YOU HAVE TO WONDER if architects of 19th century firehouses knew they were igniting a longstanding love affair with their creations. Many a prospective home buyer or business owner have fantasized about occupying these compact brick structures with their wide front doors, architectural flourishes, and fire poles—or at least the romance of fire poles.
278 Sixth St.
The first thing you notice is the bright red paint on this firehouse, owned by painter Jeremy Smith and his wife Jennifer. “It was brown before,” Smith says. “Everything was brown.” Smith says the first question everyone asks him is, “Where is the pole?” It’s no longer there, but he thinks the pole has a lot to do with the romance of firehouses. That, and the camaraderie and bravery of firefighters. Smith’s research revealed that the firehouse, which he bought in 1998, was built in 1860. “We were walking around, looking for an unusual property,” he relates. “We wanted to buy an old synagogue in Union City. That didn’t work out and then a realtor told us about the firehouse.” The two-story structure features a woodshop on the first floor where the stables used to be, and the living area. A spiral staircase leads to the bedrooms and his painting studio on the second floor. Smith says he loves the copper façade and brands his digs “homey.” He says, “I wasn’t seeking a firehouse, but it had ample studio space and I thought it was cool.”
14 Bright St.
Otherwise known as the Passaic Hose Engine Company, this traditional old firehouse stands empty. The beauty of a stone sculpted fire helmet over the door is marred by an ugly air conditioning unit just below. Renovations would definitely be in order for this much sought-after building. One man who has his eye on it is Clay Cockrell, a founder of the J City Theater, who would like to make it into a 75-seat performing arts center. “It has brand new electric plumbing and a new roof,” Cockrell says, “and the second floor is amazing. The ornate molding is breathtaking.” When it operated as a volunteer department in the mid-1800s, members held Christmas parties and other social gatherings there. Though Cockrell has approached the City Council about acquiring it, some government officials are not in a theatrical mood. Instead of leasing it to the J City Theater for $1, they want to sell it to house a restaurant or other business. At press time an auction was slated. Stay tuned.
244 Bay St.
This firehouse, tucked away off Newark Avenue, served as JCFD headquarters from 1871 to 1933. It is now home to the Jersey City Gong Club, an organization of fire buffs, launched in the mid-1950s that offers aid and refreshments to firefighters and victims of fires. “The Bond Bread Company donated a truck that was retrofitted to carry the food to the scene,” says Marc Wallace, president in chief of the club. They got a Chevy van in 1976, and in 2001 the group bought a new Chevy truck, which is kept in the firehouse. The Gong Club maintains a museum featuring firefighting memorabilia, such as a collection of leather helmets. Wallace says he became interested in firefighting when he was living in the Lafayette section and witnessed a fire in the Gibraltar Clock Company. “I was intrigued with the firemen,” he says. “They were outstanding and made an extra effort to save the houses on Van Horne Street.”JCM