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There's a fire at the Firehouse
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The Firehouse on Broadway in South Bethlehem
In South Bethlehem there was an abandoned single door firehouse, one that harkened back to the days-of-old. The poor building, once called Lehigh No. 1 Engine House was built in 1885, and had all but disappeared from our field of vision, because, as is often the case, important landmarks left to rot away become an eye sore that most people purposefully ignore.
But, fortunately, there are those of us who see value in dilapidation. And luckily for the little firehouse, there was one person in particular, Adam Gottwald, who one day stood in front of the obscure, sad faced structure, and said with a smile, “This old firehouse would make a great tavern.”
Two years later, and after a novel’s worth of trials and tribulations, the Firehouse Pub and Restaurant opened its doors for business. It is an architectural gem. From the first day Adam set eyes on his challenge, he was determined to maintain the integrity of the old building’s historical charm. That charm was cloaked under a long history of uses and misuses, and, with each use, the face of its original vitality had been eroded by poorly planned handyman renovations. None of the previous owners seemed to realize that the little firehouse was still alive and well beneath all of their destructive rubble.
Many of our architectural treasures have been lost to obscurity because of insensitivity and a selfish disregard for our past and its significance to our future. The previous inhabitants of this little firehouse had no need for electricity, and the plumbing, which was left to rot away, had become all but useless. Structural elements such as eves, lintels and roofing had also given way to time and neglect.
Fortunately for us, there are those with vision who can imagine what it must have been like a century ago, to watch the big red doors swing open on their hinges while the innards of the immaculate firehouse spewed forth one shiny red fire truck that noisily rolled out onto Broadway, laden with hoses, specialized gear and a team of dedicated fire men. For those people, the years of thoughtless renovations perpetrated upon the sleeping beauty were nothing but a bump in the road.
With a kiss from the prince, Snow White awakens more beautiful and vibrant than ever.
Thanks to people like Adam Gottwald, we and the city of Bethlehem are now blessed with a charming pub and eatery that has such an inviting atmosphere that it is easy to get caught up in the wonder of the heavy beamed ceilings, brick walls and original oak planked floors. One has to marvel at the glistening fireman’s pole. It’s impossible not to imagine the firemen, after being awakened from their slumber by the sound of the alarm, sliding down that pole and donning their gear before heading off to save a property, or possibly a life, from being lost to the inferno.
The Firehouse is located at 217 Broadway on the Southside of Bethlehem. Make it a point to stop in. You won’t be sorry. During the day there is a very good lunch menu, and at night the spacious two level environment easily handles the many patrons already calling themselves regulars. Conversation at the bar is friendly and the service from the waiters, waitresses, and bartenders is impeccable. The variety of beers on tap and the menu offerings will leave nothing to be desired. Bartenders, such as Lindsay, and entertainment guru, DJ, Cap Cee from B104, as well as waitress Nikki, will tell you what a wonderful feeling it is to work in a place like the Firehouse. “Adam is a great owner/manager.” That fact, they will mention without the slightest bit of hesitation. But they will undoubtedly go on to say, “It is also a pleasure to work at the Firehouse because of the delighted response we get from our customers as they marvel at the new life that has been bestowed upon a place once written-off as a possible tear-down."
Even those people who may think they haven’t much of a feeling for the historical significance of a place like the Firehouse will comment on how thankful they are to see a crumbling relic brought back to life. It is not only good for the city and the community, but it is good for the soul of us all.
We appreciate the efforts of men like Adam Gottwald who not only have a vision but also possess the tenacity to deal with the unexpected expenses, a myriad of city ordinances, countless state regulations, inspections, set backs, delays, and disappointments. Anyone who asks Adam what it was like to spend two years of his life renovating the old firehouse into a masterfully planned and crafted bar and restaurant will undoubtedly see him shake his head and smile. It is a great credit to his character and humility to hear him say, “No matter what it took, it makes it all worthwhile to be able to stand behind the bar and watch my customers and my employees enjoying themselves.”
Check out the Firehouse website for details about menu items, upcoming specials, scheduled entertainment and events.
Look for Comedy, music, guest appearance by local and touring bands, art shows, and even book signings. The Firehouse is truly “The Hottest new place in town.”
Thank you for reading.
Jeffrey B. Allen
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