References an 1873 photograph taken by Shoaff hanging in the Henry Braun saloon on East Main Street showing the old Alert Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1 with fify-six genltlemen some names were listed in the same column.
First Central Fire House at The Historical Marker Datatbase HMdb.org Inscription. The first volunteer fire company was founded in Fort Wayne in 1839. On this site in 1860 was located the first Central Fire House. This two story brick structure with a bell tower housed two steam fire engines and two hose wagons. The units stationed here were The Mechanics and Vigilant Engine and Hose Companies.
In 1863 another building was added behind for the ladder truck of the Alert Hook and Ladder Company.
Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum
Journey Indiana- Heated History: Touring The Fort Wayne Firefighers Museum March 20, 2024 Journey Indiana on YouTube. The Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum gives visitors a glimpse into more than 200 years of firefighting history. https://www.fortwaynefiremuseum.com/ Producer- Nick Deel
Videographer-John Timm
Experience the Hoosier state like never before on Journey Indiana. Take a road trip with us to discover the distinctive culture, history, people, and artistry that shape our state. Each week, hosts Ashley Chilla and Brandon Wentz travel to new destinations to learn what makes those communities special.
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Do you know how people called for help during a fire in the 1800s?
In the 1870s, they used street boxes on the corners. You'd flip a switch and wait for the fire team to respond, a far cry from today's methods!
Explore this rich history at the Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum. The museum chronicles firefighting from the 1800s to today. Housed in a building built 1893, which served as an active station until 1972, it showcases over 200 years of firefighting technology.
Learn more about the Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum on this week's episode of Journey Indiana!
Journey Indiana is produced by WTIU – Public Television from Indiana University.
Journey Indiana airs live and can be found on the web anytime at the link in our bio.
Fire House #1 c. 1897, located on Main Street between Barr & Lafayette. Fort Wayne's first professional fire department...
Fire House #1 c. 1897, located on Main Street between Barr & Lafayette. Fort Wayne's first professional fire department was started in 1881. Learn more about the FWFD at 200@200 - To Govern and Serve
Former Sunday, October 9, 2022 post by
Smithsonian Libraries and Archives on Facebook:
It's #waybackwednesday! Check out these then and now photos, courtesy of the Daniel A. Baker Collection in our Community Album. The first photo shows Fire station #3 on Washington Blvd. circa 1909. The Fire station was constructed in 1893 and deactivated in 1972. The second photo shows the Fort Wayne Firefighters' Museum in 2017, formerly Firestation #3, which opened in 1981.
From our back issue 11::: The Fire House Horse::: check out this little movie of fire horses being harnessed, ca. 1903. Watch how fast a team can harness and be out the door--faster than modern fire engines. OUT IN FIFTEEN SECONDS! Look how quickly the gray horse is ready to go--The single-horse buggy you see just at the end (on left) is probably a Morgan pulling the Fire Cheif. Enjoy! We've uploaded another Fire Horse video too--so be sure to check the Video Gallery.
From our back issue 11::: The Fire House Horse::: check out this little movie of fire horses being harnessed, ca. 1903. Watch how fast a team can harness and be out the door--faster than modern fire engines. OUT IN FIFTEEN SECONDS! Look how quickly the gray horse is ready to go--The single-horse buggy you see just at the end (on left) is probably a Morgan pulling the Fire Cheif. Enjoy! We've uploaded another Fire Horse video too--so be sure to check the Video Gallery.
Most stations did parades at least twice per year--at July 4th, and again in the autumn. Here is a beautiful team pulling a ladder wagon, ca. 1890-1900. In all the research I did for the article, it was amazing how many personal accounts were found about the firemen being tremendously proud of their horses. I think this accounts for them often staying sound well into their twenties, despite the tough job. (note--the item that resembles a trampoline is for catching people who leap from upper floors of burning buildings.)
Most stations did parades at least twice per year--at July 4th, and again in the autumn. Here is a beautiful team pulling a ladder wagon, ca. 1890-1900. In all the research I did for the article, it was amazing how many personal accounts were found about the firemen being tremendously proud of their horses. I think this accounts for them often staying sound well into their twenties, despite the tough job. (note--the item that resembles a trampoline is for catching people who leap from upper floors of burning buildings.)
Enjoying the Fire Horse video? Here's another! Newark, NJ, 1896. Another companion piece to our full article in issue #11.
Fire Department Coal Wagon at No. 3 Description Fort Wayne Fire Department Coal Wagon at Fire Station No. 3, 226 West Washington Street. This is the building in the rear that was added in 1909. This photo was used on the 1909 composite of Station No. 3. Date 1909.
