Fort Worth Star-Telegram
A bungalow-style fire station built as part of the “City Beautiful” initiative in the 1920s celebrates its 100th birthday this week. Fort Worth’s Fire Station 18, located at the corner of Camp Bowie Boulevard and Carleton Avenue first opened its doors on October 16, 1923.
This station was one of ten bungalow-style fire stations built and commissioned by the city between 1922 and 1923, that were designed to blend seamlessly with their respective neighborhoods.
The architect who designed Station 18 was Charles F. Allen, who was also known as “Mr. Fire Hall”, according to Hometown by Handlebar. Records indicate that Allen was also a city building inspector, which might have given him an advantage in bidding for municipal projects, but this is just conjecture given nearly a century has passed. Allen is also known for designing the dormitory (1935) of St. Teresa Home of Catholic Charities of Fort Worth at 1200 East Maddox Street. The building, which boasts a veneer of sandstone, granite, and limestone, is now a community center.
The City of Fort Worth
According to a Star-Telegram report on the opening of the Roseland Theater at 1438 North Main Street in 1914, “City Building Inspector [Charles F.] Allen designed the building.” But some sources credit L. B. Weinman with the design.
Over the years, Station 18 responded to many significant fires in Fort Worth's west side. Some of these include the Colonial Hotel and Apartments demolition in 1968, the Western Hills Hotel fire, and fires at the Arlington Heights United Methodist Church in 1982 and 1987, according to the city’s site.
For all you ghost story fans, there is also a rumor that the station is haunted by a ghost named Claude, who is thought to be the spirit of Frank Massengale, a firefighter who died at the station in 1927. Over the years, many firefighters say they’ve had mysterious experiences, from hearing heavy footsteps to witnessing doors open and close on their own.
Despite its impressive façade, Station 18 had become outdated for modern firefighting equipment by the mid-1970s. Proposals were made to build a new station, but the community wanted to preserve the historic building. To appease both the change in times and honor the structure at the same time, the Arlington Heights Sector Council intervened, updating the station with a wider bay door and higher ceilings for modern fire trucks.
This was just one of many upgrades Station 18 has undergone in its 100-year history. Records indicate the station received its first new fire engine and a Compressed Air Foam System pumper truck, named the U.S.S. Station 18 in the late 90s.
And although this structure may look like a relic out of time, it’s anything but a museum. In fact, Station 18 is still very much active. According to the city, the station's coverage area spans from Merrick Street to Montgomery Street and includes the Davidson Railroad Yard, north to the Trinity River, and south to Oak Park.
