Have you renewed your membership for
Hails: We welcome Scott Flynn of Sabina. He is a fire fighter with the Concord-Greene Fire Department in Fayette County.
*As many of our readers learned from our recent newsletter we have lost two members of our family: Martha "Marty" Zechar and Joe Simons. Our prayers and thoughts continue to go out to their families. You will both be missed!
*Have you seen us on Facebook? (yeah, we are there too! (thanks Dan!)).
Go to our page: http://www.facebook.com/MVAFAA*Our official t-shirt is available. Get a shirt and proudly represent your membership!
FRANK A. SMITH
*Mr. Suttman and Mr. McKee were featured in the Skywrighter (Vol. 52, #3: Jan. 21, 2011). They are looking for more information on fallen firefighter Frank A. Smith of Wright-Patterson AFB Fire Department. Go to: http://www.skywrighter.com/archive/ for the complete story.UPDATE: More progress has been made in obtaining a headstone for Frank A. Smith. We are working closely with Dodds Monuments and Woodland Cemetery to accomplish this goal.
As of 12 Nov 11 Frank A. Smith is an Honorary Union Member of the IAFF Local F-88.
*NEW profiles added--check out more of our members and their treasures.
*Mr. Suttman recently experienced all that is good at Angie's Fire House Tavern in Dayton. Have you been there? Great food, awesome memorabilia surrounding you, outstanding staff! Check out their web site for their menu and directions: Angie's Fire House Tavern. Look to our most recent issue of Nozzle Notes that features an interview with Mr. Pat Reed, retired Dayton fire fighter and owner of Angie's Fire House Tavern.
*Look for an upcoming article on Jimmie's Ladder 11.
*Picture Gallery page added! Check out our new photos!
Larry and Steven have another added to their list of favorite things in Dayton:
Jimmie's Ladder 11 (preview)
I didn’t come from a fire service family—I am though proudly from a UAW Ford family. I am not originally from Dayton but Inkster, Michigan (you made need an assist from Google). And since I am not from here I am still taken aback with the fierce loyalty many of you from Dayton have with Marion’s Pizza (but that is no reason why you, dear reader, should be so dismissive of me or reciting such vulgarity against me in your head). I am though, like you, fond of what has valiantly endured the stress of time. Historic “things”—fire service technology, extraordinary fires, and the stories of those who have served before me.
I am particularly enthralled with old buildings and those who worked in those places of yesteryear. Jimmie’s Ladder 11 restaurant in the historic South Park neighborhood in Dayton invites a fond reflection of what was once a working fire station. This former fire station has much history to boast of—read the menu and you’ll learn such facts that it was the last house in the city to have horse-drawn steamers. Today it is a great place to have a meal; a beer from a hydrant or steamer-shaped tap; or while enjoying food and drink, absorb all of the efforts of the Brandell family and their designer to restore this building to its current splendor.
The theme to this restaurant becomes immediately apparent as you walk up to the front entrance (linger for a moment if the weather allows you to take it all in). Can you imagine the bay doors opened and eager horse teams readying to respond? Can you see the firefighter demanding and hurrying the pace of these horses? Can you see the impressive mustache of said driver? In the garden bed, next to the building, there are two stones, hitching posts actually, that are set in the ground beside each other. Together they form an eleven. Above you, just before you walk in, there is a sign in the shape of a fire fighter’s helmet shield that tells you that this is Jimmie’s Ladder 11. It’s on Brown Street. Their grand opening was on 11.11.11 (there's a theme here that only Inspector Clouseau might stumble upon). They invite you to come to their restaurant and see this achievement—and enjoy any of the excellent offerings on their menu.
Larry and I sat down with Sue Brandell, Jimmie’s wife, on November 17. There is much still to organize and make arrangements for—the cell phone rings and people come up to our table to give updates—Sue offers us an appetizer called Blind Dates. It was good, very good. I won’t blather with absurd adjectives on how it tastes—I don’t watch the Food Channel any more (I gained fifty pounds) so my compliments won’t nearly sound as savvy. Try it and it will be something you’ll then recommend to your friends. Sue’s enthusiasm reflects that this new venture has major plans ahead—from hosting this year’s Christmas parties to what will likely be a memorable first St. Patty’s celebration next year.
This is a new addition to Dayton; however, the Brandells are by no means new to the city. Jimmie graduated from Chaminade in 1974. This was a historic class in itself: it was the last class to be exclusively all-male. (In comparison Larry graduated in 1911—a pivotal year since it was the last class to use alchemy as a science credit). Sue and Jimmie owned the Cornerstone restaurant since 1988 but chose to move their operations here. But getting here took a level of commitment and vision that needed either a magical half-hour renovation of a HGTV show or a more realistic partnership with a designer who revived and modernized this fire house. They chose Mark Shannon, a designer, a talented man who is highly esteemed by the Brandells, and rightfully so.
While we prepared for our interview with Sue I looked back at the entrance and noticed the wooden fire pole. There were originally two poles—on opposite sides of each, in the front corners. This isn’t the original pole but there is another pole in this house of interest and form. Find your way upstairs and look closely at the periphery of the room: former radiators and a brass fire pole have been shaped into the railings that keep you from the open space below and separate another dining area from the gaming/bar section. Repurposed, former technology made into elegant modern and functional design—that was one of the many achievements of their designer Mark Shannon.
