Garford, the 1918 model fire engine celebrated its 100^th birthday, with hundreds gathering to commemorate its history to the township of Trangie.

Garfod arrived after the township had suffered a number of significant fires and were in desperate need of an up to date firefighting device. 

In 1944 then mayor James Craig, purchased and donated a complete firefighting unit, including the Garford vehicle with hydrant connections and hose. 

Mr Craig’s great grandson David Macmillian was present at the celebrations along with his children and grandchildren to honour the special occasion, and said it was a wonderful way to commemorate the only 1918 Garford model fire engine that now runs in Australia.

“It’s been part of the towns history since 1944 ... and hopefully it will carry on for a while longer,” Mr Macmillian said. 

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“It’s something unique of course, and hopefully in the future it’s going to live in here for many years to come. I won’t see it for another 100 years, but I hope others will see it around,” he said.

The fire truck was used by the community until the mid 1940s, but about eight years ago Garford found a permanent home in the old Fruit and Vegetable store in the main street of Trangie after a significant donation was left to the community by Don and Joy Jordan. 

The two visitors witnessed the vehicle in the tin shed and were reportedly “taken with it”. Following their deaths and in 2005 a large contribution was left to the Trangie volunteer bush brigade allowing the town to purchase the building and build the museum, which today remains a main attraction of the town.  

Mr Macmillian said the Jordan’s donation has helped preserve the history of Garford and allowed it to remain in Trangie.

“The donation has been a generous one and has allowed it to come out of the galvanised tin shed and be in the main street where it belongs,” Mr Macmillian said.

“The celebration today is very significant, and we are very adamant that [Garford] stays in Trangie … it was given to the people of Trangie and so we hope we can keep it here.” 

Mr Macmillian thanked the car club, the Trangie fire brigade and the town for taking the historic item under their wing to maintain and preserve.

“I just hope some young fellas come along and learn how to start it and keep it going. It doesn't need much maintenance now its undercover, its in safe hands, but as long as there’s young people for the future to keep it going is what we’d like to see.”

“I hope its going to be an ongoing thing for the future so lets enjoy it and Happy Birthday Garford,” Mr Macmillian said. 

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