Ride back in history with FWFD rigs. | Archival photos courtesy of US Fire Police.
In 1873 — not long after Fort Worth was incorporated by the Texas Legislature — Capt. Buckley C. Paddock organized the city’s first fire company, a 60-person volunteer brigade known as Hook and Ladder Company No. 1.
Now, nearly 150 years later, the Fort Worth Fire Department (FWFD) consists of 900+ members who respond to 80,000+ calls per year across 345 square miles.
Little red wagon
But if you hear sirens, don’t look for the big red trucks — there are none. The FWFD has been cruising around town in white fire engines since the early 1900s.
According to retired Battalion Chief Jim Noah, the FWFD was headed to the State Fair of Texas to compete in the “Pumper Races,” but was embarrassed by the sorry state of the reserve wagon.
The department paid. E.E. Lennox Reliable Carriage Works $45 to repaint the truck to be “the prettiest wagon at the fair.” Mr. Lennox painted it white with gold lettering and trim. The firefighters nicknamed it the Circus Wagon and went on to win first prize and $250.
As one of the first cities in the US to have white fire engines, Fort Worthians loved the Circus Wagon so much that Fire Chief Maddox instituted the color scheme from then on. The blue stripe was added in the early 1980s.
Castle, garage, house?
The white engines aren’t the only unusual aesthetic the FWFD has sported. Throughout its history, the organization has had some pretty interesting buildings — that may or may not be full of firefighters anymore. Check out these five funky fire stations in Fort Worth.
Fire Station No. 16 This 1933 bungalow at 1616 Park Pl. was formerly the home of Fire Station No. 16. Designed by Charles F. Allen, it was one of 10 stations created during the “City Beautiful” project to blend into neighborhoods. Known as Art Station, the building is now an art therapy community center. Some of the bungalow stations — like No. 18 on Camp Bowie Blvd. — are still active.
WTA Finals | Monday, Nov. 7 | 5:30 p.m. | Dickies Arena, 1911 Montgomery St., Fort Worth | $30+ | The top two singles players and doubles teams will compete for the title.
Tuesday, Nov. 8
Autumn Travelers | Tuesday, Nov. 8 | 10-11:30 a.m. | Nature Center - Refuge, 9601 Fossil Ridge Rd., Fort Worth | $5 | Join us as we observe the seasonal newcomers to the Refuge.
Wednesday, Nov. 9
Westside Farmers Market | Wednesday, Nov. 9 | 2-6 p.m. | Westside Presbyterian Church, 8700 Chapin Rd., Fort Worth | Cost of purchase | Stock up on fresh produce for your weekly recipes.
2022 Tarrant County Veterans Day Parade | Friday, Nov. 11 | 10:30 a.m. | Downtown, Fort Worth | Free | Salute our local veterans during the annual Tarrant County parade.
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
The deadline to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans from the August storms is approaching. If your business or residence suffered damage, apply by Monday, Nov. 14 for assistance. View the application. 💰
Community
The North Central Texas Council of Governments is seeking input on transportation funding. The NCTCOG will present recommendations for pedestrian and bike facilities, rail station connections, and safety improvements at a meeting today at 12 p.m. at the NCTCOG office (616 Six Flags Dr., Arlington). Attend in person or watch online.
Biz
Budget carrier Frontier Airlineswill open a crew base at DFW Airport in May. The base will employ 120 pilots and 220 flight attendants in the first year. It is expected to generate $78 million in local wages annually when combined with airline positions. ✈️
Concert
Ready to rock out to Beethoven? The Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth and the Miró Quartet will perform the composer’s 16 string quartets in five days. The series runs today through Friday, Nov. 13 at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. Snag tickets.
Watch
Netflix’s hit reality romance show “Love is Blind” took a field trip to Cowtown Coliseum during last week’s episode with a good ole fashioned calf scramble. Check it out on Season 3, Episode 10 + get the lowdown on the local cast. 🐂
Travel
Picture this: It’s a regular Monday at the office. You’re skimming your inbox for the 15th time when suddenly, an email arrives: ⛵Malta — $400-$500s. With a flash of your credit card, you’ve booked sunny skies + crystal blue waters for this year’s summer vacation. Good thing you got those Scott’s Cheap Flights notifications.*
Real Estate
On the heels of launching in 50+ markets across the country, Opendoor recently announced its expansion into two new cities (that just happen to be home to our sister markets): Charleston, SC + Richmond, VA. 🏡 *
Shop
Thinking about what you’re going to wear to all those holiday parties and already feeling stressed? We’ve been there. Rent the Runway is our No. 1 hack to make getting dressed something we actually look forward toinstead of dreading. Bonus: Use code 6AMXRTR for 40% off two months of a membership or one-time rental. 👗 *
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Downtown Cowtown is a classy spot to catch a classic. | Photo by @downtown_cowtown
Curtains are up on the Lone Star Film Festival. The 16th annual festival will run Thursday, Nov. 10-Saturday, Nov. 12. Check out our quick guide of what to know before you go.
Showings 🎞
The festival will include eight narrative feature films, nine documentary feature films, and 50+ short films. See the full film lineup + screening schedule.
Screening venues 🍿
All those films are too much for one screen, so there are five viewing locations.
Weekend film pass with parking + Fort Worth Film Commission party | $295
Day passes | $45
Fort Worth Film Commission party | $75
Parking pass | $25
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Kate.
Editor’s pick: For the night owls — tonight (actually very early tomorrow) there will be a total lunar eclipse. From 2-7 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 8, the earth will pass between the sun and the moon, which will appear red to stargazers. For the early risers — the maximum eclipse will be at 5 a.m. according to TimeandDate.com. 🌚
Missed Friday’s newsletter? Pull out your calendar (or calendar app) for 55+ holiday events.
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Editorial:Rebecca McRobbie, Kate Mazade, Dayten Rose, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Ashlea Hearn, Victoria Bardega | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.
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