History
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A LITTLE HISTORY |
OUR HOME
The First Hagerstown Hose Company was organized in 1815 and incorporated by the state legislature in December of1822. The First Engine House was located in a shed attached to the ST. Johns Lutheran Church located at 141 South Potomac Street.
(The small door in the lower right hand corner of the photo was the shed's location.)
 During
the 1870's, The First Hose Company moved several times. Each move
was either in the unit block or the 100 block of South Potomac Street. In
1881, a new Fire House was constructed as seen in the photo
to the left. This would become our permanent home at 33
South Potomac Street.
In addition to housing the Fire Apparatus, a Grand Ballroom was located on the third floor. Many Fairs and Bazaars were held there along with housing a Dance Studio. The rental property at 31 South Potomac was the home of several businesses, including a furniture store which occupied the space for many years in the 20TH Century. The First Floor of that section is planned to be the future home of our Fire Museum. Through the years, additions and renovations have enabled the company to grow. The additions include a Meeting Room, Game Room, and a Fox Garage which houses our 1946 Ahrens/Fox Pumper. The 19TH Century
Craftsmanship and Architectural Design of the building is superb!
On the roof of the building stands "RUFUS"; A bell purchased
in 1884 from The McShane Bell Company in Baltimore, Maryland. The
bell was named for the Committee Chairman, Mr. Rufus Hays. In the
19th Century a Marquee was added, which enhanced the front of the
building. A Fireman's Pole is still in use today. The pole
goes from the second floor bunkroom Current enhancements to the building include some of the following. Exterior and Interior Painting to most of the building. Remodeling of our current game room, which included the addition of a kitchenette: refrigerator, stove, and sink with cabinets. We also plan for the construction of "NEW" sleep in facilities, which include a bunkroom, shower room, and locker room. We also have plans for the addition of a second pole which will be located where the new sleeping facilities will be. We also have a new training room planned once the new bunkroom is constructed. We hope to have the ability to host MFRI Classes in the future. |
| (PHOTO FROM THE YEAR 2000) |
The First Hose Company takes part in many tasks the do not involve Firefighting alone. We go out and assist in Public Education detail both at the schools and Children's Village. On top of Training, Testing of equipment, Parade Details, and our normal everyday jobs. The Fire Apparatus Operators are the only career staff we have at this time. The rest of us are all Volunteers.
to the Engine Room floor.