History
History of the Old Firestation Backpackers.
The Gore volunteer fire brigade was established on Sept 9 1886, with a strength of 20 men. The building which now houses the backpackers is the third of four station buildings used by these fire fighters.
The first fire station consisted merely of storage of the fire engine. The council erected the second fire station in 1887, however in 1889 the railways demanded removal of the fire station as it caused an obstruction to the view of the then very busy railway line. It took some years to finalise where the station was to be moved and in the meantime the firehouse was located where the Gallery is now situated.
In 1924 this building was opened by the Mayor Mr Poppelwell. Mr Poppelwell said at the opening “the building was really recognition of the work of the brigade. The fine premises would induce men to sleep at the station and it was right that things should be made as comfortable as possible”.
The original estimate for the work was $1300 pounds, but with extra furnishings and additions that total cost rose to $1500 pounds.
The double brick building consisted of a single storey, with a front garaging area for the fire engines, and a social hall at the rear, opening onto this area were the bedrooms. The conveniences included hot and cold water, electric light and a fireplace in the social hall.
In 1935 a second storey was added with funds raised by the firemen. The cost for these additions was $800.00 pounds.
With the growth in the Gore and Southland districts it soon became apparent that this building was too small for the growing volunteer fire service, and it was decommissioned on the 13 September 1980, when the current fire station was opened just up the road.
Since then the building has housed a youth centre, museum, and now the Firestation Backpackers.
Extensive renovations were done to the building to convert this from the functional fire station it still could have been, to the backpackers it is today. Original Tung and Groove ceilings remain, as do the fire engine bays at the front of the building. Original flooring can be found throughout the backpackers in the kitchen and entrance downstairs. The upstairs area that once housed tired firemen is now the managers’ accommodation.
We trust that you will enjoy your stay in this unique building that has an interesting past!