Woman Remembers Youth Riding Historic Fire Engine

News Summary

Lois Rufus, a 102.5-year-old resident of Fountain Valley, had a nostalgic experience riding a historic 1922 Seagrave fire engine in Huntington Beach. Arranged by her son, the ride allowed Rufus to reminisce about her past adventures. The vintage fire engine, a part of local history, was restored over the years and is now accessible to the public. This heartwarming event highlighted the importance of preserving historical artifacts and creating connections across generations.

Huntington Beach – A moment of joy and nostalgia unfolded on July 17, when 102.5-year-old Lois Rufus from Fountain Valley had the opportunity to ride aboard a historic fire engine belonging to the Huntington Beach Fire Department. This particular Seagrave fire engine, which has been a part of local history since 1922, allowed Rufus to relive her youthful adventures in a unique way.

Rufus learned about the vintage fire engine through an article in the Orange County Register and informed her family, expressing her desire for a ride. Her son, Dan, took the initiative by coordinating with the Huntington Beach Fire Department to arrange the joyous experience for his mother. Anticipating the ride, Rufus humorously remarked that she thought she might get behind the wheel of the iconic vehicle, despite not having a valid driver’s license for many years.

Remarkably, during her last birthday celebration, Rufus still held a valid driver’s license, a testament to her spirited personality and zest for life. As the ride commenced, she thoroughly enjoyed ringing the bell and employing the hand-crank horn as the fire engine made its way around the parking lot of the Central Net Training Facility.

The Historic Seagrave Fire Engine

This particular Seagrave fire engine, purchased for $14,500 in 1922, served in Huntington Beach’s original firehouse from 1923 until 1966. After its retirement, the engine spent a significant amount of time stored at the Travel Town Museum in Los Angeles before being reclaimed by Huntington Beach in 2002 in exchange for a forklift.

In 2007, the Huntington Beach Firefighters’ Association acquired the Seagrave fire engine, initiating a comprehensive 15-year restoration project. The restoration work first took place in a Boeing Co. complex garage before the engine was eventually relocated to a local fire station for further improvements.

Unique Features of the Seagrave

The 1922 vintage fire engine boasts only two seats, one for the driver and one for a passenger, contrasting sharply with modern fire engines that typically accommodate four to six crew members in an enclosed cab. While today’s fire engines can weigh nearly 40,000 pounds, the Seagrave is notably lighter at an estimated 12,000 pounds. Its power comes from a six-cylinder gasoline engine with a 1,020-cubic-inch displacement and a pump capable of delivering 750 gallons per minute.

During the restoration process, unique hand-painted murals of a ship and lighthouse were uncovered beneath layers of primer and stickers, revealing a fascinating aspect of the engine’s history. Additionally, the name “The Hib” was affixed to the engine to honor Harry Hibler Sr., who led the city’s volunteer fire department in the 1920s.

Restoration Costs and Public Access

The total expenses for restoring the Seagrave exceeded $100,000, all funded through donations and contributions from the community. Those interested in viewing the fire engine can do so by making an appointment at the Huntington Beach Firefighters’ Association office.

Captain Rex Rysewyk of the Huntington Beach Fire Department shared his satisfaction in witnessing the memorable ride for Rufus, an event that underscored the importance of preserving and appreciating historical artifacts. The ride on the vintage Seagrave fire engine served as a heartwarming reminder of the role history plays in fostering connections between generations.

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Additional Resources

• Orange County Register: 102-Year-Old Woman Rides Historic Fire Engine
• Los Angeles Times: Huntington Beach Fire Dept Earns Honors
• Fire Engineering: Huntington Beach Fire Chief’s Farewell
• Patch: Newport Beach Firefighters Deployed
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Engine