The first fire in Pipestone occurred December 21, 1880, and without an organized firefighting organization, a bucket brigade was engaged to put it out. It was not until the disastrous fire of December 1886, in which the original Calumet Hotel was completely lost, that the City of Pipestone organized its fire department. By the next summer the Pipestone Fire Department was comprised of four companies: one Hook & Ladder, one Engine and two Hose companies. The Pipestone Fire Department was housed in the City Hall (Museum) from its completion in 1896, until it was moved to its current location in 1959.
View a hand-pulled hose cart, fire jump suit, and learn about the disastrous fires in Pipestone’s history. Exhibit is on the Museum’s ground level.
Pipestone County Museum 