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Another example of volunteers keeping city heritage alive
Letter to the Editor
Kudos to volunteers Larry, Paul, Cody and Murray for willingly putting many volunteer hours into maintaining the vintage 1929 Cranbrook Fire Department Ladder Truck.
If a list was ever developed of surviving vehicles with heritage significance to Cranbrook, this one would have to be at the top. Here we have another incidence of Cranbrook potentially losing an important part of its heritage if it wasn’t for the hard work of a dedicated group of volunteers.
In 1929 the Provincial Fire Warden had advocated for some time that Cranbrook needed to update its ladder truck equipment. The present ladder truck was out-of-date and was practically useless if a fire broke out in a building higher than two stories as its ladders could only reach 24 feet.
The city council went to the citizens for permission to borrow the necessary funds to purchase a new ladder truck which could extend 50 feet. The voters were overwhelming in their support for Bylaw #388.
The Cranbrook Courier of April 11, 1929 reported that the council had a discussion on the ordering of the new International truck recommended by the Fire Committee. Mayor Roberts expressed his opposition to purchasing the truck stating that he felt a suitable truck could be purchased for half the cost. Fortunately cooler heads prevailed and the council’s vote carried to put in the order for the new International ladder truck at a cost of $6,234.
Following the order for the ladder truck, Cranbrook Council received a telegram of congratulations from the Provincial Fire Marshall in Vancouver. Cranbrook residents also received another major benefit; the cost of house insurance in Cranbrook was reduced.
The Archives at the Cranbrook Museum hold copies of several photos which show this new 1929 International Ladder Truck. It is obvious from the way the truck is positioned that it was a prized possession of the Cranbrook Fire Department. In one photograph even Mayor Roberts appears pleased with the city’s acquisition although he had originally been opposed to its purchase.
So, once again, many thanks to this volunteer group for keeping part of Cranbrook’s heritage alive and well. We look forward to seeing it in this year’s Sam Steele Parade.
I have to believe that council members will also be appreciative of your work as they proudly wave to the crowd from their lofty perch atop the 1929 City Ladder Truck.
Lead image from Cranbrook.ca
Dave Humphrey,
Cranbrook
