Chronological Listing of Events and Apparatus at Highland Street
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In 1890 ground was purchased and a new engine house was erected at 77 Highland Street (near Sassafras Street). December 1, 1890: Engine Company No. 2, originally located at 10 Hotel Street was reorganized and placed on duty at Highland Street with an 1883 Jeffers Steam Fire Engine (originally used by Neptune Engine 2 of Volunteer Department) and John Post hose wagon. At that point greater protection from fire had been given to that section of the city known as Riverside. |
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Sanborn Map 1897
Initial Roster: Engine Company 2 (established at Hotel Street Firehouse)
Captain Floyd King
Engineer George Dobson, Drivers Henry Nagle and George Sheldrake
Callmen: Samuel Simonton, William Butterworth, William Davis, JohnMcGill, John Shaw, George V. Brower, Peter Dahlinger, William H. Ward
Captain Floyd King
Engineer George Dobson, Drivers Henry Nagle and George Sheldrake
Callmen: Samuel Simonton, William Butterworth, William Davis, JohnMcGill, John Shaw, George V. Brower, Peter Dahlinger, William H. Ward
May 14, 1891: Company election
May 15 Paterson Press
1893 Company Journal Floyd King Captain. Driver was George Sheldrake. Engineer was George Dobson
Eifler Collection
Eifler Collection
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Eifler Collection
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September 5, 1893: A large delivery of ice cream meant for a ceremony at Engine 2 on Highland Street erroneously sent to Engine 5 on Water Street.
Morning Call
April 1, 1895: Chief Engineer Annual Report
Manpower Assignment for Engine 2
Manpower Assignment for Engine 2
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Badge Name Rank
13 Floyd King Captain 14 George Dobson Engineer 15 Henry Nagle Hoseman 16 George Sheldrake Driver 17 Samuel Simonton Driver |
Badge Name Rank
18 William Davis Callman 19 John McGill Callman 20 George V. Brower Callman 21 Frank Geroe Callman 22 John Shaw Callman 23 William Butterworth Callman |
Apparatus: 1871 Jeffers second size (fair condition)
John Post Hose Wagon with 700' hose, 2 three gallon extinguishers, small extension ladder
John Post Hose Wagon with 700' hose, 2 three gallon extinguishers, small extension ladder
November 15, 1895: Department goes fully paid - callmen eliminated
November 15, 1895: the Fully Paid Department begins:
First Manpower Assignment for Engine 2 (Badge #s)
First Manpower Assignment for Engine 2 (Badge #s)
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Captain Floyd King #20
Engineer Frank Costello #21 Hoseman Henry Nagle #22 Driver Samuel Simonton #23 |
Hoseman Abraham Perruis #24
Hoseman William Davis #26 Driver Samuel Close #27 |
Captain Floyd King
April 1897 Roster with badge #s listed in Annual Report: (only changes from 1895 listed)
New Drivers Richard Cubby #26 and John Lair #27
May 1, 1897 - thru January 1898 Journal of Engine Company 2
Jim Eifler Collection
October 25 Journal entry - Signed by Captain Floyd King and FF Abraham Perruis
December 31, 1897: Engine 2 Captain King has concerns about a local bakery
Paterson Daily Press
April 1, 1898: Roster in Annual Report: (changes from above rosters)
Engineer Frank Blakely #21
April 1, 1899: Roster in Annual Report: (changes from 1897 in italics)
Hoseman David Devine #23 and a vacant Hoseman position
May 13, 1901: ~ 7 PM Station 38 (River and Montgomery Streets) - Engine 2 has near miss with train at Erie tracks while responding to a River Street Fire. Article is in error as John Lair was not the driver
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Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 30, 1903: Silsby Engine used by Engine 5 is moved to Engine 2
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
February 12, 1904: Apparatus status from a report by Chief Stagg - Engine 2
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 8 and 26, 1904: Brawl at Firehouse
March 9 Paterson Daily Press
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March 26 Paterson Daily Press
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April 2, 1904: Alderman's Fire committee meeting - New Metropolitan Steamers arriving soon. Very similar to those of current Engine 1 and 5.
