The borough of Lyons has had a Volunteer Fire Company since August 30, 1912. It was on that date that a citizen’s meeting of the residents of Lyons, PA., was called to order to determine their views concerning the purchase of a chemical fire apparatus. The following officers were elected to serve until a permanent organization could be formed. President, Moses Kutz; Secretary, S.L. Parkes; Treasurer, S.M. Hoch.
On November 22, 1912, the officers decided that the Lyons Fire Company No. 1 be chartered. The application, through Attorney Mays, was presented to the Honorable Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Berks County.
Incorporation followed on January 6, 1913, when the Constitution and By-laws drafted by a committee were adopted by the fire company.
On January 24, 1913, the trustees were instructed to look for a location on which a fire house or hall should be built and on April 11, 1913, a lot located on Hunter Street, Lyons Boro was purchased.
On October 10, 1913, it was decided to build an engine house and a committee was appointed to look after material and specifications. A week later it was decided to erect a two-story brick building, 26 x 40, with a basement under the entire building. However, it was later agreed upon to make the building 26 x 50.
In the spring of 1914, building operations started. The cornerstone was laid in June, and the building completed in September of the same year. The first and second floors were equipped with steam heat and electric lights. The furnishings included a piano and chairs to seat 200 people. The basement was equipped with cooking stoves, tables, chairs, and cooking utensils. The meeting room was neatly furnished with heavy oak chairs, rockers, tables, bookcase, hat racks, etc.
The building was dedicated on May 22, 1915. It gave the community its first opportunity to have a worth while gathering place so the benefit of the fire company was two-fold. The new building served as a dual purpose. It provided protection to property owners and at the same time as a social site for the community.
On Saturday, April 26, 1919, an International Motor Truck was purchased for the purpose of mounting the horse-drawn chemical equipment. This piece of fire fighting apparatus was in service with our company until a decision had been reached February 24, 1933, to purchase a new Hahn Pumper. This new Hahn Pumper was purchased by the company through the aid and cooperation of the people of the community. It was dedicated Saturday, May 20, 1933, with a parade in the afternoon followed by entertainment, and in the evening by a concert by the Kutztown band.
