05/03/2026
In April of 2026 the Richmond Consolidated Fire Department moved into it’s new building on Highway 59. It took 80 years to get here. I don’t know the origin of the Richmond Fire Department. Until the 1950’s fighting fires was locating the nearest well or cistern and form a bucket brigade.
In 1951 Richmond had no public water, homes and businesses had either cisterns or wells. The city counsel at the time was discussing several options to supply the town with water. They drilled exploratory wells west and northwest of town with no satisfaction. It was discussed hauling water from Garnett by rail or piping it. They looked into rebuilding the lake south of town. The final decision was to purchase 60 acres east of town and build a lake.
In the spring of 1952 Richmond purchased it’s first fire truck. In Sept. that year it was decided to build a firehouse on the north end of the park, it was completed in December.
In 1954 the lake was built.
1955 bonds were sold and final plans were made to pipe water to the homes in Richmond. In May the Santa Fe tank in Garnett was purchased. Highway 59 between Richmond and Garnett was closed for a day and the tank was hauled to the hill west of town. Richmond now had water in town including fire hydrants.
In the 1970’s Kenneth and Virginia Cunningham donated lots in Richmond to the township. In 1985 a building was erected for the Richmond Township to house the rural firetrucks.
In the 1990’s the Richmond city and township fire departments consolidated and both buildings were utilized. Things advance and move forward - if not grab a bucket.
We would like to thank all of the volunteers past, present and future.
If you would like to donate to the museum.
Please send checks to: Richmond Community Museum, P.O. Box 284, Richmond, KS. 66080.
Thank you for your continued support.
