FIRST BLACK FIREHOUSE

Springfi eld’s fi rst black fi rehouse opened in 1902, and the building still stands today. The fi rehouse, located at what is now 1310 E. Adams St., was home to the city’s black fi refi ghters, who weren’t allowed to work with white fi refi ghters at the time. During Springfi eld’s infamous 1908 race riot, those black fi refi ghters fought to save eastside homes torched by angry white rioters, probably putting their lives at risk in more ways than one. Now, a group of donors and volunteers is working to restore the building’s facade as a historical monument to the bravery of the city’s fi rst black fi refi ghters. The group announced in December that architectural and engineering designs were complete, meaning restoration can begin as soon as enough funding is collected. “Springfi eld has a rich, turbulent and sometimes regrettable history,” said Ward 2 Alderman Gail Simpson, whose ward contains the building. “It is a history that must be preserved and told in order to celebrate its greatness, but never repeat the ugly stains of racism.” Donations can be sent to the Greater Springfi eld Chamber of Commerce, Attn: First Black Firehouse, 1011 S. Second St., Springfi eld, IL 62704. For more information, visit www.facebook. com/FirstBlackFirehouse.