The Daily Chronicle recently published an article that takes a nostalgic look back at one of Sycamore’s most iconic pieces of firefighting history. The story centers around Jerry Taylor, a former firefighter who still recalls the day he first boarded the city’s very first motorized fire engine.
It was July 2, 1952, when the Sycamore Fire Department received a call about a fire at the old East School. Though it turned out to be a false alarm, Taylor rushed outside and climbed aboard the 1923 Stutz fire engine. Unfortunately, the moment didn’t go as planned—while the department’s pickup truck was being used for grass fires, it accidentally struck Taylor, resulting in a skull fracture and a broken elbow.
Now 86 years old, Taylor had long forgotten the incident until he recently saw the Stutz again after decades of absence. The memory came rushing back, bringing with it a mix of nostalgia and emotion.
Efforts are now underway to restore the historic vehicle. The Sycamore Fire Preservation Company, led by Gene Ege—a former fire chief—has set a goal of raising $25,000 to bring the 1923 Stutz back to life. So far, they’ve raised half of that amount through donations from local residents and businesses.
If you’d like to contribute, you can contact Sycamore Assistant Fire Chief Marc Doty at 815-895-4514, Gene Ege at 815-761-8844, or the DeKalb County Community Foundation at 815-748-5383. Donations can also be made online at www.dekalbccf.org. Checks should be made payable to “Sycamore Fire Preservation Company LTD. Fund.â€
To further support the cause, the group will host a bunco dice and dinner fundraiser on September 20 at 6:15 p.m. at the Sycamore Veterans Memorial Home, located at 121 California Street. Reservations are required and can be made by calling Kris Morris at 815-762-3050.
According to Ege, the ultimate goal is to get the fire engine running again so it can be used in parades and public events. A mechanic has already repaired the wooden spokes, but more work remains. The next step involves checking the batteries and wiring to determine if the engine can be restored to operational condition.
Though many of the firefighters who once operated the Stutz have passed away, Ege discovered that four former members of the department are still alive today. This makes the preservation effort even more meaningful, as it helps keep the legacy of the past alive for future generations.
A close inspection of the fire engine reveals the faded word “Sycamore†on the hood, a quiet reminder of its storied past.
Thanks, Dan
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