Throwback Time: Old Mars fire brigade

Prior to the chartering of the former Mars Volunteer Fire Company (one of our parent companies), the Borough of Mars sponsored and funded a fire brigade / department of sorts. This started in 1905. A hose cart and other basic equipment was acquired, a fire chief was appointed by the Borough Council, and volunteers drilled and manned the equipment. Mars Borough added a water system, so in-town water supply was readily available. The hose cart, and later an actual gasoline engine-driven pumper, were housed - at least by 1911 - in a bay in the McDonald Livery Stable & undertaker (forerunner to & across the street from the present-day McDonald-Aeberli Funeral Home) at the intersection of Pittsburgh Street and Crowe Avenue. This Sandborn fire map indicates the location.