Central Fire Station; 262 Meeting Street; Charleston, SC
Built 1887-88. Since its settlement in 1670, Charleston still feels the threat of fire. A recent disastrous fired claimed the lives of the ‘Charleston 9’ … not long ago, my husband and I witnessed the late night burning of the Old Charleston Museum; today, only the momentous columns remain. As a result of a great fire in 1698, residents were required to rebuild chimneys with brick or stone, volunteer fire watch patrols were established, residents were taxed in order to provide fire protection, still more fires ravaged the city in 1700, 1740, and the 1770’s.
Pictured here is Central Fire Station at the corner of Wentworth and Meeting Streets in downtown historic Charleston. Built in 1887-88 by Colin M. Grant designed by Daniel G. Wayne, is one of the first stations built in Charleston as a result of the Earthquake of 1886 when 2000 buildings were destroyed killing 60-100 folks. It currently houses antique fire apparatus, 2 companies, the Fire Chief, his assistant, & Battalion Chief.
The first documented reference for hand to hand fire protection began in Charleston in 1784 which led to the organization of the Charleston Fire Company of Axeman, the first hand engine company.
After the Great Fire of 1861 destroyed 575 homes, numerous public budlings and businesses the first steamer came into operation. In 1882, Mayor William A. Courtenay established the city’s first paid fire department; the bell in the courtyard honors his progress. They then changed their name to the Pioneer Fire Company which in 1865 was named Charleston Hook & Ladder Company. In 1877, a Gamewell electric-telegraph fire alarm system was installed. In 1905 a car was purchased for use by the Fire Chief, O. G. Marjenhoff. Horses were used in many operations; their use was discontinued in 1943.
After 3 decades of work and $150,000 an Artesian Well was dug providing clean water to residents; it was completed in 1877; it reaches nearly 2000 feet below the surface.
Read more in detail http://legeros.com/history/charleston/stations/ and from the sinage onsite.
Read MorePictured here is Central Fire Station at the corner of Wentworth and Meeting Streets in downtown historic Charleston. Built in 1887-88 by Colin M. Grant designed by Daniel G. Wayne, is one of the first stations built in Charleston as a result of the Earthquake of 1886 when 2000 buildings were destroyed killing 60-100 folks. It currently houses antique fire apparatus, 2 companies, the Fire Chief, his assistant, & Battalion Chief.
The first documented reference for hand to hand fire protection began in Charleston in 1784 which led to the organization of the Charleston Fire Company of Axeman, the first hand engine company.
After the Great Fire of 1861 destroyed 575 homes, numerous public budlings and businesses the first steamer came into operation. In 1882, Mayor William A. Courtenay established the city’s first paid fire department; the bell in the courtyard honors his progress. They then changed their name to the Pioneer Fire Company which in 1865 was named Charleston Hook & Ladder Company. In 1877, a Gamewell electric-telegraph fire alarm system was installed. In 1905 a car was purchased for use by the Fire Chief, O. G. Marjenhoff. Horses were used in many operations; their use was discontinued in 1943.
After 3 decades of work and $150,000 an Artesian Well was dug providing clean water to residents; it was completed in 1877; it reaches nearly 2000 feet below the surface.
Read more in detail http://legeros.com/history/charleston/stations/ and from the sinage onsite.
