What could a 102-year-old Huntington Beach fire engine and a Fountain Valley woman have in common? They were both born in the same year.
On a warm July afternoon, the air buzzed with excitement at the Central Net Training Facility in Huntington Beach, California. Lois Rufus, a sprightly 102-year-old, donned a radiant smile as she settled into one of the two seats of the 1922 Seagrave fire engine—Huntington Beach’s first motorized fire apparatus. Capturing the essence of history in a moment, Rufus rang the bell and cranked the siren, an act embodying the spirit of nostalgia and elation.
The Legacy of the Seagrave Fire Engine
Born to a different era, the Seagrave fire engine holds stories within its steel frame. Purchased in 1922 for $14,500—a staggering amount at the time—it represented modernity, ushering in a new age of firefighting in a city that was still finding its identity. “This engine was the first step away from the age of horse-drawn fire equipment,” shared Captain Rex Rysewyk of the Huntington Beach Fire Department. He explained that while the vehicle cost a fortune during its time, modern fire engines can exceed a million dollars.
The Engine’s Journey Through Time
For decades, the Seagrave served the Huntington Beach community from its firehouse on 5th and Main streets, until 1966, when it was retired and eventually relocated to Los Angeles’ Travel Town Museum. In 2002, a determined former Fire Chief, Michael Dolder, brought it back to Huntington Beach in exchange for a forklift, a testament to its lasting significance. The Huntington Beach Firefighters’ Association resurrected it from obscurity with a 15-year restoration project culminating in a gleaming testament to local history.
- Years in Service: 1923 to 1966
- Restoration Duration: 15 years
- Cost of Restoration: Over $100,000, funded through donations
The Heart of a Century-Old Woman
How might a young heart and an old machine resonate so deeply? Rufus had initially learned of the Seagrave’s restoration through the Orange County Register. Sharing her excitement with family, her son Dan worked with the fire department to make this dream a reality. “I was joking that I would be driving it, but honestly, just riding in such a piece of history is extraordinary,” Rufus exclaimed with a sparkle in her eye.
Wisdom of Experience
As a woman who has lived through immense transformations in society, Rufus embodies a living repository of history. According to Dr. Emily Holt, a gerontologist and author of *Aging is a Journey*, “Individuals like Rufus have navigated societal changes that have shaped our current norms and values.” Dr. Holt emphasizes the importance of connecting generations, particularly through shared experiences like Rufus’s ride in the Seagrave. Such interactions cultivate community ties, evidently showcasing how a bond can emerge between history and the present.
The profound appreciation for the Seagrave’s legacy was mirrored in Rufus’s delight when she sat atop its adorned surface. “Seeing history come alive, it feels surreal,” she stated as the engine rolled through the facility’s parking lot. Her joyous laughter resonated even louder than the siren’s shrill tone, offering a vivid reminder that the spirit of vintage machines is rekindled through human interaction.
From Historical Preservation to Community Connection
The restoration did more than revive a fire engine; it reignited a sense of community. “For us, the Seagrave represents a bridge between the past and the present,” said Rysewyk. He pointed out that history is best understood through the lens of human stories, “We didn’t just restore an engine; we restored an experience that ties generations together.” In this way, Rufus’s visit symbolized a celebration of both her and the Seagrave’s 102 years of life, each testament to resilience and adaptation.
The Art of Restoration
As the restoration team sifted through layers of paint, they stumbled upon the original hand-painted murals depicting a ship and a lighthouse—a crown jewel of artistry buried beneath time. “It was like uncovering a hidden treasure,” Rysewyk recalled. A decision was made to honor these historical masterpieces, woven seamlessly into the narrative of the Seagrave.
“History is often just layers waiting to be stripped away to reveal what’s underneath. Each layer has its own story,” shared Jane Frasier, an expert in historical preservation. Her research correlating the act of restoration with community engagement echoes through projects like the Seagrave’s, showing the potential to unite diverse individuals through a shared love for heritage and craftsmanship.
A Lasting Impact
Lois Rufus’s moment aboard the Seagrave was more than a ride; it was an ode to the intertwining narratives of people and machines, history and memory. As she interacted with firefighters and community members, a bond of shared history wove new threads into the fabric of a city that cherishes its past.
“Seeing Rufus smiling, feeling that joy—we all feel it too,” Rysewyk reflected on their time with her. “It’s a satisfaction that goes beyond our work, a reminder that our history matters.” Memories, much like fine wine, only grow richer with age, and through their joint celebration, Rufus and the Seagrave have been immortalized, forever cherished as prime examples of resilience, enthusiasm, and communal spirit.
