COUNTY LIFE
![](https://bowienewsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/fire-truck-for-web.jpg)
By DANI BLACKBURN
After years of neglect, the 1951 Ford Simms fire truck owned by the Bowie Fire Department appears to be nothing but a pile of rust.
However, to local firemen, it is a vital part of their department’s history and they hope to raise the funds needed to bring it back to its former glory.
The Bowie City Council approved the purchase of the truck, affectionately referred to as the ’51 pumper by the current crew, on May 7, 1951. It was bought brand new from Chassis in Wichita Falls for $3,070. Simms Firefighting and Equipment Company, a manufacturer based in San Antonio, converted the truck for $6,000.
The pumper was in service for the department for 25 years and later donated to a fire museum, where it was to be restored and exhibited. However, it was by mere chance the department recovered its truck at the brink of it being junked by that museum and it now hopes to raise funds to restore it for special use. Read the full feature on Pumper ’51 in the weekend News.
Pictured: The rusty remains of Pumper ’51. (Photo by Dani Blackburn)
![Truck Photo copy](https://bowienewsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Truck-Photo-copy-300x133.jpg)
Pumper ’51 pictured on the right with other vehicles in the fire department fleet back in the 1950s and 1960s. Courtesy photo.
COUNTY LIFE
Bowie Back to School Fair Saturday
![](https://bowienewsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/back-to-school.jpg)
The Back to School Fair for Bowie Independent School District students will be 9 a.m. on July 20 in the high school cafeteria and gym.
The fair will feature free school supplies, haircuts and eye screening and vendors.
COUNTY LIFE
July Jam planned for July 27
![](https://bowienewsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/July-Jam-logo-2023-NEW-scaled.jpg)
The 22nd annual July Jam returns on July 27 to the Bowie Community Center West Hall, 413 Pelham Street in Bowie.
There will be a “chickin’ pickin’ fiddling fun time” as guests will be entertained by amazing fiddling tunes and enjoying a chicken meal with delicious homemade jams because it wouldn’t be July Jam without it.
Tickets are just $15 with the event starting at 6 p.m. The funds raised help provide awards for the Championship Fiddler Competition during Chicken and Bread Days Heritage Festival on Oct. 5.
This attracts talented musicians from all over to visit downtown Bowie to test their fiddling skills on stage in the Bowie Fire Hall on Oct. 5.
Along with the live fiddling entertainment, come hungry and be ready to outbid your neighbors at the silent auction or just stop by for a great meal, fellowship and soak in the air conditioning.
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.
![](https://bowienewsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/big-group-of-fiddlers-1024x684.jpg)
![](https://bowienewsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mildred-dancing-1024x747.jpg)
COUNTY LIFE
Nocona Summer Reading welcomes animals, insects
-
NEWS2 years ago
2 hurt, 1 jailed after shooting incident north of Nocona
-
NEWS8 months ago
Suspect indicted, jailed in Tia Hutson murder
-
NEWS1 year ago
SO investigating possible murder/suicide
-
NEWS2 years ago
Wreck takes the life of BHS teen, 16
-
NEWS12 months ago
Murder unsolved – 1 year later Tia Hutson’s family angry, frustrated with no arrest
-
NEWS1 year ago
Sheriff’s office called out to infant’s death
-
NEWS2 years ago
Bowie Police face three-hour standoff after possible domestic fight
-
NEWS2 years ago
Driver stopped by a man running into the street, robbed at knifepoint