Ortonville- The village’s original 1926 Model A motorized pumper fire truck is one step closer to having a permanent home to be displayed.
The Brandon Fire Department, which has restored the antique, used it in parades and donated it to the Ortonville Community Historical Society, has now also given the group a check for $12,900. The funds are to be used for an addition to the Old Mill in which to display the truck, as well as additional local artifacts pertaining to the fire department. The donation is the second made by BFD for the project, with the first being a donation in the amount of $2,100 for initial architectural drawings.
‘We have this truck that is part of the history of the department and no longer have space in the fire department for it,? said McArthur. ‘This is a way to have it out for the public and share the history. I knew if we could help with the reconstruction using fire department funds, that would allow us to store and display that vehicle and provide us an area for department memorabilia and things we anticipate getting from the public.?
The shed on the back of the Old Mill was recently demolished because of deterioration. The planned addition will be slightly larger to accomodate the fire truck and related items. The addition will also create space in the interior roof section for more displays. The Old Mill has currently stored many artifacts and documentaries of local value off display, because of lack of space.
Village officials, OCHS members, and the BFD personnel hope to have the addition closed in by this fall, with interior work and display projects continuing into 2008. A fundraising and display committee, chaired by Tom Stowell, is looking for assistance with purchasing of materials, and volunteer labor for work that includes electrical, plumbing, concrete, windows and doors, siding and roofing components of the addition. Total cost of the project if done with paid contractors would be $60,000.
Local fire department artifacts that are being sought include old photographs, badges, hats, buckets, hoses, hatchets or gear used in this area. Citizens wishing to make a donation or loan such items to the historical society should contact Stowell at (248) 627-1645.
To assist or volunteer time for the addition, please call OCHS President Dean Salley at (248) 627-2185.