GeneralAttends Fire Apparatus Muster

     The second weekend of each July, the Pennsylvania Pump Primers Association holds their annual fire apparatus event, this being the 32nd Annual Central Pennsylvania Antique Fire Apparatus Muster. Conveniently, the Antique Warehouse General Monarch was just finishing up its restoration in the Harrisburg area when this event was to take place. 

     Cal Little, the restoration specialist assigned to restoring the General, and Greg Rhomberg, owner of the General, loaded up the truck and headed to the event. There were nearly one hundred pieces of fire apparatus on hand for the day's event. 

     The event started off with a parade featuring all of the fire apparatus, concluding at Harrisburg Park on the banks of the Susquehanna River. Once at the park many of the operational pumpers lined up along the river to show off their pumping abilities. All of the other trucks were positioned throughout the park for the crowd to view. Numerous vendors sold various fire related items and souvenirs at the flea market. There were also many firefighting events participated in by firemen as well as the children. And don't forget the food, one of the favorite attractions at any event.

     The Antique Warehouse General Monarch was certainly one of the highlights during the event.  When all was said and done the General took home more awards than any other truck at the event, including: four first place trophies for Best of Show, Best Fire Engine 1920-1936, Longest Hauled, and the Contestants Award. All of the awards mean a lot to the owner, Greg Rhomberg, and the restoration specialist, Cal Little, but the one that is the most prestigious is the Contestants Award. This is the award voted on by all of the other fire engine owners.  Also for winning the Contestants Award, all of next years advertisements, trophies, plaques, and tee shirts will feature the General. 

     The General Monarch has now returned to St. Louis and is awaiting its triumphant return to its original home in Kirkwood.  Be sure to check out a complete highlight of the truck in next months E-Newsletter.  Included will be before and after images and special highlights of the restored truck.

Click any of the thumbnails below for image gallery