|
On June 6, 1917, the Shaker Heights Village Council passed a motion to purchase its first fire truck. The cost was a whopping $8,250. With that decision, the Shaker Heights Fire Department was born. Mayor William Van Aken appointed John K. Irwin as captain, eight fireman were hired, and space was made at the rear of the building on the corner of Lee Road and Shaker Boulevard. Captain Irwin reported for duty on October 1st and the vehicle arrived by train on October 9th.
The truck was a 1917, American LaFrance Type 75 combination pumping engine, chemical engine, and hose car with a six cylinder motor. Ninety years later, on November 9, 2007, the fire truck returned to Shaker Heights, just a few hundred feet from its original home. It is one of The Shaker Historical Society’s newest acquisitions.
|
 |
 |
Where has it been all these years? Since 1985, farmer and volunteer firefighter Bob Zimmerman kept it on his farm in Defiance, Ohio. Before that, it had a succession of three owners across Ohio in Cleveland, Mentor, and Archbold. According to Zimmerman, it was leased to the city of Beachwood sometime between 1937 and 1947. The city of Shaker Heights sold it to a private owner in either 1947 or 1953.
Through the generosity of The C. Walder Parke Family Foundation, Bob Taylor, and an Anonymous Donor we were able to bring the truck to Shaker Heights. Additional funds are offset the cost and to create an exhibit exploring the early days of Shaker Heights as it transformed from a development to a municipality. For now, you can see the fire truck at the museum if you call ahead to make an appointment. Stay tuned—this is just the beginning of what we hope will be an exciting journey. |
|
|
Our next Gracious Gardens of Shaker Heights garden tour is scheduled on June 18th, 2010
Click here for details
Come see our new fire engine. Dating back to 1917, our American LaFrance fire engine brought in the modern era of motorized fire fighting equipment to Shaker Heights Village! Learn more
Vote for who should stand for Ohio at SHS. Click here
|
