90TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
More than 500 neighbors attended Fire Station 18’s fabulous 90th Birthday Open House Celebration on Sunday June 9. Many of the station’s retirees were there, too, including 87-year-old Rex Owens who started working at the fire station on Carleton Ave. in the 1950s. The free food and drinks were a big hit, and were courtesy of our neighborhood friends at Central Market, Ben E. Keith, Curly’s Custard, Bluebonnet Bakery, Cookies by Design and the Texas Girls’ Choir.
The event, co-sponsored by Arlington Heights Neighborhood Association and the Fort Worth Fire Department, spotlighted talented Arlington Heights musicians, including singer-songwriter Kem Anderson, guitarist Joel McElhaney, and mandolinist Justin Holt. Arlington Heights weaver Nancy Berger brought hand looms and gave kids and adults a chance to try weaving.
For the kids, the Fort Worth Fire Department brought their Fire Prevention House where fire safety Clowns entertained and educated. The bounce house, tables and chairs were courtesy of Thomas Place Community Center. Crestline Area Neighborhood Association provided generous financial support.
AHNA President Christina Patoski presented Station 18’s Lt. Stephen Boynton with a gorgeous commemorative plaque designed and fabricated by AHNA board member Dave Marshall.
AHNA member Cindy Green coordinated the event with Lt. Stephen Boynton.
Fire Station 18 is the oldest operating fire station in Fort Worth and one of the oldest buildings in Arlington Heights. Built in 1923, the year after Arlington Heights had been annexed into the city of Fort Worth, Station 18 was one of ten bungalow-style fire stations commissioned by the city to blend into the adjacent residential neighborhoods. It is the only bungalow-style station still being used as a fire station.
As Station 18 begins its countdown to 100, a follow-up event is being planned for next spring.
