The Grand Fireman's Stone of Allentown, PA: A Roadside Remembrance

The Grand Fireman's Stone of Allentown, PA: A Roadside Remembrance

Wanna take a gander at a firefightin' statue along a bustlin' Pennsylvania highway? Don't look away, mate, or miss the tales this monument's hidein'!

Settin' up shop in 1909 – September, to be precise – this 16-foot-tall, gleamin' granite monument, found on a prime spot for roadside visibility, is more than just a nod to our heroic firefighters. It's a silent salute to the quiet sacrifices they made for us. The statue, crafted by local mason, Frank Scheirer, stands 7 feet tall. He gave the world a 20th-century firefighter bloked up in a Russian Doll-style fire hat, all cloaked in a blazin' coat and boots, and haulin' a wee lass under each arm. At first, it was designed as a burial ground for firefighters who had none to lay claim, but as time went on, it grew to include both career and volunteer firefighters. Here rest three of 'em: J. Henritzy, Marcus Hessman, and Theodore Hoffman. From the safety of your vehicle, gaze upon this monument as it speaks volumes of duty, service, and a fair bit of heart.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons

Written by Friendly Jane

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