Hagerstown in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

First Hose Company

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 25, 2019

1. First Hose Company Marker

Inscription. The First Hagerstown Hose Company dates to 1815. Its hand pumper was originally housed in a shed located on the north side of St. John's Lutheran Church, one block to your left.

In 1881, the First Hose Company purchased this site and in July, broke ground for a new fire station. Constructed by contractor Jacob Dayhoff for $115,310, the new First Hose Company building was known as the “Hose Opera House.” A social hall was located in the upper part of the building which was used for fairs, shows, meetings, conventions and other assembly type uses.

Displayed in this building is “Pet”, an 1823 John Rogers Company end-stroke hand-pumper manufactured in Baltimore. It is the oldest fire apparatus known to exist that served in Hagerstown.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Notable Buildings.

Location. 39° 38.476′ N, 77° 43.26′ W. Marker is in Hagerstown, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker is on South Potomac Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 33 South Potomac Street, Hagerstown MD 21740, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 200 Years of the Arts and Humanities (a few steps from this marker); Hagerstonians in the Civil War

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(within shouting distance of this marker); The Last Confederate Incursion North of the Potomac River (within shouting distance of this marker); Hagerstown Commercial Core Historic District (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); A City Divided (about 400 feet away); Hagerstown Ransomed (about 400 feet away); The Ransom of Hagerstown (about 400 feet away); Retreat from Gettysburg (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hagerstown.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 25, 2019

2. First Hose Company Marker

1854 End-stroke Pumper image. Click for full size.

3. 1854 End-stroke Pumper

First Hose Company's 1854 end stroke pumper. It was transferred after the Civil War to the Citizens Fire Company of Charles Town, WV. Photo taken on East Washington Street in Charles Town. Close-up of photo on marker

“Rox” and “Don” image. Click for full size.

circa 1900

4. “Rox” and “Don”

“Rox” and “Don” are shown in the street behind you, harnessed to a hose wagon which was purchased in 1895. Photo circa 1900. Close-up of photo on marker

1890

5. First Hose Company as it appeared in 1890

Close-up of photo on marker

“Pet”<br>1828 John Rogers Co. end-stroke hand pumper image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 25, 2019

6. “Pet”
1828 John Rogers Co. end-stroke hand pumper

First Hose Company image. Click for full size.

7. First Hose Company

Close-up of photo in the Museum

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 25, 2019

8. Bell Tower

Credits. This page was last revised on February 13, 2019. It was originally submitted on January 30, 2019, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 249 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 30, 2019, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 2. submitted on February 3, 2019, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on January 30, 2019, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 8. submitted on February 3, 2019, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.