Excerpts from iamcubsessed.com:
The firehouse was originally a single-story built in 1884. The firehouse on Waveland avenue the two-story structure, was built in 1915 it is home to the firefighters of Engine Co. 78 and the paramedics and EMTs of Ambulance Co. 6. That means they have been with the Cubs since the beginning when the Cubs played their first home game at the park on April 20, 1916. In 1994 Manager Tom Trebelhorn had vowed to meet fans outside the ballpark for what he called a “Firehouse chat” if the Cubs lost another home game and he was true to his word when the Cubs lost again. A crowd of over 200 angry fans waited for him at the fire station on Waveland Avenue just outside Wrigley’s left-field wall.
The men and women of this company are always going above and beyond to save lives and greet people around the firehouse. Ballpark visitors and fans watching on TV or listening on the radio have heard the sirens during Chicago Cubs games. This firehouse is probably one of the most popular in America just based on its proximity.
The firefighters and paramedics are always gracious with their time. On a nice sunny day you will see them out in the driveway talking to Cubs fans and posing for pictures. The door is also always open to anyone looking to tour the over a century old facility. The firehouse is important for safety and especially to the Cub fan firefighters and paramedics that work there who have dedicated their lives to keeping Wrigleyville and their city safe. The thing I enjoy the most about this firehouse is the Chicago Cub/ firehouse shirts they produce and sell. Each year they revise them whether it’s the design or just adding the new year. The newest shirt proclaims the Chicago Cubs World Series champs.
These brave men and women risk their lives everyday. So if you are attending a Cubs game or ever in the area stop in and grab a shirt or just say hello, Go Cubs!
thanks Dan
#1 by Bat 10 on June 20, 2017 - 7:02 PM
Harry did stop by, I think it was 1997, I was riding there on Lt. Bill Conner’s last day (3rd Shift). After the game, all of a sudden a limo pulls up & the back window rolls down & its Harry, he came by to wish Bill a happy retirement.
#2 by Jacob on June 20, 2017 - 5:17 PM
Bill you are probably thinking of this book: A Chicago Firehouse: Stories of Wrigleyville’s Engine #78 by Karen Kruse.
#3 by Crabby Milton on June 20, 2017 - 5:14 PM
Hard to say if old Harry ever went over but I’m sure he did at least for a photo opp.
I try to visit 78 if there’s time when I come down there for my annual game and yes, that building does hold a rich history.
If you have not read Karen Kruse’s book about the history of Engine 78, please get a copy. Her father was an CFD firefigher for 30 years and spend about half at 78.
I met her a few times at musters and she’s a wonderful lady with a huge amount of knowledge on the CFD in general.
#4 by Bill Kugelman on June 20, 2017 - 5:06 PM
Didn’t someone write a best-selling book about Engine 78 and its history ?
#5 by max O on June 20, 2017 - 3:48 PM
Wonder if Harry Carry ever visited there during his tenure with the cubs