Doyle Hose Company No. 2 -Est. 1924-

  The Doyle Hose Co. #2 Ladies Auxiliary was organized in 1936 by Mrs. Kent, Mrs. Kocal, and Mrs. Kojm with just a few members present. In 1937, a joint meeting was held with the firemen. 

Mrs. G. Rapp, an organizer of many auxiliaries and lodges, spoke on “What an Auxiliary Means to the Firemen.” The same year, the ladies had their first auxiliary uniforms made, costing only three dollars each. 

Their first parade was held August 21 at Liberty Park honoring “Zalewski Day”, and on August 22nd they attended Pine Hill, and on August 23rd, the Grant Club. From 1938 on, regular meetings were held each month. Annual card parties were held and numerous parades attended. 

It was voted that any member absent three meetings in succession would be suspended from the Auxiliary. The first installation of officers was held on February 28, 1939. Friends were invited and a party was held.

A rule was made to buy a sick member flowers or fruit, and a member of the sick committee would give them to her. In 1940, members had new uniforms made at a value of $6.50 each. 

The Auxiliary helped at Firemen’s Field Days and dances. Each girl was fined fifty cents for not attending parades without reasonable excuse. Parades attended that year were the U-Crest Hose Company, Marilla, Our Lady of Czestochowa picnic, Pine Hill, and St. Francis of Assisi Church.

The Christmas party was held at Smithy’s Restaurant on Clinton Street with exchange of gifts, a chicken dinner, and music. In 1945, the women voted not to hold meetings during summer months and to have monthly raffle gifts not exceeding $1.

In 1946, a charter was opened for new members. There was an entrance fee was $1.00 and regular dues 10¢ per month. Alos, it was decided to accept members out of district with the understanding of not being eligible for attending only the firemen’s private affairs except their wives. 

Honorary membership dues were raised to $3. Treasurer’s fee was raised from $2 to $5. In 1947, the annual dinner was held at Handzlek’s Tavern - $30 was spent on this affair. In 1948, dinner was held at Leonardo’s Restaurant on Pearl Street, costing $54.15.

In 1949, the annual card party was held at Stan’s Grill with crocheted pillowcases as prizes. Mrs. Adeline Szulist was chairman of that party and dance - admission was $1.20. Dinner was held at Laubes Old Spain, costing $46.55. The ladies received an invitation from Doyle No. 2 firemen to attend their 25th anniversary banquet. The ladies donated 25 silver dollars.

In 1950, a motion was made to raise the recording secretary and treasurer fee from $5 to $10 a year. Yearly party held at Cypress Bar and Grill; Mrs. Pomana was the chairman. We received an invitation to attend the Erie County Volunteer Firemen’s Association, which our officers attended.

In 1951, a regular card party was held. We sold ham sandwiches for 25 cents, pies and cakes for 10 cents, and coffee for 5 cents. In 1952, a dinner party was held at Ray’s Tavern with music following. The ladies donated $100 toward Our Lady of Czestochowa Church.

In 1953, a motion was made to send flowers and Mass for a deceased auxiliary member. We bought a $12.50 half-page ad was bought for the 30th Anniversary of Our Lady of Czestochowa Church. Caps were bought for each member at $3.35 per cap from Al’s Hat Shop. French fryers were purchased for $45.45. A card party was held at Ray’s Tavern. We also had a Christmas party with $2 gift exchange. Food was donated by the members.

In 1954, a party was held at Town Casino. Lucy Tokasz was chairman. $50 was donated to Cleveland Hill Fire Disaster Fund of Cheektowaga. It was suggested to have the ladies wear hats to every meeting. They spoke about purchasing dozens of chairs for their meetings. Mrs. Buszka donated fifteen chairs. A thank-you card was sent, and she was also invited to their Christmas party.

In 1955, a Halloween party was held with members bringing doughnuts and cider. Prizes were given for best and funniest costumes. In 1956, the charter for membership was closed, only wives of firemen from the district were eligible to join.

In 1957, drapes were bought for the fire hall. An electric stove and roaster were purchased from Lucky Urban for $214. The Auxiliary gave the men $50 as a token of appreciation at the Field Days. A half-page ad in the banquet program book was bought celebrating the 35th Anniversary of Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish. Our annual dinner held at the Town Casino.

In 1958, a card party held at Doyle No. 1 – a comforter was raffled off, it was a huge success. In 1959, dinner and card parties were held. Women marched for O.L.C. children’s First Communion, and they helped serve breakfast for Firemen’s Communion breakfast day.

In 1960, the ladies enjoyed their evening at McDall’s Restaurant and saw the Ice Follies. It was voted that exempt members are only entitled to a Christmas party. A large raffle was held at the card party. Mrs. Olejniczak and Mrs. Reczek were chairmen. The prizes were a Savings Bond for $18.75; Corning coffee maker $11; Dacron comforter $10; frying pan $12; and a kitchen clock $6.

