In 1947 this classic open-cab pumper was purchased by the members of the Volunteer Fire Association of Tappan. In 1956 it was sold to the Tappan Fire District where it provided fire protection in Tappan for many years. In 1975 she was replaced by a bigger and stronger diesel pumper while talks of selling the apparatus began to frequent the firehouse. The truck sat idle for a number of years and many of the active members really did not want to sell the last truck purchased by the firemen. Talks of restoring our 500 in previous years never succeeded.
In 1981 a small group of firemen, intrigued with nostalgia and willing to do the work themselves, received permission to restore the truck and began the project. Since it was an old truck, our main objective was to restore it to its original condition which meant finding old parts such as extension ladders, Indian tanks, lamps, fire extinguishers, and original equipment.
Through the tireless help of our 20-year members, two original factory photographs, over 2,000 man-hours of labor, a little blood, lots of sweat, and a few tears, we are proud to present our 1948 Mack 500 pumper the way it was delivered in 1948.
Born in 1948, laid to rest in 1975, reborn in 1982.
-The Volunteer Fire Association of Tappan
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