When the Draper Corporation’s building boom of its factories and workers housing transformed the formerly sleepy industrial village into a bustling town, the mill owners realized that the inadequate fire station nearby would do little to prevent a fire that could wipe it all away. In 1915, the Drapers hired architect Robert Allen Cooke – who had already designed numerous buildings for the factory owners in the village – to furnish plans for a substantial new fire station. The Renaissance Revival station is larger than many firehouses built in cities nearby with populations two- or three times more citizens. The station features four arches equipment bays, a tall hose-drying tower, and fine terra cotta trimming. The fire department in Hopedale, thanks to funding by Draper, was always one of the finest in New England, and is credited as one of the first to have a vehicular fire truck in 1906.
Buildings of New England 
I’m glad I stumbled on this post. It makes sense, but I never even thought about how the station came to be. My neighbor once fell asleep and his cigar caught his house on fire. The fire department arrived so fast, just as I got my neighbor out. Who knows how many homes and lives have been saved by the funding all those years ago for this building.
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Yet another wonderful, detailed and fascinating article featuring one of Hopedale’s historic structures. I didn’t realize, one of the largest in the area (at the time) – whereas, I thought that it was not large enough to swing a sack of doorknobs in, and merely served to put out that treehouse of horror fire. Hose drying tower? I’m honestly astounded. Draper realizing fire station could protect his assets, and in turn the close proximity lessened the degree of hazard posed to the town and workers during Industrial Revolution – trickle down theory.
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Amazing article. It has been years since I have taught. My students would call me Mrs. K. I remember the fire station. My late friend Selma Bouvier used to watch MacGyver TV show with a few individuals from town including those from the station. I remember robust discussions about the show with Mr. Bob (known as sideshow Bob to some) . I am so proud to be part of this town and history. This article and picture make me so proud.
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Ah I love the local history. May I ask how you found the post? There are so many messaging on this post on the fire station.
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