Above, the firehouse and staff circa 1896; below, the building now.
By Michael R. Ebert
michael.ebert@newsday.com
When sightseers visit Cold Spring Harbor, Tom Hogan of Cold Spring Harbor Realty says there are only five places of interest. With his assistance, there will soon be a sixth.
For the last few years, the history-minded Hogan has been working to establish a Cold Spring Harbor Firehouse Museum, which will ultimately relocate, restore and expand the community’s first firehouse for commercial use. Earlier this month, the Town of Huntington’s Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved Hogan’s request for 84 Main Street.
“The fire department is looking to expand its existing facility, so there was a choice between destroying this old structure or saving it,” said Hogan, one of the museum’s founders. “By providing another venue for people to visit, we’re enhancing interest in the community. Instead of spending one afternoon in Cold Spring Harbor, people might now spend a day.”
As part of the project, Hogan said the museum’s board of trustees purchased the circa-1860 firehouse and hired a historic building consultant to design plans that will slightly reposition the 18-foot by 30-foot structure, which is situated behind the current firehouse. Following the $25,000 move, Hogan and the other trustees will add some 600-square-feet to the building to make space for equipment, visitors and other museum-related items.
Specifically, the renovated firehouse will host the department’s 1845 hand pump and 1925 American La France Pumper, as well as various photographs and memorabilia.
“This is an opportunity to display our first firehouse and some early equipment, and we’re very excited about it,” said Hogan. “It’s great to teach people how firefighters used to work back in the day. It really gives perspective to the changes in technology.”
In the coming weeks, Hogan plans to initiate the site-plan review and obtain building permits, which is the next step after recently receiving a special steep-slope relief permit from the zoning board. If all goes well, restoration efforts could begin in January, Hogan said, and the museum could be open to the public by June.
Earlier this year, the trustees were granted a provisional charter from the New York State Board of Regents, which authorized them to establish and maintain the museum.
“I felt very strongly about saving it,” said Hogan. “The synergy that will be created between Cold Spring Harbor’s landmarks and attractions will provide a unique opportunity for all Long Islanders to visit and learn about this historic area and all that it offers.”
Hogan cites the other tourist attractions as Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum, the Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities Gallery, the Dolan DNA Learning Center, the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery and the Nature Conservancy’s Upland Farms.
Officials at the Cold Spring Harbor Volunteer Fire Department did not return calls seeking comment on the upcoming museum.