In 2022 thanks to Marianne Winter a short summary of the history of the restoration of the truck was written with help from Audrey McDonald.
You can read the summary 2022 History of the Restored 1952 Fire Truck by Marianne Winter and then scroll down for more photos and details with most recent activity at the bottom of the page.
Restoring First Chestermere Fire Truck
Back in October 2011 , the keys to Chestermere’s first fire truck were handed over [by the Meier family] to members of the Chestermere Historical Foundation. The 1952 Ford was used from [1961 into the 80s] by members of the Chestermere Volunteer Fire Department, which was started by Wayne Paquette and Roy Berg. It began as the Volunteer Fire Protection group, and consisted of around a dozen active volunteers. The old truck was only used for a few years before it was replaced by a newer tanker truck, but it was still regarded as the first ever fire truck in the community. After it was replaced, it went into retirement for a few years, then it was later used by the Meier Welding company in Forest Lawn. Shortly after, it was officially retired, and then it sat in outdoor storage until October 2011. Luckily, the truck was generously sold to the Historical Foundation by the Meier family for $1. The following photo montage describes many highlights in the restoration story. During the restoration, many donations were made to help support the effort.
Go to DONATIONS to see a list of all those who contributed.
Fire Truck Finds Friends – March 2013
If you were ‘born’ in 1952, some of your parts might not be repairable! And so the story goes with the little 1952 Ford fire truck which is being restored by the Chestermere Historical Foundation. Serving the Chestermere Cabin Owner’s Association back in the 60s this little truck was purchased by the Chestermere Historical Foundation from the Jack Meier estate in 2011. It is being restored slowly but surely and as the work moved along it became obvious to our Chef de Restoration, Vince Young, that some replacement parts were going to have to be found. Enter the Hugh McDonald family, who just happened to have a truck that could be purchased for parts. Jack McDonald, and his wife Audrey made a trip (trailer courtesy of Zane Southgate) to the farm out at Hand Hills and brought the truck back to Chestermere. The little fire truck now has access to a ‘new’ cab vent, a replacement door, front grill, radiator and hood. Although the little fire truck truck has been hiding out during these many months of tearing down and building back up, it will be on view at the next Show and Shine in Chestermere. Some fire hose has been recently donated by the new owners of The Landing, a siren from Brent Paquette (see previous article), but the CHF is still seeking some firefighter jackets or hats from the 60s.
Many Thanks to Scotia Bank
M and M Meats
Hosted many BBQs to support the truck restoration, with willing workers from Firehall 116 in Chestermere. Pictured here with Lori Nielsen at the M & M Meats managed by Robin Impey.
SAIT Students Showcase Talent with Fire Truck Restoration Project April 2014
Among the many innovative and creative designs, one in particular had members of the Historical Foundation ecstatic. This was the tank and deck design for the 1952 Fire Truck restoration currently in progress. SAIT Students Tyler Reeve and Andrew Quapp had undertaken the challenge to come up with a tank design that would combine an authentic feel and be of practical use by the Foundation. SAIT instructor and local resident Ted Nelson took the idea to his students and these young men stepped up to the challenge.
They took into consideration the original design while making structural changes that would allow the truck to carry passengers for such events as our fall parade. Reeve said it was a great first project. “I enjoyed working on a project where we were all sharing ideas and experiencing such cooperation. Also it not being a money maker felt good to me.”
Reeve’s partner in the venture, Quapp was equally enthusiastic about their work. Quapp, who as a child loved to build fire trucks with Lego, enjoyed the fact that this was done for a community organization. Quapp also said, “I love antique cars and appreciate their visual style and originality, something I think is lost in the new vehicles.” Having this opportunity was a nice fit for both his interests and talents. Read more in this Anchor Article
June 2016 – Asset Insurance Invites the Firetruck for a visit AND a fundraiser!
Thank you Gregg and Mona Whitely of Asset Insurance of Chestermere for a great Saturday of visiting, seeing the firetruck and tasty hamburgers!
February 2017
– The Historical Foundation is pleased to announce that great progress has been made on the restoration of the 1952 fire truck. It is being safely stored at this time in the Chestermere fire hall under the watchful eye of several FF who have offered their expertise as we move forward to complete this restoration. Watch for the truck to hopefully be out on the road this summer. I know that CHF has made that promise before, but this time we are pretty sure we will be on the money
September 2018 – Firefighters at #116 Taking Good Care of It
– All on its own, both to and from the Parade on Saturday September 8th 2018, and the whole route as well–the 1952 restored CCOA fire truck made it the whole way. Thanks to the Firefighters at #116 for continuing to take such good care of the truck, and continuing to work on the small details of its restoration. A number of CHF members were able to ride on the truck to hand out candy and greet the passing crowd. Read on to see how it got this far.
2019 On Display
The truck will also be out to the Show and Shine, Saturday August 24th 2019 at the Chestermere Recreation Centre grounds. Watch for the truck to be out in the Parade for the Country Fair on Saturday September 7th, 2019.
Truck on Display Chestermere Rockyview Ag Society Parade September 12 2020
The fall fair will not be happening but the parade will! It is drive by, that means YOU drive by the parade entries, from 10am to 1pm along Chelsea Drive in the new community of Chelsea on the west side of Chestermere proper. Come and give us a wave and see the new donor banner thanking everyone who contributed to the restoration of the fire truck.
Thank you to the firefighters for bringing the truck to the Chelsea Parade 🙂
Firetruck back at the Parade 11 Sept 2021–Rain or Shine!
Thank you to volunteers Ray Blanchard, John Timmermans, Jen and Bill Peddlesden and organizer Dave Nieckar for organizing. And to the firefighters for bringing the truck and driving it in the parade.
August 31st Show and Shine at Lakeshore Manor
Thank you to Lakeshore Manor for an invitation to their Show and Shine this summer.
Show and Shine 2022 at Chestermere Recreation Centre August 21st
Thank you to Dave Nieckar (not pictured) Marianne and Keith Winter (second photo), and L to R, Margaret Farch, Audrey Mc Donald and Jerron Domstad for being at the booth and tent. Thank you to Chestermere Show and Shine for accommodating the truck, and to the FF for bringing the truck and a tent!
And to the generous public, the donations were much appreciated 🙂
2022 Fair Parade
The little truck came all on its own to the 2022 Chestermree Country Fair Parade! And led the way for one of the best parades ever. Thank you to Firefighter Matt for driving and to Dave Nieckar, Don Lemna, Jen and Bill Peddlesden for distributing candy to the many viewers on a sunny warm Saturday morning.
