Community
It is with great surprise that the Wilsall community has been given the opportunity to buy their original 1918 Wilsall Fire truck. They aren’t planning to put it back into service, but the historical and engineering marvel makes it a collector’s item of great value for the town. The early 1900s was a time when fire trucks were transitioning from horse-drawn carriages to motorized vehicles. The truck offers a glimpse into the evolution of “first-line of attack” for fire suppression technology and design.
A gentleman from Wisconsin bought it from a car dealership in Billings, Montana some time during the 1960s, with only 200 original miles on it. The man was a sheet-metal worker and an antique-car collector who took it home and restored it. Now, the truck is in perfect condition and still runs well! The gentleman treasured the fire truck and housed it in a garage on his property (along with 50 other vehicles). His family reached out to the town while settling his estate.
The Build a Better Wilsall Foundation is preparing and planning various fundraisers to buy and bring the truck back to its original home. They will be having fundraisers throughout this year, such as Dinner and a Movie—Wilsall Style on August 1st. They’ll have a booth at the Wilsall Rodeo and a float at the Wilsall parade on June 14th and 15th.
It would be truly appreciated if anyone wants to help bring the truck back by offering a donation. Please send checks written out to Build a Better Wilsall Foundation to the Bank of the Rockies, at P.O. Box 2, in Clyde Park, Montana 59018. Stay tuned to this newspaper to hear more about the upcoming fundraiser events!