Schapelhouman Fire Museum open for visitors August 29
Want to see an antique fire engine, meet retired firefighters, and learn about Menlo Park Fire’s history? Come by the Schapelhouman Fire Museum this Saturday, August 29 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
The museum is located at 700 Oak Grove Avenue behind Menlo Park Fire District Station 6 (enter through the vehicle gate on Hoover Street).
The carriage house was built in 1899 by Volunteer Fire Chief John MacBain at a cost of $170. It houses a 1900 Larkin & Company horse drawn Hose Wagon, the area’s first piece of fire equipment — dubbed No.1 — still in its original condition.
The hose wagon and carriage house used to store it are among the oldest historical fire service pairing in the nation.
The all-volunteer fire department incorporated in 1916 and became a Fire District just in time to welcome military Camp Fremont, created to train soldiers for WWI.
The Fire District is celebrating 110 years of community emergency services. The Fire Museum holds monthly open houses.
Pictured from left to right Harold Schapelhouman and Tom Carter, docents and retired firefighters with the Fire District.
Ardan Michael Blum August 28, 2026 at 1:47 pm
The carriage house is not on its original site. It was relocated from 300 Middlefield Road during the Station 6 redevelopment. Omitting that fact gives readers the impression that they are seeing the original 1899 setting.
Related: https://inmenlo.com/2022/10/05/retired-fire-chief-harold-schapelhouman-reflects-on-the-new-museum-named-in-his-honor/
Ardan Michael Blum August 28, 2026 at 1:53 pm
https://ceqanet.lci.ca.gov/2014112030