DUPONT — The Dupont Volunteer Fire Hose Company No. 1 celebrated 100 years with a dinner dance on Saturday, Oct. 3, featuring live music from the Sperazza band, an open buffet, refreshments and more.

During the event, lifetime members of the volunteer hose company will be honored, including Frank Drost, who has been part of the company for 68 years; Bill Elko for 63 years; Bernie Zielinski for 64 years; John Lizak for 53 years and Albert Milhalka for 52 years.

The hose company formed in May 1915 in Smithville, which would later become Dupont Borough.

Formed in 1915, the town did not become officially known as Dupont Borough until 1917. Charles Tetlack, the hose company’s financial secretary, is not sure why the hose company carried the name Dupont prior to the borough being established.

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Bernie Babonis, left, 20-year president of the Dupont Hose Company, calls the names of firemen who could not be present to receive their honorary certificate of service, shortly after Albert Mihalka, center, 52-year veteran fireman for the Dupont Hose Company, and John Lizak, 53-year veteran fireman for the Dupont Hose Company receive theirs. The event in Dupont on Saturday, Oct. 3 marked the 100-year anniversary of the Dupont Hose Company.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_PSD101115Dupontdance1.jpg.optimal.jpgBernie Babonis, left, 20-year president of the Dupont Hose Company, calls the names of firemen who could not be present to receive their honorary certificate of service, shortly after Albert Mihalka, center, 52-year veteran fireman for the Dupont Hose Company, and John Lizak, 53-year veteran fireman for the Dupont Hose Company receive theirs. The event in Dupont on Saturday, Oct. 3 marked the 100-year anniversary of the Dupont Hose Company. Sean McKeag | Sunday Dispatch

Attendees of the gala line up for the buffet served in the reception hall at the Dupont Hose Company. The Dupont Hose Company celebrated 100 years of service Saturday, Oct. 3.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_PSD101115Dupontdance2.jpg.optimal.jpgAttendees of the gala line up for the buffet served in the reception hall at the Dupont Hose Company. The Dupont Hose Company celebrated 100 years of service Saturday, Oct. 3. Sean McKeag | Sunday Dispatch

Marina Smithonic studies photographs dating back as early as 1915 at the 100-year anniversary of the Dupont Hose Company Saturday, Oct. 3.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_PSD101115Dupontdance3.jpg.optimal.jpgMarina Smithonic studies photographs dating back as early as 1915 at the 100-year anniversary of the Dupont Hose Company Saturday, Oct. 3. Sean McKeag | Sunday Dispatch

The Sperazza Band provided entertainment for the attendees of the gala marking the 100-year anniversary of the Dupont Hose Company Saturday, Oct. 3.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_PSD101115Dupontdance4.jpg.optimal.jpgThe Sperazza Band provided entertainment for the attendees of the gala marking the 100-year anniversary of the Dupont Hose Company Saturday, Oct. 3. Sean McKeag | Sunday Dispatch

The Dupont Hose Company celebrated 100-years of service at the Dupont Hose Company firehouse Saturday, Oct. 3.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_PSD101115Dupontdance5.jpg.optimal.jpgThe Dupont Hose Company celebrated 100-years of service at the Dupont Hose Company firehouse Saturday, Oct. 3. Sean McKeag | Sunday Dispatch

Staff reports

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