Gardner Lake Volunteer Fire Company

In 1956 a group of citizens banded together to form a second fire department in the Town of Salem. The first fire department was located on the west side of town. It was felt by the residents on the eastern side of town that there was a need for a second fire department due to the length of time it takes to get from one side of town to the other in the case of a fire or other emergency. On February 20, 1956 the GARDNER LAKE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY was formed and held their first organizational meeting in Congdon’s garage. At that moment in time they had neither a fire truck or a place to house a fire truck. Nevertheless at that very first meeting they elected a Chief, 1st Assistant Chief, 2nd Assistant Chief, Secretary and Treasurer. They also voted on the official name of the company, and to purchase a fire truck for $1,500. That same evening they appointed a building committee to make plans to build a firehouse to house this first fire truck. Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Snarski donated the land on which the firehouse was to be built and with $2,000.00 from the town they were on their way to purchasing the first fire truck and breaking ground for the firehouse. In March of 1956 ground was broken for the fire house, and with much volunteer work by the founding fathers on January 3, 1957, 11 months after the organizational meeting, the first company meeting was held in the new firehouse. The fire house consisted to two apparatus bays and a large recreation hall. Dances were held each week in the new hall and proceeds were used to pay off the mortgage that had been taken out for the building. The $10,000.00 mortgage was paid off in four years and two months. In November 1960, the Gardner Lake Volunteer Fire Company was debt free and in full operation. It is the dedication and determination of our founding fathers that has guided us through the last half century of existence and it is that same dedication and determination that will serve us into the future.