About Us

Our History…

One morning in 1953, Aubrey H. Lewis entered Bunting and Littleton’s Store and was informed by Mr. Will. W. Littleton that the Tasley Fire Company had a fire truck for sale, that i twas in good condition for its age, had a good pumper, and that they were asking $500 for it. Mr. Littleton, having experienced a previous fire in which he lost his store, home and all, was concerned that the town had no fire protection, as were many others in the town. Aubrey Lewis said he would give $100 toward the purchase of the engine, and Mr Littleton offered to give another $100.

In a matter of seconds, Mr. John E. Somers stepped out of the office across the street, was called into the store, and after being informed of the situation quickly gave donated another $100.

Aubrey Lewis saw Mr. John H. Bowdoin, the postmaster at the time, and after a brief explanation of the facts. Mr. Bowdoin gave $100 towards the purchase of the engine. With things going so well, Aubrey Lewis and John Somers look at each other and at the same time, “I know where the last hundred is coming from!” as their eyes traveled across the street. John Somers headed across the street saying. “I’m going over and ask Josh right now”.

“Josh”, as everyone called Mr. Arnold J. Somers, owned and operated a furniture store across the street from the post office. At the time, Mr. Somers had the only piece of fire-fighting equipment in town, a tan on a hand card, that even now remains on display in the Bloxom Fire House. Mr. Josh Somers was more then happy to give the last $100 needed.

Mr. Will Littleton took the $500 to the Tasley Fire Company and purchased our first fire truck. Mr. Warner Hargis and Mr. Wilson Payne delivered the DeLuge fire engine to Bloxom and subsequently demonstrated its proficiency at pumping, using water drawn from the branch near Bethel Baptist Church’s parsonage. The fire truck was then driven to Barton Bull’s old metal barn that faced the railroad square and remain there until cold weather. It was then moved to Mr. Bull’s garage which was equipped with a coal stove. There it remained, serving the town and community well until the Bloxom Fire House was built.

In a short time, everyone became interested and the Bloxom Volunteer Fire Department was organized. The first officers were:

John Somers – President

Aubrey Lewis – Vice President

Norman Brown – Secretary

John Bowdoin – Treasurer

Barton Bull – Fire Chief

Alvin Martin – Assistant Fire Chief

The Ladies’ Auxiliary was formed concurrently with:

Ann Somers – President

Effie Lewis – Vice-President

Louella Parks Fox – Treasurer

The efforts of the Auxiliary were paramount in raising funds towards the anticipated construction of a new fire hall!