A 92-year old fire engine used by Owen Sound almost 50-years ago may soon be on display at Grey Roots Museum and Archives in Rockford.
Council donated the truck to Grey Roots at a November meeting, and City also passed along $4,175 for use during the restoration process of Engine No. 1.
The museum is now in possession of the 1923 LaFrance pumper truck, after removing the vehicle from the fire station’s storage-room on Wednesday.
John Christie, author of “Sirens Across the Sound,” tells Bayshore Broadcasting News a professional restoration could cost as much as $60,000.
But Christie says Grey Roots plans to use about $4,000 for parts to get the engine running, and then volunteers will be the ones to complete the restoration work.
He says Fire Chief Doug Barfoot is a woodworking specialist and there’s a retired fire department mechanic among the volunteers who will pool thier talents to get the truck road-ready for a fraction of the $60,000 cost.
Christie is eager to see the the truck, which was the first motorized pumping engine in Owen Sound, road-ready in 2 or 3 years — or if not, he’d like it to be completed in time for its own 100th birthday in 2023.
He says the truck arrived in Owen Sound in 1923 by train from the American LaFrance Fire Engine Company of Canada Limited in Toronto.
The pumper was labelled Owen Sound Fire Department Engine No. 1 — and was in service from 1923 until 1948, then moved to the second line from 1948 until 1954 and then it was finally placed in reserve from 1954 until 1967.
Christie says local historians believe the last time it was used to put out a fire was at a 1952 blaze at OSCVI’s old location on 4th Avenue East.
Owen Sound Fire Chief, Doug Barfoot, says the station has photos and other artifacts that will be shared if the museum decides to expand its exhibit.
After having the truck in storage for so many years, the fire department and the City agreed they probably wouldn’t finish restoring the vehicle themselves.
Barfoot says the fire department has asked Grey Roots to keep the truck’s original name as “Owen Sound Fire Pump No. 1.”
He adds it’s the only Owen Sound fire truck that’s been labelled No. 1.