COUNTY LIFE

Published

11 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

Tribute to the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks

Published

1 week ago

09/10/2026

bowienews

Inside today find a special section Remembering 9/11 on the 25th anniversary of this pivotal day in America’s history.

This section provides an hour by hour account of that day to inform those who may not familiar with the details. We pay tribute to all those who faced the attacks and helped save those in danger from all walks of life. May this tribute remind you of all America lost that day and how the country moved forward.

COUNTY LIFE

Art of the Song adds youth art events

Published

2 weeks ago

09/03/2026

bowienews

Area young people from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to take part in the Art of the Song Young Visual and Performing Arts Exhibition on Oct. 10 during the annual music festival in Nocona.
Entry is free and artists may enter up to three pieces of artwork. One entry must be music-related, while the other two can be any art medium or genre. Drop-off artwork from noon to 6 p.m. on Oct. 7 at 103 Clay Street.
Art will be displayed starting at 10 a.m. on Oct. 10. Those with questions may call R. Marie Molsbee, 940-887-0165 or horse.power.ranch.nocona@gmail.com.
The performing arts portion will be at Bitters & Sweets, 206 Clay Street. If you have a child who loves to sing, dance or play an instrument or perform? Let them share their talents in a performance at the Art of the Song.
Those interested in the performing arts program may contact Carla at 940-765-5619 or carlad@bittersandsweetsbar.com.

COUNTY LIFE

Tales ‘N’ Trails board readies annual fundraiser

Published

2 weeks ago

09/03/2026

bowienews

The staff, board of directors and volunteers of Tales ‘N’ Trails Museum are making plans for the group’s major fundraiser, “Shebang” on Sept. 26.
This year Shebang will join in all the celebrations for America’s 250th birthday.
Mark your calendar when the doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and $350 for a table of eight. Shebang takes place in the H.J. Justin Building at 100 Clay Street.
The evening will feature a dinner prepared by local chefs, fun games where you could win a prize, live and silent auctions, plus the popular bucket auction where you never know who will win. A new menu is being served that will feature prime rib, roasted sweet potatoes, hominy casserole, broccoli salad and strawberry shortcake.
Reservations are being taken now, just call the museum at 825-5330. Proceeds from the Shebang help pay for annual operating costs of the museum. Call 825-5330 to purchase tickets, also visit the website at talesntrails.org to see auction items and learn more about the museum.