Old Hill in Springfield in Hampden County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)

Leonard A. Corbin

2/28/1946 - 11/16/2008

Photographed by Conrad Ward, March 9, 2025

1. Leonard A. Corbin Marker

Inscription. Dedicated In Memory Of
Leonard A. Corbin
Springfield's First Black Firefighter
Appointed June 9, 1969 - Retired March 4, 2001
32 Years of distinguished service to the citizens of the City of Springfield

Lenny was a true professional, a pioneer, and a true brother firefighter

In his words:
"I just wanted to be the best firefighter I could be"

Lenny's family and friends will always love and remember him

Erected 2009 by Venezian Mon. Wks.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work. A significant historical date for this entry is March 4, 2001.

Location. 42° 6.607′ N, 72° 33.816′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Massachusetts, in Hampden County. It is in Old Hill. It is at the intersection of Eastern Avenue and Monroe Street, on the right when traveling north on Eastern Avenue. The marker is located at the Mason Square Fire Station. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 33 Eastern Avenue, Springfield MA 01109, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Massachusetts’ Knowledge Corridor

and

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in Pioneer Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in New England.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Buckingham Cornerstone (a few steps from this marker); Mason Square Viet Nam Memorial (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Winchester Square District World War II Memorial (about 500 feet away); Growth of the Game (about 700 feet away); The Challenge to James Naismith (about 700 feet away); The Original Site (about 700 feet away); Springfield College (about 700 feet away); Shays’ Rebellion (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.

Another marker is no longer nearby. The First Game of Basketball (was about 600 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by Conrad Ward, March 9, 2025

2. Leonard A. Corbin Marker

Photographed by Conrad Ward, March 9, 2025

3. Backside

Photographed by Conrad Ward, March 9, 2025

4. Leonard A. Corbin Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 15, 2025, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 55 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 15, 2025, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.