If you were ‘born’ in 1952, some of your parts might not be repairable! And so the story goes with the little 1952 Ford fire truck which is being restored by the Chestermere Historical Foundation. Serving the Chestermere Cabin Owner’s Association back in the 60s this little truck was purchased by the Chestermere Historical Foundation from the Jack Meier estate in 2011.
It is being restored slowly but surely and as the work moved along it became obvious to our Chef de Restoration, Vince Young, that some replacement parts were going to have to be found. Enter the Hugh McDonald family, who just happened to have a truck that could be purchased for parts. Jack McDonald, and his wife Audrey made a trip (trailer courtesy of Zane Southgate) to the farm out at Hand Hills and brought the truck back to Chestermere.
The little fire truck now has access to a ‘new’ cab vent, a replacement door, front grill, radiator and hood. Although the little fire truck truck has been hiding out during these many months of tearing down and building back up, it will be on view at the next Show and Shine in Chestermere. Some fire hose has been recently donated by the new owners of The Landing, a siren from Brent Paquette (previous article) , but the CHF is still seeking some firefighter jackets or hats from the 60s.
Sincere appreciation goes out to ‘Chef Vini’ and his volunteers, Don and Jack who weekly tackle another truck project on their Thursday work parties. Tommy Fleger, www.tommyfleger.com local artist, is working on the upholstery for the truck–it should be something very special if Tommy is the craftsman/artist!
And the CHF very much appreciates support from the Chestermere Conrich Regional Recreation Board for a second grant to help with completion of this project.
If you are interested in helping restore this heritage Chestermere firetruck and would like to join ‘Chef Vini’ and his crew, give Vince a call at 403-819-4117. You can also check out progress at the webpage www.chestermerehistory.org , and see the Restaurante Camion de Bomberos ( Firetruck) Menu and choose an item to donate! Or join the CHF at their next meeting on Tuesday April 16th at the Chestermere Library ( AGM 6:30pm, Regular meeting 7pm).
