Bethpage Fire Department's Ladies Auxiliary

On August 5, 1941 a group of ladies, whose husbands or brothers were members of the Bethpage Fire Department, met at the original Fire House on Stewart Avenue (opp. Kearney Avenue) and formed a Ladies Auxiliary to the Bethpage Fire Department. There were 34 charter members. The first officers were Pres. - Mae Benkert, Vice Pres. - Rose Seitz, Secy. - Marita Looney, Treas. - Lillian Keuchler.

According to Evelyn Auer, the first fund raising activity was a card party, held at the Firehouse which raised $125.00. In 1942 the "Comfort Committee" was organized to raise money to help the servicemen of World War II from Bethpage, various items: candy, cigarettes, books, cookies, etc. were regularly sent to our boys in service. The first annual dinner was held August 8, 1942 at the Colonial Inn (Broadway opp. stores, south of RR) cost was 75 cents per meal.