Classic engine returns to downtown Winter Garden

The 1954 fire engine has been out for restoration.

By Amy Quesinberry
| 10:39 a.m. November 11, 2020

Sly's Towing and Recovery brought the engine home.

West Orange Times & Observer
Neighborhood

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation has welcomed home a beloved member of its family. The classic 1954 American La France fire engine, which was once on display in front of the Winter Garden Heritage Museum, had been removed for repairs and a new coat of paint.

The engine is parked near a citrus sprayer, tractor and 1948 caboose — all icons of the city’s past — at 1 N. Main St., Winter Garden.

The Companies of Nassal and Wes Pullen Automotive By Design were instrumental in bringing her back to her pristine state.

The WGHF thanks the following individuals for their part: Billy Mathesen and Jeff Cusey, of PCL Construction; Matt Brown, Ken Torrence, Colin Torrence, Jordan Molsick and Simon Giles, of Nassal; and Brian Sanders, retired battalion chief, and Matt McGrew, fire chief, with the Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department.

author

Amy Quesinberry

Community Editor Amy Quesinberry was born at the old West Orange Memorial Hospital and raised in Winter Garden. Aside from earning her journalism degree from the University of Georgia, she hasn’t strayed too far from her hometown and her three-mile bubble. She grew up reading The Winter Garden Times and knew in the eighth grade she wanted to write for her community newspaper. She has been part of the writing and editing team since 1990.