YFD - What you didn't see in any of the newspapers

[Mary]

What a nice tribute!

Also, how refreshing to see that an old, well-made building full of memories is still in use in Youngstown--instead of the opposite stories that we usually see of Ytown tearing down historic buildings such as schools and McKelvey's.

[yfdgricker]

A rare occasion came and went on January 24, 2004. There was no fanfare, no media coverage, no party or other gala celebration to mark the occasion. In fact, very few people even knew about it.

Turning 100, a century old!

Most people don't even reach the 100 year mark. Even less, a building in the city of Youngstown. But that's what happened recently.

Youngstown Fire Department Station 7 at Madison and Elm St celebrated its 100 birthday on January 24, 2004. The station has diligently served the city of Youngstown since it's opening January 24, 1903. The station is the oldest still operational fire station in the city. That's right it is still operating!

Many things have changed since the station was placed in service. Gone are the wooden sidewalks in front of the station. Gone is the decorative third floor, when and what happened is still a mystery. Gone are the horses that once sat patiently ready to carry the equipment and men to any location they were needed. in fact, you can shake a pipe in Station 7 and still get some of the horses oats to fall out from the walls. Gone are the the steamers which bellowed black smoke as they were responding through the city streets.

The original men who were placed in charge of the station are also gone. They now reside in newspaper articles, the Arms Museum and in the minds of a few Fire Department historians like myself. Their stories waiting to be discovered.

It's amazing that the building still stands today. It's lived through floods, snows, blizzards, the steel mills, and Idora Park. It was here when the population topped 150,000 and has managed to hang on during tough economic times. It has even survived the Youngstown State University era. Now it is the first due firehouse for YSU.

How long will it continue to service the city has not yet been decided. What will become of it once its life as a protector of the men and equipment who protect our city is over, who knows?

But to survive this long is certainly an occasion to remember.

Happy belated birthday Youngstown Fire Department Station 7!

Greg Ricker
Webmaster of youngstownfire.com
Youngstown Fire Department Historian