04/21/2026
In honor of Howell's oldest all volunteer fire department celebrating 99 years of service, we wanted to share some of their history.
The Adelphia Fire Company, like many other volunteer fire companies, can trace its origin back to a fire, or series of fires, which proved the absolute necessity of a fire company for the safety and protection of the community.
“Howell Township Fire Company No. l,” Adelphia was organized when a disastrous fire, right in the village, showed the compelling need for the fire protection.
There had been several fires not too far from Adelphia; notable, the house fire in which Charles Cook and his wife lost their lives.
In those days, Adelphia, like many other communities, depended upon the Freehold Fire Department and Farmingdale Fire Department for fire protection. It was early in the morning between 3:30 and 4:00 A.M. on a day in the latter part of November l926, that a house belonging to the late Charles H. T. Clayton, caught on fire, directly across the street from the Knights of Pythias Hall. This was the home where Ensley and Louise Clayton’s mothers lived located next to the funeral home. Freehold Fire Company was called immediately, and was on its way with its usual promptness, but due to a very dense fog, speed was greatly reduced and the blaze could not be seen. They stopped about one-half mile from the scene of the fire and woke up Elliot Clayton to phone back to their headquarters to be sure that they had the right directions.
Charles H. T. Clayton, always interested in every worthwhile project in the community, was not so much concerned with the loss of his own property as he was concerned with what could happen to others in the area. For many days, much discussion about the obvious need for a fire company took place in the local stores, the Post Office, garage and whenever two or more gathered. Mr. Clayton took it upon himself to call a community meeting for Feb. 2, 1927, in the Knights of Pythias Hall. This meeting was attended by an enthusiastic group of residents from the area.
On Feb. 9, 1927, just one week later, “Howell Township Fire Company No. l” was officially organized. Charles H. T. Clayton was elected president, and he served faithfully until his death on October l0, l936. Others elected at this time were Vice-President, William L. Johnson, Secretary, George N. Irons, Treasurer, Stacey Simpson, Financial Secretary, Arthur T. Bearmore, Trustees: Charles H. Reynolds for 3 years, Jeremiah Stillwell for 2 years and William F. Madge for l year. Chief was C. Ensley Clayton. Certificate of Incorporation papers were filed on April 28, 1927, signed by twenty-five members.
The first piece of apparatus was a hearse donated by the C. H. T. Clayton Funeral Home. This was converted into a supply car in which water was carried in milk cans, shovels, brooms, lanterns, etc. The next apparatus was a new 1927 G.M.C. fire truck having four (4) 40-gallon soda and acid tanks and related firefighting equipment. In 1927, this was the very latest type of rural firefighting equipment. The unit was placed in service on July 3, 1927.
Fire calls were received by the Clayton Funeral Home for nearly fifty years. They then would sound the siren to summon the firemen. At that time, the siren, on an electric pole, had to be blown from outside, regardless of time and weather. At present, the fire calls are received by the Howell Police Department. They, in turn, activate a modern home-alerting system called Plectron, at the same time activating the siren at the fire house. The call and directions are dispatched by radio. In the early forties, the trucks were equipped with two-way radios through Station WAKC, the Monmouth County Police Radio, later changed to KEA 317, and now serving on fire band KAZ 202.
Chief Clayton recorded a grand total of three (3) fire calls for that portion of 1927 remaining after organization. Due to the rapid growth of their response area, the Board of Fire Commissioners Fire District #2 built a new sub station on Route 33 in 2007. Adelphia Fire Department now responds to 600 incidents annually. They currently have 47 active members along with 15 ladies’ auxiliary members, 8 junior firefighters and 5 support members, and their fleet includes 11 pieces of equipment.
They are always looking for new members 14 & up. Changes have been made allowing firefighters to join as well as support members to assist with non-firematic activities. Membership benefits include access to the on-site gym facilities, professional training and certifications, camaraderie, pride and lifelong friendships, and an opportunity to make a real difference in your community. If you work or live in their response area, please reach out. Please reach out or visit us at www.adelphiafire.com
