News Summary
In Huntington Beach, 102-year-old Lois Rufer enjoyed a nostalgic ride in a vintage fire engine from 1922, celebrating her life and connecting with history. Surrounded by family, friends, and community members, Lois’s joyful spirit shined as she rang the bell of the beautifully restored vehicle, showcasing the town’s rich heritage and the bonds of family and tradition.
Huntington Beach Welcomes 102-Year-Old Lois Rufer for a Joyous Ride
In the sunny city of Huntington Beach, a heartwarming event recently took place at the Central Net Training Center, where the spirit of nostalgia and excitement filled the air as Lois Rufer, a sprightly 102-year-young resident of Fountain Valley, took the wheel of a beautifully refurbished fire engine that dates back to her own birth year, 1922.
A Blast from the Past
Attending this delightful event was not just a day in the park for Lois; it was a journey back in time. Lois had been a mere teenager when she witnessed the legendary Lou Gehrig deliver his famous farewell speech at Yankee Stadium in 1939, creating a strong connection to history that spans generations. This recent ride in a vintage fire engine is just one of many remarkable experiences she has had in her long and eventful life.
The Star of the Show: A 1922 Seagrave Fire Engine
On that sunny Thursday, Lois had the chance to hop aboard the Huntington Beach Fire Department’s very first motorized fire engine, a charming 1922 Seagrave. As she settled in, her excitement was palpable as she rang the bell and cranked the horn of the truck, truly relishing the moment. The Seagrave fire engine’s stunning restoration did not go unnoticed by Lois. Having kept an eye on the fire department’s efforts to revive this piece of history after they acquired an old fire equipment donation last year, she found the truck to be absolutely gorgeous.
Helped by Family and Friends
Lois was accompanied to the event by her son and daughter-in-law, ensuring she had the support and love of her family throughout the day. The event also attracted several notable figures from the community, including Huntington Beach’s own Fire Chief Eric McCoy and City Councilmember Butch Twining, who were undoubtedly thrilled to witness such a heartwarming occasion.
A Slice of History
This Seagrave engine, originally purchased for $14,500 in 1923, had an impressive run until it was retired from service in 1966. Following its retirement, the fire engine was donated to the Travel Town Museum in Los Angeles, where it remained until a determined former Fire Chief sought to bring it back to the city in 2002, trading it for a forklift. The subsequent 15-year restoration project carried out by the Huntington Beach Firefighters’ Association was headed by engineers Rex Rysewyk and Andre Clarizio, reviving one of the town’s cherished historical artifacts.
Community and Tradition
As the day unfolded, it was clear how much this moment meant to everyone involved. Rex Rysewyk, who had a hand in restoring the fire engine, expressed immense joy in seeing Lois experience the vehicle that holds so much history. His reflections included a comparison of the quality and charm found in older vehicles versus more modern designs, speaking to the timelessness of the Seagrave.
Sharing Wisdom from a Century of Life
Among the attendees was also Lewie Derigo, a 95-year-old former firefighter from Huntington Beach, who retired as a fire captain in 1982. As Lois was showered with love and admiration, she also shared her thoughts on aging, humorously advising that the key to living long is simple: keep on breathing. Her light-hearted take, filled with wisdom passed down through years, resonated with the crowd, reminding all that life is meant to be enjoyed.
In Conclusion
This delightful event not only showcased a remarkable piece of fire-fighting history but also highlighted the strong and vibrant spirit of the community. Lois Rufer, with her pioneering heart and infectious enthusiasm, left everyone feeling inspired by the adventures that life continues to offer, proving that age is just a number when it comes to experiencing joy.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Woman Enjoys Ride on Huntington Beach Fire Engine
- Wikipedia: Huntington Beach
- Los Angeles Times: Community Celebrates Century-Old Tradition
- Google Search: Huntington Beach Fire Department
- Los Angeles Times: Huntington Beach Hosts Summer Parade
- Google Scholar: Fire History
- Los Angeles Times: Century-Old Huntington Beach Landmarks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Engines
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
