FIRST - Volunteer Fire Department Organized in 1850, Portland, Oregon - First of its Kind on Waymarking.com

Jeff Morris Memorial Fire Museum (1986) houses several pieces of fire-fighting equipment dating from Portland's FIRST volunteer fire department "Pioneer Fire Engine Company No. 1," organized in 1850, including historic horse-drawn steamers from the early part of the 20th century. Because this museum is part of an active fire station and because the equipment is packed so tightly together, you cannot actually go inside the museum. You will have to be satisfied with looking through the glass doors that face the street.

After the "Big Fire" of 1873, when 22 blocks of prime commercial real estate were destroyed, the City of Portland replaced the volunteer forces (with its shortcomings) with an officially formed (FIRST) Portland Fire Department.

Instructions for logging waymark: visit the Jeff Morris Memorial Fire Museum signboard. Look through the iron bars and the glass at the vintage fire fighting equipment. Log your impressions if you wish. A photograph is required of the signboard with either you and/or your GPSr in the picture.

As a suggestion for your visit log, please make every effort to supply a brief-to-detailed note about your experience at the Waymark. If possible also include an image that was taken when you visited the Waymark. Images can be of yourself, a personal Waymarking signature item or just one of general interest that would be of value to others. Sharing your experience helps promote Waymarking and provides a dynamic history of your adventures.