Many mysteries surround the history of the West End Fire Company. It is believed to have been originally organized in 1874, but never officially chartered until 1888. All original records were lost when the firehouse was destroyed by a fire. The location of the original firehouse was over the Carbon Run Creek. After the fire the members rebuilt at the present location of 316 West Pine Street. The
West End officially started on October 4, 1888. This took place at the Public House of B.E. Erdman was temporary chairman and Alex Bradley was the temporary secretary. The first company election was held in a room illuminated by coal oil lamps. Elected at that meeting were L.M. Erdman, President; Thomas Roach, Vice President; W.M. Martin, Recording Secretary; Calvin Martz, Financial Secretary; and W.H.R. Smink, Treasurer. The first Trustees were, Edward Durkin, Horace Mann and Daniel Zaring. The company had it's beginning as a bucket brigade and later became a hand drawn hose carriage. Soon after a horse drawn carriage was acquired. Around 1917, the West End Fire Company took delivery of its first motorized fire apparatus, an American LaFrance pumper. This was then later replaced with another LaFrance. In 1999, the present Engine #51, fully equipped with the latest equipment needed to cope with today's emergencies was placed in service. On January 21, 1985 fire again struck the West End. Under the most adverse weather conditions for fighting a fire(-15 degrees with a wind chill of -50). The building was gutted, only the determined efforts of the members of the Shamokin Fire Bureau personnel saved the structure. Damage was estimated in excess of $400,000.00. In true West End tradition, the members banded together to save the company. The social quarters were soon re-opened. Eighteen months and $200,000.00 later the engine was re-housed in its newly refurbished quarters. Engine #51 was returned to its home on July 17, 1986. With a new building and more exciting changes ahead for the West End Fire Company. With support of it's members and the City of Shamokin, the West End Fire Company is looking forward to many years of the same determination and enthusiasm our founding fathers displayed.
