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"Semmes Motor Co." Washington, D.C., Fire Department car (a Dodge) circa 1926. View full size. National Photo Company Collection glass negative.
The cars used by Chiefs in the DC Fire Department have always been called "Buggies". Still are.
Zcarstvnz. Please note the other comments. The buggy is on Eng 8's apron . The fire engine that's hooked up to the hydrant is testing hose or drilling. No fire.
The D.C. Fire Dept. Dodge in the foreground appears to be a circa 1916 - 1923 model. The lack of any hood louvers is the clue to these early Dodge models along with the hubcaps.
The D.C.F.D. Fire Marshall car behind it looks like a circa 1918 Buick.
The fire truck is a Seagrave pumper circa 1921 - 1926. This truck has the wider grill and hood that was introduced in 1921. Note also the intricate grapic on the side of the raised hood between the two sets of hood louvers. Could that be George Washington in the center? Many fire departments used this space to place some design, company letter, or engine number.
The lack of any fire, smoke, water, damage, or firemen in action (outside of those in the cars and the possible exception of the guy leaning against the tree) makes me wonder what is happening here. The hose coming out of the fire truck to the curb in front of the fire marshall's car is pretty short and does not look like it has any water in it at all (it looks flat).
What a charming block of fine old homes with iron fences and plenty of shady trees. I hope it's still intact.
Hey Dave, could you give us a close-up on that street sign? It looks to my eyes like "No. 8 Engine" but hard to be sure.
Thanks! No. 8 Engine Company, founded ca. 1889, was located at 637 North Carolina Ave. SE, adjacent to Eastern Market. The company used horse-drawn equipment until June 1925, so this photo would have been soon after the controversial (What if the motor doesn't start?!) conversion to motorized transport.
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