"Lower Canton" Fireboat Station
..In 1919, the City of Baltimore annexed a substantial amount of surrounding territory from Baltimore County. This included built-up waterfront property along the north shore of the Patapsco River between Lazaretto Point, and Colgate Creek, predominantly occupied by railroad terminal piers.
..The Baltimore City Fire Department established marine fire protection for this area with the activation of Engine Co.48 (Fireboat Torrent), on December 27, 1921. On April 29, 1922, they occupied their new quarters, located on the outer end of Canton Railroad Pier No. 3, 3800 Newgate Avenue. The small two-story wood-frame structure was built by the City, with the property being leased from the Canton Railroad Company.
 |
 |
..Unlike the other fireboat stations, Engine 48’s house is exposed to the open waters of the Lower Patapsco, particularly during a southeaster. Storm-lashed harbor waters would break directly against the front of the house causing the men to don their boots to get around on the first floor. An emergency exit was installed in the back of the house for the crew to use during bad storms, as the wind and waves pushing against the front of the house would make the regular front door un-usable.
..Cramped quarters was another problem at the station, with thirteen beds squeezed into the small second-floor room used for sleeping. There is no lost space, with the aisle being only about two feet wide.
..Cramped quarters was another problem at the station, with thirteen beds squeezed into the small second-floor room used for sleeping. There is no lost space, with the aisle being only about two feet wide.
 |
 |
 |
 |
..In the spring of 1964, construction began on new quarters for Engine Co. 48 on Colgate Creek, at the Dundalk Marine Terminal. On July 12, 1965 they occupied their new station and the old house on Pier No.3 was closed and discontinued by the Fire Department. The building lay abandoned for a number of years, and was demolished in the late 1970’s.
BACK TO OLD STATIONS
 |
 |