| Antique 22, the original West Grove Fire Company 1928 Hale pumper, has been shipped to its temporary home in Harleysville, PA where it will undergo a 24 month restoration designed to return the truck to its original glory.
Antique 22 was the first motorized fire pumper of the West Grove Fire Company, which was in service in West Grove from 1928 until the early 1950s. For approximately $4,000, the fire company purchased the modern apparatus in 1927, heralding a new era of fire protection for the growing town. In service for nearly 30 years, the apparatus was sold to make room for a more modern fire truck in 1954, and disappeared into private ownership.
Antique 22 was rediscovered in November 2005 when its owner passed away. The truck was still in running condition, stored in a farmer's barn in Tioga County near the New York state border. The truck was returned to West Grove where it has been in storage, brought out for special events, and began to be the subject of a fund raising campaign.
The restoration project, which will take nearly 24 months, will be conducted by Hal Fillinger of Harleysville, PA. Hal is a nationally recognized expert at restoring antique Hale fire apparatus. Hal's team will completely disassemble Antique 22 including the motor, completely refurbish all parts to their orginal glory, and put the truck back together in its like new condition. The restoration, to be paid completely with private donations, will cost more than $100,000.
For more details on the history of Antique 22, click onto the Antique 22 button on the left side of the web site or go to this link: http://www.wgfc.org/content/antique22/ and learn why we call Antique 22 "Elsie." Donations continue to be accepted, c/o of the Antique 22 Restoration, at WGFC, PO Box 201, West Grove, PA 19350. |
