The C.P. Ward Inc. Selden 1926 truck in front of the birthplace of George Selden. (Photo/ Josh Williams)
CALEDONIA — C.P. Ward, Inc. continues it’s victory lap across their region in their 100-year-celebration of continuous service as a general contractor and equipment rental provider in the heavy construction industry with it’s fully restored 1926 Selden truck taking a visit to the birthplace of the inventor in the Town of Clarkson.
The new homeowners of the Selden home, along with the Members of the Town of Clarkson community, welcomed the restored truck to George Selden’s birthplace, a historical landmark, located on Rte 19 and 104 in the Town of Clarkson.
“It’s just absolutely unbelievable. I’ve seen pictures of the Selden truck but never seen one up close,” said Leanna Hale, Town of Clarkson Historian. “To see the C.P. Ward Selden truck here is truly amazing.”
According to the historical landmark sign, recently resorted as part of a local Boy Scout project Henry Selden lived from in the house and later became a Lieut Gov. and Judge, his son George was born in the home and was the inventor of the Selden Patent.
Selden Pacemaker Trucks were used by C.P. Ward in the late 1920’s and early 1930’s to carry air compressors to power air tools that were used to dig trenches for the expanding underground electric and steam systems for downtown Rochester. Selden Trucks were built in a plant on University Avenue in Rochester which still exists as part of the Harris Communication Complex. Components of this 1926 Selden Truck were originally found in the George Selden country home on East River Road in Rush New York.
“We felt like we needed to put some love and effort into the Selden home.” said Chryse Steele, who owns the home. “It feels neat to be a part of something that’s this important to the history of this home. I wasn’t aware that there was something still around that was made by him, so this is very exciting.”
After a photo shoot in front of the home the Selden then traveled to the Clarkson Good Neighbor days where community members and kids got to enjoy the wonderfully resorted piece of history.
C.P. Ward Inc. is located on River Road in the Town of Caledonia. The Selden is painted in the C.P. Ward, Inc.’s iconic “Ward Orange,” which has been a familiar sight to the residents throughout New York State. It is the fourth oldest member of the New York State chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America, having had continuing membership in that organization since 1946.