Fire House

The fire truck currently under restoration at the Site was built in 1936 by the Army Quartermaster Corp in the Motor Transport Shop at Camp Holabird, Baltimore, Maryland.  New information about the history of the truck has been obtained to verify the age, source, and the first service for this fire truck.

Back in the 1930s the Army built several vehicles, including fire trucks, for many of the Army bases throughout the United States.  Our truck was delivered to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in 1936, and remained in service at the Fort until at least 1943.  We believe the truck was then taken over by the Army Corp of Engineers and used for some time until it was sold into the civilian market and obtained by the City of Tonganoxie.

The City of Tonganoxie purchased the truck in 1951 to be its primary pumper for the then-volunteer Fire Department.  The truck served the city until 1961 when it was replaced with a modern pumper fire truck.  This aging piece of equipment was relegated to outside storage at the fire department and later went to the junk yard.

In 2003 the fire truck was obtained by the Tonganoxie Community Historical Society.  A fire department building was erected at the Site and restoration of the fire truck began in late 2006.

The fire truck is now restored to its original glory.  All the years of rust and decay have been erased and it now shows and runs like the proud firefighter it once was.  The engine and running gear have been overhauled and repaired.  The paint and bright chrome work have all been restored.  The electrical system – including the lights and siren – all function once again.  As the truck gets new public attention and showings, some of the original items taken as souvenirs are being found and returned to us.