Special Presention, May 18th by Ted Elder

The Museum is presenting a special program on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Museum in our newly opened second floor event space.  The program is in conjunction with our exhibit featuring Ohio fire apparatus and equipment manufacturers ranging from the Columbus built Seagrave pumper on display to the Dayton manufactured Roto-ray lights mounted on the wall.  No one could be better at explaining Ohio’s role in the fire equipment industry than Ted Elder of Kidron, Ohio. Ted graduated from the University of Akron in Fire Protection Technology with a Bachelor’s in Technical Education.  He has served with Cuyahoga Falls, Wooster Fire Department, and the Kidron Volunteer Fire Department.  He is currently Assistant Chief of the Village of Dalton fire department.  Ted has also been an instructor at the University of Akron in their Fire Protection Technology program.

 Ted’s program will feature the significant contributions of Ohio fire apparatus and equipment manufacturers which supplied fire equipment throughout the United States and internationally.  This includes the predecessors to the famous Ahrens-Fox fire apparatus company of Cincinnati which created America’s first steam fire engines.  Also featured will be the Seagrave Corporation of Columbus with their spring raised ladders and centrifugal pumpers.  Ted will also discuss more modern developments and manufacturers such as the Sutphen corporation of the Columbus area. 

This is sure to be an interesting discussion for anyone who loves fire apparatus.

 Apparatus Day at the Museum

Saturday, July 12th is Apparatus Day at the Museum!  So, come down and enjoy the festivities from 10am – 2pm. There will be a mix of fire trucks by various manufacturers,  restored and original, on display on the front plaza in front of the Museum.   This year we will be  featuring American LaFrance. Hotdogs, popcorn, and beverages will be available for visitors to enjoy while looking at these beautiful pieces of firefighting history. There will be activities for the kids and visitors will have a chance to enjoy our current exhibit, “Ohio the Heart od Fire Apparatus Manufacturing” on display in the Mandel Gallery. Museum tours will be available. Standard admission rates apply.  A fun-filled day for the whole family.

All manufacturers are welcome for this event. Anyone interested in displaying a vehicle please call the Museum at 216-664-6312 or email oliverj@wrfmc.com to register by June 30th.