Cottage Grove - Historic Photographs

Little is known about the Cottage Grove Fire District. It was in existence before the Central Fire District was formed, and operated a station at Alma and Plum Streets in an industrial area of San Jose. The Cottage Grove Fire District was consolidated with the Central Fire District sometime in 1948, and the three paid members (Chief Orin McAbee, Donald Sanfilippo, and Julius Frugoli) became employees of Central Fire District. The Cottage Grove Fire District operated the 1941 Dodge/Fabco pumper and the 1936 Ford/Hedberg hose wagon.

In 1950, the Tully Headquarters Station was completed. The Cottage Grove Fire station was closed, and the equipment and personnel were transferred to the Tully station.

Two views of the Cottage Grove station as it looks today, highly modified. It stands at 1371 Plum St, San Jose, across the street from the Department of Motor Vehicles. Photos 3 Apr 2003.

From the collection of Ray Maher

This 1941 Dodge/Fabco had a 500gpm pump, a 200 gallon tank, and ran as Engine 6 out of the Cottage Grove station.

Wayne Sorenson Collection

This 1936 Ford/Hedberg V8 ran as Hose Company No. 1 out of the Cottage Grove Station.