MILLVILLE – WheatonArts, in association with the Glasstown Antique Fire Brigade, will host the 34th Annual Glasstown Antique Fire Brigade Muster and Fire Fighter’s Family Day, Aug. 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is included in WheatonArts’ “Wheaton Wide Open Weekend,” Aug. 15, 16 and 17. Free admission is offered to all visitors on these three days through a PNC Arts Alive grant.
Once again, WheatonArts is grateful to host the Muster as it provides an opportunity to recognize the important role, past and present, firefighters play in the community. Kristin Qualls, WheatonArts Director of Exhibitions and Collections, explains, “Glass houses and fire departments have had a symbiotic relationship.
One creates fires, the other puts them out. Read through the history of the South Jersey glass industry and you will discover that firefighters played a major role. The original T. C. Wheaton Glass Factory, upon which the WheatonArts Glass Studio is based, burned to the ground in 1889 after merely a year of operation. It was rebuilt only to burn again in 1925. In both instances the swift and attentive actions of the fireman prevented injuries and the spread of the fire, earning high praise from both the company and citizens.”
Over 80 antique fire trucks from the Mid-Atlantic States will be on display on the grounds. Show highlights include: a firefighter competition to show how firefighters use their training and skills to battle fires; water barrel fight (two opposing teams try to move a barrel suspended on a cable to opposite ends using a high pressure fire hose); bucket brigade (each team is timed as they carry water to the roof of a small building in buckets; and firefighting demonstrations including pumping displays of fire hoses on numerous fire trucks.
The winner of the “Nancy Howe Memorial Award – Best In Show” receives a glass trophy created by a WheatonArts artist. The winner of “Best of Show Hand-Drawn” receives a WheatonArts paperweight.
The Glasstown Antique Fire Brigade is the South Jersey chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America (SPAAMFAA). This national organization of over 3,000 members and over 50 chapters was organized in 1958 in Syracuse, NY. New Jersey Assemblyman, John J. Burzichelli, (3rd District), an active member and trustee says, “The special charm of WheatonArts provides the perfect setting for the region’s largest antique fire truck gathering. This year marks our 34th annual muster and firefighter’s family day. It’s a day that history comes to life and memories are made!”
For more information about the Glasstown Antique Fire Brigade visit gafb.net. Muster information: John Burzichelli at 856-423-8910. Apparatus registration: Diana Ford at 856-299-9434. Flea Market information: Lee Eggert at 609-296-1025. Download a registration form at gafb.net/pdf/wheaton_muster.pdf.
WheatonArts is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open Labor Day. Admission: $10.00 Adults, $9.00 Senior Adults and $7.00 Students. Children five and under are free. Shopping and strolling is free except for certain special events.
For information about other WheatonArts programs and events, call 800-998-4552 or 856-825-6800, or visit wheatonarts.org.
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