Chariton Volunteer Fire Department on June 7, 1925

This image of the Chariton Volunteer Fire Department turned up yesterday as we were preparing to rearrange a collection that came to the Lucas County Historical Society after the death of Leck Young (1918-2008).  Leck was raised by his aunt and uncle, Agnes and Jake Yengel, and Jake is included in the photo --- probably why Leck had it.

The photo was taken on Sunday, June 7, 1925, in front of the fire station on the current site of Chariton City Hall, which replaced it during 1931. And the firefighters are identified:

First row from left: Paul Laing, Frank Whisenand, Elmer Harding, John Frazier, Byron Blanchard, Jake Yengel, John Klinge, Frank Shaffer, unknown, Frank Taylor, Clarence Melville, John McGinnis, unknown, Will Slattengren and Temp Percifield.

Second row from left: C.W. Huntley, Frank Lugar, Ira Curtis, Tom Plows, unknown, Jim Wishart, Clarence Homsher, John Plows, Jack Plows, Guy Retherford, Pat Clark, George Best, Joe Leisenring, Pete Noland, Larry Leonard and Ira Boylan.

It was the custom of the firefighters at the time --- and still is --- to hold a memorial observance for deceased members of the department on a Sunday near Memorial Day. So this was why the men had gathered. Here's a report from The Herald-Patriot of June 11, 1925, about the observance:

"The members of the Chariton Volunteer Fire Department held their annual memorial services last Sunday. In the forenoon, they attended divine services in a body at the United Brethren church and listened to a special and appropriate sermon by Rev. Geo. J. Cornford. The choir rendered some fine music for the occasion.

"In the afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, headed by the Firemen's Band, they marched to the Chariton cemetery and decorated the graves of about 48 deceased brethren. A male quartet composed of Messrs. T.D. Ashby, Merrill Anderson, Oliver Trautwein and Willard Curtis, and a ladies' quartette, composed of Mrs. Sarah Smith, Mrs. Fred Peterson, Mrs. Mae Gasser and Miss Warrene Smith, sang several beautiful selections. Victor Swartzendruver spoke briefly and a response on behalf of the firemen was made by Rev. Cornford. Graves of deceased brethren in the Calvary and Waynick cemeteries were also decorated during the day."