LADIES AUXILIARY to the B.C.V.F.A.

History of the Ladies Auxiliary

The first attempt to organize a Ladies Auxiliary to the Baltimore County Firemen’s Association was in the Fall of 1937.  Mrs. Mary Walker, State President, and Mrs. Virginia Chenowith, State Organizer, called several meetings, but nothing was accomplished until the Summer of 1939.  Then, plans were made under the supervision of Mrs. Mildred Brust, State President and Mrs. James Adams, State Organizer.There were eight auxiliaries present at a meeting held in Pikesville on October 18, 1939.  After some discussion, the County Auxiliary was organized with six of the eight auxiliaries attending becoming members:   Arbutus, Lansdowne, Pikesville, Reisterstown, Rosedale and Sparrows  Point.  A committee was formed and a Constitution and By-laws drawn up.  Quarterly meetings were arranged with each Auxiliary having a turn to entertain.  It was decided to hold conventions at the same time as the Baltimore County Firemen’s Association. Today, we have nine auxiliaries:

We are very proud that twelve of the ladies from Baltimore County have served as Presidents of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association:

Donations have been given to various organizations, such as the Cancer Foundation, Heart Fund, Polio Foundation, March of Dimes, and the Baltimore County Volunteer Firemen’s Association Memorial Shrine.  A yearly donation is made to the Ladies Auxiliary Maryland State Firemen’s Association Bessie Marshall Hospital Fund.  Over the years, the work of the Auxiliary has been to guide and support the local auxiliaries.  Times are changing.  No longer is the Auxiliary member at home with the family.  She is working a full-time job outside of the home and still covering the job at home.  Family activities are not just down the street; the same is true with the jobs.  Travel time and other family activities require more of our free time.  The graying of America has had an effect on the Auxiliary membership.  Fire companies are accepting more and more general or associate members to help with fundraising and other important administrative work.  With the fire companies receiving some incentives for time spent, it is more likely a new member will join the fire company.  The future is ever changing and we must each adjust to meet the challenge.

Past Presidents of the Ladies Auxiliary