The Olive Fire Department in Shokan, New York, restored their first fire truck from 1947, a 1936 USA Holabird 750 Pumper. The truck was built in Holabird, Maryland, for the United States Army and was station at The Plattsburg (NY) Barracks and then in Vorheesville (NY) Transportation Depot until it was sold as surplus equipment.
The Olive FD used it from 1947-59 until the engine went bad and it was parked in a firemans’ barn until 1997, when a group of firefirefighters decided it would be a great idea to dig it out and restore it. After many years of fundraisers, raffles, and donations, it has finally been finished. The engine was sent out to Universal Auto in Albany, New York, and once truck was running it went to Speedo’s Paint and Body in Hyde Park.
It brings back many memories to elder town residents to see this truck out at parades and local functions. Visit http://oliveusarestoration.org for more pics and the complete story behind the apparatus.
