In March, 1889, it was reported that the Company’s "large new fire alarm bell arrived in town and it will soon be hoisted into position. It cost about $30." (DLN)

On August 13, 1889, the Village of Malvern officially became the Borough of Malvern, completely separate from Willistown Township, but the Company continued to cover a large area around the borough.

A fire at the Pennsylvania Railroad Station March 7, 1892, put the "Hook and Ladder truck in service—at this time there being no supply of water, the Station was entirely destroyed." This fire raised questions about the needs of the Company to fight similar fires in the future.

"It was decided to purchase at a cost of about $1000 one of Gleason & Bailey’s engines, a separate hose carriage, two six-gallon extinguishers, the requisite hose, etc." (DLN) The Trustees borrowed $400 from the National Bank of Malvern to help pay for the engine and authorized the insuring of the equipment for $1000.

Once again, a fair was planned for September 8-10 to raise funds to pay for the new equipment. Some of the prizes at the 1892 fair were an ice cream freezer, clothes-wringer, silk umbrella, set of Mrs. Potts’ irons, carving set, lap robe, washbowl and pitcher, table lamp, glass berry set and gold watch. (DLN)

The chief reported one fire on November 20, 1893. "Fire at small barn of Mrs. McCarre—near Sugartown Bridge—no water, barn destroyed."

"Fire at residence and store of Robt. Shields, good work after a severe fight, put the fire out, saving the principal part of Building and all of the store," wrote the chief March 31, 1894. "Alarm of Fire at residence of Mrs. Bowker. Chimney Fire- No damage," was his November 1 entry. "Fire at Home of John Johnson Sugartown road—No water, the house was entirely destroyed," was the November 10^th report.

The Secretary of the Trustees reported January 4 that he had purchased the 200 feet of 2-inch rubber lined cotton hose requested by the company for 33 cents per foot, including coupling.

The 1895 Trustee’s annual report was presented to the Company. "One lot of ground 3^rd Avenue [now Church street] and Roberts Lane. One Engine House—Two Rifles. Deed for Lot Policy of Insurance, bond and mortgage for the amount of $300 held against the property of Mr. Amos McCue—The Charter of the Company, and Bond of the present Treasurer all held subject to the Examination of the Auditors."

On November 26, 1896, the Chief reported "Fire in drying room at C.H. Malin’s Mill. Company went into service with extinguishers and plug streams doing good service and extinguishing fire before any great damage was done."

One fire was reported by the chief in 1897: "Alarm of Fire at the Store of John Haley—Did not go into service."

The newspaper embellished it a bit more. "John S. Haley, of East Gay Street, (West Chester) who conducts a branch store at Malvern, which is in charge of his brother William, last evening had a fire which came near putting an end to the business. Haley had gone to supper, leaving the store in the care of Edward Wier, when suddenly and without warning a large lamp which hung over the counter in the center of the store fell with a crash, and scattered blazing oil in every direction. Wier, the clerk, stood his ground, throwing his overcoat over them, but this only resulted in the loss of the garment. When the firemen arrived, all danger was over. The loss will not amount to over $50." (DLN)

"Fire at residence of Dr. John King Evans—Company went into service and did good execution with plug streams, loss not great," the Chief reported January 28, 1893. On November 15, the Chief recorded: "Call on Telephone, to fire of Hay stack within few feet of the barn of Michael Dougherty at Riley's Banks —company went into Service with Engine and did good service, saving barn—without damage."

"Ground was broken yesterday [on Church Street] for the new house of the Malvern Fire Company and it will be ready for occupancy as soon as possible. Work is being pushed upon the foundations and they will shortly be completed. The firemen wilt have a neat home when it is completed,' reported the December 21

Daily Local News. Reportedly the brick firehouse was built by William Spackman who had built the "Little Red Schoolhouse" at First and Warren Avenues.

A second fire occurred at Dr. Evans' residence February 2, 1899 with little damage. On May 30, there was an "Alarm of Fire from Paoli. The Paoli Inn, being in flames, the Company went into service but on account of the great headway

The fire had gained and the trouble with water, the building was entirely destroyed." The Chief recorded August 25 "Fire at Masters Creamery at Warren Shops—Building almost consumed when the alarm was given."

Continued

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