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Bedford Man To Refurbish Orleans' 1926 Peter Pirsch Fire Engine

Last updated on Thursday, January 31, 2013

(ORLEANS) - With the Town of Orleans’ 200th birthday approaching, Orleans Town Council members appointed Orleans Clerk and town historian Robert Henderson to serve as chairman of the recently formed Orleans Bicentennial Commission.

Henderson will give oversight in the planning of Orleans 'Birthday celebration along with other community representatives.

Orleans stands as the oldest town in Orange County having been founded in March, 1815 one year prior to Indiana attaining statehood. In preparation for the event the town council agreed to allow Cale Kern, of Bedford, to refurbish the town's original historic 1926 Peter Pirsch Fire Engine.

The fire truck will serve as one of the town's Bicentennial projects and is expected to be completed in plenty of time for the big celebration in 2015. Kern estimates it will take a year and half to complete the refurbishing.

The truck is expected to be transported to Kern's shop in the next few weeks so work can begin.

The project will be paid with a special fund established to restore the fire truck to its original appearance.

Donations are still being accepted and can be dropped off at the Orleans Clerk-Treasure's Office. Henderson says currently citizens have raised just over $2,000. Donations may be made in memory or in honor of individuals.

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