In 1922, the American LaFrance Engine One was state-of-the-art, a pumper that replaced an old steam fire engine. Efforts had come together in Larchmont Village to cover its cost. It arrived painted ivory, with a cherry-red frame. Wheels were crafted from oak, with hard rubber tires. 

Then, in 1947, Engine One was retired and sold away to upstate New York, and eventually ended up in Seattle.

The Larchmont Historical Society is helping change that. In ongoing efforts to restore and bring home Engine One, and in recognition of October being National Fire Prevention Month, it is hosting a  "Roaring '20s Firemen's Ball" at the Larchmont Yacht Club on Oct. 30, from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., with dinner, dancing, and a silent auction. An exhibition about Engine One's history and restoration will be on site.

"Engine One represents an important part of local and national fire fighting history," says LHS president Colette Rodbell. It represented trucks that had internal combustion engines that ran the vehicle and the pump, making a technological jump from coal driven models.

It also signified a pre-crash (1929) era when Larchmont's firehouse was still known as "Fire Department of Millionaires."

Engine One has had quite a journey. It was back in Larchmont in 2002, then sent to Firefly Restorations of Hope, Maine, in  2009.

LHS trustee Ned Benton, of Larchmont, is a member of the group's Fire History Committee leading the effort. "Engine One connects us to the history of our community in a unique and special way," says Benton. "Once restored to its original condition, it will be part of our celebrations, ceremonial events, and historical programs."

Roaring '20s for a new engine

In 1922, the Larchmont Times reported a vote to raise a $10,000 bond to acquire the gasoline-fueled engine, replacing an "antiquated" steam engine. (There was also a call for volunteer firemen to attend more meetings and drills.)

"Prior to gasoline internal combustion engines, the trucks were actually boilers on wheels drawn first by men, then by horses," says committee member Jim Sweeney.

Steam boilers were used to increase pressure as water was suctioned from a pond or hydrant.  Introduction of the internal combustion fire engine around 1907 eliminated the need for a separate boiler since the engine pressurized the pump. "The chemical tank, which we just purchased, was used for an initial attack at a fire while firefighters were hooking up the supply lines to the pump," explains Sweeney.

A chemical reaction between bicarbonate of soda, water, and sulfuric acid produced pressure in the tank, which sat on top of the engine, behind the driver.

Engine One arrived in Larchmont in 1923. American LaFrance, its maker, has a history of fire fighting vehicles  going back to 1832 and hand carts, horse drawn rigs, and steam engines. 

By 1916, it was manufacturing a 6-cylinder, gas powered pumping machine, helping close the chapter on steam engines. "So by the time the Village of Larchmont bought its first motorized apparatus, steam driven models were not being used by the more progressive fire departments," says Sweeney.

Engine One leaves Larchmont

Engine One was sold to collectors in upstate New York in 1947. It was sold again, moving to Seattle's Fire Apparatus Museum. Then, Washington resident Richard Cooper bought it in 1970 for his personal collection. In 2002, after his death, Larchmont Fire Department purchased Engine One from his estate.

In 2007, Engine One was donated it to the LHS wherein a committee was created to oversee its restoration, maintenance and display.

Getting good as new

In memory of Larchmont volunteer firefighter Jacob Orans, the Orans family made "a generous contribution,"  jump-starting the fundraising campaign.  "That contribution and others from Larchmont's  volunteer fire companies have put us at two-thirds of our goal," says Benton.

The committee is researching historical firefighting uniforms from Larchmont and Mamaroneck with the intent of arriving in them when Engine One is put into service as a showpiece in local and educational events.

At the moment, Engine One's motor and drive train have been rebuilt, and the body has been disassembled for painting. And so, the ETA? Responds Benton,  "The Fire History Committee looks forward to its return to Larchmont next year."

Tickets to the fundraiser are $95; $75 for LHS members. To purchase tickets or make donations: online at http://fireball.larchmonthistory.org/; or send checks to LHS, P.O. Box 742, Larchmont, NY 10538.

Find information on Engine One's history and renovation here.

American LaFrance Fire Museum & Educational Center, in South Carolina, here. 

 Katherine Ann Samon is the author of four books, including Ranch House Style, and is a Larchmont Historical Society trustee. Her column, "Historical Wonders," about important buildings and events  in Larchmont and Mamaroneck, appears twice a month on Larchmont-Mamaroneck Patch. To learn more about the author, visit her Web site: www.katherineannsamon.com