ton of training to do what we do, oftentimes with our own money, and we are 100% volunteer!a – Michael Wilson
