A Fire Truck

I know we are all having a busy summer and I know I am overwhelmed at the moment.  I have ideas for posts - just hard to find the time. Here is one about a fire truck. 

 In 1913 or 1914 my town bought it's first fire truck. They were pretty darn proud of it at the time.  

This photo was taken up on Main Street - maybe a celebration or parade. 

And here is Engine 1 on the right in front of the "old" fire station which still exists today (empty). 

According to my research Engine 1 was declared redundant and put up for sealed bid on June 27, 1943.  The newspapers don't list the buyer, but apparently it was a gentleman about an hour or two south of us who put it in a building and there it sat. 

His family recently approached a person who I think plans to run for mayor (not my choice but anyway) who facilitated the purchase for a private organization in town.  It was brought to town a week or so ago with great fanfare. 

I missed most of this part of the story and thought my husband was just taking me to watch it go down the street. Otherwise I would worn something besides stretched out old jeans and a t-shirt and maybe combed by hair. Since that didn't happen I spend the afternoon stepping away from home and newspaper photographers.  They did get one photo in a crowd, recognizable by my distinctive purse. 

The owner made sure to find the largest trailer possible to transport Engine 1 so the banner would stand out. 

It's hard to tell, but the condition of this 114 year old fire truck is pretty darn good in my opinion.  (and don't go by the year on the banner - I think it is the year they ordered it). 

They backed it into the old fire station. 

Strong young firemen push it off the trailer. They did not hear about the arrival until shortly before it pulled in. They are friends (and relatives) of my kids and were chatting afterwards. And then were buzzed to a real fire call and missed the photos. How everyone else knew (like my husband) I am not sure.

Important people posing with the fire truck. 

My important people posing with the fire truck. Look at Mimi (that is a joke since no one is looking at me). 

My middle son and husband pose by the fire truck. 

All kinds of people checking out the fire truck. 

They have started a fund raising campaign for $200,000 to restore the fire truck. This seems optimistic to me.  Meanwhile I was under the understanding that the old firestation will be converted to offices and meeting space in the very near future.  I am guessing that Engine 1 will be relocated soon, probably with a smaller trailer.