Old Hose House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Old Hose House
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1249 Main Street, Reading, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1902 |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
| MPS | Reading MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 84002769 |
| Added to NRHP | July 19, 1984 |
The Old Hose House is a really old and important building in Reading, Massachusetts. It used to be a fire house! This wooden building was built way back in 1902. It cost about $1,180.50 to build, plus $10 for the land. That was a lot of money back then! For many years, it kept a fire truck safe. After 1930, it became a place for different community groups to meet. Because it's so special, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
Contents
What is the Old Hose House?
The Old Hose House is located on the east side of Main Street in Reading. This street is a big road that goes through the town. The building is a single-story wooden structure. It has a special look called Colonial Revival style. This style was popular when the United States was first founded.
Building Features
The building has a unique roof called a gambrel roof. It also has a front section that hangs over the street. This part has cool decorative brackets. At the top of the roof, there is a small square tower. This tower is called a belfry and has a pointed roof.
The front of the building used to have a big entrance for fire trucks. Now, that entrance has been changed. Instead, there are three small square windows. You enter the building from the right side. There is a small porch with a sloped roof there.
When was the Old Hose House built?
The Old Hose House was built in 1902. It was made to hold a special fire truck. This truck used a hand pump to spray water. A group of volunteer firefighters used it. They had been helping the town since 1815!
Cost and Changes Over Time
The town paid $10 for the land where the building stands. They also paid $1,180.50 to build the fire house. In 1904, a bell was added to the belfry. This bell came from the town's John Street school.
By 1930, the town had newer and more modern fire equipment. So, the Old Hose House was sold. A local community theater group bought it. They used the building to put on plays that didn't cost much money. In 1972, another theater group bought it. This group is called the Colonial Chorus Players. They still use the Old Hose House today as a place to practice their shows.
