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Save The Berwyn Mack! |
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More Photos |
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Links Page |
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About the Mack |
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Contributors |
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HOME |
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The Mack had taken a long ride to Michigan. A two day trip spent traveling along The Pennsylvania and Ohio Turnpikes up to Michiagn was her final journey to her new home. Her owner Jim, had held onto the Mack, taking it to parades and maintaining her. After about 6 or 7 years, he sold it to a fellow collector and friend, Jim Adams. Mr. Adams was also an avid collector, restoring two other antique pumpers one being, his hometown's first motorized piece of apparatus.
He kept the Mack in a pole barn, protecting it from further wear that it had already recieved before he bought it. He had to make room though at his Father's home between personal vehicles, the other antiques and his equipment for work. So he posted an ad on the Society for the Preservation & Appriciation of Antique Motorized Fire Apparatus of America. They are very helpful for collectors in maintaining old apparatus. Here is their site. |
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Vincent Miller, a member of the Berwyn Fire Co. and known for being a dispatcher at Chester County 9-1-1, recieved a random email. It was from Honey Brook Fire Co. Deputy Chief Barry Messner. Barry was surfing the SPAAMFAA site, when he saw the ad for the "former Berwyn ladder" on sale. He immediately passed it onto Vince saying, "this may be of some interest to you". Well, it was. Vince and his father, Bruce, were both members of Berwyn. Bruce had passed away in January after complications with diabetes and kindey failure. They both had discussed between each other and other members of "if I won the lottery" dreams as so many people have. But the Ladder had always been part of that dream. Many conversations included the Mack when they started out, "If I had the money,..." |
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Vince immediately contacted Mr. Adams asking about the Mack and began to talk to members about it, making plans to approach the company. If it was still available, to buy it back and make a contingency plan if they couldn't. Jim soon wrote back saying that the truck was still available. He had recieved some offers from brokers, but he wanted it to go to someone who would truly appriciate it. He held off on any other offers until the company could be approached. Vince spoke to many members, devised a plan and presented it at a fire company meeting. Just as when it was first purchased, much discussion went into the purchase of the Ladder. It wasn't unanimous like the first vote, but the purchase was approved. Vince went out to Michigan for an inspection and delivery of the check. At the same time, he coordinated with Lt. Shawn Savering the pick up and delivery by ZST hauling, in Kinzers, Pa, through a broker. It was set and she would be returned. |
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On June 17th, 2005 the week of the Berwyn Fair, the Mack had arrived. It had a starter problem that developed a couple of days before it was picked up. So it had to be pushed off the trailer. The newest pumper, Engine 2-2 pull-started the truck and it was up and running. Once back at the firehouse, it was being looked over when a fuel leak was found and temporarily repaired. After the look over at the station, it was taken to the Devon Horse Show to be displayed during the fair.
It has had some repairs since, a new fuel line courtesy Ed Forde's Garage, a rebuilt starter through Auto Electric with some other small repairs. She is on her way to being as she once was. But it will be a long road with budget constrants for new apparatus, equipment and salaries keeping the money towards the restoration at a minimum, leaving donations being the main source of funds for the Mack Project. |
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To learn how you can help, or how to conrtibute to the Ladder Fund, CLICK HERE |
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