April 3 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
August 5, 1904: Two new Metropolitan Steamers arrive and will be sent to Engines 2 and 9
Paterson Daily Press
August 9, 1904: The two new American LaFrance Metropolitan Steamers of Engine 2 and 9 are tested on River Road. During the test one of horses of the supply wagon took an ember, got spooked and ran away with the wagon
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Morning Call August 10 courtesy Dennis Morrison
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August 1904 Engine 2's new First Size Metropolitan Steam Fire Engine with First Size Robinson Combination wagon. After the Great Fire of 1902 Paterson started the process of upgrading its apparatus.
1904 1st Size Metropolitan Steamer
Courtesy Jim Eifler
(Courtesy of Anthony Natoli Collection)
Outside of firehouse
November 10, 1904: A new hose wagon built locally (Sowerbutt) enters service.
November 10 Paterson Daily Press
Metropolitan Steamer - Hose Wagon
January 4, 1907: Fireman Thomas Fish lost his, finger while cleaning the wheel of the hose wagon.
Paterson Daily Press
February 25, 1907: Chief Stagg speaks of PFD needs including Engine 2
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May 4, 1907: Metropolitan Steamer tests 42-inch water main (over Passaic River). While attached to a big three-way hydrant the Steamer was able to throw a stream across the River.
Paterson Daily Press
May 10, 1907: William Stannard becomes the first Paterson Fireman to retire.
Paterson Daily Press
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William Stannard
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June 23, 1907: Engine 2 responding to a Lafayette Street fire
January 27 Guardian courtesy Dennis Morrison
July 18, 1907: New combination chemical/hose wagon for Engine 2. Old hose wagon sent to Engine 6
Paterson Daily Press
October 26, 1907: Company Roster - Captain Floyd King Lieutenant Henry Nagle, Engineer John Bland, Assistant Engineer William Lynch, FFs Harry Myers, Cornelius Prince, James Fitzsimmons, M Guettermann, Thomas Fish
October 1907: Photos were taken of PFD apparatus and men and later (1908) the photos of men standing outside firehouse were published in the Sunday World - Standing left to right: Thomas Fish (driver), David Devine (hoseman), Cornelius Prince (hoseman), Harry Meyer (hoseman), Henry Nagle (engineer), William Lynch (hoseman), James Fitzsimmons (hoseman), Michael Ginterman (driver). Sitting (L-R): William Davis (Lieutenant), Floyd King (Captain).
NY Sunday World - also 1909 Ball Book
Colorized by Jim Eifler
October 29, 1907: Fireman John Bland while responding to Station 67 for a fire at 579 River Street fell from apparatus (hose wagon) and was struck by the wheel at 6th Avenue and River Street and fractured his hip.
Paterson Daily Press
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FRF John Bland
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1909: Captain of Engine 2 is Floyd King
February 2, 1909: Station 235 (Paterson and Tyler Streets) 8:45 PM Run-away horses overturn Metropolitan Steamer at Lyon and Butler Streets -- 10 Governor Street attic fire
Courtesy Butch Ernest
February 3 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
Engineer Henry Nagle
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February 2 Guardian
Courtesy Dennis Morrtison
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February 5, 1909: Fire and Police Commission to investigate accident.
Paterson Press
Paterson Daily Press
March 30, 1909: Follow up report on Engineer Henry Nagle and the Metropolitan Steamer
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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April 3, 1909: F/F Devine injured sliding pole at quarters
Paterson Evening News courtesy Dennis Morrison
March 4, 1910: Captain Floyd King injured his ankle at a fire
Paterson Press
March 23, 1913: Article # 3 in the Chronicle PFD Series
Rear: L-R: Captain John Specht, Harry Meyers, Michael Guetterman. William Lynch (father of future Supreme Sacrifice FF William Lynch). In front Lieutenant William Kane, Engineer John Knaus, Thomas Fish and David Devlin. To the rear is their horse drawn hose wagon.
