There is something about an old city firehouse. Especially in Boston. And especially this one on Boylston Street. I stumbled across this on a cold January day, in the city with my daughter for some birthday lunch and shopping.
Built in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, this firehouse opened in February 1888 with Engine 33 and Ladder 15 there from the beginning. I love the arched doors with the signs above each, signaling the home for each respective fire truck.
Per the Boston Fire Historical Society, the firehouse serves a large chunk of Boston including the Back Bay, South End, Roxbury and Fenway, and in an average year Engine 33 responds to 4,100 calls and Ladder 15 to 3,800. That is impressive, to say the least. In researching the station, a couple of recent stories captured my interest.
The first is about a day that everyone in America remembers. The day of the Boston Marathon bombing. Being the official firehouse for the Marathon, firemen Mike Kennedy and Frankie Flynn, a 28-year veteran of the department, raced to the finish line when the call came in. They were immediately sucked into the chaos helping to treat and comfort victims the best that they could.
The second involves long-time Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and his family. On March 26, 2014 they watched a horrifying blaze unfold just a few doors down from their Back Bay brownstone. Before deciding to evacuate for safety, Tom watched the blaze build to a nine alarm fire that ultimately caused an explosion.
Two Boston firefighters died in that fire in the line of duty: Lt. Edward J. Walsh, 43 and Michael R. Kennedy, 33. The very same Mike Kennedy that responded to the Boston Marathon bombings. Mike had intended to run the Boston Marathon that spring along with nine other firemen from the house to honor the victims that he treated and the courage he witnessed. To show the world “Boston Strong”.
Plaques on the station honor both Lt. Walsh and Michael Kennedy, as well four other firemen who lost their lives over the years performing their duty.
I feel like Boston is my city too, having grown up nearby. Everyone says one of the best things about Connecticut is that it’s between Boston and New York, and so I have adopted Boston as my city. I love New York too, but there is just something about Boston. And this firehouse is part of that something.
Do you have any firemen in your family? Or policemen? I so admire these men and women who serve us every day, willingly putting themselves in danger for us.
Enjoy this post? You might like Sever Hall at Harvard or South Church in New Britain. Also, this post is part of Norm 2.0‘s Thursday Doors round-up. Please check it out for a wide variety of interesting doors!
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My name is Deb Cohen, and I am a lifelong resident of Connecticut, a lover of all things historic and New England, and a realtor who helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals and dreams. When I’m not working, I enjoy life with my husband, our two adult children, and our two rescue pups. Renovating and decorating our historic home, dating to 1800, is another favorite pastime.
I don’t know if locals notice this or if it is just because I am not an American and English isn’t my native language but I love the American names for things. They all have a certain ‘Marvel’ quality. Common things sound like superhero references (Kind of fits the American spirit I think) Ladder 15, Engine 33, Court of Justice, Freedom Tower, League of Nations.. (I am rambling;) But You guys are good in making up names! It’s a pity I can’t share the Dutch names with you but I guarantee they sounds a lot less epic. + beautiful building ofcourse 😉
Now that I think about it I can see your perspective!! Especially with Freedom Tower (although I personally think that’s a little silly). It’s not something that I think locals notice. I have always thought that names here are sometimes boring because they are so obvious. For example, naming a street Church St. or School St. because the church or school is on them! But on the other hand, I can see where you would see the strength in the simple names too. I like the way you think! I’m sure the Dutch names are equally beautiful but sadly I wouldn’t be able to understand them!
My cousin in a volunteer fireman in the small town where he lives – in Massachusetts. Fantastic old building!
Such a wonderful thing to volunteer for! So important. I’m glad you like the building!
Judy beautifully summed up everything I wanted to say. great shot.
Thank you Klara!
I’ve had the good fortune to admire that beautiful building a number of times over the years. Great doors this week and even more; a wonderful tribute. Thanks for that 🙂
Such a great old building in a wonderful part of Boston. Love that city! Glad you enjoyed, Norm.
That is fantastic building 🙂 …and of course doors …
Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed!
Beautiful
I agree, great post, Deb, honouring worthy people
Thank you Kiki!! They are doing a job they love – it takes someone special to want to take those risks.
Historic building, handsome doors, and it houses the heroes we depend upon every day to save us from the bad things in life. My hat goes off to these brave men and women who respond to our calls for help every day. Great post.
What she said. 🙂 Thanks for sharing the stories as well as the beautiful building and doors.
janet
You are so welcome Janet! Apologies for the delayed response – I have been ill the last couple days 🙂
Thanks for your comments, Judy – apologies for my delayed response! I have been ill the last couple of days. Firemen, policemen, EMT’s, of course our servicemen – all put their own lives at risk daily for us!
This is a great group of people to honor. It’s a beautiful building, filled with the best people around.
Thanks for your comment, Dan! I have been ill the last couple days so apologies for the late response. Firemen really are a special group, along with other types of service men and women.