
On our way to the Phoenix Zoo, we passed a building and several signs that indicated it was the Hall of Flame--a museum dedicated to firefighters and their history. We returned a couple of days later on one of our free mornings to check it out and were pleased with what we found.
The building held more than 90 pieces of fire fighting apparatus that date from 1725 to 1969. The museum was immaculate and each piece shone as if it were brand new. The first pu

The fancy carriage you see that resembles something Cinderella would ride in was merely made for parades. It is not a working fire-fighting apparatus but rather a morale and ego b

Our feather-duster host also told us that the bells on the front of the pumpers/engines were something of a competitive nature as well. Someone got the idea to install one

Steam became popular in the late 1860s and of course flowed into making new and more productive fire engines. The one pictured here was polished and looking like new. I wonder how much maintenance it took in a real fire house?

The Christie-Champion Water Tower, the engine with what looks like a long extension ladder, was built in 1897 for a Toledo fire station. It was originally drawn by horses but represents the change from horse drawn to motorized as in 1915 it was converted by the installation of the Christie Tractor. The long extension was for getting the hose up high for fires in buildings that were becoming increasingly taller.
On the wall at the end of a row of motorized vehicles was a display of other fire fighting equipment including a net used for catching

There was an impressive display in one hall of heroes and those who have lost their lives fighting fires, including of course a memorial to the firefighters of 9/11. One of the stories I read that especially touched my heart was of Dean Parsons from Mansfield, OH. When t

The museum was more than just a diversion. It was a time to reflect on history, heroism, and heritage.
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