Redwood City in San Mateo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Fire Station No. 1
Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, July 17, 2022
1. Fire Station No. 1 Marker
The forerunner to today’s Redwood City Fire Department began in 1861 when citizens met to establish a volunteer fire company. Known as Redwood City Fire Company No. 1, it was the first non-profit organization in San Mateo County. The first fire house was built on the corner of Marshall and Main Street in 1862. In 1869 the building was moved near the corner of Strambaugh and Main Street.Fire Station No. 1 was built on this site in 1920. The San Francisco firm of architect J.R. Miller with chief draftsman, Timothy Pflueger, drew up plans for the new firehouse in the Italian Renaissance Style, and the contract was awarded to Fred Warden of San Francisco. The formal opening took place in July 1920. That same year the first paid men of the department were hired. It wasn’t until 1931 that Chief Mark E. Ryan became the first paid fire chief having been first elected to that position in 1915.
The Fire Department left this site in 1984, moving to temporary quarters until 1987 when the newly built Headquarters Station opened at 755 Marshall Street. The building was remodeled and expanded in 1989 to house the Redwood City Public Library,
this page online
Erected 2012 by Redwood Parlor No.66, Native Sons of the Golden West. (Marker Number GYP 136-07.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.
Location. 37° 29.048′ N, 122° 13.644′ W. Marker is in Redwood City, California, in San Mateo County. Marker is on Middlefield Road, on the right when traveling south. The plaque is mounted to the right of the three arched doorways. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1044 Middlefield Road, Redwood City CA 94063, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Diller's Island (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Fire Station No. 1 (within shouting distance of this marker); Redwood City War Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Stage Station (about 500 feet away); Alhambra Theater (about 800 feet away); Embarcadero Turning Basin Site (approx. 0.2 miles away); Eureka Corner (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sequoia Union High School (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Redwood City.
Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, July 17, 2022
2. Fire Station No. 1 Marker
Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, July 17, 2022
3. Fire Station No. 1 (now library)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 20, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. This page has been viewed 50 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 20, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
