Brooksville’s Fire Engine is Turning 100

This year, The Hernando Historical Museum Association (HHMA) is set to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Brooksville’s first fire engine. HHMA President Mary Sheldon is proud to announce the centennial milestone of such an important piece of our town’s history.

Purchased by the city of Brooksville from the American LaFrance Fire Engine Company Incorporated in 1925, the “Type 75 Triple Combination Pumper, Chemical and Hose Motor Car” cost $12,500, the contract noted.

Capable of reaching over 60 miles per hour, this first response vehicle was a lifesaver for a town and county that had been suffering from all manners of fires. With a newly formed fire department (1912) and outdated equipment, there was little in the way of fire response beyond that of local citizens.

From fires like that of 1877, which burned down the wooden courthouse and the documents within, to the Varnada Hotel fire of 1918, something had to be done to save buildings before they were completely razed to the ground.

Several steps were taken including the aforementioned formation of the fire station as well as the passing of a resolution to change all of the chimneys in the city to brick and stone by June of 1898.
That was much needed, considering many houses consisted of dry wood, inadequate chimneys, and kerosene lanterns. These measures would not be enough, though, and that was where the engine came in.

After dutifully serving the city for decades, the engine was retired in the 1960s and later restored by Hernando High School’s automotive class in 1987. The Leopards students brought back the vehicle’s luster by repainting the classic red body and replacing the leather seat, among other fixes.

Ms. Sheldon noted that their work “really made a big difference.” Due to the passage of time, however, some parts were easier to refurbish than others.

The association needed to requisition an expert in Ohio to repair the siren being that it was a highly specialized piece of equipment. Other parts, like the leather clutch, have not yet been able to be replaced to this day.

Following its restoration, the county held the engine in storage before it was transported by a wrecker service to the historic train depot. There it has rested as an integral piece of the museum ever since. “It is pretty amazing,” Sheldon said.

Though Sheldon and company have not yet locked down a celebration plan, there is still plenty of time in the new year to do so. Considering the ordering of the engine took place in July of 1925 and the contract being dated for October of that same year, there are still several dates they could use for the 100-year anniversary of this once modern mobile man-saving marvel.

The historic association has a busy year planned with their next event set to take place in February. On the 16th, the organization’s president is excited to host the museum’s second “These Root Run Deep” tribute, which will honor the Crum-Hope family.

Founded in 1975, the HHMA is a non-profit organization run by volunteers with the “wish to celebrate and preserve the hard work and ingenuity of generations past, and to inspire current and future generations to value this industry which was essential to Florida’s history, culture, and economic growth,” the association’s website stated.

With other celebrations like that of Hernando County’s 182nd Birthday on Heritage Day (February 22nd), stay tuned to the Hernando Sun for more coverage on the incredible history of Hernando County.