Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company Fire Station No. 1, fire station in Newark, Delaware
Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company Fire Station No. 1 is an early fire station in Newark built in 1890. The two-story brick building has a simple rectangular design with two large garage doors on its east-facing side.
The station was founded following a devastating mill fire in 1888 that prompted local residents to create their own fire company. It remained the city's only fire fighting facility until the 1920s, when additional stations were built to serve expanding areas.
The name references the equipment firefighters once used: hoses and ladders for fighting fires. Today, the station stands as a reminder of Newark's tradition of volunteer service, where residents have long dedicated themselves to protecting their community.
The station sits near the city center and is easily accessible on foot. Visitors can observe the exterior brick structure and its large garage doors, which still convey the original working purpose of the building.
The building was designed by architect William D. Miller with solid craftsmanship that conveys strength despite its age. Today, the station's work has shifted toward emergency medical services, with ambulance calls now making up the majority of daily responses.
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