Firehouse Museum, January 2008

Date(s): January 19, 2008


So what was there to do on a cold Saturday in January if you’re an MCP’r? You went to Ypsilanti’s Depot Town and attended our meeting at the Michigan Firehouse Museum.
Many members were seen roaming Depot Town on this January 19th afternoon before the meeting. In fact, our networking system was so good that I counted over twenty of us dining at The Side Tracks Restaurant. Sometimes we have trouble organizing such a turnout. Just how do you figure? I attribute it to good friends and cell phones. Thirty two of you made it to, and enjoyed, a tour of the museum after a short business meeting. We were enlightened about the Ypsilanti area firefighting history and techniques by the the museum’s volunteer historian, Ernest Griffin.

The beautiful collection of trucks, pumpers, and other apparatus’ is nicely displayed in the museum, which is a combination of the Old Depot Town firehouse and a modern spacious facility. Most memorable to me was Ernest’s description of the elaborate fire alarm bell system that spans one wall of the old firehouse. As legend has it, the complex and elaborate bell system was so distinct and reliable that the well trained horse teams knew which alarm box to run to when let loose. Could it have been as good as the darn computer controlled systems that we now use?

We sure appreciate Howard Weaver and his staff for giving us private use of the Michigan Firehouse Museum, and we thank Gail Kuhn for providing the delicious homemade desserts and beverages. Those who know of Gail’s cooking understand why I fight my weight.

To see pictures of this great event, visit our Firehouse Museum folder in our Gallery section!