c.1950s 1
The original Oakland Fire Dept. Station 22 was at 3320 Magnolia Street. In the days of a segregated Oakland Fire Department, it was where Black firefighters were assigned. Firefighters who served there include Royal Towns. The current Oakland Fire Dept. Station 22 is at the Oakland Airport.
History
In 1882, some residents of the Watts Tract wrote to the editor of the Oakland Times requesting protection by the Oakland Fire Department. The letter noted that although they paid taxes, there was no fire protection—even if a station responded in a timely fashion, there were no hydrants for them to connect to. 2
The station dates back to at least 1892 as Chemical Engine No. 2 at what was then 2150 Magnolia St. The 1902 and 1912 Sanborn maps show a simple rectangular structure; 1912 lists "2 men, 2 horses, 1 chem, 200' hose on reel, 100' in reserve"; 1951 shows the footprint of the current building and labels it Engine House No. 22.
Station 22 closed in _, and the building was converted into a commercial space in 1971 [?]. When it was sold in 2007, it was being used as a church. At some point it was converted into a residence.
1902 Sanborn excerpt
1912 Sanborn excerpt
1951 Sanborn excerpt
Photos
Royal Towns in center 1 
Engine 22 crew, August 1926
Lussier and Davis Photo 1
c.1950s 1
Links and References
- Towns (Royal E.) Papers African American Museum and Library at Oakland
- A Neglected District Oakland Times March 24, 1882
