Self-Guiding Tour

#22    Sliding Pole

Sliding poles were installed in each station to assist with quick response to alarms, and because rubber boots were dangerous on the staircase. The four poles were strategically placed, and were used to carry the firefighters to the main floor upon receipt of an alarm.

The pole at the top of the main staircase and near the top of the main staircase has a tragic history. On Wednesday, June 9, 1915 at 13:25, 29-year-old Peter McRae headed to his apparatus upon receipt of an alarm for a house fire, but lost his grip on the sliding pole and fell to the main floor where he sustained a skull fracture. He was immediately transported to the hospital, but succumbed to his injury at 22:15. He is buried only two kilometers away in Elmwood Cemetery.

His portrait, an accident report signed by Chief Buchanan, and a short story of his life hangs on the wall at the top of the stairs next to the very pole where he met his demise.

Every visitor to our museum, on Halloween or any other day of the year, has a chance to encounter our resident friendly ghost, Peter McRae. If you dare to venture off around the corner alone during your visit, Peter might just let you know he’s right there with you by tapping on your shoulder.

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The Winnipeg Firefighters Museum aims to entertain and educate our visitors about the current processes and historical stories of the fire service. The museum relies on your donations in order to continue with the mission of the Winnipeg Firefighters Historical Society. Please follow the link below to make a secure, charitable donation.

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