PHOTOS: How many cities do you know of that showcase a caboose, fire truck and tractors in their downtown sector?
There is at least one — the city of Winter Garden, which recently saw the return of an iconic piece of its fire department history.
The 1954 American La France fire engine No. 1 is back in the space it shares with a 1907 citrus sprayer, 1948 railroad caboose, a Case grove tractor and a Fordson tractor — all surrounding the Winter Garden Heritage Museum.
“The fire truck has been a part of Winter Garden for many years,” said Frank Chase, president of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation board of directors. “During that time it has had several different lives. The Heritage Foundation is grateful to have it back on display for everyone to enjoy and interact with.”
The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation started displaying the historical equipment in 1998 and ended up with the five currently sitting out front. A fundraising campaign began in 2016 to restore the four smaller pieces.