1902 Hayes Aerial Ladder. This 1902 Hayes Aerial was manufactured by the American LaFrance Fire Engine Co. in Elmira, NY. It is a 5th size Hayes, with a 65 foot aerial Ladder.
The timber used in the ladders and frames was procured at great expense fro Puget Sound, and is known on the Pacific Coast as "Oregon Pine". This timber is peculiarly well adapted for this purpose. It is comparatively light, very strong, and elastic as whalebone. It contains no pitch, is perfectly straight-grained and free from knots.
The extension ladder is built strong enough to support two lines of hose and eight-ten men, and is supplied with appliances for quickly elevating the hose. All fittings are made of best quality Norway and Ulster iron: Norway bolts are used. The ladder is also straightened by iron truss-rods. The truck is mounted on substantial "Archibald" or "Sarven" fie department wheels. Much of the metal work is finished and heavily nickel-plated.
The frame is also made extra strong and supported by truss-rods, and is mounted on platform springs over front and rear axles. The rear gear is controlled by a cog gear, operated with a wheel in the hands of a tillerman, by means of which the truck can be guided around short corners and through narrow alleys.
By turning the worm screw with a large crank, the ladder is raised, and can be extended to a total of 65 feet from the ground, worked by a wire cable and drum. As the ladders are being raised to a vertical position, they can bey means of the turntable, be turned in any direction required, and by simply manipulating turntable screw, and extension cranks, the top of the ladder can be readily directed to any desired point within reach. In less than 40 seconds, the ladders can be fully extended ad placed against a building , ready for service.
This rig was purchased in 1902 when the State St. building of Truck 4 was put in service. The truck remained with Co. 4 until 1909 when a new 75' Seagrave was assigned. It was donated to the FASNY Museum on February 28, 1991. During its passing, the original artillery wheels were changed to rubber wheels and long side ladders were installed.
