A 2"x3" acetate negative, 1977 or 1978 copy of a photograph of the first fire truck in Brainard, Nebraska. The 1924 Oldsmobile chassis with "Brainard Fire Department" stenciled on the side is outfitted with fire bell, hose and ladder. It is being driven by a man dressed in dark pants, white shirt and cap. A man in white shirt, tie and cap is standing on the back of the fire truck.
Thorpe Opera House Foundation/Boston Studio Project
Local Accession Number
0XX01090000
Source
Original format: 2"x3" Acetate negative from the Boston Studio Project collection.
Historical Notes
The first fire-fighting equipment to arrive in Brainard, Nebraska, was a hose cart purchased in 1889. There were no organized fire fighters but when the fire bell rang, all townsmen would help in any way possible. In 1923, a meeting was held and a fire department was organized. As shown in the photograph, in 1925 they converted a 1924 Oldsmobile chassis with $1,570 worth of fire-fighting equipment as their first fire engine. They continued to add equipment to the chassis until it was replaced with a new fire engine.
