Cherrydale Volunteer Fire House facts for kids
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| Our Family Helping Your Family | |
| Agency overview | |
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| Established | 1898 |
| Employees | 50 |
| Staffing | Volunteer |
| EMS level | BLS |
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Cherrydale Volunteer Fire House
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The Cherrydale Volunteer Fire House in 2005
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 Location in District of Columbia
Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 3900 N. Lee Hwy., Arlington, Virginia |
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1919 |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 95000927 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | July 28, 1995 |
| Facilities and equipment | |
| Stations | 1 |
| Engines | 0 |
| Trucks | 2 |
| Squads | 0 |
| Rescues | 0 |
| Ambulances | 0 |
The Cherrydale Volunteer Fire House is a special building in the Cherrydale neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia. It's home to the Cherrydale Volunteer Fire Department. This firehouse was built in 1919. For many years, it was known as Arlington County Fire Station #3. A new station opened nearby in 2011, but the volunteers still use this historic building.
Contents
A Look Back: Early Firefighting History
The Cherrydale Volunteer Fire Department started in 1898. Twelve men came together to form it. It is the oldest volunteer fire department in Arlington County.
Helping the Community for Over 100 Years
Since the beginning, the Cherrydale Volunteer Fire Department has been very active. They do more than just fight fires and save lives. They also help the community in many other ways. They have sponsored Christmas and Halloween parties. They also organized dances, parades, and youth sports. Even Bingo games were part of their community fun!
From Buckets to Engines: Early Firehouses
In the first few years, the fire equipment was simple. It included leather buckets, bells, and ladders. These items were kept outside in the open air. By 1906, a small shed was built. It was called "House #2." This shed held the County's first machine-powered equipment. It was a hand-drawn cart for water and hoses.
In 1912, "Engine House #1" was finished. It was another small shed with a tall hose tower. This building housed Arlington's first real fire engine. The Cherrydale Volunteers bought this 60-gallon pumper engine in 1913. Later, "Engine House #3" and "Engine House #4" were built. These housed more firefighting tools. They included a ladder truck and a chemical engine.
Building the Central Station House
In 1915, the Volunteers bought land for a new "Central Station House." This is the same station that is still used today. They raised money in many creative ways. One unique idea was selling bricks. Important people were asked to donate money. Then, a brick would be placed in their name. Even President Woodrow Wilson and his wife bought bricks for the station! In the late 1920s, the Volunteers sold their older engine houses. This money helped pay for the "Central Station House."
On November 10, 1919, a special ceremony took place. They placed the cornerstone of the new building. Important speakers included State Senator Ralph Walton Moore. Crandall Mackey, often called the "Father of the County Fire Department," also spoke. The new station was officially opened with a big dinner in 1920. In 1923, a stone nameplate was added to the front.
One person who lived in Cherrydale remembered the fire station. They said it was finished when they arrived in 1919. They called it a "dignified red brick building." It became a very important place in their lives. They loved hearing stories from the firefighters. They also enjoyed listening for the telephone. The firehouse was a center for good times and activities.
A Historic Landmark
The National Park Service recognized the fire house as important. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 28, 1995. The Arlington County Board also named it a local historic district on the same day. This means it's a protected historic building.
The Firehouse Today
Over the years, the firehouse has had many repairs and changes. The small store on the right side of the building has changed several times. It was first rented to a grocer in the late 1920s. A big renovation happened in 1928. Plumbing was added then. In the 1950s, dormer windows were put in. In 1987, the first floor was updated for modern equipment and living spaces. The community hall upstairs was made to look like its original design in 1998.
Volunteers and Paid Firefighters
Until 1940, only volunteers worked at the Cherrydale fire station. As the area grew, more help was needed. So, the County hired paid firefighters to work alongside the volunteers. Until 2011, the station had four paid firefighters from Arlington County. Volunteers also worked there. In 2011, the paid firefighters moved to a new Fire Station 3. But the volunteer company still works from the historic firehouse.
The volunteers are highly trained. They respond to many different types of calls. This includes fires, emergency medical calls, and hazardous materials incidents. They also help with other rescue situations.
Modern Equipment and Training
The Cherrydale Volunteer Fire Department owns special equipment. They have Light and Air 103. This truck provides lighting and fresh breathing air. It also helps with salvage operations. They also have a pick-up truck called Utility 103. Recently, they bought a new rescue truck, Support 103. This new truck will replace Light and Air 103 and add more capabilities.
Most volunteers are trained in two areas. They are both firefighters and emergency medical technicians. They spend hundreds of hours training. This training helps them meet state and national safety standards.