Captain John Specht
August 1, 1914: Annual Report of the Chief Engineer
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February 21, 1916: Hose wagon accident while responding to Station 636 for a fire at 751 River Street
February 22 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrion
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Evening News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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July 1, 1916: Two Platoon System begins: (Day and Night Shifts)
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Day Shift
Lieutenant William Kane Engineer John Knause Michael Gueterman David Devine Joseph Matthew |
Night Shift
Captain William Boyle Engineer William Lynch Thomas Fish Harry Meyers George Kuyle |
August 5, 1916: PFD reports motorization (electric powered) of department. Engine 2 to get combination chemical and hose wagon to get a tractor for steamer
1917: Commercial Truck Company Electric Tractors attached to steamer and hose wagon
1918 Ball Book Roster
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Captain William Boyle
Lieutenant William Kane Engineer John Knaus William Lynch Thomas Fish |
Harry Meyer
David Devine Michael Gueterman Joseph Mathews George Kuyl (in US Armed Forces) |
April 20, 1923: 634 120-126 3rd Avenue Manley Silk Dye Works Fire
Collison between Engine 2 and PPD wagon
Collison between Engine 2 and PPD wagon
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April 21 Paterson Evening News
1929: City of Paterson Manual lists Captains as Frank Spagnuolo and Peter Rege
1930 Company Roster
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A Shift
Captain Frank Spagnuolo Joseph Matthews John Eagan George Kuyl Daniel Dreeland Cornelius Tanis John Griffin |
B Shift
Captain Frank Semento Christian Glasser William Kievet George Lees Paul Hartley Peter Sanford |
April 15 1930: Model N-S-4 Ahrens Fox, 1000 gpm pumper, Serial 3377 was assigned to Engine 2 and lasted until 1953. The motor (#2935) and pump were identical to that of Engine Company #6. This was the last PFD Fox equipped with Clark steel disk wheels and rounded corners on its front fenders. Its toolbox on the running board was black. The suction reducer was on the right side. A new transmission was installed in November 1946. The apparatus became a spare in March 1953
E2 at Fire Scene-- Dayspring Collection
March 4, 1931: ~ 9:00 AM While responding to 25 Straight Street, engine has an accident at River and Straight Streets. F/F George Kuyl was driving, Captain Spagnolo and on rear steps F/F Neil Tanis and Dan Dreeland
Paterson Evening News courtesy Dennis Morrison
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1935: Men of Engine Company 2 A Shift: Captain Frank Spagnola, Joseph Matthews, John Egan, George Kuyl, Daniel Dreeland, Cornelius Tanis
1936 Ball Book
1935: Men of Engine Company 2 B Shift: Captain Frank Semento, Christian Glasser, William Kievet, George Lees, Philip Hartley, Peter Sanford, W Smith
1936 Ball Book
Seen below circa 1936 are firemen of the B" Shift - Captain Frank. Semento, Christian Glasser, unknown F/F, William Kievit, George Lees, Philip Hartley, and Peter Sanford. Ahrens Fox pumper in background.
Men of Engine 2 with Fox pumper behind them
May 13, 1936: Engine 2 responding to a still alarm has MVA at 9th Ave and East 18th Street. Driver was Chris Glasser and Captain was Frank Semento.
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Paterson News
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Engine 2 pumper and truck 3 aerial at ? fire scene
1940 Paterson Evening News Golden Jubilee - Engine Company 2 Roster
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July 2, 1943: Company party for F/F Leo Fitzsimmons as he departs for military service
Paterson News
1944 Annual Report Roster
Engine Company 2
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A Shift
Captain Frank Spagnuola Cornelius Tanis John Whalen Roy Earls |
B Shift
Captain Frank Semento George Lees Paul Hartley Christian Glasser |
October 15, 1947: Fatal collision at York Ave and Lafayette Street. Captain was Frank Spagnuola and driver of Ahrens Fox pumper was FF Leo Fitzsimmons (future A/C).
