AUGUSTA LADDER TRUCK: This 1923 American-LaFrance Hook and Ladder fire truck was purchased new by the City of Augusta, ME, and used by their fire department until the late 1950s. It served as a training tool by the Job Corps at Poland Spring, ME in the mid 60s and was owned privately and restored most recently by the Old Port Hook and Ladder Co. of Portland, ME who donated it in 1988.It is classified as a Type "14" City Ladder Service Truck. Its primary purpose in fire fighting was to haul hooks, ladders and tools to the fire scene. It carries, among its equipment, a life net; fire extinguishers; roof, wall, and extension ladders; pike poles; fire axes and shovels; and kerosene lanterns. Originally, it was equipped with mechanical brakes. Later, hydraulic brakes were installed as a safety feature. The truck is in running condition and fire fighters described the sound of its engine as particularly beautiful. American-LaFrance apparatus of this vintage were referred to as the Rolls-Royce of fire trucks due to their similar appearance from the firewall forward and the quality of the workmanship.
THE STANLEY STEAMER: Francis E. and Freelan O. Stanley (identical twins) built the first three Stanley Steamers in 1897-98 in Newton, MA using engines built in Mechanic Fall, ME. The third was sold in 1898. Their company was known as the Stanley Motor Carriage Co. which they sold to John Walker (Cosmopolitan magazine) and Amzi Barber (the "Asphalt King") who changed the name to Locomobile. the Stanley Bros. purchased that company in 1902 and continued to manufacture their steamers. This authentic 1913 10 HP bread delivery truck was acquired from Carl "Stanley" Amsley who restored it to its present condition. Its cargo area has been reconfigured to accommodate passengers. According to Amsley, there is only one other of these models and it is in Brussels, Belgium. The Stanleys were born in Kingfield, ME. J.D. HARLEY-DAVIDSON: This 1926 is nearly identical to those first acquired for the Maine State Police in 1925. Their picture is below and identification is being researched. They were discontinued after World War II though two were saved and used in parades until late 1940s. 74 cu. in. twin. A Museum acquisition in 1994. Restored PRAIRIE SCHOONER: The first train of prairie schooners left Missouri and made the 2,000 mile trip to the Oregon Territory in 1843. They were called schooners because of their resemblance to small ships when seen from a distance, pitching and swaying with their white canvas tops billowing in the wind as they crossed the waving, grassy prairie. The only roads were wagon tracks. There were no bridges but an occasional makeshift ferry would be encountered. Journeys took months and were fraught with trouble and delays. Schooners were of many sizes; some required four, six, or eight pairs of horses, oxen or mules and some, as this unit reveals, were drawn by a team of two horses. This unit was never used in Maine but purchased by Charles Stickney, Deering Ice Cream, Portland about 1980 at a Lancaster, PA auction. He intended to use it in parades but found it difficult to find suitable horses so it was stored until donated to this museum in 1989. Of course I couldn't fail to add this camper tent trailer which was manufactured by the Chenango Equip. Mfg. Co., Norwich, NY in 1925 and sold by the Jones & VanDoran Motor Camping outfitters in New York City for $348. The wheels are "wood artillery wheels" revolving on Timkin bearing with Model T tires. The springs and wheels are interchangeable with Model T parts. The body is 24 ga. metal with a steel reinforced basswood tent frame. It weighs about 900 lbs including its beds, ice-box, stove, stove hood and full length benches. It traveled an average of 1,800 miles each of the summers between 1946 and 1961. I was very impressed with the museum and its content but even more so at the dedication that a commercial company has to the community that supported their growth. If you ever get through Bangor, Maine, be sure and stop by for a visit. They are open: May 1-Nov 11, seven days a week. For further information check out their website at: http://www.colemuseum.com or give them a call at: 207-990-3600.

Good Luck! Have Fun! and Stay Safe!

Laura