Piece of AFD history returns

ASHTABULA — In 1930, according to a newspaper article, Ashtabula City Council was happy to purchase a new mechanized aerial fire fighting vehicle.

In 2003, Ashtabula Fire Department was happy to get the 73-year-old Seagrave engine started.

"It took a whole lot of tinkering, but it's working," Gianantonio said, taking a wide, slow turn from Elm Avenue to Center Street. He raised his hand and smiled to thank visibly astonished motorists for their cooperation.

Gianantonio, like most AFD firefighters, is interested in pieces of history. Ashtabula Township resident Harold Osten owned the 1930 Seagrave engine since soon after it was removed from service in the early 1960s. The department already had the ladder trailer that was once attached to the engine and had been looking for a way to facilitate the vehicle's donation. Gianantonio and other firefighters formed a nonprofit corporation to collect department historical artifacts to preserve them.

Since the vehicle left the city's service, it hasn't spent much time on the road. Fire Chief Rick Balog and Engineer Ken Sweet (who followed the engine on its Wednesday afternoon jaunt around downtown, since it has no brake lights) said Gianantonio had been trying to get the engine to start all week. The carburetor, Balog and Sweet said, gave Gianantonio the most frustration. A new battery was strapped to the platform leading to the passenger seat and a plastic gasoline can sat behind the seats.

The engine looks like it has been sitting in a barn or garage for about 40 years with its worn paint and dingy framework. There are still hints of the symbolic pride the city took in the engine. Balog pointed out faded oval crests on the engine. On the right side, the car ferry from the 1850s that served the city was proudly painted. On the left side, the Ashtabula steamer and oarboat are pictured.

"This is a lot harder to drive than a modern vehicle," Gianantonio said. He spun the large wheel several times to make a right-hand turn, shifting gears using large levers on either side of the driver's seat. As he pulled into the City Hall parking lot, the odometer read 857 miles. It has never been reset. Gianantonio guessed the engine's top speed is between 40 and 50 mph, but he did not accelerate the open-top vehicle past 10 mph.

Right now, the plan is to raise money to restore the engine to its original condition, Balog and Gianantonio said. Costs are estimated at $15,000 to $20,000. Residents not lucky enough to see the vehicle's joyride on Wednesday will be able to catch it on display or in upcoming parades.

"We're glad to have this vehicle," Gianantonio said. "We hope, through our nonprofit organization, to be able to keep fire department history alive."