Grey Roots is pleased to announce the receipt of a $2,000 grant from Trillium Mutual Insurance Company's ROOTS Community Fund for continued restoration work on an antique fire pumper.

The 1923 LaFrance pumper truck, named Owen Sound Fire Department Engine No. 1, helped keep Owen Sound safe from 1923 to 1952 and was last used to put out a blaze at OSCVI on 4th Avenue East.

Grey Roots took possession of the pumper from the fire department in late 2015, and over the last two years has been slowly restoring it to its former glory. Thanks to generous donations of time and effort from local groups and many wonderful volunteers, the majority of the bodywork and painting has been completed. The $2,000 received from the ROOTS Community Fund will go towards the costs of:

• New tires and tubes
• Gold leafing and gilding

Grey Roots is dedicated to engaging and educating our communities in the history of Grey County, and this fire pumper tells an important story of industry, growth, and community. Grey Roots is still in need of additional funds in order to complete a full restoration. For information on how you can help, contact [email protected].

source: media release, Grey Roots