Description Fort Wayne Fire Horses in their stalls at Fire Station No. 3, 226 West Washington Street. This photo was used on the 1909 composite of Station No. 3. Date 1909.
Description Fort Wayne Fire Station No. 3, 226 West Washington. Interior view looking through the apparatus room from East to West. This photograph was used to make a composite picture of Station No. 3 in 1909.
Fire Station No. 3, 226 West Washington. This photo was made off a post card. date 10/16/1911.This same image discussed September 29, 2025 by Indiana DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology on Facebook. Engine House No. 3 was constructed in 1893, with subsequent additions made in 1907 and 1909 to accommodate the city’s growing population. The building now houses the Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum, which aims to preserve, educate, and exhibit the history of Fort Wayne’s Fire Service. Before its retirement in 1972, Engine House No. 3 was responsible for 78 years of fire prevention, management, and safety, while adapting to the development of new equipment and fire prevention methods. In 1979, the building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NR-0230) for both its socio-historical impact but also its architectural significance, as the engine house features a similar Richardsonian Romanesque style to that of the historic Fort Wayne City Hall. To learn more, visit SHAARD: SHAARD & IHBBC Map.
Was Filled With a Misty Smoke of Disagreeable Odor Early This Morning.
Residents of the central section of the eity and as far south as the railroads suffered from the fumes and smoke that came from a fire on the city dump late last night and early this morning, and the odor of burning rubbish hung over the downtown seetion till after daylight.
The dump has been on fire for years, and every now and then the blaze gets to the surface and the fire department beats it back under the ground. Seyeral times in the past few weeks the department has been called to the dump, and last Friday night it spent several hours there fighting a fire.
The blaze broke out again yesterday and the damp cinders, ashes and rubbish sent up clouds of smoke so dense that by midnight the central part of the city was enveloped in a mist. In the early morning the smoke was so thick that it spread into the residence districts and was the cause of great annoyance.
The two-story frame barn on the rear of the premises of Charles Fry, 2401 Force street, was totally destroyed early yesterday morning by a fire, the origin of which is unknown. The flames gained considerable headway before they were discovered. A horse which was stabled in the barn was rescued. The loss was $150, with no Insurance.
This makes a total of 309 fires this year, or one more than the record of the department for the year 1907, which was the previous record. With another month before the year is up the laddies expect to pass the 330 mark.
The new steamer to be quartered at No. 3 fire station was driven through the streets yesterday in order to acquaint the horses and Driver Harris with the workings of a three-horse hitch-up. It will take a peculiar course of training to teach the Horses to come under the harness properly for this style hitch-up. Three handsome gray animals have been purchased by the board of safety for this apparatus and their appearance yesterday elicited much praise from persons the streets.
At the Pennsylvania--Burning Over« alls Cause Much Excitement -Two. Other Fires.
A pair of greasy overalls and some rubbish in a little building which houses the electric welder at the Pennsylvania, caused no end of excitement in the vicinity of the shops last evening at seven o'clock. A watchman, making his rounds, noticed the blaze which was a lively one while the grease on the overalls lasted, sent in an alarm, and the hideous siren of the company sent its shrill sounds to the volunteer shop firemen, who live in the vicinity and they arrived just about the same time as the city's men. In the meantime about two thousand people had gathered near the gates awaiting the flames to sweep along the big buildings. They were disappointed, however, as no one but the fire-fighters caught a glimpse of the blaze, and even their's was a very fleeting one. The building is so situated that it cannot be seen from Clinton street. Little effort was needed to put out the blaze and scarcely any damage was done to the building or equipment.
Spoke Factory Has a Fire.
Sparks from the stack of a passing Wabash engine ignited the roof of the boiler house of the Wayne Spoke and Bending company yesterday and caused a damage of $15 before it was extinguished by fire companies Nos. 3 and 4.
Coal Pile Burning
Fire which has been smouldering for the six weeks, in a big coal pile belonging to the Nickel Plate Railroad company, again broke out last night and is still receiving the attention of fire company No. 7. It was thought last week that the fire had been entirely extinguished, but the blaze had gone farther into the coal pile, and the burning has now so far advanced that it may be necessary to separate the burning coal from the untouched and allow the fire to burn.
The gas company's coal pile on Barr street opposite the gas plant, is burning again. Residents of that portion, of the city who were inconvenienced by the smoke and strong odor created by the burning coal reported the matter to the fire department and the company was instructed to give relief. An effort will be made to-day by employes to extinguish the fire which is smouldering in the interior of the coal pile.
