In 1930, the Cold Spring Harbor Fire Department auctioned off its firehouse to raise funds for a new building. The firehouse, built in 1906, was located on the east shore of the harbor, near the west end of Main Street. Biology Lab Director Reginald Harris successfully bid $50.00 for the “erstwhile” house, which would be used by the Lab as much-needed housing. For a short time, the firehouse was called “Harris”; however, the name never stuck, and the building was continually referred to as “The Firehouse.” (In 1982, the Harris Building was constructed and dedicated to Mr. Harris.)