Town of Old Orchard Beach acquires fire department's first fire engine

OLD ORCHARD BEACH — In 1925, Old Orchard Beach purchased its first fire engine.

The American LaFrance pumper served the town well. According to the Old Orchard Beach Historical Society, it was a frontline apparatus for the fire department until 1960.

The truck returned to Old Orchard Beach in 2008, when, with help of community donors, the local non-profit organization 1907 Society purchased the 1925 American LaFrance pumper. The fire engine, known affectionately as Ol’ Bertha, was almost sold to a collector in Norway and shipped overseas, according to the OOB Historical Society.

In the years following her return to Old Orchard Beach, Ol’ Bertha made several public appearances at parades and community events.

Fire Chief Fred LaMontagne said at a recent Town Council meeting the members of the 1907 Society have been “wonderful caretakers” of the fire engine.

“The truck is in amazing condition for its age,” said LaMontagne.

LaMontagne made a presentation to the Town Council after the 1907 Society approached the fire department with the offer to sell the truck for $1.

“I think this would be a great piece of our history to have back in the hands of the department,” said LaMontagne.

The Town Council earlier this week unanimously voted to purchase the fire engine and accept a donation of $500 from the 1907 society.

While the truck could use a wash and wax and has two flat tires, but it has very little rust, the original leather seat is in good shape, and it was driven within the last few years. He said the engine still cranks, but it hasn’t been started recently because the fuel system needs to be cleaned. LaMontagne said he believes the fire department could get it back running with little effort, so it could again be used in parades and events.

The Town Council voted unanimously to acquire the fire engine and accept the donation.

“I look forward to having this as something the town can continue to be proud of for a long time,” said Town Councilor Larry Mead.

The antique fire engine will be stored on fire station property. LaMontagne said the donation will be used toward purchasing a tent garage to store the apparatus in.

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.