Evening Republican, Volume 23, Number 187, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 August 1920 — NEW CITY FIREHOUSE [ARTICLE]

NEW CITY FIREHOUSE

COUNCIL TAKES STEPS TO CRECT NEW BUILDING AT ONCE. The fire at the city hall Monday has aroused the public and demand is made that the city erect at once a new fire proof building. Stejjs to this end were taken by the city council Tuesday evening when a special meeting of the eouncil was held. A committee consisting of Councilmen Kellner and Allman, City Fire Chief Montgomery and Superintendent Chamberlain were appointed to get the matter in* shape and report next Monday evening at the regular meeting of the council. The city owns a lot, the present site qf the fire house, or rather fire trap, almost midway between Washington and Harrison streets, on the west side of South Van Rensselaer street. This lot is 30 by 180 feet. It is proposed to erect a two-story building, 80x80. The front to have two large entrances and in the center a stairway leading to the second story. The back part of the lower floor to be used for the flusher and truck and other property belonging to the city. The front part to be used for the fire trucks. The upstairs is to be divided into two parts by a hall running, lengthways. The front rooms to be used for offices and the back to be made into suites to be used by persons in charge of the building. Fire Chief Montgomery proposes to rent one of the suites and a room may be provided for the man who handles the truck. This would put three firemen in the building. It is proposed to equip the new building with a good furnace in a basement large enough to furnish room for a large supply of coal. There are a number .x>f other buildings in this block with the fire house, which, like it, are ancient wooden structures and should by all means be replaced by good fire proof buildings. This is one of the very best locations for business rooms in the city. - . j : These buildings were ordered to be razed by the state fire marshal but the war came on and prices have- advanced to such proportions that it is almost prohibitive from the standpoint! of price as well as ability to obtain building materials.