Firehouse - Salem, MA - Central fire station 1897 - Side by Side

by Mike Savad

Title

Firehouse - Salem, MA - Central fire station 1897 - Side by Side

Artist

Mike Savad

Medium

Photograph - Hand Colored Photo

Description

Hand colored photo from 1897
Original title: Salem, Church Street, Central Fire Station in 1897
Photographer: Frank Cousins
Location: 30 Church St., Salem, MA

The Salem, Massachusetts Fire Department on Church Street has a rich history, serving the community with dedication and bravery. Located in a city renowned for its historical significance, the station has been an essential part of Salem's public safety for many years. Known for its historic architecture, the Church Street station not only served as a hub for firefighting operations but also as a symbol of community resilience.

The department's firefighters have responded to countless emergencies, from fires in historic buildings to natural disasters, always prioritizing the safety of Salem's residents. The Church Street station, like many others in New England, carries the legacy of a time when firehouses were neighborhood landmarks. Though some stations have moved or undergone modernization, the spirit of those who served at Church Street continues to be remembered in the city's collective history.

Color notes:
The original image shows a building with a prominent crack down the center, as the original is made of glass, but otherwise well-aligned and clear enough to use and detailed enough to make it look sharp. Remarkably, the building still stands today as a beer shop, with the neighboring building on the left also still intact, likely offering wine and other goods. All the houses to the right, however, have since been replaced by a parking lot.

The building is constructed entirely of brick, with some cement headers visible in places. The older photo suggests it was painted over, likely to cover efflorescence - a common issue in the 1890s - or perhaps to give it a more uniform look, as I don't see any mortar lines. Today, most of the paint has been removed, leaving the natural brick exposed. As for the original paint color, there's no record, like a postcard, to confirm it, so I chose a brick-like hue, though it could have been any shade at all.

Uploaded

October 27th, 2024

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