Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 7, 1991 TAG: 9103080179
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ROBERTA ENGLISH STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"He's going to be head fire chief of the Roanoke Valley consolidation," Moore said. Sandy agrees.
A love for big red fire trucks runs in the family. Sandy got the biggest encouragement from his grandfather on New Year's when he came home to find a 42-by-28-inch model of Roanoke Firehouse No. 1 waiting for him.
Moore said Sandy was ecstatic when he saw the model. The outside of Moore's model firehouse is an almost exact reproduction of the historic building on Church Avenue in downtown Roanoke.
"My daughter [Susan Huff] said `no way' when I told her I was going to build it," Moore said. "She didn't think I could do it."
Moore said he chose Firehouse No. 1 because of its beauty and historical value to Roanoke. He took photographs of the firehouse and started building his model in July, working on it between gardening projects.
Moore built every part of the firehouse except the bell's ceramic dome, which he had custom made. He used plywood, paint stirrers, doll pins, wallpaper and paint to build his model.
The real firehouse was designed by Roanoke architect H.H. Huggins and built in 1907. It has been a protected landmark since 1972 but still serves as a firehouse, despite proposals to make it a museum or a restaurant.
The 60-year-old Moore loves to work with his hands. He built the communion table, cross and music stand at Grandin Court Baptist Church. He also builds toy chests, doll beds and doll houses for his five other grandchildren.
Moore, who lives on Robyn Road Southwest, worked at Firehouse No. 7 on Memorial Avenue Southwest for most of 30 years before retiring in 1982. He said he still misses the camaraderie and teamwork of his firefighting days.
"I loved my job," Moore said. "I still go down to No. 7 once in a while to see my friends."
Moore said the fire he remembers most was at the South Roanoke Lumber Co. in 1975.
"I almost froze to death that night," he said.
Moore's next project is a barn for another grandson. He said he hopes his grandchildren always remember him and his models.
Chances are they will.
"I'll have it forever," Sandy exclaimed.
by CNB