Visitors from around the nation come to the villages of Lake Leelanau and Leland during the summer time and stop by to check out our beautiful fire stations. Oftentimes collectors, fire enthusiasts, moms & dads, or other firefighters ask us if we sell t-shirts or other items to remember their trip by. Well the answer is yes we do! We also sell our famous L.V.F.D (Leland Volunteer Fire Department) fire marks! The L.V.F.D., which was the fire department that once proudly protected the village of Leland before they joined forces with the township’s fire department, is now a private group that helps support the Leland Township Fire Department in a variety of ways. We can only accept cash or checks. Contact us to place an order 231-256-7760, 231-994-2295, or at gniessink@lelandfire-rescue.com.
THE L.V.F.D Fire Mark: Also known as fire insurance marks, fire marks are metal plaques that were used in the 18th and 19th centuries to “mark” the front of homes and buildings to indicate which building were insured and by which insurance company’s firefighters. Depending on where in the world you called home the fire marks meant different things but essentially if your house caught on fire you or your insurance companies subscription to fire protection meant you were going to receive fire services. Firefighters confirmed that by the fire mark on the building.
Of course, today, most people receive fire services through a municipal entity and in Leland Township – that is no different. Fire marks aren’t necessary to receive fire services from us, but they look pretty nifty. As a matter of fact, if you drive through the village of Leland, you will see there are quite a few houses that have these mounted on the front of them. We love to see the community’s appreciation of their fire department when we drive by!
Our fire marks sell for $125, and the proceeds go to the L.V.F.D for their efforts. Sorry we cannot ship fire marks. Quantities are limited!
Fire Mark – 12″ high x 11″ wide. Hand Painted. Mounting Hardware not included. $125