1897 Hook and Ladder

Example of a 1897 Gleason and Bailey Hook and Ladder

The ladder wagon in this group picture of the Loveland Hook and Ladder Company No 1 is the only picture that has been found. November 11, 1897 the Loveland board of trustees accepted the Gleason and Baily Manufacturing company Hook and Ladder at a cost of $292.50.

The ladder wagon was drawn to the fires by the firemen themselves.

ABOUT

LOVELAND FIRE EXHIBIT INC.
lovelandfireexhibitinc.net

Lovelandfireexhibitinc@gmail.com

WELCOME to the Loveland Fire Exhibit Inc. website After approximately six years of closing the fire exhibit and putting the artifacts in storage, we are launching a digital fire exhibit. The digital exhibit will consist of photos , videos and historical information and in conjunction, the Loveland Museum will have a small fire exhibit of rotating fire artifacts. The Loveland Fire Exhibit is excited to bring the history of the Loveland fire service to the internet and hope you will browse the different categories of the exhibit at your leisure The original fire exhibit featured history to 2008 and the digital will be updated to the present. We think, at this time, this is the best way to meet our mission.

WHO IS THE LOVELAND FIRE EXHIBIT INC.?

A group of retired Loveland firefighters and associates formed the Loveland Fire Exhibit Inc. in 2010 as non profit 501(c) (3) organization. Our mission is to support the Loveland Museum/Gallery in preserving the history of the Loveland fire services and honoring its members for the present and future generations and provide Loveland Fire history education to schools and the general public.

Current Board of Directors:

President – Bob Skillman, Retired Division Chief, Loveland Fire Rescue Department
Vice President – Mark Lyons, Current Captain, Loveland Fire Rescue Authority
Secretary – Chris Klaas, Retired Division Chief, Loveland Fire Rescue Department
Treasurer – Diane Lyons, Past member, Loveland Fire Sirens

Even though the fire exhibit is in storage we are still active with 32 active members, mainly retired firefighters, spouses and active firefighters, but membership is open to anyone who wishes to support our mission and comply with our by-laws. We usually meet the fourth Friday of the odd months, depending on holidays. We meet in the community room at Loveland Fire Station #2, 3070 West 29th Street. We are a fairly informal group and always have a good time. Anyone wishing membership, please send a request to lovelandfireexhibitinc.net

We participate in local parades, car shows and are honored to take deceased firefighters on their last ride.

Loveland Fire Exhibit, Inc. owns the following vehicles:

1925 American LaFrance pumper. It was purchased new by the City of Loveland and restored in 1999 by the Loveland Volunteer Fire Department Inc. It is now on display at Loveland Fire Station #1.

1939 Ford one ton panel van. Purchased new by the City of Loveland as a ambulance.

1928 Ford Model A roadster, custom built to resemble a fire truck and purchased by the Loveland Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. for a parade vehicle.

1969 Mack CF600 pumper. The City of Loveland”s first diesel fire truck. Modified by Loveland Fire Exhibit, Inc. in 2015 for a parade and funeral vehicle.

We were fortunate that Division Chief Greg Ward found the owner of the 50 foot ladder truck built by the fire department in the 1950’s. It was sold in 1976 when the fire department purchased the 85 foot Sutphen aerial tower. Our thanks to the Corns family of Colorado Auto & Parts, Englewood CO, for their generosity, donating the truck to us for $1.00. The ladder truck is now being repaired to running condition for parade use.

WHAT IS THE LOVELAND FIRE EXHIBIT?

The Loveland Fire Exhibit was conceived in 2008 with cooperation of the Loveland Fire Rescue Incorporated (a volunteer organization), Loveland Fire Rescue Department, City of Loveland Museum and Loveland retired firefighters.

A team of retired firefighters and associates began the process of collecting, sorting, fixing, cataloging and preparing displays of the fire artifacts in the “sequel” building provided by the Loveland Museum/Gallery. The exhibit’s grand opening was held Friday October 9, 2009. During its tenure it hosted many visitors and groups from a variety of cities and states.

The collection of artifacts provides the history of the fire service in Loveland from 1883 to present and consists of pictures, newspaper articles, equipment, protective clothing and more. Included are the original hose teams, auxiliaries, development of the training facility and advancements in apparatus.

The sequel building was sold in 2013, the fire exhibit was closed and artifacts were placed in storage. Many options for another exhibit home were explored, but none can to fruition. The Loveland Fire Exhibit Inc. determined ,with the digital age, the best option for presenting the Loveland fire service history was on the internet. We hope you will enjoy what the hundreds of dedicated men and women of the Loveland fire service, and their families, has provided to the community.

February 2018, retired Fire Chief Jack Sullivan passed away. Chief Sullivan was the person who met with the Loveland Museum director with idea of the fire exhibit. Chief Sullivan was the co-chair for the team preparing the fire exhibit and the first president of the Loveland Fire Exhibit, Inc. His leadership will be missed.

Loveland Fire Exhibit, Inc. is continuing to collect fire service artifacts. Donations of artifacts, historical information and financial assistance will assist us in continuing our mission.

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