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Local Interest: Firetruck

The Dover Firemen's Relief Association is working to restore this 1927 International Chassis fire truck after years of deterioration.

Photo courtesy of the Thom Hindle Collection

Dover firefighters want to keep on truckin'

By EMILY ZIMMERMAN

Democrat Staff Writer

DOVER -- In 1927 firefighters were probably excited to test out the department's new International Chassis firetruck with crisp red paint, shiny chrome fenders and soft leather seats.

Today, the 77-year-old truck's engine is still in working order but its charming exterior needs some TLC. The Firemen's Relief Association stepped in to help bring back a piece of Dover's history.

"The vehicle is in fairly good shape. It has a lot of years on it," Deputy Fire Chief Richard Driscoll said. "It's neat that we have a piece of Dover fire history and as firefighters we wanted to work to restore that."

This is one of two restoration projects the Dover Firemen's Relief Association is working on this year. With the help of Knights of Pythias the organization is refurbishing one of Dover's oldest firehouses on Dover Point Road, built in 1910.

The Firemen's Relief Organization has had the old truck for two years but didn?t get around to its restoration until earlier this year.

The 1927 International Chassis was the second motorized firetruck owned by the Dover Fire Department. It has a 1914 hose bed on the rear of the truck so firefighters could pump water from any nearby pond or stream to put out flames. Thom Hindle, chairman of the Woodman Institute's board of trustees, said "in the old days" firemen would take parts off other vehicles to put together a truck that fits their needs. Hindle said the firetruck hose was used for a short time to irrigate Sunningdale Golf Club in Somersworth.

The truck was donated to the Woodman Institute within the last five years by retired Dover doctor Peter Lampesis, now of Rollinsford. Lampesis bought the antique at a city auction with the intent to refurbish it but it sat in storage for years before it was donated.

When the truck was donated it was barely driveable and a lot of pieces were missing, such as hoses and ladders. The firefighters have already sought the help of Dover Motor Mart and Dover High School students in the auto repair class to refine the engine.

"A lot of the old firetrucks have been let go and sold off for parts," Hindle said. "There is an interest here and Dover doesn't have any of its older trucks. We are hoping this truck will be able to participate in parades and represent the city and the museum."

The plan is to showcase the firetruck in the city's 150th anniversary parade and celebration next year. Driscoll said he hopes the restoration is completed by Jan. 1.

"I don't believe Dover has ever had the opportunity to do a restoration like this but there have been city-owned trucks sold at auction and restored by private individuals and remain in private collections," Hindle said.

Once restored, the Firemen's Relief Association is looking to display the 1927 International Chassis in the 1910 Dover Point Road firehouse or museum.

A lot of mechanical work has already been completed on the truck but it needs new tires, and wiring, body work and accessories need to be repaired.

Driscoll is looking to work with local tire shops on finding or even donating antique tires appropriate for the truck.

Driscoll said the organization is looking for local businesses to help with repairs, parts, paint, upholstery for the seats and donations. To donate send a check made out to the Dover Firemen's Relief Association, 288 Central Ave., Dover NH 03829. For more information contact Driscoll at 742-4646.

[original article]

Posted by thinkum at August 2, 2004 04:40 PM