Massive Fire Destroys Meadowbrook Furniture Building on Sunrise Highway

 

Massive Fire Destroys Meadowbrook Furniture Building on Sunrise Highway

In November, 1964, Over 100 volunteer firefighters from the Bellmore Fire Department battled a devastating early morning blaze that completely destroyed the Meadowbrook Furniture building on Sunrise Highway, between Bedford and Bellmore Avenues. The fire broke out shortly after midnight on Sunday and raged for more than four hours.

According to Chief Ernest J. Schneider of the Bellmore Fire Department, all seven pieces of departmental equipment and members from all three Bellmore fire companies responded to the alarm, which came in at 12:10 a.m. Fire crews remained on the scene until approximately 2:30 a.m. to fully contain the flames.

The Wantagh Fire Department was called in to assist, while the North Bellmore Fire Department stood by at Bellmore Headquarters to cover any additional emergencies.

Several firefighters were overcome by heavy smoke during the operation. Tony Allen was transported to Meadowbrook Hospital (now Nassau University Medical Center) for treatment due to smoke inhalation. Despite the intense conditions, the volunteers worked tirelessly to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby buildings.

The building was owned by Jerome Bossen of 2140 Bellmore Avenue (now commercial space), who also owned Meadowbrook Lumber Company. Bossen described the structure as a total loss, with damage he called "considerable." The Meadowbrook Furniture business was operated by William Ronnerman and Sons of Sayville.

The three Bellmore fire companies involved in the firefighting efforts included:

• Advance Hook, Ladder & Engine Company

• Hose Company No. 1, led by Captain Walter Valentine

• Engine Company No. 2, led by Captain Joseph Rutkowski
  Deputy Chief Albert Green was also present during the operation.

Photographer Bertoli and members of the Bellmore Life staff were on the scene to capture images of the fire and the heroic efforts of the volunteer firemen.

Though the Meadowbrook Furniture building was a complete loss, the spirit of community and quick response of local departments helped prevent further tragedy.

They did not rebuild the original store in its old location, and the company quietly closed sometime after the 1970s, without ever reestablishing itself elsewhere.