October 16 Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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December 16, 1948: Suit related to above incident settled
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October 4, 1948: Settlement for F/F Fitzsimmons
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Paterson News
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Paterson News
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1949 Ball Book Photo: Engine Company 2 "A Shift" Captain Frank Spagnuola, Leo Fitzsimmons, Joe Nardella and Al Micozzi
1949 Ball Book Photo: Engine Company 2 "B Shift" Captain Frank Semento, Fred Armona Christian Glasser and Paul Hartley
July 15, 1950: Paterson Evening News lists early 1950 Rosters of Engine 2
1952: Engine house modernized under Mayor Lester F. Titus
1953 Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Mofrrison
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February 8 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
January 11, 1952: Captain Frank Spagnola pointing to kerosene soaked rags (arson) at 388-90 River Street (3 alarm fire)
L-R: Fred Armona, Capt Semento Tony Gaita on rear step. Paul Hartley with leg on running board
Captain Spagnuolo: Steering wheel on right side of cab. Classic Ahrens Fox bell
Some interior photos of quarters pre-1953 (cortesy of Thomas Bushnauskas)
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William Wherer at left - Captain Spagnuolo 2nd from left
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Leo Fitzsimmons
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March 1953: Seagrave 750 gpm pumper (Model 400 B) with serial # G3792. It had a 150 gallon booster tank. The cost was $15,754 (1/2 of the cost paid by Civil Defense). The PFD as part of the Federal Civil Defense grant received 6 identical Seagrave pumpers on February 5 which went to companies 2,3,4,6,8 and 10. This apparatus served in this firehouse until 1972. In 1968 plywood "riot" roofs were added.
June 3, 1953: PFD serves as rabies vaccination site - scene at Engine 2 on Highland Street is below with then Acting Captain Fred Armona
Paterson News
July 10, 1953: ENGINE COMPANY 2 - From the Morning Call Series of PFD Companies. For more details on the Volunteer Era CLICK HERE
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Even though the article above talks about the new equipment (Seagrave Pumper) of Engine 2, the photo below is of the company assembled in front of their old Ahrens Fox pumper.
Men of E2 with Ahrens Fox Pumper behind them: Photo taken prior to March 1953 when E2 received new Seagrave Pumper. This photo published July 10, 1953 Morning Call and 1954 FMBA Yearbook
L-R: Captain Frank Semento, William Leonard, Fred Armona (made Supreme Sacrifice April 1975), William Werher, Joseph Bushnauskas, Patsy Fusaro, Captain Christian Glasser, Neil Vander Linden, Paul Hartley & Captain Frank Spagnoula.
