Community-supported bingo and French fry stands fund a large portion of a new fire station in Stoneboro.

The volunteer firefighting company broke ground Monday on a proposed fire station, disaster relief center and rental hall.

The planned building, estimated to cost about $800,000 will replace the current station, which was constructed in 1949; the social hall was added in the 1950's.

Besides income from fair food and bingo, the new station was financed by a loan from Mercer County State Bank.

The two-story station, complete with three-door garage and pillared facade, is to be built at 36-38 Linden St. on property owned by the fire company.

"The community is excited about this, as well as all the guys (firefighters and building committee)," said Scott Black, a committee member and firefighter.

"There's a great bunch of guys here," said firefighter and committee member Jason Schiestle.

"This project is a long time coming, too," said Second Assistant Fire Chief, Bob Foust, who is on the committee. "The fire department has made a lot of new advances in equipment and this is just another level for us."

"A big addition," added Schiestle.

Both the ladies auxiliary and catering services will have the advantages of a modern, commercial kitchen.

"We are really looking forward to it as well," said Lisa Black, auxiliary president. "We hope it will intrigue new members. With new members, we hope to hold dinners for the community, which would be nice."

Cranberry and gray cut-faced block will provide a virtually maintenance-free exterior, as well as reduce energy costs with proper insulation.

The second floor may be available for local and regional fire/rescue training.

"More room not only allows for more room for storage and office space, but will allow the whole operation to be much safer," said Fire Chief Rich Reither II. "All equipment from the old hall will be moved to the new when it's complete and the old will be torn down."

Rollinson Construction of Hermitage, the general contractor, is expected to take five to seven months to build the station.

The Stoneboro Volunteer Fire Company was loosely organized by community members in 1888 with the purchase of a soda-acid handcart, which will be on exhibit at the new station.

It was formally organized in 1928 and incorporated in 1935, when the company set up operations in a wood-framed structure on Beech Street.

The department -- which serves Stoneboro, Lake Township and Sandy Lake Township -- quickly outgrew the Beech Street house and plans were made to relocate to Linden Street.

Soon after the move to Linden Street, a social hall was added and weekly bingo games began. They continue and provide most of the department's income.

The games, along with French fry sales at the Great Stoneboro Fair that began in the early 1970's, are paying for most of the building costs.