The year 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of one of West Windsor Township’s longest-serving volunteer organizations: the Princeton Junction Volunteer Fire Co. Formed in 1926, it has saved countless lives and built community over generations.
This is its story, largely based on writeups from 1995-96 for the Historical Society of West Windsor by William Manuel, Lorraine Kapp and James Yates.
Origins
Our town’s first fire department — now called the West Windsor Volunteer Fire Co. — formed in 1921. However, within a few years it was clear that the township would need more expansive emergency services to cover its population.
The founding of Berrien City, West Windsor’s first planned community, south of the train station in the 1910s, prompted the formation of a new neighborhood fire squad. Thus, on June 3, 1926, a contingent of men from Princeton Junction and Penns Neck met at Barnet Press’ farmhouse on Clarksville Road, now the Windsor Chase development, and organized themselves as the Berrien City Fire Company.
Lacking fire hydrants, the fire company owned a pump and a brush truck to handle field fires. The equipment was stored in various facilities, including a private garage on Berrien Avenue and a brick building on Station Drive.
They bought their first engine — a Foamite chemical truck — for $3,900 on June 20, 1926. The next year, the company formally incorporated as the Princeton Junction Volunteer Fire Co. Construction of a dedicated firehouse at 952 Alexander Road followed in 1931. Over the decades, the roof was raised and the building was lengthened to accommodate ever-larger equipment. When additional space was needed, a separate house — originally located at the intersection of Scott Avenue and Alexander Road — was moved to North Post Road.
Mid-Century
During the Great Depression, bingo games were a popular fundraiser. This practice continued until the 1980s. During World War II, the station served as a Civil Defense station of sorts for wartime emergencies, especially with first-aid equipment. And from 1980-89, the firehouse also doubled as a senior center.
In December 1944, specifications for the first postwar engine were drawn up: a 1945 Mack 500-gpm pumper. This machine was in service until 1969, when it was sold to East Windsor Township to help start their own fire company.
In the 1970s, the fire company also brought in the Hoxie Brothers Circus, a popular attraction. Doubtless, some of the township’s longtime residents remember acres of rides, candy and fun for all.
Transformation
Whereas women had assisted as support staff via their involvement in the Princeton Junction Ladies’ Auxiliary, helping to raise funds, host events and cook meals, in the 1970s the first women firefighters were made part of the team. Consequently, in the 1980s, the Women’s Auxiliary was written out of the company’s constitution, as women were fully incorporated into the team.
In 1976, the fire company turned 50 years old. At that time, the company consisted of 45 men and women. Their equipment included a 1973 Hahn pumper, a 1974 Pierce mini-pumper, a 1969 LaFrance attack pumper, a 1950s-era Mack 1,500-gallon tanker with a 500-gpm pump, and a Dodge utility truck built by its members in 1961.
Growth and Modernity
Both the West Windsor and Princeton Junction Volunteer Fire Companies witnessed the rapid growth and suburbanization of West Windsor that peaked in the 1980s and 1990s. The township exploded in population, from around 4,000 residents in 1960 to around 30,000 by 2020.
Moreover, significant commercial development along Route 1 saw the rise of mid-rise buildings along the corridor — a challenge for older, smaller equipment and smaller teams.
So, the fire companies needed to grow, along with their equipment and accommodations. In 2002, the Princeton Junction Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 relocated to a new facility at 245 Clarksville Road, retaining the old building in Berrien City for truck and equipment storage. In 2010, West Windsor Arts took out a lease on a portion of the old fire station and now hosts events and exhibitions in the former firehouse, occupying the eastern half of the building.
Today, both fire companies continue to play an instrumental role in the community. Of course, they fight fires and provide other emergency services. They also lead and join myriad public events, educate the community and do much more. However, both rely on volunteers and donors to keep doing what they do. Please consider supporting these invaluable community groups at pjfd.com and westwindsorfire.com.
The Historical Society of West Windsor is an all-volunteer community nonprofit. All members donate their free time, without pay, to document and promote the town’s rich history. Community support is needed to continue that work. To learn more, visit westwindsorhistory.com.
Paul Ligeti is the president of the Historical Society of West Windsor.
Princeton Junction Fire Co's first fire truck. (Photo courtesy of Gay Huber.),
