Bangor Hose House No. 5 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Bangor Hose House No. 5
|
|
Engine and Hose Co. No. 5
|
|
 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 247 State Street, Bangor, Maine |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1897 |
| Architect | Wilfred E. Mansur |
| Architectural style | Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 97001130 |
| Added to NRHP | September 11, 1997 |
Imagine a building that once housed brave firefighters and their horse-drawn engines! The Bangor Hose House No. 5 is a super cool old fire station located at 247 State Street in Bangor, Maine. This historic building was built way back in 1897. For about 100 years, it was a busy fire station, protecting the city. Today, it's home to the Hose 5 Fire Museum. This museum is run by the city and shows off Bangor's amazing fire history. Because it's so important, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.
Contents
What Does the Fire Station Look Like?
The old Hose House No. 5 is a two-story building made of brick. You can find it on the south side of State Street (United States Route 2), just east of downtown Bangor. It sits between Salem Court and Merrimac Street.
Cool Architectural Style
This building has a special look called Romanesque Revival style. This means it has strong, solid features, often with round arches. The roof is sloped and has small windows sticking out, called dormers. A tall, three-story tower stands out, which was used for drying fire hoses. The very top of the tower has an open bell tower.
Main Entrance and Windows
The front of the building has two large, round-arched openings. These were where the fire engines would roll out! To the right of these big bays, there's a smaller, round-arched entrance for people. The windows on the second floor are set back into the brickwork, also with round arches. You can also spot some fancy brick patterns below the bell tower, adding to its unique style.
A Look Back: History of the Fire Station
The Bangor Hose House No. 5 was built in 1897. It was designed by a famous Bangor architect named Wilfred E. Mansur. Many people think this building is one of his best works in the Romanesque style.
From Horses to Engines
When this fire station was first built, fire equipment wasn't motorized. Instead, brave horses pulled the fire wagons! This station served the city for many years, helping firefighters respond to emergencies. It continued to operate as a fire station until 1993.
Becoming a Museum
After 1993, the building got a new purpose: it became a museum! The Hose 5 Fire Museum is run by members of the Bangor Fire Department. It's a fantastic place to learn about firefighting history.
What Can You See at the Museum?
The museum is home to some really cool exhibits, including:
- A 1917 Garford Pumper: This was the very first motorized fire engine used by the nearby Old Town Fire Department.
- Gamewell Fire Boxes: These are old alarm boxes used to report fires.
- A collection of antique breathing equipment: See what firefighters used to wear to protect themselves from smoke.
- Other historic firefighting tools and engines.
The best part? Admission to the museum is free! It's usually open on Saturdays from 9 AM to 12 PM during the summer. It's a great place to visit and learn about the heroes who protected Bangor!
