Fire Station 5 (1895) (Newport, Rhode Island)

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Built in 1895, Station #5 is the oldest active fire station in Newport. It replaced an earlier building, known as the Honey Bee due to a bee hive-shaped window that occupied nearly the whole front of the station.

The origins of Fire Station #5 can be traced to 1792, with the formation of Protection Engine Company Number 5, known as the “Fighting Fives.” Fourteen men, captained by George Cox, made up this company and it had a small pumping engine that threw a stream of water about thirty feet. In 1942, the City of Newport closed Station #5 and conveyed the building to the Newport Historical Society to be used “for the care, storage, and exhibition of relics of interest to the City of Newport.” This arrangement was short-lived, however and Station #5 was turned over to the Civilian Defense Authority, which used the building during the course of World War II. In 1945 Station #5 was renovated and re-occupied by the Newport Fire Department.