Grand Rapids New Fire House No. 12

(Article in the Grandville Ave. Records, April 26, 1912, Pg. 1)

The Hall Street engine house by about May 1st will be equipped with a fire engine and other equipment that go to make this place up-to-date in fire protection for the district.

The Board of Police and Fire Commissioners have had to defer action owing to the shifting going on at the other engine house and upon the arrival of several auto trucks and carts that have been ordered. When the first arrives the steamer from No. 3 house will be sent to No. 12 together with its horses. The steamer will conclude the equipment. Seven men comprise the force at the house now. When the steamer arrives three more men will be added to the force.

The members of No. 12 and their years of service are as follows:

 
Captain Peter Nagelkerke 17 years
Lieutenant Wesley L. White 17 years
Fred Patterson, driver 6 years
Thomas McDonald, pipeman 24 years
John H. Haggerty, pipeman 12 years
John E. Cole, pipeman 13 years
Benjamin Emaus, pipeman 12 years
 

The engine house is 82 x 48 feet. It has a roomy basement, in which is located the heating plant. The furnace connects directly with the hose tower in such a manner that when frozen hose is hung in it, heat from the furnace and auxiliary pipes will quickly thaw it out.

The captain�s room is situated in a front corner of the second floor. In its rear is a large bath room and toilet. A shower bath is one of the features. The dormitory contains 11 beds and is 34 x 28 feet. At the back end are eleven large lockers. A foot wall separates the dormitory from the hay loft. Back of this is the granary.

An office and lounging room, 15 x 15 feet in size, is in one corner of the first floor. The apparatus room has a cement floor with drain pipes in the center, and is 30 x 24 feet. Back of this room are six stalls. A large shed in the rear of the station house is used for storing coal, shavings and the exercising ring.

The building here illustrated is modern in every sense of the word.

It is built of light paving brick of neat design and presents a handsome appearance. Much credit is due W. B. Weston, as a member of the BoardFF or this house; he was the leading spirit from the outset; it was to wise act that the apple tree and the tall elm remains as a relic of early day planting. We are informed that a hedge is to be planted along the south dividing line and flowering shrubs planted, adding beauty to the corner.

The territory comprises everything between Fifth avenue and the city limits, south and west, and all east of South Division. Many factories, business blocks and homes thus protected.