The Railroad line running between Flushing and Hempstead across Jericho
Turnpike near Little Neck Road was the main access to the little hamlet and the
distribution point for its financial life's blood, John Lewis Childs Seeds, Bulbs and
Plants Co. The station at this location was called "Hindsdale". At
the time, Tulip Avenue was called White Horse Road.
Fire Destroyed the town's general store several years after its construction. It was right after this tragedy when Hook & Ladder Company #1 was organized and issued its papers of incorporation, officially on May 18th, 1893.
The Company's apparatus consisted of a hose reel with a capacity of 300 ft. of hose, some hydrant wrenches, 2 axes, a crow bar and 2 lanterns. It was housed in a shed behind the hotel, Floral Inn, at the intersection of Violet and Tulip Avenues.
In 1901, a new building was erected and used as Fire Headquarters at a cost of $2,975. A loan of $2,000 was secured and the balance was paid in cash.
In 1907 the hamlet of Floral Park became the Incorporated Village of Floral Park by act of state legislation. At a meeting held on May 13th, 1907, the Fire Department sold the real estate and furnishings of Hook & Ladder Co. #1 for the sum of $4,500 and the proceeds were divided among members in good standing at the time, pro rata, according to their years of service. After paying off the mortgage, the balance of $2,494.74 was distributed among 29 members, who received various sums from $125.93 to $27.16. The firemen's equipment and uniforms were purchased through members dues and voluntary subscription.
The new incorporated village now organized 2 fire companies, Hook and Ladder Co. #2 and Alert Engine Hose Co. #1 At this time the old Hook & Ladder Co. #1 presented the new department with all of their fire apparatus, consisting of a truck, 2 hose reels, and 700 ft. of hose.
From this point on, the Floral Park Fire Department began to grow. In 1910, Reliance Hose Company was organized, in 1923 Active Hose Company was organized. In 1920, the Department was motorized with appropriation of $8,000 from the voters.
