Newcastle’s first motorized fire engine, a vehicle that helped protect the town for more than 30 years, is back in the town fire station after a 49-year absence.
“Old Engine No. 1,” a 1928 Maxim manufactured in Middleborough, Mass., was recently discovered and purchased by Newcastle’s Taniscot volunteer engine company for $5000.
“I am glad it is going home,” said the engine’s former owner, William C. Lyon, the former chief of the Northfield, Vt. volunteer fire department.
Roger Birchfield, a recognized expert on antique fire engines who is a public information specialist with the Indianapolis, Indiana Fire Dept., said the Newcastle department got a good deal on the purchase. “It should go for about $8000 he said.
Newcastle Fire Chief Clayton Huntley said the fire company has been searching for the historic vehicle for more than five years. It was sold in 1960.
“We were able to trace it through company records and the Internet,” he said.
Huntley said the Maxim was sold in 1960 to Hyde Park, Vt., and later to Morrisville, Vt., where it was used as a service truck to clean bridges and other chores. Eventually, it was sold to Lyons who used it for a display and parade truck.
Huntley said assistant chief Casey Stevens located a parade photo of the Maxim on the Internet. After a series of phone calls, Huntley and longtime fire volunteer Tom Stevens drove to Northfield to check it out.
“We were thrilled when we were able to match the vehicle’s serial numbers with our records,” said Huntley.
Lyon said he was proud to protect the old fire engine.
“It is part of the history of the fire service,” he said.
Newcastle volunteer firefighters are holding a raffle to help pay for the truck’s purchase and upkeep.
Huntley said the department is selling raffle tickets during this weekend’s Damariscotta Pumpkinfest, at the fire station and at other locations. In addition, volunteer firefighters will also be selling tickets on a chance to win one of five $1000 prizes. Only 500 tickets, costing $20, will be sold.
“We bought it because it is part of the history of Newcastle and its fire company,” said Huntley.
Lyon said he couldn’t be happier that “Old Engine No. 1” came back home.
“That is where it belongs, you know,” he said.
