The sign, $, used in this country to signify a dollar, is supposed to date from the time of the pillar dollar in Spain. This was known as the "Piece of Eight" (meaning eight reals), the curve being a partial representation of the figure 8. The two vertical strokes are thought to represent the Pillars of Hercules, which were stamped upon the coin itself.

Motor Driven Aerial Truck*.

The 66-foot ladder of this truck is raised by the motor which drives the machine. A full equipment of scaling ladders and fire-fighting apparatus is carried.

Motor Fire Engine and Hose Truck*.

One of the latest fire-fighting units. A powerful gasoline engine supplies the motive power and drives the pump which has a capacity of 700 gallons per minute. The machine also acts as a hose cart and carries a full complement of firemen.

* Courtesy of James Boyd & Bro., Inc.

A Crane Neck Hand fire Engine*.

This engine was manned by sixty trained men and under expert operation would throw a stream of 1.53 gallons per stroke more than 200 feet.

The First Steam Fire Engine Built in 1841*.

* Courtesy of American LaFrance Fire Engine Co.

The Splendid Horses by which the Hand-Drawn Fire Apparatus were Supplanted Are in Turn Giving Way to Powerful Motor Engines and Trucks.*.

An Old-Time LaFrance Piston Steam Fire Engine*.

Built in 1894, at which time it had a capacity of 900 gallons per minute. This steam engine was equipped with a LaFrance boiler. This particular engine was in service in Superior, Wis., and was in continuous service pumping water on a coal fire night and day from November 18, 1913, to February 18, 1914 (just exactly three months), during which time it was only shut down twice to replace burned-out grates and three times to replace broken springs. During all of this time this steamer was incased in snow and ice.

* Courtesy of American LaFrance Fire Engine Co.

Gasoline Two-Wheel Front-Drive, First Size steam Fire.