YESTERYEAR: Hose House #15
by PAT SIDES For Willard LibraryÂ
In the decade after 1900, the area surrounding Bayard Park was developed into a neighborhood of substantial residences. The area was then on the eastern outskirts of Evansville, and when plans were announced to build Hose House #15 to protect the houses, some homeowners were concerned that such a functional structure would diminish the neighborhood’s visual appeal. The architectural design conformed to the residences, however, and construction was completed in the fall of 1909, along with a police substation offering more protection. Located at 960 S. Grand Avenue, Hose House #15 closed in 1962 but has since been used for other purposes. This photo was taken soon after the hose house opened.
