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New Firefighting Museum Is Piece Of Tampa History

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By VALERIE KALFRIN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 1, 2007

TAMPA - "Old Number One" is ready for visitors again.

A city fire station built in 1911 that served residents for decades has been reborn for a new task: housing a firefighting museum, according to Tampa Fire Rescue.

The building, at 720 Zack St., opens its doors this evening for a private tour of sponsors, donors and community leaders.

The museum's grand opening for the public is planned for January.

The station has been closed since 1977, when a new headquarters for the city's fire department was built across the street, according to Tampa Fire Rescue.

Reluctant to let go of a piece of history, a group of devotees established the museum board in 1995 to restore the building and convert it into a museum and safety center, Tampa Fire Rescue spokesman Capt. Bill Wade said.

Wade estimated the renovations have cost more than $1 million.

This evening, representatives of Fireman's Fund Insurance and Halcyon Underwriters will present a $25,000 grant for a fire-safety exhibit at the museum, he said.

Reporter Valerie Kalfrin can be reached at (813) 259-7800 or vkalfrin@tampatrib.com.

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