The story at a glance
Independent roots.
A shared commitment.
South Boonton’s story began with a machinist, a handbuilt pumper and neighbors determined to protect their community. After proving themselves at major fires and building a firehouse of their own, the independent volunteers joined the Boonton Fire Department in 1907. Their tradition of initiative and service continues through each generation.
Choose a chapter for a short read. Each chapter opens on its own, so you can explore the moments that interest you.
Late 1880s–1891A homebuilt engine and an independent beginning
Before Boonton organized its fire department on July 10, 1891, much of the town depended on bucket brigades. The Iron Mill had owned a hand pumper, but the company history records restrictions on using it beyond the mill property.
In the late 1880s, machinist Simeon Van Duyne built a hand pumper at his Homes Street shop. A dozen or so volunteers from South Boonton used it to fight neighborhood fires. They remained independent when the town’s first companies formed in the more densely settled hill section.
1892–1893Proving their value, building a firehouse
On August 20, 1892, a major Main Street fire gutted the U.S. Hotel, the Worman Building and nearby properties. Newspaper accounts praised Van Duyne’s men and their pumper. Within months, they formally organized the independent South Boonton Volunteer Fire Company.
James Holmes donated land for a firehouse. By June 1893, the volunteers were equipped with their original hand pumper, a suction engine, ladders, buckets, hose carriages and several hundred feet of hose.
1893–1894Six minutes from alarm to water
At a house fire near Main Street and Myrtle Avenue, South Boonton drew water from the Morris Canal. Newspaper reports credited the crew with getting water on the fire within six minutes of the alarm.
The successful response helped prompt the Town Council to purchase another Van Duyne hand pumper and a Gleason and Bailey pumper and hose reel for Maxfield. Harmony later received the newer Van Duyne pumper when it organized in September 1894.
1906–1907Joining the Boonton Fire Department
On October 15, 1906, a huge fire destroyed much of the idle Iron Mill Works. South Boonton, the Boonton Fire Department and townspeople responded, but could do little to halt the destruction.
South Boonton’s members also faced growing maintenance costs and wanted representation in the department and town government. On July 1, 1907, the town accepted South Boonton Hose Company No. 3 and South Boonton Hook and Ladder Company No. 2 into the Boonton Fire Department.
1911–1960sA permanent home and a pioneering spirit
Four years after joining the department, the South Boonton companies deeded their land, firehouse and apparatus to the town on the understanding that a new firehouse would be built there. The replacement cost less than $4,000 and was accepted by the town in January 1913.
The building stood until the 1960s, when it was demolished for the new town hall. The company history describes that building as South Boonton’s home. In 1916, members had already taken their new motorized apparatus as far as Asbury Park for a parade.
Through the generationsService beyond the fireground
Drills kept members prepared between calls, while parades, dinners and fundraising strengthened the company’s community ties. The Labor Day Celebration grew from a department picnic into a lasting tradition.
The company history closes with the pride and pioneering spirit passed from one generation to the next: dedication to the company, the fire department and the community.
