Who We Are

Our Mission Statement

Let it be known to all, that the members of the Manchester Volunteer Fire department are bound together by the common desire to be of service of their community; the first and foremost in the hearts and minds of all members is the protection of life and property of any kind and of all their neighbors; and that they stand ready at all times of day or night in any kind of weather to respond to a call for assistance and aid; and let it be further known that this service shall be rendered to the best of their ability without any thoughts of personal gain.

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History of Manchester

In the year 1793, the first settlers to settle in the area of Manchester were Joab Gillet, Stephen Jared, Joel Phelps, Ambrose Phelps and Deacon John McLouth. In the year 1796, Mr. Gillet built a log home near the location of the village cemetery, believed to be where the Baptist Church is now. Mr. Gillet also issued the first deed on June 23^rd, of that same year.

At this time the Town of Manchester was part of the Town of Farmington. A bill was sponsored and sent to the Legislation by a man named Burt. In March 21^st 1821, the Town of Farmington was divided in half. The eastern portion was named after Burt but a year later, the residents agreed that they didn’t like the name. On April 16^th 1822 the name was changed to Manchester.

The Village of Manchester was still only a hamlet throughout the 1800’s. It was a small quiet community mill town. A lot like its neighbor, Shortsville. On August 16^th, 1892 in the barber shop owned by John Moore, an election was held and 71-0 the vote was passed to incorporate and create the Village of Manchester. Dr. John R. Pratt was the first President of the incorporated Village of Manchester. William Wilson, Levi Redfield and Walter Mason were elected as village Trustees. The following year the newly elected officials began to create a new look for the community by installing sidewalks on Main and State Streets.

In the early years old the 1890’s the Lehigh Valley Railroad arrived. This brought a lot of excitement to the area. The railroad company also thought that Manchester would be a good division point for the railroad. This led to a state of the arch switch yard that was the largest in the county for many years. Still standing are some of the original railroad buildings including the roundhouse. A large ice house was built too. With the massive growth of the railroad put pressure on village officials and residents, and bring other businesses to village.

Baseball was in their blood and grew so much that they challenged other towns to the call. It got so out of hand that everyone was playing baseball. They didn't just play here they played baseball all over the northeastern United States. Some of the big legends names in baseball played here in the area too.

The Manchester Fire Department was founded in 1911. Jacob Malter was the first Fire Chief. Dr. George Shaw was the first President and George Shepard was the first Secretary of the new fire dept. At the time, the dept. selected 30 names which these 30 became members of the fire dept. The first meeting was held at Dr. Shaw’s barn which was located behind Liberty Hardware Store which was on the northwest corner of State and Main Streets. The new dept. was no more than an organized bucket brigade.

In 1913 major steps were taken to feed water from West State Street down to Main Street. In 1915 the fire dept. purchased a used Peerless truck. This was the beginning of fire dept. going motorized. In 1919 the village purchased a Ford hose and chemical truck for the fire dept. This was another improvement for the fire company. Also in 1926 the first pumper truck was bought. It had a 500 gallon pump. The fire company began to grow and taking on newer equipment. In 1941 a squad car with a public address system was purchased. In 1948 an American LaFrance 500 gallon pumper was bought too. Many new additions have been made to the dept. In May 1973 The Manchester Fire Dept.was the first dept. to have set of Hurst tools "Jaws of Life" in service. They were put into service 1 hour before Victor fire dept. did.

 The Manchester Fire Dept. housed the fire equipment in different places around town. One of the building was behind the village bandstand. This also served as the village office. Also a barn behind the old Manchester Post office, located on the north west side in main and state streets. This was the main fire house for years. Also at the far end of State Street there was another barn where other fire equipment was kept. As more equipment was needed so was the need of more room. At the Village Barns fire equipment was housed. Where the old Blacksmith shop was located, which was east of the Bandstand, was torn down to make room for the new village offices and fire dept.

Today the Manchester Fire Dept. is strong and committed as those that started the dept. years ago and also those members that served throughout the years. With 35+ active members, modern state of the art pumper, pumper-tanker, ladder truck, brush truck, rescue and many high tech tools the Manchester Fire dept. has we are ready for any emergency call. Manchester is proud to service the Village of Manchester, Town of Manchester and the Town of Farmington.   

For more history on the Village of Manchester visit:

Links.....

Village of Manchester

Lehigh Valley Railroad