Camp Curtin Fire Station facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Camp Curtin Fire Station
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The Fire Station as it appeared in 2022
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 2504 N. 6th St., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 0.2 acres (0.081 ha) |
| Built | 1910 |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 81000541 |
| Added to NRHP | August 11, 1981 |
The Camp Curtin Fire Station is a historic building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It used to be a fire station, but it is now a special landmark. It was named after Camp Curtin, a famous Civil War camp. This old station was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. It stopped being a fire station in 1980 because it was not big enough for modern fire trucks anymore.
Contents
History of the Fire Station
Building the Station
In 1908, the Camp Curtin Fire Company No. 13 officially started. The city bought land for $2,000 to build a fire station. At first, it was a small, one-story building. But it quickly became too small for the growing fire company.
So, in 1910, a new, larger fire station was built. This new building had two stories and two large bays for fire trucks. It was made of brick and measured about 38 feet by 46 feet.
Unique Design and Features
The Camp Curtin Fire Station was built in the Italianate style. This means it had design elements popular in Italy during the 1800s. It often includes tall windows, decorative eaves, and sometimes towers.
A special part of this fire station is its square wooden bell tower. This tower is right in the middle of the front of the building. It has a sloped, shingled roof and four arched openings.
Calls for Modern Equipment
By 1915, people living in Harrisburg's tenth ward wanted better fire protection. They asked city leaders to buy newer fire equipment. They felt the Camp Curtin Fire Company was using old equipment. They wanted modern tools, like a new chemical engine, to keep their homes safe.
End of an Era
The Camp Curtin Fire Station served the community for many years. However, as fire trucks became larger and more advanced, the old station could no longer fit them. In March 1980, the station was officially closed. All its fire trucks and equipment were moved to another fire station.
Just one year later, in August 1981, the building was recognized as a historic place. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is an important building that should be preserved.
See also
- Camp Curtin: Learn more about the Civil War camp this station was named after.
- Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: Discover the neighborhood where the fire station is located.
- Harrisburg School District: Find information about the school district, which includes the Camp Curtin School.
