In the year 2002 Seattle too early lost two of its most enthused historians: Tim O'Brian, who probably knew more about Pioneer Square and Georgetown history than anyone, and Mike Cirelli, the regional expert on early photographers. Tim and Mike were 64 and 58, respectively, when they died last spring.

But here is the teenager Mike Cirelli posing for his friend Don Glover aboard an unidentified ferry directly beneath the old brick firehouse No. 5 at the waterfront foot of Madison Street.

In the late spring of 1961 the station's neighbor, Ivar Haglund, at last won the right to paint the then-vacant gray station red in time for the surge of tourists expected the following year for Century 21, the World's Fair. Overriding the objections of City Councilman Floyd Miller, Myrtle Edwards, the council's battler for waterfront improvements, told anyone who was listening, "If Mr. Haglund, who has done so much to make the waterfront bright and gay, wants to spend his own money on the fire station, I'm all in favor."

In 1963 the red brick station was replaced by the modern gray one pictured in the "now" scene. Haglund was the master of ceremonies at its Dec. 27, 1963, dedication. He sang a special chantey of his own composition, accompanied by the Fire House Five Plus Two.

Readers who wish to discover more about the contributions of Cirelli and O'Brian are advised to get a copy of the most recent "Old News," the Museum of History & Industry's quarterly magazine. The covers are adorned with a wonderfully sharp shot of the five-star corner at Fourth and Westlake avenues in 1954. Call MOHAI for news on membership and copies of Old News. Or, even better, visit the museum and its exhibits and pick up some Old News.