This is firetruck No. 10, which joined the St. Joseph Fire Department’s fleet back in 1948.

For about 30 years, this American LaFrance, California style truck worked out of the South Side station at the corner of Illinois Street and King Hill Avenue, said John Nelson, a battalion chief and unofficial departmental historian.

This fire engine could use a substance called Foamite that would be poured into its water tank and then the hose would shoot foam on a fire, Mr. Nelson said.

The fully open cab allowed firefighters riding up front to see everything around them and feel whatever weather Mother Nature sent their way.

In the winter time, this became a cold ride because the unit had absolutely no heat and if it was sleeting or hailing, a firefighter could be a bit beaten up by the time they arrived on the scene of a blaze, Mr. Nelson said.

Eventually, the department sold the truck to Moila and the Shriners, who used the vehicle in parades. Last year, they offered the St. Joseph Fire Museum some good terms and the museum acquired the truck, said Jeannine Gilpin, a member of the museum and docent who conducts tours.

After Karle Carriage did some work on the truck, Firefighters Union Local No. 77 took charge of the engine, reworking the gold lettering and polishing it up, Mr. Nelson said.

The museum plans to use the truck for parades and charity work, Mrs. Gilpin said. On July 11, the museum will hold its “Summerfest” event from 1 to 5 p.m., and the museum plans to have more vendors and activities for families attending the event.

The fire museum is open for tours and has added another exhibit case beside the newly restored fire engine for visitors to see. There are no entrance fees, but the museum does take donations. Call 671-0410 for information or to make a reservation for a tour.

Each week, Property of the Past writer

Marshall White features a building or an item of St. Joseph history. If you have a home, building, special collection or an interesting piece of history that you’d like to see featured, please contact Mr. White

at marshall@npgco.com.