The History
of the Restoration of this Rig
I purchased "the Pirsch" from a restaurant owner in Cortland,
OH on
I already owned a 1939 Chevy pumper that I had restored, and being a member of the Western Reserve Fire Buffs Assn., I just could not see "it" being scrapped. I decided that IF I could get the engine running, which had not run in many years, I would attempt a restoration. After MUCH effort, I succeeded in this, and began to "strip" the body down to the frame for restoration. I did not know the history of where the Pirsch served, etc., so I contacted Peter Pirsch & Sons Co. in Kenosha, WI. with the serial number. They sent me the "original" order [contract #5678] form and photos of the four (4) custom engines that Toledo ordered on Dec. 14, 1928. I made contact with the late Kenneth Deck, and he informed me that , "if I ever decided to sell the Pirsch...the Museum would consider buying it." Apparently "it" is the only remaining rig of the original four, and was "thrilled" at that find. After much labor, I decide the restoration effort would be too costly, and contacted Kenny. He made arrangements to purchase it for The Museum and had it shipped in "stripped down" condition in September 1983. The rest is "history" from the Toledo Fire Department. I have photos of when I purchased it and stripped it down,
plus the original "order" forms and factory photos. If these
would be of help in some way...don't hesitate to contact me.
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