The Old 29’
The Strathroy Firefighter’s Association is dedicated to supporting the community through events and initiatives while also preserving the rich history of firefighting. A key part of this mission is the restoration, maintenance, and display of historical firefighting equipment.
In 2025, alongside its continued commitment to community betterment, the Association is embarking on a full restoration of Strathroy’s first motorized fire truck—a 1929 Ford Model “A.” Last restored over 40 years ago, this cherished antique has spent decades bringing joy to the community but is now showing signs of wear.
Restoring the “Old 29’” will ensure that its legacy endures, continuing to inspire pride for generations to come. To support this project, fundraising events will take place throughout 2025.
As part of this journey, we will be sharing the incredible history of this truck in a series of short stories.
Part I: Early Fire Service in Strathroy
Strathroy has faced its share of devastating fires throughout history. In the town’s early days, firefighting efforts depended on whoever was available—volunteers armed with buckets of water. Despite their bravery, these efforts were often insufficient to prevent significant losses.
In 1865, the town took a major step forward with the formal organization of The Protection Fire Co. No.1 under Chief Thos. Richardson. This volunteer department, with over 40 dedicated members, became the town’s first line of defense against fires.
For 160 years, the Strathroy Fire Department has faithfully served its community. Though always a volunteer force, its equipment and tactics have evolved significantly. The department first used a hand engine manufactured by Marks of Toronto before later introducing a modern steam engine from Hyslop & Ronald of Chatham. With this advancement, horses were brought in to pull the steam engine, allowing for a faster and more effective response to emergencies.
Despite these improvements, Strathroy remained vulnerable to devastating fires, as most buildings were made of wood, allowing flames to spread rapidly.
The town’s first recorded fire occurred in 1857 when a log house owned by Mrs. Perry was consumed by flames—marking the beginning of many challenges the town’s firefighters would face.
The Old 29’ Part 2
Part II: Strathroy Gets Its First Motorized Fire Truck
In the early 20th century, fire continued to be a significant threat throughout Strathroy. The town’s industry was still largely centered around what is today the “downtown core,” with population growth pushing the town’s boundaries outward in all directions. Fires were mostly in barns, sheds, homes, and warehouses for the many local bustling industries.
On January 20, 1917, Strathroy experienced its largest fire ever known at the time. “The fire originated in the basement of the Canadian Smallwares Store and spread to Freele and Son’s Shoe Store, Wright’s Music Store, Wood’s Confectionary, Bunting’s Store, and the premises of A. Mclean and the Queen’s Hotel. The fire mounted so rapidly that outside assistance was considered necessary, but, owing to the expertise of the Brigade and many willing helpers, this was unnecessary.” The total losses for this fire were valued at $32,600 (about $635,000 today).
The Council minutes of May 1, 1928, contain the first known reference to Strathroy obtaining a motorized fire truck. The minutes read, “Fire and Water Committee Report was read, and the following resolution was passed recommending to Council that a fire truck be purchased from the Lorne Fire Engine Company of Ingersoll, Ontario.” The Age Dispatch reported on May 3, 1928, “The Fire and Water Committee recommended the purchase of a brand new auto truck for the Fire Department. They believed it the better policy to buy a new truck instead of putting the body of the old wagon on a motor chassis. This new truck would be purchased from the Lorne Fire Engine Co., Ingersoll, at $950. It will be a new model Ford with dual transmission, electric syren, searchlight, and other equipment.”
In the Election News columns of The Age Dispatch on November 29, 1928, Deputy Reeve Frank Langan mentioned having been on his way “towards Windsor after your new fire truck, which I turned over to the Lorne Fire Engine Company that evening at cost, in order to save you $250.” Langan later announced, “the new fire truck, on which the town had been given very favourable terms, was expected to arrive in a few days.”
While the exact delivery date of the new truck is unknown, The Age Dispatch reported on December 6, 1928, “The new red motor truck for Strathroy’s Fire Department has all the appearances of a first-class vehicle for such purposes, and when under way, its motor can almost go the limit. With a sure and steady driver, the fire laddies should be able to make remarkably fast responses to alarms in the future.”
The Old 29’ served Strathroy well providing quicker response times and ensuring more equipment was swiftly available to fire fighters on the scene of an emergency. “Jays Corner Store Damaged By Fire” called out The Age Dispatch headline of February 20, 1930. “The stock carried by Herbert E. Jay, the well known Frank St. Grocer, at his branch store, corner of Adelaide & Metcalfe was practically destroyed and the interior of the premises damaged during a fire which broke out about 9 o’clock Friday evening. The blaze was discovered before it had gained much headway, and, despite the fact their motor truck was held up by a freight train at the Metcalfe Street C.N.R. crossing for some minutes, the firemen were able to save the frame structure from destruction.”
A 1930 report from the Fire Underwriters Association boasted “Firemen made quick dash, threw water in three and a half minutes after the alarm was turned in.” The Inspector for the Fire Underwriters Association found Strathroy’s fire prevention system in good order.
The Age Dispatch reported “The fire department was given a rigid inspection, and in this connection as well, Strathroy’s prevention service was found quite satisfactory. The Brigade responded to an alarm in the afternoon with nine out of 13 men, and made a remarkably fast run to the Queen’s hotel corner, where water was thrown after a lapse of only three and half minutes from the time the summons was telephoned to the hall. Later, two lines of hose were laid at each end of Front Street, and with four streams of water shooting into the air as high as the tallest building, and two firemen having all they could do to control the nozzles, the water pressure at the hydrants was found to be registered around 90lbs., assuring a satisfactory service for fighting two simultaneous outbreaks of fire.” This is a testament to both the dedication of the firefighters and the efficiency of their equipment.
Part III: Gone But Not Forgotten
Source: Strathroy Fire Department 125th Anniversary 1865-1990, Museum Strathroy-Caradoc