On June 22, 1898, forty-seven citizens of the Borough of West Conshohocken met in Odd Fellows Hall for the purpose of taking preliminary steps to organize a fire company. The meeting was called to order by Burgess Reese P. Davis and was temporarily organized by electing the following officers: Reese P. Davis, Chairman and Michael D. McElhattan, Secretary. Organization, finance, location, and apparatus committees were also named. 

The apparatus committee discussed a proposition from John H. Clay of Philadelphia on July 5, 1898. The proposition was as follows "Mr. Clay would present to the fire company a hose carriage constructed at a cost of $800 with the provisions that the town erect a suitable building to cost not less than $1500.00 and the company be named after his brother, George", hence the name "George Clay Steam Fire Engine and Hose Company".

A meeting was held on July 12, 1898 to elect permanent officers. The constitution of the fire company was accepted and Mr. Clay's offer of the previous week was accepted. Results of the election were:

President  -  Howard D. Whitehead; Vice President - Cornelius Boyle;  Secretary - Michael D. McElhattan; Asst. Secretary - Michael Donnelly; Treasurer - Phillip J Crimian;  Trustees -  Joseph C. Crawford, Reese P. Davis, D. Gordon Smyth, A.S. Tremdon,  F.B. Jacobus

The next meeting held on July 19, 1898 was to discuss the question as to whether persons living out of town could enroll as members was discussed. There being no reason to oppose them, their membership will be thankfully recorded. The Finance Committee was instructed to ask Borough Council for an appropriation of not less than $333.00.

On August 9, 1898 the Location Committee discussed the several sites for the building. The committee was instructed to call Mr. Armitage and secure the best possible terms for the purchase of his property. The first reading of the companies by-laws were accepted. The Company met again on August 16, 1898 after the Location Committee stated that after due consideration, they found the Armitage property undesirable. The Committee further recommended the Moorehead property. After considerable discussion from the members it was moved to purchase the property on the upper side of Matsonford Road adjoining Merion Street. A standing vote was taken resulting in a 12 for and 14 against, motion defeated. Following closely on the rejected motion, it was moved to purchase two lots, 40 feet on the lower side of Matsonford Road between the Free Will Baptist Church and Elizabeth Street. After considerable discussion, the vote was 15 for, 12 against, motion carried.  

Life membership was extended to John J. Clay and his brother Clemen Clay during the monthly meeting on August 23, 1898. The Location Committee discussed the several sites proposed for the building, but it wasn't until September 6, 1898 that the question of location was discussed with renewed vigor. It was moved to negotiate for the purchase of an 80 foot by 125 foot frontage on the upper side of Matsonford Road adjoining Maria Street, subject to survey at a price not exceeding $500.00. A vote was taken as follows: 18 in favor, 4 against, motion carried. The by-laws passed the third reading and were adopted. The next meeting was held on October 4, 1898 to discuss the size and construction of the building. The building would be 30 x 60 feet, two stories, iron front with marble trimmings. The first story was to be 16 feet high and the second 14 feet high. The building dimensions were amended later in October to be 24 x 60 feet.

At the November 1, 1898 meeting, John J. Clay again favored the company with his presence. He offered the suggestion that it would be advisable to write neighboring towns and say that the George Clay Fire Company is equipped and ready to be of service to any who might need us.   

A communications from The Washington Hose Company in Conshohocken was read out at the meeting on December 6, 1898 in which they would offer to present the company with a hose carriage if they could provide proper housing. Their gift was accepted and the secretary was instructed to write verifying them of the acceptance and extend a vote of thanks.

On March 22, 1899, Mr. Clay was elected Chief Engineer.

On May 11, 1899 Mr. Albert Nolblit's bid of $3,200 to construct a building to house the equipment was accepted.  The first meeting was held in the new building on February 6,1900. The company dedicated the building with a gala ball held on May 26, 1900. Invitations were issued to all societies of town councils, school boards of  West Conshohocken and Conshohocken, and to the Washington Fire Company to participate in the dedication of the new building.  

The young company was thriving with new membership and decided to organize an Active Association. A motion passed to recognize the association on August 6, 1901.  The fire company proved themselves on April 25, 1903 when Police Officer James McShane struck the fire alarm when he found the Bullock school building on fire. He assisted the firemen in pulling the apparatus to the fire. It took three hours before the fire was under control. George Clay extended their hospitality to the school board and granted permission for them to use the fire house as a school room until the school could be rebuilt.

John H. Clay was elected the first Fire Chief of the company on July 1, 1904. He remained in office until he passed away on November 16, 1907.

The company used hand drawn equipment until the purchase of a gasoline operated hose and chemical machine on March 3, 1914 for the cost of $2,056.09.

On March 2, 1915 the company entered into an agreement with Hale Motor Company to purchase a 500 gallon pumper for $2500.00. It was the first pump made by Hale Motor Company.

