The organization of the Batesville Volunteer Fire Department began with a meeting of some of the citizens, which took place in 1886 in a two-story frame house located where the Geis Electronics & Appliance is now situated.
Perhaps the main reason for this meeting was the big fire, which took place in 1885, when the Union Furniture Co. and several nearby homes were destroyed by fire.
Eventually on April 6, 1887 a constitution was adopted which provided for the organization of the Batesville Volunteer Fire Department. This constitution provided for the following officers: Chief, Assistant Chief, Hose Captain, Lieutenant Hose Captain, Captain of the Engine, Lieutenant Captain of the Engine, Hook and Ladder Captain and Lieutenant Captain of the Hook and Ladder. The first meeting held was on April 13, 1887.
In 1921 the first motorized fire engine was purchased by the Town Council. This truck is a "one of a kind" Ahrens-Fox. It is still housed at the Fire Station and is called "Old Number One" and is used only in parades. The Ahrens-Fox Company made 2 of these fire trucks. One was destroyed prior to delivery. The Batesville Volunteer Fire Department has grown considerably over the years. It currently has 28 volunteer firemen and one paid chief.
The Ladies Auxiliary was formed in 1952 with Rose Ollier elected president. The auxiliary is very supportive of the firemen and help in many ways.
Doctor Bill Freeland joined the Fire Department in 1954 and with his help they were able to provide an emergency life squad. They answered all calls within a 15 mile radius. In 1956 they purchased a Chevorlet carryall. Doris Brelage, R.N. was the first woman admitted as a member of the Life Squad in 1974. Today the Life Squad has 22 members all of whom are Emergency Medical Technicians. 7 of the EMT's are also volunteer firemen. The Life Squad averages close to 600 emergency calls per year.
The Batesville Rural Fire Association was started in 1956. There was a need to service those outside the city limits so they formed their own organization in conjunction with the City Fire Department.
Bike for Batesville! Click the link above for the application for Bike for Batesville!
A group of citizens have recently come together to form the Batesville Main Street Board. Our Board’s goal is to help Batesville become more economically successful while still maintaining our small-town feel with a beautiful and vibrant downtown that attracts both visitors and current residents.
In a few weeks the board will be meeting to develop a strategic plan with specific work plans for each Main Street Committee: Organizational; Promotion; Design & Planning; and Economic Restructuring. We have already gathered data and information from previous workgroups the city has assembled. We also want input from community members like you as we develop these work plans. Please take a few moments to complete our survey. If you would like to be involved with this catalytic team of people that are committed to Batesville’s future, please leave your e-mail in the space provided in the survey.
Click on the link above to complete your survey.
Only one survey per computer can be completed so if the link does not take you to the survey, someone else may have submitted the survey on that computer. If you need a paper copy of the survey, please contact Trish Hunter at 933-5265 or e-mail at trish.hunter@mmch.org.
Results of the survey will be shared after the strategic planning meeting is held in mid-August.
Thank you for your time and commitment to our community.
Sincerely,
Batesville Main Street Board Members
Susan Glaser Kathleen Jeffers
Greg Grothaus Victor Sarringhaus
Scott Henderson Steve Stein
Trish Hunter Melissa Tucker
Adam Isreal
