The Seneca (KS) Volunteer Fire Department have planned a day-long celebration to mark the 100th birthday of its prized 1922 Model K Baby Stutz fire engine, according to a report published by Hiawatha World Online.
According to the report, The Baby Stutz is one of only two known left in existence and was bought new by the City of Seneca and been owned by the city ever since. The apparatus was restored in 1976 for the nation’s bicentennial celebration, but is in need of a refreshing with repairs to the fuel tank, new tires, paint and some gaskets for the engines.
The Stutz, as it is commonly called in Seneca, was purchased in March of 1922 by the City of Seneca and has been owned by the city ever since. The Stutz Motor Company produced 23 Model K fire engines between 1922 and 1928, to the knowledge of the Seneca Volunteer Fire Department Seneca’s Stutz is one of two left in existence. Restored once before in time for the 1976 bicentennial the Stutz is once again in need of repairs and restorations. A new fuel tank, tires, and radiator are needed along with updating the paint job, re-gasketing the engine, fixing the spokes on the wooden wheels, and other crucial repairs. Thus the observance of the Stutz’s 100th year will not only be a celebration but also an opportunity to raise the needed funds to perform these restorations. Much of the proceeds from the event will be used for the work according to the paper.
According to the report the event begins with a fire truck show starting a 9 am, a parade at 5 pm, a pipe and drum concert at 6 pm with a by-donation dinner and capped off with a classis rock concert from 7 to 11.
