Ridgecrest in Largo in Pinellas County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Fire Engine
Manufactured 1917
— American La France Fire Engine Company, Inc. Elmira, New York —
Photographed By Tim Fillmon, November 11, 2023
1. Fire Engine Marker
Frances
The American La France fire engine, nicknamed 'Frances', went into service at the Belleview Hotel in 1917. Imagine a hotel with its own fire truck! The self-sufficient hotel, one of the largest structures on the Pinellas Peninsula, had its own water system, police and fire protection. Frances was a sentinel protecting the extravagant wooden hotel until 1934. Capable of pumping 375 gallons of water per minute, this top-of-the-line truck carries a 30 foot extension ladder, searchlight, locomotive bell with clapper and an electric siren horn.
Saving Frances
The hotel gave Frances to the Town of Belleair in 1934 where she helped fight fires for 30 years. Several individuals and groups cared for Frances, but by 1979 a retired fire captain rescued her from a junkyard in Tarpon Springs and spent the next 7 years restoring her to original condition. She went home to the Town of Belleair for about 10 years before coming to Heritage Village.
Erected by Heritage Village.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1917.
Location. 27° 52.976′ N, 82° 48.667′ W. Marker is in Largo, Florida, in Pinellas County. It is in Ridgecrest. Marker can be
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Walsingham House (within shouting distance of this marker); Gandy Bridge Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); McMullen House (within shouting distance of this marker); H.C. Smith Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Lowe House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Moore House (about 400 feet away); Lowe Barn (about 400 feet away); Outhouses (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Largo.
Also see . . . Heritage Village. (Submitted on December 5, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.)
Photographed By Tim Fillmon, November 11, 2023
2. Fire Engine Marker
Photographed By Tim Fillmon, November 11, 2023
3. Frances
Photographed By Tim Fillmon, November 11, 2023
4. Belleview Hotel in 1919, home to 'Frances' the La France fire engine until 1934.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 5, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 30 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 5, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.
