Protection Hose Company No. 1Thorold Volunteer Fire Department
Protection Hose Company No. 1
Thorold Volunteer Fire Department
1937 Bickle-Seagrave
"Old Bess"
History of Old Bess History of Bickle
'Old Bess" is a 1937 Bickle-Seagrave Fire Pumper truck which was built in Woodstock, Ontario. The truck is number 3 of 11 fire trucks built that year, and as far as it is known, is only one of two left in existence. The other “sister” truck being the second built that year and is in Cambridge, Ontario. Old Bess, which was purchased new by the City of Thorold and was in active service for forty years from 1937 to 1977, is still owned by the City. The truck has been lovingly restored and maintained by Protection Hose Company No. 1, Thorold Volunteer Fire Department. Since its retirement, Old Bess has won many awards to date, and is a fine example of early fire apparatus.