“Built in 1895, the Eloise Fire House stands as a testament to a bygone era. Originally, this very building served a different purpose. It was the Asylum Laundry. Can you imagine this space filled with washing machines instead of fire trucks?
Fast forward to 1932. The building was remodeled. It became the Eloise Fire House that we see today. It is one of the few remaining structures of the old Eloise complex. The Eloise Fire House is located right next to a modern shopping center.
Let’s take a step back to understand why the Eloise Fire Department was necessary. In the early days of Eloise, fire protection was basic. Water barrels and buckets were placed around the buildings. These weren’t very effective. The wood barrels deteriorated and the water froze in winter.
By 1870, iron tanks were installed. They were connected to eaves troughs for a water supply. Two buckets were placed in each building and refilled. Thomas Harvey had the daily task to check the water supply and the buckets.
In 1886, a section of the new Administration Building became a fire hall. It was small and held an iron water tank. This tank leaked and was torn down in 1901.
A turning point came in 1888. The horse barn burned down. This led to the official creation of the Eloise Fire Department. David May, the facility engineer, was appointed Fire Chief. Horse-carts, hoses, and fire extinguishers were purchased.
In 1891, a triangle was purchased. It was used to summon the fire brigade for fire practice. Additional fire hoses and ladders were also bought.
To improve fire safety, arrangements were made with the Michigan Central Railroad. In case of a major fire, they would send an engine and flatcar with a fire engine from the Detroit Fire Department.
A small fire in the Administration Building in 1892 demonstrated the Fire Department’s skill. The Board of Supervisors decided to purchase a new water pump.
The first regular fire hydrants were installed in 1893. They were connected to a tank and pump. An engineer recommended more equipment. He suggested a taller water tower.
The artificial lake became another important step in fire protection. In 1895, an iron tank was installed in the attic of the County House.
An assistant chief from the Detroit Fire Department made suggestions in 1897. These suggestions included hoses on all floors. He recommended a new hose-cart. He also recommended new fire escapes. Each hall was to be supplied with a fire extinguisher.
The Fire Department was reorganized in February. It consisted of a Chief, a Lieutenant, pipe-men, ladder-men, and substitutes.
In 1907, a water tower was erected. It was 120 feet high and held 50,000 gallons of water. The Detroit Fire Department made frequent visits. They inspected the equipment.
In 1909, a professional fireman became the Chief. In 1916, a pumping station was built. Two pumps could supply 1,200 gallons a minute.
The Blacksmith’s Shop was destroyed by fire in 1919. It burned down quickly before the Fire Department arrived.
In 1923, a fire broke out in Building “E”. The Institutional Fire Department found that the hydrant line pressure was insufficient. The Detroit Fire Department responded from 16 miles away. Two patients died.
The Governing Board improved the hydrant lines. Booster pumps were installed. A new hydrant line was constructed.
Two other fires broke out. One at the Power Plant and the second at the bakery.
In 1929, the Fire Department was provided with new quarters. This building in front of you, the old Asylum laundry built in 1895. An extension was added. The lower floor was for equipment. The upper floor became the Fire Chief’s residence. The building was remodeled in 1932.
In the same year, the Board again requested the Detroit Fire Department to make another survey of the fire apparatus at Eloise. This survey recommended that the fire pumps be automatically regulated and that the hydrant lines remain under pump pressure at all times. It further recommended that all wooden ward doors be changed to fire doors.
The Eloise Fire Department played a crucial role in protecting the institution. Over the years, it evolved and modernized. Today, the Eloise Fire House stands as a reminder of that vital service.
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