Old 1915 Brockway Fire Engine Owned By Legionnaires

…………………….Special to New Bedford Standard-Times: July 28, 1942……………….
…… An antique to be sure, but to Fire Chief Fred M. Ryder and three

Middleboro Legionnaires, the old 1915 Brockway fire-fighter that today graces the Station

floor of the Central Fire Station is worth its weight in retread tires.

…… Purchased primarily for fun making purposes at American Legion conventions, this relic of

earlier 20th century days, now a full-fledged war time “draftee,” a is present going to the

wars as No 1 apparatus for Chief Ryder’s Auxiliary Firemen—a role it will continue to fill “

for the duration.”
…… Once the pride of the town of Rockville,Conn., the ancient fire horse is the personal

property of Hervey A. Bazinet of 44 Arch Street; Arthur T. Gorrie of 12 Centre Avenue and Roy

V. Fagerburg of 11 Forest Street, all veterans of World War 1.

……Thanks to a deal made several years ago by the Maxim Motor Company, this trio arranged for

its immediate purchase. The idea in mind being to use it at Post get-togethers.

…….Since that time, the old Brockway has undergone several changes, one major, the rest minor.

Foremost of these changes was made when Bazinet, Gorrie and Fagerburg decided that the under-

pinning of the former Rockville Rocket wasn’t as good as it might be. They then switched its

old chassis for that of a 1931 Ford. With that swap the engine took on a new life.

……The other changes were mostly of a comical and mischievous nature. Numerous humorous

contrivances were inserted: shock seats, pedals that sprayed water under the fenders, air

whistles, bells and horns, and many humorous sayings were inscribed on the sides.

…… Although officially “retired” as a firefighter the ancient Brockway has continued to chug

along. It has made appearances in Boston, Taunton, Brockton, New Bedford and Fall River for

conventions.

…… Now 27 years old, it will take time from its present duties sometime in August to make an

appearance at the State American Legion Convention in Holyoke. Owners are hoping the old plug

can roll another 27 years…………(Posted by Bob Lessard Historian 2014)