COUNTY LIFE

Published

8 years ago

03/12/2016

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.

COUNTY LIFE

First day of school is getting closer

Published

2 days ago

07/24/2024

bowienews

Summer is slowly ticking away as the first day of school nears.

First day dates
Aug 6
Gold-Burg ISD
Forestburg ISD
Aug. 7
Bowie ISD
Nocona ISD
Aug. 8
Prairie Valley ISD
Aug. 14
Saint Jo ISD
Aug. 15
Bellevue ISD

See The Bowie News Back to School section this Saturday and next Wednesday with supply lists and other details to help you plan the start of the new year.

COUNTY LIFE

Cash and Cline tribute concert a big hit

Published

2 days ago

07/24/2024

bowienews

The Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash tribute concert drew an enthusiastic crowd on July 19 at the Bowie Community Center. Performed by Lisa Irion and Bennie Wheels, the show featured many of the classic songs by both artists. (Photos by Barbara Green)

COUNTY LIFE

Get ready for July Jam this Saturday night

Published

3 days ago

07/24/2024

bowienews

For a fun night out make plans to attend the 22nd annual July Jam starting at 6 p.m. on July 27 in the Bowie Community Center West Hall
There will be a “chickin’ pickin’ fiddling fun time” as guests will be entertained by amazing fiddling tunes and enjoy a chicken meal.
Tickets are just $15 with the event starting at 6 p.m. The funds raised help provide awards for the championship fiddler competition during the Oct. 5 Chicken and Bread Days Heritage Festival. The contest attracts talented musicians from all over to visit downtown Bowie to test their fiddling skills.
The event, hosted by Bowie Community Development, will feature a unique array of items up for bid in the silent auction plus a wide variety of homemade jams.
Hosted in conjunction with July Jam is the July Jam Poker Cruise presented by the Piston Heads Auto Club. This event starts at 9 a.m. with a $5 per hand entry and is open to anything with a motor.
The 60-mile cruise with three stops starts in Bowie Plaza and ends in the same location. Half of the proceeds goes to the winning hand with $5 charge for each extra card for hand. Buy as many as each driver would like. The other half of the funds raised goes towards the July Jam fundraising event.