FWD Seagrave Museum
  • About Us
  • Our History
    • Seagrave's History
    • FWD's History
    • FWD Seagrave History
  • Hours & Location
  • Contact
  • Donate
  • Photos
  • A Step Back in Time
  • About Us
  • Our History
    • Seagrave's History
    • FWD's History
    • FWD Seagrave History
  • Hours & Location
  • Contact
  • Donate
  • Photos
  • A Step Back in Time
The FWD/Seagrave Museum is continuously working to preserve and share the histories of FWD (The Four Wheel Drive Auto Company), Seagrave, and FWD Seagrave. FWD and Seagrave were two separate companies until 1963, when they merged to form FWD Seagrave (now known as Seagrave Fire Apparatus, LLC). 
Seagrave's History (1881-1963)
FWD History (1906-1963)
Fwd Seagrave History (1963-Now)

Seagrave and Company Founder

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Fredric Seagrave

In 1881, Frederic S. Seagrave founded "Seagrave and Company" where he built ladders for orchards. Not long after, Seagrave began manufacturing ladders and wagon carts for fire departments. His company was one of the first vehicular companies in Detroit, Michigan. In 1891, Seagrave and Company moved to Columbus, Ohio. Owner of The Ohio Buggy Company, Julius Stone, partnered with Frederic Seagrave and renamed the company "The Seagrave Company".  Julius Stone bought out Frederic Seagrave in 1902 and moved the operation to 2000 High St., Columbus, Ohio. On January 5th, 1925 the company underwent another name change, making it "The Seagrave Corporation". For decades the corporation continued to grow and thrive. On July 1st 1963, The Seagrave Corporation was purchased by The FWD Corporation and the name was changed to "Seagrave Fire Apparatus" Inc. Operations were moved to Clintonville, WI in 1965, where it remains to this day. Seagrave Fire Apparatus, LLC continues to manufacture firetrucks and other severe duty machines and remains as one of "The Greatest Names in Fire Apparatus".

Seagrave Factory 1881

Seagrave Factory
​1891

Seagrave Factory
​1910

The Badger Four Wheel Drive
​Auto Company Founders

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William Besserdich

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Otto Zachow

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Walter Olen

Brothers-in-law The "Badger Four Wheel Drive Auto Company" was established by William Besserdich, Otto Zachow, and Walter Olen on January 9th, 1909 in Clintonville, Wisconsin. On September 24, 1910, the name was official changed to "The Four Wheel Drive Auto Company". Along with the name change, Walter Olen was appointed as the companies first president.
ABOUT US  ​
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PHOTOS
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