When the John Wanamaker stores were closing Fred Briehl, currently a life member, had contacted Wanamaker's to find out if they might be willing to have the Eagle from their Jenkintown store "fly" to New Hope to be permanently perched at the Eagle Fire Station. Wanamaker's replied, stating that there were many organizations that were hoping to acquire that Eagle, which it had been said, originated from the 1903 St Louis Worlds Fair. Briehl was told that the Fire Department would undoubtedly be one of the top few to be considered to acquire the Eagle. Unfortunately, the day Briehl was to meet with Wanamaker's Representative he would be away on a business trip and no one was available at such a short notice to take his place. The Eagle, he was told, was given to a scout group in New Jersey.

Disappointed, but not daunted, Briehl continued his search to locate an Eagle for the Station House. A year or so latter, while in Florida, he passed a lawn ornament facility that had an Eagle perched upon a tall pedestal. A quick "U" turn allowed for a lengthy discussion with the owner who copied all relevant data about the Eagle so Briehl could present it to the Board of Directors for their consideration and approval. The Eagle was made in Italy using re-constituted marble. The owner knew of New Hope and did business in the area. He suggested that if there was no rush to have the Eagle delivered he would have it included on the next truck load going to the New Hope area.

All this was presented to the Board. Eventually a motion was made to purchase the Eagle, but the motion was tabled when the mayor of New Hope suggested that he might be able to get us a better Eagle at a better price but this was found to be impossible.. The original Eagle was then ordered. After many weeks the Eagle was loaded on a shipment coming our way. Upon arrival it was noted that the Eagle had been damaged in transit! It was then returned to Florida . A new Eagle had to be ordered from Italy and after another lengthy delay it was delivered to us intact.

Marc Fresco was in charge of placing the Eagle at an appropriate location. Plans were being considered to enlarge the Station House at that time, there fore no one knew where the Eagle could or should be placed. The Eagle was kept in our storage shed for another delay of about two years. With building plans on hold, Marc placed the Eagle on a large boulder donated by Delaware Valley Quarries. In this final step, Marc was helped by Fred Briehl and Jim Finn.

Please feel free to stop by the Station and check out our "Eagle."