Case Studies
33
The Story
The Humane Fire Engine Company No. 1
of Norristown was founded in 1852, a date
commemorated in the cornice of the 1887
building’s façade. A prominent institution from
its establishment, Norristown celebrated the
fire company’s first acquisition of a fire truck
with a parade down Main Street. Comprised
of volunteers from the community, the fire
company actively served Norristown for over
160 years and merged with the Norristown
Hose Company in 2012 due to decreasing
membership. Norristown had long identified the
building as worthy of preservation and began
marketing it for a potential commercial reuse.
In 2014, local micro-distiller, John George,
purchased the building for his newly established
company, Five Saints Distilling.
“We did have to do some construction… but we’re building on the heritage. Fire stations are
proud community centers. They serve the community and we’re here to serve the community”
– John George
Founder, Five Saints Distilling
Photo Credit: Historical Society of
Montgomery County.
