Paw Paw Township in Van Buren County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Engine House - 125 E. Michigan Ave.
Built 1886
Historical Walking Tour
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, March 9, 2023
1. Engine House - 125 E. Michigan Ave. Marker
Inscription.
Engine House - 125 E. Michigan Ave.. Built 1886. This Italianate structure was once the home of the Paw Paw Fire Department, which was organized in 1868 and whose members served without pay or compensation. At the 100th anniversary celebration of the fire department, it was noted that, "over the past 100 years, men from every corner of the community, from all walks of life, from every trade, skill and profession, have met on a common level as members of the Paw Paw Volunteer Fire Department." Until the mid-19th century, fire engines were hauled by men or horses. Motorized fire engines did not become commonplace until the 20th century. The year 1917 witnessed Paw Paw's first motorized fire engine: a chemical tank built on the chassis of a Model T. The fire department moved into its new home on Berrien Street in the 1970s.
This Italianate structure was once the home of the Paw Paw Fire Department, which was organized in 1868 and whose members served without pay or compensation. At the 100th anniversary celebration of the fire department, it was noted that, "over the past 100 years, men from every corner of the community, from all walks of life, from every trade, skill and profession, have met on a common level as members of the Paw Paw Volunteer Fire Department." Until the mid-19th century, fire engines were hauled by men or horses. Motorized fire engines did not become commonplace until the 20th century. The year 1917 witnessed Paw Paw's first motorized fire engine: a chemical tank built on the chassis of a Model T. The fire department moved into its new home on Berrien Street in the 1970s.
Erected by Paw Paw Historical Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1868.
Location. 42° 13.07′ N, 85° 53.507′ W. Marker is in Paw Paw, Michigan, in Van Buren County. It is in Paw Paw Township. It is on East Michigan Avenue near North Kalamazoo Street (Michigan Route 40). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 125 East Michigan Avenue, Paw Paw MI 49079, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Michigan and specifically in one of the Lake Michigan Shore counties. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within
Credits. This page was last revised on March 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 11, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 309 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 11, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
