September 23, 1908. On September 18, 1908 (2 days after the Hallock Blacksmith Fire), a committee was formed to purchase on old Bayport Hook and Ladder. Clinton B. Darling drove the committee, Andrew Madison, Frank W. Smith and Frank E. Brush to Bayport and the equipment was bought for $75.00. To arouse interest in the fire company, a circular letter was prepared by the Rev. E. W. Abbey, Morgan B. Blydenburgh, and George B. Purick.
The Bayport Fire Department delivered the hook and ladder to the Lake Ronkonkoma Depot on 9/23/1908. It was brought to Smithtown hitched to Clinton Darling’s team and housed in Fred V. Hubbs’ barn.
This first Hook and Ladder was considered quite a beauty, with its heavy ladders and water buckets. Five dollars was offered to the driver or owner of the horse team to hitch or tow the equipment to a fire.
And now the proud possessors of one piece of equipment, next on the agenda was a Chemical engine. The ladies of the community gave a supper at the Presbyterian Chapel to raise money and a play. “Mr. Bob” was performed at the Old Assembly Hall, with the proceeds og $134.45 going toward the purchase of the proposed equipment.
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