Auxiliary - PDFD
Auxiliary History
Original 1958 Auxiliary Members
Top row (Left to Right):
Arlene Snyder, Miriam Penney, Hazel Wile, Litha Corkum, Paula Wessel, Mildred Shankle, Inez Lohnes, Mary Corkum
Middle row (Left to Right):
Pauline Lohnes, Lillian Corkum, Kathleen Lohnes, Lucille Fralick, Marion Corkum, Mercy Sarty, Bessie Vogler, Ruth Baker, Sylvia Murray
Bottom row (Left to Right): Eileen Haughn, Thelma Richards, Joy Davison, Celia Clattenburg, Pauline Himmelman, Myrtle Corkum, Mae Morash, Joan Corkum
Our Auxiliary… then and now.
In 1957, when our department was finding its way, learning to grow, another group was formed to support the firefighters in various ways.
This dedicated group of ladies wanted to assist those who wore the long coats, the rubber boots and dragged hoses. Pleasantville and area was becoming its own identity in providing its residence with fire protection. The role of the auxiliary, in Pleasantville and across North America, was to help out in times of need, getting together to prepare meals and important nourishment for those at the scene of a working fire or other larger incidents. It was always a welcome site to see a tray of sandwiches arrive at “just the right” moment, or a jug of hot coffee or tea to pass around to warm everyone up. Times were tough and the auxiliary was always there.
Another key role of the auxiliary was to help, or even in most cases, take charge of fund raising. Maybe an ox pull, a silent auction, a dance or sit down baked bean and ham dinner. The “ladies” were always pulling their energy and resources together with raising money so the department could expand and purchase important tools of the trade, a new truck or a hall expansion.
These days the ladies auxiliary is not just for the gals. Just like men and woman work together as firefighters, there are now more men helping out the auxiliary. Another fine example of no borders where fire protection and community spirit is involved.
In 2025, the auxiliary’s numbers are dwindling, times are changing, but the desire for some, is still there. The present day auxiliary has taken a short hiatus. The department recognizes how important this volunteer group is, so measures are being taken to re-focus, re-vamp, the auxiliary, and we hope that in the coming months we can re-introduce a new chapter of working together to create a way to continue this great firefighter tradition.
If you, or someone you know, would like to take a leadership role in this, please reach out to any of the emails found on this site, ask a firefighter or simply just show up on any given Tuesday night and introduce yourself.
Thank you to those who have served the auxiliary for over 65 years. See you again soon.