Truck

The S. S. Lee, the 1946 Seagrave Fire Truck

Fire trucks come and go. They serve their purpose well and are a valuable asset not just to the department, but the whole community. Few firetrucks though have been as beloved as the Lowell Fire Department's “S.S. Lee”. 
In 1946, the Lowell Fire Department was able to buy a new Seagrave fire truck thanks to the Lee Fund. Dr. Solomon S. Lee left the bequest to the Village of Lowell upon his death in 1939. Dr S.S. Lee was a well-loved doctor and community member and had served on the Common Council.
 
Appropriately, the new pumper was named the S. S. Lee. The pumper was welcomed to Lowell by Village President Peter Speerstra, Fire Chief Dave Clark and Assistant Chief Jay Boelens. At the time, there were 14 men on the fire department.

Seagrave has been building fire trucks since 1881. This new pumper was state of the art and could pump 1,000 gallons of water a minute! The 1935 truck could only pump 500 gallons a minute. It was said that the pumps could throw streams of water over the top of the tallest building in Lowell. The firetruck could carry seven people. 

The S. S. Lee remained in service until 1970, its last fire was at Walter’s Lumber Mart in August of 1970. Even after that, however, it was retained by the department. The S. S. Lee was used in parades through the 1970s and 1980s. The firefighters loved riding in the S.S. Lee in parades, and to be picked to drive was a special honor. A retired firefighter said that everyone felt the pride of that truck. During this time Firefighters Frank Leasure and Steve Noall would take the S. S. Lee to musters and won awards . 
In 1996, 26 years after it was removed from service, there was discussion as to what to do with the old pumper. City leaders reflected with affection on it. A headline read, “City officials have a soft spot in their historical hearts for 1946 Seagrave truck.” Then mayor Bill Thompson stated that he remembered the truck as a child growing up. Then city manager Dave Pasquale told of how Mt. Pleasant refreshed an old fire truck and displayed it in front of the fire station in a glass case. As a result, Lowell Auto Body was awarded a contract to refinish the Fire Truck. They had been recommended by Fire Chief Frank Martin because of their experience with antique vehicle restoration. 

It was determined that after that, it would be displayed at 222 W. Main, the former McQueen Motors new car showroom, now owned by King Milling Company. The S. S. Lee, the pride of Lowell, displayed on Main Street!
Frank Baker served the Lowell Fire Department for 42 years, 34 of that as Fire Chief. His first fire was at the Kroger store on the day he joined the department, and he rode to the fire on the S.S. Lee. Baker retired from the department in 1988 and died in 2000. After his death, his family spoke of his love for the S.S. Lee. It was only fitting then, that to carry Baker to his final resting place in the Alton Cemetery, instead of a hearse, the S.S. Lee performed that honor.
 
In 2015, the beloved truck was sold. The new owner agreed to keep the name, the S. S. Lee, and to bring the truck to any parade requested by the city. The S. S. Lee still runs, and visits parades, truck shows, and musters. Perhaps someday the S. S. Lee will return to Lowell in a parade!

Images:

Arrival of the S.S. Lee.

The S.S. Lee

S. S. Lee at old Fairgrounds.
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Steve Noall and Frank Leasure accepting S.S. Lee Awards.