Doylestown Fire Company Dedicates Mural To Century-Old Pumper

DOYLESTOWN, PA — The Doylestown Fire Company No. 1 celebrated the 100th anniversary of its 1923 Ahrens “Fox” Pumper this week with the unveiling of a mural at its station house on Shewell Avenue.

The mural, inlaid with blue and yellow Mercer Tiles and designed by Mandee Baker of Whispering Woods Studio, features an image of the truck and the name of the fire company just above the bay doors.

The “Fox” Pumper was purchased by the fire company from the Ahrens Fox Company of Cincinnati, Ohio in June 1923 for $13,400. It was commissioned for service to the Doylestown community in December 1923.

The Ahrens Fox, along with a twin 1923 Fox destined for service by the Lambertville, New Jersey
Fire Company was shipped via the Reading Railroad to Doylestown in October 1923. The “Fox” served as a key firefighting apparatus protecting the Doylestown community for more than 50 years with its last response being the fire at the old Borough School on September 23,
1973.

The unveiling took place at the conclusion of the company’s Old Timer’s Night, a tradition held annually by the fire company to honor and recognize its longest-serving members.

Bill Price presents a commemorative Mercer Tile recognizing the truck's Centennial to company president Paul Kreuter.

During the evening the company celebrated its volunteers and recognized its longtime members who have guided and built the fire company into what it is today.

Chief Michael Wood and company president Paul Kreuter, assisted by State Rep. Tim Brennan led the recognition portion of the evening singling out its outstanding members with awards, including the Firefighter of the Year award, given to Fire Police Captain Barbarajean Wood for her years of service; the chief's award, given to Battalion Chief Lori Westover; and the President's Award, given to Nicholas Tartaglia and John Duke for their help with the gym project.

In another tradition, the company recognized its volunteers who are actively serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The Oldtimer's evening also included special recognition of the company's Ahrens Fox Pumper, which is celebrating its Centennial this year.

Bill Price, who is chairing the anniversary celebration, presided over that portion of the evening, which included the mural dedication.

After sharing a brief history of the truck, Price asked every firefighter in the room to stand as he led a round of applause for the company volunteers.

"These are the guys who are unselfishly dedicating their time to doing what they love and that's serving their community," said Price.

"I'd like to offer a toast to not only the members of the fire company but to everyone here who works to make the area we live in a better place," said Price. "I have never lived any place else but Doylestown, so I may be a little prejudiced, but it is the best place in the world to be living. To all of you," he said, lifting a commemorative beer can in the air and taking a sip.

Although the Ahrens Fox remains operable today, with a 1,000 gallons per minute pumping capability, Price said it is currently relegated for deployment at special community events, including the Doylestown Memorial Day Parade.

In the coming weeks and months, Price said the company will continue showcasing the truck in the community. It is scheduled to make appearances at the following events:

• On June 24, the 1923 Pumper and Doylestown's Tower will join the Village Improvement Association at its Village Fair to be held at Central Park in Doylestown Township. At the event, the VIA will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of Doylestown Hospital. Click here for more information about the fair.

• On July 8, the company will take its truck to Lambertville where it will be showcased side-by-side with Lambertville's own 1923 Ahrens Fox.

• On July 15, Lambertville will be bringing its Ahrens Fox to Doylestown to show off during the Rotary Club's Doylestown At Dusk Car Show.

The year will conclude with Doyletown's annual fire prevention open house in October. "We're planning to have some birthday cake and we're going to rehouse the fire truck in addition to our normal fire prevention activities," said Price.

To mark the milestone year, the company had two commemorative Mercer Tiles commissioned. One is available to the general public for $55 each and can be ordered through the fire company. The other one will be presented to each of the company's members as a lasting memory of the milestone.

The Public is cordially invited to join in this Centennial celebration and visit the “Fox,” along with DFC’s full line of firefighting apparatus, at its 68 Shewell Avenue location.

For further information, visit www.doylestownfirecompany.org

Bill Price, standing behind the truck, gives the signal to unveil the new mural.