We Have Truly Lost Something with The Spot Firehouse and Restaurant
In late 2004, I made it a point to stop in at The Spot Firehouse and Restaurant in International Falls and have dinner with Phil Olson and his son Rick. It is a decision I will never regret, especially after I learned about the recent sale of the restaurant. Lately, life had been pretty tough on Phil and Rick and for that matter, the entire Olson Family. At dinner, we talked frankly about the future of the business and Phil's hopes for his treasured endeavor. The Olson Family spent hundreds, if not thousands of hours developing the fire theme of The Spot. However, growing health concerns in the family pushed the Olsons to sell the business. Phil admitted to me later that it was the toughest thing he ever had to do. At first, there were indications that the new owner would keep the fire theme in place and the legacy that the Olsons had started would remain intact. Then, came the news that the fire theme would be abandoned and the operation would change. Phil and Rick kept several of the trucks, while the new owner put the remainder up for sale on E-bay. According to Phil, items that were donated to the business have been returned to the previous owners.
The loss of The Spot as a fire museum is truly sad. Unfortunately, not many appreciate what firefighters do and often times, fire department memorabilia ends up being lost and eventually thrown in the trash. We have lots of folks who have private collections, but that's exactly what they are, private, never to be seen by the public. The Spot publicly embraced what firefighters do on a daily basis and that's what made the place so special. And now, that is lost and likely not to ever be replicated in this region. Yes, we have truly lost something special with The Spot Firehouse and Restaurant.
In closing, I would like to personally and publicly thank the Olson Family for what they have done. Thank you for promoting what firefighters and fire departments do! Thank you for your years of loyalty to the Minnesota fire service! Thank you for your years of dedication in keeping and preserving all the fire memorabilia! Please know that literally hundreds of fire service professionals appreciated all of your efforts. I know that your family has attained a very special place in the hearts of firefighters everywhere. And, I also know that whatever you do in the future, it will still likely involve something with the fire service. Good Luck Olson Family!