Ladson, SC (February 9, 2007) -- American LaFrance, LLC began celebrating their 175th anniversary year by relocating eighteen fully restored, antique fire apparatus to the North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum and Educational Center. The museum, slated to open April 2007, is located at 4975 Centre Pointe Drive, North Charleston, South Carolina. On Sunday, January 14th, a convoy of twelve open, flatbed tractor trailers, many of which are antiques themselves, transported the antique fire apparatus from Cleveland, North Carolina to North Charleston, South Carolina.
A crowd of more than 100 cheering spectators and American LaFrance buffs, eager to be part of this historical event, welcomed the convoy of trucks. The beautiful collection of antique apparatus, including an 1858 Button and Blake hand pumper, will be one of the main exhibits in the museum. The museum will also include fascinating hands-on safety displays for children that promise to be both educational and entertaining. The museum hopes to reach elementary school students throughout the state of South Carolina, serving as a site for annual field trips as well as becoming a nationally recognized fire education center and museum to children of all ages.
The museum is the first of many exciting events in store for American LaFrance in 2007. This summer, American LaFrance plans to celebrate the grand opening of their brand new 497,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility in Summerville, S.C.
