“The dream of a fire house here at the Historical Village really dates back to 1981”, said Bob Fay, Manitowoc County Historical Society Executive Director in an interview at the Fire House Dedication in October 1998. 

The fire house, built in 1923, served Rockwood residents for more than 50 years before being donated by the Miller Family  in 1995.  At the Fire House dedication were members of the Miller Family, and Gene LeClair, Town of Two Creeks Fire Chief and President of the County Fire Fighters Association, who presented a proclamation from Governor Tommy Thompson. 

During the move, most of the bricks came loose and had to be replaced.  It was estimated that the restoration took 1,024 days and involved much work and the generosity of the firefighters association to be completed.  On hand for the dedication of the Fire House were: Fred Koeppen, St. Nazianz Fire Chief; Jim Stradal, Branch Fire Chief; Greg Gates, Rockwood Fire Chief; and August Schuette, representing the Society’s Board of Directors.

The Fire House has two hose carts – one was used by the St. Nazianz fire department.  There is also a commercial size fire extinguisher –it was shipped but hasn’t been used.  The walls keep the ladders, pikes, poles and hatchets.  There’s a metal frame stretcher standing in the corner. 

Building's Story