Historic Langley

Prior to the 1950's, Langley's firefighting equipment was housed at various locations around town.

The town of Langley was incorporated in 1913. In 1914, an ordinance "regarding a fire department" was drafted and Phil Simon was named the first Fire Marshall. The town purchased a “fire apparatus” from Columbia Engineering Works for $592. The apparatus was "placed in Melson’s shop for cover."

In February of 1914, the banker J. C. Langley was given the right to lay water pipes through the streets and to install a “fire plug” at the bank corner at First and Anthes. This was the precursor to the modern-day fire hydrant. In 1915, Phil Simon constructed a small "City Hall" with a lean-to for the fire apparatus.

In 1922, Phil Wallingford and Carl Boynton were named Fire Chiefs. The town agreed to by a Ford truck from Wallingford $184.75 and convert it into a fire truck with two 40-gallon chemical tanks and 100 feet of hose and a bell in front. It was kept in a small building behind the garage and auto repair shop on Anthes Avenue.

1929: Sanborn map with Auto Repair shop and fire truck (Courtesy Robert Waterman).

The garage was purchased by Leslie Hensley in 1928 and used as a barbershop. According to Hensley's daughter Betty, "the building burned to the ground in a severe windstorm in 1934."

From 1935-1937, Langey's fire engine was stored in what the city knew as its combination firehouse and city hall located on McLeod alley near Frick Lane

1935/36: "City Hall" and Fire Department (Courtesy Robert Waterman).

In July of 1935, a dance was held to help raise money for fire hose and accessories because “it takes money to buy the gas and oil for the truck.” The dance raised $35 for the cause.

In 1942, the town bought a used Seagrove fire truck. Where it was stored is not clear, but perhaps at the town hall on Second Street across from Frick's machine shop and hardware store.

Circa 1952. Former City Hall on Second Street (Courtesy South Whidbey Historical Society).

1953: A new wooden firehouse was built next to the Peters' home in 1953. It had a siren on a wooden tower that "made a terrible noise" according to the Peters.

1958. Mr. and Mrs. Peters in the front yard of their house with the firehouse in the background (Courtesy Anna Primavera).

The building leaked and the hose rotted as there was no place to dry it after use. Roger Hedgecock and Con O'Sullivan burned fire house down in 1960 much to the chagrin of the mayor and city council.

1963: A new concrete block fire station with a brick façade and two garage doors on the north face and a drying tower with a siren on top was built next the Peter's home with money raised through community support.

1971. Firehouse with drying tower (arrow) (Courtesy Ben Breedlove).

Circa 1978: Middle addition added.

1982. Firehouse with addition (Courtesy Delores Cobb).

The small sheds south of the firehouse were removed and a middle section was added to the south end of the fire station to serve as a meeting room and bathroom.

1982. West side of firehouse with addition (arrow) (Courtesy Jim Porter).

1970's. "The Beast" acquired from Everett (Courtesy Langley City Hall).

A yellow fire engine acquired from Everett was called "The Beast."

1983. Langley Mayor Delores Cobb, Jerry Knapp, and Don Lash pose with new fire engine (Courtesy Margot Jerome).

1996. Left door height raised (Courtesy Marilyn Bunker).

The left door was heightened to accommodate a ladder on top of a new fire engine; an E1 bought from Bellevue. The van parked in front was bought with a bond issue and used as an aid car.

Circa 1998: Pitched roof and addition added.

2017. South addition (Courtesy Robert Waterman).

An addition was added to the south end of the building to house the aid car. At the same time, a pitched, metal clad, roof was placed over the previously flat roofs.

2004. Firehouse with pitched roof (Courtesy Robert Waterman).

The brick facade on the north side was removed and the height of the right garage door was raised to match the left. A new sign was placed above the garage doors replacing the older sign.

2004. South end of the firehouse with siren (Courtesy Robert Waterman).

The siren on top of the drying tower was removed when the pitched roof was added and was eventually discarded.

2009: Callahan's Firehouse Studio and Gallery

2017. Callahan's Firehouse Studio and Gallery (Courtesy Robert Waterman).

The fire station moved to a new home at 565 Camano Avenue in 2008. After entertaining several proposals for use of the vacated space, the City leased the building in Langley to Callahan McVay who established "Callahan's Firehouse Studio & Gallery" there in 2009. People can watch glass being blown, blow their own object or purchase original glass art.

2018: Apartment

In 2018, Callahan McVay remodeled the southern portion of the Firehouse into an apartment.

2018. Apartment in south portion of the firehouse (Courtesy Robert Waterman).