| The Ladies Auxiliary of the United Fire Company of Cutchogue was organized in the fall of 1933 with several wives, sisters, and daughters of the fireman present at the first meeting. The late Mrs. Alice Grathwohl was the first president of the new organization.
The objectives of the Auxiliary were "to aid the Fireman at all times and to promote social and friendly relations among its members". These objectives still hold true today and have been expanded to state. "As we are able, the Auxiliary will support groups in the community and various fundraising activities of the members and their families."
During the early years, the Auxiliary members prepared food and refreshments at the firehouse for the fireman when they returned from fires. This tradition still continues whenever a major fire or emergency arises.
The Auxiliary entered a float in the Southold Town Tercentenary Parade on July 3, 1940, and marched in the Cutchogue Day of History Parade on July 6, 1941. This marked the beginning of the Ladies Auxiliary Parade Squad which has been active ever since, winning many awards and trophies for their neat and attractive appearances in local parades they have entered over the years.
During World War II the Ladies Auxiliary sent gifts and money to the fireman in the military services, baked for fireman on night watch, made compresses and rolled bandages for the police, fireman and Air Raid Wardens. The Ladies also helped in War Loan Drives. This tradition of supporting our troops during wartime continues today. Most recently the CFD Ladies Auxiliary sent over 200 care packages to our troops serving in Iraq and made donations to Jacob's Light.
For many years the Ladies Auxiliary has contributed to the local charities that included Little League, Youth Groups, Scouting Groups, and charities that lend a helping hand to local individuals and families in difficult times. The Ladies Auxiliary support has also extended to sponsorship of participants in fundraising walks for the research of Breast Cancer, Parkinson's Disease, and Cystic Fibrosis to name a few. Each year the Ladies also sponsor scholarships for deserving graduating seniors from our local high schools.
For the past 52 years the Ladies Auxiliary also helps co-chair the Cutchogue Fire Department's Annual Chicken Barbecue with the fireman, and share the proceeds. The Ladies Auxiliary also helps plan other events throughout the year such as the Annual Installation Dinner Dance, as well as provide refreshments at community events such as the Children's Halloween Parade, Cutchogue St. Patrick's Day parade, the Chamber of Commerce Santa Claus Visit.
To celebrate their 75th anniversary the Ladies held a special luncheon on July 19th at the Soundview Inn restaurant where they honored their own members for the many years of dedication to the organization. During the opening prayer of the luncheon, Trustee Peg Kaelin noted "Not only have we been blessed with the satisfaction of serving our neighbors and our community, but we have been additionally blessed with many lifelong friendships, words of encouragement, genuine support during times of trial, and grief. Our Auxiliary includes many wonderful examples of courage and dedication, and says nothing of the abundance of joy and laughter to be found whether we're socializing or working along side each other."
Several of those members have been considered the "backbone" of the organization throughout the years, several who have served 50 and 60 years as members. Among those is Cottie Tuthill, who celebrated her 66th year of membership in 2008. They have been witnesses to the auxiliary mission, and have helped the Auxiliary continue on the same path as its 1933 founders have intended.
The Ladies Auxiliary was also honored at the Department's Annual Installation Dinner Dance in April. At the dinner the Chiefs of the Cutchogue Fire Department presented Ladies Auxiliary President Susie Smith with a commemorative plaque honoring the Ladies accomplishment. President Smith also received several proclamations from State, County Southold Town Officials, honoring the milestone.
A special award was also presented to Lois Roslak. Lois was honored by the Department as the first recipient of an annual Ladies Auxiliary Member of the Year award. Lois was honored for her continued dedication to the organization. Her sprit and perseverance serves as a shining example for everyone.
The Ladies have maintained a membership of 35 to 40 members for the past many years. The current membership includes a total of 41 members. The 4 newest additions have joined over the past two years. The current officers are as follows President: Susie Smith, Vice President: Pat Richert, Secretary: Roberta Mulliner, and Treasurer: Carolyn Lubanski.
Membership in the Auxiliary is open to any woman 18 years of age or over, who resides in the Cutchogue Fire District. Other women married to active fireman who reside outside the Cutchogue Fire District are also eligible to join.
For the past 75 years the Ladies Auxiliary of the Cutchogue Fire Department has stood by ready willing and able to support the fireman of Cutchogue and will continue to do so for many years to come.
The Chiefs, Officer and Members of the United Fire Company No.1 of the Cutchogue Fire Department along with the Commissioners of the Cutchogue Fire District would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Cutchogue Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary on celebrating your 75th anniversary. We thank you for you many years of dedicated service, and support of the firefighters and the community.
Congratulations and Thank You!
Click Here for More Photographs:
http://www.cutchoguefiredept.org/index.cfm?fs=gallery.gallery&gallery=Auxiliary
Article written with the assistance of Peggy Kaelin |
