GILROY’S FIRST FIRE STATION

55 Fifth Street

The purchase of Gilroy’s first motorized fire equipment, a chemical pumper, required the building of this fire station on the location of Gilroy’s original city hall. Prior to that fire equipment, probably a hose cart and bucket wagon, were stored on the first floor of Old City Hall. Architect William Binder designed this brick commercial style fire station, which was built by William Radtke in 1916 for $5,853. The decorative bands near the roofline provide relief from the brick facade. Below the bands is a broad arch of seven windows, each with a different shape. The second story provided for a club and meeting room along with sleeping quarters for those on duty. The original doors for fire trucks have now been replaced by large windows.

Gilroy’s first volunteer fire company in 1869, was the Vigilant Engine Company composed of 35 men. Later the Eureka Hook and Ladder Company formed, followed by the Neptune Hose Company which merged with Eureka. A heated rivalry ensued for awhile, but after this station was built the companies combined. The men slept upstairs and slid down the brass pole to make a quick getaway to the fire scene. In 1922, the City ordered a new Seagrave fire engine. There are photos of this engine and others along with history of the Gilroy fire department at the Gilroy Museum. This station served the City until 1978, when a modern fire station was built, and this building was converted to a restaurant. In 1981, wooden balconies and a boardwalk were added on the east side. Covered patio seating now obscures the beauty of the original design, but inside you will find the brass pole, tin ceiling, and other historic features.

An excellent resource for further information on historical building styles is American Architecture Since 1780: A Guide to the Styles by Marcus Whiffen.