August 2, 1953: Engine 2 at 1953 Marcus Furniture Fire on River Street: FF Patsy Fusaro operating deck gun
Plywood riot roof added in 1968
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Below is one of the spares being used as E2 - parked outside Highland Street quarters
photo by Joe Hloucek
photo by Joe Hloucek
Empty Firehouse
Sliding pole on the right - Malzone photo
December 1, 1957: Third Battalion started with its headquarters at Highland Street
Hancock Collection
October 28, 1961: F/F Robert Embrich of Engine 2 recalled to duty in US Military
Paterson News
1964: Interior firehouse view. Can just see parts of the 1953 Seagrave pumper. Photos courtesy of R Salmanowitz/A Natoli collection
FF Robert Salmanowitz, Bill Wehrer & Captain Al Novick
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Captain Al Novick, FFs Domenic Cotroneo, Bill Wehrer and Robert Salmanowitz
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1967: Men of Engine Company 2 in quarters: Captain Nate Salmanowitz, Joe Bushnauskas, Thomas J. Calamita, Captain Joseph J. Daly, William Leonard, Edward Zaretsky, Robert Embrich, Elliott M. McGuire
Courtesy J Behnke & Sellitto Family
In front, L-R: Robert Salmanowiz, William J. Wehrer, Captain Albert Novick, John J. Sellitto, Joseph Fiorilla, and in rear Domenick Cotreneo and Paul L. Villano in front of 1953 Seagrave pumper
Courtesy J Behnke & Sellitto Family
R Salmanowitz/Natoli Collection
Captain Nate Salmanowitz and Driver Joe Bushnaukaus Post 1968 photo (riot roof present)
Company drill on Highland Street - Left to right are Tim Donovan, Bill Leonard, Joe Bushnaukas and Captain Nate Salmanowitz
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Company drill - Captain Nate Salmanowitz at nozzle and FF Bill Leonard holding hose
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Circa 1969-70 - Downed Engine 2 firefighter receiving oxygen and being placed in ambulance. Captain Nate Salmanowitz helping
Captain Salmanowitz standing at left
Helmetless Captain Salmanowitz in center. Injured FF's helmet in foreground
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Being lifted into ambulance - Captain Salmanowitz now wearing his helmet
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January 21, 1972: The 1957 FWD Special Pumper, 1000 gpm, Serial # D80293 formerly used by Engine Companies 4 and 9 was placed in Highland Street
Joe Hloucek photo
Running Board with bell "box" number assignments
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Firehouse Running Board - after EVRS started in 1976
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Engine 2 FWD with Ted Galus, Dennis DiGuglielmo and Leonard Saia.
Courtesy Christine Saia
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January 30, 1978: 1969 Seagrave Pumper 1250 gpm, Serial # R4478, formerly used by Engine Companies 5 and 10. The apparatus did not last long as it was totally destroyed in the Fulton Street fire in April 1978.
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April 30, 1978: Engine 2's former 1957 FWD Special Pumper, 1000 gpm Serial D80293, was put back in service replacing the destroyed Seagrave pumper.
October 7, 1979: a 1971 Hahn Pumper, 1250 gpm, Serial HC523127121 formerly used by Engine Company 12 was transferred to Highland Street.
Jim Koper Photo
The following photo of the 1971 Hahn Pumper illustrates how careful drivers had to be with the more modern trucks in this now very old 89 year old firehouse
Tight Squeeze
McGuire Family Collection
Inside quarters: At left: Joe Bushnaukaus and John Bradle Sr. at pump panel. In photo at right Tim Donovan kneeling. Bradle and Bushnaukaus standing. Not seen is the Captain Nate Salmanowitz.
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1982: Ed Conklin cartoon of Captain Nate Salmanowitz
Courtesy Dennis Salmanowitz
February 20, 1982: The Highland Street firehouse was temporarily closed when Engine Company 2 was taken out of service for fiscal reasons.
Haycock Collection
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February 23 Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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February 22, 1982: Firehouse officially closed
February 23 Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
November 11, 1983: Highland Street house reopens for Ambulance service
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
June 13, 1984: Firehouse sale
Paterson News courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 4, 1984: the Firehouse reopened as the quarters for Engine Company 9 apparatus which had to vacate the 36 Circle Avenue Firehouse due to structural deficiencies
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The company used a spare 1969 Seagrave Pumper 1250 gpm, Serial R4476, formerly used by Engine Companies 1, 6, 8, and 11, painted yellow. The numeral #9 is actually dark tape. This apparatus had been damaged in an accident March 16, 1981.
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January 6, 1987: Engine 9 name changed to Engine 4 and transferred to Northside Firehouse on Temple Street
Unidentified fire scene
During the winter of 1983-84 Ambulance 94 operated out of Highland St. for a 6 month trial. After that trial it returned to Riverside Firehouse.
March 14, 1989: 77 Highland Street firehouse closed
March 16 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
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April 3, 1989: The end for Highland Street Firehouse -
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
Phillippelli is a misspelling - should be Fillipelli
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2016 photo of the previous firehouse
October 13, 2023: Todd Hollritt photos
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