Broadkill Hundred in Milton in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Milton Fire Department, Inc.
Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 12, 2010
1. Milton Fire Department, Inc. Marker
Inscription.
Milton Fire Department, Inc.. . Like many local communities, Milton was plagued by numerous destructive fires during the 19th century. By the 1890s, citizens were calling for the establishment of a fire department to protect the town and surrounding area. The effort was ultimately successful, and on November 14, 1901, the Volunteer Fire Company of Milton was organized with Chief Charles H. Davidson and 26 men. Miltons first motorized piece was purchased in 1926, and was housed on the corner of Union and Magnolia Street in a single garage. The company was formally incorporated in 1929, becoming the Milton Fire Department, Inc. In 1930 a second truck was added. More space was needed, and the Fox Theater and adjoining property on Union Street was obtained. Continued growth, addition of new equipment, and the establishment of an Ambulance Service in 1948, resulted in the construction of the present building in 1949-50. Additional property was acquired in 1971, and a major renovation and expansion project was completed in 1981. The department celebrated 100 years of history in 2001 with the addition of a 2001 centennial fire Engine, and the purchase of property for added parking.
Like many local communities, Milton was plagued by numerous destructive fires during the 19th century. By the 1890s, citizens were calling for the establishment of a fire department to protect the town and surrounding area. The effort was ultimately successful, and on November 14, 1901, the Volunteer Fire Company of Milton was organized with Chief Charles H. Davidson and 26 men. Miltons first motorized piece was purchased in 1926, and was housed on the corner of Union & Magnolia Street in a single garage. The company was formally incorporated in 1929, becoming the Milton Fire Department, Inc. In 1930 a second truck was added. More space was needed, and the Fox Theater and adjoining property on Union Street was obtained. Continued growth, addition of new equipment, and the establishment of an Ambulance Service in 1948, resulted in the construction of the present building in 1949-50. Additional property was acquired in 1971, and a major renovation and expansion project was completed in 1981. The department celebrated 100 years of history in 2001 with the addition of a 2001 centennial fire Engine, and the purchase of property for added parking.
Erected 2001 by The Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number SC-153.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list:
Location. 38° 46.638′ N, 75° 18.572′ W. Marker is in Milton, Delaware, in Sussex County. It is in Broadkill Hundred. It is on Chestnut Street, on the right when traveling south. Located between Front Street and Strawberry Alley, Firehouse wall near doorway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Milton DE 19968, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American Mid-Atlantic and on the Delmarva Peninsula. 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.
Another marker is no longer nearby. The Holly Industry (was about 500 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 12, 2010
2. Milton Fire Department, Inc. Marker
Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 12, 2010
3. Milton Fire Department and Marker (L)
Chestnut Street at left- Front Street at right
Credits. This page was last revised on June 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 31, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,238 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on October 31, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.