Sparks from a Wabash engine set fire to the roof of Schlitz Brewing company's ware house along the Wabash tracks, near Fairfield avenue, shortly after noon yesterday, and the apparatus from No. 8 house was sent to the scene to extinguish the blaze.
Another large coal pile, besides those of the Nickel Plate railroadnear the roundhouse and that of the Indiana Lighting company on North Clinton street, which have been burning for the past several weeks, has been discovered on fire. People residing in the vicinity of the traction company's power plant, on Spy Run avenue have been noticing a strong tar-like odor for a week or more and yesterday curls of smoke and steam bursting forth at various points of the huge coal pile located west of the power plant indicated that fire is smoldering in the coal. No call was sent to the fire department, but a force of shovelers was immediately put to work to dig at the highest point of the coal and by turning water into this trench by means of several lines of hose it is hoped to extinguish the fire.
The huge coal pile of theNickel Plate, on the south side of tracks, near the Wayne Knitting Mills, was again burning fiercely yesterday morning and the men from No. 5 and No. 7, engine houses were kept busy with the blaze from 9 o'clock in the morning until late in the evening.
They Got Pinched For Trying to Steal the Stuff, But Judge Mungovan Let Them Go.
Seeing a pile of coal on fire near the Nickel Plate tracks along Mechanic street yesterday evening, Lawrence and Louis Gordon two young boys decided that it was a good policy to save some of the stuff and proceeded to load several big chunks into sacks and a small wagon. The boys were caught by the Nickel Plate police and charged with petit larceny but this morning Judge Mungovan turned them loose as there was no evidence that either had really intended stealing.
Tom Shaffer and Jake Shoup, a couple of old veterans got together yesterday to celebrate Shaffer's return to the city and both were locked up after they had gone down and out on Columbia street. They were turned loose this morning. Jim Green a young fellow that drifted into town last night looking for work and was picked up because he could give no good account of himself, was turned loose to look for a job.
Al Guenther on his plea of guilty to a charge of robbery was bound over to the circuit court. The case against htm will be dismissed, as Gucnther is the man that gave the information that resulted in the arrests of three other express car sneak thieves several months ago. The others are in Michigan City.
The police departrnent will have a number of men in plain clothes patrolling the city on Friday night to enforce the ordinances relating to a safe and sane Halloween.
The fire department was called to the garage of W. K. Noble, 420 West Wayne street, late Tuesday afternoon, and after considerable difficulty succeeded in extingushing a burning mass of coal, a portion of a supply of fifteen tons. It is reported that the loss will not exceed $15.
No. 1-No, 3 serial truck to be equipped with four wheel tractor in place of the three horse hitch as seen above. This will give the apparatus when motorized speed of thirty miles per hour and greatly increase its efficiency.
No. 2-"Good-by Old Pal." The best of friends must part for sentiment is sacrifled on the altar of efficiency.
No. 3-This is No. a chemical, the first piece of motor apparatus ever placed in service in Fort Wayne and still on the job. It goes to all fires and responds to every alarm.
No. 4-No. 3 hose cart which will be taken out of service with the arrival of the new combination pumper and hose wagon.
No. 5-Chief Henry Hilbrecht, "Grand Old Man of the Fort Wayne Fire Department."
No. 6-The coal wagon. Only horse drawn vehicle remaining in service at No. 3 engine house after the present change. The coal wagon goes to all fires.
Nos. 7 and 8-"Max" and "Sam" who together with "Pete" (No. 2) form the three-horse hitch of No. 8 engine which is to be replaced by the now motor pumper. [ "Sam" killed in May 6, 1919 runaway ]
No. 9-Motor pumper stationed at street. the first house the city .central engine house on East Main street which was completely motorized.
No. 10.-"Fred," "Dick" and "George," the splendid animals of the three-horse hitch of No. 3aerial truck, which is to be equipped with tractor. The motorizing of this apparatus ends their service here. [ "Dick" killed in May 6, 1919 runaway ]
No. 11-Engine House No. 9 on Winter street, and one piece combination equipment. This is the first strictly modern fire station of the new type built in Fort Wayne and will doubtless serve as a model for others to come.
The big tractor which is to replace the three horse hitch on the extention ladder at No. 3 engine house has arrived. It is on the Nickel Plate freight tracks, ready to be unloaded as soon as representatives of the Seagrave company arrive from Columbus, Ohio. The horses will be sold, probably this week.
The auto pumper is on the way and is expected here shortly. Its arrival will displace the other three horse hitch at the No. 3 station and will make the house completely motored.
