The building in front of you first sheltered the crew of Fire Station No. 4, including horses downstairs and hay lofts above, because nothing says “ready for action” quite like a full snack-bar for your fire-fighting horses. In fact, before things got modern, these brave souls pulled out the station’s pride and joy-the 1867 Cornelius Howland hand pumper-which saw action right here until 1884. Now, that is muscle and hustle.
Up above, check out the tall hose tower with its hip roof and old bricked-up arches. Historically, hoses had to dry or they risked turning into smelly sausages-so, up they went! And here’s a twist: the station originally ran on volunteer power, led by A.M. Howland Jr., who later swapped fighting fires for fighting city budgets as mayor.
Over the years, the station grew, adding space for more engines and even a repair shop. In 1913, with the help of paid staff, the hay lofts were turned into living quarters-no more firemen bedding down beside the horses! And if you listen closely inside today, you might just hear the rustle of uniforms or even the playful shouts of visitors sliding down the fire pole.
Don’t miss the treasures inside: old hand-drawn fire engines, log books, and original fire records, guarded by both spirited volunteers and retired firefighters with stories hotter than a four-alarm blaze. So go ahead, try on a helmet, ring that bell, and step right into New Bedford’s blazing past!
