In the field of amateur sports, one has reached a fine point of development on Long Island and one rarely reported as a sport. For over 81 years, the Hicksville Fire Department hosted the Invitational Parade and Drill on Labor Day weekend, which has become the most watched event across New York State. The Hicksville community can claim distinction as the oldest hosting community across the entire state, with a larger spectator attendance than the statewide competition. However, it was more than just a competition between volunteer firefighters.
Adeline Brigandi, Karl's motherIt was the end of summer and a community gathering. It all started in the 1920’s and lasted through 2009. It was a weekend where friends and families would gather before the start of school. It was one last chance to see friends, have a cold beer, carnival food, and watch the races. It was in 1949 that my mom met my dad during the tournament. He was a “Clam Digger” from the Woodmere Fire Department, and mom was a local girl, Adeline Brigandi (HHS Class of 1944). As she would tell her family, “it was one wink and a smile that won me over.” She fell head over heels in love and married in 1953.
Each year, volunteer fire departments across the state gather on weekends to compete against their rivals in speed, accuracy, and skill. A high-speed streamlined racing car - which is not particularly suited for regular firefighting - roars down the asphalt road with a group of men perched on the tailboard, ready to leap. When the precise moment is reached, brakes squeal and the firefighters jump for the hydrant carrying hose lines or dash up a ladder to make the best time possible. You'll see the scene repeated at more than fifteen Long Island venues during the June-to-September fire department tournament season. For some unknown reason, Long Island is a hotbed of such competitions and home to about 80 of New York State's hundred or so drill teams.
There is always much color at the Hicksville Labor Day Parade and Drill. Traditionally, community support on Labor Day is more attended than any other community event. Literally, thousands of spectators gather to watch the parade on Sunday and come back the following morning to watch the drill competition. The Hicksville drill is important as it is the last big formal contest for the firefighters in Nassau County each season. Therefore, it allows a final playoff between the year's top teams to capture important points.
On the drill morning, trailers and tow vehicles spilled out of the open lots across from the closed businesses and lined the street while young men busily unloaded brightly painted machines. Hoods are open, and wrenches sparkle in the sunlight. Unmuffled engines clear their throats now and again. Spectators shuffle through it all, chattering, pointing, and staring.
In the beginning
It was the height of prohibition, and the stock market was soaring to new heights in 1925. As a way to generate funds, express sportsmanship, and support the department's good and welfare, it was decided by the Hicksville firemen to host their own parade and tournament. Putting together such an event would be a new venture, but nonetheless was not a new undertaking to those in the department, as observed in the 1908 events.
A committee created by Chief Charles Schaefer oversaw these events and put Gus Wagner in charge of the affair. It was Gus who would start a tradition that carried through 81 years. For these events to succeed, Gus decided to host the first annual parade ending at the tournament site on Park Avenue. The first annual event was scheduled for Monday, September 6th (Labor Day) and was a complete wash-out due to heavy rains and was postponed for a week.
The Central Park Fire Department (now Bethpage) won the contest by capturing the most prizes: Sterling Silver Cups and Silver Certificates. The men of the Farmingdale Fire Department took top honors by winning Best Appearance and most men in line at the morning parade.
In the early years, new ideas and word of mouth were seeds to the roots of this annual event. Fred Fricke, the Chairman in 1927, promoted the newly created event by hosting various attractions. His promotion paved the way for the greatness of the weekend. During the tournament, Clyde A. Clelland, a Hicksville parachute jumper, landed on the High School grounds. Clyde teamed up with the Stunt flying pilot and noted Dare-Devil, Eddie Wells, who piloted his plane some 2,000 feet above the tournament grounds. Following Clyde's jump, Eddie thrilled the crowd with spins, loops, and rolls. Also, this year, the newest department in Nassau County marched proudly in the parade and is known as the Island Park Fire Department.
In 1928, Chairman Henry Kerbs announced that a new parade route and tournament location would be included in the events on Duffy's Lane. Henry also stepped up the promotional aspect of these events by creating a contest for the best-decorated business along the parade route in Hicksville. Chief Henry Gebhardt and Henry Kerbs awarded a $50.00 prize to Hicksville Undertaker Harry B. Tator for the best-decorated business. A highlight during this parade was the participation of the oldest living Hicksville Firemen, who included Andrew Heberer, Martin Schnepf, Nicholas Schmitt, and John Gleckler.
The Hicksville Fire Department experienced new growth at a rapid pace during the decade of the 1930s and during the Tournament of 1930 during the Motor Hook and Ladder event. Malverne Climber, Assistant Chief John Rose, fell off the ladder when the ladder failed to meet the top of the arch and crashed onto a convertible car. Chief Rose was treated by Hicksville's Doctor Rave and sent to Nassau Hospital for further treatment.