In 1961, a party held at Ray’s Tavern. That year the Ladies Auxiliary celebrated their Silver Anniversary on September 24, 1961. Dorothy Wasielewski was chairman. Mrs. Rollek and Father Rajek were speakers. Officers wore corsages, members silver leaves, and marched as a body to Our Lady of Częstochowa Church for Mass and Communion. Members honored at the banquet belonging 25 years were: Mrs. Kent; Mrs. Kocal; Mrs. Mary Tokasz; Mrs. Elizabeth Beres; Mrs. Helen Kalwicki; Mrs. Anna Kojm; Mrs. Virginia Nowicki. Mrs. Ciegieleski was the historian for the event.

In 1962, an open house held in January for firemen’s wives. A $15 program ad was bought honoring Father Rojek on his 40th Anniversary in Priesthood. In 1963, a revised copy of Auxiliary Constitution was given to each member.

In 1964, $10 was sent to the Telethon Rehabilitation Center. A Mystery ride was held — Cecile Brzyski was chairman. A wonderful time held at Apple Grove in Medina by everyone.

In 1965, we held a card party at Ray’s Tavern. A $10.00 gift was given to Mrs. Dorothy Wasielewski for use of the hall. It was agreed by members that names be taken alphabetically for hostesses and chairmanship for parties. Mass Communion was held at O.L.C. for deceased auxiliary members; breakfast was held at the Pancake House.

In 1966, the ladies tried their best to raise money by holding parties. In 1967, Cecile Brzyski was chairman of a dinner held at Laubes Old Farm. The ladies also attended Studio Arena Theater. A 50/50 club was suggested with friends invited with 200 tickets to be sold every three months. In 1967, members received a letter from Western New York Volunteer Firemen’s Auxiliary to join them. Rita Chmielewski was sent to their convention and became secretary of the Western New York Ladies Auxiliary.

In 1968, Theresa Guzek was chairman of bowling team which the girls enjoyed every week. Dorothy Moleski was chairman of First Aid Class — 3 hours a week for 20 hours. In 1969, we attended a Mystery Ride — Rita Chmielewski chairman. A tour around Niagara Falls was held and they had dinner at the Skylon Tower.

In 1970, we had a banquet at Polish Village — Rita Chmielewski was chairman — for members celebrating 25 years in the Auxiliary. In memory of Mrs. Florence Falkiewicz, instead of a plaque for her 25th year, money was sent to the Burnt Treatment Center of Emergency Hospital.

In 1971, a waterball competition held July 5th at Dingens Park. Members helped the firemen; the event was a great success. The Auxiliary once again attended a mystery ride – Rita Chmielewski, chairman – this time they went to Old Orchard Inn in East Aurora.

In 1972, Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish celebrated its 50th Anniversary Jubilee. The Auxiliary bought a $25 ad and sent $50. An additional $100 was donated toward the new church, plus a $20 ad was bought for the new church program book. The ladies also enjoyed a wonderful evening at Union Station in Lackawanna for dinner. Rita Chmielewski was chairman.

In 1973, the ladies helped the firemen as always and held a banquet for their 25th Anniversary members. Dinner was held at Salvatore’s on Transit Road. Rita Chmielewski was chairman.

On September 13, 1986, the Auxiliary celebrated their Golden Anniversary with a dinner at the Town & Country Restaurant in Cheektowaga. President Norine Rokitka offered the welcome, Chaplain Josephone Zakowicz said the opening prayer and Doyle No. 2 President James Tokasz and Chief Robert Trembowicz both made remarks.

We would like to give special recognition for Dorothy Kaczmarek who has been an auxiliary member for more than 60 years!

Over the years the Ladies Auxiliary has been available to help the firefighters with various firematic fundraisers and prepare meals for their Sunday meetings. We are proud to say that in 2024 the Auxiliary will be celebrating 88 years of support and friendship with the men and women of Doyle Hose Company No. 2.

1976-Dorothy Moleski

1977-Helen Kustra

1978-Helen Kalwicki

1982-Emily Pijanowski

1983-Virginia Nowicki

1984-Lillian Abromowski

1986-Ceil Brzyski

1987-Rose Sowinski

1988-Mary Tokasz

1988-Adeline Matula

1989-Jean Golab

1993-Rose Grupka Wylubski

1994-Josephine Chojnacki

1995-Evelyln Cichy

2002-Ruth Stempniak

2006-Alice Milutinovic

2009-Luck Tokasz

2009-Josephine Lakowicz

2017-Clara Wisniewski

2018-Bertha Tokasz

2019-Dorothy Wilczak

2019-Sue Defields