HARRIS
FIRE STATION
Coventry, Rhode Island
HARRIS FIRE STATION
Built in 1889 at 701 Main Street, the Harris Fire Station is a Late Victorian brick-and-frame building with elaborate terra-cotta detailing. It served the Harris Fire District for more than a century.
THE CASE
The station was originally associated with the Phoenix Fire Company. The Harris Fire & Lighting District was later consolidated with the Central Coventry Fire District in 2006.
The historic building is particularly notable for its long-standing reputation for unexplained activity. Firefighters have reported footsteps, voices, shifting silhouettes and figures appearing around the stairwell, with the second floor of the original 1889 building described as the primary area of activity.
RISEUP was able to visit the station before it was converted into a fire museum, with the assistance of the Western Rhode Island Civic and Historical Society. The night was interesting from a historical standpoint, though what may be termed “evidence” of activity was anything but abundant. We nonetheless remain grateful for the unique opportunity we were granted.
