The firehouse was built in 1897 and served until 1993, when it was retired in conjunction with the opening of a new firehouse on Hogan Road. Originally designated Hose 8, the station became a fire museum after its retirement and now houses a multitude of cool old fire fighting related paraphernalia. To an old gearhead such as myself, the most interesting items are the 1917 Garford Pumper, the 1939 Seagrave Pumper and a 1966 Mack C (cabover) pumper.
Their pride and joy, the 1917 Garford Pumper, was the first motorized fire engine used by the nearby Old Town, Maine Fire Department. It is also one of only three Garford Fire Engines still in existence today, one of which is in Australia. The museum also holds a 1930 McCann Pumper, which, for lack of room at Hose 5, is stored elsewhere.
This 1917 Garford Pumper is Old Town Fire Department's first motorized fire engine. It is also one of only two other Garford Fire Engines still in existence today (one is in Australia). The $3,310 Garford was used until it was sold in 1959. In the early 1990s Old Town Firefighter Bruce Johnson (now a Bangor Firefighter) led a team in the restoration of the venerable engine. Items of interest on the Garford include wooden spoked wheels, wooden steering wheel, and brass oil lanterns along with the electric headlights.
The truck is now on display at the Hose 5 Fire Museum.
From Maine Memory Net