Almost as soon as the Lil’ Pirsch found itself back in its original home, the historical fire truck rebuilt in 1934 has opened up opportunities for exciting community events in Park Ridge. The newly reclaimed fire truck was unveiled at the Fire Truck Debut Fundraising Event of October 8th, 2021, the 150th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire. At this event, guests could sit behind the wheel and take photos of the vehicle while enjoying entertainment, participating in a silent auction, and appreciating a display of Park Ridge Fire Department artifacts and photos.
Throughout the first two weeks of last December, children delighted in visiting Mr. and Mrs. Claus, sitting inside the fire truck with Santa as they put in requests for what they’d want to find under their trees for Christmas. Not to mention, if the restoration of the 1934 fire truck persists, as hoped, the Lil’ Pirsch will be all set to drive during the upcoming Memorial Day Parade. The roots the fire truck has in Park Ridge’s history has made it a charming way to inspire community events.
The fire truck has a rich history that connects to the early history of this town. It was built in 1934 from parts of a 1921 fire truck–which makes some parts over 100 years old. The Santa event last December was an echo of a tradition in the 1960’s and 70’s to have Santa Claus drive the truck through the streets of Park Ridge during Christmastime. As well, the fire truck would drive for Thanksgiving special events in town. Brian Lazzaro – Vice President of the Park Ridge Historical Society, who helped bring the fire truck back home, recounts that Ralph Bishop introduced him to the history of the fire truck. Ralph Bishop was a lifelong Park Ridge resident and a retired Captain of the Park Ridge Fire Department. The stories Bishop told about the truck and his help in locating documentation proving it belonged to Park Ridge spurred the search for the truck he drove throughout his Park Ridge Fire Department career.
The truck was located in the Memphis Fire Department Headquarters after it had been sold to them in the 1980’s. The Park Ridge Historical Society was working to obtain the truck for eight years, and was successful when the Memphis Fire Department decided to sell the property. The proceeds from the sale of the fire truck benefited the Memphis Fire Museum. Thus, the return of the truck not only enriched Park Ridge history, but also Memphis history. Fortunately, Ralph Bishop was able to happily reunite with his antique fire truck before he passed at ninety-three years old.
As for the restoration of the antique vehicle, it is hoped that repairs will be finished and it will be fit to drive by the end of April of 2022, in time for the Memorial Day Parade. Donations are getting closer to the $40,000 goal, and it is hoped that more donations can go towards the maintenance of the truck for the future. The Lil’ Pirsch is a connection to the history of the people from this town and it serves as an icon to bring the community together for future generations. We hope you join in making this project come to life! (www.parkridgefiretruck.com) (www.parkridgehistorycenter.org)
Update: Due to supply chain issues, restoration of the engine is not complete so the little red fire truck rolled through the 2022 Memorial Day Parade on the back of a flat bed trailer. Diane Bishop-Hussey, daughter of Ralph Bishop rode on the fire truck representing her father, the honorary Grand Marshall of the parade.
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