McMinnville Fire Department - c. 1920

The inscription on the back of the original photo reads "Fire Boys, McMinnville, Ore.", in an affectionate nod to the men who rode this truck. An early City Hall stands in the background. Partly obscured swinging double doors under the sign may have been where the fire truck was parked.

This sharp photo gives us a good view not only of the men, as shown in detail view 1, but also of the equipment on the truck, as shown in detail view 2. I especially like the hammered brass cover of the chemical engine behind the "door". Chemical engines were used to mix an acid and base to spray on fires using the small hose mounted on this truck.

-- This photo is restored and printed by Old Oregon.