WESTWOOD — The Ladies Auxiliary of the Westwood Fire Department is celebrating its 100th anniversary this month, marking a full century of service, fundraising, and fellowship in support of the borough’s firefighters.
The organization was established in October 1925 by then-Mayor Irving T. Brickell. The first meeting was held on Oct. 1, followed by another on Oct. 15, in the Palm Room above what was then Charlie Nomic’s Candy Store — a space that later became the Westwood Travel Agency and today houses The Frame Store.
Among those attending the inaugural gathering were several familiar Westwood family names, including Brickell, Blauvelt, Collignon, and Sternbergh. Thirty-one women were designated charter members, their names appearing on the rolls for the organization’s first year. By November of that year, the Auxiliary had $17 in its treasury.
From the start, members recognized the need for fundraising. At their first meeting they collected dues and conducted a “dark horse” raffle, depositing the proceeds in their first checking account. Monthly card parties soon became a tradition, supplemented by cake sales, plant sales, rummage sales, and military bridge events.
In later years, the Auxiliary raised funds by selling commemorative afghans depicting local landmarks such as the firehouse, Veterans Park, and Westwood Avenue. The group also launched the town-wide paper drive, which the firemen later took over.
In 1926, Chief Allison—who had been chief when the Auxiliary was founded—donated a blue and gold banner, which still hangs proudly in the firehouse hall near the elevator. One of the group’s earliest projects was helping to refurbish the club room at the firehouse at a cost of $35.
In 1927, the Ladies joined the New Jersey and New York Auxiliary, expanding their connections with other regional organizations.
On March 22, 1928, they hosted a dinner for the firemen—the first of what would become the popular Chief’s Dinner. Many lifelong memories were made at these gatherings and are fondly recalled today.
On Oct. 30, 1929, the Ladies were invited to stand inspection alongside the men. During the Depression, when the town could not fund the annual inspection dinner, the Auxiliary stepped in to provide all that was needed.
In 1940, the group helped organize and later joined the Bergen County Fire Ladies Auxiliary, with several Westwood members later serving as county officers.
Throughout the decades, the Auxiliary’s purpose has remained constant: to support the members of the Westwood Fire Department in any way possible. The group has purchased numerous items for the firehouse and its members, including new flags for the color guard and first aid kits for the fire trucks. Gifts, flowers, and cards have always been sent to firefighters and auxiliary members who were ill or bereaved. The group also proudly contributed $1,000 to equip a room at Pascack Valley Hospital.
For many years, the Ladies organized children’s Christmas parties for the firemen’s families. They marched in countless parades—even as far as Kingston, N.Y.—and took home their share of trophies, including several first-place honors. Their uniforms and precise marching were once the envy of many in the valley.
Today, the Auxiliary continues with 27 members. While not as active as in decades past, their dedication to supporting the men and women of the Westwood Fire Department remains strong.
Over the years, the group has also supported the New Jersey State Firemen’s Home in Boonton, the Burn Unit at Hackensack University Medical Center, Pascack Valley Hospital, Home for the Holidays, and other local fire department causes.
As the Ladies Auxiliary marks 100 years of service, members take great pride in the leadership of the women who founded the organization a century ago. As they do every Memorial Day, they continue to honor Those Who Came Before Us and the enduring spirit and commitment that have guided the Auxiliary for generations.
Based on a submitted feature. Pascack Press congratulates and thanks the Ladies Auxiliary of the Westwood Fire Department for this past century of selfless service.