Review: The Old Firehouse and Police Museum in Superior Wisconsin

Located at 23rd Ave. East and Hwy. 53 in Superior Wisconsin, The Old Firehouse and Police Museum was built in 1898. Originally housing 5 horse drawn rigs, including the cities first steam operated pumper, it is the last remaining turn-of-the-century fire house. Now a Fire and Police Museum it has been designated as the Fire and Police Hall of fame for Wisconsin.

On active duty until 1982, it now houses a fine collection of equipment and memorabilia used throughout it's long service history. Each and every room of the firehouse is set up and equipped like it was during its hay day.

The brass fire pole is a prominent center piece that stands out as you enter the main floor through tall barn door style openings designed to quickly allow fire rigs to leave on a moments notice. The fire rigs displayed on this level include a horse drawn steam pumper, an early 1900's ladder truck, and a more recent 1944 Mack fire truck.

Neatly laid out throughout the area is personal fire equipment from fire retardant protective clothing to hand axes and power saws used in fire fighting.

On the far wall you'll find the communications room where incoming fire calls would be processed. Still present is the old time switches and relay panels that would indicate the location of the request for assistance. With the microphone setting on the desk, the fire crews would be alerted when the fire calls came in.

In the back corner of the main floor is the very steep staircase to the second floor. Obviously when going up the stairs speed wasn't an issue as this stair case leads to the sleeping area.

The first room you pass is the Captains Quarters. Spacious with only two beds, it provided a bit of privacy for those in command. More communications equipment and various desks indicated that record keeping was accomplished here. An early reel to reel computer takes up part of this room as well.

The largest portion of the second floor was designated crew sleeping quarters. One open area without partitions, wooden lockers line one wall for their clothes and equipment.

Naturally the quickest way to get from the living quarters to the main level is the shiny brass pole. Still in place, it has the opening covered to prevent wayward children from trying their hand at a speedy egress.

The 3 or 4 adjoining small rooms on the upper level house the Police portion of the museum. Displays of assorted badges, handcuffs, and even a couple revolvers show you how restraint technology has changed over the years.

There is even an open holding cell complete with the prerequisite wood slab bench so you can get an idea of what jail felt like in the past.

Our tour of this excellent representation of Fire and Police work throughout the years was both entertaining and educational. The displays were neat and well organized and there was plenty to see. The museum is open 10 am to 5 pm throughout the summer months. And of course I saved the best part for last. Admission to this very worthwhile attraction is absolutely FREE.