John McMahon, demonstrator for the Seagrave Fire Apparatus company of Columbus, Ohio, arrived here Tuesday to oversee the work of unloading and installing the new four-wheel tractor which is to take the place of "Fred," "Dick" and "George,' comprising the three-horse hitch of the aerial truck at No. 3 engine house.
After being unloaded the tractor was taken to Central engine house, on Main street, where the work of transforming the No. 3 truck from a horse-drawn to motor-driven apparutus will be carried out to-day.
Sam and Dick Fatally Injured in Runaway on First Day. of Civil Life.
"Sam" and "Dick," two of the beautiful fire horses ordered sold following the installation of additional motor equipment at No. 3 engine house on Washington boulevard lost their lives Monday afternoon, on the first day of their retirement to civil life. Both animals had to be shot because of injuries which they sustained as a result of a runaway on Wall street where they ran into a concrete mixer, one of the animals breaking a leg and the other a shoulder blade.
"Sam," one of the three "whites" composing the three-horse hitch of the now discarded steam engine, and "Dick." one of the three sorrel horses which have been replaced by the motor tractor of the aerial ladder truck, were purchased by the AntiBorax Compound Co., on Wall street, and delivered to their new owners Monday morning.
In the afternoon they were hitched up for the first time to haul a load of the firm's product to the freight house. The wagon had proceeded but a short distance when the two horses became frightened and started to run away, continuing east on Wall street in a mad dash until they reached the General Electric works buildings where they ran into a large concrete mixer which was standing on the street. Both animals fell and it soon became apparent that they were injured severely. A veterinary surgeon was called who after an examination advised the animals to be shot.
Fire Station No. 5
Engine House No. 5, built in 1893, stands as a historic reminder of our city’s commitment to public safety and the...
Engine House No. 5, built in 1893, stands as a historic reminder of our city’s commitment to public safety and the dedication of those who serve. It served as an engine house well into the 1960s. In 2004, our local firefighters’ union purchased this iconic building to establish our headquarters, preserving a part of our city’s heritage.
After many years, the building’s brickwork is in need of upkeep. We are fortunate to have skilled organizations like the Bricklayers Union to support us in restoring this treasured landmark. Their expertise not only strengthens our building but also helps us honor our history and commitment to the community. Thank you to all who contribute to keeping Engine House No. 5 standing strong for future generations!
In every strong community, skilled labor is the foundation that supports us all. Bricklayers, trade unions, city workers, police officers, and firefighters, build resilience, safety, and opportunity. Their skill and dedication shape the walls that shelter our families, the schools that educate our children, and buildings that keep our communities safe.
Together, we are more than individual trades; we are a network of workers dedicated to creating a better future for every member of our community. Here’s to skilled labor unions, the backbone of progress and the spirit of unity!
August 19, 2024 post on True Fort Wayne Indiana History on Facebook showed three photos. On Dec. 31, 1930, a fire truck from Engine House No. 5 struck a sedan on Broadway at Wayne. (The 7 injured were taken to St. Joe Hospital, a block away.) This distinctive, 19th century house is well known as the Eli Hoffman House, Dr. Joseph Baltes' Office; and later, Baltes Cardiology. Others? - photos are by Clippinger, for the Journal Gazette; and the Daniel A. Baker Collection, via ACPL
Fire truck wreck - Seven hurt when fire truck hits auto. Seven persons were injured, four of them seriously, when a fire truck from No. 5 Engine House struck an automobile at Wayne Street & Broadway while answering an alarm which later proved false. The truck was driven by Clifford Butler of 1522 Lumbard Street and the light sedan by Miss. Mildred Magers of 908 Third Street. The injured were all taken to St. Joseph's Hospital a block away. The heavy truck struck the sedan, and then crashed over the curb and into a large pole. House number is 821 Broadway, also has a number on Wayne Street (624). House is on the Northeast corner. Photograph appeared in the Journal Gazette on 1/1/1931. Photo by Clippinger.Allen County Public Library Digital Collections at the Allen County Public Library.
