This posting originated on Facebook and the content was moved to the blog on June 24.
Let’s see if we can make some sense of Knightdale’s early tankers. Here’s what’s found in the old meeting minutes, plus a couple other sources:
First
Unknown year, International, 1200 gallons
Served 1957 to 1971
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1956, Aug 02 – Ask Congressman for assistance in “getting surplus fire trucks”.
1957, Jan 03 – “International tank truck discussed and mounting pump therein.” Military surplus? Seems likely.
1957, Feb 07 – “Work on International truck discussed.”
1957, Mar 21 – Work session on truck.
1957, Apr 25 – “Red turn signals and blinker lights have been installed on International tank truck and it is filled with water and ready to go.”
1971, Jan 7 – Tanker needs repairs. Members vote to purchase replacement chassis and remount tank.
1971, Jan 21 – Replacement tanker chassis has been purchased, ready for tank remount.
Second
1955 Reo/KFD, 1800 gallons
Served 1965 to 1975
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1964, Mar 19 – Discussed need for another tank truck. G. E. Robertson to see about finding a “surplus truck.”
1964, Apr 16 – Purchase of new radio for new tanker approved.
1964, Oct 1 – Discussed procured required to purchase a surplus truck for use as a tanker. Purchase approved. [Truck is a 1955 Reo 2 1/2-ton, ten-wheel, M35 military cargo truck.]
1964, Dec 3 – Approved checking into the cost of a “new tank truck.”
1964, Dec 17 – Discussion on “size and makes of trucks needed for a tanker.”
1965, Jan 7 – Discussion on type of tank to mount on the “second tanker purchased recently.”
1965, Feb 4 – “Mounted the tank on the Reo and then returned to the meeting room.”
1965, Feb 18 – Approved to buy six red lights for tanker.
1965, Mar 4 – Approved removing the radio from the International tanker and installing in the Reo tanker, but only after the Reo tanker is “checked out and in service.” Also, several members worked on the Reo Tanker “after the room discussion.”
1965, Apr 1 – Approved to find a siren for “our #2 tanker.” [The Reo was designated Rural Truck 2.] Also approved to convert spark plugs and distributor to “conventional type.”
1965, May 6 – Approved to purchase “rotating red light” for tanker.
1975, Dec 21 – Advertised for sale in News & Observer, but with incorrect 1952 model year. Noted as 1,800 gallons, with winch, spare tires, and parts.
1976, Jan 15 – Bid received for $750 but members decide to postpone sale, to see if other (higher) bids are offered.
1976, Feb 5 – Sold to private owner for $800. Sale approved at member meeting. Continue reading ‘Early Knightdale Tankers’ »
