"The Long Engine That Could"
Restored Fire Truck On Exhibit
At Historical Museum

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

Members of the Hopkins County Historical Society were pleasantly surprised on Thursday night, as they arrived for their regular monthly meeting. Member Max Bradford arrived driving the completely restored vintage Sulphur Springs Ladder Truck. The 1929 model truck had been donated by the City of Sulphur Springs to the Historical Society in 1981, but funds to the restoration project had to be completed.  Bradford had taken the truck to a hanger in the Sulphur Springs Airport and directed the restoration project to completion.

"The truck was purchased by the City of Sulphur Springs, on September 17, 1929," reported Bradford. "Cost of the truck was $8500.00, and bear in mind that this was just weeks before the beginning of the Great Depression. The purchase of the ladder truck was financed at $1000.00 per year."

Max Bradford, who headed-up the restoration of the vintage 1929 Sulphur Springs Fire Truck,
stands proudly by the "finished product" at Hopkins County Heritage Museum.

Bradford restored the truck to its original condition and further reported that the truck was built by Southern Fire Truck Company, located at Love Field, and was the only one of its kind built in 1929. "It's a one-of-a-kind model," expressed Bradford. "And, of course, that makes it that much more special."

 

 

The truck will be on display in a special building at the Historical Park and will be available for viewing during ordinary business hours at the Park. Then, Bradford has plans of bringing the truck out for parades and festival in the local community.

Members of the Hopkins County Historical Society pose with the newly restored
fire truck, that has been a major project of the society.

The last fire that the truck attended, was the fire that destroyed the Old Hopkins County Memorial Hospital on North Davis Street.

"We're excited to have this vintage truck and piece of Hopkins County history, fully restored and on display," expressed Joyce Bateman, President of the Hopkins County Historical Society. "We want everyone to come inspect the beautiful truck and see the many, many other items on display at the local museum!"

 

 

"Taking Her for a spin"...........Max Bradford and Verdon Graves, both longtime members of the
Hopkins County Historical Society take the 1929 vintage Sulphur Springs Fire Truck for a "spin"
around the Heritage Park grounds.

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