The question is, how many guys does it take to look at a fraternity fire truck? I thought that maybe it was coming in for the Free Safety Check promised by the sign, but some of the other photos make it look like the truck might have had an owie.
Goodyear service?
I don’t recognize the store, but “Larry” has a Goodyear patch above his left pocket. Looks like the front bumper might have needed straightening. There’s a television shop and an ice center next door. Anyone have any idea where this was? I wonder how much the $1.19 brake special would cost today?
Why are Pike fire trucks red?
This is the explanation I found: because a fire truck has a driver; a driver has a foot; a foot has 12 inches; 12 inches is a ruler; a ruler was Queen Mary; Queen Mary was a ship; a ship sails the seas; the seas have fish; the fish have fins; the Finns fought the Russians, and the Russians are Red, so, therefore, a firetruck must be red.
Glad I could clear that up.
I’m not sure when these photos were taken. My guess is 1967. You don’t see the front Pike license tag on a photo of the the fire truck in the 1966 Homecoming Parade.
I believe the “ice center” is actually “service center” at the former Goodyear store at the corner of Sprigg and William across from St. Mary Cathedral. There is an antique store and a vacuum cleaner store there now.
The sound you just heard is me smacking my forehead.
Yes. “Service center” makes more sense that “ice center.”
Did Goodyear have a place where Clark Buick was in these photos?
There are bays behind the main showroom, but I don’t remember it being anything but a car dealership in that era.
“ice center” – Awesome.
The location is correct…Sprigg and william…used to be the Buick Dealership on the corner. The PIKE firetruck was a common site in Cape for years…I wonder if it is still around?
Nice “60” Buick in the far background and Pontiac in the near background…BIG cars!
yes its still around in a private collection.
If the owner contacts me, I’ll email copies of any photos of it I find.
Better yet, if the owner contacts you, you’ll take pictures of the truck the next time you’re in Cape… and only then hand over the photos.
Cheers,
Matt
Can’t pass this up. Those seeking an antique fire truck can contact Ken regarding a 1937 International pumper.
Make Vince proud, Ken.
Well…a fire truck might come in handy in Florida…let me know…I could drive to Ken’s house for lunch and then send you all a picture…
Terry,
The cryptic note above yours was from a guy who HAS a vintage fire truck for sale.
If there’s anyone with money burning a hole in his pocket that a fire truck could put out, let me know and I’ll hook you up. (He promised me a cut.)
Ken;
I was waiting to see what others might remember about the fire truck. I seem to remember that the end of the Pikes and the fire truck came after an accident when the brakes went out on Bertling Hill at Big Bend Road. I think it had a history of that and the Pikes may have been overloaded it. I don’t remember any details but I believe there might have been some minor injuries. Maybe Red Allen remembers something about that incident. I don’t think the administration allowed them to use in parades after that. Could be all bull but that’s what I remember.
It was involved in a accident on bertling. At the time I retired, in 2002 a Cape firefighter had the truck and was restoring it.
KEN:I WAS ON THE FIRE DEPT AT THE TIME OF THE PIKE FIRE TRUCK TURN OVER ON BERTLING AND BIG BEND ROAD. WHEN STATION THREE TOPPED THE HILL ON BERTLING THERE WERE COLLEGE KIDS ALL OVER THE STREET AND SOME HAD INJURIES BUT I DONT REMEMBER HOW BAD THE INJURIES WERE.THE INCIDENT TOOK HAPPEN IN LATE 73 OR 74,THE SOUTHEAST MISSOURIAN MAY HAVE A STORY ON IT.
hey ken if this is going to you here is what i have. my brother and i own this truck. if you do find more photos please let us know. if all goes well it will be fired up and on display this weekend. will let you know. thanks dave hutson
Okay…Dave…lets see some pictures of this BAD BOY!
Ken…Let’s print here!…This is history!
Glad Dave gave a shout out – because I was going to! I drove the truck that Dave and Chris now own when I was in college in the early 80’s. It was a trick to drive with the mechanical brakes. The truck that was in the wreck on Bertling (I believe) is now owned by a Cape firefighter.
Re SEMO Fair Follies–All they wanted was money–In 66 or 67 half the football and track team got in for 2 bucks ea. ( I think) There were two shows. You had to pay extra to see part 2. There were some amazing athletic feats
Re SEMO Fair Follies–All they wanted was money–In 66 or 67 half the football and track team got in for 2 bucks ea. ( I think) There were two shows. You had to pay an extra few bucks to see part 2. There were some amazing athletic feats performed w/ ping pong balls and such. It was very classy. Rick Ebaugh
Yes in deed te follies…the first show was a buck and the second and BETTER show was another buck whick was collected in a baseball hat by a guy walking around inside after the first act of the follies…Great Fun for boys of all ages…I still remember the headliner..a tall Red head named Mickey!