American-LaFrance and Foamite Corporation Catalog, "The Metropolitan: The World's Finest Fire Engine!," 1938
THF700883 / American-LaFrance and Foamite Corporation Catalog, "The Metropolitan: The World's Finest Fire Engine!," 1938
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Artifact Overview
American LaFrance was formed in 1873 to produce hand-powered firefighting equipment. The company built its first motorized fire apparatus in 1907. American LaFrance grew into one of the largest manufacturers of fire engines and emergency vehicles in the United States and -- under the Foamite name -- Canada. After several changes in ownership, American LaFrance ended operations in 2014.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Trade catalog
Date Made
1938
Subject Date
1938
Place of Creation
Collection Title
Location
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Object ID
91.303.3176
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Henry Austin Clark, Jr.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Technique
Printing (Process)
Color
Multicolored
Dimensions
Height: 11 in (folded)
Width: 8.5 in (folded)
Height: 22 in (unfolded)
Width: 17 in (unfolded)
Keywords |
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Related Content
SetEarly Firefighting
- 32 Artifacts
Fire was a constant menace to American cities well into the 20th century, when most buildings were made of wood and firefighting equipment was underpowered and overmatched. Firefighters risked their own lives to save those of others, to protect property, and to constrain and contain blazes before they grew into uncontrollable conflagrations. Early firefighting relied on mettle, muscle, and machinery that improved slowly but steadily over time.