With the Borough growing the fire company felt that they needed to appoint a paid driver to better serve the community. On August 1, 1922, William Megan became the first paid driver. One year later the George Clay Fire Police was organized. The fire company purchased a #5-600 gallon pumper from the Hale Fire Pump Co at the cost of $9,000.00.  Also, in 1923, Alfred Markland was appointed driver replacing William Meagan. Alfred remained driver until Terrance Campbell was appointed in 1924.  Terrance "Pick" Campbell remained the paid driver for FIFTY years.

In 1928, the company purchased a Mack Chemical Engine for $6575.00. Two years later the company was called to assist the Perkasie Fire Company in a warehouse fire. The company was in service for five hours. 

On May 36, 1940 George Clay Fire Company dedicated the remodeling and addition of the fire house with a parade of 37 fire companies.

During WWII, the auditorium was used as an emergency hospital and was the most thoroughly equipped of its kind in Montgomery County between the years 1941-1945.

In May of 1949 the Active Association was reorganized and John Smith was elected President. On December 6, 1949 at a regular meeting of the Company, the trustees asked if the membership would be interested in replacing an old Mack Pumper with an Ambulance, since the Old Moose Ambulance was soon to cease operations. The firemen had mixed feelings, so a committee was formed to discuss the take-over.

At the April 4, 1950 meeting, a letter was received from the Moose Lodge asking if the Fire Company would want to take over their old ambulance. The Moose Lodge would set up a meeting to discuss the take-over. At this same meeting, the Fire Company decided to contact area businesses and to take a poll of the residents to see if they would support the Fire Company in obtaining a new ambulance. A committee was formed consisting of Robert and Earl Slater, Herb Seiders, John Getzfread, Jr. , Francis Getzfread, John Campbell Jr., John Priest, and James Carpenter. Mr. Carpenter was to be named the first President of the Ambulance Association and held the position until 1974. 

At the May meeting, the committee reported that 98% of the residents were willing to contribute $5.00 or more per family in support of an ambulance association. This money was collected over a ten week period to finance the new ambulance. The committee was instructed to proceed and obtain prices on a new ambulance, fully equipped with all needed supplies. On June 6, 1950 the committee suggested purchasing a 1950 Buick model ambulance. After much discussion the vote was 16 for a Buick and 28 for a Cadillac. The ambulance was purchased for $6,800.00 from the Wolfington Body Company. The ambulance was delivered in August, 1950 and by September it was fully paid for. This ambulance was later sold to Whitemarsh Township as their first community ambulance. George Clay Ambulance provided service to West Conshohocken and surrounding areas. It was staffed entirely by Fire Company Members. Due to the redevelopment of the river front properties, which required increased training and planning exercises, manpower was not available to continue operations. After 40 years, service to the community was discontinued in 1990.

In 1955, the new building was completed and in use. In 1959 the radio room was accepted by the Montgomery County Chef's Association and put into service. While the men were on duty, the women operators were: Joyce Campbell, Lois Risell, Ella Carracappa and Betty Williamson.

November 5, 1963, George Clay took delivery of 1000 GPM American LaFrance Pumper for $28, 369.50.

An alarm was struck on June 29, 1965. As many times before Fireman, William Evans ran from his house across the street from the fire house to respond to the call. While crossing the street a vehicle hit William Evans and fatally wounded him. He was the first fireman killed in the line of duty.  

Around 9:45 pm on January 27, 1971 a series of explosions rocked the quite neighborhood of Front Street in West Conshohocken. Flames were said to be over 100 feet in the air. As the winter night persisted on, fire companies from all over the area were called to assist. Ice formed on the apparatus and Firemen, making the tedious task of dousing the flames even harder. The Matsonford Bridge and the on and off ramps to the Schuylkill Expressway were closed until the next day. Five people lost their lives on this dismal day in January. One of those victims was George Clay Fireman Joseph Powers, who gave his life while in the line of duty. 

 After William Evans and Joseph Powers gave the ultimate sacrifice for their community, the George Clay Fire Company honored them. Both men's gear hang in the fire house today with plaques to remember them, #17 belonged to William Evans and # 53 belonged to Joseph Powers.  The memorial is located in the meeting room behind a pain of glass, never to be used again.

In June 1972, Hurricane Agnes swept the area with record floods and is known as the worst disaster in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. George Clay responded to numerous calls rescuing people from the flooding waters of the Schuylkill River.

December 1973, the company purchased 36 monitors to allow tone alert and voice notification of calls at home.  One year later  the 1974 Ward LaFrance 55' Telesquirt with a 1250 GPM pump was delivered. It cost $72, 000.00.

At the annual banquet held on April 21, 1979 Edward "Ted" Campbell, James Carpenter Sr., Joseph "Moose" Getzfread, and Donald "Archie" Tarr was honored for their many years of service and dedication. They were awarded the status of Meritorious Life Membership. Archie and Ted are still active with the fire company today. The following year at the banquet, on April 26, Ray Reed and Ernie Gruber were honored with the status of Meritorious Life Membership. Both men are still active with the company as well.

On July 12, 1981 Pick Campbell passed away after 57 years of service as Chief Engineer and 50 years as the paid driver.

The prices of apparatus have been steadily increasing over the years and in June 1982 the company took delivery of a Pirsch 1250 GPM pumper for $114, 000.00.

