Atlanta Fire Station 19 on N. Highland Avenue stakes its claim as the oldest operating fire house in the city, having been in use since the early 1920s. But for the residents of the Morningside and Virginia-Highland neighborhoods it serves, it’s more than a firehouse; it’s also a place where they can drop by for a visit while their kids check out the truck or enjoy a story hour.
This red-brick and frame structure with the Dalmatian-spotted mailbox has developed a reputation as a community resource that goes beyond fighting flames. Rich Chey, owner of Doc Chey’s and Osteria 832 restaurants, has lived and done business in the area for 21 years and has seen the fire house become an important asset to the neighborhood.
“There was even one night when my scooter ran out of gas, and I came in here and one of the guys gave me a lift home,” he said. “But there lots of times when they’re just showing kids the truck. But I also know that two years ago, the guys were sleeping on 20-year-old mattresses.”
As Chey got to know the staff of the station, he also realized that their resources were stretched thin. Three years ago, he came up with a fundraiser that not only marked the anniversary of his businesses, but also generated funds for the building. The Morningside Mile Race and Block Party is now a fixture of the local scene that brings the firefighters and residents together. The last two years drew more than 700 participants.
“There weren’t any 1-mile races around, so we came up with a route through the neighborhood that’s very approachable,” Chey said. “It’s great for weekend warriors or people who want to walk with their kids in strollers or their dogs. And it’s only $25 and comes with some good swag.”
Along with funds from registration fees and food sales at the post-Mile party, Chey donates proceeds from his annual Breakfast with Santa event at Osteria back to the firehouse. So far, almost $50,000 has been raised.
“One of the fire fighters always dresses up like Santa, and he pulls up to the restaurant in the truck,” said Chey. “They really make a spectacle of it.”
Chey says the likeable crew at Station 19 makes people want to help out.
“There’s always stuff in the paper about how the city has no money to keep the stations up-to-date,” he said. “When people meet these guys and realize they’re the nicest, most down-to-earth, they want to help out.”
At the moment, the donated funds are sitting in an account until a renovation plan for the station is settled.
“But the bathrooms will be the first to get fixed,” said Sgt. Ian Allum. “They’re in the worst condition; the pipes are completely rusted out. We re-did the kitchen about five years ago, and we got air conditioning because we’re a polling place. But all the windows need replacing. The electrical wiring is original. Oh - and we have termites.”
The Morningside Mile Race and Block Party kicks off at noon Sunday with a 1-mile run, followed by food and activities, including fire safety tips and a noodle-eating contest.
Information: www.morningsidemile.com. Historic photos of the fire station are also online at www.vhfirecompany.com.
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Each Saturday, we shine a spotlight on a local neighborhood, city or community. To suggest a place for us to visit, e-mail H.M. Cauley at hm_cauley@yahoo.com or call 404-514-6162.
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