An institution of our town, Hawleyville Fire Rescue is celebrating quite the milestone later this month as it passes its 100th anniversary.

Founded in 1925, today the company has over 50 volunteer members operating six pieces of apparatus responding to hundreds of calls annually.

It is always important to commemorate critical institutions like one of our dedicated fire companies when they pass a major milestone. It is a chance to reflect on their history and express our gratitude for everything they have done to make Newtown a better place and protect the lives and property of Newtown residents.

From Hawleyville’s website, “There’s something very special being able to help your fellow members of the community in a time when they need it most. Whether it is assisting someone who was in an automobile accident, having a medical emergency, or facing the destructive force of fire. We take great pride in being the first people to jump in to help our neighbors and visitors when they call for help. In the harshest of conditions and all hours of the day, we make a commitment to be there for others.”

We thank Hawleyville Fire Rescue for all its important work over the years.

Newtown is rich with history, and as Hawleyville’s noble protectors pass their 100th year, there are many other institutions that also have rich histories.

According to Newtown Historical Society’s website, “Newtown is a lovely old town that celebrated its Tercentennial in 2005. While a lot of effort has been made by various organizations and individuals to keep Newtown a friendly and up-to-date community, it is also important to cherish and preserve its history.”

The Borough of Newtown celebrated its bicentennial, 200 years, last year.

The Newtown Bee itself will be celebrating 150 years in 2027, having been started 148 years ago this year.

Newtown Hook & Ladder is the oldest fire company at 222 years, and Dodgingtown is the second oldest at 116 years. Sandy Hook is 108 years old and Botsford is the “baby,” “only” 76 years old.

Started in 1932, C.H. Booth Library is 93 years old and will be celebrating its own 100 year anniversary in 2032.

The Flagpole was installed in 1876, a wooden flagpole that was the first of four. The current metal flagpole was installed in 1950. Next year will be 150 years for that town institution.

The Newtown Meeting House, built in 1720, passed 300 years in 2020 and is now 305 years old.

Edmond Town Hall was built in 1930, making it 95 years old and five years away from a 100th anniversary. It stopped serving as Newtown’s town hall in 2009.

Last, Newtown Police Department, by these standards, is practically a modern development at only 54 years old, having been founded in 1971. Prior to that, the town was served by state police constables.