Believe it or not, this is an action shot of the Chisholm Trail Museum’s 1936 Ford Peter-Pirsch fire engine running for the first time in 36 years. Pictured Wednesday afternoon are restoration project chief Gary Williams, right and volunteer mechanic Wade Burhenn, who agreed that although the engine is old, it still runs as quiet and smooth as a sewing machine. Additional work has been done by Chuck Henderson, who, among other tasks, has installed new spark plugs and wires and overhauled and the carburetor. The radiator has also been removed for cleaning. Earlier in the day, Burhenn and Williams drained some very thick, sludgy oil and put in new. While the mechanical work continues, Williams is seeking donated paint booth space and labor to repaint the truck when the time comes. Gold, black and white pin-striping and accents will also need to be reapplied. The two front and four rear tires on the truck may be original, but they are in bad shape, and new donated tires are sought. Anyone wanting to donate supplies to the effort should contact Williams or the museum at 605 Zellers Avenue in Kingfisher.
[By Jeremy A. Ingle, History Writer, Kingfisher Times & Free Press, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009]
[By Jeremy A. Ingle, History Writer, Kingfisher Times & Free Press, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009]
My late Grandpa, Charlie Miller and retired Fire Chief from the KFD, use to give me a ride in that truck 45 years ago. He would take me for a ride around the block when the noon siren went off. That last time I saw it was at the museum 39 years ago.
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