History of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen's Association

In the late 1950s, a group of pioneering and dedicated women identified a crucial need for a support network to complement the efforts of the men's volunteer fire and rescue services in Southern Maryland. Their primary objective was to enhance these services by working alongside the men in their noble endeavors. This visionary group convened on November 22, 1960, at the Hughesville Fire House, laying the foundation for what is now known as the Ladies Auxiliary to the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen's Association. The inaugural meeting saw thirty women from six different auxiliaries across three counties:

• Benedict in Charles County
• Leonardtown in St. Mary's County
• Lexington Park in St. Mary's County
• North Beach in Calvert County
• Tenth District in Charles County
• Waldorf in Charles County

Founding and Early Years

Louise Kelly, from the Benedict Ladies Auxiliary, was a key figure at the founding meeting, serving as Chairperson. Her leadership was vital in bringing together members from across the three counties—Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's—to support the men's organization. The decision to formally establish the Ladies Auxiliary was made at this meeting, and the organization was officially launched at its first formal meeting on January 4, 1961. During this gathering, the first officers were elected, and it was decided that annual dues would be $5.00, with meetings held every two months. Additionally, an annual officer installation ceremony was scheduled to coincide with the men's installation each May.

To foster inclusivity and convenience, a rotational system for meeting venues was adopted, beginning with Bel Alton's firehouse. The inaugural officers were:

• President: Louise Kelly (Charles County)
• First Vice President: Josephine Bowen (Calvert County)
• Second Vice President: Thelma Herbert (Calvert County)
• Secretary: Blanche Choate (St. Mary's County)
• Treasurer: Katherine Holley (St. Mary's County)

Under Louise Kelly's leadership, the organization established by-laws and embarked on its mission to support and develop the volunteer firefighting system in Southern Maryland. Over the years, the auxiliary became a dynamic force, raising essential funds for projects and organizing various community events, steadily growing in membership.

Growth and Contributions

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Ladies Auxiliary focused on supporting the establishment of the Southern Maryland Regional Training Center in La Plata, Maryland. They engaged in extensive fundraising efforts, including writing letters to public officials, organizing newspaper drives, and hosting dances, ultimately raising $11,000 to furnish the training center. The center, featuring a burn building added in the late 1980s, remains a cornerstone of fire and rescue training in the region.

Despite facing budget cuts and reduced funding in the early 1990s, the auxiliary continued its efforts by organizing drives and donating funds to support essential training classes. In 1991, they established a Hall of Fame to honor members who made exceptional contributions, with the first inductees celebrated in 1992. To date, forty-six women have been recognized for their dedicated service.

The auxiliary has also actively participated in the Southern Maryland Officers Campaign Committee, supporting candidates for office within the Maryland State Firemen's Association and Ladies Auxiliary. Their involvement has included providing refreshments and showing solidarity at events like the MSFA Convention in Ocean City.

Legacy and Leadership

Today, the Ladies Auxiliary to the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen's Association has grown to include twenty-eight active auxiliaries with approximately four hundred volunteers across Southern Maryland. The organization mourned the passing of Past President Louise Kelly in 1995, a figure whose leadership was instrumental in its development. Her legacy continues through the achievements of other women who have risen to prominence, including eight women from Southern Maryland who have served as President of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Maryland State Firemen's Association:

• 1983: Kathie Lohman, Waldorf, Charles County
• 1985: Leone Gatton, Hollywood VFD, St. Mary's County
• 1991: Jean Slifka, Bryans Road, Charles County
• 1994: Eloise Healy, Potomac Heights, Charles County
• 2003: Clara Mae Buckmaster, North Beach, Calvert County
• 2005: Barbara McWilliams, Seventh District VFD, St. Mary's County
• 2015: Darby Byrd, Dentsville EMS, Charles County
• 2016: Barbara Sue Nelson, Seventh District VFD, St. Mary's County
• 2021:  Becky Wathen, Ridge VFD, St. Mary's County

These extraordinary women have left an enduring legacy of service and dedication, continuing to inspire and lead within the fire service community.