Somerville in Somerset County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Fireman's Museum
Photographed by R. C.
1. Fireman's Museum Marker
Somerville relies upon volunteers to staff its Fire Department. The first volunteer fire company organized in 1835. Since then, three more companies have formed, all manned by volunteers.
This building was constructed in 1888 for the West End Hose Company to meet the needs of residents on the west side of town. The new brick building replaced a wooden shed which had housed the hand-drawn fire fighting apparatus of Union Fire Co. No. 1 (1852-1878). Some of the bricks used in the construction were acquired when Daniel Robert demolished the "castle" on the site now occupied by Borough Hall. in addition to hand drawn fire apparatus, the building was home to the borough's first horse-drawn truck (1888) and Macky, the horse purchased to pull the single harness rig. Later in 1916, the first motorized apparatus was purchased for West End Hose Company.
In 1970, West End Hose Company relocated to High Street. The original firehouse was dedicated as a museum to all of the men who have served in the Somerville Fire Department.
Erected 1970 by Somerset County Historic Trust.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1835.
Location. 40° 34.233′ N, 74°
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Regionally, this marker is in New Jersey’s North Jersey, specifically in Central Jersey, in Greater Princeton, and in the New York City Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: West End Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Armed Forces Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Borough Hall (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Daniel Robert House (about 500 feet away); 150 West Main Street (about 500 feet away); Furman Frederick Kugler (about 700 feet away); Second Reformed Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ruth St. Denis (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Somerville.
Regarding Fireman's Museum. The Fireman's Museum, located on N. Doughty Street in a vintage Victorian-era firehouse, is owned by the Borough and operated by members of Somerville' Exempt Firemens Association, retired members of Somerville volunteer fire department. The mission of the museum is to preserve the history of the local department, its records and accomplishments, and to archive memorabilia and house the Boroughs antique fire-fighting equipment. The museum also is serves to educate children and the public about fire prevention. Full exterior restoration was completed with grants from the NJ State Historic Trust and from Somerset County
Photographed by R. C.
2. West End Hose Company No. 3 Firehouse (upper left of fire house doors)
Constructed: 1888 Architect: Jacques Vanderbeck
Listed on
The New Jersey and National Registers
of Historic Places, 2002.
Also see . . . Somerville Fire Department Museum. Includes pictures taken inside the museum, as well as a link about Somerville Fire Department History. (Submitted on April 22, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)
Photographed by R. C.
3. Primary marker is on the lower left of the old fire house doors
Photographed by R. C.
4. Museum Plaque
Located on the right side of the fire house doors. The Fireman's Museum is operated by members of Somerville's Exempt Firemens Association, made up principally by retired members of the local volunteer fire department.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 21, 2008, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. This page has been viewed 3,647 times since then and 39 times this year. Last updated on April 24, 2008, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 21, 2008, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
