The residents of Southwark organized the Weccacoe Fire Company on May 1, 1800. Subscription funds enabled the purchase of an engine at a cost of 210 Pounds, and the engine was placed in service July 4th the same year. The company’s fire house was first located at Front and Christian Streets. It was relocated several times over the years to Front and Union (now Delancey St.), the Prime Street Landing, and on South Second Street. In keeping with the custom of the time, the Weccacoe Fire Company was not permitted to fight fires outside the Southwark area.

On March 15, 1871 the city of Philadelphia organized Engine Company No. 3, and subsequently erected the impressive building at 117-119 Queen Street. It was designed and built by William J. Doyle and James G. Doak in 1893. Engine Company No. 3 and the Weccacoe Fire Company were merged, and located in the new building. The company continued to operate until 1957 at this location. In later years, the firemen used to keep a garden at the rear of the premises.

The building at 121 Queen Street was at one time a police patrol house, equipped with an observation tower and electric chair.  At one point, during the 1860′s, the building occupied by the Weccacoe Fire Company had its second floor fitted out as a reception room, with Brussels carpeting, a piano, sofas, and fine paintings and prints adorning the walls.

The fire house building was purchased and renovated in 1969, converting it into a private home and business office.