In January 1989, Ted Campbell retired as the fire company driver. He was also awarded the status of Honorary Chief at the banquet held on April of 1989. He was a line officer after 39 years of service. He was Chief for 19 years, and an Assistant Chief for 20 years. Ted is still active with the company today.

December 24, 1989 George Clay responded to a fire on Front Street, The company was assisted by Washington Fire Company, Conshohocken Fire Company # 2, Swedeland Fire Company, and Gladwyne Fire Company. The company was in service for six hours. A mother and two children perished in the fire and three firemen were seriously injured trying to save their lives.

In October 1992, the 1991 American Lafrance Pumper was delivered. It cost $230, 000. This was the first apparatus purchased with the fire tax money that the Borough started to collect on October, 10 1979.  One year later the Borough purchased a 1993 Simon LTI Ladder Truck 75' Quint for the fire company. It cost $398, 000.00.

West Conshohocken has been going through many changes since it was incorporated in 1874. The Schuylkill Expressway (I76) and the Veterans Memorial Highway (I476, Blue Route) run through the heart of the Borough. As well as many new high-rise office buildings that now sit along the river. The new development has kept the Fire Company very busy. There has been several tractor trailers roll over that have caused the highways to be closed for several hours, causing traffic jams as far away as Harrisburg.  The worst truck accidents recorded by the company occurred on January 20, 1994 at I476 North at 14.6 mile marker, the road was closed for five hours. A few months later, on March 14, 1994 a tanker overturned on the I76 west ramp  to I476 South. The driver was killed and the roads were closed for seven hours. A month later another accident, at the same place, killed another truck driver. One year later an accident on I476 at the I76 ramp closed the roads for five and a half hours. On May 24, 1995 a HazMat incident closed the roads for ten hours.    

In July, 1994 Meritorious Life member, Eugene Schwartz passed away.

In June 1997, the fire company started renovating the meeting room in preparation of the 100th Anniversary the following year. The fire company decided that the week of June 22, 1998 was going to be a full week of celebration for the 100th Anniversary. The week prior there was a family picnic at the fire house and a trip to see the Reading Phillies play baseball. The Banquet was on June 19, 1998 at the West Over Country Club. Dave Frankenfield and Pat Getzfread were honored for their many years of service and dedication. They were both awarded the Meritorious Life Membership. After the banquet, there was a party at the firehouse. On June 23, the Active Association held a clam bake. On June 25th, the Washington Fire Company, who was the hosting company, held a celebration at their station for the members of George Clay.  On June 26, 1998 there was a huge parade in honor of George Clay's 100th Anniversary. Companies came from all over to take part in the celebration.

After Hurricane Floyd ravished the area with major flooding in 1999, the fire company purchased a new boat for swift water. In November the fire company excepted KME's bid to purchase two rescue/pumpers. One November 26, the company responded to a two car accident with one fatality and four injuries.

On March 15, 2000 Honorary President and Meritorious Life Member George Rissell passed away.

July - September 2000 a movie company edited the two blockbuster films the "Sixth Sense" and "Signs" in the fire company's hall. On November 6, the KME Squad 1 was delivered and the Pirsch was sold to Shorterville Fire Company in Alabama.

At the January meeting in 2001, a motion was carried to add a winch and cascade system to the Utility truck. All the work was completed on Squad 1, 2, and the Utility and they were put into service in April. On May 15 the Company was called to assist Bridgeport in one of the worst fire in Montgomery County. In June the firefighters participated in the first high-rise training held in the Borough. The firefighters used the parking garage at the Tower One building. With new technology, the fire company switched all of the locks in the building to a key pad security system.

After the 9/11 attacks on our Country, West Conshohocken, Conshohocken, Bridgeport, and Norristown banded together and had a bucket brigade at Front and Ford Streets. On October 24, 2001, Dennis Frankenfield and George Bailey, along with representatives from the other boroughs, took a check for $80,000 to the families of the falling firefighters and police officers of New York City.

The two Squads and Utility trucks were housed on November 3, 2001. The Ladies Auxiliary housed the Utility, Washington Fire Company housed Squad 1, and Conshohocken Fire Company # 2 housed Squad 2.

The fire service is ever changing and 2002 was a year of change for George Clay. In January, 5" hose was added to the two Squad trucks. The Borough approved weekend drivers. Dave Markland, Dean Mower, Tom Smith, John Bry and Rob Dronitsky applied for the position and all five members were hired. The drivers are on a five week work cycle, not to keep them from their families all the time. John Bry has since quit and Joseph Soppick has taken his place. George Clay has a paid driver on from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm seven days a week to protect the community. In April the Matsonford Bridge was closed for four hours because of a bomb scare.

Meritorious Life member Jim Carpenter passed away on February 3, 2003.

George Clay Fire Company has come along way in the past 106 years of service. The Borough has changed with the new development of the river front and new residential housing all over town. Firefighters must go through hundreds of hours of training before responding to an incident. Firefighter's don't just put fire's out anymore, they train for vehicle accidents, river/water rescues, and hazardous material incidents just to name a few. George Clay takes pride in their company and the community that they protect everyday.