Back Alley Guthrie ~ Endangered Fire Tower

One of my favorite back alley treasures in Guthrie, Oklahoma is this fire tower. I had no idea that it was endangered until I searched for some historical information about it.

Endangered Fire Tower 16″ x 20″ oil on canvas

A news article from The Oklahoman dated 1997 stated…

“The tall narrow structure behind the Guthrie Fire Department’s downtown station, may be the only remaining hose tower in Oklahoma, said Melvena Heisch of the Oklahoma Historical Society.

“At least, we don’t know of any other in the state,” she said.

The tower was placed on the state’s list of Most Endangered Historic Properties because it is no longer used and is in disrepair.

The tower is behind the station at 111 S Second.

It is built of wood which has been covered with tin. And, it’s in danger of being demolished.

When it was built, canvas fire hoses had to be hung up to dry. But when they were replaced by those made of nylon and other materials, the tower no longer was used.”

Here it is 25 years later and the tower is still standing. I’m so glad. 🙂

The Guthrie Fire Tower is also listed on The 2021 List of Oklahoma’s Endangered Places.

This is the perfect pleinair set up… the back of a pick up truck, so comfy and convenient. 🙂 My daughter Tera even brought me some coffee from our favorite Guthrie coffee shop Hoboken, which is only a couple of blocks away.

I hope you enjoy some of the links I’ve shared. The 2021 Most Endangered Places has a nice picture of the tower and more info on the history. You can order coffee from the Hoboken link, and even read the story of the amazing family that started Hoboken and have given so much love to the Guthrie community and beyond… There’s a great video to watch about Hoboken here.

“Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” ~ Luke 21:36

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