At the 1931 tournament on Duffy's Lane, the judges were forced to cancel the tournament during the Efficiency contest because teams deliberately doused the officials with the hose streams. The judges requested that one of the nozzlemen be arrested, but the man got away before the police could subdue the suspect. In the continuing promotion of these events, ex-Chief and Chairman of the 1932 events, Henry Gebhardt, William Reichert, and Michael Brigandi (my grandfather), Proprietor of "Pigeon Lofts," released 12 homing pigeons during the tournament on Fourth Street.
Since the racing events were fairly new and the speed and accuracy were improving each year, it became common to see state records broken more often. Once again, in 1937, during the 12th Annual event on Fourth Street, there were 4 State records broken.
The parade this year featured, again, another promotional tool by the Labor Day Committee as 1,500 firemen and over 150 Ladies Auxiliary members paraded with a special contest won by the Lindenhurst Fire Department who took home the "Nut Club" award for the best Comedy display in the parade.
As the decade was coming to a rapid close, it was 1938 when a decision was made to use searchlights as the contests ran until after 10 p.m. Again, a special attraction at this tournament was when Parachuter Clyde Clelland jumped from a plane and landed on the Fourth Street School grounds.
The World War II Years
With the United States at war in Europe, many fire departments, including Hicksville's, found themselves without many young firefighters because they were serving their country. Even America's favorite pastime, professional baseball, was interrupted along with the annual events in Hicksville, which also abruptly ended. During the early war years, the fire department hosted its own internal drill competition between companies each year on Labor Day. This was designed to keep the comradery positive during such a difficult time. The department also decided to host an annual parade in lieu of the tournaments. The department played host to a community dance, which took place until 1945. It included the participation of Grumman's Orchestra, "The Continentals," playing the sounds of big band music. The events included a raffle for War Bonds and War Stamps, chaired by George Engel, Andrew B. Heberer Jr., and William Reichert.
Following the end of World War II, the department began to host the Annual Tournament, and in 1948, the entries reached a staggering 75 departments from all over Nassau and Suffolk counties. During the day, the department surgeon, Dr. Walter Stillger treated 46 spectators and contestants. He had assistance from the American Red Cross.
It was the close of the decade in 1949, and the Hicksville "Hicks" Drill Team was presented the Nassau County Point Trophy at the annual event in front of a crowd of over 12,500 spectators. It was this year that the "Hicks" won 49 trophies. As the contests got underway in the afternoon, three planes took off from the Hicksville Airpark and flew in formation over the tournament as a special tribute. The planes were piloted by Hicksville residents Eddie Alexander, Ken Garafola, and Dick Hertzburg.
The Age of Innocence and Baby Boomers
During the 1950s, housing development was booming, and many new families were making homes in Hicksville. The enrollment to join the fire department was so overwhelming that a waiting list was established. William Levitt was constructing homes for our G.I.'s in the late 1940s and by 1951, the Levittown Fire Department was organized and participating in our annual events. The racing circuit was even more popular, and the location throughout the decade tended to believe that a caravan of gypsies was running the events. The location went from Cedar Street to Burns Avenue, to New South Road, and to Levittown Parkway, before finding a home at the newly opened Mid-Island Shopping Plaza.
During the Labor Day 25th Anniversary in 1953, over 4,000 volunteer firefighters and hundreds of Ladies Auxiliary members participated in the events. A special event took place on the Saturday prior to Labor Day with the "Bug House" Comedy Parade, which was well attended by many Nassau County departments. Following this was a block party opposite the firehouse, complete with a 5-piece orchestra, lasting until the wee hours of the morning.
Before the beginning of the 27th Annual Drill in 1955, Mr. Jerome Zettler, from the Ambulance Community Committee, presented to Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners, Mr. Jack Leckie and Chief Larry Huttle. The presentation was a set of keys to a newly donated, fully equipped 1956 Chevrolet Ambulance.
Tragedy struck the 28th Annual event in 1956 when a spectator, Joseph Quinn, suffered a heart attack at the tournament grounds on Levittown Parkway. Joseph was watching his three sons compete in the events as they represented the East Meadow and Levittown Fire Departments. The tournament was halted, and the crowd was asked to bow their heads and observe a moment of silence in his honor.
With the Grand Opening of the Mid-Island Shopping Plaza in 1957, the fire department welcomed the proposal from Stackler and Frank to host the 29th Annual tournament at their location. Stanford Weiss, ex-Chief and Chairman, worked out the details that would become a long-lasting agreement with the Mid-Island Plaza. This parade was attended by 4,104 firemen and ladies, with a record 25,000 spectators who showed up to witness the day's events. The events ended around midnight, with fewer than 1,000 people remaining.
