Sue Morrow: Warren Engine Co. deserves museum worthy of its history

I always enjoy the annual dinner-meeting held by Warren Engine Co. No. 1 volunteer fire department, which held its 147th annual event last Thursday. The camaraderie, the chance to see old friends, and of course, the fabulous dinner always make for a memorable evening.

Last week's Warren Engine Co. event added another dimension - excitement - as plans for exploration of a permanent fire museum located on the grounds of the State Railroad Museum unfolded.

WECO created a museum featuring antique equipment including fire engines, hose carts and paraphernalia in the early 1960s at the station on Curry and Musser streets. A much smaller (100-square-foot) facility now exists at the current Stewart Street station.

But there's still a need for a full-fledged facility because a considerable part of WECO's history is also, by necessity, stored around Carson City in private homes and garages.

Peter Barton, acting administrator of the Nevada Division of Museums and History, told the gathering it might be possible for WECO to partner with the Railroad Museum at that museum's 10.5-acre site.

Prominent local architect Art Hannafin is donating his time and talent toward the project for a proposed 11,000-square-foot, two-story building.

Warren Engine Co. No 1 is said to be the oldest continuously operating volunteer fire department on the West Coast, founded in 1863, a year before Nevada became a state. Its current museum contains two fire engines, including a 1913 Seagrave, several hose carts and a Honeyman hand pumper, as well as other items of historical significance.

However, many more items, such as a fire engine, chemical cart, helmets and uniforms and old photos are stored in private homes and garages for lack of space at the fire station.

There is a ton of history in all these items.

WECO has a long and proud history in Carson City. I well remember, as a Nevada Appeal photographer, chasing their fire engines to horrendous fires and seeing how its firefighters, all volunteers, risked life and limb. Carson City didn't get a full-time, paid fire department until 1964. The volunteers continue to provide support in fire suppression, emergency medical services and related services to Carson City.

The proposed fire museum will be costly and require a lot of fundraising. But if the community realizes what an added attraction it can be and supports it, perhaps the dream can become a reality. I fervently hope that is the case.

• Sue Morrow is a longtime journalist and member of the Nevada Newspaper Hall of Fame. She can be reached to soozymorrow

@yahoo.com.