Harwich Renovation Bank St Station 20223

HARWICH
RENOVATIONS
THE OLD BANK STREET FIRE STATION
2023-2024
Updated February 11, 2024

OLD BANK STREET FIRE STATION PROJECT
Harwich Fire Department ran out of the old Bank Street Fire Station from about 1927 when the Harwich Fire Department was organized, until about 1995 when Harwich moved into the new Headquarters at 175 Sisson Road. A second station was built in East Harwich in 1976. That station was recently replaced by a new East Harwich Station 2 at 4064 Orleans Road (essentially on the same lot as the old station).

The old Bank Street Station has been used by various town departments over the years after being vacated by the fire department. The old building is in pretty rough shape with many of the problems associated with a vacant building.

The Harwich Fire Association has purchased the old building at 203 Bank Street and has plans to renovate the building, restoring it to a proud historical building, that can become home to the preserved 1928 Maxim pumper that once ran out of it.

We will try to follow the progress as The Old Bank Street Fire Station work begins in the Summer of 2023.

HARWICH FIRE DEPT
The original Harwich Fire Department was believed to have a new 1928 Maxim Engine 1
on the left and a used late teens Maxim Engine 2 on right.

HARWICH FIRE DEPT
The old Bank Street Fire Station as it looked 1930s with the 1928 Maxim Engine 1 on right,
1932 Ford front mount pump Engine 2 on left, and the used Maxim as Engine 3 running out
the back door.

HARWICH FIRE DEPT
The 1932 Ford with front mount pump as Engine 2.

HARWICH FIRE DEPT
The old Bank Street Fire Station as it looked Sept 8, 1945.
Apparatus includes 1932 Ford Engine 2, 1928 Maxim Engine 1, 1941 Buffalo Engine 4
and in the background the old Maxim as Engine 3.

HARWICH FIRE DEPT
The Harwich Fire Department took on the white apparatus paint scheme around 1948.
This classic photo shows the 1952 Cadillac Ambulance, 1950 Ford-Robinson 1500 gallon
Brush Breaker, 1932 Ford Engine 2, 1941 Buffalo Engine 4, 1949 Ford Rescue 1,
1953 American LaFrance 750 gpm Engine 3, 1948 Ford-Farrar city service Ladder 1,
a 1950 Ford Fire Chief Car, and the Rescue Boat.

HARWICH FIRE DEPT
The Harwich Fire Department in October 1978.
Apparatus included two 1974 Dodge ambulances Rescue 62 (R1) and 63 (R2),
a 1966 Maxim F 1000 gpm pumper Engine 64 (E1), a 1953 American LaFrance 750 gpm Engine 65 (E3),
a 1976 Mack CF 1250 gpm pumper Engine 69 (E4), a 1970 Mack CF - Thibault 85' Ladder 66 (L1),
the 1941 Buffalo Engine 4 then as a Muster Truck. Also would still include the 1950 Ford-Robinson
Brush Breaker 68 (E5) and the 1957 International Forestry 67 (T2).

HARWICH FIRE DEPT
The Harwich Fire Department in 1986.
The 1970 Mack-Thibault 85' Ladder 66, the 1985 Seagrave 1250 gpm Engine 64,
a 1980s Ford Ambulance, and 1981 GMC Forestry 67.

HARWICH FIRE DEPT
The Harwich Fire Department on Bank Street with metal rollup doors.

HARWICH FIRE DEPT
The old Bank Street Station in 2022, about 27 years after being vacated.

HARWICH FIRE DEPT
The old Bank Street Fire Station at 203 Bank Street renovation
February 5, 2024

HARWICH FIRE DEPT
The old Bank Street Fire Station at 203 Bank Street renovation
October 24, 2023

HARWICH FIRE DEPT
The old Bank Street Fire Station at 203 Bank Street was built around 1927
and added onto several times. It was vacated by the fire department in 1995
when the new Headquarters opened.

HARWICH FIRE ASSOCIATION
The Harwich Fire Association purchased the 203 Bank Street property in 2022
with plans to renovate and restore the old station so that it may become a functional
building to house the old Maxim Engine 1 and preserve history.

HARWICH FIRE DEPT
The original Harwich Fire Department was believed to have a new 1928 Maxim Engine 1
on the left and a used late teens Maxim Engine 2 on right.

HARWICH FIRE DEPT
The 1932 Ford Engine 2, 1928 Maxim Engine 1, 1941 Buffalo Engine 4.

HARWICH FIRE DEPT
The Harwich Fire Signals (horn blasts) was issued to the general public
so they would know what the fire department was doing an where.

HARWICH FIRE DEPT
The fire department radio console was upstairs at the old station.

HARWICH FIRE DEPT
The 1928 Maxim Engine 1 was painted white and became Engine 3
probably around 1953 when the new American LaFrance came.

HARWICH FIRE DEPT
The 1941 Buffalo Engine 4 and the 1970s Mack-Thibault Ladder 1 in background.

HARWICH FIRE DEPT
The 1976 Mack CF 1250 gpm Engine 4 and 1953 American LaFrance Engine 3

HARWICH FIRE DEPT
The 1980 GMC - Maxim 1000 gpm / 1450 gallon Engine-Tanker 65