Metropolis in Massac County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Metropolis Fire Department History
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 23, 2021
1. Metropolis Fire Department History Marker
It was always exciting and dangerous when the fire bell rang. "Black Charlie", the horse, kicked the back of his stall and firefighters knew it was time to move fast. All citizens were proud when their equipment advanced from horse-drawn wagon to the awesome engine-powered 1924-1926 American La France trucks. Bess, the fire dog, jumped for joy to her spot for the wild ride through town, letting women and children know that only men should be near a fire. It was such an honor to be part of the fire service that, at photo time, Bess and a young fan named George, snitched a seat and became part of the crew. Included in the rich history of our fire department have been many volunteers who faithfully and freely risked their lives when needed.
The always beautiful 1926 La France has been restored and is on display at the new fire station just west of the mural.
Citizens were equally proud when a new air-cooled courthouse replaced the old majestic one built in 1860 at a cost of $2000. In 1940, the modern building allowed officials to close the doors and windows and keep flies and varmints out. Two legged varmints were housed within! Today, the new modern county jail is a separate and welcome addition.
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Location. 37° 9.223′ N, 88° 43.897′ W. Marker is in Metropolis, Illinois, in Massac County. Marker is at the intersection of West 7th Street and Market Street, on the right when traveling west on West 7th Street. Marker and mural are on the south wall of the building at this address. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 711 Market Street, Metropolis IL 62960, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Looking Back Through Time (within shouting distance of this marker); Lower Ferry Street (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Noel Neill (about 400 feet away); Honoring All Our Defenders of Freedom (about 500 feet away); Annie Turnbo Malone: 1869–1957 (about 600 feet away); Oscar Micheaux: 1884–1951 (about 600 feet away); Super Heroes (about 600 feet away); The Cowling (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Metropolis.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 23, 2021
2. Metropolis Fire Department History Marker
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 23, 2021
3. Metropolis Fire Department History Mural
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 23, 2021
4. Metropolis Fire Station
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 23, 2021
5. 1926 La France Fire Truck
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 23, 2021
6. 1926 La France Fire Truck
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 23, 2021
7. Massac County Courthouse (built 1940-1941)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 20, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 20, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 165 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on November 20, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
