Duck Creek Hundred in Smyrna in Kent County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Citizens' Hose Company No. 1. Inc.

Photographed by Don Morfe, October 13, 2019

1. Citizens' Hose Company No. 1. Inc. Marker

Inscription. The history of Citizens Hose Company No.1, Inc. began on January 6, 1886, when thirty residents of Smyrna voted to "go into permanent organization" to serve the firefighting needs of the community. Their charter was approved by the Delaware Legislature on January 19, 1886. The Smyrna Opera House was expanded to accommodate the Company in 1887. On February 24, 1921, delegates from Citizens' Hose joined with representatives of eight other fire companies to establish the Delaware Volunteer Firemen's Association. In 1924 the members purchased this site, then known as the McDowell property. The first membership meeting in the new building was held on November 9, 1925. The original fire bell from the Main Street location was moved to the new firehouse, and continues to be used during memorial services to honor deceased members. Along with their dedication to responding to the emergency needs of the community, the members of Citizens' Hose Company No. 1 are noted for displaying their discipline and meticulous care for their equipment through participation in parades and other events. The Firemen's Band was organized in 1947, and

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the Ladies Auxiliary was formerly established in 1950.

Erected 2007 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number KC-106.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Charity & Public Work. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 6, 1886.

Location. 39° 17.958′ N, 75° 36.492′ W. Marker is in Smyrna, Delaware, in Kent County. It is in Duck Creek Hundred. It is on West Commerce Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 103 W Commerce Street, Smyrna DE 19977, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Delaware’s Southern New Castle County. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic,

on the Delmarva Peninsula,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

Photographed by Adam Margolis, January 19, 2022

2. Citizens' Hose Company No. 1. Inc. Marker

of this marker: In Memory of Victor D. Ennis (a few steps from this marker); Presbyterian Church of Smyrna (within shouting distance of this marker); Thornley House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Peter's Episcopal Church (about 400 feet away); Home of Allen McLane (about 500 feet away); School District No. 5 (about 600 feet away); Site of Old Asbury Methodist Church (about 700 feet away); The Barracks (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Smyrna.

Photographed by Don Morfe, October 13, 2019

3. Citizens' Hose Company No. 1. Inc. Marker

Photographed by Don Morfe, October 13, 2019

4. Citizens' Hose Company No. 1. Inc. Marker

Photographed by Adam Margolis, January 19, 2022

5. Citizens' Hose Company No. 1. Inc. Marker

Photographed by Adam Margolis, January 19, 2022

6. Citizens' Hose Company No. 1. Inc. Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 19, 2019, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 459 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 19, 2019, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 2. submitted on January 23, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 3, 4. submitted on October 19, 2019, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 5, 6. submitted on January 23, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.