Engine One Joins the Larchmont Historical Society
The Orans Family Donates Funds to Restore the 1922 Pumper

The Larchmont Historical Society has voted to accept the generous gift, by Larchmont’s four volunteer fire companies, of Engine One. The 1922 American LaFrance pumper served Larchmont from 1922 to 1947 when it was sold.

In 2002, Matt Cooper of Tacoma Washington emailed the Larchmont Fire Department reporting that his father had purchased Larchmont's Engine One (A 1922 American LaFrance pumper)and had maintained it for many years in his garage. Matt generously offered to sell it to the Larchmont Fire Department at his cost, and the companies joined together to bring this historical piece of our history back to Larchmont.

Barbara Newman, Prsident of the Historical Society, observed: "We are thrilled and honored to be the custodians of this significant historic asset. Engine One comes with a lifetime of history, and we look forward to creating educational programs and events to share Larchmont's remarkable fire history with the community."

The Historical Society has also accepted a donation by the Orans family, in memoro of Jacob Orans, that will provide funds to restore the engine. The donation of $40,000, along with $35,000 donated by fire companies, will be combined with additional fund-raising. The goal is to provide for the restoration, along with funds for maintanance and ongoing operations, as well as funds for related educational programs.

The companies have also donated some photographs, documents, paintings and other historical assets to the Historical Society. The arrangement permits the LHS to loan the assets to the Village to maintain them in the company rooms in Village Hall.

Engine One in Ray Maldonado's Engine One garage in Mamaroneck.

Meanwhile, Engine One remains were it has been stored since 2002 - in a garage behind Ray Maldonado's home in Mamaroneck.

The LHS plans for form a "Fire History Committee" to be responsible for the ongoing maintenance and operation of Engine One, and to conduct historical educational events related to the history of firefighting and fire protection in Larchmont.