Bickle Fire Truck Restoration
We recently shared a very exciting announcement … We are cosmetically restoring the Bickle Fire Engine and it will soon find a new home in our lower museum gallery!
The engine is being cosmetically restored by local restoration specialist Peter Martin.
1948 Old Home Week Parade
The Engine is an 800 imperial gallon pumper that was built by the Bickle Fire Engine Company located in Woodstock, Ontario. The City of North Bay purchased the Bickle Fire Engine for $13500 in 1928, it was the second fire engine purchased by the City.
1973 Winter Fur Carnival
Once the engine was retired from active service, it continued to be utilized in city parades and special events. The North Bay Museum collection contains images of the engine on display during parades including Dominion (Canada) Day Celebrations and winter carnivals.
Cliff Cowcill with Bickle Truck Circa 1990s
The City of North Bay sold the truck to city employee Cliff Cowcill who restored the truck to working order once again in the late 1990s and drove the truck in several parades at the time. Cliff Cowcill later donated the Bickle to the North Bay Museum.
Cliff Cowcill with Grandchildren and Bickle Truck Circa 1990s
After several years in storage, the museum is now completing additional cosmetic restoration work needed before placing the Bickle on display within the lower gallery.
Bickle Pin
To raise funds towards the restoration, we have created a custom lapel pin of the engine! Each pin is $10 (tax included) and is available for sale in our museum gift shop, or in our online shop. All proceeds from pin purchases will go towards the restoration of the 1928 Bickle Fire Engine.
Donations can also be made for the project through Canada Helps by selecting the designated “North Bay Museum 1928 Bickle Fire Engine Restoration” option.