International Association of Fire Fighters was founded in 1918 as a combination of local fire fighters' unions affiliated with the American Federation of Labor. The Association's purpose was to benefit and protect firemen. The Association lobbied for legislation protecting firemen and the adoption of safety equipment. The Association adopted as its charitable endeavor the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Helena Local 448 of the Association was chartered in October 1935, the fifth local in Montana, after Great Falls, Butte, Missoula, and Anaconda. Among the founding members were Richard H. Coe, president; Herbert Eickemeyer, vice president; and Joseph M. Munger, secretary. The Association quickly joined the Helena Trades and Labor Assembly.
The Helena Fire Department Relief Association, was founded in 1915, and incorporated as the Fire Department Relief Association of the City of Helena, Montana, in 1921. Its purposes were to provide relief for sick, injured, or retired firemen and their families, and pensions for retired firemen and the widows and orphans of firemen.
Helena Fire Department Benefit Fund (originally known as the Helena Fire Department Social Fund) established in 1929 primarily as a social organization. For many years it sponsored the annual Fireman's Ball.
Collection consists of records (1915-1990) of the Association, and of two affiliates: the Helena Fire Department Relief Association and the Helena Fire Department Benefit Fund. Records of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 448 consist of an account journal (1954-1990); investment, and savings journals (1970-1977); membership receipts (1935-1936); minutes (1935-1973), and fire logs. Records of the Helena Fire Department Relief Association consist of audit reports (1950-1968); cash books (1915-1968); secretary and treasurer registers of receipts, warrants, and checks (1929-1977); articles of incorporation and bylaws (1921); and minutes (1921-1974). Records of the Helena Fire Department Benefit Fund consist of a journal (1951-1986) and minutes (1929-1973). In addition there are minutes and a constitution (1941) for the State Council of Fire Fighters.
This collection is arranged into four subgroups: International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 448 (Helena, Mont.) (1935-1990); Helena Fire Department Relief Association (1915-1977); Helena Fire Department Benefit Fund (1947-1973); and State Council of Fire Fighters (1941). Each subgroup is arranged by series.
Collection open for research.
Researchers must use collection in accordance with the policies of the Montana Historical Society Library & Archives. The Library & Archives does not necessarily hold copyright to all materials in the collection. In some cases permission for use may require additional authorization from the copyright owners. For more information contact an archivist.
[item description and date]. Name of Collection. Collection Number. [box and folder number]. Montana Historical Society Library & Archives. Helena, Montana.
Acquisition information available upon request.
Annual and audit reports for fire department relief associations statewide are in the Montana Local Government Assistance Bureau (title varies)records: RS 211; B9:9-6; S22:2-2; S23:2-1; S24:1; B1:1-1; END 6:9.
Processed in 2009.
This collection is indexed under the following headings in the Montana Historical Society Archives catalog. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons, or places should search under these terms.