Hose Station No. 1: A Glimpse into Davenport's Firefighting History

Hose Station No. 1 stands as a testament to Davenport's early firefighting efforts. Constructed in 1877, this Italianate-style building housed the Fire King Engine 2nd Hose Company, a volunteer group that predated the city's professional fire department. Designed by local architect John W. Ross, the station is notable as his earliest recorded project, with Ross later designing other prominent city buildings like the Scott County Courthouse.The station's architecture features a red brick facade and arched windows, characteristic of the Italianate style. A prominent central tower on the west elevation served a practical purpose: it was used to hang and dry the fire hoses. The words “Fire King” were once displayed on the tower above the door. The building's main level stored firefighting equipment behind large doors, while the second floor provided living quarters for the firefighters.In 1878, the Fire King Engine 2nd Hose Company became Hose Company No. 1, marking the transition to a paid unit. The station was replaced by the Central Fire Station in 1902. In 1912, St. Alphonsus Catholic Church acquired the station's old bell for its new church building. Later, the second floor served as a clubhouse for National Guard veterans, and the first floor was used for automotive purposes. Hose Station No. 1 was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 and the Davenport Register of Historic Properties in 1999.