Starting in 1921, Marshall County residents looked forward to the very successful Firemen’s Ball hosted by the Wide Awake Fire Company. Records show the social event hosted upwards of 850 guests in certain years! News articles indicate that guests delighted in refreshments like punch and doughnuts, savoring every moment. The following article from the Pilot News on February 2, 1924, tells more about the fourth annual Firemen’s Ball. The article is lightly edited.

The fourth annual Firemen’s Ball of the Wide Awake Fire Company, held at the Country Club Friday evening, was a highly enjoyable affair, with an attendance larger than any of the previous ones. In fact, the crowd was the largest that ever appeared at the Country Club.

Dr. and Mrs. Harry Knott led the grand march in which 144 couples took part. The Bell Hop orchestra played unusually well. The favors were paper bonnets for the ladies and paper caps for the gentlemen. During the evening the refreshment committee was busy serving punch, sandwiches, doughnuts and coffee.

The committeemen in charge of the affair and who worked unceasingly for its success were Russell Ellis, Sammy Belt, Peter Wickey, John Klapp. In fact, each fireman did his part.

One very pretty feature for the evening was the solo dancing by Miss Melba Steele. Rochester, Argos and Bourbon were represented in the out-of-town guests, the Argos visitors numbering 30 couples.

Plymouth people have always had a certain pride in their “fire laddies” and are ever ready to show their appreciation when called upon to give them a lift. The money received is for an emergency fund for injured firemen. The boys deserve the hearty support of our citizens, and they surely will always have it.

The MCHS and Museum has many images of the Historic Plymouth Firehouse and others in Marshall County. Visitors are always invited to look through our shared history! The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at 123 N. Michigan St. Call us at 574-936-2306 for more information.