History of the Heartland Firehouse #3 Event Oct. 29

 

History of the Heartland is hosting a proper send off for Fairview Firehouse #3. The firehouse will be open to the public. Retired Captain Mark Allen will have some of his Decatur Fire Department memorabilia on display during the event. Captain Allen will display many old photographs of the Decatur Fire Department, old sets of turnout gear and helmets during the open house. The event will be Saturday, October 29, from 10am-2pm in the old Fairview Firehouse #3 at 1308 West Eldorado. Admission is FREE to the event.  

There will be photo opportunities inside the Firehouse.  “Since the firehouse closed, our organization has heard from many family members of past firefighters who wanted to get one more look before the structure is sold.  Happily, we asked city leaders if we could provide this opportunity and they agreed,” said Ayn Owens, event coordinator. 

History of the Heartland invited the recently approved buyer of the firehouse to attend the event and talk with citizens about his vision for the structure.  The buyer is Decatur businessman Mark Allen.  He plans to build an addition to the building and turn it into executive apartments.  His plans include preserving both iconic red doors during the renovation and then placing them as the renovation concludes.  The project is privately funded. 

At 11:30 on October 29, organizers plan to have a group photo taken in front of one of the red doors.  Anyone in attendance at the open house is invited to be in the photo.  “Mr. Allen suggested when the renovations are completed, we take another group photo in front of the iconic red door,” said Owens.  “This open house will give the public a unique perspective and History of the Heartland will follow the renovation journey on our Facebook page.”

The event is family friendly.  The Matherly family will have one of their vintage firetrucks on display in the driveway for family photos.  The vehicle is a 1957 r-185 International PIRSCH model.  All-original, it is the only one of its type made. 

History of the Heartland is a not-for-profit organization with the mission of the preservation of our historic structures, homes and the stories of our people.  It embraces a consortium of over 20 organizations in the county.  

Please call (217) 791-1385 for more information.