Puppy love at the firehouse! Check out this adorable 1950s snapshot of Queenie and her brood of 10 Dalmatian puppies at Fire Station No. 5 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
The station's mascot Queenie had just given birth to this litter, and the fire department planned to share the pups with other firehouses in the city that were in need of canine companions. Dalmatians were famously used as carriage dogs to run alongside horse-drawn fire trucks, so these pups were destined for an important role!#waybackwednesday
This image comes from the Fire Fighter Photograph Collection in our Community Album. Check out our Community Album here: http://contentdm.acpl.lib.in.us/
Built in 1895, Engine House #8, 2211 Fairfield Ave., is an excellent example of Neoclassical architecture which was popular c.1891-c.1950. This style uses an eclectic mix of classical features like columned porticos, pediments and cornices with dentils, pilasters, keystones and quoins. This building was designed by architect John M.E. Riedel. He designed more than a few buildings of note in this community including the A.L. & Irene Riegel House, 620 Main St.; St. Paul Lutheran School, 1225 Barr St.; and Concordia Evangelical School, 1820 Alliger St. The Engine House has dentils in the entablature held up by pilasters over the engine house doors and in the entablature at the roof line. The bell tower is on the south side of the building. ARCH is proud to present this edition of Throwback Thursday, part of its work as the historic preservation organization serving the greater Fort Wayne area, made possible by ARCH members and donors. Thank you.
Fire Station No. 9
Today’s Throwback Thursday post features a building that was Engine House No. 9, became the new fire academy in 1961,...
Today’s Throwback Thursday post features a building that was Engine House No. 9, became the new fire academy in 1961, and fell on hard times after its service to the fire department. The structure has been brought back to life, thanks to the Fort Wayne Office of Housing & Neighborhood Services, and is now the location of hte urban farm, Johnnie Mae Farm at 2518 Winter Street. The Craftsman-style Engine House Number 9 was designed by architect Frank Allen. The brick building was the first fire station in Fort Wayne that was built to accommodate motorized fire trucks. When the building was restored, many of the original features were retained like the wood brackets, original window openings with limestone lintels and sills, large double doors, the limestone cornerstone and the tower on the north side of the building. The farm’s namesake Johnnie Mae White was a devoted community leader dedicated to enriching the lives of others, through compassion, faith and the desire to help. The community was fed by donations and canning services in this building. The restoration included the installation of a state-of-the-art commercial grade kitchen. The kitchen is available for rent or use by community groups. Johnnie Mae Farm Stand sells the produce that is grown on-site. Indiana LandmarksIndiana Historical SocietyIndiana Historical BureauCity of Fort Wayne GovernmentAllen County Genealogical Society of IndianaAllen County Public LibraryGreater Fort Wayne Inc.Northeast Indiana Regional PartnershipFort Wayne Community MemoriesPurdue Extension - Allen CountyFort Wayne Parks and RecreationJohnnie Mae Farm Renaissance Pointe Hanna-Creighton Renaissance Pointe YMCA
Mayor Tom Henry joined Fire Chief Eric Lahey, Fort Wayne Fire Department employees, and representatives from Witwer Construction and Shive-Hattery Architecture and Engineering, to dedicate Fire Station 14, located on the southeast corner of Reed Road and East State Boulevard.
“Today marks an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to provide excellent public safety services,” said Mayor Henry. “This modern and efficient facility will be a welcome addition to assist the women and men of the Fort Wayne Fire Department. Our firefighters do an outstanding job each day to protect residents, neighborhoods and businesses.”
Station 14 firefighters will move into their new building tomorrow. The $4 million investment features two full bays and a one-half bay. It has sleeping quarters to accommodate the firefighters’ 24-hour shifts, a large dining room and kitchen, and a workout room.
Numerous safety measures for cancer prevention were also included in the design of Station 14. There are clear markings separating the living space of the structure from the work space, in order to keep the living space free from contaminates. Positive pressure air locks were installed to keep exhaust fumes and airborne contaminates contained. And there is a decontamination shower on the work side, along with a separate area where soiled firefighting gear can be washed and dried.
Fire Station 14 was relocated from Reed Road, across from Snider High School. The new station provides easier access to major roadways and much needed space for firefighters, increasing their ability to provide lifesaving service to City residents.
The fire station also helps serve a growing area of the community with three schools nearby and provide for better access to areas the City of Fort Wayne serves in partnership with St. Joseph Township. All of the changes will not impact response times that are currently being met by the Fort Wayne Fire Department.
Witwer Construction Inc. was the general contractor and Shive-Hattery Architecture and Engineering was the architect for Fire Station 14.
We hope you had a chance to see the new Station 6 and Station 14 fire engines during the Three Rivers Festival Parade.
Do you know how people called for help during a fire in the 1800s?
The museum chronicles firefighting from the 1800s to today. Housed in a building built 1893, which served as an active station until 1972, it showcases over 200 years of firefighting technology.
Check out this adorable 1950s snapshot of Queenie and her brood of 10 Dalmatian puppies at Fire Station No. 5 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.