A 1920s View of Denver's Black Fire Station

[Denver, Colorado's African American Fire Station No. 3] [RPPC]

Notes: A real photo postcard of Denver's Five Points fire station, an all African American unit from 1892 until desegregation in 1958. The firefighters assigned to this station served the historically Black neighborhoods in north Denver. This image dates from as early as 1923, when the one-cent Franklin stamp used to mail it was introduced, and as late as 1931, when the company moved to a new building.

The photo shows four African American firefighters standing in front of the fire station. Views of Denver's Black Station 3 are uncommon, particularly views like this one of the original building.

The post card is addressed to a Mrs. Hagerty of 1204 8th St., most likely Margaret Hagerty, married to Joseph, who was living at a nearby address on 8th Street in the 1920 census; Joseph is listed as living at 1204 8th St. in the 1910 Denver city directory. Unfortunately, the post card is not signed, it simply has the message, "Guess who this is from," likely indicating that it was written by one of the four men shown in the photograph.

5-3/8 by 3-3/8 inches.

Edition + Condition: There is a small stain at the top edge of the image, affecting only the sky portion of the picture. There is slight edge wear, but the image is otherwise fine, with good contrast. The verso (back) has the handwritten note and address along with a stamp postmarked "Denver, Colo. Five Points Sta. / Mar 18 / 12 [ ]M." With old bookseller notes in pencil in the upper left margin.

Publication: Denver: (ca. 1923-1931).

Item No: #360828

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