Springfield’s first black firehouse opened in 1902, and the building still stands today. The firehouse, located at what is now 1310 E. Adams St., was home to the city’s black firefighters, who weren’t allowed to work with white firefighters at the time. During Springfield’s infamous 1908 race riot, those black firefighters fought to save eastside homes torched by angry white rioters, probably putting their lives at risk in more ways than one. Now, a group of donors and volunteers is working to restore the building’s facade as a historical monument to the bravery of the city’s first black firefighters. The group announced in December that architectural and engineering designs were complete, meaning restoration can begin as soon as enough funding is collected. “Springfield has a rich, turbulent and sometimes regrettable history,” said Ward 2 Alderman Gail Simpson, whose ward contains the building. “It is a history that must be preserved and told in order to celebrate its greatness, but never repeat the ugly stains of racism.” Donations can be sent to the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Attn: First Black Firehouse, 1011 S. Second St., Springfield, IL 62704. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/FirstBlackFirehouse.
This article appears in Jan 22-28, 2015.