Back downstairs there is a very inviting bar—not simply a place complemented with bar stools and small bowls of pretzels. What you might see first is a hydrant. There are those I know who would bring a hydrant wrench and use it with the expectation of a waterfall like the one Brother Moses made when he struck the side of a mountain. There are three taps fashioned into this hydrant that do bring forth delicious waters (OK, beer…but I was trying to maintain the Biblical train of thought). Beyond the hydrant there is a much larger and truly impressive tap. It’s in the shape of steamer—something you may have recognized if you have ever seen the steamer at Carillon Park. Mr. Shannon used the dimensions of Carillon’s steamer to help shape this magnificent focal point. They have several varieties on draft of what pleases your palate—especially Yuengling. How long have we waited?! (but that is for another article or blog). And speaking of Yuengling, if you look up from the bottom of the wooden fire pole you’ll see a customized mirror from them. Next to the mirror and all along the inner front wall there are fire marks. Those possess their own fascinating history that we’ll get back to later. Sue assures us that there is more to come with the décor and that this is only a start—this alone is marvelous, I tell her.
As I mentioned earlier there is a stage—one set for Larry’s timeless rendition of Don’t Go Breaking My Heart or a bag piper. Indeed it was a bag piper who first graced this stage and there are more musicians slated to enhance any evening.
To be continued in our next issue of Nozzle Notes….--S. McKee
They have a Facebook page up and we'll soon have much more for our readership--stay tuned! Here's the F/B link:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jimmies-Ladder-11/254958071208879
ATTN: Members--Are you featured on this website? I say again: have you sent in your profile, your pictures?
Send in your favorite pictures of your collection to the webmaster: Click here.
Our History
The Miami
Valley Antique Fire Apparatus Association of Dayton, Ohio
began with monthly meetings in February 1981.
These meetings were held in various fire houses around the Miami Valley
area and at members' homes. They continued on a monthly basis
throughout the 1980's. The group attended musters at the Troy
Strawberry Festival, in Enon, and at Carillon Park in Dayton.
A Constitution and By-Laws were written which stated, in part:
"The purpose of this non-profit association is to promote a knowledge of antique fire apparatus and related equipment; to promote a public awareness and understanding of the history and development of the fire service; and to present these goals using the means of parades, meets, musters and public displays whenever possible."
In July of 1982 the Miami Valley Antique Fire Apparatus Association became an official chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Motorized Fire Apparatus in America (SPAAMFAA) where it is known as The Greater Dayton Chapter.
During the early 1990's, meetings were held less frequently. In 1994 there were no meetings after June. It wasn't until May and July of 1995 when several members tried to revive interest among the 35 members. At that time the chapter was close to becoming inactive.
In February 1996 four people met in Germantown to explore the possibility of activating the chapter. Last members of record were contacted. Fifteen people attended the March meeting. They elected officers and trustees, and decided to incorporate as a nonprofit organization. During that year members heard speakers of interest, participated in the Hamilton Dam Fest, and toured a private museum.
The
organization updated its constitution and by-laws and received its
not-for-profit status in 1997. The first annual antique fire apparatus
show was held at Veterans Memorial Park in Germantown and newsletters
were sent to members prior to each meeting.
The Miami Valley Antique Fire Apparatus Association is a family-oriented organization. Our 68 members enjoy meetings with programs and speakers of interest, road trips to see collections and participate in events. and an annual family picnic.
Each year we co-sponsor an antique fire apparatus show with the Germantown Firefighters Association. This show is held in Veterans Memorial Park in Germantown, Ohio, the first Saturday after the 4th of July.
MVAFAA enjoys a good, cooperative relationship with the Cincinnati and Columbus chapters of SPAAMFAA.
We invite anyone who has an interest in antique fire apparatus or the fire service to participate in our viable, informative, and fun organization!
Join Our Group--An Invitation From Our Membership Chairman
Dear Antique Fire Enthusiast,
This letter is an
invitation to join the Miami
Valley Antique Fire Apparatus Association.
Ownership of an old fire apparatus is not required for membership. Some of our members are owners and some are not. All you need is a genuine interest in antique fire apparatus and/or an interest in fire fighting history. Our members possess a wide variety of knowledge, experience and interests. As a novice, I have learned a great deal from the expertise of our members.
We schedule five meetings each year and sponsor an Antique Fire Apparatus Show in July. Members receive our newsletter which contains informative reports, special features, and meeting notice announcements.
Your dues are used to support the financial responsibilities of our organization; which, in part, include the following items: insurance, membership mailing costs, newsletter expenses, special mailings (fire apparatus show invitations and announcements), plaques for our show, advertising, and expenses for our annual picnic.
Please consider joining the Miami Valley Antique Fire Apparatus Association. Become part of a viable, informative, and fun organization. Simply download the Membership Application (pdf), complete the form and mail it to us with your membership dues.
Sincerely
Bob
McClain, Membership Chairman
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