From the time I moved to Blackheath 25 years ago I have loved this empty property in Wentworth Street, especially in autumn. Blackheath born Larraine Home tells me it was once the fire station.
What a quaint old building. It adjoins the police station.
I must admit it doesn’t look like a fire station. However, there is a large shed at the back, which may have housed the appliances and equipment.
Residents of Blackheath, and the Blue Mountains as a whole have always lived with the threat of bush fires. Note this piece published in 1930;
Blackheath should appreciate the fact that in her midst there are a number of men ready to hearken to the dread call of the fire bell when occasion warrants. This body is known as the Blackheath Volunteer Fire Brigade, and comprises 12 members, and deserves the fullest sympathy and support of every member of the community. Practices are held every second fortnight, when the men gather at the fire station in Wentworth Street. (Blackheath Bulletin, Nov, 20 1930)
A delightful feature of the structure was an apple tree, which completely covered the roof.
Insulated by apples.
I would watch those apples slowly ripen. One large branch grew down to frame a dark green side door. It was so lovely, especially when the light struck the fruit in late afternoon.
One day about five years ago I walked past and noticed that vandals had broken the front windows. Oh dear me, how sad. A bit cheeky too, with the police station so close. The windows were immediately boarded up and I worried that the owner might not take the trouble to replace the glass.
My fears were confirmed, and those boards have remained ever since. To make matters worse, the old apple tree was taken out recently. The dear little building has lost much of the character I enjoyed all those years.
In sad decline.
Right beside the empty building is a large, vacant block. I guess one day soon it will be developed and the little building will vanish, along with its precious history. 😨
NOTE – In November 1954 a site on The Great Western Highway was chosen as the site for the town’s new fire station.
I accept that towns expand, usually due to the requirements of urgent housing needs, but hate to see little parts of the town’s history disappear because of it. If we don’t also teach history in schools as seems to be the case in recent years, we cannot begin to understand life as it is now, or its future.
I agree Marcia, I don’t know why this little building has been empty all these years. It is only a few metres from the village centre.