Feature Image. Fire House dedication, firemen standing in front of old firehouse, ca 1995.
The following article was written in the MCHS Quarterly on July 3, 1976, and the original firehouse was still in use after 100 years.
An Early City Hall and Engine Building
The City Hall and Engine Building, now housing our present fire department, was completed late in 1875. Built by Robert McCance and W.P. Beaton as contractors, the building cost $4,200. Alfred Morrison, Platt McDonald and W.D. Thompson supervised the construction for the city. The original building was 34 feet wide and fifty feet long, with brick walls 35 feet high and 18 inches thick to the second story with 12-inch-thick walls from there to the roof. The hose and bell tower was nine feet square and 59 feet high.
The first floor consisted of one large room in which the firefighting equipment was kept. Listed as the equipment owned by the department at that time was one hand engine, one hose cart, hose and hooks and ladders.
Upgrading Equipment
The first fire engine was purchased sometime between 1863 and 1868 and was, from all indications, a “sidestroke” engine. Five or six men to a side, pumping up and down vigorously, were able to produce a respectable, pulsating stream of water, procured from a cistern or the river. “Hooks” were long pike poles, usually with a pointed end as well as a hooked end. They were used for pulling down buildings in an attempt to smother fire and keep it from spreading.
The upper story of the new building had two rooms, one for the use of the fire department and the other used as a city council chamber and Mayor’s office. The building was described as being “large enough for the city to use for many years to come”, and so it has been.
Funding the Building
Possession of the building was taken by the city on February 21, 1876, and the dedication was marked with a grand ball, proceeds of which were $165.00. The volunteers had been staging balls for some time prior to this dedication ball for an earlier reference to one in January of 1868 noted receipts of $80.40. The annual Fireman’s Ball continues, each year being held in February, for the benefit of the Fire Department.
Honorary Member Certificate.
This is just one of many resources available at the Marshall County Historical Society & Museum, located at 123 N. Michigan St. in Plymouth. Call us at 574-936-2306.