Historic fire truck rides in Æbleskiver Days parade
The Lake Benton 1938 fire truck has been restored to its original glory and travels around the country to antique car and truck shows. The fire truck is scheduled to be driven in the 2010 Æbelskiver Days Parade in Tyler this July. - Submitted photo
By Dan Kuss
lbnews@itctel.com
LAKE BENTON — Lake Benton’s old 1938 Chevrolet fire truck has been restored, been in a movie and is coming back to the area in the very near future.
Bob Johnson of Tyler collects, restores and admires antique vehicles. Johnson attended a concourse show for restored antique automobiles and trucks at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colo. in 2006 when he saw it.
“I happened to walk past this beautiful bright red fire truck that had recently been restored,” said Johnson. “When I saw the writing on the side of the truck, I had to do a double take. To my knowledge, there is only one Lake Benton in the world and that is in Minnesota.”
Johnson tracked down the owners, Tony and Linda Van Beek of Monument, Colo., to gain a little more information about the rig boasting Lake Benton Fire Dept. on its doors.
Johnson’s connection to the people of Lake Benton and both gentlemen’s love for restored vintage vehicles made them fast friends, which lasts to this day.
Read more in the July 21, 2010 edition of the Tyler Tribute.
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