South Hadley Old Fire House Museum

South Hadley, MA - The Fire District No. 1 Firehouse was constructed in 1888-89. In addition to a firehouse it was also used as a polling place, a theater, a graduate site, a meeting hall and a social hall. This firehouse was used until 1974 when a new firehouse was built in Newton Street. In 1974 the Historical Society was chartered for the purpose of preserving the Old Firehouse. The Firehouse Museum was dedicated on July 3, 1976.
The museum is staffed by volunteers, all belonging to the South Hadley Historical Society. They are always looking for memorabilia to add to their collection; so if you have something historically significant they will be more than happy to display it in their museum.


The Old Firehouse, the bell from the tower was moved to the new firehouse.


Here is a 19th century hand pumper and a 1926 Dodge Fire Engine.


A motorized Ice Saw.


South Hadley Electrical Department display.

There is much more, I can't give it all away. There are somethings I will use in a future posting(you will just have to wait and see).

I just happened to stumble on the museum when it was opened for someone to make a donation to the displays.

Hours are: MAY - SEPT. 1:30 - 4:00
JULY - AUG WED 1:30 - 4:00

There is no admission charge but donations are welcome.

Info from museum handout.

LENOX DALE FIRE COMPANY

Lenox Dale, MA - I was driving around Lenox Dale, which is beside the better known Lenox and came across this firehouse. I thought it had a lot of character so here it is.

RIVERTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

Riveton, CT - The firehouse is decked out in garland and at the same time it has a "Lest we Forget" sign with a black banner. I assume that this is for a fireman that has died recently, not for POW/MIA, but I am not sure.

FIREHOUSE HOUSE

Stockbridge MA - When I was in Stockbridge I noticed this house that appears to be a house that was originally a firehouse. If I remember correctly, it says the "Old Firehouse" on the side. I know there is another old brick firehouse in town. None the less it is cool house.

ORIGINAL LITCHFIELD FIREHOUSE

Litchfield, CT – The center of Litchfield had two devastating fires one in 1886 and again in 1888. In 1890 the Litchfield Fire Company was organized. The department started with 44 members and in November 1890 the company had a ladder truck. By 1891 the department grew to 75 members. A water system with hydrants and this new firehouse was donated by J.Deming Perkins. It is situated across from the green and behind the former jail. It had a finished basement, an equipment room on the first floor, a billiard and meeting room on the second floor, and a hospital ward on the third for injured firemen.

The building is now the First National Bank of Litchfield

Info: Litchfield Fire Department