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Good Thunder Fire Department History

These notes were taken from the original meeting minutes ledgers.

Good Thunder, Minnesota

November 30, 1896

A meeting of the Citizens of the Village of Good Thunder, County of Blue Earth and State of Minnesota, was called to order at 8:30 PM in the store building of A.F. Billet.

F.H. Griffin and F.H. Morlock were respectfully named for the offices of chairman and secretary, pro-tem.

The business of the meeting was stated, as a gathering for the purpose of organizing a fire department for the protection of the property of the village from the devastating effect of the element known as "fire".

On motion the chair appointed the following committee of three to draft Constitution and By-laws: F. H. Morlock, Aug. Magin, and F. H. Malzahn.

Department is formed and divided into the following companies:

Hook and Ladder Co.
Hose Co. #1
Hose Co. #2

December 7, 1896 The decision was made to hold a Fireman’s Dance and to check into getting uniforms. January 4, 1897 The committee for uniforms was authorized to expend $50 on “things deemed necessary for the use of the Department.” February 1, 1897 Mention is made of an Apparatus Hall (Fire Station #1). The motion was made, seconded, and carried that "the chief bring back the lanterns." June 7, 1897 Motion made, seconded, carried that they refuse the challenge to contest at Mapleton. Motion made, seconded, and carried that the "chief loan out none of the fire apparatus." September 6, 1898 Aug Magin was excused for being absent from the last meeting because “the old woman was sick.” October 4, 1898 It was “further moved that we have a practice once a week providing it is dry and suitable weather.” "On account of being cold in the place we had to meet---meeting adjourned." November 1, 1898 Fines were paid for excuses of absenteeism of the preceding meeting were:

1. "never thought"

2. "none in particular"

December 8, 1898 Special Meeting They discussed the dance..they hired a hall for $10 and Lovelill’s Band for $20 for 5 pieces. “The charge for the dance to be 75¢ supper, 50¢ cloakroom, 10¢ for couples outside the fire company."

May 2, 1900 Kroeger Fire "It was moved, seconded, and carried that the secretary make minutes of the H. Kroeger fire: On the 2nd of May, 1900, about 20 minutes of six the fire alarm was turned on and the fire company responded to the call in very quick time. With two streams of water on---the fire was extinguished in time to save the upright part of the house with but little damage by water. Total loss is estimated about $100 with no insurance."

August 6, 1901 They ordered red letters for the backs of the leather coats.

February 9, 1902 Proceeding were begun to check into getting a new bell (note: that which now hangs at the water tower)

July 1, 1902 "After raising money by subscription ($94) the bell was purchased at a cost of $66.50 and freight, that being something like $9.00. The bell is here to be put up but was not authorized by the Council to hang the same until June 30, 1902."

August 2, 1904 Motion made and seconded that Good Thunder Fire Department was to become a member to the State Fire Department Association.

October 4, 1910 The decision was made to move the bell to the water tower.

August 4, 1914 Moved and seconded that the Good thunder Fire Department acquire a Relief Association. Carried.

September 5, 1922 Started talking about buying a chemical engine.

October 2, 1923 The Chemical Engine Co. was formed.

July 1, 1924 A committee was appointed to meet with the City Council to ask permission to organize a Relief Association.

September 2, 1924 A committee was appointed to organize the Relief Association.

September 6, 1932 The Department received a demonstration of foam fire fighting chemicals and were told of the equipment needed to combat oil fires. A committee was appointed to meet with the Village Council and ask them to purchase the equipment.

November 1, 1932 The secretary reported that the Village Council agreed topay $7.50 into the Treasury every time the usual $25 was paid for services and country fires by insurance companies.

April 3, 1934 The committee on siren code of signals reported through chief P.D.Sperra that he commitee decided to have the signals as follows: long blasts if fire is east of railroad tracks, signals to be repeated for a time; if fire is west of track short blasts repeated. Report accepted and code adopted by motion.

April 2, 1940 "O.J. Wiedeneft, the last charter member of the Department, a member since January 4, 1897, asked for and was granted an honorable discharge." (That’s over 43 years on the Department!)

January 6, 1942 F.W. Bruske asked for a release from the Department because of other duties. He had served approximately 44 years. On motion, Mr. Bruske was granted an honorable discharge.

December 1, 1942 Firemen were instructed to appear at the fire station during blackout December 14.

January 1949 Carl E. Young left the office of secretary, having served in that office for 20 years.

May 3, 1955 "A fire at Herb Dallluge’s was reported on. The 'Out House' burned up completely."

February 5, 1957 "An oyster and turkey supper was held before the meeting which was enjoyed by all. Albert Zuehlke found a large pearl."

November 1, 1966 Discussion of personally contacting people for selling dance tickets house to house.

October 3, 1967 "Pres. Bill Bammert made a report on the Fall Regional Meeting that will be held at Good Thunder October 26. Howard Thomas says, 'No G.G. Girls are allowed.'"

Tidbit:

The Bookplate in front of second minutes book reads:

Special Canvas Opening Sewed Flat Opening Blank Book

This book will lie very flat when opened. It does not have the openings between the sections to collect dust and dirt. IT IS STRONG AND WELL PUT TOGETHER. Will Stand a Great Deal of Rough Usage and Give Good Satisfaction.

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