Near North Side in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Chicago Fire Department - Engine Company No. 27 (#7)

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, December 5, 2021

1. The Chicago Fire Department - Engine Company No. 27 (#7) Marker

Inscription. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the buildings of 1240-1260 North Wells were built in 1874. 1244 North Wells was home to Engine Company No. 27. Manned by 12 firemen, five horses and one pumping wagon, the station provided fire protection for the entire Old Town neighborhood. In 1926, the station was remodeled to accommodate the motorized fire trucks. In the 1950s, Civil Defense took over the building. In 1979, the building was adapted for private use. (Marker Number 7.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Charity & Public Work.

Location. 41° 54.335′ N, 87° 38.078′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in the Near North Side. Marker is at the intersection of North Wells Street and West Goethe Street, on the right when traveling south on North Wells Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chicago IL 60610, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old Town Architecture Reflects Neighborhood History (#10) (a few steps from this marker); The Churches of Old Town (#8) (within shouting distance of this marker); Early Businesses in Old Town (#6) (within shouting distance of this marker); The Benjamin Franklin School (#5) (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Western Wheel Works Factory and Dr. Scholl Footwear Factory (#4) (about 400 feet away); Old Town and The Great Fire (#3) (approx. 0.2

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miles away); The Three Arts Club (approx. ¼ mile away); Walgreens (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

The Chicago Fire Department - Engine Company No. 27 (#7) Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, December 5, 2021

2. The Chicago Fire Department - Engine Company No. 27 (#7) Marker - wide view

The Chicago Fire Department - Engine Company No. 27 (#7) Marker - wider view image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, December 5, 2021

3. The Chicago Fire Department - Engine Company No. 27 (#7) Marker - wider view

The marker is visible here (albeit with only the edge to be seen) about 10 feet to the left of the streetlamp, with the 1254-1260 North Wells building forming the backdrop.

The Chicago Fire Department - Engine Company No. 27 - former home image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, December 5, 2021

4. The Chicago Fire Department - Engine Company No. 27 - former home

1244 North Wells, the former fire station, is visible here in its present incarnation as a nail spa (just to the left of the China Doll restaurant).

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 413 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 15, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.