A Splash of Blue

An American Darling. Virginia Beach, VA.
(Click picture for larger view)

"You know you're a firefighter when you really think that rusty old hydrant looks good in the garden." ~ Author Unknown

The original company designing and building these patterns for fire hydrants was Darling Valve, located in Williamsport, PA. The Darling company made hydrants from 1902 until 1969 when they were bought by American Cast Iron Pipe Co (ACIPCO) in Birmingham, Alabama. When the Darling Company became "American Darling", these hydrants were being cast in Beaumont, Texas. This hydrant has the word "Beaumont" cast in the body. Ten years later, new owners American Valve and Hydrant. This hydrant was probably made in the '60's and the originals were often painted red and white to be seen easily by firefighters. I wonder how many times it was re-painted and where did that small splash of blue come from? Was it an accident or a bit of patriotic flare?

Second entry in "fire hydrant" series. First entry here. (end of post)