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Seagraze is one of the oldest fire engines in Gilroy that still runs.
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Seagrave is one of the oldest fire engines that still runs. Local firefighters drive Seagrave in parades all the time, according to Herb Lee, 27, who works as a firefighter medic for the City of Gilroy.
When Seagrave isn't being driven in parades by fire personnel, she's safely tucked inside the garage of the Chestnut Fire Station.
In This article
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City Hall of Gilroy
7351 Rosanna St, Gilroy, CA -
Gilroy Fire Department
7070 Chestnut St, Gilroy, CA (Station and administrative offices)
Ann Krueger Spivack
8:27 am on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
I would like to know more about this engine! Did somebody renovate her or has she always been kept in this pristine condition?
Corinne Speckert
2:51 pm on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Hi Ann, thanks for your interest in the fire engine. I just left a message with the fire station, so hopefully I'll be able to answer your question soon!
Corinne Speckert
8:29 pm on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
OK, so it's an original 1923 engine, but it has been reworked over the years.
Connie Rogers
9:29 pm on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
The spelling is actually SEAGRAVE. This 1923 pumper was originally purchased new by the City of Gilroy and used for several years. After being disposed of by the city there were a few private owners until it was re-purchased by the Gilroy Historical Society. After getting it in running condition, the Society it donated back to the City Fire Department in 2008. Our stalwart firemen maintain it and use it for ceremonial purposes and community events.
Connie Rogers, President, Gilroy Historical Society
Corinne Speckert
10:21 am on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Thanks Connie for all that great information. And I went in there and made the name change.
Brian
9:20 am on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
My mom has a picture of my grandfather in front of this same fire engine which at the time was parked in front of the fifth street fire station (AKA Station 55) in around 1928 or so. I'll email the editor the picture, see if we can get it posted, stay tuned!
Ann Krueger Spivack
9:24 am on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Connie, who in the Historical Society got SEAGRAVE running again? And Brian, is your grandfather still around? Can't wait to see the photo.
Ann Krueger Spivack
9:32 am on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Nice work Gilroy Historical Society! Kudos to you!
Brian
9:39 am on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
No, he and my grandmother passed away in the 80's. I told my mom to post a comment here, she's creating an account, and should post shortly. She has more details.
Brian
6:47 am on Thursday, February 9, 2012
OK my mom was having an issue creating an account, so she sent me an email to post this: "Brian is talking about my father, Richard Kannely who was born and raised in Gilroy. In fact his dad, my grandfather, Matt Kannely was one of the first mailman in Gilroy. Richard Kannely was born in 1920 and he looks to be around 8 or 9 in this picture. So probably taken in 1928. I actually have two pictures taken on the same day. The other one has two brothers, Warren and Richard standing in the same spot. Since my grandmother was also born and raised in Gilroy and I have all her pictures I do have several taken around town." Thanks mom!
Russ Hendrickson
9:59 am on Thursday, February 9, 2012
My congratulations to all involved in this project, particularly the Gilroy Historical Society. My wife's (Nancy (Gilmore) Hendrickson) grandfather, Carl "Pop" Bolfing, was the Society's first president. It was their efforts that led Gilroyans to support saving and preserving the Old City Hall. It was Pop's dream that someday building would someday become Gilroy's second museum. Perhaps someday the Seagrave will be back in it's original home.
Russ Hendrickson