Forming of the Ladies Fire Auxiliary - 1946
On Labor Day weekend of September 1946, there was a brush fire that burned 40 acres. The fire aroused the citizens of the hill and right then a mass meeting was called and funds raised by donation on the spot to purchase a small pumper unit on a trailer to be hauled to the scene of any future fires. The ladies decided they had to help so a meeting was called the following evening. There were only 7 of those first few women present, not enough to organize so a meeting was called on Sept 16, and probably had 15 or 20 were present. Jean Jarret was appointed as Temporary Chairman and Francis Boughten acting as secretary. A First Aid chairman was appointed: Marion Robinson. Marion, an RN, handled several cases in emergency during the fires and was considered by many as a Good Samaritan of the hill in times of serious sickness. The next month it was decided there would be 10 cents monthly dues, and 10 cents to cover refreshments.
The following week they started learning about the fire truck. Also a first aid class of 17 was started. October 14, 1946 dues were upped to 30 cents per month. The first treasurer’s report stated $11.12.
A big bazaar was held in November by our Volunteer Fire company and many women helped. So from there on we started money raising projects in earnest for our building fund, something to house what equipment we had already purchased. The fire company also had a Valentine Dance which netted them a good sum to go into the Building Fund. The first big event of the Auxiliary was a Box Social and entertainment on March 17, 1947. The ladies slaved over this, and netted $100.
The first year was also spent in working, planning parties for the Younguns, teenagers and Junior Girls which had come into our group at 5 cents monthly dues. The auxiliary also wrote letters to the Governor about our water supply as it was dangerously low. A letter to the El Cajon Postmaster about city delivery and street numbers instead of box numbers. In February 1947, our men, citizens of the hill, laid a temporary pipe line from Stanley Andrews Ranch at the foot of the hill, to bring us a temporary supply of water. The ladies prepared and took them a picnic dinner.
In October 1947, the first big Jamoree was held by the newly organized and chartered Crest Volunteer Fire Association and the women played a major roll and continued doing so. After the jamboree, the women started in earnest to raise money for the building fund other than a tin house of three sides where the truck was held.
In July 1947 Harbison Canyon and the Point had a serious fire, and the women took drinks and sandwiches to our men where men were helping to keep the fire out of La Cresta and Suncrest. It was repeated many times since then. July 1948 the first major fire in many years that threatened so many homes, broke out down the old Suncrest Grade. And in a matter of minutes all who lived on West Drive and near Suncrest Mountain clearly remember just what panic there was, and how fortunate we were to have most of the men on the his as it was a Saturday at noon. We almost lost our truck and probably did lose some hose as the fire traveled fast, but the men and the truck got out. Men, women and children alike fought to save homes. The fire got around to the East canyon of Crest Drive. I never knew there were so many homes and big rocks in that areas Until gazed out of the window the next morning after the fire. The teenage girls and women who were not fighting fire, got busy with drinks and sandwiches to feed the men, forestry fighters, and prisoners which had been brought on the scene to help. The forestry men were out on a big fire at Barratt Dam, so it was all of 45 minutes before we had outside help and it was a comforting sight to many of us to see those tankers roll into our community. The women worked long and hard into the night at the Suncrest Clubhouse kitchen to prepare food. Mrs Arbassio was so sure the Suncrest Market was going to burn down that she was giving away food and drinks right and left as Sal was out helping the men fight fire. So many were in that kitchen at 4 am baking hot biscuits, fried potatoes, eggs and bacon to serve all the weary fighters that were brought in, prisoners, with guards included.
Ladies of the Auxiliary Members include:
Jean Jarrett, Marion Robinson, Andrie Walker, Francis Boughten, Eva Megerle, Isabell Duffey, Leona Hafeman, Lorraine Raines, Mosa Gosselin, Laura Holbert, Ethel Dewey, Dona LaBrance, Mary Amiss, Francis Penny, Reta Matlock, M
Mickey Huntamer, Chris Long, Lona Jump, Helen Penny, Mrs Wistler, Kathryn Zorn, Ruby Hamm, Edith Stewart, Beverly Jenkins, Cecil Lent, Norma Barrett, Alta Metz, Evelyn Cummins, Myra Kalben, Mrs. Cabrall, Lucy Cornelius, Thelma Jarrett
Thanks to Paula Dohse for forwarding these articles and pictures to the Crest Historical Society. These were from her brother, Tommy Marsh’s collection. Paula Shared this photo of her Grandfather sitting on the porch on 2111 Eucalyptus Drive in the 40’s. Paula was born in Crest and shared the story that when she was born, Sal Arbasio drove her mom to the La Mesa Hospital in his grocery delivery van as her dad was at work.
Suncrest-LaCresta Female Firefighters "on the Beam"
Newspaper article written December 19, 1956
“Though they are a minority in the roster of volunteer fire fighters, the women of La Cresta and Suncrest are doing nearly all the fire fighting and doing a bang-up job of it”, La Mesa headquarters of the State Division of Forestry reported this week.
“The last four fires have happened in the daytime, when practically all the men in the Crest Utility Fire Department are away at work, with the exception of Mr Long, who runs the store and also can drive the fire truck. But the women man the truck and do the fighting.”
“They have had the last four fires either under control or out before the State’s fire-fighting equipment could get there”.”
“They have certainly saved at least twice as much property and probably more than that, as their fire-fighting equipment cost them.”
At a recent meeting of the volunteer fire fighters, Tom Jump, executive of the El Cajon Cement Works was kidded about never having attended a fire, though he is chief of the volunteer squad.
“In one recent fire, in the home of Fred Asplund, the women must have saved at least $2000 of property, the house would have burned down if it had not been for them.”
“The women catch the fire early and extinguis them before they get out of hand.”
There are 100 or more residences of Suncrest and La Cresta. Residents raised the money for their fire fighting equipment by volunatary subscription or benefit dances or bazaars. First they bought an old Office of Civilian Defense trailer and pump.
Fundraising came in many ways for these ladies. They supported jamborees, horse shows, dances and more. Additionally they worked with the Younguns and the Teeners Club which also help to support the volunteer fire department. Other activities includes The fireman dance and the Fireman’s Ball with music by the Crest Hillbillys.
Box Socials were also held as fundraisers The ladies would bring a box lunch for two and placed their name inside then wrapped it up so no one could identify the owner. Whoever bought the box you fix would be your dinner partner. Gents would come prepared to buy one of the boxes. The fire department would place three cash prizes in three of the boxes.. You may get $5.00, $2.00 or $1.00 in the box you buy. Entertainment would follow.
The Younguns would have activities at the La Cresta clubhouse in the form of playing games and of course finishing off cupcakes and punch which was served. Any of the guys and gals on the hill who are under 12 years of age are invited to join in the fun
The Teeners Club wrote about treasure hunts, a minstrel show,s and dances in addition to helping the adults with fire fighting duties.