Washington Engine Co.2

WASHINGTON HISTORY

The Washington Engine Company #2 was formed on June 29, 1861. At that time it consisted of 36 members, as best can be determined. The first meeting was held on July 5, 1861, which was the first Friday of the month, this “First-Friday” meeting tradition has continued for over 140 years.

The original firehouse of the Washington Engine Company was located on the west side of Roanoke Avenue, 300 feet north of Riverhead's Main Street, which is now used as public parking. The company was located at this site until 1875 when the entire engine house was moved to Bridge Street, which is now known as Peconic Avenue, at a total cost of $551.76

Washington Engine Company House - Peconic Avenue, Riverhead - February 27, 1898

The site for the new location of the Washington Engine House was purchased from a Henry Horton and others on September 7, 1875 for a consideration of $100. The site was a part of an island situated on the Peconic River on the south side of the North Bridge. Fifty-five years later, on Saturday, December 20, 1930 the Washington Engine house on Peconic Avenue was sold at auction in order for Suffolk County to widen the bridge and roadway. The old firehouse building was sold to a Mr. A.E. Slater for $137.50. On April 3, 1931 the “Wash” held its first meeting at their new location on Second Street.

Very little is known about the first fire apparatus owned by the company. We do know that a hand-operated pumper and a “hose jumper” were once used. There is considerable suspicion that the “Red Jacket” hand pumper, now maintained by the Red Bird Hook & Ladder Company was at one time owned by the Washington Engine Company. At this time each company owned and sold their equipment, even to each other.

In August of 1875, a steam pumper was purchased secondhand from New York City for $1,000. This made the Washington Engine Company the first steam-equipped fire company in Suffolk County. When the steamer was first put into service it was pulled by long, heavy ropes and lots of muscle. This was quickly changed and the steamer was modified so that horses could draw it. The first steamer lasted until 1908, when a 1903 “Metropolitan” Steamer was purchased; the company used this engine until 1935. The steamer was horse-drawn until 1923, when a motorized hose wagon began towing it to fires. The 1903 “Metropolitan” still can be seen performing at musters along with other antique equipment.

The company became fully motorized in 1929 with the purchase of a Dodge pumper. Other pumpers in our history include a 1946 Seagrave, a 1962 Seagrave, a 1976 Seagrave and our current truck, a 1997 Seagrave. The company is also responsible for a 1991 International Heavy Rescue, which has a full assortment of “Hurst” tools aboard.

Since the inception of the Washington Engine Company it has been one of Riverhead's most respected and active companies. When the Riverhead Fire Department was organized the “Washington's” Oliver A. Terry was named the first chief engineer. This pride has continued throughout the company's history, with many company members holding the title of chief of department.

In 1943 the company began sending out a newsletter to the members that were serving the United States overseas. The paper was called “The Spotlight” and it included the minutes of the meetings along with news of the department. Later issues would include letters of news of the war from the servicemen to the department.

We the present “Washington's” owe much to our companies founding fathers for keeping such good records and accounts of the company's history and for the pride and honor it is to be a Washington Engine Company #2 member.

Originally penned in 1986 by Washington members Carl Wooten and Frank Miragliotta with special
thanks to Herb Dusenbury. Revised in 2002 by Red Bird Ex-Capt. Raymond Kwasna for this site.