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Not everyone knows it, but the classic 1923 Stutz fire ttruck which led the Classic Car Parade Wednesday was bought new by the City of Bluffton in 1923.
Tom Paxson, a 32-year veteran of the Bluffton Fire Department, has been caring for the engine for many years at the Bluffton Fire Department.
When the department ran out of room for the truck it was loaned to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum.
Recently the department worked out a deal with the Bluffton Street Department to find a new, local home for the engine.
The truck sports a new clutch, a refurbished 6-cylinder Wisconsin engine. Paxson said when it was new it could reach a whopping 60 mph.
“Today it won’t get much over 20,” he said.
The water pumps can move about 500 gallons per minute. That’s a paltry sum compared to the 1250 to 1500 gpm capacity of today’s trucks.
But Paxson said the truck itself is a true, living piece of Bluffton history. He credits a long list of people for keeping it city property.
“If it weren’t for so many politicians, and a long, long list of previous mayors from all sides” it would have long since been sold off.
Bluffton Police Chief Tammy Schaffer led the parade, blasting the siren as she went. Paxson followed close behind, but it was the herd of classic cars behind them the folks had truly come to see.
Ford, Chevy, Chrysler. Cadillacs, Corvettes and a muscle car or two. Some were homebuilt, some looked factory fresh but all glistened in the midday sun.
Among the group was Gerald Fell, of Fort Wayne, driving a 1957 Chevy Bel Air he restored himself.
In its original powder blue the car looks as if he just drove it off the lot, though Fell admits it took much hard work to make the transition.
“It spent 18 years in a pole barn before I got my hands on it,” he said. “It didn’t look like this when I bought it.”
Paul Herring, of Keystone, bought his 1939 Ford F100 from a fellow he worked with in 1956. That man had bought it new, using it to drive back and forth to the quarry or transport his chicken feed.
The original owner is long gone, but his former truck looks like it’s only just sprung to life.
Herring said the truck will ultimately go to a granddaughter.
Looking at the shiny chrome, all original parts and the speedometer with just 17,000 original miles, Herring gives the impression of someone who may not let the car go so easily.
“I keep telling her she can have it, but I haven’t given her the title yet,” he said.
Dan Welsh, Best Pinstriping and Graphics, sponsored by Baller Pinstriping for a 1953 Ford F100.
Rodger DeRoot, Best Truck, sponsored by NAPA Auto Parts for a 1953 Ford F100.
Bryam Mayer, Best General Motors, sponsored by Hiday motors Inc. for a 1966 Pontiac GTO.
Jerry Sprankles, Best Chrysler Product, sponsored by Hiday Chrysler Dodge Jeep for a 1970 Dodge Challenger.
Barney Ellenberg, Best Chevrolet, sponsored by Hiday Automotive Service departments for a 1969 Chevelle.
Rollie Johnson, Best Ford, sponsored by Reimschisel Ford Inc. for a 1930 Model A, 2-door.
Tim Stinnett, Ladies Choice, sponsored by Miller’s Body Shop for a 1955 Chevy Bel Air.
Charles Stepp, Best Convertible, sponsored by Expert Transmission for a 1957 Ford Thunderbird.
Ken Miller, Best ‘20s, sponsored by Mayer Restoration for a 1924 Model T.
Jeff Krider, Best ‘30s, sponsored by Loren’s Body Shop for a 1932 Ford Coupe.
Paul Bryant, Best ‘40s, sponsored by Expert Express Lube for a 1941 Crosley.
Larry McKinney, Best ‘50s, sponsored by Wall’s Radiator Shop for a 1959 Corvette.
Leonard Smythe, Best ‘60s, sponsored by Andy Antrim Attorney for a 1960 Corvette.
Steve DeHoff, Best ‘70s, sponsored by Double Construction for a 1970 Roadrunner.
Bevan Best, Best ‘80s, sponsored by Masterson’s Clothing Store for a 1987 Buick Grand National.
Bill Milhalland, Chairman’s Trophy, sponsored by Ron and Kim Breedlove for a 1931 Victoria Model A.
Andy Weir, Best of Class, sponsored by First Bank of Berne for a 1963 Avanti.
Dave Bliss, Best of Class, sponsored by Appliance One for a 1956 Chevy Bel Air 2-door.
Lenard Graft, Best of Class, sponsored by Parlor City Trophies and Apparel for a 1969 Ford Mustang.
Sue and Jerry Fell, Best of Class, sponsored by State Farm Insurance for a 1957 Chevy Bel Air.
Bob Rohr, Best of Class, sponsored by S&B Electric for a 1948 Ford Coupe.
Paul Herring, Best of Class, sponsored by Bummie’s B&K Rootbeer for a 1939 Ford truck.
Mike Mossburg, Best of Class, sponsored by Markle Bank for a 1970 Plymouth Baracuda.
Lynn Yager, Best of Class, sponsored by Kelly’s Collision Center for a 1935 Ford 4-door.
Curt Allen, Best of Class, sponsored by Jerry Christianson for a 1969 Chevy Camaro.
Tim Williams, Best of Class, sponsored by Wells County Lock-up for a 1965 Ford Mustang.
Chris Englehardt, Best of Class, sponsored byBluffton Body, Paint & Auto Detailing for a 1966 Chevy Nova.
Wayne Vardaman, Best of Class, sponsored by Minnich’s Lawn Care for a 1946 Dodge truck.
Bob Love, Best of Class, sponsored by Imel Motor Sales for a 1961 Volvo 544.
Larry and Vivian Llevenger, Best of Class, sponsored by Freeman’s Body Shop for a 1934 Plymouth Coupe.
Steve Butle, Best of Class, sponsored by Bluffton Tire, inc. for a 1969 Chevy Camaro.
Blake Walter’s, Best of Class, sponsored by Loren’s Towing Service for a 1970 Chevelle SS.
Mike Shawver, Best of Class, sponsored by Captain’s Muffler and Auto Repair for a 1962 Chevrolet Impala.
Don Adams, Best of Class, sponsored by Bluffton Super Wash for a 1939 Ford Coupe.
by JERRY BATTISTE
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