The year is 1879. A bell rings out in the night. Shouts awaken the fire brigade. And horses are hitched up to this Silsby Steamer – rushing out into the darkness to put out the flames and save the day. We’re in northwest Georgia. And this is the Marietta Fire Department Museum.
Since 1854 the Marietta Fire Department has served the families of this bustling town in Cobb County. It was formed after a horrific blaze destroyed most of the beautiful Marietta Square. And for more than 170 years it has saved properties, lives, and a host of relics and antiques that all of us can now come and observe to learn about the history of fire-fighting.
The Marietta Fire Department Museum is maintained and tours are given by active duty fire fighters. These brave men and women continue a tradition of heroism that spans well over a century. And today they’re here to share their stories.
Stories like that of the 1921 American La France Pumper. This feat of engineering replaced the horse-drawn Silsby Steamer, and was one of the first motorized fire trucks in the region.
The folks here have done an amazing job of maintaining these important links to our civic past – where we can get up close and personal with machines that helped to keep us safe throughout our history.
Other vehicles on display here include the 1929 Seagraves 500 gallon-per-minute pumper truck. The 1949 Pirsch Ladder Truck that boasted one of the longest ladders in north Georgia, and that was last used as recently as 1981. And the 1952 Chevrolet Rescue Truck – the first of its kind in the department that served the city for more than 2 decades.
The stories continue on the Wall of Flame – a photo gallery showcasing local firefighters combatting some of the major catastrophes in Marietta’s history, dating back to the 1800’s.
While you’re here you can also peruse an impressive collection of antique fire helmets, fire-fighting equipment, and most importantly gain an ever-growing appreciation for the brave individuals who put their lives on the line to keep all of us safe from harm.
