|
 Lima
Firefighters Museum
What began as a Quonset hut to store a 1929
Ahrens-Fox fire engine and a circa 1800's horse drawn steamer has
materialized into the beautiful Lima Firefighters Memorial Museum we
have today. Located at 180 S. Shawnee at the corner of Elm and Shawnee
Streets and adjacent to #5 Fire Station, the Museum is accumulation of
time, talent and donations.
When former Fire Chief John Brookman found out
that the Allen County Historical Society no longer had room to store the
Fox and the steamer at the Allen County Museum, he began to mobilize an
effort to build a storage building the department could keep them out of
the elements for future generations to enjoy. Little did he realize that
from these humble thoughts a Museum on this scale would evolve.
 First,
Chief Brookman assembled a committee that involved department members as
well as community leaders and interested citizens to develop
construction plans and fund raising ideas. Co-chaired by Third Ward
Councilwoman Ellen Hire and himself, and spearheaded by Lima businessman
William Timmermeister, the committee held various fund raising events.
Ground was broken on Labor Day, 1997, with dedication ceremonies held on
Memorial Day, 1999.
The
Museum features a memorial statute with the engraved names of
firefighters who have died in the line of duty and a brick walkway
around the statute preserves the name and year hired of every
firefighter who has served the citizens of Lima.
The project was funded entirely by private
donations no tax dollars were used to construct the Museum or will be
used to maintain it. Several Fire Department employees donated their
construction skills, saving thousands of dollars off the total price
tag.
The Museum is open for school tours and on
holiday events. It will tie in with community events and the train
exhibit in Lincoln Park.
For more information about the Museum or for a
tour of the Museum, contact us using the information request form,
e-mail or by calling us at 419/221-5160. |
