Sound the Alarm...Suburbs Respond to the Need for Fire Protection

The current exhibit, “Sound the Alarm! Suburbs Respond to the Need for Fire Protection”, follows the growth of early townships in Summit County as they emerged into viable communities, and the growing concern for the need for protection against the ravages of fire.   The exhibit illustrates how these fire departments were formed and focuses on the communities of Hudson and Twinsburg.  On display will be a 1948 Mack L85 Pumper from Hudson and a 1934 Ford Pumper from Twinsburg. Storyboards will unveil the history of each fire department as well as a pictorial history of the fire apparatus used.  An informative video will highlight the growth and development of each community.

The exhibit will also feature a history of fire fighting in Akron from 1849 to the present day through photographs and artifacts. Some of the artifacts on display from Akron will include a fire alarm box invented by Akron Mechanical Engineer, a unique Garl fire alarm box, a Vajen-Bader smoke helmet, a unique warning light, a fire chief’s personal lantern,  plus many more.