A member of the Maydole Hose Company replacing the American flags on the grave site of David Maydole, founder of the David Maydole Hammer Factory, whose employees first formed the Maydole Hose Company in 1887. (Photo by Sarah Genter)

NORWICH — The Maydole Hose Company, one of four volunteer fire companies in Norwich, spent Saturday morning tending to the grave sites of more than 130 former members.

Each year on the weekend before Memorial Day, members of the Company visit Mt. Hope and St. Paul's Cemeteries in Norwich to replace the American flags that mark the resting sites of former members. If needed, the metal Maydole Hose Company grave markers are also replaced.

Additionally, Maydole Hose Company President Pat Ford said members will travel outside of the city to tend to the graves of former members in other areas of Chenango County.