You know, Federal used to have a completely restored "Lion" at their University Park, Illinois location. It was placed on a small tower that was two meters tall, just outside the front entrance as you walked to the main doors. The siren used to belong to the city of Peotone, Illinois. They purchased it in the early 1920s, from the Federal Electric Company.
Sadly, by the early 1990s, the elements of nature had taken its toll on this siren, and they sent it to Federal to have it completely restored. Interestingly enough, Peotone wanted the siren completely rebuilt, as it had a completely unique tone and they didn't want another siren. Apparently, the Peotone City Council felt it was in the best interest of their citizens, not to change the frequency pitch of the siren, since it had been serving the city for so many generations.
Conversely, Federal cut a deal with the city of Peotone, and they gave them a complete 2001DC system, in exchange for the Lion, which senior technician Dan Bierovic called a "Federal Model B." Nonetheless, Federal had it on display at University Park, painted in it's original "fire engine red," and sadly few years later it was gone.
I called up Federal and asked them about the status of this historic siren, and the president of the company called me back, but he was not familiar with the Lion in question. However, he assured me that it's probably stored in their historical collection, as part of the future corporate museum. Nevertheless, does anyone remember the siren that I am referring to? Moreover, I wonder what Federal has in their "historic collection," and when their museum will be open to the public?
