CORONA FIREHOUSES

CORONA, the neighborhood in Queens west of Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, has three separate historic firehouses, one of which is still used for its original purpose. I recently noticed two of them on a walk from Woodside to 103rd Street in Corona. The first is Fire Engine Company 289, Ladder Company 138, 97-28 43rd Avenue. The Landmarks Preservation Commission describes it thusly in its report:

I was impressed by the detailed ironwork and exterior art. The Latin inscription means “seal of the City of New York” and includes the date of construction. The wagon belongs to the Vigilant Engine Hook & Ladder Co, located in Great Neck, NY.

Pioneer Hook & Ladder Company 6 was a volunteer fire department located nearby at 41-15 National Street, established in 1890. In 1913, the city of New York took over firefighting services in Corona and built a modern firehouse on 43rd Avenue in 1913, seen above. The Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company twas then disbanded. Their firehouse, however, continues on across the street from the Union Church, hidden in plain sight in the form of a gift shop.

The third of Corona’s old firehouses was Louona Engine 8, on the north side of 32nd Avenue between 102nd and 103rd Streets. If you look closely at the roofline under the pediment you’ll see it says “1910, Louona Engine 8, N.F.D.”

This much I know: a section of East Elmhurst used be called Louona Park in the early 20th Century and for awhile National Street, which runs across the grid between Roosevelt and Corona Avenues, was called Louona Avenue. Anyone know the origins of this unusual moniker? It’s a rarely-used feminine name, but that’s all I got.

The fire company was established in 1910, according to Jason Antos and Constantine E. Theodosiou’s Corona: The Early Years and was housed in this brick building by 1920. Today it is home to residences, a storefront church and a deli and little of its firehouse past is visible, except for the roofline inscription.

I would imagine that N.F.D. stands for Newtown Fire Department. Local FDs became a part of the FDNY after the 5-borough consolidation in 1898.

Check out the ForgottenBook, take a look at the  gift shop. As always, “comment…as you see fit.” I earn a small payment when you click on any ad on the site. 

6/1/26