Monrovia is once again in possession of its very first fire engine, a 1917 Seagrave. It's a mess, but the Fire Department wants to restore it, and is beginning to look for donations.
Here's the story, from the City Manager's weekly report:
"Ninety-five years ago, on May 3, 1916, Monrovia's La Vista Grande Hotel was destroyed by a fire. As a result, Fire Chief George C. King began asking the City trustees for a more effective apparatus and with support the first piece of mechanized equipment the City ever purchased, a 1917 Seagrave Fire Engine, was placed in service. The City trustees authorized the purchase of a 350 gallon capacity six-cylinder Seagrave motor-pumping fire engine, combination hose, truck and chemical, for $5,000. The engine was a front line piece of equipment and served the City well until it was eventually taken out of service here in Monrovia and replaced.
"While currently in a state of disrepair, the engine has changed hands many times and saw service in several communities, including the famous collection at Harrah's in Reno. In 2003, local resident, Susan Motander tracked down the engine in Nevada and purchased it from the previous owners.
"Earlier this year Susan graciously donated the engine to the Monrovia Fire Department.
"Now begins the campaign to raise the funds necessary to restore the engine, which has a working name of "Tommy" in honor of a former Monrovia Firefighter Tommy Knowles. It is estimated that the 1917 Seagrave will need considerable restoration work to bring it back to its original condition."
- Brad Haugaard
