Summit Chemical Engine
This 1927 Seagrave Fire Engine was delivered to Summit Chemical Engine No. 1 on November 21, 1927 and served as an active fire vehicle until 1951. During those years it has seen a lot os Summit history including a major residential fire on Oak Ridge Avenue in 1932, and the famous Lyric Theater fire of 1951.
The engine originally cost $11,250 and at the time was state-of-the-art, representing a technological leap for the Fire Department. It has 24-inch tires, which allowed firefighters to more easily navigate difficult terrain. The powerful, six-cylinder engine with dual ignitions meant a truck that was much more reliable in cold weather. The transmission is three speeds with reverse, and there are powerful brakes, but only in the back. Like most vehicles from that period, the steering wheel is on the right side. As was typical at the time, the engine was delivered without a windshield, although one was added later.
The Chemical Engine was retired from active service in the late 1950s and the Summit Fire Department has maintained it for use in parades and other public events.
Now the Summit Historical Society and Fire Department are teaming up to make sure the trusty engine can retire in style.
This historic fire vehicle was featured in the Autumn 2011 issue of The Historian, the Summit Historical Society Newsletter.