To 1917 Original occupant of the site was the Oakland House Tavern and Hotel. This was a very popular watering hole.
1917 To 1919 The successor was the National Fruit Juice Company. The building was used as a distribution warehouse. The National Fruit Juice Company was an affiliate of the old Theime and Wagoner Brewery.
1919 To 1921 The city of Lafayette purchased this site in August of 1919
with plans for a city fire station. Memmer Construction In 1921 at the cost of about $20,000. The building featured a brick exterior, tile roof, bell tower, and accommodations for ten firemen. May 1922 This station was opened in 1922 as a replacement for an older station on Purdue Street. The Purdue street building had originally been manned by volunteers using a hand pumper and acquired a fully paid staff in 1906. The Purdue street station used a hose wagon with a steam engine for some time before being equipped with a 1912 Webb hose and chemical car. This new building began a new era as it was built without provisions for horses. It was built without a kitchen as the men worked 24 hours a day with about 2 hours off to go home for meals. At about the time this was opened, they split in crews so the men would work alternating shifts.
1946 to 1953 The 1937 Ahrens-Fox VC fire engine on display was acquired in January 1938 at a cost of $5,725. It served a six year stint at this house before it was damaged in an explosion that took the lives of three Lafayette Firefighters. It was returned to the factory for rebuilding and was then used at various stations until 1982. It was purchased by Lafayette attorney and fire department artifact collector, John Gambs. It was jointly owned by Gambs and LFD firefighter Gordon “Corky” Balser who babied it and housed it until the recent restoration was begun.
1955 An upgrade took place when the old “fire bell” was removed and an air raid siren installed.
1966 to 1969 A modern alarm and dispatch room was added as well as a dormitory for four firefighters. The retaining walls, parking lot and sidewalks were added as well.
1969 This marked the end of an era. The cast iron boy and dog came to Lafayette in about 1846. They had been on display by the department since 1912. As the result of complaints from the community, the boy was removed from display. He has been restored and is on display in the museum.
1971 to 1990’s Additional restoration of the building took place as firefighters and union craftsmen remodeled the kitchen, installed railings on steps, installed a new boiler and two insulated truck doors. The building was insulated and new windows were installed.
2001 Plans for a new station were announced. This building was then listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part the St. Mary’s Neighborhood. This prompted a group of local citizens with Don Stein, President; Jerry Smelser, Vice President; Tim Lacey, Treasurer; Van Sherry, Secretary; Angela Bowen; Scott Balser; Gordon Balser; Cy Gerde; Norb Fisher; Ken Rhode; Brad McKinney; Rich Groeber; and Raymond Linville to form a not for profit entity to further education in fire prevention, safety and awareness. December 2002 Five Points Fire Museum was vacated when engine 3 moved to 18th and South Streets to a new and modern facility. March 2003 A grant was obtained from North Central Health Services for renovation at the same time that the Lafayette Board of Works signed a lease with the Historic Five Points Fire Museum
July 3 & 4, 2003 The newly renovated museum hosted a two day open house to mark the start of our efforts as a Fire Museum and Child Safety Center.