During the 29th Annual Tournament in 1958, the drill had to be halted when a 15-tier section of grandstands became loose and began to slide. The asphalt loosened the anchor pins, and repairs were unsuccessful. It was determined unrepairable by the Tournament Committee, and money was refunded to 500 people.
The most significant change in the Labor Day events came at the 30th Annual Drill when the Drill Team Captains Association introduced the electronic timing device that would be used to record times. This replaced the old way of comparing big pocket watches and splitting the difference between judges and hand-time using stopwatches. Over 10,000 spectators watched Uniondale and Oyster Bay for the second consecutive year ending in a tie at the tournament.
The Era of Free Spirit and Adventure
As the department entered the 1960s, they began to solicit by direct mail for funds and use their promotion in conjunction with the Annual Labor Day events. At the 1960 event, the Labor Day Chairman, John Larkin, made a presentation to Mr. William E. Koutensky, President of the L.I. National Bank. The presentation included a white Chief's Helmet with the inscription "Honorary Member" for his long and distinguished record of service to the Labor Day Committee and the department.
Once again, tragedy struck the Labor Day events in 1961. Chief William Michaelson from East Norwich suffered a heart attack and died hours later in Meadowbrook Hospital. At the same parade, the department recognized ex-Chief George Neder as the oldest (92) active living firefighter in N.Y. State. The drill also witnessed a dramatic drop in attendance when an existing heatwave enabled temperatures to reach 98°.
During the years of 1961 and '62, the department had a live version of the Star-Spangled Banner. First in 1961 with Mr. Larry Douglas, Broadway singing star, and again in 1962 with Walter Baldwin, Company Three. Both men opened the day's events by singing the anthem with the music provided by the Freeport Band. Portions of the tournament events were covered on the TV News Channel 4 with anchorman Gabe Pressman.
In 1963, Nassau County Police Officials estimated that over 15,000 people jammed the parade route to see U.S. Attorney General Robert Kennedy ride with County Executive Eugene Nickerson in the parade. As a result of this, News Channel 4 provided full coverage of the parade.
The Split of Nassau & Suffolk Counties
First, in 1973, and then, future Labor Days events were divided by having the Parade on Sunday night and the Drill on Labor Day morning. Chairman William Stahley announced that the parade was a success with 48 departments, 1,677 firefighters, and 108 Ladies Auxiliary members. The tournament day also had a record heat of 99°, reducing the annual attendance.
At the 46th Annual Labor Day Parade and Drill in 1975, the Committee was forced to move the drill from its existing site of 18 years (Mid-Island Plaza) to the Hicksville Water District property. The Drill was placed on hold due to 1st-time protests from the teams against the Drill officials' equipment malfunction. The drill was canceled next to the last event, and no winners were declared.
During the celebration of our country's bicentennial in 1976, Chairman Jack Pearson was able to secure the Juniors N.Y. State Drill, which was held the Saturday before the Labor Day events. At this event, the Hicks Junior Drill Team secured a 3rd-place finish overall. At the parade, there was a special guest that year, Howard Davis of Glen Cove. He was the 1976 Olympic Boxing Champion ("Gold Medalist"). A special feature during the parade was to have each division led by an ex-chief riding in an antique apparatus: 1858 Water Witch, 1872 Hose Reel, 1902 Horse Drawn Steamer, 1912 Motorized Steamer, 1924 Aherns Fox Pumper, 1946 Seagrave Tiller, and a 1950 Aherns Fox pumper.
At the 49th Annual parade and drill in 1977, a Leg Trophy was presented, donated by Protection Hook and Ladder Company One (1) in memory of the late Ex-Chief Henry Gebhardt for "B Ladder." The Hauwhurst family also donated a second Leg trophy in memory of Ex-Commissioner Harold Hauwhurst, Hook and Ladder Company 6 for Best Appearing Parade Department Overall.
After the 50th Labor Day Parade and Drill, it was announced that this would be the last drill held at the Water District on Bethpage Road. The EPA had requested that no activities be held at this site, and the Water District had contracted to dig new wells. The parade featured 1,399 firefighters and 69 Ladies Auxiliary members, a musical display by the St. Ignatius Girls Cadet and the Commanche Raiders.
A Time of Settlement in the Eighties
As we entered the 1980s, the events were again moved from the present site on Nelson Avenue back to Levittown Parkway, where they were held some 40 years prior. In the next two years, beginning in 1981, the Committee found themselves at odds with the crowd as several fights broke out, placing a damper on the day’s events. Several arrests followed, but the drill was completed. The following year was not as fortunate as the drill location was again changed, this time to Karin Lane off New South Road. Once again, the Committee found themselves at odds with the crowd. "No winners" were declared due to the riots by spectators, which forced officials to cancel the drill. The situation led to many arrests, and several injuries to firefighters were sustained.
