Quincy Engine House #4
The Quincy Preserves’ Facade Program Committee is proud to help in the funding of the exterior work on Engine House #4. Our contributions to the project have been a $15,000 low interest loan and a $25,000 grant towards the restoration of this important Quincy structure.
Firehouse #4 was built in 1898 on the city’s lot on the triangle at Fourth and
Ohio Streets. Between $3000 and $3500 was appropriated for the building of the
firehouse that would replace the one that was no longer safe and not owned by the
city. The Board of Commissioners at that time that made this decision was Mayor
John A. Steinback, Chief George J. Schlag, Anton Binkert, William E. Mills and
John A. Berlin. John Batschy was the architect who designed the commercial Queen
Anne style structure.
It was also decided to build a fountain for the horse teams that frequented that
area then known as the factory district. Along with that fountain there was also to
be a water fountain for humans and a life-size figure of a helmeted fireman carrying
a lantern in one hand and bearing a child on his other arm. The lantern was to have
electric in it to light the fountain at night. The fountain was to have been located at
the rear of the building, or at the apex of the triangle at the intersection of Delaware
and Ohio Streets. New York artist J.W. Fiske was commissioned to make the statue.
It is unknown if the fountain or statue were ever completed.
The second floor of the building was the living and sleeping apartments of the
company. There were five beds and six lockers. There was a bathroom attached and
other conveniences for the comfort of the men.
The firehouse was closed in 1939 due to a change in districts made necessary
by the closing of several outlying stations. This action was due to an economy
program put into effect because of the firemen’s minimum wage law.
Early in 2008 the owners of Craig Industries purchased the building and
contacted various agencies for photos of the original building which they planned
to use as their corporate headquarters. The decision was made to restore the exterior
of the building to as close to its original appearance as possible, complete with the
tower. The main floor will house the bookkeeping department. The second floor
will be the executive offices and the tower will be the IS department.
circa. 1920
2007
Present
