COUNTY LIFE
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)
Pumper ’51 pictured on the right with other vehicles in the fire department fleet back in the 1950s and 1960s. Courtesy photo.
Due to high lake levels at Lake Amon G. Carter, the Jim Bowie Days Association organizers announced Friday the tournament has been postponed and a new date will be named soon.
Texas AgriLife Extension will host a July workshop on July 26, Preserving the Harvest, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the United Presbyterian Church of Montague County, 300 W. Nelson.
This four-part series will teach and review the food preservation processes including water bathing, pickling, dehydrating and pressure canning. This program will have both education and hands-on activities with take-home practice.
Seating is limited so call the extension office to register at 894-4831.
The 2025 Pioneer Court will be led by Joan Cantwell as the pioneer queen, with Duchesses Bill Ann Jones and Sue Swint.
A coronation of the court will be at 2:30 p.m. on June 27 at the Bowie Community Center. The public is invited to attend the crowning followed by a reception hosted by the Amity Club of Bowie.
Meet the ladies of the Pioneer Court in the Thursday Bowie News. Coming next week the young ladies competing for Miss Jim Bowie Days and Little Miss.
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