Clear Lake Fire Museum highlights local history
People wanting a break from water activities in Clear Lake can catch a ride into local history with a visit to the Clear Lake Fire Museum.
The museum is located downtown, near the current fire department. Completed over an 8-year period, the museum was dedicated in the fall of 1986. The museum offers a look into the city’s early firefighting days.
The fire museum’s building resembles a fire house from the early 1900s.
The fire department was created in 1871 following a major fire to a furniture store. Once Clear Lake was incorporated as a town, city leaders organized a fire department. Originally, fire fighters used a “bucket brigade” to fight fires.
In 1883, the fire department added a horse-drawn water hose cart. It was capable of using 300 feet of hose.
The fire department received its first truck in 1925. The Ahrens-Fox pumper truck served the community until 1975.
The fire department has grown in its responsibilities from the early days. Current responsibilities – in addition to firefighting – include emergency medical technician duties, hazard material handling and ice rescue operations. Growing from an all-volunteer force, the department now has a mix of professional and volunteer members.
The Clear Lake Fire Department has lost two members in the line of duty. John “Jack” Evans died in 1984. Dale Simpson died in 2001. The two men are honored with their helmets and coats in a locker display.
The museum has an impressive collection of firefighting-related items. A history of Clear Lake fire fighters’ helmets is on display.
A uniform used to fight air plane fires is available for viewing.
The museum houses several records, logs and letters throughout the department’s history.
A room used for public education houses a collection of miniature fire trucks and other vehicles.
Outside, two light poles have a red light atop the white ones.
The museum also has a memorial for all the men and women who have served the Clear Lake community with the fire department.
The museum is open 1-4 p.m. weekends Memorial-Labor Day. Admission is free, but they will accept donations.
For more information on the Clear lake Fire Museum, please visit www.clearlakefire.com.