As the quest for a more permanent location was underway, it was announced in 1983 by Chairman Richard Kershow that they would be using West Barclay Street and the Town of Oyster Bay parking fields. This would become the permanent site for all future Labor Day events. At this 55th Annual event, there were some water delays and timing equipment malfunctions, which delayed the drill well into the evening hours. About 7,500 spectators were on hand at the drill as they watched the Lindenhurst Snails take first place in one of the three events they entered before leaving for Suffolk County for another drill.
Near Perfection in the Nineties
The department entered the 1990s uneventfully for the first two years and began to prepare for its 100th Anniversary. In 1993, Gil Cusick was Chairman of the Labor Day events, and the "Hicks" Drill Team took 5th Place overall in total points at the motorized drill.
At the 68th Annual events, the Committee hosted the 9th Annual Battalion Parade and Drill activities with an "Old Fashion Drill" on Saturday. The "Hicks" came out as the Champs and broke a New York State record behind their climber Richard "the Kid" Schmidt in the "Dummy" competition with a 17.17 time.
The approaching Hurricane "Edouard" turned East and just glanced Long Island on Sunday, giving the weekend beautiful weather. The Drill start time was moved an hour earlier to 09:00. Due to timing equipment and water problems, delays in the Drill were seen for several hours, eventually forcing the State Drill Sanction to be lifted after the Ladder Competition. The "Hicks" took 5th Place in the motorized competition on Monday with 8 points.
Parade and Drill Location Changes
The most significant changes over time to the Labor Day tournament in Hicksville had been the location of the events. In years gone by, when there was a lot less automobile traffic congestion and considerably more open space, various public streets were used. During the first few years, the tournament was held on Woodbury Road near the corner of Bethpage Road (imagine trying to stage events on that busy road today).
The tournament was held on Fourth Street, next to the high school field (now the Middle School), for several successive years. During these years, a few old-timers may recall when the Honorable Judge Joseph Lubkuecher tore his trousers while up on the wooden judging arch and had to have them sewn before he could come down. Others may recall when George Engel was running with a hand hose cart and tripped. He fell under the wheels of the wagon and, rolling like a ball, escaped without serious injury.
Quite a few years ago, the tournament was held on Park Avenue, near the McGunnigle residence. It climaxed with a water fight between two companies armed with charged hoselines. Such an event is now banned at all contests, and a team can be disqualified if it douses the judges on purpose.
Duffy's Lane (Avenue now) was another favorite location before it was built up with factories and dwellings. Cedar Street, off Plainview Road and Burns Avenue, was used while Sam Weiss was Chief. During that time, events were postponed and canceled due to heavy rain and dangerous lightning.
Bethpage Road was the scene of the last "Super" tournament. There, 75 entries were on hand, and the contests had to be completed under floodlights, ending just before midnight.
Levittown Parkway was used at different times and provided an excellent location with its wide grassy shoulders. However, the long hike down Old Country Road brought some protests from visiting fire departments, which resulted in rule changes for parade distances for the marchers. During the second time Levittown Parkway was used, it brought protests of noise and loitering from the (now built-up) area residents.
When the opening of the Mid-Island Shopping Plaza (now the Broadway Mall) lent its location, it also gave the department a place to settle on as the perfect location. The paved fields provided an excellent racing course, grandstands, and convenient parking. Even though the location didn't change at the Plaza, the area was moved from the Nevada Street side to the James Street side, then finally to the Burns Avenue school location. The Plaza location was the most widely used and remembered area for the next 17 years, and it wasn't until the Plaza began to open its doors on Sundays and holidays that the location could no longer serve the department.
The location was then changed to the Water District property off Bethpage Road and lasted there until the State EPA forced the department to relocate due to the possible environmental impact. The following year, Nelson Avenue was tried as a suitable location, but it didn't fare well and lasted just one year.
After the second try at the Levittown Parkway location, it was decided to move to the industrial business area on Karin Lane. The biggest problem to ever face the volunteers was here at Karin Lane. At this site, fighting and disturbances by spectators plagued the event. Police and Fire Officials decided that after a riot broke out and several injuries were sustained, the tournament was canceled, and a new location was needed if the events were to continue in the future. With the cooperation of the Town of Oyster Bay Officials, the Hicksville Water District, and the Fire District, a permanent location was founded on West Barclay Street in 1983. This location was the last location to host such a wonderful event. The 2009 Annual Labor Day Parade and Drill saw significant improvements, including a permanent metal arch, convenient parking, a paved course, electronic pumps, appropriate fencing, and guards.
But the changes in our community just couldn’t support the event any longer. The Parade and Drill were picked up by the Hempstead Fire Department, which still holds the events today. Please share your memories……
Special thanks to the Hicksville Public Library and Hicksville Fire Department for the use of these photographs.
