VANCOUVER, Wa. - Returning a 1925 Seagrave fire engine to its rightful home in Vancouver, Washington is the goal of a 2007 calendar sale fundraiser being conducted by motivated Vancouver firefighters.
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Calendars cost $10 and feature full-color photos of present and antique Vancouver fire apparatus. In addition, each month includes historic recaps of Vancouver’s landmark fires. Calendars are available now at the VFD headquarters, 7110 NE 63 St.; or the downtown fire station at 900 W. Evergreen Blvd.
Leading the “Bring It Home” group project is a team that includes Capt. Rick Steele, Capt. Mike Bowie and firefighter Dan Guisinger.
“We need the participation of the Vancouver community to help us bring it home,” says Capt. Steele, who is writing a book on the history of the Vancouver Fire Department. If the calendar sale is successful, he anticipates that the 1925 Seagrave will deliver ceremonial service to many future generations.
The antique engine was just the fourth motorized apparatus ever purchased by Vancouver. It served Vancouver for over three decades from the old downtown fire station at 8th and Washington. It faded away, and in the 1960s wound-up in a junkyard in Portland. A collector bought the vehicle in the mid-1970s and carefully restored it. It is currently in Mt. Vernon carrying a price tag of $27,500.
The 1925 fire engine features unusual chain-driven rear wheels, wood ladders, antique nozzles and copper-clad extinguishers. It has been carefully re-painted and features extensive gold leaf detailing.
Businesses may purchase the calendars as holiday business gifts, or for resale. They are packaged in bundles of 10 for $100. For individual sales, or for bulk order inquiries, call the main VFD fire station at (360) 892-4323.
For more information: Capt. Rick Steele, VFD, (360) 892-4323.