Construction of a temporary roof over Linden’s historic Firehouse has been completed. Additional weatherproofing is forthcoming to help prevent rain from entering the building below the temporary roof.
Exterior photos were taken by Jo Anna Duncan. Roof-level photo of the metal panels was taken by John Noyes. Thank you Jo Anna and John for documenting this important step in the preservation of the Firehouse.
As we honor the tradition of Thanksgiving, the Foundation thanks its members and friends who support the preservation of the architecture and cultural heritage of Linden.
The first steps to protect the 1939 historic Firehouse were taken this week. Vertical posts have been inserted around the perimeter of the building to support a temporary roof that will reduce the rate of deterioration. Construction is being done by local workmen using materials purchased in Linden.
Your membership will help support preservation of both the Firehouse and water tower. Add your name to our Charter Members Page.
To join the Linden Heritage Foundation either online or by check, click this Membership link.
#LindenHeritageFdn
The Linden City Council, at its 9 November 2015 meeting, unanimously approved a resolution presented by the Linden Heritage Foundation to help save the 1939 Historic Linden Firehouse. The building is located in downtown Linden on West Rush Street at the corner of Taylor Street. It immediately adjoins the site of the Historic Linden Water Tower.
Under a prior resolution, the Foundation has been charged to help the City obtain landmark designation for both the 1934 Water Tower and 1939 Firehouse. The new resolution takes that responsibility a step further by authorizing the Foundation to step in and pull the Historic Firehouse back from the brink of destruction. The current exposed condition of the building was presented in photographs which showed that the roof of the south section is open to major water infiltration while the roof of the north section has caved in completely.
Speaking on behalf of the Foundation, Joe B. Lovelace emphasized to Council members that both the Firehouse and plan for its future landmark designation are at serious risk from accelerating deterioration of the building. Lovelace went on to say that the most straightforward way to protect the building from the weather is by erecting a full cover. This strategy repeated the recommendation of Foundation President Sam Higdon made at a prior City Council meeting and was offered at no cost to the City of Linden.
By adopting the two recent resolutions, the City Council agrees to convey the damaged Firehouse building and lot “as is” to the Foundation, subject to conditions outlined in the resolution. (For exact text of the agreement, see Linden City Council Resolution 9 Nov 2015 on our Documents page.) The Foundation will assume all future responsibility for the Firehouse and develop a workable plan for stabilization, restoration, and potential future commercial use.
As part of this same Firehouse effort, the Foundation is exploring the options of placing the Firehouse on the Texas Most Endangered Buildings List and making application for a Preservation Trust Fund Endangerment Grant. If awarded, such a grant would provide funding to help put the Firehouse in a structurally improved and dry condition.
In an audio interview with WMMR radio in Philadelphia, PA on 11 November 2015, Don Henley talks about his new solo album Cass County as well as his involvement in his hometown of Linden, Texas. His comments about Linden began around the 08:23 time mark of the 32 minute interview with his interest in preserving Linden’s historic water tower noted around the 09:54 time mark.
#LindenHeritageFdn #DonHenley
