"I began taking Fire Science classes in the fall of 99 and within a few months was hired on as a volunteer probationary Firefighter with the Burbank-Paradise Fire Department. Two years later I became a volunteer Captain. In Aug of 02’ I was hired by American Medical Response (Modesto) which is fun but by March of 03’ I was blessed with a paid Engineer position with the Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Dept. It’s great and it is everything I expected and more. My Fire Dept protects the Beard Industrial Tract which includes Gallo Winery and Signature Foods (Tri Valley Foods was once the largest cannery in the world.) About 3 years ago I began a collection of antique fire fighting equipment and after a few months I found out that I loved collecting hydrants more than anything, because they involved a lot of work and I get a great deal of satisfaction in completing one."

"When I take photos of Hydrants I find that using my fire department uniform works best because people think I'm on some kind of "official Business": hahaha, if they only knew! Well thank you for taking time to view some of my work, I have twice as many hydrants now but haven’t had time to get pictures of them in but I will soon."

Here are some of Michael's restored hydrants. On the left is a Greenberg model 75 from 1952. The next hydrant is a single outlet Greenberg from 1910. The restoration of this hydrant is documented on Michael Avila's restoration page. The American Flag hydrant is a 1978 Rich Valve hydrant. The wharf hydrant is a James Jone's model. Michael's brother Joe welded it to a diamond plate base for display purposes. Click on any of the above photos for enlarged versions.

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What follows are some unrestored hydrants which Michael has picked up in and around the Modesto, California area.

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1990 James Jones, model 4040, front and rear views.

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1985 James Jones solid brass hydrant, front and rear views. Hydrant has "PAT.DES.200188" cast on barrel: this refers to the original EBMUD design patent held by inventor Cornelius Sampson.

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1982 James Jones solid brass hydrant, front and rear views. Hydrant has "PAT.DES.200188" cast on barrel: this refers to the original EBMUD design patent held by inventor Cornelius Sampson.

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1979 Long Beach Iron Works  Inc. Long Beach CAL Model 651 front and rear views.

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1978 Rich Valve Model 75.

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1988 Clow 950, front and rear views.

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EBMUD 75 from 1953.

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Long Beach Iron Works 631.

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Not yet acquired... "The 'City of Modesto' hydrants are pretty rare around here so everyone wants one. I do too! There actually used to be a Modesto Iron Foundry that made hydrants, there is still one in existence at the Regional Fire Training Center here in Modesto, I'll be getting a picture of it soon."

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Continue to Michael Avila's Hydrant Restoration Page

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